Kuhtlass
Story was amazing, not sure which book I enjoyed more, this or Theft of Swords so far, but one thing I do love, is Royce. Royce has to be one of my most favorite characters in any book, Hadrian is great but he has that cliche going on, bad***, handsome 'knight' with the exception of the plot, but Royce, he is amazing. Silent-type, sarcastic, aloof, mysterious, cold-hearted, except Hadrian keeping him from becoming a monster with a blade, he doesn't care about anything unless it's in his self interest or someone he loves and it's strictly to the point, and his heart is extremely hard to obtain due to his past. His mysteriousness and close-kept secrets just makes you want to learn more about him. Basically the first half of the book was Royce's pov but then the other half being Hadrian's, everytime I came to a new chapter with Royce's pov, I just love it. Haven't read the 3rd book yet but man, I wish the story never ends, their adventures are just too good.
Jordan Green
Theft of Swords established a strong character base and fantasy lore for Sullivan to draw from, and Rise of Empire continues to expand that world and those people into a true epic. The reader feels the focus of these books expand into a continent-wide struggle, while maintaining an eye on Royce and Hadrian. Sometimes the second book in a trilogy is reduced to a bridge. This, however, is a book which holds its own merit.
3 people found this review helpful
Megan Zahorik
This is quite possibly the best series I have ever read. If I had to describe it I'd say it's a bit like the best parts of Tolkien and Joss Whedon were smashed together and then struck by a lightening bolt of epicness. If you read this series, start with Theft of Swords, don't start with the prequel despite that it reads correctly that way timeline-wise. Trust me. Leave the prequels for after you have finished the main story.
4 people found this review helpful