I’m going to say again just how impressed I am with these Prequels. I usually hate prequels, they don’t normally do a lot for the characters or the main body of stories that I really like. But that isn’t the case here. Sure it is a prequel but whether you already read the Riyria Chronicles or you just started with these I think nothing is diminished if anything it makes me think that the Riyria Chronicles are even better.
First, I loved this story. It was interesting, full of action and suspense and a bit of a mystery as well. Someone is trying to kill the Lady Dulgath and Royce and Hadrian are supposed to plot how someone could do it so that the Sheriff can protect her. What could possibly go wrong???
Second, I always like Hadrian and Royce together they are so different and yet they compliment each other so well. Hadrian the ever trusting swordsman that doesn’t want to kill anymore and Royce the cynical, untrusting ‘I’d rather kill you than have to deal with you again later’ make the perfect odd coupling.
*** “Churches don’t kill people,” Hadrian told her. “They burn incense, collect tithes, and mutter words in forgotten languages—they don’t put out contracts on high-ranking nobles.”
Scarlett and Royce exchanged glances, then both shook their heads.
Royce hooked a thumb in Hadrian’s direction. “See what I have to put up with?”
“Adorable,” Scarlett said. ***
Third, there is the Lady Dulgath herself. I tried most of the book to figure out what she was and I never figured it out. I love it when that happens. Especially when later when you do know it makes complete sense and is great. Her interactions with Royce were really good and I liked the way she played with him and made him uncomfortable.
*** “I wonder who your parents are,” she said, leaving Royce baffled.
“What?”
“Your parents—who are they?”
“Hatred and disillusionment, how about you?”
She smiled at him, the same unperturbed grin, as if he were great fun.
“You know,” Royce said, “most young ladies would be terrified to find someone like me in their room.”
“You know, most men would be terrified to be caught uninvited in the bedroom of a countess, but then…” She took a slow step forward. “You’re not a man, are you?” ***
Fourth, you are never quite sure who is on who’s side until the last minute…and even then it isn’t always absolutely clear.
Fifth, is the in the background romance. I love fantasy but I have a shippy heart and I need a couple to root for and be excited about to really love a fantasy book. It doesn’t have to overtake the story I just like it to be a thought or footnote. Even though this is so far from the meat of the story Royce actually says a few of the sweetest things about Gwen. They are few and far between but I love every world of his thoughts on Gwen.
*** He’d would never admit it, not to Hadrian, and certainly not to Gwen—didn’t even like thinking it to himself—but somehow Gwen had become his fifth thing. To survive, Royce had only ever required four things: air, food, water, and sleep. He was less bothered by heat and cold than others and could live in a forest or field if need be. But those other four things were absolutes.
Reluctantly, he had discovered Gwen had become the fifth. He could last longer without her than any of the others, but if too much time past, he felt the effects. Sick wasn’t the right word; empty was closer, but even it didn’t fit. Thin. He nodded to himself at the thought. That was it. He felt translucent, as if less of him existed when she wasn’t there.
I just never noticed how little of me existed before; I was a shadow without a person.
He didn’t know when it had happened or how he’d let it happen, but somehow when he was without her he felt less than whole. Gwen had stolen part of him and—No, she hasn’t taken anything. She’s given me something I’ve never had, and now I can’t live without it. ***
And with that I just swooned for Royce.
I think this is the best of all the Prequels and so I really look forward to reading more with Hadrian and Royce if MJS has more stories of them in his head.
Just a little note having nothing to do with the book really: I want to say how impressed I am with Michael J Sullivan. Not only as a writer but just as a person in general. He is an author that I think uses goodreads to it’s fullest potential. He has commented on a few of my status updates for his books and reviews. Also he was kind enough to answer a PM I sent him and is my friend on Goodreads. I think he is really in touch with his readers and makes a lot of time for them. I know he became one of my favorite authors when I read the dedication he made to his wife in Heir of Novron
*** This book is entirely dedicated to my wife, Robin Sullivan.
Some have asked how it is I write such strong women without resorting to putting swords in their hands. It is because of her.
She is Arista
She is Thrace
She is Modina
She is Amilia
And she is my Gwen.
This series has been a tribute to her.
This is your book, Robin. ****
Michael J Sullivan is an author that I will happily recommend to anyone who is a fantasy lover.
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Top reviews from other countries
jennifer
I really look forward to these two, and the messes they get themselves into.
Reviewed in Canada on February 25, 2019