5 Crowns
Date Finished: 10/15/2016
This is my Crown Tower audiobook review, and it reminded me why Michael J Sullivan is my comfort read when I want action, heart, and sharp banter. Royce and Hadrian are not friends yet, but they are on the way.
There is nothing better for me than an entertaining story. Michael J. Sullivan does a superb job of interlacing adventure, humor, and sarcasm. It’s always a great time reading anything by this author. I started the Riyria Chronicles back in 2012 and it has taken me some time to circle back to the Revelations series. I’m definitely not disappointed in what I’ve read (listened to) so far. I decided to go with the audiobook since this is my new preferred format.
Summary
For more than a year Royce Melborn has tried to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved him and his partner Hadrian Blackwater from certain death. Unable to get her out of his mind, the two thieves return to Medford but receive a very different reception — Gwen refuses to see them. The victim of abuse by a powerful noble, she suspects that Royce will ignore any danger in his desire for revenge. By turning the thieves away, Gwen hopes to once more protect them. What she doesn’t realize is what the two are capable of — but she’s about to find out.
My Take
Royce and Hadrian return to Melengar and head straight for Medford House to see Gwen. Royce expects answers. Instead, Gwen refuses to see them. That refusal bothers him more than he wants to admit, so he does what he does best. He starts digging.
A nobleman beat Gwen. She pushes Royce away because she thinks she is protecting him and Hadrian. She knows Royce will chase revenge without thinking about the cost. Of course, that is exactly what he plans to do. Gwen is the only woman who has shown him real kindness, and he will not ignore what happened to her.
Michael J Sullivan also brings in Viscount Albert Winslow. The Viscount moves easily among the nobles and knows how to profit from their secrets. He offers Royce and Hadrian jobs that promise more money than they have ever made. The work is questionable, but that has never scared Royce. The Viscount adds tension and opportunity to the story, and I enjoyed every scene he entered.
Then there is Reuben Hilfred. He has spent his life feeling unwanted. His mother took her own life, and his father, Richard Hilfred, serves as a Sergeant in the King’s Guard and barely hides his disappointment. Reuben avoids the other squires and keeps to himself. Still, he wants to matter. Over the course of this story, he proves that he does. His growth feels earned, and his moment of courage stands out.
Narration
In this Crown Tower audiobook review, Tim Reynolds is a big reason the story works so well. He gives each character a distinct voice and keeps them consistent from start to finish. Royce sounds sharp and guarded. Hadrian sounds open and sincere. The differences are clear, which makes the dialogue easy to follow. The audiobook format fits this series perfectly.
What I liked
I love watching Royce and Hadrian build their partnership. They have worked together for about a year, and their trust continues to grow. They still clash at times, but they understand each other better with every job.
Hadrian still carries some idealism, but his skill with a sword earns respect fast. Royce trusts almost no one, and his past shaped that instinct. Watching him realize that some people act out of loyalty instead of selfishness adds depth to his character.
Hilfred’s storyline also won me over. I always root for the underdog, and he finally gets a chance to prove himself. Those moments feel satisfying and sincere.
What I didn’t like
I wanted more closure around the king and the assassination attempt. The story leaves that thread hanging. I cannot remember if another book answers those questions, but I felt the gap.
It does make me want to reread the earlier books, which says something about the strength of the series. At the same time, my reading list keeps growing. I do not love going backward when so many new stories wait for me. Still, if the biggest complaint is that I want more time in this world, that is not a terrible problem to have.
FAQ
Is The Crown Tower a good place to start Riyria?
Yes. It is an origin story, so it works well for new readers.
Is the audiobook worth it?
Yes. Tim Reynolds makes the character voices clear and consistent.
