The Rose and the Thorn (Dramatized Adaptation)

The Riyria Chronicles, Book 2

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by: Bradley Foster Smith, Chris Genebach, Danny Gavigan, Jeff Allin, Nora Achrati, Shanta Parasuraman, Terence Aselford, Kay Eluvian, Earl Fisher, Andrew James Spooner, David M. Jourdan

Two thieves want answers. Riyria is born...

For more than a year Royce Melborn has tried to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved him and his partner Hadrian Blackwater from certain death. Unable to get her out of his mind, Royce returns to Medford with Hadrian but the two receive a very different reception—Gwen refuses to see them. The victim of abuse by a powerful noble, she suspects that Royce will ignore any danger in his desire for revenge. By turning the thieves away, Gwen hopes to once more protect them. What she doesn't realize is what the two are capable of—but she's about to find out.

Performed by Bradley Foster Smith, David M. Jourdan, Danny Gavigan, Chris Genebach, Terence Aselford, Kay Eluvian, Andrew James Spooner, Jeff Allin, Earl Fisher, Shanta Parasuraman, Nora Achrati, Chris Stinson, Henry W. Kramer, Todd Scofield, Ian Putnam, Laura C. Harris, Lawrence Redmond, Lucy Symons, Matthew Pauli, Holly Adams, Joe Mallon, Jenna Sharpe, James Konicek, Megan Dominy, Rob McFadyen, Ryan Carlo Dalusung, Jonathan Lee Taylor, Dylan Lynch, Peter Holdway, Stewart Crank, Peter Stray, Tanja Milojevic, Mort Shelby, Rose Elizabeth Supan, Gabriel Michael, and Chris Davenport.

©2013 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2022 Graphic Audio LLC

I love this story and the whole series

i recommend all your books to everyone I talk to and wish they were longer I'm getting close to finishing the whole story and hope you create more thank you

Book Review: The Rose and the Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)

Michael J. Sullivan strikes gold again with The Rose and the Thorn, the second installment in The Riyria Chronicles, a prequel series to his bestselling Riyria Revelations. This book continues the early adventures of the iconic duo, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, as they inch closer to becoming the legends readers came to love in the original series. With its signature blend of heart, humor, danger, and political intrigue, Sullivan delivers a fantasy novel that is just as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling.

In The Rose and the Thorn, Hadrian and Royce return to Medford under mysterious circumstances, intending only to deliver a letter—but what they uncover instead is a tangle of corruption, secrets, and personal stakes that neither man can ignore. Sullivan seamlessly deepens our understanding of the world of Elan, bringing back fan-favorite characters while introducing compelling new ones. Arista Essendon and Reuben Hilfred’s stories begin to take shape here, setting the stage for their important roles later in the saga.

What makes this book stand out is Sullivan’s gift for character development. Royce, the cynical assassin, and Hadrian, the idealistic swordsman, are as dynamic and lovable as ever. Their growing friendship continues to evolve, striking the perfect balance of wit, trust, and emotional complexity. Meanwhile, the story itself—layered with political tension and personal revelations—never loses momentum, making every chapter a page-turner.

While the plot is gripping, the real strength lies in the emotional depth. Whether it’s Reuben’s heartbreaking yearning to belong or Royce’s slow realization that maybe, just maybe, he’s not beyond redemption, Sullivan writes with a clarity and compassion that makes these characters unforgettable.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Riyria books or a newcomer looking for an entry point into Sullivan’s world, The Rose and the Thorn offers a satisfying, enriching experience. It’s a tale of friendship, honor, and the quiet heroism found in the unlikeliest of places.

Highly recommended for fans of classic fantasy, sharp banter, and stories that remind us that the best heroes often come with the darkest pasts.

Story and characters

So happy with this series. Looking forward to the rest of it. Love the characters so much.

Love this format and story

Excellent way to enhance the audio book experience! Great series which captures the imagination with its twisty plot and memorable characters.

Such a fun adventure!

I really enjoyed the crown tower but I LOVE this one! I heard the ryria books were good and was looking for something that would make me feel the same way I felt while reading the hedge knight by George rr Martin. The Ryria chronicles are a very different from the hedge knight, but it has that kind of episodic, buddy adventure feel to the stories that I love! The characters are great, the twists are fun, the world and dialogue are all engaging! Highly recommend, looking forward to finishing chronicles, and moving on to revelations!

spellbinding

It really is a movie in your head. the characters have depth. I felt drawn to certain ones. learned to like some I didn't at first. this book pulled emotion out of me, most books can't.

Top notch

Story is amazing. Graphic audio is unparalleled in narration and they do not disappoint here.

Absolutely loved it!! GO READ IT!!! 🤩🤩🤩

The Riyria books have become one of my all time favorites. Every book is SO GOOD!!! If you love fantasy, incredible characters, fantastic world building, and a rich and wonderful story, then read the Riyria books!!

Great cast.

Story is great. Full cast and music and background is awesome. The Graphic Audio books are the best productions with all the trimmings.

Story

Plot development is genius throughout the series same with the characters. Will be purchasing the rest of the series.