Riyria Chronicles Books in Order

The Best Starting Point: Revelations vs. Chronicles

When entering the vibrant high-fantasy world of Elan, you will encounter two main entrance points featuring the legendary duo of Royce Melborn (a cynical thief and ex-assassin) and Hadrian Blackwater (an idealistic mercenary). While the prequel series, The Riyria Chronicles, occurs earlier in the characters' lives, author Michael J. Sullivan and the core fanbase strongly recommend starting with the original trilogy: The Riyria Revelations (starting with Theft of Swords).

Starting with the Revelations allows you to experience the mysteries, world-building, and character dynamics exactly as they were originally designed. The prequels assume a familiarity with the characters and are sprinkled with subtle callbacks, hints, and Easter eggs that lose their impact if read chronologically first. However, if you prefer a strictly chronological journey starting from the day Royce and Hadrian first meet in an uneasy alliance, beginning with the Chronicles is a perfectly viable alternative.

The Riyria Chronicles: Chronological Reading Order

The Chronicles focus on the early days of Royce and Hadrian's partnership, roughly ten years before the events of the Revelations. If you want to follow their timeline chronologically, including all novels and key short stories, follow this order:

• The Crown Tower (2013) – The official starting point of the prequels. This novel details how the two clashing protagonists are first forced together to pull off an impossible heist.
• The Viscount and the Witch (2011) – A short story introducing the character of Albert Winslow and a witch named Karen. It takes place shortly after the events of the first book.
• The Rose and the Thorn (2013) – A full-length novel resolving the dark aftermath of the duo's early adventures and exploring the origin of their criminal enterprise, Riyria.
• The Jester (2014) – A short story set during a cold winter where Royce and Hadrian take on a job to find a missing nobleman's toy.
• Professional Integrity (2015) – A short story where Royce and Hadrian are hired to investigate a claim of a fake monster threatening a village.
• The Death of Dulgath (2015) – A standalone adventure where Riyria is hired to prevent the assassination of the last member of a noble house in a highly isolated region.
• The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter (2017) – A self-contained mystery focusing on a rescue mission in a city filled with racial tension between humans and elves.
• Drumindor (2024) – The fifth full-length prequel novel, focusing on a dangerous heist in a city famous for its impenetrable dwarven towers.

The Riyria Revelations: The Core Epic

The Revelations represents the primary story arc of the series. Originally published as six self-published novels, they are now widely read in three double-novel omnibus editions published by Orbit Books:

1. Theft of Swords (2011) – Contains The Crown Conspiracy (originally published 2008) and Avempartha (originally published 2009). This volume introduces the pair as established thieves framed for the murder of a king.
2. Rise of Empire (2011) – Contains Nyphron Rising (originally published 2009) and The Emerald Storm (originally published 2010). The stakes rise as an imperial conspiracy threatens the continent.
3. Heir of Novron (2012) – Contains Wintertide (originally published 2010) and Percepliquis (originally published 2012). The epic conclusion that wraps up all major plotlines.

Publication Order: The Author's Recommended Route

If you prefer to read the books in the order they were written and published, which maximizes the impact of the world's revelations and mysteries, use this order:

• Theft of Swords (contains Revelations 1 & 2)
• The Viscount and the Witch (short story)
• Rise of Empire (contains Revelations 3 & 4)
• Heir of Novron (contains Revelations 5 & 6)
• The Crown Tower (Chronicles 1)
• The Rose and the Thorn (Chronicles 2)
• The Jester (short story)
• Professional Integrity (short story)
• The Death of Dulgath (Chronicles 3)
• The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter (Chronicles 4)
• Drumindor (Chronicles 5)

The Broader World of Elan: Spin-offs and Ancient History

Michael J. Sullivan has expanded the history of Elan through several companion series. These take place thousands of years before Royce and Hadrian's era and explore the historical truths behind the myths and religions in the Riyria books.

Legends of the First Empire

Set three thousand years before Riyria, this six-book epic tells the story of the first war between humans and the elf-like Fhrey. It is best read after finishing the core Riyria Revelations series to fully appreciate how history was distorted over time.

• Age of Myth (2016)
• Age of Swords (2017)
• Age of War (2018)
• Age of Legend (2019)
• Age of Death (2020)
• Age of Empyre (2020)

The Rise and Fall

This bridging trilogy spans the thousands of years between the Legends series and the Riyria series, explaining the rise and fall of the Novronian Empire. Each book works as a standalone focusing on a different pivotal historical figure.

• Nolyn (2021)
• Farilane (2022)
• Esrahaddon (2023)

What to Know Before You Start

Sullivan's writing process is unique: he writes entire multi-book series in their entirety before publishing the first volume. This approach ensures exceptionally tight plotting, consistent pacing, and seamless foreshadowing with zero dropped plot points. The tone of Riyria is characterized by witty banter, deep loyalty, and clever heists. Unlike typical modern grimdark fantasy, it emphasizes hope, friendship, and high-adventure charm, though it does not shy away from emotional depth or political complexity. The audiobooks narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds are highly acclaimed and considered by many fans to be the definitive way to experience the banter between Royce and Hadrian.