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Avempartha (The Riyria Revelations, #2)

Michael J. Sullivan

Discussion: Nonlist book recommendations

Discussion leader: Ridan

Why we're reading this: A great follow-up to Michael's first book "The Crown Conspiracy" most critics have indicated this book ex…more
[close] A great follow-up to Michael's first book "The Crown Conspiracy" most critics have indicated this book exceeded their high expectations after reading book 1

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Nonlist book recommendations

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Feb 21, 2010 Todd Fonseca rated it really liked 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. After saving her life, Hadrian 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. After saving her life, Hadrian and Royce take on the assignment to save her father and her village. But what they find is something that normal weapons and men cannot kill. And suddenly the once peaceful village is overrun with knights in a kill or be killed Church sanctioned contest that seeks to find the emperor that will unite the land.

Many of the great characters which were so skillfully developed in The Crown Conspiracy are back in Michael Sullivan’s sophomore effort Avempartha. This book is a little different from the first. In Crown, what drove the story for me was the unknown of who were in fact the good guys and the bad guys, who was behind the king’s murder and why, along with the ingenious ways Hadrian and Royce frequently escaped impossible situations. Avempartha, on the other hand, builds suspense around if and how the beast terrorizing the village can be beaten and the mystery regarding a seemingly unreachable ancient and powerful Elven tower that holds the answers to this and many other questions.

Also returning in this book is the ancient and once powerful wizard Esrahaddon who seems at the center of events causing the thieves to wonder if somehow they are all being manipulated in some master plan only known by the wizard. It is clear to both of them, there is a lot more going on than what the wizard is telling them. The question is, what is he hiding and why?

Having read the next book in the series, Nyphron Rising, the world building and background elements introduced during this book take on adding flavor and meaning which is why I’m rating it 4.5 versus a 4. One should note, that both Crown and Avempartha can be read on their own each being complete offerings with very satisfactory conclusions. Together, however, along with Nyphron Rising, one immediately sees a rich tapestry being woven across the series which continues to build the suspense and intrigue of what is to come. This is a series not to be missed.
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Jul 21, 2009 Ridan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ridan-publishing

The secret is in the tower. The problem is the beast. The answer is two thieves.

ABOUT THE BOOK
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 breech 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 two thieves at the center of a The secret is in the tower. The problem is the beast. The answer is two thieves.

ABOUT THE BOOK
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 breech 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 two thieves at the center of a firestorm--that could change the future of Elan.

PART OF THE RIYRIA REVELATIONS

REVIEWS
"All in all, Avempartha is not only a great book in its own right, delivering on Michael's promise to give us stand-alones within a bigger story-arc, but it is also a better book than The Crown Conspiracy, showcasing Michael's crowing talents as an author who is sure to become a Name in the industry. Well worth a read!" -- Dave Brendon's Fantasy & Sci-fi Weblog

"Mr. Sullivan continues to impress. In Royce and Hadrian he has created some of the best characters the genre has seen in some time, and in Avempartha he shows that he knows what to do with them. These books should be in every bookstore and I really hope that they are someday." -- Speculative Fiction Junkie

"Avempartha is the second novel in The Riyria Revelations, but like the previous novel, The Crown Conspiracy, can as easily be read as a standalone. Also both novels offer a delightful reading, captivating adventures and a very interesting author. I am certain that I will hear more of Michael J. Sullivan in the future." -- Dark Wolf's Fantasy Reviews

"I was quite eager to see if the book would live up to the expectations raised by Mr. Sullivan's marvelous debut. I am happy to report that not only did "Avempartha" meet expectations, but it took the series to another level, ensuring that the future installments will
be must-reads." -- Fantasy Book Critic

"Avempartha is another strong entry that exceeds its predecessor in both depth and scope. The Riyria Revelations is shaping up to be one of the most original and entertaining fantasy series I've seen in years on par, and often better, than anything any of the major publishers have to offer. Get reading people!" -- King of the Nerds Fantasy Reviews

"I HIGHLY recommend both books, and cannot wait until the next is released! I have to also say that Michael J. Sullivan is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! I cannot wait to see what else he has in store!" -- Ramblings and More

"Avempartha is a worthy sequel to The Crown Conspiracy. In fact, I'd say it probably surpasses it. I definitely recommend this new series and I look forward to the third book, Nyphron Rising." -- The Deckled Edge

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