Hey all, I’m back with another entry in a series I read ages ago for this week’s Bookish Wednesday. It’s “Rise of Empire” by Michael J. Sullivan.

Plot: I had recently covered “Theft of Swords,” the first volume in the Riyria Revelations series in another Bookish Wednesday column. This second volume, originally the third and fourth novels when the author was self-publishing his work, are much more serious and dramatic than the previous volume. Those who enjoy lighter fantasy fare will likely be a bit surprised in the abrupt change in tone.

Characters: Royce and Hadrian are still the two main characters in this volume, but the standout in this set of characters is Thrace, who is the sort of orphaned child forced by plot and circumstance to become a bigger deal than everyone she’s ever known.

Overall: A decent high fantasy novel sequel, but this is where the story really started to get too serious for my tastes.