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

Dec 27, 2012 Mogsy rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook, epic, thieves, fantasy, action-adventure

I must have had these individual books on my Kindle for a while, picked up back when they were still independently published, but didn't begin reading this series until last weekend when my family and I went on a road trip and decided to listen an audiobook in the car to while away the hours. Now that they've been republished in collections by Orbit, Audible had these books available as well.

Well, I'm really glad I chose this one. Both stories (The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha) were so riveti I must have had these individual books on my Kindle for a while, picked up back when they were still independently published, but didn't begin reading this series until last weekend when my family and I went on a road trip and decided to listen an audiobook in the car to while away the hours. Now that they've been republished in collections by Orbit, Audible had these books available as well.

Well, I'm really glad I chose this one. Both stories (The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha) were so riveting that the time just flew by. Before we knew it, 8 hours had already passed and we were at our destination. I wish I had started reading these books earlier. It's a bit surprising to me now that these weren't picked up by a major publisher until much later, as I have to say the quality is so much better than a lot of other fantasy out there, even some of the stuff by established and well-known authors.

While these books fall pretty neatly under the category of traditional fantasy and though I wouldn't say there's anything in particular to rave about, I must say I've enjoyed everything I've read so far. The language and casual flow of the writing makes this an easy read, and on the whole the mood is light-hearted with a pair of protagonists that are witty and very likeable. The setting is again very traditional as far as the fantasy genre goes, but I'm impressed by the world's rich history and traditions.

The Riyria are thieves for hire, and their talents are so legendary that even the lords and nobility use them for jobs. The Crown Conspiracy introduces the master swordsman Hadrian and the light-footed and quick-fingered thief Royce, who find themselves framed for the death of a king. In Avempartha, our heroes are hired to break into an inaccessible tower to steal a sword, the only weapon capable of slaying a magical beast that has been terrorizing the nearby countryside.

They're both your straightforward adventure "quest" stories, complete with dwarves, elves and a wizened wizard that most fantasy readers will recognize, but there was enough mystery and intrigue to keep things fresh and me guessing. Also, I just can't stress enough how much I love these characters. A king, a princess, a wizard, a monk, a farm girl, a couple thieves...it would easy to dismiss all of these as hackneyed archetypes, but that would be a mistake because they will surprise you at every turn. ...more

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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

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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

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Jun 17, 2012 Dustin marked it as to-read

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