Rise of Empire

Written by Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

War is raging in Melengar. To save her kingdom, Princess Arista hires Royce and Hadrian to perform a dangerous mission behind the enemy's lines. Royce begins to suspect that they are being used as pawns in the wizard Esrahaddon’s shadowy struggle for power. The thieves journey to the ends of the world amid treachery and betrayals and Hadrian is forced to face a past he hoped never to see again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: W. F. Howes Audio
• Release date: Feb 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781471231773

Michael J. Sullivan

Michael J. Sullivan is a three-time New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post bestselling author who has been nominated for nine Goodreads Choice Awards. His first novel, The Crown Conspiracy, was released by Aspirations Media Inc. in October 2008. From 2009 through 2010, he self-published the next five of the six books of The Riyria Revelations, which were later sold and re-released by Hachette Book Group’s Orbit imprint as three two-book omnibus editions: Theft of Swords, Rise of Empire, and Heir of Novron. Michael’s Riyria Chronicles series (a prequel to Riyria Revelations) has been both traditionally and self-published. The first two books were released by Orbit, and the next two by his own imprint, Riyria Enterprises. A fifth Riyria Chronicle, titled Drumindor, will be self-published in the near future. For Penguin Random House’s Del Rey imprint, Michael has published the first three books of The Legends of the First Empire: Age of Myth, Age of Swords, and Age of War. Grim Oak Press distributes the last three books of the series: Age of Legend, Age of Death, and Age of Empyre. Michael has returned to purely self-publishing roots with the release of his most recent series, The Rise and Fall Trilogy. These books are being published in the current schedule: Nolyn (Summer 2021), Farilane (Summer 2022,  and Esrahaddon (Summer 2023). Michael is now writing Drumindor, the fifth book of The Riyria Chronicles. This will return him to the timeline of Royce and Hadrian, two rogues he hasn’t visited with since the release of The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter in 2018.  You can email Michael at [e-mail].

Reviews for Rise of Empire

[kinwolf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Same entertaining writing, but this volume was a tad less good than the first one. Lot of the scenes felt inconsequential and the resolution of the Delvos invasion plot line was really, reallllly too far fetched. The rest was still great though.

[blodeuedd_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Here is where you hear me swearing because I do not have book 3 ready *insert curse*. I seriously need more, and this coming from someone who has done pretty much nothing else than read for 2 days straight. Sp sorry if nothing I say make sense in this review.

Ok where to start? That is always the question, I am still high on good book, I do love fantasy, I just love to read without stopping and just feel that I am getting lost in another world, that nothing else exists anymore. And that is what this book manages to do for me, it is old school fantasy, and I adore old school fantasy. The adventure, the intrigues, the fact that I just feel so at home in whatever world is created. It feels like coming home.

Hadrian and Royce are the best, to have friends like that, now that would be something. I do admit to liking Royce a bit more, but that is cos of his origin, I have always had a soft spot for his kind. And Hadrian is so sweet, I do hope he finds the girl I want him to find.

As for the rest, Arista has grown a lot. Poor Empress, her I fear for, the baddies, omg, the baddies are so evil! Just like they should be. I truly hate them because they are so set in they ways. I really want more info about the elves. And then there are a bunch of others we meet in this story, all good to love or hate.

I am rambling again, why do I always ramble? I kind of wanted to hug this book when it ended cos I was happy. There is nothing better than a book that leaves you happy. And with this I mean it was a good bool because the end, yes bad things are going to happen in the next book if people are not stopped.

If you have not noticed by now I liked this book, and i can't wait to read book 3. It is pre-ordered and it should arrive in a month or so. And I really need my pretty print copy cos this is one big bool.

Conclusion:
Well duh, yes of course I recommend it. Just let yourself be swept away by this fantasy adventure

[quibee · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Continues the story on from the first book.
The most interesting story line follows the two thieves, but we also follow the princess as she tries to act (unsuccessfully) as ambassador-at-large for her kingdom.
The action ranges far and wide as the two thieves try to disrupt an Empire plot and the search goes on for the true "Promised One". Another, very competent villain is introduced as a real challenge.
The whole story ends with a cliff-hanger.

[yonitdm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great Riyria adventure. The different characters and locales were great although I feel like the Empress's tale was left hanging a bit. Part of me can't wait to read more, part of me is sad to know the series doesn't have too many more books to go!

[jefficus-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sullivan delivers again with a solid sequel to the first installment, but unlike many other authors, Sullivan dares to change things up in the middle. Where the first book revolved around the journey of a prince become king, this time out the focus shifts, and our stalwart quasi-heroes play footmen to a different kind of royal journey: the one of princess become sorceress. Through it all, scattered light continues to fall on the primary relationship - between Royce and Hadrian - revealing a deeper and more complex relationship, but without yet pulling back the covers to give us what we want.

And that leaves plenty of fun yet to be had in the next, and final book of the series.

[cbilbo-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After reading Rise of Empire, I can't wait to start the next book, Heir of Novron. I was left with just too many questions. I normally don't like to read series books for several books for multiple reasons. However, with this series, I honestly don't want to see this series to end.

Rise of Empre is like Theft of Swords, it contains two books in one. The first book Nyphron Rising, we get to see where both Royce and Hadrian grew up. Royce grew up on the streets, learned to become a thief and eventually a top member of a gang. Hadrain, grew up living with his blacksmith father. He learned on a daily basis how to weild a sword. Hadrian, runs away to never want to return to his home. 5 years after his father's death, he returns home to learn that his life was not what he thought it was.

Arista becomes a bigger part in Nyphron Rising. She finds her capabilities to perform magic are getting better and easier. She also learns that she is a stronger and more capable woman than she ever thought she was. She is even becomming a better ruler than her King brother.

Modina (Thrace) has sought shelter within herself. She has become the puppet of Saldur. Thanks to a lonely, quiet and simple girl, Amelia, does Modina get love and encouragement. We learn more and more of what Saldur is capable of and how he is spinning the world into HIS empire.

The second book is The Emeral Storm. In this book we learn so many secrets and clues to the true heir are given. However, we still don't know who it truely is. I have my guesses, but I don't know for certain.

Royce and Hadrian meet up again at Gwen's. We learn that Royce and Gwen are to be married. (This is just find fascinating) Gwen convinces Royce that he is has to go with Hadrian to help him on this next stage of his quest. Gwen then informs Hadrian that he needs to protect Royce and help him as well. (This is just too cryptic)

Royce is in more of a good mood in this book. He is joking more, seems more personable. That is until they board the ship, The Emerald Storm. Royce spends a week so seasick that he wishes to die. Hadrian takes care of him and nurses him through this rough patch. Neither being on a ship, learn what sea life is like and decide that becoming a seaman is not for them. They prefer their land legs.

Modina and Amelia start to evolve into a huge characters in this book. Modina is now speaking thanks to Amelia. Amelia learns of secrets that she doesn't share with Modina. A new helper Nimbus comes in and starts to shape Modina and helps Amelia. I personally get frustrated with Amelia on how she appears to become more of a puppet for Saldur than a helper for Modina. I think this is only because of being naive...I hope.

Arista, I just love her! She starts to become powerful with her magic. She learns that she is capable of so many things. She also finds Hilfred and learns that he was in love with her all those years. Arista becomes more aware of how lower citizens live and the struggles of their lives. She is more compassionate because she herself starts to live on the streets. I think this is only leading up for her to become a great leader.

I personally love how Arista is developing. I forsee that she will be come a ruler of a region. I also see that her and Hadrian are starting to fall in love with each other. At least this is what I'm hoping for. When I finished this Rise of Empire, I was left with so many questions that I honestly need to start Heir of Novron. I need to see what happens to Arista, Hadrian, Royce, Gwen (I think she dies), and Modina.

Such a wonderful series.

[davido1103 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Book 2 of The Riyeria Revelations, a superb fantasy series, right up there with Lord of the Rings and Wheel of Time. The Rivera ore Hadrian and Royce, and their relationship is front and center in these rollicking adventures. Brilliantly read.

[kassilem · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another good two stories to the series. I think I liked the first one in this omnibus than the second one. The first had lost of nature, war, battles, budding love, etc. The second book in the omnibus had oceans, ships, murder, and intrigue. Both good, but the second of the two felt more like a transitional book. I'm still looking forward to the next in the series. There has been a lot of foreshadowing going on and I'm curious to see how it all plays out.

[bookaholiccat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rise of Empire is the second omnibus in The Riyria Revelations series by Michael J. Sullivan, this installment contains the third and fourth books in the series: Nyphron Rising and The Emerald Storm.

The above blurb describes what Nyphron Rising is about. After events in Avempartha (second book) The Empire has been stablished, slowly they are taking over other kingdoms, just very few are left, one of those is Melengar. The new and young king Alric is not faring well, his decisions are question and doubt daily. The Kingdom has seen many loses and its people are not happy. Alric faith is placed on his sister’s diplomatic mission in finding allies, but when Arista returns with bad news everything seem lost.
Arista can’t take the disappointment of her brother and the perilous situation of their kingdom. Defying her brother’s orders she embarks in a new and last mission to save Melengar. With the help of Royce and Hadrian she leaves Melengar in search of the leader of the Nationalist Group, Degan Gaunt. And alliance with him it’s the last option to save their Kingdom.
Royce and Hadrian take this as a last job, they want to retired and do something else with their lives, but before Royce can’t retire he needs to confirm what Esrahaddon told him about Hadrian in Avempartha. This last mission with not only be to help Arista but to go back to Hadrian roots.

In Nyphron Rising we see how the events in Avempartha have affected the future of the kingdoms and how the hands of the Church are dirtier and planted deeper than what we thought. We travel from new lands, discovering more about about favorite characters and also the not so favorite ones. New characters are introduced and others are given a new feeling like it was the cases of the Empress Modina and Princess Arista.
In Nyphron Rising Mr. Sullivan does an amazing job preparing us for what it is to come.

In The Emerald Storm Royce and Hadrian have already completed the mission with Arista with surprising results. Royce has decided to retired and live a calm life with Gwen and Hadrian is working towards his new objective in life, to find and protect The Heir of Novron. After receiving some information Hadrian decides to embark in a new mission that will get him closer to find the heir, this will be his first solo mission in many years. When hearing about this, Royce decides to accompany his friend one last time; Royce is sure this mission is too dangerous for Hadrian alone, he knows the probability of Hadrian surviving without his help will be very low.

In The Emerald Storm Mr. Sullivan takes us to places never visited before, we travel by sea, through jungles and other dangerous locations. We meet new people and new races, we discovered secrets and learned a lot more about Hadrian’s past. Old characters made surprising appearances and new characters are introduced to enrich the story. As in previous books Mr. Sullivan is not timid while eliminating characters we have learned to love, the death toll is rising and the situation is getting more complicated than ever.

I really loved how Mr. Sullivan takes Royce and Hadrian from their element, they come to be almost an unstoppable force to a very precarious situation in which they are depending of others; that made them feel more real and endearing to me.
I also loved what Mr. Sullivan has done with Princess Arista, in each book I loving her more and more, I can easily say she has become a favorite of mine. Mr. Sullivan gave us some hits about her and somebody else, I hope I’m right because it’ll be a match I’ll be to happy with.
In this installment Mr Sullivan does an incredible job with character development, all of our favorite characters have come a long way and after all their experiences the changes in their personalities are noticeable, they all have changed and evolved. From our ex-mercenaries Royce and Hadrian, to Arista and the puppet Empress Modina. The intrigues and twists in The Emerald Storm were completely of the charts. This fast paced story is one you won’t be able to put down and I can guarantee you when you reach its “end” you will be counting the days left to get the next omnibus of this series Heir of Novron (Wintertide and Percepliquis).

As I said in my review of Theft of Swords Michael J. Sullivan has become one of my favorite fantasy authors and with Rise of Empire he cemented my sentiment even more.
This books are written in a way that could be read as stand alone but please don’t do that, this amazing series deserve to be read as a whole and in order.

[krau0098 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the second book in the Omnibus editions of the Riyria Revelations and includes books 3, Nyphron Rising, and 4, The Emerald Storm, from the original series. There is one more omnibus edition that ties up this series, The Heir of Novron. I got a copy of this to review through netgalley(dot)com; thanks to Orbit and Netgalley for making review copies available. This was a great addition to the series and I think if you enjoy epic fantasy you will enjoy this book.In Nyphron Rising Royce seeks to uncover more about Hadrian’s past and Hadrian is full of doubt about continuing his work as a thief. The princess hires them to help her travel to a neighboring kingdom to seek an alliance. Along the way they discover more about Hadrian’s origins and his past. The princess also comes into her own when she plots to get Nationalist help to save a city that is about to be taken over by the Empire. We also get to see Thrace serving as a figurehead Empress and see how she struggles with the aftermath of the events that occurred in the last book.In The Emerald Storm Arista is struggling to run Ratibor when Ersahaddon shows up demanding she help him. When Ersahaddon is murdered Arista is left with an urgent mission to find the Heir of Novron and to find the Horn of Gylindora. Hadrian and Royce take on one last job, they are to board the ship the Emerald Storm and gather intel for the Prince. This is a very well written and enjoyable epic fantasy. This book tended more towards epic fantasy than the first book. The first book was a bit more high fantasy or swords and sorcery. There are a lot of different plot threads going on and we hear from many different groups of characters. The story is truly epic at this point; it stretches across many nations and the actions the main characters take have repercussions that are felt across kingdoms.The best part about this series is that there are both strong female and male characters here. This is combines with a wonderfully complex, yet easy to follow, plot. Hadrian and Royce continue to play a large part in the story. Hadrian finds out a lot about his past in this book and struggles with the cause he thinks he should be living for. Hadrian is sick of being a thief and wants something more. Royce softens some in this book, he spends a lot of time with Gwen and seems ready to settle down with her. He is still one kick-butt thief and killer, but we see another side to him as well.The characters that really come into their own in this installment are Arista and Thrace. Arista makes huge strides in her leadership ability and undergoes a lot of hardship in this story. As the last living sorcerer she has a lot of responsibility thrust upon her and she handles it admirably. Thrace spends a good portion of the Nyphorn Rising in a kind of exhausted stupor, but as her story continues in The Emerald Storm she really begins to show potential to grow into her position as Empress.Much is revealed about the Heir of Novron but much is also still a mystery. There are a number of well done side characters that add a lot to the story as well. We are finding that things are going on in the background that our intrepid adventurers are unaware of. I am sure all of these things will culminate in the final book.The book is very easy to read and well written. There is a lot of humor throughout which makes it a fun read. I am amazed at how complex the story is and yet how easy it is to follow. There are a lot of names in here but I never had trouble keeping track of the characters so kudos to Sullivan for that. There is also an index of characters and maps included in the book.Overall I really enjoyed this book a lot and highly recommend it to fantasy fans. If you enjoy Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, etc I think you will really enjoy this series. This book is more epic fantasy than the first one is, but there is still a lot of adventure and action mixed in with all of the intrigue and politics. This whole series is highly recommended.

[wpgkim · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love this story! Michael J. Sullivan is now on my favorite author list. This is the first book I have read by this author and I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised by how well written and imaginative it is. I caught me from the start and it was difficult to put down! There was no skipping ahead to gloss over boring long descriptive paragraphs (which I have a tendency to do when the reading is laborious)! It is a very well written, fast paced read. Hadrian and Royce are funny, believable characters that I am now totally attached to and I can't wait to continue reading the series to follow along with them. Alric, Arista, Thrace, Esrahaddon, Magnus and Myron...loved each and every one of them!

[blatherlikeme · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really wanted to make this a 4.5, but I don't want to skimp with a 4.
Its a marvelous classic fantasy.
It well written, its fast, and its a fun read.

If I have criticism, its that it tends to spend too much time with politics/history - which I tend to skim over. But its not like its THAT much time.

There are some rather wrenching twists that I was unprepared for.

And there is more to come. LOVE That.

[stefferoo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Come to think of it, "Rise of Empire" is a pretty apt name for this middle omnibus. In the two books it contains, the bad guys increase in power and strength, gaining the upper hand while our heroes suffer several setbacks. I can't help but be reminded of the second movie of a certain sci-fi trilogy. No one loses any hands though.Nyphron Rising:One thing I'm really enjoying about this series so far is that the plot is always moving forward, and things are always happening. There isn't much padding to these books, thus I am never tempted to skim, not even the lengthy bits that fill in the history and mythos behind the world because every piece of lore information is important. I like that the author gets right down to business, in general cutting out all the superfluous junk without skimping on the details.That said, I felt the pacing was a bit off in this third story. Certain bits felt rushed, especially towards the end with the final climactic battle, which I felt was over and done with much too quickly. One of the important fight scenes even happened "off-screen" while we were following another character's point-of-view. I couldn't believe it when it was all over, and when the fact finally settled in, I had to admit it was a bit of a let down.Of course, the last page of this story had me all riled up again. Warning: this author has a knack for making you want to drop everything after you finish and pick up the next story right away.The Emerald Storm:Luckily, reading these omnibus editions meant I had the next story right at my fingertips, how convenient!This story was much more interesting, though I was at first unsure of why certain plot threads were unraveling the way they were. It just seemed like the author wanted an excuse to send Hadrian and Royce on to the high seas, until I got close to the end and it all came together. In any case, this adventure was a bit different, as most of it occurs aboard a ship as our heroes travel to a far away land to save their king and Melengar from imperial takeover.I'm still enjoying the characters, especially Hadrian, who has been growing on me with every single installment of this series. I like how his character and Royce's play off each other, but the two men are different enough and bring their own unique skills to the table, keeping things in these stories interesting. Everyone in these books seem to have a role to play, even some of the supporting characters we met in The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha who return to make an appearance and are central to the plot. Mr. Sullivan obviously has everything all planned out, and I am very interested to see how it'll all turn out.Final verdict: averaging out my thought and feelings on both stories in Rise of Empire, this edition probably gets a 3.5-4 stars from me. I really liked the second story, but wasn't so keen on the first (though it wasn't bad by any means!)

[kgodey_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

RISE OF EMPIRE is the second volume of the Riyria Revelations, containing the third and fourth books of the series, NYPHRON RISING and THE EMERALD STORM.In NYPHRON RISING, the Church of Nyphron has finally implemented its centuries-old plan to unite most of the kingdoms of Avryn into an empire under newly crowned emperor Modina. However, Melengar and the Nationalists from Delgos remain thorns in the new empire’s side, and Prince Alric and Princess Arista are determined to keep the resistance alive. As the official royal protectors, Royce and Hadrian are crucial to the war effort. This is definitely a war book, although it doesn’t focus too much on the battles, it’s about war and its effects. I used to think that Arista was an annoying character, but upon rereading this, I actually really like her. She’s naive at first, but she grows and comes into her own in this book, and she’s probably one of my favorite characters.THE EMERALD STORM is probably the most depressing of the books, it’s the part in the series where everything goes wrong and our heroes seem like they have no chance of winning. If this was a trilogy, this would be the second book. The tone of Royce and Hadrian’s story is more like an adventure novel, a lot of it is set on a ship, and there’s a mission into barbarian jungles. I don’t find ships particularly interesting, so I was glad that despite being named after the ship, the book had a significant portion of time off the ship. I wasn’t a big fan of the warlord and goblin plotline, I felt like they were reduced to stock “evil” characters in a series that usually focuses more on individuals and not their race. I probably enjoyed Arista’s story the most, she realizes that the war may not be the most important thing going on, and changes her plans.

[rosecrossed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the second omnibus in the Riyria Revelations series. I actually enjoyed this one more than the first, which is very rare with the middle book in a trilogy. I recommend this those who love a good fantasy novel or just a good story. I feel like everything I enjoyed in the first book is still present, but somehow better / more intense. Lots of action and mystery and comedy. And the characters develop so much! It's great to see them grow.

[amusing.nickname · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

You can never quite tell how this book is going to twist its way around.. and around.. and around.. Gorgeous.

[nancyno5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In Part 2 of The Riyria Revelations Michael Sullivan continues to enrapture the audience with a fast paced, action packed fantasy novel.The usual suspects are still involved (the uber-handsome Hadrian and Royce, Princess Arista, Bishop Saldur, etc) with a few more interesting characters thrown in. These characters blend in seamlessly, adding crucial events to the story line. The first part of the novel (considered book #3)I wasn't sure where Mr. Sullivan was going with the character of Royce. It seemed that Royce was becoming the ultimate super man, able to dodge speeding bullets, leap tall buildings, basically he could do no wrong and get out of any situation. In book #4 he does become more humanized again.I was particularly taken with book 4, The Emerald Storm. A great story in a nautical setting, which unfolded with unexpected twists and turns. I CANNOT WAIT TO PICK UP HEIR OF NOVRON!!!!

[mashak99 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I know this series is supposed to be 6 books, published in 2-book volumes, but to me this definitely has a feel of a trilogy. And Rise of Empire is a very typical second part of trilogy- decidedly darker, with an unsettling ending, a good setup for the resolution of Part III. It's still a comfortable, familiar story, with characters both new and old that a fantasy/adventure reader has met before and has grown to know and love or despise as the case may be. A few good twists along the way, and as the story increase in scope you get to the point of everyone acting on more and more limited knowledge, resulting in some interesting choices and more surprises. More violence and higher body count here as well, but still safely in the PG-13 territory. Also- more magic, some of it really cool, not in a sense of being original, but more like the right magic popping in at just the perfect time. Good stuff all around.

[tavaresden · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's tough sometimes, reading the second novel of an author. You now know them and what to expect. But you're never sure if it would live up to the first book which hooked you so well. Rest assured that Sullivan continues his magic in this novel with the same amount of action and intrigue as before!The story picks up a few months after the second but don't expect a recap. There are some references to events in the first book but otherwise, Sullivan expects you to keep up! Anyway, Hadrian is feeling discontent and pushing for retirement but Royce insists that they still have one more job to do. Naturally, this'll lead to more trouble than even they can handle. This time, Royce and Hadrian, while still prominent, shares the spotlight with Thrace and Amilia. I admit that Amilia and Thrace's parts did bore me at first but that subplot picks up, given a bit of time. Royce and Hardian continue their hilarious banter at each other and others. I am a bit disappointed that Magnus didn't appear in this book. His rowdy personality was pretty charming! Sullivan ended this book nicely with a cliffhanger enough so that you're dying for the next book but not enough so that you feel cheaped out. If you were happy with the first book than you'll certainly enjoy this one!

[melhay_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm reviewing the 2 books individualNyphron Rising:Once again Michael Sullivan has delivered an amazing story. I love how these stories are complete in themselves yet there is the underlying thread through them all, and growing more evident. Michael gives you all the pieces from the previous books to refresh your memory or if you haven't read them so you know what is happening. This book has our wonderful thieves; Royce and Hadrian, but also the amazing character Princess Arista. In the story Princess Arista stays true to here character, yet she seems real in that she has her moments of doubts and anxieties in herself and what she is doing - wondering if what she is doing is right for all. Arista is a strong women in these stories and is not a normal princess: in always having beautiful dresses, sitting in the castle doing needlepoint, and not thinking of politics. She is willing to do what it takes to save her country and help others, along with using the magical arts she learned from the powerful wizard Esrahaddan and her professor, in magic, Arcadius.I have had thoughts and questions on the characters and the plots. In each book Michael has answered these questions and has added to or solved the thoughts on the plots. In doing this I have come to realize the answers are true because I can think back and remember a word here and a sentence there that were used to take me through this remarkable path to the solutions.Emerald Storm:Michael has outdone himself, again. With each book I am amazed at how the story has grown, and each book is better than the last - which were impressive in themselves. Michael keeps raising the bar with each book.The Emerald Storm starts shortly after Nyphron Rising's ending. The first chapter briefly mentions previous happenings, yet blends many new happenings; an assassination plan, and a whole new set of issues now present in the change of seasons and rules.We visit different areas of the world and learn more about the different races and creatures. We go on a sea voyage, hike through the jungle, and fight a few battles - at sea and on land. Not only does each section of the journey build for the end of the book giving more details of what is happening, but they have their own peaks and valleys to keep me turning the pages and had my heart racing at times all to find out what happens next. This was a book I found very hard to put down. There is a great combination of conspiracy, mystery of a missing person, and a little of magic mixed into this fantasy world.New dangers are in the works for the world of Avryn. New, threatening enemies and possible destruction come to the surface in this story. But one always seems to remain and working closer to their goal...The Empire.In the end Michael left me shocked and my jaw hanging open. I enjoy when an author can get a few twist and turns in on me I didn't foresee. This book did not let me down, and actually exceeded my expectations on all levels. I am left wanting to run out and buy the next book! In both books: Many old characters return, along with new characters who help grow the world. These characters have come to life for me through these books. There is humor in the characters. There is a respect between characters and caring which is all earned. We also start to get more details on some of the ccharacters to help place more pieces of the puzzle together. We come across new creatures, like the Ghazel - goblins in the land of Calis.

[fdholt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I did not expect that Rise of empire, books 3 and 4 of The Riyria revelations could be as good as Theft of swords. And it wasn’t. It was better! The 2 books follow the further adventures of Hadrian and Royce, who are trying to stop the new empire from taking over the world of Elan; they would say they are doing it as mercenaries for hire; we know differently. Old friends reappear and new characters are introduced. One of the most interesting was Wyatt, first introduced in book 1, as well as the new empress, the supposed Heir of Novron, whom we met in book 2. The women characters come into their own in these stories. We also find out more about the puzzles swirling around the Heir, the Guardian and the coming conflict. I am still trying to figure out what happened to Thranic and Bulard at the end of The Emerald Storm as well as whether Archie really understands what’s happening in the empire.Again, the author provides a map, this time printed over two pages, making it harder to use. And use it you will to trace the travels of all of our characters. I kept volume one by my side with its better map of the kingdoms of Avryn. The misspelling in the place name of Dahlgren still has not been corrected from volume one.The quick reference guide also appears in the front of the book. There is a glossary hidden in the back between the end of the story and the extras including information on the author and a teaser from the next volume. Since it becomes necessary to check who’s who, what’s what and so on, you need to have the glossary handy. As with volume one, it is awkwardly placed and should be in the front with the reference guide. Also, there was an attempt to use last name, first name as a cross reference to the standard first name, last name for new names introduced in these 2 books. So it is a confusing mishmash with no authority control and both ways need to be checked. And you will check frequently since it’s hard to remember all the characters and definitions.And I am now going to admit why I read very little fiction: I almost always read the last chapter first, then skim through the whole book before going back and reading the text. I did not do this with Riyria. So I don’t know how it’s all going to end. Restraint! Maybe? I suppose I don’t want to spoil the story. Now back to reading volume 3, , so I can find out what’s happening with Hadrian and Royce, the princess, the empress, and all the others.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Royce and Hadrian as wondering about their futures in this one, Hadrian is determined that he is going to retire and Royce seems ready to settle down and marry until Princess Arista comes back into their lives, working on her own initiative and trying to keep the peace.It's a romp of a book and the complicated convoluted path the pair take is interesting. I can see some stuff flagged that I have an idea what's coming but the trip has been a blast so far, they're a bit weighty, size-wise though.

[dwwilkin_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the series, this is now like reading book 2 of a trilogy, though Sullivan initially wrote the entire work as six books. Very Tolkeinesque in presentation now because each duo of books now makes one book in release.Thus these are transition books. In this case the story actually moves the very large plot forward. There are a few things though that we have to wonder at. Our minor nemesis in book one who pulled a few strings and oversaw some plot devices finds himself in a position to vault himself forward, but he does so almost to the very top of the heap, and that seems far fetched. Our heroes have a great deal more to contribute and they once more encounter one of the characters who have seeded the complexity that things have now become. This character serves as a mentor, yet our heroes do not question near as much as their traits suggest that they would. And our heroes do not seem to open to us those traits that they know they have. Either Sullivan wanted to keep adding to the complexity by hiding some items that we find in the third duo of books that end the story, or he had not thought them out while writing this part of the tale.Aside from that, the tale propels us forward again. It is enjoyable and as with the first set, when all are together in one place, well worth a second read.

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The adventures of thief Royce Melborn and mercenary Hadrian Blackwater continue in this volume of the Riyria Revelations. As the New Empire emerges under the direction of the Empress Modina, who used to be a girl called Thrace, and armies march to battle, Royce and Hadrian struggle to find their role in the course of events. A secret of Hadrian's past is reveled, but much remains shrouded in mystery as the characters fight to determine what will happen to the world of Elan. A fun read, highly recommended.

[belana-990668 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really loved this. It's certainly as good as the Theft of Swords books, and I'm well into Heir of Novron. I did subtract a star because Rise of Empires leaves too many loose ends, a feeling I didn't have after the first two books (i.e. Theft of Swords). I don't mind a few loose ends, but this time, it just didn't seem -- complete -- for lack of a better word.

Again, I listened to the extraordinary narration by Tim Gerard Reynolds, who brings all the characters to life wonderfully.

I admire the world building in this series, and I love the characters. I would write more to both, but there'd be spoilers, so I have to restrain myself.

Suffice it to say, that the locations are fantastic, and that I love the variety.

[renbedell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The 3rd and 4th book in the series continue following Hadrian and Royce as they continue along there adventure. Each book is a separate and mostly finished tale that builds on the world and the greater plot that is developing. They are fun books. The characters are enjoying, the plot is engaging, and they are easy, fast reads. The writing has improved a lot from the first book in the series, but still sometimes misses the mark. If you enjoyed the 1st omnibus, you will likely like this book even more.

[karlstar_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The continuing adventures of Royce and Hadrian. This time, following the trail of clues, they set out to sea. As you might expect with these two, it doesn't all go well. There is also a parallel plot line with Arista and the Empress. I like the characters and world that Sullivan has created.

[jdifelice-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

4.5/5 stars. gah! such a good book(s)! the writing was excellent and fast-paced, the character growth and development was on point and I loved every minute of this book! I flew through this book and cannot wait to pick up heir of novron :)

[vinjii-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoy Royce and Hadrian as characters and their relationship is beautiful. They're fun and their adventures are entertaining. These books aren't deep (or maybe just not yet?), the prose isn't beautiful (just crisp and clean!) and the stories aren't mind blowing but I was thoroughly entertained. And that was exactly what I was looking for!If you read the first book in the series and liked it, you can't go wrong picking this one up. If you're into adventure stories and haven't read anything by Sullivan yet, go ahead, these books are great fun.