The Ryria Revelations

The Riyria Revelations follows two thieves-for-hire, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, as they navigate political intrigues and undertake dangerous missions across the kingdom of Elan. Their partnership combines Royce's skills in stealth and cunning with Hadrian's mastery of combat, making them a sought-after team for nobles with difficult problems to solve. What begins as a series of separate jobs draws the duo into larger events involving ancient prophecies, religious tensions, and a plot that threatens the stability of the empire. They find themselves working alongside members of the nobility, religious orders, and common folk while uncovering long-buried secrets about their world's history. The series spans six books, originally self-published as separate novels and later combined into three volumes by Orbit Books. The story builds from contained adventures into an expansive tale examining themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cyclical nature of power. The narrative addresses questions about the relationship between truth and legend, while exploring how small choices can shape the course of history. Through its medieval fantasy setting, the series considers the role of faith and skepticism in shaping society's understanding of its own past.

Readers highlight the friendship between main characters Royce and Hadrian as a key strength, with many praising their witty dialogue and contrasting personalities. The accessible writing style and traditional fantasy elements appeal to both young adult and adult readers. Likes: - Fast-paced plot with satisfying conclusion - Character development over the series - Balance of humor and serious moments - Clean content suitable for teens - Strong female characters Dislikes: - First book's pacing feels slow to some readers - Some plot points called predictable - World-building lacks depth compared to complex fantasy series - Religious/political elements too straightforward Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (77,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (9,800+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4.5/5 Reader quote: "The chemistry between Royce and Hadrian carries the series - their banter and friendship feels genuine rather than forced." - Goodreads reviewer Multiple reviews note the series improves significantly after book one.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch Two thieves form an unbreakable bond while running elaborate confidence schemes in a fantasy Venice filled with nobles, priests, and rival gangs.

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames A retired group of mercenaries reunites for one last mission, combining classic fantasy adventure with the structure of a band getting back together.

The Crown Tower by Michael J. Sullivan The origin story of two professional thieves features the same combination of heists, friendship, and medieval fantasy as Riyria.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo A crew of criminals plans an impossible heist in a magic-rich world while navigating complex relationships and their own dark pasts.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss A gifted young man rises from poverty through wit and determination, making both friends and enemies at a school of magic while pursuing his goals.

🗡️ Michael J. Sullivan originally self-published these novels before they were acquired by Orbit Books, making it one of fantasy's notable self-publishing success stories. 📚 The series was initially written as a complete work before any book was published, allowing for intricate plotting and carefully planned revelations throughout all six books. 🏰 The author wrote the series for his daughter who had dyslexia, wanting to create an accessible, engaging fantasy story that wasn't overly complex in its language. ⚔️ Sullivan intentionally wrote the series to work in reverse chronological order - readers can start with either Theft of Swords (the first published book) or The Crown Tower (the first prequel) without spoiling the experience. 🎭 The main characters, Royce and Hadrian, were inspired by the classic "odd couple" dynamic, specifically the relationship between Felix and Oscar from The Odd Couple TV series.