Book Review: Rise of Empire, by Michael J. Sullivan

“Rise of Empire” is the second book in the “Riyria Revelations” series by Michael J. Sullivan, a self-published author who found considerable success, leading to contracts from major publishers. I read and reviewed the first book, “Theft of Swords” last year and found it reasonably good. But with “Rise of Empire” Sullivan really hits his stride. I didn’t want to put the book down, and actually took it to work to finish on my break because I didn’t want to have to wait another full day to see how it ends.

Royce and Hadrian are back, of course, as the political ground begins shifting beneath their feet. A new Empire is rising around the figurehead of Empress Modina, whose unlikely rise was detailed in the last book. Melengar is one of the few remaining countries to resist the Empire, and they’re about to be crushed. Our heroic duo, along with Princess Arista, are sent on a desperate mission to secure support from the one army strong enough to stop the Empire’s advance.

And, as expected, things get a little complicated.

Sullivan’s world-building really begins to shine in this book as he begins moving his pieces in the grander scope and following multiple characters within that setting. We really start to see the vastness and variety of the world in these books, and there is more than enough adventure to go around–not to mention one of the most intense sea-battle scenes I’ve ever read. These books are fun, and Sullivan gives you characters you can cheer for without reservation.

I’ve noticed that his style has improved. In his first novel there were sentences that tripped me up, but that doesn’t happen now. He keeps things moving forward almost effortlessly, and his description usually well-balanced. I really need to go back and study his approach more, as I think I could learn something. His characters are solid and distinct.

Also admirable is the complexity of his plots. He’s clearly thinking on a grand scale by this point in the series, with characters dropping in and out, and plots within plots within plots. I have high hopes for the series conclusion.

The third book, “Heir of Novron” is sitting on my bookshelf, and I’m ever so eager to keep reading. “Rise of Empire” leaves things on a rather grim cliff-hanger, and I’m sorely tempted to ignore my reading list for a while and finish the series.