Rise of Empire

Rise of Empire is the second volume of Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, collecting the third and fourth novels, Nyphron Rising and The Emerald Storm, in one book. Orbit published it in December 2011.

War has come to Melengar. As the newly formed Nyphron Empire grows into a formidable power, Princess Arista defies her brother, King Alric, and hires the thieves Royce and Hadrian for a dangerous mission behind enemy lines: to reach the leader of the Nationalists to the south and win his support.

Hadrian is tired of his trade and longs for a just cause, and Royce knows a secret that could give his partner a purpose greater than anything he imagined. But Royce also suspects that the ancient wizard Esrahaddon is using them as pawns in his own struggle for power.

In the second half, Royce and Hadrian disguise themselves as sailors aboard the ship Emerald Storm, hoping it will lead them to Merrick Marius, the cunning spy helping the Imperialists, as the search for the lost Heir of Novron takes them to the edge of the known world.