Michael J. Sullivan was/is a self-published author who was so
successful at his craft that a traditional publishing house (Orbit) bought up
his books and re-issued them. These six
books were split into three omnibuses. The Riyria Revelations tells a
spectacular story that is instantly familiar and yet completely different. In The
Crown Conspiracy, the Reader is introduced to a duo of thieves—Royce
Melbourn and Hadrian Blackwater—who are hired to steal a sword from an
impenetrable fortress. Little did they
know that this action would set off a series of events that would change the
course of the world. Along the way they
meet princesses, warlords, pirates, monks, magicians, and all sorts of colorful
characters.
Indeed, characterization is but one of the strengths of the
series. Royce and Hadrian are complex
characters, thieves of renown who are exceptional at what they do. They each have a rich history that slowly comes
to light over the course of the novels, and I can’t help but think that this is
part of the meaning behind the series’ title.
The two are simultaneously funny and lethal. Their banter is a joy to read, and their
escapades are entertaining.
While character is vital to a good story, plot is
integral. Sullivan tells a matter-of-fact
story, one that is not filled with flowery language nor is it devoid of
life. Each novel is a complete book in
itself, satisfying to read without leaving the Reader too dependent upon
cliffhangers, etc. There is an
over-arching story, of course, and I can’t imagine anyone reading any single
book of this set without wanting to read the rest. The books are quick reads and pacing is never
slow.
World-building is top notch here. Like Royce and Hadrian, the history
of the world grows with each novel. The old empire
fell hundreds of years ago, and in its wake several independent kingdoms
arose. Imperialists look to rebuild the
empire. Nationalists seek
democracy. Royalists prefer a monarchy
to rule over them. These factions
provide plenty of room for conflict, as do the religions that accompany the various peoples.
I’m trying to think of shortcomings but am failing. Michael J. Sullivan’s books are tight stories
with intense action and wonderful characters.
Tropes appear and disappear, sometimes subverted, sometimes not. The conclusion is breathtaking and exciting.
Do I recommend The
Riyria Revelations? Let me put it
this way. I let my brother borrow the
first volume. He tore through it, and
then when he found out that I didn’t (yet) have the second volume (Rise of Empire) he went out to buy
it. Instead he wound up with the third (Heir of Novron) because the bookstore
was sold out of the second book. I
ordered Rise of Empire from Amazon
and proceeded to read it. Meanwhile my
brother re-read The Crown Conspiracy. He said he “liked it as much—or better—than
Patrick Rothfuss.” I gave him the second
book and he’s since read each one of them multiple times. That’s some rather high praise for Mr.
Sullivan. Praise that’s absolutely
worthy.
The Riyria
Revelations are safe novels that I can recommend to any person with a
passing interest in fantasy fiction. They
would be a great place to start for a fledgling reader into genre fiction, but
they also are great for old salts, too. I
very much look forward to reading more of Michael J. Sullivan’s work.
