There are essentially two political parties at odds with each other: The Imperialists and the Nationalist. Theft of Swords contains that classical fantasy feel and contains the races of humans, elves, and dwarfs, while also being written with a modern feel as the story, characters, and plot just flows off the page. The land of Elan contains several nations, factions, and races all looking for power. This is a must read for fantasy readers old and new.Īlthough published as one volume, Theft of Swords actually contains two complete novels: The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha. The two main POV’s will quickly be elevated into your top characters ever as well as my favorite bromance in all of fantasy. Originally a self-published author, Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations has taken the fantasy world by storm with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

I had always wished there was a bridge between these two worlds until I came across the stories of Michael J. Down one path I was coming across stories written with the classic, old school feel and the other path lead me to the more modern and dark novels. When I began my journey through the illustrious works of the fantasy genre, I was always coming to a fork in the road. What appears to be just a simple job finds them framed for the murder of the king and trapped in a conspiracy that uncovers a plot far greater than the mere overthrow of a tiny kingdom.Ĭan a self-serving thief and an idealistic swordsman survive long enough to unravel the first part of an ancient mystery that has toppled kings and destroyed empires?Īnd so begins the first tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend. Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles-until they are hired to pilfer a famed sword.

Avempartha by Michael J. Sullivan