Book

Age of Myth

📖 Overview

Age of Myth launches an epic fantasy series set in a world where immortal beings called the Fhrey have ruled as gods over humans for millennia. The story begins when a human warrior kills one of these supposedly invincible beings, shattering centuries of established order and sparking profound changes across their shared world. The narrative follows multiple characters including Raithe, the warrior who becomes known as the God Killer; Persephone, a village leader facing unprecedented challenges; and Arion, a member of the Fhrey who finds herself caught between two worlds. Their paths intersect as tensions escalate between humans and Fhrey, forcing both sides to question long-held beliefs about power, destiny, and their place in the world. Sullivan creates a rich mythology and complex social structures while keeping the story accessible through well-defined characters and clear prose. The 432-page novel establishes a foundation for the Legends of the First Empire series while standing as a complete story in its own right. The book explores themes of religious faith, social revolution, and the nature of power, examining how societies respond when fundamental truths are challenged. Through its parallel storylines, the novel questions the difference between gods and mortals, and what truly makes beings worthy of worship.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe Age of Myth as a classic fantasy with fresh twists on familiar tropes. They note the focus on multiple viewpoints, particularly strong female characters who drive the story. Readers highlighted: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Character development, especially Persephone and Suri - World-building that reveals itself naturally - Focus on relationships between characters Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in first third of book - Some predictable plot elements - Too many viewpoint characters for some readers - Magic system lacks clear rules/explanation Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (46,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (2,800+ ratings) Audible: 4.6/5 (15,000+ ratings) From reviews: "The characters feel real and flawed" (Goodreads reviewer). "Takes time to build momentum but pays off" (Amazon reviewer). "Not groundbreaking but very well executed" (Reddit r/Fantasy discussion).

📚 Similar books

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss A young man recounts his path from traveling performer to legendary figure in a world where magic follows strict rules and gods walk among mortals.

Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson The first book of an epic series presents a complex world where ascended beings meddle in mortal affairs while armies clash and ancient powers reawaken.

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie Three characters navigate a medieval world where magic fades and ancient threats force unlikely alliances between barbarians, nobles, and torturer-turned-investigators.

Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan Two thieves become entangled in events involving ancient elves, forgotten magic, and a conspiracy that threatens the established order of their world.

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan A shepherd and his companions leave their village after an attack, discovering their connection to an ancient power while being pursued by dark forces.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔸 The author wrote the entire six-book Legends of the First Empire series before publishing the first book, ensuring perfect continuity and narrative cohesion. 🔸 "Age of Myth" is actually set 3,000 years before Sullivan's popular Riyria Revelations series, in the same world but during a completely different era. 🔸 The character Suri, a mystic who appears in the novel, was inspired by Sullivan's daughter, who has autism, and her unique way of viewing the world. 🔸 Many of the book's key plot elements draw from real historical events where technological or social advantages led to one group being mistaken for gods by another. 🔸 Sullivan originally self-published his works before gaining traditional publishing success, and he continues to self-publish some editions to maintain creative control.