When a destitute young woman hires two thieves to help save her remote village from nocturnal attacks, they are drawn into the schemes of the wizar...
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reviews
Mar 27, 2009
Jim
rated it: 
I have the ARC pdf to review. It was a really good, fun read. It should have been a quick one, but reading a pdf just isn't that easy for me. I can't wait to sit down with the first book & hope the next one is done soon.
Yes, I read the 2d book first & still enjoyed it. That's surprising. The second book stands just fine alone, makes me want to read the first & the one that comes after it, though. It wrapped up at a good point, in a logical manner, yet I know there's a lot mo More...
Yes, I read the 2d book first & still enjoyed it. That's surprising. The second book stands just fine alone, makes me want to read the first & the one that comes after it, though. It wrapped up at a good point, in a logical manner, yet I know there's a lot mo More...
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Mar 08, 2009
Jeanna
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So, I got an ARC copy of this book from the author's wife (and let me just say I was proud of myself for ignoring the typos that get edited out before publication; being an editor is sometimes a curse). It's the second book in the series of six (curses! I broke my rule of only reading completed series again!), and I’ve now finished the first one as well. I wanted to know if they really could go out of order without being a problem, and overall it was fine. There was obviously some backstory refe
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Apr 23, 2009
Chris
rated it: 
For the first half of this book, I was a little disappointed. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it - it was great to be reunited with old friends such as Hadrian, Royce, Arista, and good (or is he evil?) ole Esrahaddon. The new developments with the church of Nyphron and their schemes, plus Arista's new assignment to serve as ambassador were all nice to read about. But it just didn't have the heart pacing action I'd come to expect after reading The Crown Conspiracy.
But talk about calm More...
But talk about calm More...
Feb 18, 2009
Liviu
rated it:
Excellent followup to The Crown Conspiracy. Though followup may not be the right word, since The Crown Conspiracy was essentially a standalone with hints of the larger picture, while Avempartha goes straight into the deeper issues of Mr. Sullivan's richly imagined universe.
After a superb re-acquittance with Royce and Hadrian in the first several pages, the novel actually continues more as a series opening with a lot of build-up in the first half, while the second half is just supe More...
After a superb re-acquittance with Royce and Hadrian in the first several pages, the novel actually continues more as a series opening with a lot of build-up in the first half, while the second half is just supe More...
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Mar 17, 2009
Robin
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So it's been a long while since the last time I read this book and a lot has been added since then because my husband added some seeds into it as he was working on books 3 - 6. I really like the way it came out. The first chapter is completly reworked - The original first chapter was thrown away completly and the new first chapter is probably my favorite of all the chapters in the series - which is like - I'm not sure maybe 70 chapters?
Anyway I recalled this book being my least fa More...
Anyway I recalled this book being my least fa More...
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May 12, 2009
Jon
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Apr 28, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
It had been some time since I read the fantasy genre. In March I stumbled across The Crown Conspiracy, the first book in the series. I first noticed it in the Giveaway section. It sounded so interesting and seemed so well received by other readers that my curiosity was piqued.
I ordered it directly from the author and read it immediately. It was wonderful. Exciting story, great characters, I couldn't ask for more from a fantasy story. I was pleased to see Avempartha was schedu More...
I ordered it directly from the author and read it immediately. It was wonderful. Exciting story, great characters, I couldn't ask for more from a fantasy story. I was pleased to see Avempartha was schedu More...
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Apr 05, 2009
Danielle
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jul 12, 2009
KristenR
rated it:
I am really enjoying this series!!!
I said this about The Crown Conspiracy, but it's true...it's very light and fun, but the characters are very well drawn out (I liked the confirmation I got on the theories I had while reading the first book). I enjoyed the deepening of the themes/plot that were introduced in the first book, and definitely liked that there wasn't a maddening cliffhanger.
Can't wait to read the next installment!
I said this about The Crown Conspiracy, but it's true...it's very light and fun, but the characters are very well drawn out (I liked the confirmation I got on the theories I had while reading the first book). I enjoyed the deepening of the themes/plot that were introduced in the first book, and definitely liked that there wasn't a maddening cliffhanger.
Can't wait to read the next installment!
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Apr 16, 2009
Elise
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Shortly following the events of The Crown Conspiracy, thieves Royce and Hadrian are called upon once again, this time to stop a beast from terrorizing a village. Like last time however, what appears to be a simple task, is not so simple. The sequel, Avempartha, far surpasses the first book on many levels. Character development is more improved upon and they all have more of a depth to them. You learn more about their background history, as well as the history of Elan. This information is all tol
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Apr 22, 2011
± Colleen of the Crawling Chaos ±
rated it:
2.5
When I read the first book in this series, I wasn't impressed. I found the characters one-dimensional, the action to be lacking, and some of the situations to be absurd. As such, I wasn't really looking forward to continuing with the series, but this came up as a group-read, and I got a free ebook copy, so I thought I'd give it a go.
The opening was very good, and showed a lot of promise. Unfortunately, the story didn't quite keep to the promise of the opening, but i More...
When I read the first book in this series, I wasn't impressed. I found the characters one-dimensional, the action to be lacking, and some of the situations to be absurd. As such, I wasn't really looking forward to continuing with the series, but this came up as a group-read, and I got a free ebook copy, so I thought I'd give it a go.
The opening was very good, and showed a lot of promise. Unfortunately, the story didn't quite keep to the promise of the opening, but i More...
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Feb 24, 2010
Melissa
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When I started reading the book I had thought it was going one direction, but was very pleased when it went a different direction. I had thought in the beginning the book was moving a little slow, but now realize I was getting a lot of character details which I needed to come to my speculations. These details help me in trying to figure out the bigger picture with the lingering thoughts I have in the end of the book. In all these details are worth it and needed in the end.
The books t More...
The books t More...
Feb 21, 2010
Todd
rated it:
Avempartha – A Strong Follow-up to The Crown Conspiracy
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Author: Michael Sullivan
Available: Paperback, Kindle
In order to save her village from the unseen beast that nightly has taken the lives of so many including her brother and mother, a young woman named Thrace sets out to find help. Hearing of two brave and cunning thieves whose reputations have spread throughout the land, she finds herself in danger from the lowlife elements of the larger towns More...
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Author: Michael Sullivan
Available: Paperback, Kindle
In order to save her village from the unseen beast that nightly has taken the lives of so many including her brother and mother, a young woman named Thrace sets out to find help. Hearing of two brave and cunning thieves whose reputations have spread throughout the land, she finds herself in danger from the lowlife elements of the larger towns More...
Jan 17, 2010
Cheryl
rated it:
Skilled thief, Royce Melborn and his good friend and mercenary, Hadrian Blackwater are back. After barely escaping from Essendon Castle, Royce and Hadrian have had enough excitement for a while. They were set up by the wizard, Esrahaddon.
While walking, Royce and Hadrian come upon a girl being robbed by a man. They rescue her. The girl is from the village of Dahlgren. She asks for Royce and Hadrian’s help. She tells them she will pay them. Her village is being attacked by a demon, wh More...
While walking, Royce and Hadrian come upon a girl being robbed by a man. They rescue her. The girl is from the village of Dahlgren. She asks for Royce and Hadrian’s help. She tells them she will pay them. Her village is being attacked by a demon, wh More...
Feb 13, 2011
Lydia
rated it:
The thing I love most about Sullivan's writing is how accessible he makes the fantasy genre for those who may not have a lot of experience reading it. I'll admit, sometimes it's hard to find your way into the world, figure out the magic system and wrap your imagination around fantastic things ... but that's not the case in these Riyia stories.
Hadrian and Royce are back after a dashing adventure in The Crown Conspiracy, and this time they are aiding a seemingly helpless young woman t More...
Hadrian and Royce are back after a dashing adventure in The Crown Conspiracy, and this time they are aiding a seemingly helpless young woman t More...
Jan 15, 2012
Simon
rated it:
Avempartha is a decent followup but it can no way compare to the first. This book just didn't have the "oomph" compared to the first and didn't quite have that magic to hold me over until the very last page. However, as with the first, the writing is excellent. The author truly has a gift in this field of work. While he can't be compared to other epic fantasy authors in the field, his easy writing and dialogue, although shallow at a few times, can still hold its own. The Riyria series
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Dec 21, 2009
Aarti
rated it:
It is very difficult to write a plot summary for a book that is in the middle of a series, and even harder to then review the book without giving away spoilers, but here goes.
Avempartha is the second in the Riyria Revelations series. One thing I noticed immediately is that most characters in his books use modern language, not the somewhat higher-brow or slightly archaic English usually found in epic fantasy novels. However, once you get used to that, it's easy to stay with the rhyt More...
Avempartha is the second in the Riyria Revelations series. One thing I noticed immediately is that most characters in his books use modern language, not the somewhat higher-brow or slightly archaic English usually found in epic fantasy novels. However, once you get used to that, it's easy to stay with the rhyt More...
Dec 18, 2011
Sam
rated it:
Theft of Swords: Volume 1 of the Riyria Revelations
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Avempartha
When a destitute young woman hires two thieves to help save her remote village from nocturnal attacks, they are drawn into the schemes of the wizard Esrahaddon. While Royce struggles to breach the secrets of an ancient elven tower, Hadrian attempts to rally the villagers to defend themselves against the unseen killer. What begins with the simple theft of a sword places the tw More...
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Avempartha
When a destitute young woman hires two thieves to help save her remote village from nocturnal attacks, they are drawn into the schemes of the wizard Esrahaddon. While Royce struggles to breach the secrets of an ancient elven tower, Hadrian attempts to rally the villagers to defend themselves against the unseen killer. What begins with the simple theft of a sword places the tw More...
Apr 06, 2009
Eric
rated it:
Like this book's predecessor, this was a very enjoyable read with several weaknesses.
The book has two primary story lines. The first is a rather straight-forward "save the village" tale. A young woman hires Our Heroes to help her father retrieve the special weapon with which to protect her village from the Terrible Monster.
The other storyline is a political/mystery story. The Church is looking for the long lost heir to the Empire, and has been shown to be rut More...
The book has two primary story lines. The first is a rather straight-forward "save the village" tale. A young woman hires Our Heroes to help her father retrieve the special weapon with which to protect her village from the Terrible Monster.
The other storyline is a political/mystery story. The Church is looking for the long lost heir to the Empire, and has been shown to be rut More...
Oct 26, 2010
Adam
rated it:
Rarely do I find a second book in the series that "holds up" to the first especially when I really like the first one. Avempartha certainly exceeded the high expectations I had after reading The Crown Conspiracy.
Royce and Hadrian continue to be the best part of these books,though the wizard Esrahaddon is fascinating to me and I'm not sure whether he is "good or bad" in any case he certainly has his "own agenda" and seems to have no quams about using othe More...
Royce and Hadrian continue to be the best part of these books,though the wizard Esrahaddon is fascinating to me and I'm not sure whether he is "good or bad" in any case he certainly has his "own agenda" and seems to have no quams about using othe More...
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May 28, 2011
Marc
rated it: 
I didn't particularly like the first book in this series. I liked the two thieves and that was about it. But people told me to give the series another chance because it gets better. So I did. I am looking for a good long fantasy series that I haven't read. That said, I actually enjoyed this one less than the previous book. The first book had interesting supporting characters that don't play much of a role here except for one whom I didn't like.
As before, I liked reading about Royce and More...
As before, I liked reading about Royce and More...
Mar 01, 2011
Mikaela
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The book:
Avemparta by Michael J Sullivan
The Particulars: Epic Fantasy, Ridan publishing, available both in print and e-book
Why was it in my TBR? I had heard about him, and when they offered it for free in November or so, I took the chance.
The Review:
The blurb:
When a destitute young woman hires two thieves to help save her remote village from nocturnal attacks, they are drawn into the schemes of the wizard Esrahaddon. While Royce struggles t More...
Avemparta by Michael J Sullivan
The Particulars: Epic Fantasy, Ridan publishing, available both in print and e-book
Why was it in my TBR? I had heard about him, and when they offered it for free in November or so, I took the chance.
The Review:
The blurb:
When a destitute young woman hires two thieves to help save her remote village from nocturnal attacks, they are drawn into the schemes of the wizard Esrahaddon. While Royce struggles t More...
Mar 03, 2010
Jeanne
rated it:
I read the first book in this series because I wanted to help out a new author, and our Goodreads Fantasy Book Club was reading it. I enjoyed the first book, but was somewhat ambivalent about it. I was interested in giving the series more of a chance so I nominated this book a couple of times and the rest of the group voted for something else. THEIR LOSS!! Avempartha is fantastic! It builds on the story set out in The Crown Conspiracy yet really takes off. I had a hard time putting it down and
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Feb 04, 2011
Cameling
rated it:
2nd in the Riyria Revelations. The village of Dahlgren is being terrorized by a winged beast who attacks in the night, killing the villages, sometimes whole families at a time. Royce and Hadrian are sought out by a desperate young woman who hires them to save her father from certain death. But things are not what they seem. Esrahaddon the wizard, rescued after a 900 year imprisonment, having lost his hands, appears to have sought refuge in this village waiting for their arrival. In the meantime,
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Mar 29, 2009
John
rated it:
A few weeks ago, I reviewed Michael J. Sullivan's The Crown Conspiracy, and I was less than wholly positive. Nonetheless, as I'd been given a review copy of the second book in the series, Avempartha (which is due out April 1), I resolved to give it a read as well. The good news from my perspective is that, like many authors, Sullivan has improved from his first novel to his second. Some writers, of course, have the "sophomore slump," in which the follow-up lacks the ferocious energy th
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Dec 22, 2010
Qylie
rated it:
The two charismatic thieves get into neck deep water again in this second novel by Michael J. Sullivan. While continuing to develop selected characters from the first novel we meet new characters that grab you from the get go. This isn't my favorite series but it is very entertaining and a great short read. The book is only 331 pages and for such a short novel Michael does an excellent job holding the readers interests while developing his story. I read a lot of Fantasy books and I would have
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May 01, 2009
Robert
rated it:
Avempartha is the second book in The Riyria Revelations. The third being Nyphron Rising due out in October 2009 with the fourth book-The Emerald Storm, fifth book-Wintertide, and sixth and final book-Percepliquis having a tentative schedule of every six months afterward. The entire series has been completely written and is going through the editing and publishing phases so as not to keep the reader waiting for a long period of time for each subsequent book. Each book can be read by themselves as
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Jul 11, 2009
Michael
rated it:
The second in a longer series, Avempartha delivered for me. Sullivan is an excellent story teller - he weaves intricate tales and by the end you realize he's given you all the pieces if you were paying attention. Yet he still manages to surprise. Some of the artful pieces stretched across this entire book - others go back into the first book in the series, The Crown Conspiracy.
One thing Michael did in Avempartha that I am really in awe of was creating a new, dispicable villain. I More...
One thing Michael did in Avempartha that I am really in awe of was creating a new, dispicable villain. I More...
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Sep 23, 2009
Mike
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Avempartha sees our “heroes” from The Crown Conspiracy back in action and in as fine a form as ever. The opening scenes in the novel, the set-up, is a fantastic intro for readers who read the first book and an excellent and highly entertaining way to recap a bit of back story for new readers. It is a quick little conversation between Royce and Hadrian and a third-party and while it manages to encapsulate parts of The Crown Conspiracy it does an even better job at managing to illuminate the moral
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May 12, 2009
Libby
rated it:
After being hooked by The Crown Conspiracy (and I mean that literally, as defined by Merriam-Webster’s as “fascinated by or devoted to”) I was like a kid at Christmas waiting on my copy of Avempartha. From the last page of Crown to the first page of Avempartha, I missed my new friends Royce and Hadrian. I wondered what was happening in Elan after the death of the King? Where did the formerly captive and truly dangerous wizard Esrahaddon go? What secret plan was the Church of Nyphron weaving
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