Welcome to CT’s new book review, where I go through fantasy books that I have read personally and talk about them. Through this series, I will mostly review fantasy series, as that’s what I prefer to read. However, if anyone would like me to read and review a different book, please let me or Mrs. Riggs know!

  Today’s series is one of adventure, plot twists, medieval warfare, fantasy, and a touch of politics from a fantastical land. This series is The Riyria Revelations, written by Michael J. Sullivan. This series is one of many by Sullivan, and the world it builds is extremely vivid. The Riyria Revelations were the first series that Sullivan wrote about, and this series was a huge success, which spurred Sullivan to write many other series and books in this world. Although this series doesn’t take place first chronologically in the world of Avryn, it was the first written by Sullivan, who intended for his books to be read in the order of their release. For those wondering, the recommended reading order for Sullivan’s book is as follows: Riyria Revelations, then The Chronicles (books 1-2), then the Legends (prequels to other series), and finally complete the Chronicles (books 3-4). 

  However, today we are going to critique just the Revelations. The series follows two main protagonists, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, a duo of mercenaries who go by the name Riyria. These characters seem an unlikely duo when described, with Sullivan almost seeming to juxtapose the two, which is essential to the story and world. Each character is wonderfully developed, with each having their own unique complexion and backstory that is both emotionally charged and powerful. These backstories also have strong ties to the story, with all parts of these characters playing detrimental roles in the story. 

  In contrast with the characters, the world is beautifully built, with lore surrounding almost every aspect of the story. The world of Avryn is built upon a powerful history, which guides and informs the story we experience. In the Riyria Revelations, there are also four main races that affect the way the world functions and the complex nature of the series. These races are: The Dwarves, the Elves, the Ba Ran Ghazel(Goblins), and the Humans. Each of these races has a distinct history, filled with both tragedy and prosperity.  

  In addition to its beautiful history, the world of Avryn is comprised of multiple factions, religions, political parties, and gods that populate the kingdoms, further adding to the world’s complexity. The way these factors contribute to the story of Avryn is highly detrimental, as each of the factors listed above alters the social system, politics, narrative, and other key aspects of Avryn. 

  The series as a whole is blended very seamlessly, with the world flowing by smoothly and quickly while still making sense. The world unfolds and moves forward at a perfect pace, keeping the reader entertained while also building the world and characters smoothly. While every book in the series has its own individual plot, each one ultimately builds upon and blends together into one big overarching narrative. While each individual book in the series can seem lengthy for a person who doesn’t read fantasy books, each page and sentence in the books is essential to the worldbuilding and plot of the story. 

  To sum up what Michael J. Sullivan has done well:

• He perfectly blends the world and characters together, creating a diverse set of characters, lore, and story. 
• The story is incredible, and it has a large amount of complexity, and the book is impossible to put down. 
• The description of the world is incredible, with Sullivan describing everything in immersive detail that puts the reader right in the book and the world of Avryn. 
• Sullivan excels at developing characters that fit the world and have a meaningful impact on the story, with every person leaving some kind of mark on the story or the characters in some way. Sullivan also does an amazing job at dealing with characters who have fulfilled their purpose in the story, and he finds a way to “get rid of them” while also doing their character honor.

  On a scale of one to ten, from horrible to perfect, I’d place this series at a 9. I’d recommend this series to anyone looking for a captivating story filled with fantasy and adventure. Remember to come back to Book Banter in the future for more book reviews by yours truly!