Keith asked Michael J. Sullivan:

Hello! I have heard great things about your writing and am about to jump in! I was just wondering if there is a recommended reading order? Thanks!

Michael J. Sullivan Hey Keith, it can be confusing. Here's why. I have two series The Riyria Revelations and The Riyria Chronicles (and people are always getting the two confused - understandably). Revelations was written first and it was all I intended to write. But, after the series concluded my wife (and a large number of fans) became depressed because their adventures with Royce and Hadrian had ended. I wrote all six of those books before publishing the first one so the ending wraps up in what I think is a very satisfying way. I didn't want to spoil a good thing by "tacking on" to the end of that series, but then it came to me that since the duo in the books (Royce and Hadrian) had been together for twelve years before the start of book #1 I could go "the other way" and show how they met and their early adventures together.

So....it depends on what you prefer. If you like books in chronological order then this should be your reading order: The Crown Tower | The Rose and the Thorn | The Death of Dulgath | Theft of Swords | Rise of Empire | Heir of Novron. If, however, you prefer order of publication then you should go with: Theft of Swords | Rise of Empire | Heir of Novron | The Crown Tower | The Rose and the Thorn | The Death of Dulgath.

Personally, I think order of publication is the best so start with Theft of Swords. There are many reasons for this including (a) it's the order I expected people to meet the pair and I build their relationship and background a bit at a time across all six books (rather than front-loading in book #1) (b) you get two full length novels in each of the omnibus editions of Revelations so you get two for the price of 1 (c) I have some little Easter eggs in the Riyria Chronicle books for those who have read Revelations. They aren't major things - just little nods and winks to people who have read both.

That said, I've heard from many people who read chronologically and they say THAT is the best read to read them. So what do I know ;-)

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