Book Review: The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter (The Riyria Chronicles #4) by Michael J. Sullivan
(Four Stars)
“Are you two always like this?” “He is,” they both said in unison.
Perhaps the best Riyria book yet. Both Royce and Hadrian have more depth. Their relationship is more complex. The storytelling, especially the inner dialogue, is superb. Several distinct and distinctive female characters. Sullivan clearly signals changes in point-of-view character. Why not five stars? See my quibble.
“You just hate being happy.” “I have no idea. What’s it like?”
For those unfamiliar with Riyria (Royce and Hadrian) the fourth book of the second series seems the wrong place to try them out. Not so. Winter’s Daughter is a self-contained, rich fantasy for new readers.
“What he held in his hand wasn’t a dagger; it was what it’d always been–hope.”
But he doesn’t neglect those who have read everything that precedes. This book has more Easter eggs than the south lawn of the White House. Nice cover art.
“What a cruel and absurd joke: The more ignorant you realize you are, the smarter you become.”
Quibble: In a book abounding in point-of-view characters, Sullivan leaves one story unresolved. Yes, the reader can guess what may have/must have happened, but since this character was part of the nefarious conspiracy that triggered this action it seems unfair to leave the reader to his or her own devices. (In his Afterword, Sullivan explains an intentional loose end; this wasn’t that one.) If I tell more, it’ll spoil.
“Never say never on any endeavor; it sounds like a dare to gods that don’t care. If the likes of us prosper, fail, or falter; it matters not while they roll with laughter on an altar, at our miserable, sad little lives.”
As a Matter of Fancy 
Maybe the unresolved story is to pull the reader along to the next book? It sounds like a good book and a good review that tells a lot. Thanks.