Publishing Information: Kindle
Publisher: Ridan Publishing; 1 October 2010
ISBN 10: 0982514581
ISBN 13: 978-0982514580
ASIN: B00452VB5W
Series: The Riyria Revelations Book 5
Copy: Provided by Publisher
Reviewer: Tyson
Synopsis: "A FORCED WEDDING. A DOUBLE EXECUTION. TWO THIEVES HAVE OTHER PLANS.
The New Empire intends to celebrate its victory over the Nationalists with a day that will never be forgotten. On the high holiday of Wintertide the empress will be married. Degan Gaunt and the Witch of Melengar will be publically executed. Then the empress will suffer a fatal accident leaving the empire in the hands of the new emperor. It will be a perfect day. There is only one problem-Royce and Hadrian have finally found the lost heir."
A year ago today we started Speculative Book Review with the first review of Michael Sullivan's The Emerald Storm, book four in the Riyria Revelations series. It seems only fitting that we review the fifth book in the series, Wintertide, on our anniversary.
With each new installment in the Riyria Revelations the characters just get better. Wintertide is no exception. This addition focuses is on a much smaller scale than the previous novels as it all takes place in one location, for the most part. As things took a turn for the worst at the end of The Emerald Storm. Royce and Hadrian go their separate ways for the majority of the novel in order to take on their personal quests.
In Wintertide, we head to the Empire's capital, Aquesta, for the celebration known as Wintertide. As Royce and Hadrian enter the city there is a lot of great characters introduced. We meet a few street smart kids that take on a more important role and and also provide some levity to the story. With their introduction we also catch a glimpse about what life is like for the underprivileged and just how important the world's rulers are to the down trodden. The conversations the kids have when plotting their crimes and how to handle the city's newcomers was a lot of fun.
We also have a few recurring characters take on a larger role in Wintertide, they tend to help out our main characters in one shape or another. The story of Hadrian's taking on the role of a recently dubbed knight is interesting as he must learn the ways of a noble and the warfare that takes place during the gatherings and royal occasions are a lot of fun to read as the snubbing that takes place is highly amusing and intelligent. Royce's story is very minor and he really only shows up at the end; however, we he does his actions speak louder than words and the ending sets the stage for the final book. His story has him confronting a friend from the past and while I could see it coming from the previous books, I was not prepared for what happens in Wintertide. His role while minor, has a dramatic impact on how this story comes to a conclusion.
As with all of Sullivan's books in the Riyria Revelations series, Wintertide can be read as an individual book, but not recommend it as you miss out on a lot of the little stuff and many of the holes are plugged as we venture forth in this book. For those waiting for the last book in the series you will have a somewhat longer wait than expected as Orbit has recently purchased the series and will be releasing it as a trilogy. Percepliquis, will be contained in the third book in the trilogy. While I have spoken to Mrs. Sullivan she has stated that they may be able to do a limited run on the final book in the series and if you go to Michael Sullivan's website you may be able to complete your collection with all of Sullivan's amazing covers. Wintertide is highly recommended and should be congratulated on his recent success with Orbit purchasing his series.
Plot 8
Characters 7.5
Style 8
Overall 9/10
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