Crown Tower - Softcover

Michael J. Sullivan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0356502279 ISBN 13: 9780356502274

Publisher: Orbit, 2013

Synopsis

Excellent Book

About this title

From the Author:

Welcome to the Riyria Chronicles.

If you're new to the world of Elan, you might want to read this introduction to help determine where to start your journey, because it might not be here. If you're a veteran of The Riyria Revelations you might want to read this just for a bit of perspective for future books.

The Riyria Chronicles are prequels to my debut series, the Riyria Revelations (initially released by Orbit from Nov 2011- Jan 2012). If you prefer your tales in chronological order, please start with The Crown Tower, as I've taken great care to avoid spoilers. That being said, Chronicles were actually designed to be read after the Riyria Revelations, and veteran readers will be treated to Easter eggs made possible by having the inside scoop on the entire story arc. These won't be significant plot points, just little extra surprises for those in the know. For those desiring to read in publication order, start with Theft of Swords. The bottom line is that readers, both old and new, should find a rewarding experience with either approach, and no prior knowledge of Revelations is expected or required.

One thing I'd like to mention is the difference of structure between the two series. For those that don't know, I wrote all six books of The Riyria Revelations before publishing any of them. This was absolutely necessary for that particular tale. While I gave each book its own conflict and resolution, there were a number of threads interwoven across the entire series. Mysteries were hinted at, geese needed chasing, and everything was built to support the grand finale. Being a first work, I could afford such luxury. It didn't matter that it took more than a decade to create. After all, no one would be waiting on the next installment.

I'm approaching The Riyria Chronicles quite differently. I have no idea how many there will be (beyond the first two books, which are already released), so I'm designing this as an open-ended series rather than a single tale divided into episodes. The stories are intended to be more like stand-alone novels with less integration from one book to another. The reason is simple. I'm very sensitive about having Royce and Hadrian overstay their welcome. We all know of series, both book and television, that went on longer than they should have. It's sad to see something that was once loved and cherished becoming a shadow of its former self. So by designing Chronicles in this way I can play it by ear when determining whether to release the next adventure.

I'm fortunate enough to make my living from writing, and a story, no matter how much I enjoy writing it, doesn't put food on the table if no one is interested. Being a writer in this day and age provides the possibility for more interaction then when Hemingway or Steinbeck wrote. Emails, forum posts, tweets, blog comments, and even a survey I crated to collect feedback made it clear that I hadn't yet reached the point where my characters were being asked to politely find somewhere else to go. So it is the readers who are partially responsible for this series' existence and their feedback will also play a major role in any additional books. To that end, when you finish this book, please email me at michael.sullivan.dc@gmail.com (or answer this short poll) and let me know whether you want more or would prefer me to go on to something else. After all you provide me with the income to support my family, the least I can do is give you want you want to read.

12/12/12 Edit: Thank you to the folks at Fantasy Faction for including The Crown Tower in their Top 10 Anticipated Books for 2013. I'm honored to be included with such industry greats as Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, Brent Weeks, Peter V. Brett, Scott Lynch, and Mark Charan Newton as well as new authors Mark Lawrence, Myke Cole, and Douglas Hulick

12/15/12 Edit: Thanks also to the people at BestFantasyBooks.com for including The Crown Tower on their own Most Anticiated Fantasy Books for 2013. It is joined by some familiar faces from the other list: Jordan, Sanderson, Brett, Lawrence but is also joined by Daniel Abraham, Neil Gaiman, Robin Hobb, Guy Gavriel Kay, and Richard K. Morgan.

12/20/12 Edit: I'm honored that The Crown Tower was named by Ranting Dragon as one of their 50 Fantasy and Science Fiction Novels to Look Forward to in 2013. It is joined by: Scott Lynch, Peter V. Brett, Kevin Hearne, John Scalzi, Daniel Abraham, Robin Hobb, Mark Lawrence, Brandson Sanderson, Neil Gaiman, Guy Gavriel Kay, and several others.

12/2/13 Edit: I'm honored that The Crown Tower was a 2013 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Fantasy. It is joined by: Scott Lynch, Peter V. Brett, Robin Hobb, Mark Lawrence, Brandso

From the Inside Flap:

Works by Michael J. Sullivan NOVELS The Riyria Revelations Series

• Theft of Swords (2011 - contains The Crown Conspiracy & Avempartha)
• Rise of Empire (2011 - contains Nyphron Rising & The Emerald Storm)
• Heir of Novron (2012 - contains Wintertide & Percepliquis)

The Riyria Chronicles Series

• The Crown Tower (2013)
• The Rose and the Thorn (2013)

Standalone Novels

• Hollow World (coming April 15, 2014)
• Antithesis (release date to be determined)
• A Burden to the Earth (release date to be determined)

SHORT STORIES (Sold Individually)

• The Viscount and the Witch (2011 - Riyria Chronicles)
• Greener Grass (2012 - Dystopian Science Fiction)
• The Jester (2014 - Riyria Chronicles)

ANTHOLOGIES

• The End--Visions of Apocalypse: Burning Alexandria (2012)
• Unfettered: The Jester (2013)
• Triumph Over Tragedy: An Anthology for the Victims of Hurricane Sandy: Traditions (2013)
• Help Fund My Robot Army: New and Improved Monkey Paw (2014)

About this edition

• Publisher: Orbit
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0356502279
• ISBN 13: 9780356502274
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368