The Ultimate Reading Guide To Michael J. Sullivan's World of Elan (Riyria, Legends, Rise and Fall)

[@PatrickRyanBookReviews]

I've read all 19 books and in my opinion, MJS has transitioned from a plot driven author to more character focused. So I tell people that if they're a character driven reader, go with publication order and the books will just keep getting better. But if you're a plot driven reader, go with chronological order so you don't already know how the story ends and can let the plot carry you through.

[@PetrikLeo]

Ohhh that is a good suggestion. I feel Sullivan got that character focused while retaining thr strong plotting in Heir of Novron. Ever since then, his characterizations is always on point! 😄

[@dinocollins720]

Really??? I always thought Royce and Hadrian were his best characters! This is a good idea though!

[@theerne]

Thank you that was a thoughtful analysis

[@TheBinklemNetwork]

@@dinocollins720 they will forever be my favorite

[@dinocollins720]

@@TheBinklemNetwork I recommended the series to one of my buddies. Of course he loved it, but he loved it so much he named his first born son Hadrian 😂 no joke!

[@ilsevanlegos7529]

I was very underwhelmed after reading the first book in the first volume and couldn't understand the praise for this series of books. However, I did what you said and continued, and now after having read all 3 volumes of Riyria Revelations, it's one my favourite fantasy series which I can't wait to reread again. Your advice is spot on.

[@PetrikLeo]

Woohoo! Pleased to hear that. Like you, I was so underwhelmed by the first omnibus. The third omnibus somehow managed to cement Riyria as one of my favorite series, and on reread every book just gets better! :)

[@AshleyRebecca]

I stumbled upon age of myth and burned through it today lol. Then I saw how many books the author has and I had to search to see if you had a video on this world. You definitely did not disappoint! Thank you as always for being an amazing resource!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're so welcome! Glad to hear this video is useful. There are many books in the world of Elan. Thankfully, they're all easy to read! 😄

[@caewing85]

I’m reading Rise of Empire now. First time reading any Elan books. I adore these books! MJS is now an auto buy author!

[@PetrikLeo]

Glad you're enjoying it! Heir of Novron is superb! :)

[@nestorcaceres8928]

I started this series chronologically, mostly by accident since I didn’t know about the Ryria chronicles prior to reading the Legends. I mainly got into them because I listened to pile of bones and I really liked it to I continued with legends. I’m currently on Esrahaddon right now and I look forward to the ryria series next.

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh that's interesting!! Curious to hear your thoughts as you make your way through Riyria books. 😄

[@nestorcaceres8928]

@@PetrikLeo Sure thing!

[@book_scent]

I looove the Riyria books!! 🤩 I've read the Riyria Revelations and just finished The Crown Tower - it's so fun to see the beginnings of Hadrian & Royce's story. I can't wait to continue on with the series. These books have already become favorites of mine 🖤

[@PetrikLeo]

Yesss! I think you will love the rest of Riyria Chronicles, too. Such a great series! :)

[@yassinemiri3555]

You know how big of a fan I am of MJ Sullivan and his Riyriaverse, so for the thousandth time and from the bottom of my hearth. Thank You and god bless you sir !

[@PetrikLeo]

You're so welcome!! Glad I could be of help!

[@JulieRadske]

Best series I have read to date. Riyria Revelations just happened to be my first read. I was hooked and read all 19 books. I also recommend the publication order.

[@PetrikLeo]

Such a great series. Can't wait for Drumindor this year! 😁

[@theezmeister2791]

just finished all books in rise of empyre, those books got me interested with Sullivan’s stories. Working in the Chronicles

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh that's good! I hoep you enjoy Riyria. I think it's better than Legends of the First Empire! :)

[@moonbee03]

I have loved every single book written by Michael J Sullivan. All the collections!

[@PetrikLeo]

Me too! I look forward to reading Drumindor! :)

[@kerisbookishcorner2864]

I own two of the four series and have been so unsure where to start so I just keep collecting the books hoping I’ll like them. This video is so helpful and I now feel ready to dive in starting with Theft of Swords!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're so welcome! I hope you love the series! 😊

[@Heathennation1976]

All these books are on my shelf to be read one day another great video from the best booktube on KZbin

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, brother! May the video guide be useful! :)

[@jessicar.6268]

I read Legends of the First Empire first on someone else's recommendation. I'm about to start book 4. I'm absolutely loving this series. I'm really excited now to dive into the rest, because you say they are better.

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh that's great! Always wonderful to hear someone reading it chronologically and enjoying it, too! 😄

[@118khw]

Exactly what I am looking for! I’ve been thinking about starting in his series for a while.

[@PetrikLeo]

Awesome! I hope you will love it! :)

[@bubblebut005]

This came out at the perfect time for me, thank you Petrik!!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! I hope it will be useful! :)

[@cmmosher8035]

I had picked up Age of Myth and the Box set of the first Ryiria collection independently of each other not really paying attention to author. When i went to read them i asked redditt what the reading order was. Sullivan answered that because of how myths change over time you can read either series first. You will obviously get a different experience as things are revealed but i got the impression he doesn't think one order over the other will "ruin" the experience. I ended up reading Revelations first because i had the set.

[@PetrikLeo]

I think many authors love to say they can read their books in the same world wherever. I can understand Legends of the First Empire and Riyria, but Rise and Fall trilogy felt impossible to fully enjoy without reading the other two series first, imo. Glad you're starting with Revelations!

[@cmmosher8035]

@@PetrikLeo I should probably clarify I asked then when Age of Myth had just come out in paperback so the most recent series wasn't a faxtor

[@safinan8008]

Thank you for the guide for this series! Happy reading to you!! 🎉

[@PetrikLeo]

Happy reading to you, too! :)

[@dinocollins720]

I only have 2 left in Rise and Fall before I finish all 19!!! I love MJS! I probably wouldn't recommend it to others, but I almost wish I would have read it chronologically only because I loved Ryira the best and the end is so good! I could have ended with my favorite. But idk maybe the end of The Rise and Fall will be awesome

[@PetrikLeo]

You're almost there, Dino! You will love Esrahaddon. :)

[@dinocollins720]

@@PetrikLeo I'm hyped!!!

[@zenthepoet.]

Reading guide.. let's gooo

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Zen! :)

[@zenthepoet.]

@@PetrikLeo Welcome!

[@kirktanka8199]

MJS also suggests publication order as the preferred reading order. I also do agree that publication order is the way to devour this series.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah! I think generally, it's almost always better to follow publication order! :)

[@MightyBouch_AZClaire]

I am reading in chronological order... And loved the pacing of Legends. I just finished esrahaddon and know that the surprises would have been ruined. I'm sure it's wonderful either way... But it has been incredible reading without spoilers.

[@PetrikLeo]

Woohoo! Glad you're enjoying your time going through the world of Elan! 😊

[@fehner27]

A continuation from Revelations?! Awesome!! I love Royce and Hadrian

[@PetrikLeo]

Yup! Still a possibility, but the chances are there! :)

[@suzannemoore404]

Thank-you for this Petrik! It is a series I am interested in starting.

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! I hope the video is useful! :)

[@suzannemoore404]

@@PetrikLeo Absolutely. I wasn't sure how I was going to read things until you explained

[@anniecochrane3359]

Thank you Petric. Intelligent and very well explained and critiqued as always.

[@PetrikLeo]

Aww thank you so much, Annie! 😄

[@radiahalsagoff4148]

Simply one of my favourite series in recent times. Absolutely hooked me in. I really enjoyed this video! I usually recommend it be read in the order it was published too! Its simply the best way. Thank you :)

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Yeah, I think when it comes to reading order (whether this series or not), publication order is almost always the best way to go. I'm glad this is one of your favorite series, too! :)

[@scottfeld3235]

I finished Ryria Revelations and loved it. I started legends of the first empire next, because many of that series were included in my audible membership and I thought it would be cool to compare how the characters thought of the world in the latest in world time to the beginning and look for the differences (while it was fresh in my mind). I hope that’s ok! I was thinking in my mind that Chronicles would be more Royce and Hadrian character focused vs lore and I could go back to it whenever.

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh definitely okay to read Legends of Empire next! Some things in Riyria Chronicles would make sense after you read Legends of the First Empire, too. Ultimately, I think it matters to start from Riyria Revelations, Legends, Rise and Fall trilogy. Chronicles is more up to you, imo, even if I choose to read it after Revelations. 😄

[@scottfeld3235]

@@PetrikLeo I’ve finished LotFE and enjoyed it a lot. Then I read 1-3 of Chronicles. Glad I read Legends before Dulgath, there were so many Easter eggs! The Elan Books are all so enjoyable. I’ll probably read wintertide next and then jump into the Rise and Fall Series! I’ve done pretty much all of them on Audible, great narration!

[@martymiller9973]

Loved all 19 books! Have listened to them all 2 times. Really got attached to Royce and Hadden!

[@PetrikLeo]

They're still the best duo in the series!! 😄

[@samhoward8573]

Another great video. Thank you for all your hard work!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 😄

[@fantasticalreads]

Just finished book 1 and had a blast! Thanks for this great video 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

Woohoo! Enjoy the journey! 😊

[@fantasticalreads]

@@PetrikLeo thanks!

[@zacturf-n-sports6203]

The emerald storm really got me 100% behind it. Took 2 years to read first 2.

[@PetrikLeo]

I'm glad it won you over! The first 2 were rough on first time reading! :)

[@kingzzz6509]

I’ve only read The Riyria Revelations, but I think my favorite book is either Wintertide or Persepliquis, so The Heir of Novron duology was a good time for me. Haha

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh absolutely! 😁 I agree so much!

[@esmayrosalyne]

Honestly, you said it all perfectly! I am so glad that you enjoyed your re-read, you are getting me extremely excited to do my own. I was hoping to get around to it this summer... but we all know how TBR plans work 🤣 I also really enjoyed reading in publication order on my first read and 100% agree that the ending to Revelations is absolutely outstanding. Though, for my re-read I think I am going with in-world chronological order (will be reading Rise and Fall for the first time), because I don't have to worry about potential easter eggs being spoiled beforehand now anyway. Hopefully I can get around to doing that early next year! Amazing video! MJS deserves all the love 🤩

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Esmay! Hahaha TBR plans are getting harder and harder to follow with so many intriguing books popping up everyday! :) You're right, though, on second right it might be interesting to try reading chronologically now that we have all the Easter Eggs from Riyria! :)

[@hexesandheroes]

I'm starting with Noyln!

[@PetrikLeo]

I recommend starting with either Riyria or Legends, but I hope you'll enjoy it! :)

[@fearSimon]

The Rise and the Fall trilogy are the only books that I haven't read yet so can't comment on them. But publication order makes the most sense and that comes from a person whose favorites are definitely Legends of the First Empire books

[@PetrikLeo]

I think you'll love Rise and Fall trilogy, too. Farilane and Esrahaddon were incredible! :)

[@BlackHand531]

Ok. Thank you. They keep recommending me the rise and fall trilogy. I'll start with Theft of swords then.

[@PetrikLeo]

Start with Theft of Swords. Not a good idea to start from Rise and Fall trilogy! 😄

[@madrob16]

Oh damn! Im not a reader at all and yet for some reason I walked into a book shop. For my first ever book I randomly chose Age of Myth. I'm half way through the book and I absolutely love it! I feel I am already massively invested. Im guessing at this point I am best sticking to chronological order? as I don't think I will be able to put Age of Myth down now. (Also feeling extremely lucky to have found such an amazing series as I feel im going to read them all now)

[@PetrikLeo]

Wow, that's wonderful! Yeah, at this rate, it should be a good idea to read through the series chronologically. May you continue to become a reader! :)

[@johanjoseph4802]

About to start Wintertide soon 🔥🤌

[@PetrikLeo]

Wintertide is awesome. Enjoy! :)

[@narakudream]

Hello Petrik ! What do you think about some "short stories" that are in different books in this universe ? Amazing content

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! They're alright. None of them are must read, imo, and you can read them anytime you want. :)

[@Sebideluxe]

Thank you. Any PR MJS gets is good. He is succesful, but he deserves more. (I take MJS over Sanderson (which I also like) any day.)

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! He is indeed one of the most successful self-pub fantasy authors!

[@crystalsingh7325]

Thank you for this very helpful review 😊 Would you say that this series is in your top 10 favourites? I'm trying to decide if I should buy it 😅

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Riyria Revelations is most likely in my top 20. 😄

[@noemiborbely5383]

If I have already ready Legends and Rise and Fall, should I read chronicles or revelations next

[@PetrikLeo]

Might as well go chronological and read Chronicles first before Revelations! 😄

[@ChaptersWeLove]

I want to read this series but I think I’ll read it after I’m done with the Realm of the elderlings 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

Understandable! You don't want to be stuck reading many massive series! :)

[@ChaptersWeLove]

@@PetrikLeo true! 😀

[@limtea2688]

Thanks for this video Petrik! Planning to start 2024 with Theft of Swords! Would you say these books are more light-hearted in tone like say Dresden Files?

[@PetrikLeo]

The first two books are definitely lighter than Dresden Files imo. Overall they're about the same though. Dresden is slightly darker in some volumes!

[@khomo12]

Thank you!👍👍👍📚🤖🚀🐲

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you too!

[@lbee8247]

I have only just discovered these books. I started with Legends of the first empire and will be finished this series in about 4 hours. So, now what? Since I read them not in order of publication because I didn't know which series or book do I go to next? I thought about reading them in time line order since I accidentally read the oldest time line first. What do you think?

[@PetrikLeo]

Hmm that is interesting. At this rate, I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to read them all chronologically. Our experience will be different. Let me know how they goes! 😊

[@lbee8247]

@@PetrikLeo okay. Thanks. Audible recommended the first in this series and for free. I had never heard of this author or any of his books. I was hooked after book one Age of Legend. The beginning did mention other books but said the reader or in my case the listener didn't need to have read any of the other books to enjoy this series. Since I wasn't previously aware of any other books I continued.

[@SandyfromBelgium]

Hey Petrik, thank you so much for this reading guide! Now I feel a lot more confident in how to tackle this. You mentioned a 5th and potentially a 6th book still coming out? Does that mean that subseries 4th book is ending on a cliffhanger? (I'm not good with those :) )

[@PetrikLeo]

Definitely no cliffhanger! Each book in Riyria Chronicles doesn't end on a cliffhanger. 😊

[@BlackHand531]

Love the bleach shirt man!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! bankai!!!

[@AboutThatTime420]

Imagine if one day we could just press a button and have full books uploaded to our brains. I'd read every book in existence

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahaha wouldn't that be so cool and convenient!? :D

[@fearSimon]

Would that be satisfying enough? I'm conflicted. On the one side you'd be able to read a lot more, but on the other "it's about the journey, not the destination" sort of a thing. How would one experience dramatic scenes, plot twists, and huge reveals if the whole book is uploaded at once? I'm overthinking this, am I?

[@PetrikLeo]

@@fearSimon I actually just assume doing that we would instantly experience all the plot twist, journey, and emotions in an instantenuous way. Though come to think of it, our brain would probably implode... (why am i thinking about this, too!?)

[@fearSimon]

@@PetrikLeo When the time comes and our brains can create such a feature, we'll have brains strong enough to handle such a feature :) But I'd still take slow burn over and orgasmic moment. To whoever is making this into reality, add customizable upload speed throttle, thanks!

[@AboutThatTime420]

@@fearSimon LOL. Yeah it would be quite overwhelming to have a whole book hit you like a wave. But a neat thought haha

[@Jistarii]

What have you done. I didn't realize there were 19 books! I have 4 of them thinking that was all. My wife mandated book ban is gonna be broken......

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh no. 🤣🤣🤣 You can read Riyria Revelations first and see how you feel about it!

[@johntrunkey4715]

SOOO many books. so little time.

[@PetrikLeo]

I KNOWW 🥲

[@amy_harboredinpages]

📖🤔📚

[@yassinemiri3555]

I was the 81th thumb's up, I'm getting sloppy over here 😝

[@PetrikLeo]

Still thankful! Better late than never. 😄