The Crown Tower (#1)
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. Hired by an old wizard, 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 wizard is after, and if he can just keep them from killing each other, they just might succeed.
Reviews
“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.”
“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
Awards & Accolades
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee: 2013 “Best Fantasy“
Audible: “5-Star Listens for Fantasy”
Fantasy Faction: “Top 10 Anticipated Books for 2013”
Best Fantasy Book: “Most Anticipated Fantasy Books for 2013”
Fantasy Book Review: “Six (non-hped) Most Anticipated Books”
The Ranting Dragon: “50 Fantasy and Science Fiction Novels to Look Forward to in 2013”
Shadowhawk’s Shade: “Top 6 Fantasy Reads”
Confessions of an Avid Reader: “Top 10 Books”
Draumr Kopa: “Waiting on Wednesday”