The Death of Dulgath: The Riyria Chronicles, Book 3

I’m going to say again just how impressed I am with these Prequels. I usually hate prequels, they don’t normally do a lot for the characters or the main body of stories that I really like. But that isn’t the case here. Sure it is a prequel but whether you already read the Riyria Chronicles or you just started with these I think nothing is diminished if anything it makes me think that the Riyria Chronicles are even better.First, I loved this story. It was interesting, full of action and suspense and a bit of a mystery as well. Someone is trying to kill the Lady Dulgath and Royce and Hadrian are supposed to plot how someone could do it so that the Sheriff can protect her. What could possibly go wrong???Second, I always like Hadrian and Royce together they are so different and yet they compliment each other so well. Hadrian the ever trusting swordsman that doesn’t want to kill anymore and Royce the cynical, untrusting ‘I’d rather kill you than have to deal with you again later’ make the perfect odd coupling. *** “Churches don’t kill people,” Hadrian told her. “They burn incense, collect tithes, and mutter words in forgotten languages—they don’t put out contracts on high-ranking nobles.” Scarlett and Royce exchanged glances, then both shook their heads. Royce hooked a thumb in Hadrian’s direction. “See what I have to put up with?” “Adorable,” Scarlett said. ***Third, there is the Lady Dulgath herself. I tried most of the book to figure out what she was and I never figured it out. I love it when that happens. Especially when later when you do know it makes complete sense and is great. Her interactions with Royce were really good and I liked the way she played with him and made him uncomfortable.*** “I wonder who your parents are,” she said, leaving Royce baffled. “What?” “Your parents—who are they?” “Hatred and disillusionment, how about you?” She smiled at him, the same unperturbed grin, as if he were great fun. “You know,” Royce said, “most young ladies would be terrified to find someone like me in their room.” “You know, most men would be terrified to be caught uninvited in the bedroom of a countess, but then…” She took a slow step forward. “You’re not a man, are you?” ***Fourth, you are never quite sure who is on who’s side until the last minute…and even then it isn’t always absolutely clear.Fifth, is the in the background romance. I love fantasy but I have a shippy heart and I need a couple to root for and be excited about to really love a fantasy book. It doesn’t have to overtake the story I just like it to be a thought or footnote. Even though this is so far from the meat of the story Royce actually says a few of the sweetest things about Gwen. They are few and far between but I love every world of his thoughts on Gwen.*** He’d would never admit it, not to Hadrian, and certainly not to Gwen—didn’t even like thinking it to himself—but somehow Gwen had become his fifth thing. To survive, Royce had only ever required four things: air, food, water, and sleep. He was less bothered by heat and cold than others and could live in a forest or field if need be. But those other four things were absolutes. Reluctantly, he had discovered Gwen had become the fifth. He could last longer without her than any of the others, but if too much time past, he felt the effects. Sick wasn’t the right word; empty was closer, but even it didn’t fit. Thin. He nodded to himself at the thought. That was it. He felt translucent, as if less of him existed when she wasn’t there. I just never noticed how little of me existed before; I was a shadow without a person. He didn’t know when it had happened or how he’d let it happen, but somehow when he was without her he felt less than whole. Gwen had stolen part of him and—No, she hasn’t taken anything. She’s given me something I’ve never had, and now I can’t live without it. ***And with that I just swooned for Royce.I think this is the best of all the Prequels and so I really look forward to reading more with Hadrian and Royce if MJS has more stories of them in his head.Just a little note having nothing to do with the book really: I want to say how impressed I am with Michael J Sullivan. Not only as a writer but just as a person in general. He is an author that I think uses goodreads to it’s fullest potential. He has commented on a few of my status updates for his books and reviews. Also he was kind enough to answer a PM I sent him and is my friend on Goodreads. I think he is really in touch with his readers and makes a lot of time for them. I know he became one of my favorite authors when I read the dedication he made to his wife in Heir of Novron*** This book is entirely dedicated to my wife, Robin Sullivan. Some have asked how it is I write such strong women without resorting to putting swords in their hands. It is because of her. She is Arista She is Thrace She is Modina She is Amilia And she is my Gwen. This series has been a tribute to her. This is your book, Robin. ****Michael J Sullivan is an author that I will happily recommend to anyone who is a fantasy lover.

I just finished the Death of Dulgath. What can I say? It’s another great book.Amazing.I do understand your wife Michael not wanting you to stop and being in love with the characters especially Hadrian.I really liked the settings in that book. A place out of the ordinary, a region lush and vibrant, where it does not rain except when something special happens…

How can I love Royce and Hadrian anymore? I can’t. I just can’t! I could read their stories forever. And ever. And never be bored.Much like the other books in Sullivan’s Chronicles series, this follows Royce and Hadrian on one of their adventures. But what I loved even more about this book than the others is the banter between Royce and Hadrian. Now, it’s been a while since I read the other books, but it felt much more dialog focused, honed in on Royce and Hadrian’s give and take relationship. The two just clicked beautifully, in my opinion, which has made it my second favorite Sullivan book that I’ve read to date. I never wanted it to end. It made me ache to pick up the Revelations and Chronicles series again, and I admit to reading some of my favorite parts after I finished Death of Dulgath. I didn’t realize how much I missed the boys. Such a great dynamic between them.I have a feeling this books ties into Sullivan’s new Legends of the First Empire series, which is set in the same world eons before Royce and Hadrian come to be. Eventually I’ll be finding out if I’m right or not. I don’t have much else to talk about. The plot is well laid out in the book description, and more than likely you’ve already read the other books if you’re considering this one. However, if you’ve never picked up a Sullivan book, you must. You absolutely must. If you’ve picked up the Revelations series and remotely liked it, then you really need to read the Chronicles. If you’re a diehard fan like I am, this book won’t disappoint.Overall, I can’t rave about Sullivan enough and what a wonderful character he’s created in Royce. Matter of fact, Royce has risen to the top of my favorite characters of all time. He’s tied for first place with Raistlin Majere, which is a character I’ve been in love with since I was young. A few more books might even win Royce a sole position as number one. Hopefully Sullivan continues with the Chronicles and keeps Royce and Hadrian as the main focus of those books. That’s what made this one and The Crown Tower my two favorite books of all time.

I'll admit I'm a sucker for series - this usually entails my approaching series from the earliest book chronologically. I was introduced to Riyria via an excellent short in an anthology (a chapter from THE ROSE AND THORN), then picked up the first [prequel] trilogy of which this is the third.It's been a wild ride!Mr. Sullivan's talent for writing is evident. His command of the written word - the pacing and economy particularly - is a joy to experience. The plotting and weaving together of various threads of the story is the mark of a master.One thing I crave in reading these days is what I call 'the surprise factor'. I've been reading for 50+ years, and certain plot lines and relationships have become standard and expected. It's getting harder to find new titles that do more than just entertain. I crave writing that takes me by surprise: "Wow! Didn't see that one coming!" is a phrase I just don't seem to get enough of these days.Sullivan delivers.I'm a big fan of Glen Cook, Robert E. Howard, and Jack Vance. No hesitation with adding Michael J. Sullivan to that list. I recommend all four to you without reservation.Purchased this here on Amazon, and very glad I did. I'm now a believer, and I'll be picking up the rest of the series post haste! I suggest you do so as well.

It was alright. It's a good book, but not a great one, there's nothing bad about it, but nothing special. To be honest, it felt quite rushed. Royce and Hadrian are good characters that interested me, but there wasn't enough time spent on anyone else for them to feel real. The plot also felt too rushed with the resolution coming before I had time to get engaged. As a result, I didn't really care about the town or anyone in it. The supernatural element felt out of place and weakened the plot, either write a story with magic or one without, this felt like a world without magic with one exception, which seemed like a cop-out.I came very close to giving this 4 stars because it had a lot of potential but in the end the plot was too half-hearted and cliched (I felt like I read most of it before).

This is a excellent novel, if you are familiar with Michael J Sullivan's work then you will find a a great Riyria story waiting for you. If you are not then allow me to explain, Royce and Hadrian are thieves for hire, after forming Riyria three years ago there partnership is working well. A strange assignments comes their way when they are asked to protect the last remaining member of a noble family.....This is a classic fantasy tale, full of last minute escapes and intrigue, I really do enjoy reading the Riyria novels because of the lack of gore that is ever present in certain fantasy novels. The relatively small cast of characters also really help to bring the story alive. This easily gets 5 starrs from me as eagerly await the next book from Michael!

For the uninitiated, this is the third book in the second Riyria series, although from a chronological perspective ‘Chronicles’ precedes ‘Revelations’ - I’ve read the latter several times and recommend you start there, they’re more involved and more expansive stories.With that said, Chronicles is equally un-put-down-able, and given the lower word count is a good place to start as well if you’re unsure...The Death of Dulgath is a great addition to the series, with some interesting connections to Sullivan’s other recent series ‘The First Empire’ which is taking far too long to come out (pesky publishers...).All in all a great roller coaster, and Sullivan does a good job of keeping you guessing - an honest 5 stars from me

It's a very good self contained fantasy novel, there is a well written plot with betrayal and a good raft of side characters. Hadrian, Royce and newcomer Scarlet are excellent well written Characters.I love Rirya, however by the end of this novel I couldn't help but think that perhaps Hadrian and Royce are getting a littĺe over-done. By all means the Rirya Revelations series is fantastic. The Ririya Chronicles are all good. (The two shorts are not).I am in two minds as to whether I want to read a fourth Rirya Chronicle entry.

The Death of Dulgath succeeds in once again quenching an insatiable thirst for the adventures of the Riyria boys. Since picking up A theft of swords on a whim and 'seeing what it was like' on holiday I have suffered the Pringles effect (once you pop you can't stop) with every word written. The Riyria Revelations series was without question one of the most entertaining and engrossing stories I've ever read and to have the experience extended through the fabulous Riyria chronicles is well, frankly we are being spoiled.The way Michael has written the prequels as one off adventures but following a time frame is brilliant in how it gives us the opportunity to keep enjoying the stories for as long as we keep nagging Michael to write them.I realise there isn't much by way of review of the story here but that is for you to do as the reader. If you want a story you won't want to put down read everything Ryria related and thank yourself later!Eagerly awaiting the next instalment as I'm on holiday again and because I couldn't put it down I've smashed through Dulgath in one days worth of Suns worship....now I'm reluctantly going to have to socialise