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Friday, May 6, 2016

Audible Book Review: Professional Integrity (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) by Michael J. Sullivan

This is a quick listen with the usual Riyria 'charm' and mystery solving.
Professional Integrity (A Riyria Chronicles Tale)
Written by: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Length: 1 hr and 18 mins
Series: The Riyria Chronicles
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-03-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
One of the genre's favorite pairs returns in a classic fantasy short for both Riyria veterans and first-time readers.
Several years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start their thieves-for-hire organization better known as Riyria. Things have gone well enough for the team as they do "jobs" for various nobles throughout Elan. Usually that means stealing something, but when a young heiress asks them to steal her…well, that's a first for the pair. All is not as it seems, but Royce is determined to get the bottom of what's actually going on. After all, he has his professional integrity at stake.
Originally released in the Blackguards anthology published by Ragnarok Publications, this is a standalone short story of 10,800 words. No prior knowledge of The Riyria Revelations or The Riyria Chronicles is required to enjoy it to its fullest, making this a perfect introduction for new readers or a chance for existing fans to spend a little more time with old friends.
©2015 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2015 Audible, Inc.


Review:
Royce and Hadrian are a crafty ex-assassin and a gutsy former mercenary who have teamed together as a thieves-for-hire known as Riyria. Hadrian is apt to rush into a job with more brawn than plan while Royce plots out a methodical strategy.

As soon as I started listening I was pulled in by the characters, Royce and Hadrian. There is a great banter between them. It was quickly clear that the offered job of kidnapping, proposed by the victim herself, would present a risk they didn’t quite expect. Or perhaps Royce suspected but he couldn’t resist finding out. Once committed, Royce insists that professional integrity requires that they see the mystery through to the end.

If you have read the Riyria books you will enjoy a visit with this dynamic duo. If you haven’t read their adventures (and misadventures), then this is a great short story to introduce the characters. I am ready to get to listen to book 3 in the Revelations series and move on to the Chronicles.

Audio Notes: I really love Tim Gerard Reynolds’ narration of these stories. He delivers the calculating attitude of Royce and the puckish spirit of Hadrian with wonderful perfection. He also manages the other voices, including females to fit the personalities. I greatly enjoy listening to his narration.

This is a free read and TBR from my own Audible Library. It qualifies for TBR Mountain, Audio Challenge and “P” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

1 comment:

  1. Great review. I haven't read any of the other Riyria books, but I am going to give this one a try. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this short story.

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