Drumindor

Drumindor is the fifth book in Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Chronicles, the lighter, more episodic prequel sequence starring the fan-favorite rogues Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater. It can be read as a largely self-contained adventure while still fitting into Sullivan's broader world of Elan.

Hired to stop a vengeful dwarven engineer from sabotaging the massive twin towers of Drumindor, Royce and Hadrian travel to the sun-soaked resort city of Tur Del Fur expecting an easy payday. The setup lets Sullivan lean into what made the series popular: the odd-couple chemistry between cynical, deadly Royce and honorable, warm-hearted Hadrian, laced with humor and clever schemes.

Lower-stakes and comparatively relaxed against the epic sweep of Riyria Revelations, Drumindor offers accessible, character-driven adventure fantasy. Longtime readers get continuity and payoffs, while the caper structure keeps it welcoming and brisk.