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 Continue reading
Book Review: Theft of Swords (Riyria Revelations #1-2) by Michael J. Sullivan
(Four Stars)
“It’s not that we don’t trust you. It’s just that we’ve learned over the years that honor among nobles is usually inversely proportionate to their rank.”
This volume contains both The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha, previously published separately. The tales are consecutive; it works. After second reading: How did I miss the first time through that Royce and Arista are with Asrahaddon when he screes the identity of the true Heir and Guardian? That makes a big difference!
“This wasn’t Steinbeck; it was simple, and light, and just a good enjoyable read.” Michael J. Sullivan
Light weight, but fun read. Engaging, if stereotypical characters; complex enough plot to keep the reader engaged; a world view which harks back to the golden age of fantasy fiction.
“I’m not so much trying to create another Lord of the Rings so much as a good old-fashioned Errol Flynn movie or sixties Western. While I enjoy a beautifully written novel—I love a great story.” Michael J. Sullivan
The tale is told with fair humor and moderate style. Better than Fritz Leiber‘s Lankhmar stories. The interplay between Royce and Hadrian is both a standing joke and absorbing.
“This little… dwarf… tried to kill me and damn near succeeded, and you want me to let him go because I said I would?”
Enough ends were left loose to justify a follow-on text or four, but the main tail of each story is nicely concluded. Lots of foreshadowing and mythic expanse. (That I didn’t see it the first time was undoubtedly my fault, not Sullivan’s.)
“I like any plan where I don’t die a horrible death.”
Book Review: The Viscount and the Witch (Riyria Chronicles, #1.5) by Michael J. Sullivan
(Four Stars)
“Don’t mind him; he was raised by wolves.”
Sullivan at his best. Has vitality of The Crown Conspiracy without the silliness of later books. The relationship between the protagonists is part of the fun, and it’s displayed here in its quintessence.
“Royce was no longer behind him. He often disappeared at times like this. Being more adept at stealth, Royce enjoyed using Hadrian for the noisy distraction he was.”
I’m embarrassed to claim a “book” read for a short story of less than thirty pages. Still, it’s a fun read and the price was right. (Free) May motivate you to read more of the series, which was the whole idea, right?
“You can stay here and die or work for us, and if you work for us, you work sober.” Albert rubbed his bristly chin. “That really should be an easy choice, shouldn’t it?”
Book Review: The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter (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 Continue reading
As a Matter of Fancy 