Summary from GoodReads:

When a destitute young woman hires two thieves to help save her remote village from nocturnal attacks, they are drawn into the schemes of the wizard Esrahaddon. While Royce struggles to breech the secrets of an ancient elven tower, Hadrian attempts to rally the villagers to defend themselves against the unseen killer. What begins with the simple theft of a sword places the two thieves at the center of a firestorm — that could change the future of Elan.

My Review:

The thing I love most about Sullivan’s writing is how accessible he makes the fantasy genre for those who may not have a lot of experience reading it.  I’ll admit, sometimes it’s hard to find your way into the world, figure out the magic system and wrap your imagination around fantastic things … but that’s not the case in these Riyia stories.

Hadrian and Royce are back after a dashing adventure in The Crown Conspiracy, and this time they are aiding a seemingly helpless young woman to save her village from disaster.  There’s a healthy dose of politics, world-building (this world is enormous!) and adventure which is what I’m coming to expect from Sullivan’s writings.  Although this is the second book in the series, it easily stands on its own two feet and the reader can dive into the story without any worries about missing anything.

I do have one complaint about Avempartha, however.  It seemed like the first half of the book was all politics and maneuvering of characters – which admittedly is a bit necessary, but can be a little, well, wearying.  I had a rough time keeping my eyes open through that first half.. but then things picked up and I was well rewarded for persevering through it all.

I do recommend these books if you are looking at getting into the fantasy genre.  They are fun and easy to get into.

Check out these review(s):

Speculative Fiction Junkie

Genre Reader