Nyphron Rising (The Riyria Revelations, #3)

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Nyphron Rising (The Riyria Revelations #3)

by Michael J. Sullivan (Goodreads Author)

4.25 of 5 stars 4.25 · rating details · 1,407 ratings · 101 reviews

A PUPPET IS CROWNED. THE TRUE HEIR REMAINS HIDDEN. A ROGUE'S SECRET COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING.
War has come to Melengar and Princess Arista runs a desperate gamble when she defies her brother and hires Royce and Hadrian for a dangerous mission. As the power of the Nyphron Empire grows, so does Royce's suspicion that the wizard Esrahaddon is using the thieves as pawns in his o...more

Kindle Edition, 350 pages

Published October 17th 2009 by Ridan Publishing

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May 24, 2012 Jim rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Apr 2012: Reading the actual book this time, in order. Liked it again, maybe a bit more.

Sep 2009: I read the ARC & was not disappointed, except that book 4 isn't available yet (darn it!). It was an excellent continuation of the series. Plenty of action & twists as we learn more about the conspiracy. I really can't say more without spoilers, so I'll just say if you've read the first two, this one won't disappoint!

Today I got my signed copy of the finished work. Yahoo! Nice note in it from...more

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Jan 21, 2010 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Finally I finished and what a tale that was. I am still impressed, not losing interest and very much want to read Emerald Storm. This installment of the Riyria Revelations answered many questions I had from the first two in the series, but damn it raised still more, as I expected it would.

Arista's character is developing into a strong, and perfectly flawed heroine. The first two books I thought she'd be typical in that she played the spoiled rich girl with a quirk, but in Nyprhon Rising, another...more

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Oct 22, 2009 Proud Book Nerd rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Another absolutely riveting installment in The Riyira Revelations series! We are now halfway through the entire series, and I cannot wait to see where it's going. Once again, Michael J. Sullivan did not disappoint. There was suspense, humor, action, treachery, and even a tiny bit of love thrown in.

I found that I was able to guess what was going to happen in a couple of instances. I suspect that it was not a problem with the story, rather a familiarity with Royce and Hadrian. This being the thir...more

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Mar 07, 2010 Jon rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Jon by: Robin Sullivan

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, signed, read-in-my-40s

I quickly read this third book in the Riyria Revelations series. Sullivan stirred the plot pot and more questions than answers swirled to the top, steaming away hopes of resolution and instead simmering revolution.

Arista's character developed well, learning and appreciating the hard lives led by her subjects. Amilia quickly became my favorite new character, succeeding where all others failed in nursing Thrace, now know as Empress Modina, back from near catatonia. We learn more of Hadrian's past...more

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Mar 10, 2010 Liviu rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009_release_read, read_2009, genre-fantasy, read_2010, review_fbc, t1_recommended_2009

The third book in the extremely entertaining Ryria was a page turner like the first two but also a step back at least in the first half which was very imbalanced; Avempartha took the series to a higher level, this one reverted to a fun but pulpier read. I liked the ending and the second half was very good, but overall I had high expectations after Avempartha and they were only partly met; next book is still an asap for me since I want to see where the series goes

Further thoughts on reread march...more

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Jun 14, 2010 Libby rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-epic-and-series, read-in-2010

3.5 Stars

While I quite enjoyed the third installment of the Riyria Revelations, I did not like it as well as the other books. It moved the overall plot and offered lots of good hints and twists but never really grabbed me the way the others did. However, while I might personally consider this book the weak point of the series, I still LOVE the series and appreciate the careful design and intricate weave of the work as a whole.

Overall, Nyphron Rising is a well written book with great characters...more

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Nov 09, 2012 Meggie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-book, fantasy, historical, drama, magic, soldiers-military, romance, action-adventure

Wow, this third part opened a LOT of new questions. And at the end we can't know who is good/bad or who is double playing it or them all. But for sure, in overall, damn I have to say, this is an excellent experiencing series. I really didn't enjoy princess Arista sadness. Her part was tragic at the end.

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Feb 03, 2013 Haralambi Markov rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Where ‘The Crown Conspiracy’ and ‘Avempartha’ read as standalones ‘Nyphron Rising’ would be a great deal of a challenge, if the reader has not invested the time and resources to read the first two installments in the Riyria Revelations. Events are tied and the actions along with the consequences they spawn will shape the course for the characters in the upcoming installment, which I am oh-so-anticipating to read. As the natural halfway-point for this six volumes series, ‘Nyphron Rising’ is a mid...more Where ‘The Crown Conspiracy’ and ‘Avempartha’ read as standalones ‘Nyphron Rising’ would be a great deal of a challenge, if the reader has not invested the time and resources to read the first two installments in the Riyria Revelations. Events are tied and the actions along with the consequences they spawn will shape the course for the characters in the upcoming installment, which I am oh-so-anticipating to read. As the natural halfway-point for this six volumes series, ‘Nyphron Rising’ is a middle book and as such its major storylines do not resolve, instead set the stage for the culmination in the soon to follow novels in the series.

To further back up my claim the storylines do not seek a way to collide into each other and run neck to neck with any visible connection. On one hand we follow the coronation of Thrace as Empress and the resurrection of the Empire, now that the heir has presumably been found. However, the reader’s shown the heart of the Empire and its true face, which is not something pretty. As far as I grasp it, the very first incarnation of the Empire served to the well-being and the unity of its subjects against the dangers that were the other races in the past. This incarnation is more about greed and the ambition of cunning with their schemes to own, to have, to restore and rule what they think is entitled to them. The clergy it would seem is not so innocent or pure, especially master Machiavellian character, bishop Saldur, now pronounced as regent to the Empire. To emphasize how cold-hearted the men running the Empire are, we witness the de-humanizing treatment Thrace, now named Modina, receives. It was an interesting inside look into the relationship between Amilia and Modina, given the fact that the Empress suffers from detachment from the real world and is practically mute.

The other storyline is more dynamic and action packed, following princess Arista as she tries to prove her worth to her brother and her usefulness to Melegar, which is now at war with the Empire and not doing an admirable job, due to the lack of support from other kingdoms. The manner she chooses to do that is by hiring the Riyria and go on an almost suicide mission to strike a treaty with the nationalists. On the outside the storyline provides dealings with dubious characters, they face betrayal and they get caught in an uprising, organized and executed by Arista herself in Ratibor. However, on the inside this is a profound character study and development. It seems to be the heart of ‘Nyphron Rising’ as we see key characters learn more about themselves and solve dilemmas.

The biggest surprise was the focus on Arista’s development from spoiled royalty to an actual human individual, who is touch with the people and not separated by ranks and hierarchy. At first it was tedious to read her narrative, because I dislike such characters, but her development after Sullivan pushed her hard outside her comfort zone was one to behold. One could say she has become a woman in her own right and a witch in the more capable and resourceful sense, although there is some slight foreshadowing that he might wrestle with desire and temptation to use her powers to full extent. In the mean time Hadrian and Royce have some issues to work out as well. Hadrian suffers from depression and existential crisis, trying to find his vocation or at least something honorable to pursue, while Royce has hesitations, whether or not to leave his friend pursue his destiny. The rocky terrain their partnership endures through a new angle to look at the characters and that paired with the mission to track down the true heir to the Empire and decipher the games of the ancient wizard Esrahaddon makes ‘Nyphron Rising’ an interesting read.

Verdict: [B+] Despite the intrigue, the mystery and the ancient secrets that piece together a larger and impressive in itself picture, ‘Nyphron Rising’ didn’t quite do it for me. In comparison to the first two installments it pales a bit, but I can justify that with the natural need to have a book that prepares the chess board for the upcoming game in the world of Elan. Nevertheless, Michael J. Sullivan has carved his name in the genre and I am only sorry that he is seriously under-read.(less)

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Aug 26, 2012 Brandon Zarzyczny rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was my favorite book of the series so far, and it really had everything I look for in a good book. First of all, like the rest of his books his writing has an excellent flow. Once I start reading I have trouble stopping, I really get enveloped in the story. This book is more similar to the first of the series than the second, it doesn't rely on the classic fantasy tropes like the quest for a sword to kill a dragon. This has much more conspiracy and politics involved, and a much more intelli...more

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Oct 31, 2010 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of the things that make the Riyria Revelations different is that they were conceived as a single tale, told in six installments. Each book could stand alone, but they are oh-so-much better when the reader builds on the story that came before. Another outstanding quality is that these books are completely appropriate for any audience because there is no swearing or sex! How tedious it is to pick up a promising book only to find it’s just a chain of smut and profanity glued together with a pit...more One of the things that make the Riyria Revelations different is that they were conceived as a single tale, told in six installments. Each book could stand alone, but they are oh-so-much better when the reader builds on the story that came before. Another outstanding quality is that these books are completely appropriate for any audience because there is no swearing or sex! How tedious it is to pick up a promising book only to find it’s just a chain of smut and profanity glued together with a pitiful plot. If you want an excellent read, this is it. If you’re looking for a romp in the sheets, look elsewhere.

I’d heard about his first book, The Crown Conspiracy, on Goodreads and it sat on my To-Read list for months, but once I cracked it open, I couldn’t put it down.

His masterfully woven tale of two thieves blends humor and intrigue with a dab of brilliance. Completely sucked into the fantasy, I turned the pages, brain working overtime in a futile effort to guess the ending. You can read Fantasy Book Critic’s review of the Crown Conspiracy here.
Sullivan’s next two books, Avempartha and Nyphron Rising, likewise were wonderful books. Full of adventure, betrayals, magic and mystery—the epitome of what fantasy novels should be.

I was pleased to find each additional installment better than the last, but it wasn’t until the 4th book, The Emerald Storm that the series elevated to a whole new level for me. Packed with the usual rich characters, settings and banter, the storyline builds with twists and turns until the final cunning surprise knocks us clear out of the ring. I closed the book almost in reverence, marveling at how each piece fell nicely in place without me ever being the wiser.

With excitement and a little trepidation (because I couldn’t fathom how Sullivan could possibly top his last achievement), I pre-ordered book #5, Wintertide.

I am thrilled to report that he did it again. Wintertide opens with our two favorite thieves, Hadrian and Royce, riding into Aquesta, the new capital of the Empire—a government that has been thrust into power through the devious machinations of a corrupt few which work their trickery behind façade of divine rule. Circumstance and duty separates the thieves as they each strive to save the people they love. Do they succeed? I’m not telling. The battle for the throne is played in back rooms through subtle power-plays which culminate in the biggest power struggle of all. Personally, I’m dying to know who threw that fateful dagger, but I hardly dare guess because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from reading Sullivan’s books, it’s that I can’t guess what will happen next.

There are many authors that I admire, many more whose books are among my favorites, but Michael J. Sullivan’s books are in a class above.
I strongly suggest you grab the Crown Conspiracy today. You may as well buy the whole series because you’ll need them before the week’s out(less)

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Feb 24, 2010 Melissa Hayden rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Once again Michael Sullivan has delivered an amazing story. I love how these stories are complete in themselves yet there is the underlying thread through them all. Michael gives you all the pieces from the previous books to refresh your memory or if you haven't read them so you know what is happening. You could very well read this book without reading the first two books. BUT I would suggest reading them so you get to know the characters through their growth of trials through each other and to...more Once again Michael Sullivan has delivered an amazing story. I love how these stories are complete in themselves yet there is the underlying thread through them all. Michael gives you all the pieces from the previous books to refresh your memory or if you haven't read them so you know what is happening. You could very well read this book without reading the first two books. BUT I would suggest reading them so you get to know the characters through their growth of trials through each other and to understand the intertwining plot involving religion and politics. As it appears to me the underlining thread is starting to come closer to the surface in the stories now, which is a bonus for me to go along with the individual stories.

Along with old friends I have meet a few new ones I look forward to reading more about in the future books. These characters have come to life for me through these books. There is humor in the characters, which is not over done or forced. There is a respect between characters and caring in that respect which is all earned.

This book has our wonderful thieves; Royce and Hadrian, but also the amazing character Princess Arista. In the story Princess Arista stays true to here character, yet she seems real in that she has her moments of doubts and anxieties in herself and what she is doing - wondering if what she is doing is right for all. Arista is a strong women in these stories and is not a normal princess: in always having beautiful dresses, sitting in the castle doing needlepoint, and not thinking of politics. She is willing to do what it takes to save her country and help others, along with using the magical arts she learned from the powerful wizard Esrahaddan and her professor, in magic, Arcadius.

I have had thoughts and questions on the characters and the plots. In each book Michael has answered these questions and has added to or solved the thoughts on the plots. In doing this I have come to realize the answers are true because I can think back and remember a word here and a sentence there that were used to take me through this remarkable path to the solutions.

I am looking forward to the next book scheduled to come out April 2010. As all my questions are answered, but I have thoughts on where the conspiracy in the politics and church are going.(less)

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Jan 17, 2010 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

In Avempartha, the wizard hinted about Hadrian and his past. What could be so important about Hadrian’s past. Hadrian’s past is revealed in this book.

The land of Melengar is battling to save their kingdom. Princess Arista and her brother are at odds with each other. Both believe that they know what is needed to save their kingdom. Princess Arista hires Royce and Hadrian to head out across the lands of Melengar to meet with the rebellion leader. It will not be easy as there are others after them...more

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Oct 13, 2009 Tracy Dobbs rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-since-1-1-9, fantasy, sword-and-sorcery

This is the third book of the Riyria Revelations series, followingThe Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha. Like the previous two installments, the book is action-packed, humorous at times, and full of great characters (with a bit of deceit, treachery, betrayal added in for good measure). All in all a very enjoyable book.

Royce and Hadrian are the central team whose adventures (and misadventures) are the backbone of the series. They are a great team, fun to read, but this book belongs a bit more to t...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Simon rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the last book, Avempartha, I was annoyed at Arista as a character and how the author portrayed her as weak and uninteresting. Here, the author spends a lot of effort trying to build a better relationship between Arista and the readers. The action takes a back seat for the majority of the book and instead we are more focused on the political intrigues of the series. It's as if the author knew of my complaints from his earlier books and corrected them in the next. Earlier I complained about how...more In the last book, Avempartha, I was annoyed at Arista as a character and how the author portrayed her as weak and uninteresting. Here, the author spends a lot of effort trying to build a better relationship between Arista and the readers. The action takes a back seat for the majority of the book and instead we are more focused on the political intrigues of the series. It's as if the author knew of my complaints from his earlier books and corrected them in the next. Earlier I complained about how he did Arista wrong by making her unlikable and boring. This was corrected here. I then complained about how he should start building the political uprising issue that has been hinted about in previous books and once again, the author does that here. Being the third and middle book in the series, the author has no intention of letting you off the hook. You just can't help but keep reading on!

While Royce and Hadrian continue to be the two main protagonist in the story, the main focus of Nyphron Rising is with Arista and to some extent, Thrace a.k.a. Empress Modina. While I didn't particularly like the latter character in Avempartha, this book doesn't really help me shake that feeling. Being used as a puppet by Sulder and the likes, Empress Modina seems to have a problem of not being able to focus and has troubles with her speech ever since she slayed that beast in Dahlgreen. Suldur summons Amilia to help with her problems and that's pretty much it as far as she's concerned. With Arista, I have to admit she is much more likable after reading Nyphron Rising. She was utterly boring in Avempartha but here, she gets more exciting and that's because she spends most of her time with Royce and Hadrian by her side. As a pampered princess, she finally gets a first-hand look at how normal people live their lives and the hardships they have to face on a daily basis. Similar to many other pampered characters in other stories, the readers will feel a bit more attached to them if they can get a bit of humbleness in them. It also helps to make her be able to case magic spells!

One of the main goals in the story is still for the group to find the long lost heir. With three books so far in, I can get a sense of the bigger goals each character must face. However, I'm still not sure what Royce's higher calling is in this series. We find out he's part elf in the last book but there is hardly a follow-up here in Nyphron Rising. I'm absolutely positive the author will address this issue in the next book. The battle between the Nationalists and the Imperial army does help to advance the main storyline and things do get interesting during the later half of the book. As usual, Esrahaddon does make a brief appearance in the book and it's still unclear what his true motives are. With Nyphron Rising, the book deals with character building first and foremost. I'm sure some people will have a problem with this but I think it worked out pretty well. I really wanted to give this series a short break to read another book but the ending sure makes it hard for me to do so!

I have a good feeling that things are going to pick up dramatically in the final three books of the series. I feel that enough ground work has been laid by the author and its time for him to really reap the rewards by going full steam ahead with the story!(less)

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Mar 15, 2012 Zack Parks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This book was just as much a blast as the previous two, though it got a little more serious. You start to kinda see the world beginning to roll toward a huge conflict, so the tension is stronger in this book. You learn more about the pasts of the primary protagonists, which is cool, and there is some foreshadowing of things still to come. I liked some of the little twists at the end. One thing that stood out to me at the end of this book, compared to the previous ones, is that it doesn't really...more

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Feb 21, 2010 Todd Fonseca rated it 5 of 5 stars

Nyphron Rising – Great Addition to a Great Series

Rating: 5 of 5, TMBOA Recommended

Author: Michael Sullivan
Available: Paperback, Kindle

After crowning an unwitting empress, the Church of Nyphron quickly sweeps over the land amassing amazing power. The only thing stopping their advance are Alric’s kingdom of Melengar and a group of Nationalists led by Degan Gaunt. Alone, both will eventually be swallowed by the imperialists. But an alliance could save them both. Setting out to find and forge such...more Nyphron Rising – Great Addition to a Great Series

Rating: 5 of 5, TMBOA Recommended

Author: Michael Sullivan
Available: Paperback, Kindle

After crowning an unwitting empress, the Church of Nyphron quickly sweeps over the land amassing amazing power. The only thing stopping their advance are Alric’s kingdom of Melengar and a group of Nationalists led by Degan Gaunt. Alone, both will eventually be swallowed by the imperialists. But an alliance could save them both. Setting out to find and forge such a partnership, Arista once more turns to Hadrian and Royce for help. But is the church already too powerful to deny and will the empress eventually awaken from her stupor to save them all?

In Nyphron Rising, Michael Sullivan once again brings back all the elements that made the Crown Conspiracy a great book except this time, the world is a little darker, a little more desperate, and not all is well with our duo of thieves. Hadrian has tired of their lifestyle and wants out certain he was meant for greater things but knows not what they are. Royce knows Hadrian’s destiny but dares not share it for fear of what might happen. As in the first book, Sullivan sets up scenarios where our protagonists face capture and certain death but find ingenious ways of saving themselves and others. Multiple parallel story arcs are introduced with the empress, Hardrian, Royce, and Arista, all while the depth of this world continues to be painted.

I especially enjoyed Arista’s journey into unlocking the power of The Art and her realization that it is just that – an Art. The mechanics can be taught and learned, but to truly understand and use The Art, one must make it their own. Unfortunately, she must learn to deal with the responsibilities and consequences of such power and this volume only hints of what may be to come in later editions. As with its predecessors, Nyphron Rising serves as a complete novel even though it is midway through the series. The end, however, left me wanting even more as so much is certainly left to be told. This has been my favorite in the series thus far, just inching out The Crown Conspiracy. Readers of Sullivan’s work will surely be clamoring for the next installment.
(less)

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May 28, 2013 Mike (the Paladin) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, favorites

So I had said recently that I was in a reading slump. That happily has passed at least as far as a couple of books are concerned. This is the third in the Riyria Revelations (or the first half of the second compiled books series). The story continues apace here and stays fast moving enough to hold the interest while still filling in backgrounds and expanding characters.

Royce and Hadrian are having their troubles, still life is interesting. The "revelation" that "came to light" last book has now...more

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Jan 22, 2011 Suzanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Books "somewhere in the middle" of a series are not always an easy read - or write, for that matter. They are transitional by nature, taking what happened at the beginning and setting up what is yet to come. Nyphron Rising is "somewhere in the middle." It is a good story, in and of itself, though not quite as stand-alone as the previous two novels. It was slow-paced for perhaps the first half of the book, but there was a lot of character development throughout. Arista came into her own, which I...more

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Nov 01, 2011 John rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that this series has intrigued me since I read Crown Conspiracy. The story is basic, but the way Sullivan weaves his characters into the story makes the book so enjoyable. All the characters are well written, but I especially like the relationship between the two heroes, if you can call them that, Royce and Hadrian. If you want to enjoy a well written character driven book, this book, the entire series I would think, is for you. I am hoping the short stories will of the same cali...more

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Jun 11, 2013 Meru rated it 4 of 5 stars

Similar to the last book - solid but not overwhelming. Still not a series I'd recommend outside of fantasy buffs, and even then only as something to read while we wait for Rothfuss to finish up his next book...

This sounds more bleak than it is, and I really have nothing against Sullivan, I just feel like the plots are a bit too obvious, the characters a tad too fake, and the storyline just not quite deep enough for my liking. I do like that this has the epic feel of Game of Thrones where you rea...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Gautam Surath rated it 3 of 5 stars

The plot continues to rush ahead with many sub plots being added on the fly. A new antagonist is added and there is much to like about him. The relationship between the two thieves has some new layers which create a better picture of their past. Some of their pasts are still keep murky and there is still a lot to discover in the coming books. All in all, I hope this is one of those books in a series which the author could have done without but had enough written material to publish. Lets look no...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Page (One Book At A Time) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

What's hard about giving this book a 3 rating is that I know how vital it is to the rest of the series. There's a lot of information buried within the storyline. Things that you know will be important and you need to pay attention to.

There are parts of this story that stand out. I found that I really enjoy Princess Arista. She's forced to really venture outside of her comfort realm in this book. She goes against her brothers wishes and sets out to make a treaty with the Nationalist on her own....more What's hard about giving this book a 3 rating is that I know how vital it is to the rest of the series. There's a lot of information buried within the storyline. Things that you know will be important and you need to pay attention to.

There are parts of this story that stand out. I found that I really enjoy Princess Arista. She's forced to really venture outside of her comfort realm in this book. She goes against her brothers wishes and sets out to make a treaty with the Nationalist on her own. She encounters people who think a Princess is the ultimate prize. She also discovers that she can tap into magic she didn't really know that she had. She finds a just cause that she can really believe in and maybe finds love along the way. She's goes to extremes that you don't really imagine a Princess ever even having to think about. And amazingly she's knows just how lucky she is to be were she is. She's humble, gracious, and many other qualities you would want to see in a ruler.

I think I had a hard time with Royce and Hadrian. I know that Hadrian has been having a hard time with their line of work. But, it seems like his attitude is a bit of a drastic leap from were we were at the end of book two. I miss the carefree interactions between the two. I'm hoping that a new found purpose will bring the old Hadrian back. I do enjoy learning more about who Royce is. It seems like know that we know his true heritage, it seems so obvious.

I was a little surprised at the turn of events leading surrounding Thrace. I didn't see her a the puppet leader that they were expecting, but I was not expecting this. I like how her Lady in Waiting handled everything, especially since she was a lowly servant before. I think the two will have plenty in common and I'm intrigued to see what Thrace will do.

I'm also curious about the twist in the end. I have no idea how the story is going to play out yet so that wasn't what I was expecting. I'll be getting to the next installment soon that's for sure! (less)

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Jan 19, 2013 Michael S. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-fiction

So far, i'm still loving this series. The author knows exactly how to keep my interest. He deftly weaves in an interesting hint or an exciting revelation at exactly the right spot to keep me in suspense.

I'm thoroughly enjoying the intriguing way the characters are evolving, the epic-story line, the fast pace. and the ending--wow, what a cliff-hanger! The author makes it so that not reading the next installment is not even an option. I'm still really liking that this is a story I can keep up wit...more

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Feb 29, 2012 Elizabeth Risley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, recommended, series

This book introduces some great new characters: Amelia, Nimbus, Arcadius, Emery, and a whole host of people from Royce and Hadrian's past. This is a great book for "character building" as we see a huge transition in Arista as she begins to come into own with regards to Magic. The previous book, Avempartha peeled back to show just a bit of the larger story involving the Heir of Novron and his Guardian and this book does a lot to start to show us more about that. Royce, who is always suspicious st...more

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May 09, 2011 ☆Jessie☆ (Ageless Pages Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, nook-books, owned-copy, reviewed, series-ongoing, 2011-reviews, 2011-reads

This is yet another riveting entry in the Riyria Revelations series. A year after defeating "Rufus' Bane" in Thrace's tiny village, Hadrian, having long been weary of his mercenary, wandering lifestyle with Royce, wants something with meaning to define his life other than thieving and spying, even if it's for the Crown. Royce wants to hang on to the life he's achieved with any means necessary- even deception from his closest and only friend. Drawn again into international conflict with Melengar'...more This is yet another riveting entry in the Riyria Revelations series. A year after defeating "Rufus' Bane" in Thrace's tiny village, Hadrian, having long been weary of his mercenary, wandering lifestyle with Royce, wants something with meaning to define his life other than thieving and spying, even if it's for the Crown. Royce wants to hang on to the life he's achieved with any means necessary- even deception from his closest and only friend. Drawn again into international conflict with Melengar's sneaky princess Arista, Royce and Hadrian have to accomplish this one last job before potentially splitting ways. Intricate and deftly woven, this is another amazing ride with Royce, Hadrian and Arista appearing, along with the renamed Thrace as Modina.
I do have to say I had a "I KNEW it moment!!" right before the end of the book, only to have my jaw drop on the VERY LAST PAGE with sheer and utter surprise and freakoutery. A lot of theories I had planned out from this idea were dashed to pieces with a very few words. It was a masterfully, marvelously well done plot twist.
These are books that can be read separately, but I do have to say some prior knowledge of recent events and people involved are somewhat necessary to understand the full gist of the power plays, manipulations and deceptions that take place across the board.
These characters, especially Hadrian and the surly Royce, are beloved and cherished to me now. I'm very fond of them, and the plot twists and history behind each build a better picture of each. Hadrian, a man full of promise but no outlet and tied to an eccentric friend that really only trusts him alone. Royce emerges as a man with a heart at least, but just for a select few and the reasoning behind his demeanor.
A very entertaining read from start to finish. I would highly recommend this series and I hope that the concluding three books are on the same standard as the first three.
More of my reviews here: http://bibliophileanonymous.blogspot....(less)

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Jan 25, 2012 PaulineMRoss rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-star, genre-fantasy, price-full, self-pub, reread

[Edited after reread; additional comments below.]

This is the third of a six-part series of connected stories set in the same world, which can supposedly all be read independently. It's true that the author sketches in the backstory at appropriate places, but still the books work much better if you read them in sequence.
The same main characters appear - Hadrian and Royce the hired thieves, now working exclusively for the Melengar kingdom, Arista the princess and Esrahaddon the thousand-year-old...more [Edited after reread; additional comments below.]

This is the third of a six-part series of connected stories set in the same world, which can supposedly all be read independently. It's true that the author sketches in the backstory at appropriate places, but still the books work much better if you read them in sequence.
The same main characters appear - Hadrian and Royce the hired thieves, now working exclusively for the Melengar kingdom, Arista the princess and Esrahaddon the thousand-year-old wizard - and Thrace from the last story is now the puppet Empress. The plot this time is exclusively political - the church is absorbing as many kingdoms as it can into its newly recreated empire, while Melengar in the north and the Nationalists in the south try to resist them, which makes for a much simpler storyline.
Somehow, this works much better than the nonsensical plots of the first two books, becoming a straightforward and dramatic race to implement a high-risk strategy to defeat the empire's army. This time we are not overwhelmed with history, the supporting characters are far less cardboard and the pacing is excellent. The main characters are all developing nicely, too, especially Arista, and the magic in this book is beautifully done.
There were no wonderful magical places, like the wizard's prison from the first book, or the elven tower from the second, but that is a very minor quibble. I felt the writing achieved new heights in this book too, with a much better tone, greater depth and no jarring anachronisms or Americanisms, although the author still hasn't discovered the past perfect tense, but never mind. And there's even a hint of romantic tension for the first time, and a good sprinkling of humour. Overall, a great improvement, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Additional comments after rereading:]

I don't really have a lot to add to my previous review. This one felt like a more rational plot, more relevant to the over-arching story, and for the first time some real depth to the characters, especially Hadrian and Royce, whose backstories are partially revealed. Some of this was a little heavy-handed, particularly Royce's interaction with the Ratibor street urchin. Yes, we get it, the urchin is Royce, several years ago.

As in 'Avempartha', the women feel fairly caricatured. Thrace/Modina is effectively unconscious again for much of the book, Amilia is put in a nurturing role and Arista is still mostly the helpless baggage carted around by the men, or thrust into danger in order to be rescued, although at least she is beginning to develop some initiative (mind you, the transformation from helpless to rebellion-leader is not really believable). I understand what Sullivan is trying to do here, and I applaud his attempts to create strong female characters. It's just a pity that his method of doing that is to force them into a starting point where they are completely helpless or stupid or catatonic. Yes, they will grow over the course of the series, but since they start at rock bottom, that's not hard to achieve.

But still, a good read, the story easy enough to follow, and anything tricky explained a page or two further on. A little predictable, maybe, and simplistic in places, but then it's intended as entertainment so it would be churlish to complain about that. I'll stick with four stars.

[First read May 2011]
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Feb 14, 2013 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sff-fantasy, 2013-reads

In which...

....The Empire is on the rise, war is sweeping the land, people are scared and running. Shit just got real y'all!

....Royce comes clean to Hadrian about what he learned. Hadrian is pissed and then pleased and then on a mission. I liked that this did not drag out.

....Arista becomes just a little bit gangsta. And thus my opinion on her does a complete 180.

....Thrace/Modina is imprisoned, depressed, catatonic, and basically full on emo. And thus my opinion of her does a complete 180.

......more

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Dec 02, 2010 Robert rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nyphron Rising is the third book in the Riyria Revelations. The first book is The Crown Conspiracy, the second is Avempartha, with the fourth being The Emerald Storm, the fifth book-Wintertide, and sixth and final book-Percepliquis having a tentative release sometime in April 2011.

Nyphron Rising is another self-contained fantasy story with ties to The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha through a larger plot. The main plot focuses on Royce and Hadrian as they escort Princess Arista on a diplomatic m...more

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Sep 20, 2010 Alex Telander rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2009

Things take a turn for the worse in the third installment of The Riyria Revelations – after Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha – as war comes sweeping through to Melengar and its people have little hope and respect for their recent, young king. Princess Arista has been running around playing diplomat and trying to secure allies for Melengar, with nothing to show for it. Meanwhile the enemy Nyphron Empire continues to grow in strength and numbers. Arista has one more trick up her sleeve, and with th...more

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Dec 08, 2009 Jeanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, ya

I liked this one quite a bit--I think the books in the series are getting better and better. The characters are becoming more themselves (I'm not sure how else to put that) and the plot is thickening. So this is probably my favorite so far, and I wish that my local library would get the books in stock in the future. Oh well.

Arista is my favorite character here; she stands out as a leader you want to follow (like Ender or Bean or Vin or Elend, though not quite as complex--but still having the gre...more

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About Michael J. Sullivan

A giveaway is currently running for The Crown Tower Click to sign-up. This is the first book in my Riyria Chronicles and can be read independent from The Riyria Revelations.

After finding a manual typewriter in the basement of a friend's house, Michael inserted a blank piece of paper and typed: It was a dark and stormy night and a shot rang out. He was just eight years old at the time. But the desi...more

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Books by Michael J. Sullivan

Theft of Swords (The Riyria Revelations, #1-2)

Rise of Empire (The Riyria Revelations, #3-4)

Heir of Novron (The Riyria Revelations, #5-6)

The Crown Conspiracy (The Riyria Revelations, #1)

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“There are no honorable causes. There is no good or evil. Evil is only what we call those who oppose us.” — 2 people liked it

“That we are both right. One truth doesn't refute another. Truth doesn't lie in the object, but in how we see it.” — 2 people liked it

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Nyphron Rising (The Riyria Revelations #3)

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