sp00324's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This is probably my least favourite MJ Sullivan book and that's not cus it's bad or anything. It was just okay really. Possibly because I've read the main series, it means that I know what's going to happen and therefore I am less invested in the story.
I did still enjoy getting the details in how certain events occured that had only been referenced in the main series and generally just getting more insight into the character's development. I like seeing Gwen which I feel like I didn't get enough of in this book.
Either way it's a fun light read that generally adds to one's enjoyment of Riyria
I did still enjoy getting the details in how certain events occured that had only been referenced in the main series and generally just getting more insight into the character's development. I like seeing Gwen which I feel like I didn't get enough of in this book.
Either way it's a fun light read that generally adds to one's enjoyment of Riyria
odaskjorestad's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
_yumitsang_'s review
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hana83's review against another edition
5.0
Another great installment in The Riyria Chronicles! Having read [a:Michael J. Sullivan|2063919|Michael J. Sullivan|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1396351926p2/2063919.jpg]'s previous work, I highly recommend Royce's and Hadrian's adventure in Medford.
In this installment, the boys return to Medford to see Gwen and inadvertently stumble upon a plot to kill the royal family. The story re-introduces us to some of the characters found in the Riyria Revelations, such as Viscount Alfred Winslow and young Reuben Hilfred. I greatly enjoyed the backstory of these characters. Also, I found this book a little darker than the others, mainly due to Royce's actions and what we learn about his background. But don't worry, Mr. Sullivan found the right balance in telling this story and there are still light-hearted moments in it which will make you smile!
I am looking forward to the next installment of the Riyria Chronicles [b:The Death of Dulgath|24683898|The Death of Dulgath (The Riyria Chronicles #3)|Michael J. Sullivan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431440166s/24683898.jpg|44301324]. Can't wait!
In this installment, the boys return to Medford to see Gwen and inadvertently stumble upon a plot to kill the royal family. The story re-introduces us to some of the characters found in the Riyria Revelations, such as Viscount Alfred Winslow and young Reuben Hilfred. I greatly enjoyed the backstory of these characters. Also, I found this book a little darker than the others, mainly due to Royce's actions and what we learn about his background. But don't worry, Mr. Sullivan found the right balance in telling this story and there are still light-hearted moments in it which will make you smile!
I am looking forward to the next installment of the Riyria Chronicles [b:The Death of Dulgath|24683898|The Death of Dulgath (The Riyria Chronicles #3)|Michael J. Sullivan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431440166s/24683898.jpg|44301324]. Can't wait!
abrswf's review against another edition
5.0
I'm just sad I've finished Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria books now, all five fat volumes of them. And his related short story, The Jester, as well. All praise to him for this really wonderful series and to his awesome audible.com narrator of the books, Tim Gerard Reynolds.
casey_zi's review against another edition
3.0
The problem with a prequel series like The Riyria Chronicles is that much of your audience is coming from the main series and already knows what's going to happen, especially in this case where many of the events in the prequel books have been alluded to or even described in detail in the following series. So you have to make the allure lie not in seeing what happened but how it happened, as well banking on the enjoyment your readers will derive from being with the characters again, or seeing their backstories in more detail. I believe Sullivan was successful with The Crown Tower on that front, but with this one... Well, sorta? The thing is, the 'how' was fairly simple and straightforward in this book and about what you'd expect, so there's not much to see there. It's kind of telling that Royce and Hadrian's actual mission didn't start until over halfway through the book.
Not that I'm complaining about that, really - this prequel series has given Sullivan the chance to tell a more personal story at a more comfortable, leisurely pace. I didn't mind the rollicking speed of the adventure in the Revelations series, but I did think it didn't give the plot or characters much room to breathe. They get it here.
I've also been impressed by the continuity demonstrated. Everything mentioned in Revelations as having happened in the past does happen here, even the little things you may have forgotten about. It's just bittersweet reading a tale when you know where everything and everyone in it will ultimately wind up.
Not that I'm complaining about that, really - this prequel series has given Sullivan the chance to tell a more personal story at a more comfortable, leisurely pace. I didn't mind the rollicking speed of the adventure in the Revelations series, but I did think it didn't give the plot or characters much room to breathe. They get it here.
I've also been impressed by the continuity demonstrated. Everything mentioned in Revelations as having happened in the past does happen here, even the little things you may have forgotten about. It's just bittersweet reading a tale when you know where everything and everyone in it will ultimately wind up.
klistoff's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.0
finii's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
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? No
4.0