Theft of Swords Audiobook By Michael J. Sullivan cover art

Theft of Swords

Riyria Revelations, Volume 1

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Theft of Swords

By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
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Audie Award Nominee, Fantasy, 2013

Acclaimed author Michael J. Sullivan created instant best sellers with his spellbinding Riyria Revelations series. This first volume introduces Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, two enterprising thieves who end up running for their lives when they’re framed for the death of the king. Trapped in a conspiracy bigger than they can imagine, their only hope is unraveling an ancient mystery - before it’s too late.

Theft of Swords contains The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha, books 1 and 2 of Riyria Revelations.

©2011 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fantasy Essentials Fiction Historical Funny Witty Feel-Good

Featured Article: The top 100 fantasy listens of all time


When compiling our list of the best fantasy listening out there, we immediately came up against the age-old question: Is this fantasy or science fiction? The distinction is not as clear as you may think. Dragons, elves, and wizards are definitely fantasy, but what about wizards that also fly space ships? (Looking at you, Star Wars.) For the sake of fantasy purity, the top 100 fantasy listens include the best audio works in all manner of fantasy subgenres.

Featured Article The top 100 fantasy listens of all time
Engaging Character Dynamics • Compelling Plot Twists • Complementary Personalities • Balanced World-building • Witty Banter

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This is the beginning of a saga set in a fairly typical fantasy world - although there are a couple of surprises. Magic is shunned, and elves are both the enemy and a despised underclass. The two main characters are a pair of rogues who hire themselves out to nobles for odd jobs that nobody else can do. There's a real sense of camaraderie between them, as well as a constant but restrained sense of humor throughout the books.

This audiobook is really two books in one. The first book has a simple, predictable plot with overpowered main characters and two-dimensional villains...but it gets better. The second book picks up where the first left off, and now it really begins to shine. Details from the first book that seemed unimportant or incongruous come back and take on new meaning. The characters from the first book get more back story and personality. While I never quite lost the idea that I was listening to someone's RPG campaign, I ended up enjoying myself quite a lot. It's no grand literature, but what it is isn't bad - a bit like how fast food can hit the spot, but will never replace a fine meal.

Not great writing, but a fun read

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What made the experience of listening to Theft of Swords the most enjoyable?

The story is amazing. It blends a fast paced story with action, humor and political intrigue. Tim Reynolds does a superb job of drawing you into the story.

Any additional comments?

Great book. I recommend highly! (Big fan of George RR Marin and History books)

Fun

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to a friend because it is a good story and the characters are ones that you can enjoy. There is enough comic relief that it doesn't become to dry and you can actually like the characters. It was a fun listen.

What other book might you compare Theft of Swords to and why?

Any classic thief become hero's book.

What does Tim Gerard Reynolds bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He does a good job fleshing out the characters and adding nuances that you wouldn't get from reading the book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Swashbuckling adventure

Any additional comments?

As an avid listener of books, I enjoyed this one a lot more than I did other ones, it doesn't take long to get into it and you can guess the bad guys but the writer has done such a good job that it really doesn't matter. I look forward to audible getting the next book or books in the series.

Fun Adventure

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This omnibus version was terrific. The writing is fast-paced, the dialogue fun and witty, and the characters drew me into the story from the first page. There was more than enough pathos to balance the humor, and I can hardly wait to listen to Rise of Empire. Tim Gerard Reynolds did a great job with the narration, although a few of the character's voices were so close in tone I lost who was speaking for a moment or two. On the whole, a great fantasy read!

Great Fantasy Read!

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The Jester and the Theft of Swords by Michael J Sullivan

Ah, a lovely romp through the mind of fantasy writer Michael J Sullivan is a new guilty pleasure. Again, Audible sucked me in with an inexpensive free short story. Once addicted, I moved on to book one of his Riyria Revelations. Michael hit the reading world through self-publishing. Someone figured out that his wonderful series was strong enough for the ‘real world’ *cough, cough*.

I can’t be more delighted. The Jester is a short story that proved to be an excellent hook. It is witty, clever, enjoyable, and the world emerges as a rich tapestry without the boring pages and pages of set up. Thank you for that Michael.

In the short story, The Jester, his male duo of thieves ends up in deep shit, which is a common enough problem for them. The interaction between the warrior with the kind heart and the rascal thief who is heartless (yeah, I didn’t buy that as he is too easily persuadable) is humorous and they are a perfect foil for each other. Faced with a Lady or the Tiger decision, they do manage to survive to steal another day.

Equally strong is his development of his female characters, which take a stronger role in the first Riyria Revelations series. Theft of Swords was a 100 best library recommended book in 2012 when his stories went main stream.

Funny and heartwarming and yes, warmed over LOTR tripe, but 100% enjoyable!

The Jester Daily Deal Sucked Me In to my delight!

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