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The Legends of the First Empire #0.5
Pile of Bones
This is a short story starring Suri and Minna, two characters from the "The Legends of the First Empire" series.
When a storm reveals a mysterious cave behind a waterfall, the young mystic’s apprentice and her wolf investigate. Inside, she discovers a secret place containing a pile of human bones and the young girl makes what could be a fatal mistake.
When a storm reveals a mysterious cave behind a waterfall, the young mystic’s apprentice and her wolf investigate. Inside, she discovers a secret place containing a pile of human bones and the young girl makes what could be a fatal mistake.
36 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2019
65 people are currently reading
2729 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Sullivan
86 books95.6k followersWe 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
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —
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.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —
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!
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:
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —
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
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —
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.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — —
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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
November 8, 2023
2.5/5 stars
A good enough short story about Suri and Minna, this is also the FIRST audiobook I finished!
I know the audiobook is only one-hour long, but for me, this was an immensely difficult task and I consider it an achievement. I don’t like using audiobooks; I’m actually super jealous that so many people can listen to it and enjoy them without losing their concentration. If it weren’t for many traffic jams, I’m sure I wouldn’t able to finish listening to this one. But hey, I did it, there’s a first to everything, after all! Hopefully, this will be a starting point of me tackling more books—and maybe enjoy them—using this format in the future.
Pile of Bones is a prequel short story about Suri and Minna before everything that happened in the main series, The Legends of the First Empire. I honestly have read only the first book in the main series, Age of Myth, and this very short story was able to spark my interest to continue reading the main series again one day. Suri and Minna were my favorite characters from Age of Myth and their little adventure and friendship here was adorable. The ending did fell flat to me, but I think fans of the main series will still enjoy this one; the short story also serves as a good starting point for those who want to try Sullivan’s writing.
You can find the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Mike, Hamad, Miracle, Devin, Nicholas.
A good enough short story about Suri and Minna, this is also the FIRST audiobook I finished!
I know the audiobook is only one-hour long, but for me, this was an immensely difficult task and I consider it an achievement. I don’t like using audiobooks; I’m actually super jealous that so many people can listen to it and enjoy them without losing their concentration. If it weren’t for many traffic jams, I’m sure I wouldn’t able to finish listening to this one. But hey, I did it, there’s a first to everything, after all! Hopefully, this will be a starting point of me tackling more books—and maybe enjoy them—using this format in the future.
Pile of Bones is a prequel short story about Suri and Minna before everything that happened in the main series, The Legends of the First Empire. I honestly have read only the first book in the main series, Age of Myth, and this very short story was able to spark my interest to continue reading the main series again one day. Suri and Minna were my favorite characters from Age of Myth and their little adventure and friendship here was adorable. The ending did fell flat to me, but I think fans of the main series will still enjoy this one; the short story also serves as a good starting point for those who want to try Sullivan’s writing.
You can find the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Mike, Hamad, Miracle, Devin, Nicholas.
Want to read
January 9, 2020If you know me, then you know I don't write reviews on my own books. But I do use this space to update people about titles, or announce sales.
Update: 01/09/20 - The audiobook is now free (in the US) and all people who bought it when it wasn't free will be issued refunds from Audible.com. To be honest, I'm not sure whether Audible was making it free in the US only, or whether it should be free on the international sites as well. I'll check with them and report back.
Update: 01/07/20 - The audiobook version Pile of Bones went live today, but don't pick up your copy just yet. This title is supposed to be free for a limited time, but right now it's showing a small fee to get a copy. I'm in touch with Audible, and I expect the problem will be fixed shortly. I'll update when it is.
Update: 01/09/20 - The audiobook is now free (in the US) and all people who bought it when it wasn't free will be issued refunds from Audible.com. To be honest, I'm not sure whether Audible was making it free in the US only, or whether it should be free on the international sites as well. I'll check with them and report back.
Update: 01/07/20 - The audiobook version Pile of Bones went live today, but don't pick up your copy just yet. This title is supposed to be free for a limited time, but right now it's showing a small fee to get a copy. I'm in touch with Audible, and I expect the problem will be fixed shortly. I'll update when it is.
January 31, 2020
A nice short story featuring Suri, Minna and Tura, about a close encounter with an evil being.
It doesn’t bring anything new however, it has a surprising hint at the end.
Perfect reading length for a subway ride.
You can get it free (courtesy of the author*) from:
Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/Pile-of-Bo...
Ebook: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/65c7zao0vk
(*https://www.goodreads.com/questions/1...)
It doesn’t bring anything new however, it has a surprising hint at the end.
Perfect reading length for a subway ride.
You can get it free (courtesy of the author*) from:
Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/Pile-of-Bo...
Ebook: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/65c7zao0vk
(*https://www.goodreads.com/questions/1...)
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August 20, 2021
3.5 stars. First off, I do not recommend reading this 30-page short story before Age of Myth (Legend of the first Empire #1), even if you’re into sticking to chronological order.
This story became worthwhile with its ending and that is something you won’t appreciate or know what to do with after you’ve read the series itself.
What’s more, this story wouldn’t have made me curious about reading the actual series. So, even though it’s a quick read, do not start here.
This prequel is also not relevant to the plot of the series so you can easily skip it; it does show us a younger Suri with her best friend, the wisest of wolves, Minna and how they find a hidden cave behind a waterfall (which will be featured in LotfE) and encounters a type of creature you will also meet later. (For those of you familiar with the series, the title should be a huge tip-off as to what kind of creature that is).
Sadly, the audiobook is no longer available for free on audible, but you can get the print version for free here: https://pr.bookfunnel.com/llwavtd.
Recommendation: Read if you’ve loved the series.
Read as an audiobook.
This story became worthwhile with its ending and that is something you won’t appreciate or know what to do with after you’ve read the series itself.
What’s more, this story wouldn’t have made me curious about reading the actual series. So, even though it’s a quick read, do not start here.
This prequel is also not relevant to the plot of the series so you can easily skip it; it does show us a younger Suri with her best friend, the wisest of wolves, Minna and how they find a hidden cave behind a waterfall (which will be featured in LotfE) and encounters a type of creature you will also meet later. (For those of you familiar with the series, the title should be a huge tip-off as to what kind of creature that is).
Sadly, the audiobook is no longer available for free on audible, but you can get the print version for free here: https://pr.bookfunnel.com/llwavtd.
Recommendation: Read if you’ve loved the series.
Read as an audiobook.
August 24, 2019
The mystic Suri hears the sound of Elan itself. It helps her in times of trouble and at times reveals things she wasn't meant to find. Pile of Bones takes us back to a time Suri stumbles on a secret even her wolf Minna wasn't able to help her with.
Pile of Bones is a solid short story that displays Suri more like she was in Age of Myth. Suri's a wide eyed explorer. She listens to the trees, the Earth, and animals. Listening, learning, and exploring is Suri's life. It was nice to be reminded of the character at a younger age when things were simpler. There's not much I can get into that won't spoil the story. Needless to say if you loved Suri in Age of Myth, then this is a must read short story.
Pile of Bones is a solid short story that displays Suri more like she was in Age of Myth. Suri's a wide eyed explorer. She listens to the trees, the Earth, and animals. Listening, learning, and exploring is Suri's life. It was nice to be reminded of the character at a younger age when things were simpler. There's not much I can get into that won't spoil the story. Needless to say if you loved Suri in Age of Myth, then this is a must read short story.
April 13, 2020
Pile of Bones
By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Series: Legends of the First Empire, Book 0.5
This is about a apprentice wizard(?) and her wolf find a new cave and contents. The results of finding and what happens then is what this short book is about. It's interesting but feels like I read a couple of chapters then it just quits.
The narration is good.
By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Series: Legends of the First Empire, Book 0.5
This is about a apprentice wizard(?) and her wolf find a new cave and contents. The results of finding and what happens then is what this short book is about. It's interesting but feels like I read a couple of chapters then it just quits.
The narration is good.
July 22, 2024
Pile of Bones is a short story that occurs prior to the Legends series (which I haven't read) and is available for free on Audible for a limited time, narrated by the awesome TGR.
Not much to say about this short story... great narration and good writing, but unfortunately, it's the weakest short story by Sullivan.
3.25/5
Not much to say about this short story... great narration and good writing, but unfortunately, it's the weakest short story by Sullivan.
3.25/5
January 5, 2020
I've just read two stories from Michael J. Sullivan (Pile of Bones and The Thieves), both of which I've received from the author. You can also get a copy by contacting him directly.
Pile of Bones is from the Legends of the First Empire series and The Thieves is from the Riyria tales.
These are great introductions for his series and I would highly recommend to check them out if you aren't familiar with his works. They do showcase quite well the overall feeling of both his series like a puzzle piece waiting to fit in a larger story.
Pile of Bones is from the Legends of the First Empire series and The Thieves is from the Riyria tales.
These are great introductions for his series and I would highly recommend to check them out if you aren't familiar with his works. They do showcase quite well the overall feeling of both his series like a puzzle piece waiting to fit in a larger story.
January 17, 2020
A children’s story, with a non-ending.
June 9, 2021
A short story about Suri, Minna and things that can be found in the Crescent forest...
July 30, 2021
Well written short story, but the problem lies in the fact that these type of freebies are only meant to hook the reader and leave them on a cliffhanger. I would have more respect for the author if he wrote a complete short story instead of relying on such childish tactics. Read reviews for Book 1 of this series and seems he does the same there. For shame!
December 5, 2024
“Suri? Suri, are you up there?” Tura called.
Suri didn’t answer.
“How do I know you’re really Tura?”
“Because if you don’t get down here this instant, Minna and I are going to go home and finish off the last of the strawberries, and you won’t get any.”
I imagine Tura, Suri and Minna would be in this series with some, or maybe Tura's father and Petree gal (Evla Turin) which sounds like a guy...anyway in any case sounds very intriguing...
“Onward to strawberries!”
Suri didn’t answer.
“How do I know you’re really Tura?”
“Because if you don’t get down here this instant, Minna and I are going to go home and finish off the last of the strawberries, and you won’t get any.”
I imagine Tura, Suri and Minna would be in this series with some, or maybe Tura's father and Petree gal (Evla Turin) which sounds like a guy...anyway in any case sounds very intriguing...
“Onward to strawberries!”
January 12, 2020
Great short book to peak our interest in the books still to come.
Really enjoy Michael’s worlds he writes in.
Really enjoy Michael’s worlds he writes in.
August 31, 2019
"Being brave was easy with a sister at your side, especially when that sibling was a big and wise wolf."
This is a short story about Suri and Minna and Tura set before the events of Age of Myth. It's an interesting read, and informative about some things that are relevant to the rest of the story.
I liked getting to see Suri and Minna up to their regular, everyday shenanigans, and it was nice to see interactions with Tura. Chilling, fun, and revealing of things I had never even thought to wonder about. Short and sweet.
January 25, 2020
Suri and Minna are two of my favorite characters from the Legends of the First Empire series, so this was a nice glimpse into life for these two. It was fun seeing some their history before Age of Myth and getting a glimpse at life with Tura.
Tim Gerard Reynolds narrated the audiobook and it was great. I've only listened to a few things he's narrated, but I really enjoy his voice.
Tim Gerard Reynolds narrated the audiobook and it was great. I've only listened to a few things he's narrated, but I really enjoy his voice.
March 10, 2020
Took me right back into the main series (even though this is set earlier) and three of the characters I so dearly love/d. Thoroughly enjoyed, so much so it prompted me to download book four in the series from Audible, which I started today.
January 24, 2020
7.0/10
Always love a TGR narrated story. This is also a series that I’ve been meaning to get to, so why not start at the very beginning?
Always love a TGR narrated story. This is also a series that I’ve been meaning to get to, so why not start at the very beginning?
May 3, 2020
I'm really struggling to listen to audio books currently as I can only do it when cleaning the house and exercising - no more long commutes to work and back - so have decided to catch up on some of the audible originals I have downloaded over the months.
I've always wanted to try this author, as I've seen some great reviews from GR friends, and although I thought the audio was well done and story very sweet, it was just too young for my personal taste. I do however think my kids will enjoy it.
I've always wanted to try this author, as I've seen some great reviews from GR friends, and although I thought the audio was well done and story very sweet, it was just too young for my personal taste. I do however think my kids will enjoy it.
November 28, 2021
This free short story is a prequel to Age of Myth. It introduces Suri and Minna and is an adventure they have in the forest. It wasn’t as exciting as the main series; I guess I’m not a big nature fan in books. But it’s worth a read, and of course the main series is great.
March 3, 2020
A fun and simple story with Suri and Minna
May 28, 2020
My first audiobook.
I do have some issues with the format, but I like the story of this one and also the work of Gerard Reynolds.
I do have some issues with the format, but I like the story of this one and also the work of Gerard Reynolds.
December 30, 2020
4 Stars!
A quick short story with with Suri. Easy to love.
A quick short story with with Suri. Easy to love.
January 31, 2020
Spoiler alert
المراجعة تحوي حرق لمحتوى الرواية
بداية هذه الرواية بدت مشابهة لرواية أليس في بلاد العجائب
البطلة الصغيرة ذات ال12 عاما وذئبتها القوية
على ما تعرضت له البطلة سوري من مخاطر بسبب فضولها الا ان ذلك لم يوقفها عن محاولة كشف الكهف الصغير خلف الشلال.. لتجد بداخله ما يفاجأها
وهذه القصة هي المقدمة لسلسة رويات.. تبدو مشوقة جدا
August 15, 2019
This is a short story about Suri and Minna from Michael’s “The Legends of the First Empire” series which I highly recommend to any fantasy fan.
With 36 pages and about 10.000 words it’s a very short piece but it nicely “showcases” some of the “features” of the series which is currently comprised of four full length novels and two more in the making (not like Rothfuss or Martin, though...).
I’m usually not all that great a fan of short stories but I enjoyed this one.
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With 36 pages and about 10.000 words it’s a very short piece but it nicely “showcases” some of the “features” of the series which is currently comprised of four full length novels and two more in the making (not like Rothfuss or Martin, though...).
I’m usually not all that great a fan of short stories but I enjoyed this one.
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August 11, 2024
4.5 Stars
This is a fun story with a lot of promise, it definitely has me intrigued about some of the magic that's in Legends of the First Empire. I especially enjoyed TGR's narration of it and bumped it up half a star just for that!
I also found this was much better on reread after having additional context from Age of Myth! :)
This is a fun story with a lot of promise, it definitely has me intrigued about some of the magic that's in Legends of the First Empire. I especially enjoyed TGR's narration of it and bumped it up half a star just for that!
I also found this was much better on reread after having additional context from Age of Myth! :)
August 17, 2023
Nice Little tale with Tura, Suri,and Minna back in happier time. Free on Audible and performed by the amazing Tim Gerard Reynolds. Fun read. Or Listen
May 4, 2020
2,5 stars
March 30, 2020
“Fear, for the most part, is yer friend. It keeps you alive, and stops you from doing stupid stuff like trying to fly or jumping in a fire. But, when yer scared of sumptin’ you ought not to be, well then, there’s just nothing for it but to grit yer teeth, spit in its eye, and challenge your dread to an arm wrestle.” Tura
A short, painless introduction to the world of Elan and one of the major characters of the greater series.
“So odd was this cautionary thought—as no one who knew her would ever accuse Suri of being prudent—that it caused her to laugh. After striking the [bee] hive several times, Suri stopped laughing.”
That said, it’s not much of a standalone story. Enjoyable but trite.
“Bigger animals ate smaller ones, but Suri noticed the ones that killed never gloated. They didn’t cheer, or laugh, or dance. Death was a solemn event like sunset or rain.”
A short, painless introduction to the world of Elan and one of the major characters of the greater series.
“So odd was this cautionary thought—as no one who knew her would ever accuse Suri of being prudent—that it caused her to laugh. After striking the [bee] hive several times, Suri stopped laughing.”
That said, it’s not much of a standalone story. Enjoyable but trite.
“Bigger animals ate smaller ones, but Suri noticed the ones that killed never gloated. They didn’t cheer, or laugh, or dance. Death was a solemn event like sunset or rain.”
January 11, 2020
I enjoyed this one. The ending kinda frustrated me, but I really liked it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews