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Age of Legend
(The Legends of the First Empire #4)
by
Each culture has its own myths and legends, but only one is shared, and it is feared by all.
With Age of Myth, Age of Swords, and Age of War, fantasy master Michael J. Sullivan riveted readers with a tale of unlikely heroes locked in a desperate battle to save mankind. After years of warfare, humanity has gained the upper hand and has pushed the Fhrey to the edge of their ...more
With Age of Myth, Age of Swords, and Age of War, fantasy master Michael J. Sullivan riveted readers with a tale of unlikely heroes locked in a desperate battle to save mankind. After years of warfare, humanity has gained the upper hand and has pushed the Fhrey to the edge of their ...more
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Jul 26, 2014
Michael
added it
· (Review from the author)
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-i-ve-written
As people may know, I don't write reviews of my own books, but I do use this space to update people on status...so here I am.
June 12, 2019: The hardcover books have arrived! I went to our warehouse and signed a bunch of copies, and Robin added them to our store. So, if you want signed copies of the latest book - and get them signed as well. Come and get them!
May 29, 2019: I can't believe how long it's been since my last update, and I apologize for the lack of communication. Part of the problem i ...more
June 12, 2019: The hardcover books have arrived! I went to our warehouse and signed a bunch of copies, and Robin added them to our store. So, if you want signed copies of the latest book - and get them signed as well. Come and get them!
May 29, 2019: I can't believe how long it's been since my last update, and I apologize for the lack of communication. Part of the problem i ...more
9th July: Book drops today!!
A brilliant sequel which fulfilled my eager anticipation and high expectations, Age of Legend takes the First Empire series to the next level of greatness with the promise of a showstopper by its finale.
Age of Legend is structurally different from the continuous narrative in the preceding three volumes. This book has three sections; the first part is the shortest which deals with the immediate aftermath of the battle at Alon Rhist. The second section takes place one y ...more
A brilliant sequel which fulfilled my eager anticipation and high expectations, Age of Legend takes the First Empire series to the next level of greatness with the promise of a showstopper by its finale.
Age of Legend is structurally different from the continuous narrative in the preceding three volumes. This book has three sections; the first part is the shortest which deals with the immediate aftermath of the battle at Alon Rhist. The second section takes place one y ...more
The war rages on until it reaches a stalemate. Persephone tries to forge a peace only to see her ambassador betrayed and taken captive. An unlikely group seeks a legend in order to save their friend.
Age of Legend is an enjoyable book, but I just don't see how they could end it where they did. Worst of all it caught me completely off guard because I was only 86% of the way through the book according to my Kindle. I can't believe I have to wait another year at minimum to learn what happens next. T ...more
Age of Legend is an enjoyable book, but I just don't see how they could end it where they did. Worst of all it caught me completely off guard because I was only 86% of the way through the book according to my Kindle. I can't believe I have to wait another year at minimum to learn what happens next. T ...more
Apr 20, 2019
Claudia
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
z-to-a-m-j-sullivan
My first time to the author’s Kickstarter project and I must say I’ll be a regular one from now on because I got to read this book three months before its official publication. Yey!
Sullivan’s books are like a cozy nook for me: comfortable, relaxing and mood improving, with extra bonuses such as joy, laugh and a great feeling overall.
This fourth installment makes no exception; I missed this universe and I’m thrilled two more books are following.
Unlike the previous volumes, this one ends with a cl ...more
Sullivan’s books are like a cozy nook for me: comfortable, relaxing and mood improving, with extra bonuses such as joy, laugh and a great feeling overall.
This fourth installment makes no exception; I missed this universe and I’m thrilled two more books are following.
Unlike the previous volumes, this one ends with a cl ...more
The good:
If you have been enjoying the Legends of the First Empire so far, you're probably going to enjoy this and the newish direction it takes. In a very positive way, it is more of the same with many of the same characters, dealing with the aftermath of the big blow-out of the previous book and learning how to move forward. Brin gets a lot of page-time and I, for the most part, enjoyed these parts more than the rest. Writing about writing is fun.
The bad, or rather, the indifferent:
I just coul ...more
If you have been enjoying the Legends of the First Empire so far, you're probably going to enjoy this and the newish direction it takes. In a very positive way, it is more of the same with many of the same characters, dealing with the aftermath of the big blow-out of the previous book and learning how to move forward. Brin gets a lot of page-time and I, for the most part, enjoyed these parts more than the rest. Writing about writing is fun.
The bad, or rather, the indifferent:
I just coul ...more
Feb 08, 2019
Audrey
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
2019-books
4.5 stars
Beta read: Jan to Feb 2019
Gamma read: April 2019
Me picking up a Michael Sullivan book:
The truth is that everyone can achieve greatness, but many don’t try because they think of themselves as merely ordinary.
This six-book series is sub-divided into two three-book arcs. This is the beginning of the second arc, which means the story heads into a very unexpected direction and has a bit of a cliffhanger. However, the next two books should be out rather quickly.
This volume focuses the most on ...more
Beta read: Jan to Feb 2019
Gamma read: April 2019
Me picking up a Michael Sullivan book:
The truth is that everyone can achieve greatness, but many don’t try because they think of themselves as merely ordinary.
This six-book series is sub-divided into two three-book arcs. This is the beginning of the second arc, which means the story heads into a very unexpected direction and has a bit of a cliffhanger. However, the next two books should be out rather quickly.
This volume focuses the most on ...more
RELEASE DAY!!!
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Michael J. Sullivan (MJS) is one of my favorite epic fantasy writers. He is dependable, great at tying threads together and always gives his reader something a little unexpected. Age of Legend is the fourth book in the the Legends of the First Empire series. This is technica ...more
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Everything is so obvious when you look back. It is the first time through the garden-of-fear-and-doubt that messes with your head.
— The Book of Brin
Michael J. Sullivan (MJS) is one of my favorite epic fantasy writers. He is dependable, great at tying threads together and always gives his reader something a little unexpected. Age of Legend is the fourth book in the the Legends of the First Empire series. This is technica ...more
Apr 14, 2019
Tim
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
reading-challenge-2019,
ebook,
fiction,
epic-fantasy,
fantasy,
books-i-own,
adventure,
magic,
hardcover,
riyria
OK I am definitely weak, yes I was a Kickstarter backer and I thought I could wait for the actual physical release of Age of Legend. But I guess not as I just went through the book this weekend. I mean what else was I going to do after a blizzard rolled through and dumped nearly 2 feet of snow and stranding us in...
********* WARNING THERE ARE MAJOR SPOILERS OF THE PRIOR BOOKS AHEAD ***********
[and I will try to keep other spoilers to a minimum since well this is still nearly 3 months prior to of ...more
********* WARNING THERE ARE MAJOR SPOILERS OF THE PRIOR BOOKS AHEAD ***********
[and I will try to keep other spoilers to a minimum since well this is still nearly 3 months prior to of ...more
4,5 stars
I. NEED. AGE. OF. DEATH. NOW!
- - -
No spoilers, just short rant, because that's what I do best.
Okay, so it's been some hours since i finished the book and I've been trying to, and failing, to gather my thoughts. It was a solid 4 through most of it, but the ending had me in pieces so bumped it up 0,5 stars and rounded up to a 5. It will likely remain at 5 because I'm still all over the place about it. It's not my favourite of the books, on the third place actually but it still deserves t ...more
I. NEED. AGE. OF. DEATH. NOW!
- - -
No spoilers, just short rant, because that's what I do best.
Okay, so it's been some hours since i finished the book and I've been trying to, and failing, to gather my thoughts. It was a solid 4 through most of it, but the ending had me in pieces so bumped it up 0,5 stars and rounded up to a 5. It will likely remain at 5 because I'm still all over the place about it. It's not my favourite of the books, on the third place actually but it still deserves t ...more
“Suri sat alone with a sword across her lap, staring at what most would call a dragon, but which the onetime mystic of Dahl Rhen saw as a fragment of her broken heart.”
The opening of a monumental work. As Sullivan explains in his Author’s Note, this book opens a trilogy similar to the three volumes of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The comparison is both apt and misleading. Apt because the struggle described is both intimate and cosmic, and misleading because Elan is a very different world th ...more
The opening of a monumental work. As Sullivan explains in his Author’s Note, this book opens a trilogy similar to the three volumes of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The comparison is both apt and misleading. Apt because the struggle described is both intimate and cosmic, and misleading because Elan is a very different world th ...more
After burning through all the of these in a week, I am a bit crushed that I must now wait. Time to reread the Royce and Hadrian escapades...
Edit: I helped to fund the Kickstarter, so I have access to the ebook format. Told myself I would wait for the print. Didn’t happen.
Obsessed?
Me?
Never.
But yes, I finished this book in less than 24 hours, so maybe.
This 4th installment is VERY different from the previous books in the series, both in content and style.
First, There are a few year/multi year time jumps, which is... hmmm. It’s necessary, I think, given the time period and methods of warfare, to show how much of a slog war can be. Bu ...more
Obsessed?
Me?
Never.
But yes, I finished this book in less than 24 hours, so maybe.
This 4th installment is VERY different from the previous books in the series, both in content and style.
First, There are a few year/multi year time jumps, which is... hmmm. It’s necessary, I think, given the time period and methods of warfare, to show how much of a slog war can be. Bu ...more
Arrgh!! I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars on this one. First, I love MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN!! Really. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Most everything I have read by him has been 5 stars or dang close to that. So I am a little tortured here because I didn't love this. That kills me a little on the inside.
This still had the same great characters, who were probably as tortured as I feel writing this. They were the characters I've come to love, and the relationships were developed. The wit and humor was there. However ...more
This still had the same great characters, who were probably as tortured as I feel writing this. They were the characters I've come to love, and the relationships were developed. The wit and humor was there. However ...more
Apr 14, 2019
Scott Pare
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
pleasure-reading,
fantasy
I loved it.
The only thing I have to say I didn't like . . .
IT WAS TOO SHORT.
I'm proud to have supported Michael in self-funding this book though and look forward to the next book in the series.
The only thing I have to say I didn't like . . .
IT WAS TOO SHORT.
I'm proud to have supported Michael in self-funding this book though and look forward to the next book in the series.
The end of the third book (Age of War) gave the reader a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to a wonderful trilogy.
But wait!
There's another THREE books to the series! At first I was a little worried that this book may feel a little forced and a little like flogging a dead horse continuing a story that was fairly well finished. I have never been so happy to be wrong!
While some of our MCs from previous books are no longer part of the story or have much smaller roles to play, this gives the perfect ...more
But wait!
There's another THREE books to the series! At first I was a little worried that this book may feel a little forced and a little like flogging a dead horse continuing a story that was fairly well finished. I have never been so happy to be wrong!
While some of our MCs from previous books are no longer part of the story or have much smaller roles to play, this gives the perfect ...more
Beta read, temporary review. The score I'm giving is for the book on its own. The book within the series is alas my least favorite so far, within the series it will have to be a 3/5, but that doesn't mean this is a bad book. In comparison to the others I found the delivery to be a bit lacking, I didn't feel satisfied when I finished the book. I think just one chapter more would have done it for me.
The story itself is a buildup to 2 separate events, both of which get answered in a way but leave ...more
The story itself is a buildup to 2 separate events, both of which get answered in a way but leave ...more
Intense ending to a fun book! Even forewarned of a cliffhanger it was still shocking. Also the whole book was wonderful and well done. Definitely 100% interesting. Great pacing, great characters. Not perfect (not enough Persephone!) and definitely very ambitious but I’m such a sucker for this world and I’m thrilled that each installment gets better and better. I can see readers having difficulty with the time jumps. But the war is LONG and I don’t want to read 5 years with no forward progress, s
...more
Not my favorite installment to the series but really good nonetheless. The pacing felt really fast and the (cliffhanger) ending snuck up on me before I knew it, so obviously now I'm dying for the next book!
Age of Legend by Michael J Sullivan
*****4.5*****
I was so excited to get my hands of this book and I am happy to say it did not disappoint. While I didn't find it quite as un-put-downable as some of the other installments, I thoroughly enjoyed my return journey into MJS' world. He had my emotions up within the first few pages.
Legend is the older, more mature sibling to the three previous books. Our favorite characters are all older and more mature with more adult worries plaguing them. We see re ...more
*****4.5*****
I was so excited to get my hands of this book and I am happy to say it did not disappoint. While I didn't find it quite as un-put-downable as some of the other installments, I thoroughly enjoyed my return journey into MJS' world. He had my emotions up within the first few pages.
Legend is the older, more mature sibling to the three previous books. Our favorite characters are all older and more mature with more adult worries plaguing them. We see re ...more
Apr 16, 2019
Wulf Krueger
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
0_wk_read_2019
“Time had sneaked in and stolen her recklessness.”
Michael J. Sullivan has done it again: He has written a book that doesn’t need to hide behind any other work in contemporary fantasy. His latest masterpiece, Age of Legend, the Kickstarter of which I had the honour to participate in, begins after the Battle of Grandford at the end of the previous book, Age of War.
This makes “Age of Legend” the fourth book in Michael’s “The Legends of the First Empire” series which I whole-heartedly recommend t ...more
Michael J. Sullivan has done it again: He has written a book that doesn’t need to hide behind any other work in contemporary fantasy. His latest masterpiece, Age of Legend, the Kickstarter of which I had the honour to participate in, begins after the Battle of Grandford at the end of the previous book, Age of War.
This makes “Age of Legend” the fourth book in Michael’s “The Legends of the First Empire” series which I whole-heartedly recommend t ...more
Gamma reader over here.
I’ve been enjoying Michael J. Sullivan’s work since I sampled The Death of Dulgath a few years ago. I’m ashamed to say that I still haven’t caught up on all of Royce and Hadrian’s adventures, and this is only my second Legends of the First Empire book. I read Age of War last year, also as a gamma reader. Predictably, since it was the third of a planned six-book series, it was a slightly overwhelming and confusing experience without any prior knowledge of the plot or charac ...more
I’ve been enjoying Michael J. Sullivan’s work since I sampled The Death of Dulgath a few years ago. I’m ashamed to say that I still haven’t caught up on all of Royce and Hadrian’s adventures, and this is only my second Legends of the First Empire book. I read Age of War last year, also as a gamma reader. Predictably, since it was the third of a planned six-book series, it was a slightly overwhelming and confusing experience without any prior knowledge of the plot or charac ...more
I give this book 4 stars not five, because most of action in the later parts is basen on one very stupid decision. And as most as I love all the characters, it's too obvious how easily all of what happened could be avoided. I can't write more to not spoil anything, but the main event leading to the adventure of our heroes seemed to me to be written this way only for them to have a reason to go into danger and it bothered me a little.
Despite this one issue I still really liked this book. It's har ...more
Despite this one issue I still really liked this book. It's har ...more
4/5
This was another excellent addition to the Legends series, but it did fall short of the other novels. I think it would have landed better with me to have a shorter novella bridging 3 and 4 since there was such a time gap early on in the book. The jump hurt my immersion in the world and made some of the character developments feel hollow. (view spoiler) ...more
This was another excellent addition to the Legends series, but it did fall short of the other novels. I think it would have landed better with me to have a shorter novella bridging 3 and 4 since there was such a time gap early on in the book. The jump hurt my immersion in the world and made some of the character developments feel hollow. (view spoiler) ...more
Over the last week, I have had the privilege of gamma reading Michael's latest installment of the First Empire series. Admittedly, I found the previous two novels somewhat lacking...and I'm not quite sure what wasn't clicking with me. I am starting to think it was because books 2&3, while interesting, are building blocks to get to the meat of the story. I won't assign fault to that at all. But let me tell you, Age of Legend definitely leaves you chewing on some wonderfully marbled meat.
Befo ...more
Befo ...more
Rating: 4.4/5
Review: It is interesting, at least to me, how all of the reviews that are 3 stars or less have no written content. Takes me back to the time I was a Beta reader for team Sullivan; when if you are more than honest about the content, you are summarily dismissed. As a lot of effort and time goes into Beta reading any expectations about receiving summary novels in the series are quickly quashed by the lack. Self-centered doesn’t quite describe that behavior but I suck too with having a ...more
Review: It is interesting, at least to me, how all of the reviews that are 3 stars or less have no written content. Takes me back to the time I was a Beta reader for team Sullivan; when if you are more than honest about the content, you are summarily dismissed. As a lot of effort and time goes into Beta reading any expectations about receiving summary novels in the series are quickly quashed by the lack. Self-centered doesn’t quite describe that behavior but I suck too with having a ...more
I read and listened interchangeably. Excellent 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ narration!! Good story, too, especially because Sullivan has a knack for creating a setting with a textured atmosphere and a sense of place. But IMO it’s the weakest of the four published thus far. I liked it, nonetheless, and am certainly intrigued by Trilos, Malcom, the Witch, and by Mawyndule’s servant, Treya. (Spelling??). I wonder where Malcolm went, and why he seemed concerned and caught by surprise. On the other hand, I was somewhat un
...more
This remains one of the most compelling and unique fantasy series I've ever read. Although this one started off a bit slower, due to a bit of jumping forward in time from the previous books, by the end I was transfixed, as usual. Thankful that the last two books of the series are coming even more quickly than the previous ones, and that this whole series will be out in the next year or so.
If you haven't already started reading these, it's time to rectify that!
If you haven't already started reading these, it's time to rectify that!
May 06, 2019
Chad Harrison
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy-fine
I'm always amazed by Michael J. Sullivan's books. There's something about the things that he chooses to focus on that irritates me. In the First Empire series it's, for some reason, ridiculous explanations of how a couple of people invented everything, from writing to archery to individual English words. It's just a side thing that pops up every once in a while, but man it gets on my nerves, and it makes the book lose a star. (Michael, I know how active you are on Goodreads, so if you're reading
...more
Once again I'm pulled wholehearted and headfirst into the Legends of the First Empire, and what a truly wonderful read this was! And as usual with Michaels books, there was laughter, suspense, anger, revelations and one or two (very manly) tears shed in the process.
Even though I was aware of the potential of a cliffhanger ending....wow, just wow!
Got this e-book as a backer of the Kickstarter, and can't wait to sign up for the next installment: Age of Death.
Even though I was aware of the potential of a cliffhanger ending....wow, just wow!
Got this e-book as a backer of the Kickstarter, and can't wait to sign up for the next installment: Age of Death.
This book isn't the best in the series to date...but it was definitely a necessary installment. It covers a lot of ground quickly and we were pre-warned that it skips ahead a number of years, which I think made the book feel like it was over too soon. Besides this, it was great to see our favourite characters grow and the world of Elan expand. You can tell there's still a lot to happen and I'm glad the last two books will be coming out in quick succession! And that ending.... sooo intense!!
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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| Fantasy Buddy Reads: Sullivan - Age of Legend [July 16, 2019] | 23 | 53 | Jul 18, 2019 10:19AM |
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The Age of Legend (one of Goodreads Hottest Releases of Summer) comes out July 9th in hardcover, ebook, and audio. Pre-order you copy now!
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I'm a New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post bestselling author with 7 Goodreads Choice Award Nominations.
I first opened the door to my imagination with typewriter key ...more
Thanks for visiting my page! Here are other sites where you can contact me.
I'm a New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post bestselling author with 7 Goodreads Choice Award Nominations.
I first opened the door to my imagination with typewriter key ...more
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The Legends of the First Empire
(6 books)
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“The dwarf?” Malcolm paused and thought a moment. “Well, I wasn’t referring to him specifically. But now that you bring it up, I should point out that you run the risk of painting a whole race with the same ugly brush, which could have unexpected consequences in the future.”
—
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“Pain, fear, drudgery, boredom, lots of boredom—these are the things that build character. And you need to experience loss and remorse because falling down gives you the opportunity to rise once more. Overcoming challenges turns a self-centered infant into a caring adult. Empathy—the ability to understand and appreciate the feelings of others—is the cornerstone of civilization and the foundation of our relationships. Lack of it . . . well, lack of empathy is as close to a definition of evil that I can come up with.”
—
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