gayusbooks's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
Just like the first one, this book was quite easy to get into. The setting was totally different from the first one. The author's ability to bring the scenery and surroundings to life in vivid details continues to be my favourite part of the series. 'Avempartha' did it a little better than the first one.
Even though we get a little more glimpse into Hadrian and Royce's past, the bond between them is still somewhat murky. They are a great pair, but we still have no idea how they became Riyria. I found it a bit jarring that they hadn't discussed that one aspect of Royce's lineage between them, when Hadrain follows Royce into the dark blindly, literally and figuratively, all the time. I thought that might have been a part of the unwavering trust that seems to bind them. But they seem to have no idea about the other's past either!! I know their backstory is revealed in the prequel series, but that was released much later and for a series that has an overarching plot, the missing parts in the central characters' history seems like gaping holes at this point. Also, the way Hadrian and Royce gets thrown into the thick of things just like that is kind of getting repetitive now. Someone specifically wanted them this time but still. It starts with a sword and things escalate fast from there.
Loved Arista, Mauvin and Fanen. The plot is coming together slowly, and I want to see where it leads.
Just like the first one, this book was quite easy to get into. The setting was totally different from the first one. The author's ability to bring the scenery and surroundings to life in vivid details continues to be my favourite part of the series. 'Avempartha' did it a little better than the first one.
Even though we get a little more glimpse into Hadrian and Royce's past, the bond between them is still somewhat murky. They are a great pair, but we still have no idea how they became Riyria. I found it a bit jarring that they hadn't discussed that one aspect of Royce's lineage between them, when Hadrain follows Royce into the dark blindly, literally and figuratively, all the time. I thought that might have been a part of the unwavering trust that seems to bind them. But they seem to have no idea about the other's past either!! I know their backstory is revealed in the prequel series, but that was released much later and for a series that has an overarching plot, the missing parts in the central characters' history seems like gaping holes at this point. Also, the way Hadrian and Royce gets thrown into the thick of things just like that is kind of getting repetitive now. Someone specifically wanted them this time but still. It starts with a sword and things escalate fast from there.
Loved Arista, Mauvin and Fanen. The plot is coming together slowly, and I want to see where it leads.
gumiho0712's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
hana83's review against another edition
5.0
Another awesome read! Our kind-hearted thieves are back! The story picks up about two years later in Colnora. Thrace, a farmer’s daughter from Dahlgren hires Hadrian and Royce to steal a sword to help her father. Intrigued by the job and by the possibility of meeting up with another familiar character, they take on the job for almost nothing.
While the main story follows the adventures of the two thieves, another thread follows Princess Arista, now the Ambassador of Melengar. The story alternates between the two until the storyline merges.
As the story unfolds, we gain more insight into the lead characters’ lives through subtle hints and some obvious revelations. We learn more about the origins of Hadrian’s amazing sword skills. We begin to understand why Royce is such a good thief and why he can open locks easily. Although I enjoyed Hadrian’s and Royce’s action based storyline a bit more than Arista’s storyline, I know it built the necessary background information about the church and the players within it. A picture begins to form for us of the conflict and the intrigues played between the church and Esrahaddon.
Some of my questions from the first book were answered, others still remain, and a few new ones come up. So, needless to say, I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
While the main story follows the adventures of the two thieves, another thread follows Princess Arista, now the Ambassador of Melengar. The story alternates between the two until the storyline merges.
As the story unfolds, we gain more insight into the lead characters’ lives through subtle hints and some obvious revelations. We learn more about the origins of Hadrian’s amazing sword skills. We begin to understand why Royce is such a good thief and why he can open locks easily. Although I enjoyed Hadrian’s and Royce’s action based storyline a bit more than Arista’s storyline, I know it built the necessary background information about the church and the players within it. A picture begins to form for us of the conflict and the intrigues played between the church and Esrahaddon.
Some of my questions from the first book were answered, others still remain, and a few new ones come up. So, needless to say, I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
nightsong0123's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jastinamor's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
storiesofnima's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
jarichan's review against another edition
4.0
Auch der zweite Band um das Gauner-Duo Hadrian und Royce ist wieder ein kurzweiliges Abenteuer und ein richtiger Page-Turner. Wahrlich, die Seiten fliegen nur so dahin.
Spannend finde ich Sullivans Talent, mit den Erwartungen des Lesers zu spielen. Aus vielen Genrewerken kennt man gewisse Stereotypen, denen gefolgt wird. Sullivan macht das auch und biegt dann einfach plötzlich links ab. Ohne gross zu blinken, versteht sich.
Die Figuren werden weiterentwickelt und man erfährt auch ein paar neue, spannende Sachen. Auch fand ich die Vorstellung des Turms im Wasserfall sehr schön gezeichnet. Ich habe jetzt noch das Rauschen des Wassers im Ohr.
Spannend finde ich Sullivans Talent, mit den Erwartungen des Lesers zu spielen. Aus vielen Genrewerken kennt man gewisse Stereotypen, denen gefolgt wird. Sullivan macht das auch und biegt dann einfach plötzlich links ab. Ohne gross zu blinken, versteht sich.
Die Figuren werden weiterentwickelt und man erfährt auch ein paar neue, spannende Sachen. Auch fand ich die Vorstellung des Turms im Wasserfall sehr schön gezeichnet. Ich habe jetzt noch das Rauschen des Wassers im Ohr.
zackgraff's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't realize "The Theft of Swords" was actually two separate books until I read them both. Oops.
I do see now why the two books are wrapped into a single package called "The theft of swords".
As our lovable duo, Royce and Hadrian, are again hired to retrieve a stolen sword with legendary powers. Avempartha is a fantastic continuation of the Riyria Revelations series, sprinkled with the same magic that made the first book a delight.
I do see now why the two books are wrapped into a single package called "The theft of swords".
As our lovable duo, Royce and Hadrian, are again hired to retrieve a stolen sword with legendary powers. Avempartha is a fantastic continuation of the Riyria Revelations series, sprinkled with the same magic that made the first book a delight.