Blood of Thieves

The Riyria Chronicles #1-2

by Michael J. Sullivan

Discover how the Riyria Revelations began! BLOOD OF THIEVES collects two complete novels containing the earliest adventures of the heroes of Michael Sullivan's smash-hit epic fantasy saga!

THE CROWN TOWER: Two men who hate each other. One impossible mission. A legend in the making.
Hadrian Blackwater, a warrior with nothing to fight for is paired with Royce Melborn, a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Together they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm's most prized possessions. But it isn't gold or jewels that the old wizard is after, and if he can keep them from killing each other they become a legendary team.

THE ROSE AND THE THORN: A dear friend is brutally beaten. Two thieves want answers. Riyria is born.
For more than a year Royce Melborn has tried to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved him and his partner Hadrian Blackwater from certain death. Unable to get her out of his mind, the two thieves return to Medford but receive a very different reception -- Gwen refuses to see them. The victim of abuse by a powerful noble, she suspects Royce will ignore any danger and seek revenge. By turning the thieves away, Gwen hopes to protect them once more. What she doesn't realize is what the two are capable of, but she's about to find out.

The Riyria Chronicles are prequels to The Riyria Revelations and the books can be read in either order of publication (starting with Theft of Swords) or chronological order (The Crown Tower).

"Best of" and "Most Anticipated" Lists
The Crown Tower
* 2013 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Fantasy
* 2013 Audible Best of Everything
* 2013 Audible's 5-star Listens for Fantasy
* 2013 Fantasy Faction's Top 25 Fantasy Books
* 2013 Shadowhawk Shades's Top 6 Fantasy Reads
* 2013 Confessions of an Avid Reader's Top 10 Books
* 2013 Audible's August Customer Favorites
* 2013 Shadowhawk Shade's Reading Award for August
* 2013 Fantasy Book Review's Six (non-hyped) Most Anticipated Books
* 2013 Fantasy Faction's Top 10 Most Anticipated Books
* 2013 Ranting Dragon's 50 Fantasy and Sci-Fi Novels to Look Forward
* 2013 BestFantasyBooks.com's Most Anticipated Fantasy Reads
* 2013 Shadowhawk's Shade Most Anticipated Releases
* 2013 A Fantasy Reader's Eager Meter Nominee
* 2013 Draumr Kopa Fantasy Book Blog Waiting on Wednesday

The Rose and the Thorn
* 2013 Fantasy Faction's Top 25 Fantasy Books of 2013
* 2013 Confessions of an Avid Reader's Top 10 Books
* 2013 Audible's September Customer Favorites

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Epic Fantasy, Fiction, Audiobook

537 pages, Hardcover

First published December 22, 2013

About the author

We are extending the dates for the Holiday Sale. Click the image to shop (a) Out of print hardcovers just $10 each (b) Soon to be out of print hardcovers and (c) Deluxe boxsets with savings up to $80 off.



I'm a New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post bestselling author with 9 Goodreads Choice Award Nominations and 6 Amazon Editor's Picks.

My current released books:

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Coming to Kickstarter in April 2026

New short stories by: Brandon Sanderson • J.A. Andrews • Bradley P. Beaulieu • Carol Berg • Peter V. Brett • Terry Brooks • Jim Butcher • Delilah S. Dawson • Matt Dinniman • Kate Elliott • Kevin Hearne • Jessica Day George • Lev Grossman • Nancy Kress • Mark Lawrence • Scott Lynch • Jonathan Maberry •Seanan McQuire • Brandon Mull • Peter Orullian • Christopher Paolini • Kat Richardson • Christopher Ruocchio • Anthony Ryan • R.A. Salvatore • Scott Sigler • Shawn Speakman • Michael J. Sullivan • Carrie Vaughn • Brent Weeks • Tad Williams • Janny Wurts
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Indie Author: A documentary for those wo dare to dream is now FREE on YOUTUBE!

It features myself, Andy Wier, Will Wight, Travis Baldree, and many more.
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I first opened the door to my imagination with typewriter keys while playing hide and seek and finding a black behemoth when I just ten years old. Serious writing started in my twenties, but after more than a decade trying to publish (and getting nowhere), I quit altogether. I returned to writing in 2004, and published my first novel with a small press in 2008. If you had told me that I'd be a New York Times Bestselling author, have 85+ novels translated into 13 languages, and sold more than 2 million copies, I never would have believed you!

Reviews

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains both The Crown Tower and The Rose and the Thorn. I initially read these as separate books that I borrowed from my library. I remember the day I walked into the library and saw The Crown Tower propped up on the “new release” shelf. The mysterious, hooded guy on the cover caught my eye, I read the synopsis and checked it out. I had never heard of Riyria before, but little did I know that I would come to love this series. Not to mention fall head over heels for two very unforgettable characters. I’m happy to finally have my very own copy now, because we’ve apparently got a lot of Riyria fans ‘round here and the library’s copy is beat. (What do people do with the books once they get them home?)

So I’m to call you Rye-ear-ah? Is that correct?
Good enough…
Well, I don’t think it’s as good as Phantoms, but it’s something I guess.

Well, I laughed, I cried and had an all round great time reading this again. It’s an easy book to enjoy, because the characters make it so much fun. And it’s not just the humor, though that’s definitely a highlight. I also love what’s happening below the surface as the characters feel each other out, and begin to learn from one another.

There are some tragic moments too, and I couldn’t help but get broken up again. It’s just so easy to get emotionally invested in all the characters. They make me feel things I don’t always get to feel while reading - maybe because I consciously avoid books that could potentially make me cry. But I wouldn’t trade those feelings for anything. And besides, the humor creates the perfect balance. You can’t feel down for too long before Hadrian and Royce’s banter have you laughing again.

Also important to mention - this series is actually a prequel to The Riyria Revelations which includes Theft of Swords, Rise of Empire, and Heir of Novron. I started with The Crown Tower (because I didn’t know any better at the time) but others might suggest starting with the original series first. I actually enjoyed the order I read them, but everyone’s preference is different.

[Jeff Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Game of Thrones and the rest of the Song of Ice and Fire series the year before the TV show came out. I talked my wife, who has never read fantasy outside of Lord of the Rings, to read the series afterwards.

She LOVED it, and when when she finished found the Riyria series for her Kindle. She loved these books so much that she took the liberty of naming MY kitten Hadrian Blackwater! I thought that since the kitten was a gift TO ME, that I would have the honor of naming him!

I read the Riyria Revelations after my wife, and I think that all of the Riyria Chronicles and Riyria Revelations novels are fantastic. After reading, I returned to my usual sci-fi groove, but my wife read five or six more epic fantasy trilogies, and she never found any that came close to the enjoyment of Riyria. This year, she reread the original six books (three volumes) as well as the two novels collected in this book, Blood of Thieves. We are both eagerly hoping for more installments of Royce and Hadrian.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

(UPDATED)

This is the origin story of Riyria and Medford House. The Riyria Chronicles are prequels to the Riyria Revelations. You can read either set first. Each of the Chronicles is a stand-alone novel with no knowledge of any other books required. (You’ll just miss the Easter eggs.)

THE CROWN TOWER
This is a fun adventure, perfect for escapism. You get knife fights, sword fights, fist fights, conspiracies, revenge, narrow escapes, and so on. (Kind of like The Princess Bride that way.)

I was really impressed at how Sullivan was able to portray Hadrian and Royce in their early days, before all the later character development. Royce is a bloodthirsty assassin, unable to trust anyone, and Hadrian is a soft-hearted wanderer, disillusioned with soldiering. Naturally, their first meeting doesn’t go that well:

“Hi! I’m Hadrian Blackwater.”
“Congratulations. … Go away.”



Eventually I barely noticed the writing; I was just mentally watching things happen. Isn’t that the best?

Language: Mild
Sexual Content: Characters are prostitutes–implied sex work, not shown
Violence/Gore: Murder, violence against women
Harm to Animals: Several horses injured or killed in battle
Harm to Children: None
Other (Triggers): None

THE ROSE AND THE THORN
The Rose and the Thorn was actually written first and contains a lot of the backstory for Theft of Swords. It introduces Albert and Hilfred and the Essendons and Pickerings and Bishop Saldur—what a weasel! And Scary Royce comes out to play.

Pacing is just right, the characters are fully alive, and it’s incredibly fun to read.

Language: Mild to moderate
Sexual Content: Some characters are prostitutes; no sex scenes or dialogue
Violence/Gore: Torture (mostly off-page), beating (off-page), murder; not graphic but somewhat disturbing
Harm to Animals: None
Harm to Children: child abuse
Other (Triggers): systemic sexism and classism, mention of suicide, arson, conspiracy/betrayal

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omnibus of the first two Riyria Chronicles novels - I have two hard copies and read them all.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that he keeps writing backstory for two of my favorite adventurers! He does such a great job making them quick, fun, and action packed, while still maintaining depth, character nuance, and clever plotting. A+

[Francesco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vote: 3,90
Class: L-B1 (FP)

(first two books of the Riyria Chronicles, prequels to the Riyria Revelations)

These books are a prequel of the original Riyria Revelations series; while they're not per se an epic fantasy like the original they certainly are a great Fantasy novel.
I recommend it after reading the original Saga but you can read it first too.

The world (3,75) is a good classic fantasy world, with real history and legends. Well built and interesting.

The characters (4,25) are really great, powerful ones. They are true to themselves... from the beginning, and we come to know and like them better. Even the lesser and secondary ones are very convincing. For the Riyria fans there is a chance to know more of Royce and Hadrian history.

The story (3,75) more intriguing than in the first book (we already know almost all of it from the original series) and it leaves you needing more... Good.

The writing style (3,75) is very good, light and without unnecessary boring descriptions of places or thoughts. Ever to the point.

This is a very enjoying reading, certainly to recommend to all the fan of the original saga.

[Morganta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Крепкое приключенческое фэнтези без изысков — то, за что я полюбила оригинальную гексалогию, сохраняется и здесь. А ещё я люблю формат историй без глобального сюжета, объединённых миром, и это именно то, из чего состоит эта книга.
«Коронная башня» описывает первую встречу героев и нравится мне меньше. Из-за воспоминаний об их будущем и, главное, из-за морализаторства Адриана. Я ничего не имею против морализаторства в целом, но не такого, как здесь. И не в серии, подающейся как приключения воров!
А вот «Роза и шип» понравилась мне куда больше, я прочла её за вечер, в отличие от первой части. Наверное, во многом благодаря тому, что Ройс с Адрианом здесь не на первых ролях.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the Riyria Revelations immensely it was not the case with these two prequel stories. I did enjoy reading about some of my favorite characters again, this book just seemed to lack the same magic as the others. Maybe the new wore off for me? I imagine it is very hard to write prequel with much depth because you have essentially painted yourself into a corner because you have to stay within the established story and characters. I recommend it if you have read the Riyria Chronicles but if read in the chronological order you may never read past this one.

[Balazs Badics · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains both the "Crown Tower" and the "Rose and Thorn" original books by Michael J. Sullivan. The reviews of these are also listed per original book, but also here:
Review of the "Crown Tower":
An excellent book about a very unlikely friendship between a very honest and naïve warrior/ex-soldier and a remorseless thief, who had to work together to survive. Many others have probably written much longer and in-depth reviews, I can just recommend it for anyone to read. In many places it has so good dialogue, so high tensions that it reminded me a good Quentin Tarantino movie, like "Inglorious Bastards".

Review of the "Rose and the Thorn":
"The Rose and the Thorn" by Michael J. Sullivan is an outstanding addition to The Riyria Chronicles series. This book masterfully blends action, intrigue, and heartfelt moments, making it a truly captivating read. Sullivan's exceptional storytelling and rich character development shine through, bringing the world of Riyria to life in vivid detail.
The dynamic duo of Royce and Hadrian are as compelling as ever, with their witty banter and deepening friendship adding layers of charm and depth to the narrative. The plot is expertly crafted, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Sullivan's ability to weave together complex storylines with ease and his knack for creating memorable, relatable characters make "The Rose and the Thorn" a must-read for fantasy lovers. This book is a testament to Sullivan's talent and a brilliant continuation of the Riyria saga.
This book is a perfect example that an excellent fantasy book does not have to be 1000 pages long (like many others), and does not need to have 100s of characters (like many others) which require a lexicon to follow and remember. It is only 352 pages, and can make you love or hate any character after reading only 3-5 pages. It could be turned to a movie, with great actors as the main characters.
Highly recommended!

[Paula Letterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very descriptive of an imaginary world, yet you could find it anywhere during the dark ages. The characters are diverse and perfectly written. The action is plentiful and always in the right place. Although written about two main characters the author didn't forget about the rest. The story is full bodied.

[Aileen Dodge]

I have read this entire series written by Michael J. Sullivan and I loved it. I know if you are a first-time reader of books written by Michael J. Sullivan that you will be wanting to read more of his books! Don't worry he has a written other series that you will find just as intriguing! And you will love the adventures his books take you on as you read them. So read on and ENJOY!!!

[Muddysquirrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent and fun read, especially as an audiobook. The characters are likable and easy to follow, and it has that classic fantasy feel. The plot isn’t the most compelling, but it moves along well enough to stay engaging. Overall, a solid, light fantasy adventure I’d recommend if you’re looking for something enjoyable and easy to get into.

[Amber Traylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first 3 books they mentioned (several times) certain events that happened in the past, it was nice to finally see how it all went down!

[MB · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 Rating.

[Komal]

This is the omnibus version of The Riyria Chronicles book 1 and 2.
Find the reviews here:

Riyria Chronicles 1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Riyria Chronicles 2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[Russell Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm usually not a fan of prequels as knowing what is happening down the road causes the story to lose something. However, this one is worth reading for Royce and Hadrian- especially the first book as we learn how they meet.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series

[Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just go and read it.