Michael J. Sullivan

Heir of Novron

Celeste Richardson

Full review now posted!

Original review can be found at Booknest.

Wow. I thought that Theft of Swords was fantastic, but Rise of Empire improved upon it greatly. Then along comes Heir of Novron, which blew away everything that proceeded it. 

This series started out as a fun romp of a fantasy, fairly lighthearted and and fast-paced. Some of my friends didn’t enjoy the first book because they found it to be too shallow, both in plot and character. I honestly don’t think anyone could possibly feel that way about this final installment. Sullivan took the foundation he had laid in the first book, which was heavily influenced by classic fantasy, and ended up with something that felt deep and original and new by the last book. 

The mythos was beautifully rendered and was presented with a deft hand, never laden on too thick or thin. The characters were wonderfully developed, and watching them grow throughout the series was a joy. The settings were varied and, while not always unique, were very well crafted and were lovely to behold. The plot took twists and turns that were surprising and heartbreaking and gratifying, often within the same chapter. The entire series was fun, but this book felt like something special. 

While there were so many fantastic aspects to this series, what really made it for me was the characters and how they grew over the course of the series. My very favorite character is Myron, the little monk with the photographic memory who sees the good in literally everything. He wasn’t present in Rise of Empire, which was really disappointing, but he was an incredibly important character in Heir of Novron! His view of the world is the view I aspire to maintain, and he’s quite possibly one of the sweetest fictional characters I’ve ever come across. 

Then there’s Arista, the princess that seemed like a fairly interesting secondary character in the first book, but who has since become one of the central characters of the story, with more depth and spirit and courage than I would have imagined when she was first introduced. She’s a strong, powerful woman who never picks up a sword or becomes some kind of supernaturally gifted warrior, which is actually rare to find in a fantasy setting. She worked hard to become the woman she is, and I really appreciate finding such a strong woman in a fantasy. And Sullivan didn’t just craft one strong female. In this series, we also have Gwen, Modina, Amilia, Lenare, and more. Sullivan did a wonderful job of creating remarkably strong women, and I applaud him for it.

And what can I say about this series’ dynamic duo, Hadrian and Royce, that hasn’t already been said? Both the individuals and the duo go through tremendous adversity and character growth. They are still a fun bromance, but one that’s been tempered by hardship and sorrow. Seeing how each man handles the difficulties that life throws his way, as well as how those hardships affect their friendship, was always enthralling to watch. Not always comfortable or fun to witness, but always enthralling. 

One last thing that I would really like to applaud Sullivan for: his approach to romance. There is no insta-love here. There is no use of romance as a plot substitute. But there is romance, and it’s some of the most satisfying romance I’ve ever come across in any genre, not just fantasy. The romance here grows over the course of the story. It’s not always comfortable or even reciprocated, but that’s how love is in real life. And that realism is what made any romance that came to fruition within the series mean so much more to me as a reader. There was struggle, as there should be for anything that matters. 

I won’t say anything more because I don’t want to inadvertently spoil anything, but I really appreciated the writing choices Sullivan made with this series. I’m incredibly glad that I was exposed to Riyria through my wonderful Goodreads friends and decided to pick it up for myself, because it’s now among my favorite series, and it’s one I look forward to revisiting. Also, I’d like to thank Petrik, TS, and Haïfa for patiently listening to my crazy theories without spoiling anything for me, and for gushing with me as I read the series. Bookish friends are the best friends!

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, and Degan Gaunt and the Witch of Melengar will be publically executed. Once the empress suffers a fatal accident, everything will be perfect. There is only one problem - Royce and Hadrian have finally found the Heir of Novron.

Allison Francis

Such an amazing series!!!! Hadrian and Royce will always be some of my favorite characters

Nat Welch

Pretty solid end, some of the twists were well hinted at, others seemed a little out of left field.

Jenna Kathleen

Fantastic conclusion to a fantastic series. This is one of those series that will stay in my memory for years to come - awesome storytelling and amazing characters. 

Michael J. Sullivan isn't doing anything really new - Riyria is classic fantasy at its best. There were quite a few elements of the story that were recognizable from other fantasy such as (view spoiler)[The Fellowship of the Ring and Percepliquis both telling the story of a group of people on a quest to deliver an item - a horn in this case - in order to save humankind (hide spoiler)]. Despite this series being something that has been done before, it has one distinct feature: it's done better. It's escapism at its finest.

I honestly can't believe that I didn't piece together that (view spoiler)[Royce was the heir. It was so painfully obvious, yet you are led to Mercy as the heir. She is, but I did not connect the dots of her parentage (hide spoiler)]. Simply a fantastic ending.

Christina M Masters

I don't know what to say! This story was so good. If you are looking for epic fantasy at its finest this is it. I regret that I didn't get around to reading them sooner, but I am excited I finally did and happy that I have several other books written in the world yet to read.

Cori McCarthy

Honestly, I can't believe it's over! This has ended up being one of the best series I have ever read, and I cannot believe I have gone so long not reading it! From page one of "Theft of Swords" I have been enraptured in this story, and I now know the true meaning of a "book hangover." These three books have exceeded all the expectations I had, and I can say with full confidence that this book really touched me. There are only a few books that really get to my heart and soul, and make me laugh one minute and cry the next, and this series was one of them. One last thing I loved about this series is that, I feel like I can reread this series over and over and it would never get old! If you have thoughts about reading this series, please do! You will not regret it!

I loved all three books, but "Heir of Novron" has got to be my favorite. You get to see so many old characters collide into one last epic battle, and this books will hold your attention and thoughts till the very end. I am so incredibly happy that this series was recommend to me, and I still can't believe Hadrian and Royce's story is over. It was inspiring, hilarious, emotional, intriguing, and most of all epic. 

“A beautiful day might bring disaster, while a day that begins trapped inside an ancient tomb might be the best one of your life.”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Heir of Novron

Dessa

Ahmed El-Helw

Brendon Fallquist

Deyton Sehn

Andy

Darren C.

Wayne Burrows

Hana 

Royce and Hadrian discover the true Heir of Novron on the day the New Empire celebrates its victory over the Nationalists by executing the fake heir.

Heir of Novron

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