Michael J. Sullivan is a bestselling American author of epic fantasy and science fiction, best known for his Riyria series. Born in Detroit in 1961, he began writing as a child but spent a decade away from the craft after receiving over 100 rejections from publishers. He returned to writing in 2004 with a focus on creating engaging stories for his dyslexic daughter, a motivation that eventually led to the creation of the world of Elan. Sullivan is notable for his success across self-publishing,...
The rose and the thorn
The rose and the thorn
Synopsis
The Rose and the Thorn is the second novel in Michael J. Sullivan's The Riyria Chronicles, a prequel series to his bestselling Riyria Revelations. Set in the fictional world of Elan, it follows the sardonic thief Royce Melborn and the good-natured swordsman Hadrian Blackwater as they return to the city of Medford and are drawn into a dangerous web of court conspiracy centered on the kingdom of Melengar.
The story braids together several threads: Gwen DeLancy, a young madam guarding a deadly secret; Reuben Hilfred, a palace guard nursing an impossible love for the princess Arista; and a plot by ambitious nobles to seize power. Sullivan writes accessible, fast-moving epic fantasy in the classic sword-and-sorcery tradition, prized for its clean prose and the warm, bickering friendship at its heart.
Because the Chronicles are designed as an entry point to the wider saga, the book rewards new readers and longtime fans alike.
Vibe
Genres
Characters
Royce MelbornProtagonist
A cynical, ruthless thief with a mysterious past and lethal skill, one half of the Riyria partnership.
Hadrian BlackwaterProtagonist
A principled, warm-hearted master swordsman who balances Royce's colder instincts.
Gwen DeLancySupporting
A refugee running a brothel in Medford who holds a dangerous secret and becomes central to Royce's story.
Reuben HilfredSupporting
A young palace guard devoted to Princess Arista, caught up in the court conspiracy.
