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Cover for The Riyria Chronicles

The Riyria Chronicles

by Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds, Michael J. Sullivan

books
5
pages
2.4k
audio
72h
complete
2013–24

Sword & Sorcery

Is it for you?

Royce Melborn is a cynical thief, while Hadrian Blackwater is an honorable, battle-weary warrior. Forced together for an impossible heist, the two must overcome mutual animosity to survive a partnership that drags them into lethal conspiracies.

You'll like it if you enjoy

  • Bickering polar-opposite partners
  • Clever heists and mercenary jobs
  • Low-magic sword and sorcery
  • Found-family dynamics

Good to know

  • Often recommended after reading Riyria Revelations

Tags

  • Anti Hero
  • Smart MC
  • Found Family
  • Single Love Interest
  • Slow Romance
  • Mixed Tone
  • Fast Paced
  • Slow Progression
  • Heavy Worldbuilding
  • Mystery
  • Political Intrigue
  • Revenge

Reading order

  1. Cover for The Crown Tower (The Riyria Chronicles 1)

    Book 1: The Crown Tower

    422 pages12.5h audio2013

    Hadrian Blackwater, a weary warrior with nothing left to fight for, finds himself unwillingly paired with Royce Melborn, a cynical thieving assassin with nothing to lose. These two men, who despise each other, are hired by an enigmatic old wizard for an seemingly impossible mission. They must infiltrate the impenetrable Crown Tower, the realm's grandest fortress and repository of its most prized possessions, to steal a mysterious treasure. However, the wizard's true objective isn't merely gold or jewels. Their greatest challenge might not be the fortress itself, but simply surviving each other long enough to complete their task and perhaps, become a legend.

  2. Cover for The Rose and the Thorn (The Riyria Chronicles Book 2)

    Book 2: The Rose and the Thorn

    372 pages11.5h audio2013

    Unable to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved his life, thief Royce Melborn returns to Medford with his partner, Hadrian Blackwater. Their hopes of reconnecting are dashed when Gwen mysteriously refuses to see them. Unbeknownst to the thieves, Gwen has fallen victim to a powerful noble's abuse and fears Royce's vengeful nature will only draw them into greater peril. She pushes them away, attempting to protect them as she once did. But Gwen underestimates Royce and Hadrian's resolve and the formidable force they represent. With Gwen's safety and their own past at stake, the duo is about to unleash their full capabilities, setting the stage for the birth of Riyria and a new era of justice in the shadows.

  3. Cover for The Death of Dulgath

    Book 3: The Death of Dulgath

    408 pages13h audio2015

    When the last member of Avryn's oldest noble family faces assassination attempts, the legendary duo Riyria – comprising the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce – is hired to foil the plot. Three years into their partnership as rogues-for-hire, things take a dangerous turn as a professional killer is brought in. Now, Hadrian and Royce must journey to an ancient corner of the world to protect a mysterious woman. She holds perilous knowledge about Royce’s past and possesses a disturbing disregard for her own safety. This thrilling third installment of The Riyria Chronicles offers a fast-paced fantasy adventure for both new readers and returning fans eager to reunite with their favorite duo as they face deadly stakes and unravel a dark conspiracy.

  4. Cover for The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter

    Book 4: The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter

    533 pages13.5h audio2018

    When wealthy whiskey baron Gabriel Winter’s daughter vanishes, presumed dead, he seeks bloody retribution. Having lived through the infamous Year of Fear, he hires the one man he knows can deliver: the notorious Duster. This turns out to be Royce, a cynical ex-assassin, and Hadrian, an idealistic ex-mercenary, collectively known as Riyria.

    Their mission appears simple: travel to Rochelle, a mysterious old-world city of nobles claiming imperial descent, and discover what happened to the missing duchess. If she lives, they must bring her home; if not, punish those responsible. However, nothing is simple in Rochelle’s crowded, narrow, mist-filled streets, where ancient legends lurk and even a fortune isn’t enough to unravel the city’s treacherous secrets.

  5. Cover for Drumindor

    Book 5: Drumindor

    626 pages20.5h audio2024

    A master craftsman dwarf, fired, plans a catastrophic revenge: the obliteration of an entire city. He believes his plot to destroy the legendary towers of Drumindor is unstoppable, but he hasn't accounted for Riyria.

    Commissioned to halt this devastating threat, Riyria dispatches its heroes: the cynical ex-assassin Royce Melborn and the idealistic ex-mercenary Hadrian Blackwater. Traveling to the lavish paradise resort of Tur Del Fur, they anticipate an easy, well-paid job, hoping for a vacation. However, the dwarf Berling's scheme is far deadlier than it appears, plunging Royce and Hadrian into a desperate race against time to prevent unimaginable destruction.

    From New York Times bestselling author Michael J. Sullivan, this thrilling adventure can be enjoyed as a standalone, offering a perfect entry point into the beloved world of Riyria.

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