The Crown Conspiracy

The Crown Conspiracy is a short read and also runs at a great pace. This is not a book of idle moments, and yet if the pacing is one of its strengths, what of the characterisations! They are well put together, executed, and that's true for all of the book's cast and crew. The tale of this book (book one of a six book series), is full of twists. Some are hinted at, some more obvious, and some surprising, yet together they all combine to produce a satisfying story that sets up the series on a good and solid foundation. The setting is well put together and unveiled in a timely manner, with much more yet to be revealed. Just as the characters and setting are handled well, so is a plot of betrayals, conspiracy and politics. Sullivan has produced some great writing that is efficient and to the point. The book runs out as a pleasure, one that sadly ends too soon. I'm looking forward to future instalments, and to return to the world of Elan and the adventures of Hadrian and Royce.

This was an amazing book, very easy to understand and follow as the author gives you just enough detail to understand, but not so much that you get bogged down. Not my normal avenue of reading material, but definately a series I shall follow to the end. Very addicting series, you want to know what is going to happen next to the two theives and how they are going to get out of each predicament.

I met Michael and his wife, Robin at this year's ConCarolinas in Charlotte,NC. I usually try out at least one new author that is promoting his/her book at they conventions I attend. I listened in on both Robin and Michael promoting The Crown Conspiracy and it's sequel to fellow con-goers. The series sounded intersting so I bought both books from Michael. He explained that all six books were complete but they were releasing them every six month I beleive. So no long waits between titles. :) I finished the book early this morming. I enjoyed the book very much. The characters for the most part are well rounded and multi-faceted. The legnth some have mentioned is shorter than some fantasy that some are used to but, I do not mind the length at all. The story was told, it did not wander about and lose track of they original plot and what the story mainly entailed. Overall I would definatelt recommend this title to someone that may not have even read a fantasy before. The fanatsy elements are there but did not distract from the story. I would even recommed it to a non fantasy reader.

Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I must admit that when I obtained it I was slightly skeptical. But, I was given a great deal - and even got a signed copy! :-) So, I set about reading it. And I could NOT put it down! I read this book in a few days - and probably would have read it faster if I wasn't sick this past week. That said, I'm going to be somewhat vague in my review, as I hate spoilers and prefer to avoid writing anything that might ruin the book for others! ;-) Anyway, this book was so much better than I'd expected. I loved Hadrian and Royce - despite the fact that they were master thieves! Most of the characters were well-developed and quite interesting. The plot moved quickly and had very interested twists and turns. The descriptions were detailed and really helped me "see" everything as I read. One thing - the description of the sword fights lost me. I know nothing about fencing or whatever, and some of the terminology was over my head. But, the plot was awesome and I couldn't put the book down. I do wonder if Mr. Sullivan is planning to make this into a series. There were things that happened that made me wonder if more was coming that would expand on some of the events in this book. I certainly hope so! If there is another book (or more) to follow this one, I won't waste any time obtaining it. I might even pre-order it! Either way, I will be looking for more books from Michael J. Sullivan!

As far as adventure novels go, this one is among the most exciting and intriguing I've read. The pages practically turn themselves as a motley cast of characters journeys and cascades through Melengar, gradually discovering more twists which impact the course of their journey, while the author slowly reveals secrets that keep the reader guessing and building tension to a satisfying climax and ending. Plot twists have become practically a necessity in adventure novels. Without them, the prose tends to become flat and monotonous, and the reader is left wondering where the adventure is. Conversely, if overused, the story becomes comical and frivolous, and the reader loses interest in the absurdity. In this tale, Mr. Sullivan does an excellent job of finding a delicate balance, leaving just enough surprises of the appropriate magnitude and proper placements to keep the reader riveted without cheapening the plot. One of the strongest points in the book is the world the author creates. In the tradition of fantasy writing, one can tell that this is well-integrated world with a wide range of venues and peoples, that is internally consistent with itself. Mr. Sullivan gives brief glimpses of its lore and legends that pique the reader's interest and make him thirsty for more. Personally, lore is my favorite aspect of fantasy, and I found the book more than satisfying. Having said that, I should qualify that unlike some of the so-called "heavy fantasy" series, the pedantry of the setting does not in any way hamper the plot, which moves briskly and focuses on the events and characters. Any edification of the world is well integrated into the course of the story so as not to be an imposition on the reader. There are several intriguing and compelling characters in the book. The interplay between the two main characters, Royce Melbourn and Hadrian Blackwater, is priceless. The cold, calculating, sometimes patronizing, superior intelligence of Royce interacting with the warmhearted, well-intentioned duncery of Hadrian creates both an interesting and entertaining storyline. There is also well placed comic relief, which does not in any way cheapen the story or make it frivolous. Other characters also serve to enrich the plot, give greater insight into the world, and provide intrigue and subplots, without it appearing that any of their presences is perfunctory just to fill a need of the author. The interplay between all the characters makes for an entertaining story and helps to move the plot quickly. I love them all for different reasons and look forward to exploring their future exploits. I'm looking forward to the next novel in this series, Avempartha, which is coming out in April of 2009.