Zareepa asked Michael J. Sullivan:

I've just finished reading The Rose and The Thorn. Would it make a difference if I read Theft of Swords before the third book? What would you recommend? It seems that Theft of Swords picks up where The Rose and The Thorn ended. Thank you.

Michael J. Sullivan Hey Zareepa, Thanks for asking. No it would make no difference whatsoever. While it may appear that Theft of Swords picks up with The Rose and Thorn ended, there is actually about a decade between those two books in "Elan time." It just "seems" closer because an event that occurred in the distant past during the time of Theft of Swords, is shown in full detail in The Rose and the Thorn.

The next Riyria Chronicle book, The Death of Dulgath appears between The Rose and Thorn and Theft of Swords when considered along the chronological timeline...but unlike the other two chronicle books (which have events hinted at in the Revelation stories, this tale isn't connected to the other ones that way.

This is a "brand new" Royce and Hadrian adventure and it's really quite separate from any of the other eight books. It's designed so that people could start there and if they enjoy it, then they can jump into the other books starting at either Theft of Swords or The Crown Tower.

I know that may sound confusing...but it really isn't, especially when you consider that you can read The Death of Dulgath at anytime -- even if you were in the middle of the existing books.

Thanks for asking.

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