Theft of Swords - Book 1 - Chapters 1-3

[Kristina]

Here is where we can discuss Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan book 1, chapters 1-3.
DO NOT post any spoilers from further along in the book, this is just for book 1, chapters 1-3.

[Shaad]

The first three chapters of this book quite long but it was completely worth it! This book seems very easy to read it literally rolls off the tongue! I am completely invested in the charcters and the story! Can't wait to read more and hopefully learn more about the magic in future! Just a great start!

[Kristina]

So far I am really digging all these characters!

Who do you trust? I have no idea!
Is Alric going to work with Hadrian and Royce? I have no idea!
Did Arista betray her brother? I have no idea!
Are Alenda and Ballentyne important to this story? I have no idea!

I do know that I was pulled in though. And Hadrian and Royce? Love them!

[Shaad]

Kristina wrote: "So far I am really digging all these characters!

Who do you trust? I have no idea!
Is Alric going to work with Hadrian and Royce? I have no idea!
Did Arista betray her brother? I have no idea!
Are..."

For me Alric choice is quite clear because he hs no choice in the matter but other that I agree! Arista seems like a very intriguing it so true she could go wither way!

[Kristina]

Shaad wrote: "For me Alric choice is quite clear because he hs no choice in the matter but other that I agree! Arista seems like a very intriguing it so true she could go wither way! "

Right, I just meant, his going to willingly help them or remain in that kidnapped sort of frame of mind.

[Daniela]

I'm also enjoying the book so far and I already adore both Hadrian and Royce! For some reason I think Arista is being genuine about her brother, although it is clear she knows much more than what she let Hadrian and Royce know. I'm really curious to find out more of what's going to happen in the story.

[Kristina]

Daniela wrote: "I'm also enjoying the book so far and I already adore both Hadrian and Royce! For some reason I think Arista is being genuine about her brother, although it is clear she knows much more than what s..."

Me too. From the very first section I was like, "Oh yeah, Hadrian and Royce are awesome!"

"Invest in crossbows. Next time stay hidden and just put a couple bolts into each of your targets' chest. All this talking is just stupid."
~Royce

Oh my goodness, I laughed so hard.

[Casey]

I agree that Hadrian and Royce are awesome. From the start I had a feeling that Arista was genuine. Alric grew on me. Of course, I didn't like him in the beginning though. But he didn't put up as much a fight as I thought he would. I really like Gwen. I know we haven't read much on her but for some reason her character really stuck out to me. I hope that we get move into her story.

[Michael]

Glad to hear people are enjoying the read - there will indeed be more of Gwen - and in fact the new books coming out this summer (The Crown Tower Aug 6 and The Rose and the Thorn Sep 17) both feature her very prominently.

[Casey]

Yay! That's what I like to hear.

[[deleted user]]

I really like this so far. Reminds me of the classic sword and sorcery books that I love. A fun swashbuckling adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously. I love the leads and their bantering relationship. My favorite is Royce though. There's always something about the thief.
I like Arista and Alric. I get an honest vibe from them both. But what about the uncle? Can't remember his name... Not sure I trust him.

[Kristina]

Traci L. wrote: "I really like this so far. Reminds me of the classic sword and sorcery books that I love. A fun swashbuckling adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously."

That is one of the things I liked a lot about it too. It reminds me a lot of
The Legend of Eli Monpress by Rachel Aaron for some reason, except that that one had a lot more magic right from the beginning, and I really liked that series as well.

[Drake]

I finally got a chance to do some reading this week!

I realize I am behind and most of you are probably done with this whole book, but what the hey. Maybe I'll just talk to myself here and make comments in reply to the posts past-you-guys made.

So about the book... I really like how the story began with Royce and Hadrian being "robbed." I felt it did a good job of showing me the relationship Royce and Hadrian have with each other, as well as how capable (or rather confident as nothing actually happened) they are as fighters. That allowed me to continue the first three chapters with an understanding that these guys made a pretty special/dangerous team.

Although the book is just under way, I am a fan of Royce and Hadrian's banter. It's a good time. So I'm looking forward to more of that throughout this book.

So far it is a fun read and I look forward to the free time I have to continue it.

P.S. so far my favorite of the two is Hadrian. Mainly because he's a baller.

[Shaad]

I agree! I thought the beginning was awesome! It just throws you into the action right away! Many fantasy books take longer to develop! It was just a nice and fun read! I am actually about to start book 2 but feel free to comment. I am fine with discussing the previous months book because we are almost in June!

[[deleted user]]

Drake - I'm trying to finish another book and I started this one late. No way will I be done by the end of the month. Going to finish it this weekend.

[Kristina]

Traci L. wrote: "Drake - I'm trying to finish another book and I started this one late. No way will I be done by the end of the month. Going to finish it this weekend."

I am in the same boat Traci! Hahah
Almost done with Theft of Swords, still haven't started Promise of Blood, in the middle of 5 other books as well. >_<
#BibliophileProblems haha

[[deleted user]]

There aren't enough days in a month - and there are always too many books...

[Drake]

I feel the same way, Traci. I wish I was a faster reader. I have so many books on my shelf I want to get through.

Well don't feel like you guys need to relive this book if you're on to the next. I'm only on chapter four. But I appreciate the company on my journey through this read. I don't know if you're planning on moving these threads, or deleting them, or whatever you'll do once this month is over, but don't worry about me. If they're up here, I'll post in them, if you need to get rid of them to clear space for next month's reads, that's cool too.

On a side note about the book: I really liked the scene with Alric in the boat. When Alric was trying to make the initial case about his sister's plot to get rid of him, I was like, "haha Alric, you're so STUPID!" But then he started raising some good points and I thought to myself, "well... eh... maybe." I love how the author was able to take me through the same emotions Royce and Hadrian were feeling. I felt so manipulated! That scene was pretty legit.

[[deleted user]]

I thought that too. I believed Arista and thought Alric was being a stubborn fool. But then... Arista does seem clever enough for a ploy like that. Although, at this point I'm not ruling out Alric himself either.

[Shaad]

@drake will just be moving the threads down! They will not be deleted so you can still post on them! It is just the June reads will be higher on the threads list! Also I actually really liked that scene it made me laugh it made alric naive in the beginning but then he did actually make some valid points!

[Kristina]

I'll still check threads for the books we've finished, we're just moving them down to the bottom. =)

Also...

[Shaad]

Totally there is no possible way to finishe your reading list just because the fact news books are always released! Then there always classics to read and so many other books!

[Michael]

Glad everyone is enjoying the read. Here is a bit of the "behind the scenes" for you.

Originally, the book started with section 2 of chapter 1...where Archibald is reading the letters and waiting for Victor to arrive. My thought was to make it be like a TV series where you "see the crime" but not who committed it.

I thought it was actually kind of new and different not showing the main characters right off...but then...I started getting some feedback that people thought Archie was the main character of the book and people didn't like him (which of course they weren't supposed to). Doh! That wasn't my intention.

So when the series was bought by the publisher, they suggested that I show Royce and Hadrian scaling the tower (rather than recounting it in the Dark room later). This way they would be seen "first."

I really didn't like that idea, but agreed that I needed something that would showcase the two early on.

Years earlier when I was working on Nyphron Rising, my wife asked me to write an additional scene. She was concerned because in that book Hadrian was going through a bit of a midlife crisis and because he was considering leaving Riyria the book wasn't as much "fun" as the other two. So we wanted me to right something that "brought the fun" - I wrote a scene (very similar to what is in there now) but after I finished it she agreed with me that it just didn't fit in that book.

While I was trying to rack my brain with a new start to The Crown Conspiracy - that scene popped into my head. It was so OBVIOUS! So with a little re-writing I made it the new start of the book - I think that was really a much better way to start things out.

[Kristina]

Michael wrote: "Glad everyone is enjoying the read. Here is a bit of the "behind the scenes" for you..."

I love it! I love behind the scenes info, thanks Michael! I think you chose wisely, I loved the beginning and immediately fell in love with Royce and Hadrian and wanted to keep going. =)

[Shaad]

Kristina wrote: "Michael wrote: "Glad everyone is enjoying the read. Here is a bit of the "behind the scenes" for you..."

I love it! I love behind the scenes info, thanks Michael! I think you chose wisely, I loved..."

I agree I think that was perfect place to start. Right from the beginning you get the light and fun feeling and you just want to keep going. Thanks for the behind the scenes look into the writing process its always great to know what an author when writing the novel.

I started book 2 I got a little different vibe from it. I will go into more detail in Rise of Empire discussions.

[Rachel]

Michael wrote: "Glad everyone is enjoying the read. Here is a bit of the "behind the scenes" for you.

Thank you for the behind the scenes, Michael! I was hooked right from the start. Archie is wonderfully despicable and Royce and Hadrian are my favorite fantasy heroes to date! Like Shaad, I am currently in Rise of Empire and will enjoy discussing more in that thread. I am thoroughly enjoying this world and characters, incredibly fun!

[Drake]

Michael wrote: "Glad everyone is enjoying the read. Here is a bit of the "behind the scenes" for you.

Originally, the book started with section 2 of chapter 1...where Archibald is reading the letters and waiting ..."

I too am glad you chose to begin the story as you did. It quickly allowed me to understand a little about Royce and Hadrian and how the characters within the world viewed them and their abilities. It set the stage pretty nicely, in my opinion. Thank you for sharing. I think it is beyond cool you would take the time to accompany us through our own journey with Royce and Hadrian. I look forward to reading your other comments you have posted throughout the discussion threads here.

[Daniela]

Michael wrote: "Glad everyone is enjoying the read. Here is a bit of the "behind the scenes" for you.

Originally, the book started with section 2 of chapter 1...where Archibald is reading the letters and waiting ..."

This is great, Michael! Same as the others I also agree it was the perfect start for the book and just made me want more of Royce and Hadrian. I'm starting with Rise of Empire now and I'm really looking forward to finding out more of this world you created!

[Michael]

Yeah, I think for me the nice thing about it was seeing a bit of their dynamic. Hadrian trying to play "peacemaker" Royce's impatience with the interruption. Plus it was just plain fun to write.