Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Andreas, Thanks for stopping by and asking. So, In general, I have three series and they were written in this order:
- The Riyria Revelations
- The Riyria Chronicles
- The Legends of the First Empire
Now each series CAN be read independently of the others. So you don't have to read Revelations to read Chronicles or have to read Riyria to enjoy Legend.
That said, they all take place in the same world (Elan) but Legends takes place 3,000 years before Riyria. As for the two Riyria books - Revelations starts 10 years after the main characters meet and Chronicles starts with their first job together.
Personally, I like reading in "order of publication," which means starting with Theft of Swords. But many like to do "Riyria first" and in Chronological order, which means starting with The Crown Tower. Starting with Riyria makes some sense as Legends is the "truth" behind several lies I've told about various historical figures.
A LOT of people have started with Legends and then went on to Riyria while waiting for the next book in the Legends series, and they report that as being a pretty satisfying way to go. And that would mean starting with Age of Myth.
So, as you can see, there are several alternative ways to start. The good news is we've heard from people who have done in all those ways and they report "My way was the best!" That leads me to believe that my goal of wanting to have all reading orders "work" seemed to have been achieved.
I hope that heps.
- The Riyria Revelations
- The Riyria Chronicles
- The Legends of the First Empire
Now each series CAN be read independently of the others. So you don't have to read Revelations to read Chronicles or have to read Riyria to enjoy Legend.
That said, they all take place in the same world (Elan) but Legends takes place 3,000 years before Riyria. As for the two Riyria books - Revelations starts 10 years after the main characters meet and Chronicles starts with their first job together.
Personally, I like reading in "order of publication," which means starting with Theft of Swords. But many like to do "Riyria first" and in Chronological order, which means starting with The Crown Tower. Starting with Riyria makes some sense as Legends is the "truth" behind several lies I've told about various historical figures.
A LOT of people have started with Legends and then went on to Riyria while waiting for the next book in the Legends series, and they report that as being a pretty satisfying way to go. And that would mean starting with Age of Myth.
So, as you can see, there are several alternative ways to start. The good news is we've heard from people who have done in all those ways and they report "My way was the best!" That leads me to believe that my goal of wanting to have all reading orders "work" seemed to have been achieved.
I hope that heps.
More Answered Questions
Lottie
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi Michael. This may be too spoilery to answer (if so, no worries at all!), but I was wondering how much time will have passed between the end of revelations and the start of the cycle? Thanks so much! And thanks again for your writing - I'm currently reading chronicles and I love them so much, it's so fun to see early days Royce and Hadrian and i love seeing more of Gwen!
Brad
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Two questions: First. Were The Crown Tower and The Rose and The Thorn ever released in hardcover? Second. I bought Age of Myth and Age of Swords in a brick and mortar store and they are therefore not signed, although they are first editions. Is there any way to get my books signed to complete my signed set? (Pre-paid shipping on my part both ways perhaps?) Your books are awesome, keep up the great work.
Michael Spredemann
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I share the joy that is your work every chance I get. Have you ever thought about turning your world into a role playing game campaign setting for games like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder? I know someone who would likely be very interested in taking on the project if you are interested in exploring the idea. And I for one would love to have my own adventures in your world.
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