10 books for fans of Rise of Empire
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Theft of Swords
Riyria Revelations • Book 1
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Two rogues-for-hire steal the wrong sword and wind up framed for murder in this fantasy that proves the best adventures start with the worst plans.
★ 4.23 Goodreads (77.8K ratings) - 2
Age of War
The Legends of the First Empire • Book 3
Why this book?
Age of War delivers the same richly immersive world-building and character-driven storytelling that made Rise of Empire compelling, with Tim Gerard Reynolds's masterful narration bringing the same epic scope to a tighter, more focused narrative. The prequel explores the foundational conflicts and moral complexity that define Sullivan's fantasy universe, offering longtime listeners a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped the events they've already experienced.
★ 4.43 Goodreads (21.3K ratings) - 3
The Rose and the Thorn
The Riyria Chronicles • Book 2
Why this book?
The Rose and the Thorn maintains Sullivan's signature blend of character-driven storytelling and intricate world-building, while Tim Gerard Reynolds' consistent narration ensures the same immersive listening experience that made Rise of Empire compelling. This shorter companion work delivers the same richly layered fantasy with themes of loyalty and redemption, making it an ideal follow-up for listeners invested in Sullivan's narrative voice and thematic concerns.
★ 4.40 Goodreads (31.0K ratings) - 4
Age of Empyre
The Legends of the First Empire • Book 6
Why this book?
The continuation deepens the epic scope and political intrigue established in *Rise of Empire* while maintaining the same immersive narration that made the first book compelling. Tim Gerard Reynolds' masterful performance brings the same richly developed characters and high-stakes world-building to life, making *Age of Empyre* an essential next chapter for listeners invested in Sullivan's sweeping fantasy saga.
★ 4.39 Goodreads (12.8K ratings) - 5
The Death of Dulgath
The Riyria Chronicles • Book 3
Why this book?
Tim Gerard Reynolds's masterful narration captures Sullivan's signature blend of humor, heart, and intricate plotting in both works, making *The Death of Dulgath* an equally immersive listen for those drawn to his character-driven fantasy. This standalone mystery offers the same wit and emotional depth as *Rise of Empire*, delivering a more concentrated narrative that maintains Sullivan's gift for weaving personal stakes into larger adventures.
★ 4.37 Goodreads (21.3K ratings) - 6
The Crown Tower
The Riyria Chronicles • Book 1
Why this book?
The Crown Tower delivers the same richly immersive fantasy experience with Tim Gerard Reynolds's masterful narration, while exploring the origins of characters and magic systems that deepen your appreciation for the world established in Rise of Empire. Sullivan's characteristic blend of political intrigue, character-driven storytelling, and wit shines through in a more compact format that maintains the same engaging listening experience.
★ 4.33 Goodreads (43.5K ratings) - 7
Drumindor
The Riyria Chronicles • Book 5
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What starts as a luxury assignment to stop a fired master craftsman's revenge plot becomes Riyria's most dangerous job yet in the paradise resort of Tur Del Fur.
★ 4.37 Goodreads (4.0K ratings) - 8
Age of Swords
The Legends of the First Empire • Book 2
by Michael J. Sullivan, Marc Simonetti
Why this book?
Tim Gerard Reynolds's masterful narration brings the same epic scope and character depth to this prequel, while Sullivan expands the world-building with fresh perspectives on the origins of the conflicts that define Rise of Empire. The intimate storytelling and themes of courage against overwhelming odds remain central, making Age of Swords a natural continuation of the listening experience.
★ 4.29 Goodreads (26.6K ratings) - 9
Age of Myth
The Legends of the First Empire • Book 1
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Sullivan upends traditional fantasy by making the gods real people with superior technology, until one human's desperate act proves they're not immortal. Epic fantasy that questions the nature of divinity itself.
★ 4.22 Goodreads (41.5K ratings) - 10
The Jester
The Riyria Chronicles #2.5
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When Royce and Hadrian match wits with a dwarf jester guarding his treasure, they discover their opponent is nobody's fool. Sullivan delivers another clever heist story that balances humor with genuine stakes.
★ 3.94 Goodreads (6.7K ratings)