Enjoyable

4.5 stars, possibly 5. I really enjoyed this book. Read and listened, alternating while doing tasks. Told in 3rd-person, and family friendly (no sex or swearing). The pace is pretty much nonstop, yet not overdone. It's mostly upbeat, but there are some sad, grim scenes, and a few beloved characters are lost. Mostly, we see how the Dalh Rhen clan unites under Persephone, working to overcome all obstacles to survive, and fending off the Fhrey.

The magical system is explained, but not overly explored. The world building develops with a bit more of the fantastical nature than I expected, like the Raow, and the demon Old Ones -- whatever they are.

Plus, the world builds as we see more of the map, and meet the chieftains of the 7 Rhulyn clans, and the gruesome chieftains of the 3 Gula clans. The clan meetings felt credible, as did the search for a keenig (clan king). Some of the 10 clans feel Scottish to me -- the Gula clans, the Dureyans. I didn't get such a strong feeling in Age of Myth. I see the leigh mor as a clan kilt.

The god-complex of the Miralyith clan has been made clear and credible. The Gray Cloaks are a nice touch. In fact, all the Fhrey (in general) are depicted as fairly manipulative, and mean-spirited towards each other, and especially towards what they deem as animalistic races. These are not the kindly elves Disney promotes.

Great new characters introduced in this book. Frost, Flood, and Rain. Tesh the orphan. Some chieftains. Hated Gronbach the despicable.

The author did a superb job developing characters, especially young Prince Mawyndulë. I began to feel sorry for him, with such a childhood. He was lonely, and prey to manipulators like Gryndal, etc. With his superiority complex, it was hard to like him, though. But he was definitely used. And his parents should be shot.

Other characters also came under refinement, including Roan the genius (freed slave), Gifford the gifted potter (lame from birth -- he'll never win a footrace), and Suri the mystic with her white wolf, Minna. Raithe the God Killer also feels more three-dimensional to me -- good connections to his father, and to young Tesh, and Persephone (a love story there?).

Moya got some good coverage, too, but she needs a little more work, else she is just too much, with superhuman beauty, loyalty, skill, and valor. Arion the Cenzlyor is coming along nicely, especially her understandable ignorance and fear of death. She seems absurdly foolish at times -- unable to believe the worst of her own people. (In prequel, she saw what Lothian did to Zephyron, and what Glyndal tried to do, so she should have no doubts).

Oddly enough, the supposed savior of the world, Nyphron himself, is still fairly obscure as a character. I'm beginning to think we aren't supposed to view him as a hero, per se. But time will tell.

Quibble: A few intelligent characters come up with several MAJOR inventions in a short time -- world-changing devices and concepts. Hard to swallow, so much innovation, so fast??

Connections to Riyria series: Grenmorian giants (Grygor, for one), Drumindor (see Rise of Empire/ Emerald Storm), Avempartha magic-expanding chamber and the origins of the Gilarabrywn dragon thingy (see Avempartha story, in book Theft of Swords) the origins of Teshlor battle training, origins of Cenzlyor training, the dwarf race (Dhergs / Belgriclungreians), Warric, etc.

Favorite scene? Numerous. The out-of-control cart, maybe.

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15 people found this helpful

Captivating read.

This book might be said to lack the astounding originality we have come to expect of Michael J. Sullivan. But, when realizing the perimeters within which this book must be contained, there is a grace with which Sullivan caresses familiar story lines with new and enchanting characters. There were some points in this story when it was easier than usual to take a break, but overall Sullivan was his usual captivating self. Roan was one character I feel might be overwrought but she feels like a savant. Since I have never met one, perhaps they are that amazing and I am just out there. Overall though, very good story.

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6 people found this helpful

Great Setup for Book 3

Volume 2 in The Legends of the First Empire kept the "light" aspect that the first book had but introduced many new characters, locations, and developments. It started and ended with a bang. The middle was slower but I enjoyed all of the character interactions and buildup along the way. None of it felt like "fluff" or forced. This series continues to be my go to when I want well written high fantasy that is not as heavy as other series. A terrific blend of elements make this an engrossing listen.

Tim Gerard Reynolds does a spectacular job with the characters and voices. He is rising the ranks of my favorite narrators. This book feels like the calm before the storm and I am very excited for book 3 and the ensuing carnage that I am sure is to follow.

Overall: 4.25/5

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2 people found this helpful

Great story. Lively characters.

It is great how the author is starting to tie this series of books to the later series of books. The names of the people and the places found in the Riyera Books are starting to unfold and make sense through this series of prequel books.

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Loved it!

I love the world that has been created the story and the narrator. Can't wait for the next books to come out, both the next in this series and the one with Royce and Hadrian Winters Daughter.

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An interesting world to escape to

What made the experience of listening to Age of Swords the most enjoyable?

The process of discovery, and connecting significant events to the history told in his other books. I am enjoying the contrast.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found myself tearing up at a few different points. Michael Sullivan does a fantastic job making you feel real emotional investment in his characters. There are some poignant moments that made me genuinely sad and others that made me happy. That is the mark of a good book in my opinion.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this to a friend.

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Incredible book and wonderful narration

I'm obsessed with the world of Elan that Michael J Sullivan has created. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

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Loved it!!!!!

To know Persephone is to love her without a doubt in my mind. Love her!!!

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Struggling to get into this story

There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s well written, has a good storyline and some truly awesome characters. If I hadn’t read the other series, I think I would have been more impressed. But there’s something about this series that doesn’t entirely click with me, at least not in the way the other novels do. Somehow everything feels a little more forced and I find it more difficult to relate to the characters. It lacks the je ne sais quoi that I’m used to from Sullivan. Still, despite all that, I would definitely recommend it.

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What to say?

This author will make you love the characters, put them into impossible situations, and give you the choice to either stop reading or have your heart broken and stomped on. It's so close to being perfect. But I had a really hard time stomaching one particular part of this story.

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