MichaelSullivan
Maester
There's no orphan destined for greatness or ancient evil to destroy…just two rogues in the wrong place at the wrong time. Royce Melborn, a cynical thief, and his ex-mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, make a profitable living performing dangerous assignments for petty nobles…until a simple job to steal a sword finds them framed for the murder of the king. And so begins this simple tale that uncovers a conspiracy far greater than the mere overthrow of a tiny kingdom.
Theft of Swords Best of Lists:
- Library Journal's Top 10 Scifi/Fantasy Books of 2011
- Barnes and Noble The Best Fantasy Releases of 2011
- Drying Ink's Best Epic Fantasy of 2011
- Dribble of Ink's Favorite 5 Novels of 2011
I wrote all six books before releasing the first, and five of them were published by a small imprint run by my wife. They did well...I sold 70,000+ copies, and have 2300+ ratings and 500+ reviews here on goodreads. Now, Orbit (fantasy imprint of big-six publisher Hachette Book Group), is re-releasing them as a trilogy in 3 consecutive months: Nov, Dec, and Jan.
BOOK 1: THE CROWN CONSPIRACY
THEY KILLED THE KING. THEY PINNED IT ON TWO MEN. THEY CHOSE POORLY.
Better known as Riyria, Royce Melborn is a skilled thief who along with his mercenary partner Hadrian Blackwater earn their living by carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles. When a seemingly simple jobs finds them framed for the murder of a king the two are caught in a conspiracy that reaches beyond the mere overthrow of a tiny monarchy.
BOOK 2: AVEMPARTHA
THE SECRET IS IN THE TOWER. THE PROBLEM IS THE BEAST. THE ANSWER IS TWO THIEVES.
When a destitute young woman hires Riyria to help save her town from nocturnal attacks, the two are drawn into the schemes of the wizard Esrahaddon. While Royce struggles to breech the secrets of an ancient elven tower, Hadrian attempts to rally the villagers to defend themselves against the unseen killer. Little do they realize that the events unfolding in this tiny remote outpost will plant the seed for the birth of a new Imperialist empire.
BOOK 3: NYPHRON RISING
A PUPPET IS CROWNED. THE TRUE HEIR REMAINS HIDDEN. A ROGUE'S SECRET COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING.
War has come to Melengar and its only hope is to join with the Nationalists, fighting in the south. Once more the crown turns to Riyria to run a desperate mission behind enemy lines. As the power of the New Empire grows, so does Royce's suspicion that an ancient wizard is using Riyria as pawns in his own bid for power. To find the truth, Royce must unravel the secret of Hadrian's past...what he discovers could mean the end of their friendship.
BOOK 4: THE EMERALD STORM
A MESSAGE IS INTERCEPTED. A SINISTER PLAN HAS BEEN LAUNCHED. TWO THIEVES STAND IN THE WAY.
Ex-mercenary Hadrian Blackwater sets course on a high seas adventure to find the lost Heir of Novron. His only hope lies in confronting the ruthless and cunning Merrick Marius. Fearing Hadrian is not up to the challenge, Royce Melborn joins his ex-partner for one last mission. Their journey finds them adrift amid treachery and betrayals forcing Hadrian to face a past he hoped never to see again.
BOOK 5: WINTERTIDE
A FORCED WEDDING. A DOUBLE EXECUTION. TWO THIEVES HAVE OTHER PLANS.
The New Empire intends to celebrate its victory with a Wintertide celebration cumulating with the marriage of Empress Modina and the public execution of two traitors. Once the empress suffers a fatal accident, their plans will be complete. There is only one problem--Royce and Hadrian have finally found the Heir of Novron and they have other holiday plans.
BOOK 6: PERCEPLIQUIS
THE ELVES HAVE CROSSED THE NIDWALDEN. MANKIND STANDS ON THE BRINK OF DESTRUCTION. THE TIME FOR THE HEIR TO ACT HAS ARRIVED.
"I saw a great journey. Ten upon the road, she who wears the light will lead the way. The road goes deep into the earth, and into despair. The voices of the dead guide your steps. You walk back in time. The three-thousand-year battle begins again. Cold grips the world, death comes to all, and a choice is before you." -- Seer, Oudorro Village
Percepliquis is the final installment of the epic fantasy, The Riyria Revelations. This saga that began with two ordinary thieves will end in a final monumental volume where all the mysteries and secrets will at last be revealed.
REVIEWS
"Filled with adventure and clever dialog and featuring a pair of not-quite-heroes whose loyalties to each other provide them with their greatest strength, this epic fantasy showcases the arrival of a master storyteller." -- Library Journal
Hair-raising escapes, flashy sword fights, and faithful friendship complete the formula for good old-fashioned escapist fun."-- Publisher's Weekly
"[O]ne of the best traditional epic fantasies currently being published and a top 10 novel of mine." – Fantasy Book Critic
"Michael J. Sullivan has created a world and a cast of characters that pull you in and remind you why you fell in love with this genre in the first place. If you can remember how the wizards, warriors, damsels and dragons once moved your imagination, I highly recommend that you see a masterful author updating their genre’s archetypes." – Ruled by Books
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