Sullivan, J Michael--Age of Myth informal buddy read starts June 4, 2018

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This thread is open to discuss Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan.



Synopsis
Michael J. Sullivan's trailblazing career began with the breakout success of his Riyria series: full-bodied, spellbinding fantasy adventures whose imaginative scope and sympathetic characters won a devoted readership and comparisons to fantasy masters Brandon Sanderson, Scott Lynch, and J.R.R. Tolkien himself. Now Age of Myth inaugurates another six-book series set in Elan.

Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever.

Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer; Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom; and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over. The time of rebellion has begun.

Don't miss any of Michael J. Sullivan's Legends of the First Empire novels: Age of Myth | Age of Swords | Age of War (Summer 2018) | Age of Legend (Summer 2019) | Age of Death (Spring 2020) Age of Empire (Fall 2020)

Best-seller lists, awards, and industry recognition:
Washington Post Bestseller (#2 Hardcover) | #1 Audible Bestseller | Barnes & Noble Bestseller in Science Fiction and Fantasy (July, August, & September 2016) | Audiofile Earphones Award Winner | Goodreads Choice Award Nominee | Named to 30+ Best-of or Most-anticipated lists including those compiled by Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, Audible, and Audiofile Magazine

Praise for Age of Myth:
"Sullivan brings his masterful world-building and agile imagination to bear on a host of interesting characters and a story that feels new and vibrant." -- Barnes and Noble Fantasy Blog

Age of Myth bears the hallmark storytelling genius that we have all come to love of Michael's work. It's fast-paced, intimate, and beautifully cultivated." -- Fantasy Book Review



"Age of Myth is an entertaining traditional fantasy action adventure epic with a few twists." -- SFF World

"The world-building is exemplary; the characters are as diverse as any group of people can produce-the good, the foolish, the arrogant, the brave, the corrupt, the vicious, the honorable. The plot is exciting and full of energy. I loved it." -- Book Garden

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

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[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

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[[deleted user]]

I’ll join in on this buddy read (Team Tonks). I love this author!

[Megan]

ooh I'm totally in for this one (Team Lupin) :D

[Karishma]

I'm in for this one but I will be starting a bit sooner.
(Team Tonks)

[Teddie]

I’m going to try to to this one - so many good BRs!! Ack

[Megan]

I started this one last night, loving the high fantasy setting so far!

[MelanieJoy]

I'm in for this one!

[Megan]

Finished this today! How's everyone else doing?

[[deleted user]]

I started then got distracted by other books. Will start again on Monday.

[Shannon]

I’ll join in if you guys move on to book 2. It’s just been sitting there staring at me dejectedly forever. Lol!

[Deanna]

Finished chapters 1 - 8.

This is my first book by Sullivan, so I don't really have any expectations at this point.

Raithe - (view spoiler)[He's a bit hard to read at this point. He seems to be more of a hunter and survivor than a warrior. He would probably be much more comfortable alone, but Malcolm certainly makes his life more interesting. (hide spoiler)]

Persephone - (view spoiler)[She deserves far better treatment for her years serving her people than she is receiving. I'm getting the impression that perhaps her husband didn't die from the bear, but from an attack of his own people. I admire her courage to want to try to save her people and to face her fear of the forest. (hide spoiler)]

Suri and the wolf are my favorite characters so far. Always doing and saying the unexpected.

Magda - (view spoiler)["Welcome the gods, Heal the injured, Follow the wolf?". I am underwhelmed at the prophecy, but then again prophecy often doesn't make sense at first. (hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

Deanna wrote: "Finished chapters 1 - 8.

This is my first book by Sullivan, so I don't really have any expectations at this point.

Raithe - [spoilers removed]

Persephone - [spoilers removed]

Suri and the wolf ..."

Magda - (view spoiler)[ I felt the same about Magda and the prophecy. Like, she's the main thing on the cover and I thought there might be more to her then those few words that only Suri can understand Maybe she will be more prominent in the future of the story (hide spoiler)]

[MelanieJoy]

I also just finished ch 1-8.

Fave character (view spoiler)[ honestly my favorite character right now is the Fhrey Arion. I know we only had 1 chapter focused on her so far but that storyling really intrigued me. I'm curious how it will overlap with Raithe and Persephone's story (hide spoiler)]

Ship idea (view spoiler)[ Does anyone else ship Raithe and Persephone? (hide spoiler)]

I also don't have any expectations, but in the author's note, Sullivan noted that he writes his whole series before publishing even the 1st book. This way he can wrap up all the of the storylines and make sure you can tie a bow on it when it's all said and done. And he said he's not rushed to complete deadlines this way either, because they're all written. I thought that was really interesting, and it helps me because even though I may not know where the story is going, I can trust the author to have a plan (even though who know if I'll like the plan or plot, haha).

[Deanna]

MelanieJoy wrote: "I also just finished ch 1-8.

Fave character [spoilers removed]

(view spoiler)[I am definitely curious as to how she will fit in with the overall story as well. Although just that brief chapter definitely makes it clear that the actions of the Fhrey along the border may eventually meet some opposition when there actions come to light. (hide spoiler)]

[Trinia]

Starting this one today!

[Shannon]

Deanna wrote: "Finished chapters 1 - 8.

This is my first book by Sullivan, so I don't really have any expectations at this point.

Raithe - [spoilers removed]

Persephone - [spoilers removed]

Suri and the wolf ..."

His Theft of Swords series is one of my favorites if just for the characters of Hadrian and Royce. This series is set in the same world but waaaayyyyyy earlier.

[MelanieJoy]

Finished through chapter 18

(view spoiler)[ Dang, it's getting intense but yeah it'll take a while to resolve. I definitely hate the narcissistic Gryndal and it looks like there's going to be a bunch of lives lost as he tries to assume the throne.

Does anyone know if Trilos is good or bad? It sounds like he's bad since he wants to wipe out a whole nation. (hide spoiler)]

Persephone is my favorite! She's strong and wise and doesn't back down. Good job on writing a strong female, Sullivan!! Props to you.

[Deanna]

After a couple of days dealing with garden produce, I managed to get through chapter 18 today as well.

Trilos - (view spoiler)[I have no idea if Trilos is good or bad. It seems to me the only thing he cares about is opening the doors; and if a war is required, then he is willing to start one. (hide spoiler)]

Arion - (view spoiler)[I was a little disappointed in her confrontation of Nyphron. She started with so many assumptions that she didn't give him a chance to truly explain his actions and the reasons behind them. It seems like they were so busy arguing history that they never got around to actual current events. (hide spoiler)]

Persephone - (view spoiler)[ is an amazing character, but I have a feeling her actions will come back against her once the Fhrey are gone and the new chief is back in charge. Although I would think it obvious that she is a much better leader, who actually cares for her people more than herself. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

MelanieJoy wrote: "Finished through chapter 18

Dang, it's getting intense but yeah it'll take a while to resolve. I definitely hate the narcissistic Gryndal and it looks like there's going to be a bunch of lives lo..."

I agree with your perception of Gryndal. Although it's pretty arrogant of him to accept being called another boulder after Trilos story about the first one.

[Trinia]

I'm listening to the audiobook story. I have the ebook and usually try to read along.. especially with such "foreign" names. But I've been too busy to pick it up. Which means, I'm finding so many characters tough to follow. I appreciate having this buddy read and from your previous comments it sounds like characters intentions aren't very clear.
What I do know is that I agree with Persephone, she is a great character and I appreciate that she isn't a teenage girl. Seems like so many books these days have a teenage girl as the MC. They are fun, but I'm ready for a more mature character.

I enjoyed the beginning with Raithe and Malcolm. After all the other characters got involved, I've had some trouble following. I'm planning on pushing through and hoping things become more clear ;D

[MelanieJoy]

It's a very witty book, so if you follow along well you'll catch the dry humor. Also the book tries to accomplish a lot, it has to set up the series and build the world so we just get hints of each character. But he does a good job with just starting out. I'm looking forward to Age of Swords, book 2. He wrote that it was his favorite of all of them.

[Trinia]

Melanie, I can definitely see that. And I listened to his foreword where he explained how he writes all of his books before they are released. I thought that was pretty smart! I always wondered how authors had so much forethought for a series! He seems to have the solution.
I can see that I will re-read this book again , especially before going onto #2.
Also, just realized my audiobook is off on chapter count... I’m just starting chapter 18. So may have added to my “confusion”... lol

[Teddie]

Trinia wrote: "What I do know is that I agree with Persephone, she is a great character and I appreciate that she isn't a teenage girl."

Totally agree - enjoying that aspect as well.

I really like Theft of Swords as well. This book took me a little longer to get into - really started happening when everyone was together in the village - Sullivan does dialogue and character building well. I am interested to see where he takes the element of race vs tribe vs clan aspect.

Interesting that they say Fhrey can't kill each other - must be an exception in Fane challenges then?

[Trinia]

Teddie-I just finished Chapter 17, and it almost sounds like they’re saying it’s more of an unspoken rule rather than an impossibility for Fhrey to kill Fhrey . Is that how you interpreted it too?

[Teddie]

Trinia wrote: "Teddie-I just finished Chapter 17, and it almost sounds like they’re saying it’s more of an unspoken rule rather than an impossibility for Fhrey to kill Fhrey . Is that how you interpreted it too?"

I first thought it was just a rule or tradition - and it probably is - but it's ambiguous ... maybe another myth that they've grown to accept, like the fhreys being gods.

[Deanna]

It seemed to me that it was law with only the one in charge able to make exceptions. (view spoiler)[Of course, then he goes and tells Gryndal to kill whomever he deems it necessary to kill without any kind of hearing or trial. I'm not at all impressed with the current leader. (hide spoiler)]

[Trinia]

I think your right Deanna... so I guess that would make it a “spoken” rule instead of my previously stated “unspoken” rule ;D

[Megan]

I was really pleasantly surprised by the humour aspect of the writing! Most high fantasy novels tend to be quite serious but I found myself laughing a few times in this, mostly at Malcom's dry humour.

Also, I definitely agree with how nice it is to have more mature MCs!

[Deanna]

Megan wrote: "I was really pleasantly surprised by the humour aspect of the writing! Most high fantasy novels tend to be quite serious but I found myself laughing a few times in this, mostly at Malcom's dry humo..."

The humor was definitely a surprise. Even Raithe manages a bit of humorous sarcasm a few times that had me laughing.

[Deanna]

Finished!

Raithe - (view spoiler)[I think Persephone would be a good match for him. I hope she comes around eventually. I liked that in the end it was Raithe who ended up taking down Gryndal. I think that will be important as the series progresses, and war begins. (hide spoiler)]

Konniger - (view spoiler)[I suspected that he might have killed his chief to take his position, but I was surprised at the story where he took the baby into the woods. It makes me wonder if he would have made different choices if he had never been put in that position. (hide spoiler)]

Arion - (view spoiler)[I was glad to see her finally come around and realize that the villagers were worth protecting. Honestly, there were be no chance of victory without her. (hide spoiler)]

Suri - (view spoiler)[I was so glad that she finally found out who her parents are, and I hope she is able to settle in the village more comfortably. (hide spoiler)]

Nyphron - (view spoiler)[I suspected that Nyphron might be conniving, but I was surprised that Malcolm was working for him. It will be interesting to see if his final goal ends up changing over time. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I’m so late but I just finished the first 10 chapters. It was hard for me to get into this book because it wasn’t as fun and funny as the other books by this author. I guess I just miss the camaraderie of Royce and Hadrian. But now I am hooked into the story. I love Suri and Malcolm. (view spoiler)[ I was disappointed when Suri left Persephone at the Black tree so I’m happy that she came back to rescue the group! Persephone is driving me a little bonkers. She thinks she’s smart but she doesn’t wonder who sent the three men to kill her? And she thinks Raithe can kill nine Fhrey? And did she forget Magda’s instructions to welcome the gods that quickly? Ugh! But I think I’m going to like Nyphron. He seems honorable and reasonable. (hide spoiler)]

I also see hints of things that show up in the later books in this world which is very cool!

[[deleted user]]

Deanna wrote: "Finished chapters 1 - 8.

This is my first book by Sullivan, so I don't really have any expectations at this point.

Raithe - [spoilers removed]

Persephone - [spoilers removed]

Suri and the wolf ..."


Regarding Persephone (view spoiler)[ as soon as the guys appeared at the bottom of the waterfall I knew they were there to kill her! And I suspect they killed the chief as well. Treachery! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

MelanieJoy wrote: "I also just finished ch 1-8.

Fave character [spoilers removed]

Ship idea [spoilers removed]

I also don't have any expectations, but in the author's note, Sullivan noted that he writes his whole..."


I agree that it’s nice to know that the author has already wrapped up all the loose ends so the end of the series should be very satisfying.

[Deanna]

Talia wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Finished chapters 1 - 8.

This is my first book by Sullivan, so I don't really have any expectations at this point.

Raithe - [spoilers removed]

Persephone - [spoilers removed]

Sur..."

Persephone - (view spoiler)[All the clues definitely pointed to treachery long before Persephone ever realized what was going on. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I finished chapters 11-20. I am liking Persephone a little more now. Still love Suri, and Minna is becoming a favorite! I was a little bored with Arion's chapters (view spoiler)[ so I'm glad she is with Persephone and the others now to make her more interesting. I thought the humans might have found a way to get rid of the Fhrey's Art powers, but she'll probably get it back now that Suri told her it will come back - darn! And that scene cracked me up whe Arion was giving her long spiel to Nyphron and then Malcolm just conks her on the head and knocks her out, and then Raithe is like we really need to talk about you and your knocking people out with rocks. Ha! (hide spoiler)]

Very much disliking Gryndal, and Mawyndule seems like a foolish pawn that is going to be played and used. Lothian doesn't seem too bright either.

The prophecy - (view spoiler)[ I'm glad they're figuring it out! Nice job, Persephone! Now where are they going to have to follow Minna to? And what is Maeve up to with that bear!? (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

MelanieJoy wrote: "Finished through chapter 18

Dang, it's getting intense but yeah it'll take a while to resolve. I definitely hate the narcissistic Gryndal and it looks like there's going to be a bunch of lives lo..."

I can't figure Trilos out, but he is making me want to know what is behind that door!

[Teddie]

Talia wrote: "MelanieJoy wrote: "Finished through chapter 18

Dang, it's getting intense but yeah it'll take a while to resolve. I definitely hate the narcissistic Gryndal and it looks like there's going to be ..."

Me too! He seems older than the others - maybe age has made him a little eccentric. Looking forward to learning more in the next book.