Is this book part of a larger series and should I read it first?

This is the first installment of The Riyria Revelations, a six-part story that was written in its entirety before the first volume was released to ensure a cohesive narrative arc. While each book contains its own self-contained conflict and resolution, they are designed to be read in order to fully appreciate the intertwined plot elements.

Are there other books featuring these same characters?

The protagonists, Royce and Hadrian, also appear in The Riyria Chronicles, a separate series that functions as a prequel. These stories take place years before the events of this book and focus on the early years of the duo's partnership.

The Crown Conspiracy

Adventure Epic Fantasy

Pages: 296
Published: 2008
Language: English

Synopsis

Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, the mercenary thieves known as Riyria, take what should be a simple job: steal a sword from the palace in Medford, capital of the kingdom of Melengar. Instead they find the king dead and are framed for his murder.

Princess Arista saves them from the gallows on one condition. They must kidnap her brother, Prince Alric, whom she fears will be the next victim of whoever killed their father. Pursued by hired killers, the unlikely group makes for a remote prison to free the wizard Esrahaddon, who says he was jailed for a crime he did not commit, and picks up Myron, the only survivor of a burned monastery, along the way.

Back in Melengar, the royal family's own relatives and the Church have designs on the throne. The Crown Conspiracy is the first book of The Riyria Revelations, a six-book epic fantasy series, and it is the opening half of the omnibus Theft of Swords. It is a fast, adventure-driven story with a large dose of banter between its two leads, and no ancient evil or chosen child in sight at this stage.