Theft of Swords (The Riyria Revelations, #1-2) in /r/Fantasy Discussion Group

Jan 15, 2014 Kylara Jensen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: assassins, cops-and-robbers, upside-down-tropes

This book (actually this was two books, but they went together pretty well, so I see why they are bound together) was totally awesome. It had just the right amount of nerve affecting plot to keep me turning pages and light-hearted humor to make me happy to o so. I loved the strong, interesting characters, and the humorous banter. This book actually mildly reminds me of early David Eddings books, but more a more grown up version. I just love books that have funny lines, especially when it doesn't This book (actually this was two books, but they went together pretty well, so I see why they are bound together) was totally awesome. It had just the right amount of nerve affecting plot to keep me turning pages and light-hearted humor to make me happy to o so. I loved the strong, interesting characters, and the humorous banter. This book actually mildly reminds me of early David Eddings books, but more a more grown up version. I just love books that have funny lines, especially when it doesn't seem forced. Anytime something seemed like it might be to grim there was humor or light-heartedness, and I actually really like that.

Don't get me wrong; that doesn't mean this isn't a serious book. I love the plot and how all these elements are just woven together. Some characters get good character development and there are strong female characters and sticky situations.

At one point I realized a thief, a warrior, a scholar and a king were on a quest and they meet up with a wizard and there is a search for a long lost heir going on and I was like What?! Because this is totally a typical fantasy trope but it doesn't feel tired or overused at all. I love books that use tropes in someway unexpected. But seriously I really enjoy where this series is going.

A note about the reading order: This book was written first, but there is a prequel series out now. I read that prequel book first and I wished I'd read this book first. However, reading this book, I'm glad I had read that other book. I knew little insights and things. However, overall, I think this is probably the series to start with, because I want to go back and re-read the prequel so I can appreciate it fully. I think they are tied together amazingly well. I never would have known this book was written first because it mentions so many things from the prequel.

The main reason I liked that I had read the prequel first is that this book feels like you are starting in the middle of things. Like you don't know the land or the characters and you are so very slowly introduced to both. However I like that. there aren't any infodumps about the land or the characters. You just slowly get to know them. It's fun.

Anyway, I really highly recommend these books for people who enjoy epic fantasy but don't like being bogged down with heavy dreary things and enjoy shenanigans. ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Sep 17, 2018 Alex Moore rated it really liked it

Light and fun yet generic western fantasy. I found the world building very uninspired and the characters far too competent and gary-stu perfect. There wasn't a plot twist that wasn't telegraphed from a million miles away. And yet I want to continue simply because it was enjoyable to read and the hint that things will become a lot more interesting as the plot and the world-building expand. ...more

Like · see review