Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan was a great example of epic fantasy! It is the first in The Legends of the First Empire trilogy, and sadly I will have to wait another year for the second book. I'm saving my review of Age of Myth for later because it won't be published until June 28 (thank you, NetGalley), but I'm going to mention it now because...
As different as the time period and the characters are from Age of Myth, the world is the same.
I love this description: They killed the king. They pinned it on two men. They chose poorly.
A three sentence summation that intrigues, yet leaves out all of the highlights of conspiracy and adventure. That leaves all the satisfying details for the readers to discover for themselves.
Indeed, "they" did choose poorly when they decided to pin the king's murder on Royce Melbourne and Hadrian Blackwater, a professional thief and a warrior who make up the Riyria, a two-man organization that can be hired to steal, implicate, and in some cases, assassinate for a price.
The opening was a little slow, but after that, the pacing is excellent. A fantasy with swords and sorcery, a monk, a hidden prison, a hidden heir, elves and enchanted monsters, a corrupt church--a book that is both fun and suspenseful! I will definitely be reading more by Mr. Sullivan. Although I will have to wait for the sequel to Age of Myth, I intend to indulge in the author's other series.
purchased
Epic Fantasy. 2011. Print length: 694 pages.
Two more for Carl's Once Upon a Time Challenge!
I have been meaning to read this author for a while. I am glad you are enjoying!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed both of these thoroughly. Now, reading Rise of Empire which is the 2nd in the Ririah Revelations trilogy!
DeleteI haven't read fantasy in a long while and these books sound intriguing! One down part about fantasy books is most often we've to wait for a year or more for the next instalment to be released! :-)
ReplyDeleteExactly! I hate reading a book that I truly enjoy and then having to wait a year for the next one, but I love that this author has two other trilogies I can read while waiting for the sequel to Age of Myth!
DeleteI have this author on my wishlist for the library for ages and always back down from reading him, why? Perhaps I'm intimidated by a fantasy series such as these. However, based on your review, and your similar taste in books, I'm going to be on the lookout for any book ones from this author, so thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love this kind of fantasy. Michael Sullivan is now on my list of favorite fantasy authors. :) Give him a try, Rita!
DeleteOoo! I love that description. I can see why you wanted to read Theft of Swords (besides having read and liked another book by the author, of course). I will definitely have to check this one out. It sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhen you get involved with the characters, the author really has you hooked. I'm loving Royce and Hadrian, but also many of the minor characters as well. :)
DeleteSomehow this comment by Jenny @ Reading the End won't post: "That is SUCH a good description of a book. I hardly ever read high fantasy, and that even worked on me. *industriously adds to list*"
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure where the comment went. I have the email notification, but I also get the refrain, "This comment doesn't exist." Huh?
I haven't read fantasy in quite a while either. Both books sound wonderful. I will have to check my library for Theft of Swords. Are these YA?
ReplyDeleteThey aren't listed as YA, but there is nothing that would be unsuitable for a young adult.
Delete694 pages - at least they were great! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm such a wimp and tend to not choose chunksters. Anyway, looks like this was a great choice for the OUAT Challenge!
I do love chunksters! Although I did notice that there were two distinct sections, I didn't realize that they were really two separate books released together. :O Better that by far, than having to wait for each one. :)
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