The Rise and Fall Trilogy

Nolyn (#1)

"Rapid pacing, intense battles, and captivating characters make Nolyn a tremendous first entry in the Rise and Fall series. Fans of Sullivan’s previous works, and even new readers, will find a ton to love here."

FanFiAddict

"Nolyn was yet another well-crafted and enthralling tale from a masterful storyteller, who never fails to give me what I craved from the world of Elan."

Novel Notions

"Surprises, twists, and revelations that are jam packed in Nolyn. I can’t remember another book written by Michael where I was on the edge of my seat"

Under the Radar SFF Books

"Nolyn is masterfully executed and the disparate storylines are equally intriguing as they are spun beautifully together into an ending full of gnarled twists and grim surprises that will leave you clamoring for more. For true fans of epic fantasy, Michael J. Sullivan's The Rise and the Fall series is not one to miss."

David Estes, Amazon #1 bestselling author of Fatemarked

"Breathtakingly epic in scope, yet the characters are infused with the breath of genuine humanity that makes Sullivan's work utterly unique."

Andy Peloquin, bestselling author of The Silent Champions series

"Vengeance and love test the boundaries of honor in this phenomenal epic fantasy by Michael J. Sullivan. Heart-wrenching and powerful, you can't help but root for Nolyn and Sephryn as they struggle to unravel the plots against them before the final trap is sprung. I loved every minute and can't wait to see what happens next!"

Megan Haskell, award-winning author of The Sanyare Chronicles

"With Nolyn, a true master of epic fantasy shines even brighter. Sullivan has an amazing ability to craft a brilliant ensemble of characters and lead readers on an adventure that keeps them wide-eyed and begging for more with each expertly written page."

Dyrk Ashton, author of The Paternus Trilogy

Farilane (#2)

"Emotional, impactful, and unforgettable."

Novel Notions

"My heart will literally never be the same after reading those final chapters. I think it was literally the most emotionally moving piece of writing I have ever read."

Powder and Page

"If you have loved Michael J. Sullivan books before I think Farilane will be another that is cherished and has moments that stick with you long afterward."

Books of My Heart

Esrahaddon (#3)

"[T]he key strength of Sullivan’s books has been, and will always be, his characters. I’ve never failed to love, or despise (where appropriate), the characters in his stories."

Novel Notions

The Legends of the First Empire Series

Age of Myth (#1)

“Sullivan’s world is richly detailed.”

Kirkus

“Sullivan brings his masterful world-building and agile imagination to bear on a host of interesting characters and a story that feels new and vibrant.”

B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog

“Sullivan’s stunning hardcover debut, AGE OF MYTH, inaugurates an original five-book series – and one of fantasy’s finest next-generation storytellers continues to break new ground.”

Rising Shadow

“If you enjoy epic fantasy, and are perhaps hungering for something with timeless appeal, then I highly recommend picking up AGE OF MYTH. Newcomers to Michael J. Sullivan’s work will find this to be a perfect place to jump on board, and if you’re already a fan, there’s absolutely no excuse—you must read this book!”

The BiblioSanctum

“The world-building is exemplary; the characters are as diverse as any group of people can produce–the good, the foolish, the arrogant, the brave, the corrupt, the vicious, the honorable. The plot is exciting and full of energy. I loved it.”

Book Garden

“I was delighted to find that by the end, I was rather taken with these brand new characters.”

Powder & Page

“The plot moves along rather quickly, and keeps you glued to the pages. It hit a moment fairly early one where it was legitimately hard for me to put it down every night.”

Cinelinx

“AGE OF MYTH is a fast moving book with lots of action and adventure. It is a fun read, not too deep, but entertaining. I think this novel is stronger than his Riyria books with deeper characterization. Fans of Dave Duncan or Brent Weeks will enjoy the book.”

SFRevu

“Age of Myth is an entertaining traditional fantasy action adventure epic with a few twists.”

SFFWorld (N. E. White)

“Fans of Mr. Sullivan’s previous works should enjoy this peek into the far past of his popular secondary world.”

SFFWorld (Rob H. Bedford)

“This is a big entertainment with alliances, betrayals, magic and fighting, all set against some great scenery […] AGE OF MYTH delivers.”

Fantasy Literature

“With such a strong start to a five book series, this is rising to the top of my watch list as one of the best new series around.”

The Quill to Live

“The Age of Myth introduces us to the conflicts and major characters of what promises to be another superb fantasy series from Michael J. Sullivan.”

Susan Coventry, author of The Queen’s Daughter

Age of Swords (#2)

“This novel has a refreshing, if somewhat dated, feminist ethos: ‘a handful of women and a few young girls’ emerge as the newfound font of cultural strength in a changing society and are the heroes.”

Kirkus

“The unusual technological level and prevalence of thoughtful women as leading characters set this apart from other fantasies.”

Publishers Weekly

“AGE OF SWORDS is compelling reading. Several characters develop in intriguing ways, rising to the occasion when trouble comes. […] It left me ― and, I think it’s safe to predict, will leave most readers ― anxious for AGE OF WAR, the next novel in this series.”

Fantasy Literature

“AGE OF SWORDS is light, fun epic fantasy with strong, likable characters. Even minor characters have strong personalities […] It is worth noting that most of the main human characters in the book are female.”

SFRevu

“There’s lots to like about AGE OF SWORDS and I found the book enjoyable overall. […] I’m looking forward to see how this series will unfold, and will be picking up the next book without hesitation.”

Bibliosanctum

“I loved this new thrilling, unputdownable audiobook and can’t wait for the 3rd installment into the Legends of the First Empire series.”

The Audiobook Blog

“This sequel is a powerful, emotional tale that truly makes you feel like you’re going on an adventure with unforgettable characters. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a fantasy epic with strong, unconventional female characters, THIS is the book you’ve been waiting for.”

Amy Braun, author of Obsidian Sky

Age of War (#3)

“In this powerful third book of a projected six-book series, Sullivan continues providing excellent worldbuilding and character development […] Sullivan’s fans will be delighted.”

Publishers Weekly

“The tears are still in my eyes when I think of this book [...] AGE OF WAR encompasses all the emotions one would feel during a war. Not everyone makes it through battles and some sacrifices are as beautiful as they are heartbreaking.”

Books of My Heart

“One of the things Sullivan has done wonderfully on the series so far is continually building up the world and exploring its history/customs without feeling forced or overwhelming. That continues to be the case with AGE OF WAR.”

Cinelinx

“These books are ‘high fantasy’ in the truest sense of the phrase: creative, adventurous and exciting, written with dry wit and expansive humor. If you enjoy all those things, as well as characters that you will truly miss once you’re finished reading, then you will love not only The Legends Of The First Empire but all of Michael J. Sullivan’s wonderful series.”

Aspen Daily News

“AGE OF WAR moves the overall story arc of the LEGENDS OF THE FIRST EMPIRE along well. Characters have difficult, even heart-wrenching choices to make. Long-held secrets and plans are revealed. Twists are turned…”

Fantasy Literature

Age of Legend (#4)

“Fans of the earlier works will want to continue to follow the stories of Sullivan’s very human characters.”

Publishers Weekly

Age of Death (#5)

"Age of Death, then, sees Sullivan continue to solidify himself as one of the greatest practitioners of fantasy literature currently writing, and further builds the foundation from which he will be measured as a champion of the genre in decades to come. Sullivan is not just an author who can wring emotion out of his readers through beautiful character work but is also a first-rate imagination up there with the best. Combined, Sullivan outshines most of his peers and sends a challenge to all.

Fantasy Book Review, 10 out of 10

"Similar to the previous books, the entirety of the narrative felt almost thoroughly compelling...And it’s impressive how, with each book in the series, Sullivan continuously developed the characters effectively."

Novel Notions

"Age of Death is the penultimate entry in the Legends of the First Empire series and it’s just incredible. I was a little iffy on continuing the series early on. Sullivan tried me more than once, but he got away with it in the end. The world-building is at the top of its class. The character development is so thorough its practically overwhelming. The mystery, the adventure, the suspense that Age of Death brings are all equally reason enough to read it. Combined… this book is impressive."

A Refuge From Life

Age of Empyre (#6)

"Though not as lengthy as my previous review, I cannot praise Michael J Sullivan and his ‘The Legends of the First Empire’ series more. Age of Empyre is its high point, a towering accomplishment atop the already impressive series. Sullivan writes with a beautiful moral compass and brings his characters to life in a way very few authors will ever manage in their writing life. The mythological imagination boggles the mind, but is not left untethered from reality, and builds a historical footing for what we have already seen and read thousands of years in this fictional future."

Fantasy Book Review, 10 out of 10

"The pacing and action in Age of Empyre were handled with finesse, and there were many other elements Sullivan implemented that worked with me."

Novel Notions

"An epic conclusion befitting of an epic series: Age of Empyre tells the story it sets out to and more, concluding the Legends of the First Empire in a blaze of action, adventure, and flair."

A Refuge From Life

Standalone

The Riyria Revelations

Theft of Swords (#1)

“Filled with adventure and clever dialog and featuring a pair of not-quite-heroes whose loyalties to each other provide them with their greatest strength, this epic fantasy showcases the arrival of a master storyteller […] A winning debut for fantasy lovers.”

Library Journal

“Hair-raising escapes, flashy sword fights, and faithful friendship complete the formula for good old-fashioned escapist fun.”

Publishers Weekly

“A fascinating fantasy tale filled with wonderful feats of heroism and chivalry juxtaposed with unlikely heroes who unabashedly proclaim themselves to be thieves and act accordingly […] [An] enjoyable work, looking forward to more remarkable deeds perpetrated by this engaging pair.”

Night Owl Reviews, Top Pick

“THEFT OF SWORDS is a excellent addition to the fantasy genre, one that tells a fun and modern story with a traditional Tolkien styled setting, and one that you should not hesitate in adding to your library […] A fun fantasy full of wonderful characters, deadly conspiracies, and intricate action sequences.”

Fantasy Book Review

“[The book] completely succeed as one of these more conventional stories that still manages to be very entertaining […] it is entertaining and it manages to keep the plot and characters engaging enough to make the fantasy tropes fun and nostalgic instead of irritating and stale. When I reached the last page, I found myself really eager to find out what happens to Hadrian and Royce next.”

Fantasy Book Cafe

“In the space of two years, Michael Sullivan has moved from a small press debut author who was featured in one of my first “Indie Spotlight Reviews” to a “name” in the fantasy field.”

Fantasy Book Critic

Rise of Empire (#2)

“Every time I finish a book in this series it makes me want the next one instantly […] Michael Sullivan shows that he isn’t just a one book wonder, or that his other novels were random hits. His Riyria Revelations series is taking shape very nicely, and it’ll be amazing to watch where he takes the other novels after this because with each novel there is a new surprise or approach to his writing.”

Fantasy Book Critic

“A delightful, entertaining and page-turning read that reminds us just how enjoyable, and how good – the Riyria Revelations series is. A must-buy for all fantasy lovers.”

The Founding Fields

“Four novels/two omnibii into The Riyria Revelations and I’m gaining an understanding of why Mr. Sullivan acquired such a devoted fanbase over the past few years when these were small press books – he crafts a story that appeals to many of the hallmarks that make Epic Fantasy popular.”

SFFWorld

“Readers of fast paced adventure stories will enjoy the Riyria Revelations and readers of high fantasy will enjoy the direction the series overall takes. These books however have been some of my favorites from this year and I’d recommend them to any genre fan, sans specifics.”

Reading Realms

“As much as I enjoyed THEFT OF SWORDS, RISE OF EMPIRE is even better, bringing new dimensions to the story.”

The Royal Library

Heir of Novron (#3)

“[HEIR OF NOVRON] delivers a fun story with plenty of sword fighting and some genuine surprises.”

Publishers Weekly

“What started out as a straightforward fantasy adventure in The Crown Conspiracy has evolved into a full-blown epic in Percepliquis.”

Fantasy Literature

“HEIR OF NOVRON is the conclusion to the Riyria Revelations, cementing it in a position as a new classic of modern fantasy: traditional in setting, but extremely unconventional in – well – everything else.”

Drying Ink

“Fans of the first two volumes, then, will be comforted to know the Riyria Revelations come to a close in fine fashion. Sullivan will have kept a few twists up his sleeve to the very end, while we as readers will have been enthralled by the extraordinary deeds of Royce and Hadrian. I heartily recommend HEIR OF NOVRON and its predecessors to fans of classic epic fantasy tales.”

LEC Book Reviews

“All in all, I have to say that the two novels together as the omnibus HEIR OF NOVRON are just plain awesome. No two ways about it.”

The Founding Field

The Riyria Chronicles

The Crown Tower (#1)

“It’s fast-paced, at times funny, at times violent, and the two lead characters (as well as a few supporting ones) are so immediately fascinating that it’s somewhat hard to believe this is fiction. Add to that Sullivan’s absolute mastery of the writing craft (there are some lines which are so brilliantly phrased that it leaves me at once astonished and laughing out loud) and volume one of the Riyria Chonicles is an absolute must for anyone who reads fantasy.”

Fantasy Book Review

“Michael is able to tell a really interesting story here about characters who’ve already had six novels and a prequel short story about them. The entire premise, which we are familiar with on a meta-level, is dealt with in an intelligent and engaging manner, and Michael’s writing held my interest all the way through to the end. THE CROWN TOWER is every bit as good as my two absolute favourite Riyria Revelations novels: Avempartha and Percepliquis.”

The Founding Fields, 9.5/10 stars

“Fans of the Riyria Revelations will have no trouble jumping back into the world as Sullivan does the meeting of the duo justice. Readers unfamiliar with Sullivan’s work, but looking for a fast-paced character-focused adventure will enjoy THE CROWN TOWER as well. With each novel of his planned Riyria Chronicles being a standalone, it’s also a good way to dip your toe into the world with a full story.”

Reading Realms, 4.5/5 stars

“For Riyria fans, THE CROWN TOWER brings a little bit more of your favorite characters. I know you’ll be happy to read about them. As for those unfamiliar to them, I recommend starting with The Ryria Revelations and then using this series to satisfy you yearning for more Royce and Hadrian.”

Bookworm Dreams

“Mr. Sullivan continues to impress. In Royce and Hadrian he has created some of the best characters the genre has seen in some time, and in Avempartha he shows that he knows what to do with them. These books should be in every bookstore and I really hope that they are someday.”

Speculative Fiction Junkie

“A whirlwind of twists, earth-shattering surprises and deadly betrayal.”

Literary Magic

The Rose and the Thorn (#2)

“Riyria fans will appreciate this look into their heroes’ history.”

Publishers Weekly

“THE ROSE AND THE THORN is another brilliant prequel, shedding lights on important events that really open up the wider world of these stories, and explain much of some of its most important characters […] the two books make up an absolute killer-combination.”

Fantasy Book Review

“[THE ROSE AND THE THORN is] packed with all of the things that made Sullivan such a powerhouse in the genre. There are banter and battle in equal measure, a touch of romance, sharply drawn characters, and the wonderful blend of nostalgic sword and sorcery that hearkens back to the books that led many thirty and forty-something readers to the genre in the first place.”

52 Book Review

“An excellent second act in the Riyria Chronicles. Michael J. Sullivan’s THE ROSE AND THE THORN manages to be even better than The Crown Tower, making this book, and the duology – one of my favourite reads of 2013.”

The Founding Fields

“I probably don’t need to say that readers who enjoyed previous Riyria books would enjoy this, but I just did. So far, all of Sullivan’s Riyria books have been very well paced, sword and sorcery style action with strong characters, making them fun and easy to read. I would recommend them to any fan of fantasy, new or veteran, young or old.”

Reading Realms, 4.5/5 stars

The Death of Dulgath (#3)

“A fast-paced and entertaining continuation of the Riyria Chronicles, THE DEATH OF DULGATH continues to explore the Medieval world Michael J. Sullivan created in THEFT OF SWORDS with a rousing tale of assassins, murder, betrayal and intrigue.”

Buzzfeed

The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter (#4)

“This volume is a highly satisfying addition to the Riyria Chronicles that adds to the backstory of Hadrian and Royce.”

Booknest, 4.5/5 stars

“As a reader, it always amazes me to watch an author’s skill grow over time, and indeed Sullivan’s writing has become a lot more polished since the days of the Riyria Revelations […] It is truly impressive how Hadrian and Royce’s adventures have stayed so fresh and utterly captivating even after all these years and so many novels.”

The BiblioSanctum, 4.5/5 stars

“Royce and Hadrian are very, very easily my two favorite characters in all of fantasy […] [THE DISAPPEARANCE OF WINTER’S DAUGHTER] was just fantastic. This was a really great addition to the series.”

Super Star Drifter

“Nothing in this particular novel shows signs of Michael slowing down when it comes to the Riyria duo. From prose to pacing to interesting plot ideas, a fantastic cast of side characters and the ever-expected witty dialogue and squabbling between the two friends, THE DISAPPEARANCE OF WINTER’S DAUGHTER feels once more like coming home. Or, to put it differently, like inviting two old friends back into your home, having waffles for breakfast and having awkward conversations about unicorns and polka dots. In yet other words, I loved it.”

Reading Lamp

“Fans will rejoice in Tim Gerard Reynolds’s return to narrate the latest adult fantasy featuring professional thieves Hadrian and Royce. The pairing of Reynolds’s narration with Sullivan’s multilayered storytelling is outstanding. Reynolds’s sense of the heroes’ personalities makes the bantering dialogue a joy to hear and enhances the tale’s humor and emotional depths.”

AudioFile