It can be tough reading a lot in one genre. If you look at storytelling in general there are only about 20 plot structures that most stories follow. This is why I switch genres from time to time and even take breaks from reading in general.
It sounds like you're having the exact opposite reaction to the series that I had. I didn't like it at all when I first read it, but after rereading it, MJS has become one of my all time face authors
I appreciate you still being able to feel good recommending it to certain people. Especially those new to the genre or that just want something not too serious. I would feel the same. I enjoyed the whole series, back to the first era, and all books between. It's complex enough for me to see what he was going for. Spreading and connecting stories, characters, and legends across thousands of years. And seeing how things change or get lost over time. Like you say, nothing new that hasn't been done, and not a lot of deep character development. But there are fun characters, and it was a fun read as they were being released for sure. Though still far from being on any top list for me, and that's okay. I just get excited when I see people talk about Michael J. Sullivan, because I've not seen much coverage personally. And I have never met anyone in person who had read or heard of him before.
Fatemarked by David Estes was very good on audio. Tim Gerard Reynolds is the narrator. He's the one whose name you can't remember ;) There are quite a few characters, but I felt like they were very distinct - and so not so hard to keep track of.
I read all his books in origin stories first which I guess were the pre-quilish books you mentioned. And I loved the "Age of..." Series the most. I'm now listening to Drumindor and my brain is trying to adjust to the out of placement from the way I took in every other book. Anyway to me the pre-quilish books were the best and made me enjoy the whole series. I think had I read them in order of publishing I wouldn't have appreciated the whole series. Perhaps I would have never read any of the "Age of..." Which I think are correctly called Legends of Empire or something. Anyway. I encourage you to dive in but perhaps read them as if they aren't connected to the Riyria series until you complete them.
I liked the graphic audio more than the other formats. I think the narrators did a nice production. I wonder what other graphic audio format book series are good? It's hard to find dark epic fantasy from graphic audio. I think you could do an episode about that. Don't think a lot of people know about it and I think those little differences in that format could be a fun change form the normal way.
Hey Matt, I'm totally fed up with these saint-like characters who are so "good" they can't stand any injustice. It's just so cliché and predictable. I'm tired of these "chosen one" types who have to save the world-it's all so overdone. I'm craving a story with an evil MC who’ll do anything to achieve their goals, no matter how ruthless or morally questionable. Got any recommendations with protagonists like that?
Overall, I liked Riyria Revelations and the relationship between Royce and Hadrian. It would be a 4 out of 5 for me. The originating series that takes place about a thousand years before, I would rate lower. The first one, Age of Myth, I would rate about a 3; the rest in the 6-part series between a 2 and a 2-1/2.
Ha! I think i got this one right on your tbr quiz. I read this series around 4 years ago. I thought it was fun, but not my favorite. I couldn't even get into the prequel series about the wizard guy. (I forgot his name.)
Mby wheel of time reread on the audiobook? I would love to hear your thought on rereading that series and imo audibooks are great. Lots of characters but I never felt confused
It can be tough reading a lot in one genre. If you look at storytelling in general there are only about 20 plot structures that most stories follow. This is why I switch genres from time to time and even take breaks from reading in general.
Very sane advice. After "consuming" lots of the same thing one often feels burned out.
It sounds like you're having the exact opposite reaction to the series that I had. I didn't like it at all when I first read it, but after rereading it, MJS has become one of my all time face authors
I would rather be in your shoes! :)
I appreciate you still being able to feel good recommending it to certain people. Especially those new to the genre or that just want something not too serious. I would feel the same.
I enjoyed the whole series, back to the first era, and all books between. It's complex enough for me to see what he was going for. Spreading and connecting stories, characters, and legends across thousands of years. And seeing how things change or get lost over time.
Like you say, nothing new that hasn't been done, and not a lot of deep character development. But there are fun characters, and it was a fun read as they were being released for sure. Though still far from being on any top list for me, and that's okay.
I just get excited when I see people talk about Michael J. Sullivan, because I've not seen much coverage personally. And I have never met anyone in person who had read or heard of him before.
Fatemarked by David Estes was very good on audio. Tim Gerard Reynolds is the narrator. He's the one whose name you can't remember ;) There are quite a few characters, but I felt like they were very distinct - and so not so hard to keep track of.
IDK, man. Graphic Audio can't hold a candle to Tim Gerard Reynolds' performance. Not even close. He's a legend.
I like both Ryiria series a lot. Still not sure whether I want to read the prequel-ish series or not. Oh well
I read all his books in origin stories first which I guess were the pre-quilish books you mentioned. And I loved the "Age of..." Series the most. I'm now listening to Drumindor and my brain is trying to adjust to the out of placement from the way I took in every other book. Anyway to me the pre-quilish books were the best and made me enjoy the whole series. I think had I read them in order of publishing I wouldn't have appreciated the whole series. Perhaps I would have never read any of the "Age of..." Which I think are correctly called Legends of Empire or something. Anyway. I encourage you to dive in but perhaps read them as if they aren't connected to the Riyria series until you complete them.
I remember these being ok and a little basic. Especially now looking back after reading far better stuff.
Same here. I really got tired of this author, though my brothers are still big fans
Hey Matt, just love seeing your videos and thanks for this channel it helped break a reading drought!
I liked the graphic audio more than the other formats. I think the narrators did a nice production. I wonder what other graphic audio format book series are good? It's hard to find dark epic fantasy from graphic audio. I think you could do an episode about that. Don't think a lot of people know about it and I think those little differences in that format could be a fun change form the normal way.
I've only listened to a little bit of graphic audio, but I've definitely enjoyed that format.
Hey Matt, I'm totally fed up with these saint-like characters who are so "good" they can't stand any injustice. It's just so cliché and predictable. I'm tired of these "chosen one" types who have to save the world-it's all so overdone. I'm craving a story with an evil MC who’ll do anything to achieve their goals, no matter how ruthless or morally questionable. Got any recommendations with protagonists like that?
First Law
Overall, I liked Riyria Revelations and the relationship between Royce and Hadrian. It would be a 4 out of 5 for me. The originating series that takes place about a thousand years before, I would rate lower. The first one, Age of Myth, I would rate about a 3; the rest in the 6-part series between a 2 and a 2-1/2.
Everything I've heard about this series (and the wider universe) sounds incredibly uninteresting NGL
Ha! I think i got this one right on your tbr quiz. I read this series around 4 years ago. I thought it was fun, but not my favorite. I couldn't even get into the prequel series about the wizard guy. (I forgot his name.)
Mby wheel of time reread on the audiobook?
I would love to hear your thought on rereading that series and imo audibooks are great. Lots of characters but I never felt confused
I listen the grapic audio version very cliche
This series is vanilla, shallow, sugar coated fantasy
This author is way too overrated 😂
Thank you! I thought i was the only one thinking this!