Fantasy Book Club Series discussion
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Heir of Novron
The Riyria Revelations
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Series as a whole - Through Book #6: MANY SPOILERS ALERT
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Helen
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rated it 5 stars
Mar 12, 2012 01:06PM
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I just finished your series and was super sad that it was over. I was really surprised by how attached to the characters I had become by the end. The series started off kind of light and surface level I thought, but the depth that was created throughout the series really got me emotionally involved with the characters and the world in general. Awesome set of books man, I hope you continue writing I think you have a knack for it. Also being able to come here and read all your commentary on the boards has really just left me feeling all warm and fuzzy. Great author, great guy.
I have now finished reading the series for the 2nd full time. I am so hooked. I just want more. I am so in love with Hadrian. I wish I were Arista right now. I truly love the partnership between Royce and Hadrian. They are so real to me. Their banter and friendship really comes home to me. I'm an idealist and romantic in the worst way. I live with my sister who is a rational: intelligent, cool headed, and some times down right cold. She is always shaking her head at me. Just like Royce does to Hadrian, and I'm always trying to convenience her of the good in life.Reading the series the second time through really brought out the "Easter eggs", hidden hints and treats, that were missed in the first reading. So I really recommend dousing yourself a 2nd time. I found it even more enjoyable then the first time which I didn't think possible.
In the first reading I had actually guessed that Mercy was Royce's daughter in book three. But did not see Royce as the Heir until Arcadius went to the Regents with his story of Modena adopting his child. I actually yelled allowed "How stupid can you be"
By the end of the series I realized that Arcadius was the most evil of all the characters in the tale. Not only did he betray the Heir and the guardian 42 years ago for his own gain. He was doing so again with the next two generations. A true snake in the nest.
Some one earlier had asked how Gwen could have kept the secret of her pregnancy from our boys especially if Albert Winslow had known. I say that Albert never knew. He had set up the job that went bad in Alburn. I'll bet that he then spent a lot of time and effort distracting the lords of Alburn to keep our boys necks from stretching while in the dungeons. I well imagine there were a few failed escape attempts and that made it even harder to keep the boys alive. Latter he would have to worm is way into the good graces of Genny and Leo, the Duke and Duchess, to ultimately get them out. (That is a story I want to read.)
There is so much more to talk about. I love everything people have said. Mr Sullivan please write us more. I'm a true fan.
Laura
@Laura, Nice! I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much. I think you may be the first person I've heard of that has re-read after reading the last one, so I'm glad to hear the Easter Eggs really do shine - as that had been my hope, and design, since day one.
Wow - you figured out the Royce/Mercy connection really early.
I must have missed the comment about Albert knowing...you are correct Albert didn't know.
Glad to hear you want more Laura...if enough people ask - then I will ;-) Just as long as I can do so in a way that it doesn't "spoil" what is already out there.
Dear Sir Michael,I Knight you! You are wonderful.
Well you introduced a five your old with dark hair and cat like reflexes early on. Why would you do that with out reason. Then only a chapter later you tell us Riyria spent a year in jail starting six years before. Now I work in a hospital with pregnant ladies every day. I saw the connection right off. The knowledge did not impede my reading at all. If anything I saw some Easter eggs early on and grinned to myself at the knowing.
Something had been bothering me through out the second reading that was never answered. The mid-wife had named her son after a sign post "Degan street". So where did the real heir get his name? I was thinking the midwife raised him until about the age of eight. When she probably met a man and had a child of her own. This man, Degan's father, hated the Eight year old child and through him out on the street. So the name of the heir had me wondering. I finally went to book of names and meanings and looked up(----) and WOW did that hit me. So obvious and yet so subtle.
Now I see from comments above that it did not happen the way I was thinking. So there is more story you will have to tell us.
Love love love you Sir Michael
Laura
I can not stopping thinking about all the wonderful moments in the series. I laughed and cried in so many places. I have to tell you the most sensitive moment for me was with Royce staring out the window of the inn and seeing a telling moment in his childhood. I had tears streaming down my checks. Then Myron steps in with the most caring discussion in the whole book. At that moment I actually thought Myron was the God Kile. How can anyone else be so insightful. At the very last words a white feather falls and behold it was not Myron. I was overjoyed. Myron was a real person. The second reading of the last book had a whole new outlook for me. Riyria save the world without Kile being there. Also I felt more appreciative of Modina remaining empress, Kile had worked hard to train her into that position so all was right in the world.I bow before the greatness of Sir Michael.
Laura
So it is Memorial day weekend and I am watching on the real news tall ships sailing into Chesapeake harbor. But my mind is on the Emerald Storm. Royce is in the rigging, Hadrian is at the rail, Wyatt at the helm, and Wesley on the quarterdeck with his spyglass. What can I say. I'm a total romantic. I loved every moment of your series.Laura
This is a nice site! I just stumbled across it as I finished Heir of Novron and hopped onto Goggle with the search question: "Who was Nimbus". Unfortunately, I am still not sure of that answer...I understand that he is the same fellow that befriended Royce and made the blade. Royce recognized him instantly. Ok, so why does Royce ask at the very end, "So who are you really?" and Nimbus replies "you already know that"So, what am I missing?
But anyway, I just gave the book 5 stars on amazon because it was fun, addictive, well paced, and full of imaginative plot layers that I found to be good, well planned twists. I learned to trust the author wasn't going to throw in stupid plot twists that had no basis/development in past books.
I am a middle aged science fiction fan who especially like military scify, and mostly feel as though I've "outgrown" being able to enjoy most fantasy genre. In this series, I felt the weaknesses (for me) were
1) the "magic system" allowed Arista to "feel her way" from making people sneeze, to shape shifting (disguise),to healing, to wielding massive elemental forces. I understand magic being an "art", and she had long talks with Esra, but this element just didn't play well for me.
2) In the second book (compilation), I honestly found myself wishing Arista would just get killed as a result of her long list of stupid decisions/actions. By ignoring her history ("development"), I was able to enjoy her role in the final book though.
3) I had to consciously ignore the long list of amazing coincidences that kept saving everyone.
I think that if this author ever dicides to take off the gloves and write some seriously hardcore fantasy (ie Game of Thrones) or scify (Honor Harrinton), it could be truely awsome. But for now, thank you for writing a fun story that kept me turning the pages, and even thinking about it while at work =)
Hey Laura,I was away over the holiday, then finishing up the last edits on a second book in a series so not on goodreads. So I finished that today and what do I see? Such nice posts here! Thanks so much - I thrive on hearing that people loved the story - so thank you for giving me some fuel. Now to decide what to write next....
Hi Michael,I read about your weekend at the con and I laughed. I have worked a dealers room myself so I understand the Alcatraz tour statement. It's wonderful that you are receiving well earned recognition. A friend had recommended your books to me. However, until the pages are personally experience you just are not sure what to expect. Now I have highly recommended this story line to at least ten people. (I made them all purchase their own copies). Three of them are nearly finished and two of them are just starting the first book. I laugh at their excitement and the questions they pose to me. Man is it hard to not give away hints. My copies of the books have a space on my book shelf, next to Tolkien, Mary Stewart, Anne McCaffrey, and Katherine Kurtz, but the funny thing is, they won't stay there. They keep leaping back onto my night stand and opening up to my favorite scenes. Some I might have read at least five of six times now. I'm not an obsessive person. This is highly unusual for me. But I have to thank you because I am still enjoying every second of it.
Thank you again and again.
Please keep writing
Laura
P.S. I am still in love with Hadrian.
Thanks Laura,If you think it is hard not letting any cats out of the bag with your friends...trying being me...or my wife. It was so difficult during the times we couldn't say anything, and one of the reasons why forums like this are so nice as I don't have to censor myself.
I'm glad the books have such a great space on the shelf...and also that they sneak off of it - That's a spell that I had Arista put on them, btw...she's learning some new tricks.
Thanks so much for recommending to others. And yes I'll keep writing. Starting to get a following is very addictive.
Laura,Was just re-reading some of your comments.
In regards to Royce's youth, there is most certainly a lot missing. The midwife did not raise him. Someone else stepped in and saved the little child from death. If you know the series, and were clever enough to guess Mercy's identity, than you should be able to guess the name of the person who saved the infant Royce from abandonment, as it could only have been one person. And yes, that's who named him.
I loved that you found the actual definition of the name.
As for Albert masterminding the imprisonment of Royce and Hadrian in Blythin Castle...I'm afraid not. Albert simply isn't that smart or capable. To quote Indiana Jones, "He get's lost in his own museum." Albert is gifted when manipulating his way through the pretentious world of nobility. He can usually tell when a person is lying, but he has no ability to manipulate events to that scale, and he would be terrified to do so. Betraying Royce in such a manner would be like playing Russian Roulette with five bullets loaded in a six chamber pistol, and Albert is a coward at heart.
Now if this ever gets made into a movie, and if the actor portraying Hadrian does even a passingly decent job, I fear he may be mobbed by women for the rest of his life, for you are not the only one who has fallen for him.
Good afternoon Michael,I am grateful that you read my posts. I was so happy when I found a sight I could read and chat about a favorite book series without worrying about spoilers. I hope if anyone reads this they have already read your books, all six. I'm not sure if anyone else has been on this chat in the last two weeks but I was amazed and excited to find you, the author, here. And yes I told everyone at work. LOL.
I love the definition of the true heirs name. I have not said it here because I want others to get curious and look it up themselves. That "WOW!" "Ah-ha" moment was wonderful.
Now as for Albert Winslow, I think you misunderstood my thinking; I never thought Albert would set up Royce or Hadrian. Of course Albert had Nothing to do with getting our heroes thrown in the dungeon. Did they mess up on their own? I do not know, you will have to tell us. I just feel that Albert would have felt bad because he had gotten them the job. He would then have spent the entire year trying to save them and get them out. Yes, he is coward at heart, most of us in the real world are. That is why heroes are so special and fun to discover. I think of Albert like a marketing manager of a small business. He knows what his bosses are capable of, Royce and Hadrian. He also knows the needs and weaknesses of his clients, the nobles. A coward yes, but not stupid. He knows without his bosses he is back in that barn selling his cloths. Having been that low he will do anything from getting that low again. I do not know Albert well enough to know what he would do, but surely he would have done anything to keep Royce and Hadrian alive and ultimately free.
I'm sorry,I did not mean to mention things not in the story. I had actually just read a line in chat Percepliquis Discussion (Spoilers,)message 42: by Lucinda
"Royce not finding out that Gwen had a child while he and Hadrian spent a year in prison is harder to accept.... While it is possible that her "girls" would have shielded her secret for fear of Royce's reaction, it is less plausible that the men involved (Albert in particular) would have failed to mention it even once in five years(especially when inebriated)."
It was this statement that started my thinking about the whole year spent in a dungeon, and why Albert could not have known about Gwen's Pregnancy.
Back to Royce and Hadrian, I love them both. Mr Sullivan, thank you for writing such wonderful characters in such an full and complete world. The enjoyment I have gotten from reading the full series 2+ times has lightened my thoughts and allowed me to smile mischievously in the last month.
Thank you
Laura
Well the "full details" of what went on during the "job that went bad" is not known - mainly because I've never written it. It's possible that some day I would do a "Riyria Chronicle" and then I would know all the nit-picky details. But for now we have just vague ideas. One day I'll get a good ale and a bottle of Montemorcey wine and ask Royce and Hadrian to fill me in on all the details. Then if they don't object I might jot it down for others.
LOL, Oh yes please, make that appointment with Royce and Hadrian sooner than later. And please make sure Royce gets the Montemorcery and Hadrian the Ale. I would not want them to get those two drinks mixed up. They might turn the story inside out and never tell you the whole of it.Oh and you also will need to make a separate appointment with Nimbus. You need to get the truth from him on how he could rescue the Heir as a baby but then lose him to the streets at the age of eight/ten years old. Somehow I feel he lost a white feather for that one.
I of course love the idea of putting the whole story on the screen. If it was done right it would make 6 awesome films. Or a fantastic long in-depth mini series. I could see where choosing the right format would be really hard. If either ever happen believe me, I, my sister, my dad and most my friends will be there.
It seems you are a very popular writer. So I just want to say thank you for taking the time to talk to me.
Laura
P.S Be sure to send out those invitations to Royce and Hadrian.
Just got back from a weekend spent with Royce and Hadrian - I might not have "all the answers" but a lot of items have been cleared up for me ;-)
I know you can not see it, but there is a deep smile upon my lips that I can not resist in sharing. I know there is generally a length of time from thought, to paper, to rewriting, to a product ready for the world to read, but just the mere suggestion of what the future may have in store is as delightful as Royce watching Mercy chase a raccoon through the grass. I hope your weekend with Royce and Hadrian was an enjoyable occasion: a gathering of old friends telling stories around the table in the dark room at the Rose and Thorn. I can’t imagine better company.
Thanks Laura. It was great fun reuniting with "old friends". Here's to hoping that I'll have some more substantial news to report soon.
Last night at work(this is a true story by the way) a friend whose shift overlaps the end of my shift came in shaking "Arista is dead and Hadrian just got shot in the back"In disbelieve I said, "You stopped reading there?"
"I have to clock in." she said visibly upset. She had been reading in the break room. You have to realize she has wanted Hadrian and Arista to get together through the whole series.
Two weeks ago she had asked me about that and my response had been "Everyone has to survive first for that to happen." I had been jesting to through her off, but now my jest was hitting me back in the face. "You need to read to the end of the fight" I told her. But there was no time, we had lots of patients to see. As we went about our jobs I could see this was effecting her. I finally told her that Hadrian only heard Arista cry out. He had his back turned and did not see what had happened. This seemed to help. I left work before she got to read further. I hope by now she forgives me for holding out on her.
Wow...just wow. I cannot express how amazing it is to hear that you and a co-worker are talking about my books and that she is so invested in it. I truly have only one dream yet to be full filled and that is to actually "come upon" someone reading my books that I don't know - like waiting for a plane or in the metro. This is about as close to I get to such an experience and I'm just amazed to hear such a story. Tell her for me that I'm sorry for the anxiety but pleased that she care so much.
Relief, I'm forgiven. My co-worker finished the book on her day off. We had fun discussing the end. She loved that Arista and Hadrian finally tie the knot and Royce finds Mercy.(I'm not sure she is over Gwen's death yet). We both agree that it is sad that Royce and Hadrian get split so far away from each other. But that is what happens when you finally grow-up, get married, and have a family. We love these books. Thanks Michael.
I realize this chat line has kinda fallen off the radar, so if anyone else is out there, stop for a moment to say "HI". Come join in the fun.
Glad to hear it. I agree that the "split" was inevitable - but it's not like they won't see each other - no reason not to visit with old friends.
I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm a bit late to the party, I finished the series about a month ago and am just catching up on the great discussions. You all have asked and answered most of my questions already.Michael, thank you for a wonderful series.
Esther - you are most welcome. Thanks for reading!Michael
Well, I'm late to the party too, and I'm not done. I've just finished Wintertide. Seeing that Michael participates here, well, congratulations for such an astoundingly good series so far! Upon reading the first two books, I though this woould be a fun little fantasy romp, like fast food. Who knew that this would end up as a 12 course meal? (I suppose I would had I read reviews, but I just picked it because I love fantasy and I liked the title--Theft of Swords). So I listen to my books because with 3 kids and a job, I have no time for my first love (books). I listen while commuting, cleaning, cooking, etc. I was driving when Gwen died, and I seriously almost crashed my car. I knew she was going to die, but darn you. I know it had to happen. I mean, Royce cannot go hide out in an elven tower with one whole book to go, but darn. I had to go back and listen to the end, and the bit with Hadrian over the edge of the bridge, 3 times so as to listen without starting to cry. I will seriously be disturbed if Royce doesn't end up happy at the end. I'm purposely avoiding reading anything about it because I don't want this spoiled, but Royce had better end up happy! ;-)
Cannot WAIT to click over to book 6 on the way home! I'll probably drive to Canada just to keep listening.
Hey Jill - welcome...yeah you are right - the series starts out as a snack but grows as it goes on. Hopefully we'll talk more when you are all done - as I don't want to say anything more at this point. Glad you are enjoying the audio version I'm actually up for an "Audie" (Grammy for audiobooks) and that's pretty darn exciting.
This post is just one giant spoiler, but as I'm late here, I figure I'm good.Okay, I'm done. I must say, I miss Royce, Hadrian, and Arista in a way that is usually reserved for real people. :-) I feel that listening to the books was a rare treat. Not only is the narrator top-notch (trust me after listening to 75+ audiobooks over the past few years--some of the narrators really SUCK), but you can revel in each and every word. You aren't tempted to skip a line here or there, a description, etc, to find out what happens next. I got to live in Elan for 2 whole months, listening every day. Fantastic. I honestly feel like these are real people. Amazing job Michael! Stick it to the dumb reviewer who criticized your book and female leads. Fool.
Okay, now the downside to listening. 1) I'm going to spell most everything wrong, I'm sure, as I could only hear it. For example, I thought it was Ezra Hardin until I read this forum and saw it was Esrahaddon.
2) It's hard to go back to find key scenes of explanation. For example, I wanted to re-read the scene in the caves where Myron explains the Uli Vermar, but didn't have time to rewind and scan back, and Google Books only has some of the pages. grrrr.
So keep that in mind when I butcher things! :-)
For the revelations, I knew Gaunt wasn't the real heir right after the scene with Hadrian and Miranda. Way too convenient. "Hey, nice medallion....my brother has one too...." Mmmmhmmm. On the other hand, I didn't guess that Royce was the true heir until the descriptions of the missing heads. I guessed Thranic knocked them all down, figured Novron was an elf (couldn't figure out HOW but accepted he WAS), then figured if Novron was an elf, Royce must be the heir (he's our resident elf), then laughed out loud because the heir and protector had been together all along. Nice! I pegged Mercy as Royce's daugther only at the start of Percepliquis, where it became clear to me that the midwife kicked Royce out, stole his medallion, and gave it to Gaunt. As for Nimbus raising Royce, didn't guess that at all. I totally didn't guess the patriarch was Venlin/Mondulay. I totally didn't guess Nimbus was Kine, not until the feather appeared. Duh. Slow on the uptake there. I DID wonder why you repeated the Kine story something like 2 or 3 times in this series, but passed it off. Next time I'll pay attention. ;-)
I have questions!!!!
1. Why did Nimbus abandon Royce in Ratibore as a child? I agree--he should LOSE a white feather for that. Are you telling me that in the eyes of God, Royce was supposed to grow up to be nearly purely evil, only rescued by the efforts of Hadrian and Gwen? Why wouldn't Nimbus want Royce to turn out not "being raised by wolves"? This makes no sense to me. The explanation that the midwife kept him till she met a guy, had kids with the guy, and the guy forced her to kick out this little orphan makes more sense. What am I missing?
2. The Uli Vermar/Novron backstory. I know you purposely didn't lay it all out, but I'm still a bit confused. So the elves fought clan to clan in bloody horrible wars. Then Ferral gave them the horn. Blow the horn, no one challenges, you're king. You get to be king for 3000 years. If you die, your son gets to be king, but only within the 3000 years. got it. If someone challenges, there's a one-on-one fight, winner takes all. got it. So where does Novron play in? He fell in love with a human? So he started hanging out with humans and training them? And he wanted to be king? And the council....So the plan was to have Mondulay kill his father, the current king, and then...what? The council wanted the current king dead so they could get a new king who would fight off Novron's massive human/half-elf forces...yes...so they must have had some challenger in mind? But the kid Mondulay beat the council's challenger to the horn? This is all great stuff. Agree that you should write this up!!! Because I'm confused and it's driving me nuts!!
3. Why did Arcadius give up the heir and his preggo wife in Ratibore to the church? Was that a mistake?
As for my wish list :-), if you are taking orders....write the Novron story. Put a warning label on it about reading out of order, but you've just got to write it. It's so good, I can already tell.
I definitely do NOT want any stories about pre-Hadrian Royce. The scene after Gwen's death in which Royce reverts and starts cutting off people's fingers and gouging out hearts was plenty. That Royce wouln't joke, laugh, or banter. That Royce is silent, cold, and cruel. I do not want to be in his head.
Thing is, as much as most women fell for Hadrian, I didn't. I love Hadrian like a brother. I actually fell for Royce. I think that's an indication there must be something wrong with me. :-) But I fell for the Royce who learned to love, to forgive. The Royce who got tired of killing to the point that he gave away his dagger. The Royce who sobbed quietly in the tower prison (oh my God, what a scene with Royce in the tower.) The Royce who named Gilly and who told Degan he'd "get used to" being an elf (snort!). I was so bummed that we didn't get to be in Royce's POV more. Which brings me to my biggest wish:
Why CAN'T you write the future? There's so much there, with Royce trying to lead the elves, Modina trying to lead the humans, getting rid of the goblins. I can't imagine the elves won't plot even a little against their mostly human king. Or that the Modina to Allie transition of power will go smoothly. I imagine intrigue, revolts, plots, wars. Some elf will try to subvert the passing of Teschlor and Cenzlor knowledge from Hadrian and Arista to other humans. Assassination plots. It's so awesome I can taste it.
As for the early days of Riyira, I am torn. I read the Viscount and the Witch, and enjoyed it, but honestly it didn't feel like the same people I had gotten to know. I think the Royce here is still too cold, and the Hadrian here still too naive. I don't know. I'll certainly buy and read (listen to) the ones you write to see! Maybe if I can really see the two characters turning into who they will be....hm.
Only a couple complaints. There were a few places that seemed a little forced. Arista retrieves too many dead people. I wish she hadn't brought Magnus back. Also, her explosion in power without any training seems unlikely. Mainly, though, I wanted Royce to be happier at the end. He has his daughter, but he's still so sad. We don't see him hug her or say anything of meaning to her, or even get to be in his head when she calls him "Daddy". I realize he'll still be sad about Gwen, but I didn't feel any happiness about Mercy. I'm only guessing and hoping that there's something. Maybe Royce isn't the type, but after his talk with Hadrian in the tower prison, his crying on the bridge, the depth of feeling when he asks Hadrian if he's evil....I think there's enough emotional depth there to feel something when his little girl calls him Daddy, or when he looks into her (Gwen's) eyes. I was left wanting a little more Royce at the end.
All in all, it's been an amazing journey, and I thank you! Keep writing and I'll keep reading!
Michael,Just finished the series this week. You should be proud. As far as modern fantasy goes, you are at the top of the game. I liked this series as much as Sanderson's Mistborn, and Daniel Abraham's Long Price Quartet.
Having read Jordan and Martin (who I do like), I very much enjoy writers, like yourself, who write very "tight" books. Very few if any wasted words.
Bottom line, one of the finest series I have ever read. And what a way to wrap up a series... perfectly done.
One question: What ever happened to Degan's necklace that a duplicate was made of? Strange as it may seem, you left almost no loose ends, and I kept waiting for that little bit to show up. Did I miss something as I was reading late at night?
Anyway, be proud my friend, you are in an elite group of great fantasy writers. I backed you on Kickstarter, and I'm buying your next series as soon as it comes out.
All the best,
Brett Martin
Hey Jill,Glad you enjoyed the series so much. You sound like my wife (in that you are lamenting that Royce, Hadrian, and Arista are gone), but thanks to her insistence (and many others) we are not too far away from The Riyria Chronicles (The Crown Tower: Aug 6 and The Rose and the Thorn: Sep 17 - my birthday).
Now on to your questions….I’m going to put them in spoiler tags as my posts show up in friend’s feeds and I don’t want to spoil things for them.
1.With regards to Royce… (view spoiler)
2. As to the Uli Vermar…(view spoiler)
3. As to Arcadius…(view spoiler)
“As for my wish list :-), if you are taking orders....write the Novron story. Put a warning label on it about reading out of order, but you've just got to write it. It's so good, I can already tell.”
Your wish is granted…that was easy. I had polled the readership a while ago and that was the one that most people wanted (after the “early years” which is what Chronicles is). I’m 50% through book #1 at the present time.
As to “early Royce” I agree. Many people ask to see his days in the Black Diamond, but I think if they got what they wanted, they would decide that they would b sorry they asked. My vision of him is much as you state as well…not a person you want to hang with. Still, there is a trend toward this type of anti-hero in fantasy these days so I can see why the notion is a popular one…I’m just not one to write a story because I think it will sell, it has to be something I want to read, and I don’t think I would like to read “that Royce.”
I’ve actually had women (and men) who have expressed desires for both of them. My wife is most infatuated with Hadrian, but from time to time she laments about Royce and feels for the rough life he has had. And yes, I purposefully stayed out of Royce’s head as much as I could. There is a lot going on in there and I think it’s best to keep most of it between him and me ;-)
As to the future…(view spoiler)
Yes, much of what you are thinking of and asking for are all possibilities as to what the future may bring. Let me get some of the other stories that are clawing their way to get out of my head down on paper and then if there is still interest…well who knows.
You are correct that the Royce and Hadrian of Chronicles are not the same as the Royce and Hadrian of Revelations. They are new to one another, and quite frankly…they don’t like each other (at least initially) so part of the draw of those stories is to see how that transition comes about. If you don’t end up liking The Crown Tower, then don’t read The Rose and the Thorn. I’ll not hold it against you…I want you to read things you love.
As to the complaints…and yes I’m glad you have some…it makes me know that you care ;-)
As to Arista…(view spoiler)
As to Royce…(view spoiler)
“ All in all, it's been an amazing journey, and I thank you! Keep writing and I'll keep reading!”
Deal! It sounds like a perfectly acceptable proposal. I’m definitely hard at work doing just that.
Thanks for writing – I love fining posts like this!
Michael.
Hey Martin,Thanks so much for writing. That is high praise and esteemed company you put me in. I’m honored. I do indeed like to be concise in my writing. I think one man’s bloat is another man’s immersion in world building. It is one of those things where you are going to please some and upset others. All I can do is write the kind of book I want to read and I’m grateful that there are others (like you) who have similar tastes.
As to your question. Nope you didn’t miss anything. It is one of a few threads (watch for Yolric in any re-reading you do). That are out there in case I want to do something with in the future. Some have (view spoiler). So no, you didn’t miss anything…it wasn’t an accident and I have several ideas and may write more about it in the future.
Thanks again for the high praise, and the support of Hollow World and The Chronicles. I hop not to disappoint your faith in me.
Michael.
Michael, just wanted to say I had a great read through Riyria Revelations. Took me a week, and i enjoyed every minute (you got me to drop A Memory of Light halfway through and my work suffered slightly, but hey, that's fantasy for yah). Now that I've finished I feel sorry you wont be able to catch me reading in the subway, though there was little chance of that happening since I don't live in the states...You caught me by surprise having Arcadius kill Gwen, I thought it was the Patriarch.
I do have one little question remaining though. I was expecting all the important threads to be wrapped up at the end of book six. So imagine my surprise when failed to reveal who Yolric is! I spent the whole of book six wondering who he was and where he would turn up when the "wobble" was corrected (I had nimbus from the start, and the patriarch wasn't too hard)... My guess: (view spoiler)
Also you mention above that Kile is mortal? But he's been around for a while; does he keep getting reincarnated or is merely immune to aging?
Thanks for the great book. Hopefully I'll get around to writing my own someday.
Riewert
Ah Wewa - I'm so glad you enjoyed the books...and you are a very astute reader. Few people even take notice of old Yolric. Your guess is wrong...here is what I will say (view spoiler)As to your other question about Kile...(view spoiler)
I do hope you try your hand at writing - even if it's only to create a book "just for you" which is how I started out. It is very rewarding.
Cool, thanks for the reply and clearing that up! I can rest easy now :). I can't wait to see where you go with Yolric and Kile.I will someday! For now, I'm just trying to figure out what kind of world it will take place in.
Glad to hear it - I think a Yolric / Kile story would be really fun.
Really loved this series. Have listened to the audio books twice through now on my commute, and am loving reading "Crown Tower" at night. (And as mentioned by another reader, since I listened to the first 6 books, I will butcher spellings, I know...forgive me.)Question: Did I miss something? Royce and Hadrian were left believing Wyatt's daughter Alie had died with the other elves sent to the goblins. Preparing the quest to find the horn, Medena tells Wyatt just not to say anything about his "forced betrayal"...yet on the way back from Persepliquas, Hadrian agrees with Arista that he feels bad for Alie?
Wonderful writing - thank you.
Houlinda wrote: "Same question as above. They seems feels ok with Alie ane Wyatt.And another question:
[spoilers removed]"
No...since Novron married a human (Persephone) then Nevrik is a Mir...like Royce...they might live longer, but not as long as full-blooded elves. Royce is the twin baby boy that the mid-wife saved.
Amazing series! Really loved how the story wrapped up.Though I'm still wondering about the job that Merrick spoke of to Hadrian and Royce before the bridge incident. He wanted to hire them for something, I wonder if it's just a run-of-the-mill heist job or something more grand.
Krisanto wrote: "Amazing series! Really loved how the story wrapped up.Though I'm still wondering about the job that Merrick spoke of to Hadrian and Royce before the bridge incident. He wanted to hire them for so..."
Wasn't he referring to having Royce kidnap the Empress, in an oblique way?
Nbonanno wrote: Wasn't he referring to having Royce kidnap the Empress, in an oblique way? After re-reading chapters 13 and 21, I now understand that Merrick was talking about the retrieval of the horn. Silly me.
Chapter 13 - "Find-and-recover. I can't give you details yet, but it's dangerous. Two other groups have already failed."
Chapter 21 - "We've made our peace with each other, Royce. I was serious about that offer to work together again."
Krisanto wrote: "Nbonanno wrote: Wasn't he referring to having Royce kidnap the Empress, in an oblique way? After re-reading chapters 13 and 21, I now understand that Merrick was talking about the retrieval of th..."
Oh that! Of course!
So, I am officially in a deep post series depression. It took me time to pick this series up but once I started, oh my...it was so good.Ah, what to say. First of all, my thanks to you Mr Sullivan for this masterpiece. I read a lot. Mainly Fantasy as I have recently decided that it was my favorite genre.
I've been reading fantasy for 2 years now. Plenty of it. Some good, some pretty good, some boring, some I couldn't go through, some I had to struggle to go through and then there was the Riyria.
Few characters got me hooked the way I got hooked to Royce and Hadrian of course but not only them. The "minor" characters added so much to the story (some were not that minor though). Arista and Myron are my favorite "side" characters.
I lack words to tell what I'd love to tell being a french native speaker. You people here have all said much already anyway. Let's just say that the Riyria is one of my top fav fantasy ever, along with some of Sanderson's books, Butcher's and a few others.
I also would like to talk about one of my favorite moment/lines of this series : "Royce breathed deeply, and slowly his eyes fluttered open. He did not speak, but his eyes focussed on the little girl." (Chptr 27 / The Challenge).
So much is contained in these few words. So much. Royce coming back for his little girl and thus leaving Gwen means the world to me. It also means Love, new begining, Redemption, Hope...
So, yes, thank you Michael. Allow me to call you Michael. It makes me feel closer to this wonderful world and those beautiful characters you have created.
My wish list ? Nothing to do to with the past. I too don't want to meet with the cruel and deadly Royce and the too naive Hadrian. But, yes, something to do with what Hadrian, Arista, Royce, Mercy, Modina, Myron, Mauvin, Magnus...are creating would be nice. More than nice actually but you get the idea.
Thank you again.
Hey all, thanks for continuing the conversation. I must apologize that I'm just seeing the comments now, there are so many threads about the books in various groups that I miss some of the comments. But in any case, I'm hear now and will put my two cents in.To Nbonanno: Good catch! You have found an error that was missed by myself, Robin, Devi, and three different editors at Orbit. Here's the back story on that. Originally Wyatt "came clean" and told Hadrian and Royce about how Merrick used him. This proved to be more problem then it was worth, as it had to drive a wedge between him and R&H that was eventually resolved. There were some valid questions as to whether Hadrian would forgive Wyatt, given how many people died in Tur Del Fer. So at some point, I removed that scene, and added the scene where Modina tells Wyatt to "keep quiet." What I missed was that little conversation with Hadrian and Arista. This kind of thing happens from time to time when editing late in the game...which is why I try to avoid that. In any case...a very good catch, and yeah that was 100% "my bad."
To 320bird - Nbonanno has the right of it. With the mixing of human blood the mir live much shorter lifespans than full-blooded elves. They do live longer than most humans but with each further dilution their lifespans get shorter and shorter. I would suspect that Royce might live to be 85 or 110 whereas most humans in Elan probably tap out at 65 or 70.
To Krisanto - Yep you figured it out. Merrick was indeed referring to a trip to Percepliquis to retrieve the horn. The prior trips had failed, and Merrick was going to launch his own expedition for that...unfortunately he died before that came about. It would have been interesting seeing the party which did eventually make that trip with the addition of Merrick.
To Férial - You are most welcome, and thanks so much for your kind words. Hopefully you have found The Riyria Chronicle books which should help with your depression about the adventures of Royce and Hadrian being over. I know you don't want stories "in the past" but these books aren't so far back that we see them as they were say when Royce was with the Black Diamond (which would be very ruthless indeed).I may do some stories in the "future" timeline. Now that I've been away from it long enough I may go back and visit those, but before I do I have a few other projects that I'm working on in the meantime.
Michael wrote: "To 320bird - Nbonanno has the right of it. With the mixing of human blood the mir live much shorter lifespans than full-blooded elves. They do live longer than most humans but with each further dil..."So glad to get the answer.
I just finished the series and I just have to say WOW, just WOW!! I haven’t experienced a literary love affair like this since I was in high school. I haven’t slept from having to finish it. Maybe it is because I was reading too fast or to many late night reading sessions but I missed something. How did Royce end up on the street? I am assuming Royce is the baby Gaunt’s mother saved but if that is true how did he end up on the street? This is driving me bonkers since I finished last night so I am hoping someone can help.
