Age of Myth

Book One of The Legends of the First Empire

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Reviews prior to 1/2/25 relate to a previous recording with the same narrator.

One of fantasy’s finest next-generation storytellers continues to break new ground.

Michael J. Sullivan’s trailblazing career began with the breakout success of his Riyria series: full-bodied, spellbinding fantasy adventures whose imaginative scope and sympathetic characters won a devoted readership and comparisons to fantasy masters Brandon Sanderson, Scott Lynch, and J.R.R. Tolkien himself. Now Age of Myth inaugurates an original six-book series.

Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever.

Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer; Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom; and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over. The time of rebellion has begun.

Magic, fantasy, and mythology collide in Michael J. Sullivan’s Legends of the First Empire series:

• Age of Myth
• Age of Swords
• Age of War
• Age of Legend
• Age of Death
• Age of Empyre

©2016 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2024 Audible Inc.

Outstanding

Magnificent read as we fans expected... The story is beautifully layered and woven w plot elements that continue asking questions that are answered w/ some seriously action packed consequences... The pace is excellent and had me gobbling up the story in one complete sittin... Very tired now, but absolutely worth it... The characters and narration are nothing short of superior, w/ intensity and adventure leaking out everywhere... An outstanding book that only gets better as the engaging story ramps up, and it ramps up constantly... The last quarter or so of the book has some masterfully accomplished twists and turns - just when you think you have a handle on things, you're wrong, or at least not entirely right;). Worth the credit and I can't wait for the next relese in this sequence...

Good Job, Not Riyria , sigh

I loved the Riyria books, Hadrian and Royce, so much. it would be hard for this series to live up to my first love.I listened to them each three times. I enjoyed The Age of Myth, but definitely have the feeling that it is written with the series of five books in mind. It was a great treat to have the females with the most interesting and heroic roles. I missed a focused plot from the beginning. There were too many characters at the outset for me. I will have to go back and listen again. The story has shadows themes of the first series. I found my self comparing them all the time. Like -The heroic young girl who saves the day, the animal that is going to destroy the village. the evil established enemy, an unlikely pairing of male heroes. So I did not find that it was nearly as interesting and unique. Michael J.S, has a good format and he is sticking to it. He is a good story teller, and Gerard Reynolds is a terrific narrator. I especially admire Michael j Sullivan's writing style. It seems very brave to mix current diction with what one would imagine to be ancient times. He is able to pull it off without it seeming to be silly. I got lost several times in the story, not being able to follow the story line. I found it to be covering too much territory, with too many characters. Of course I will look forward to the next installment, and hope that it feels more cohesive because of this first introduction of the characters and theme. all in all the story was good. it lacked the depth of character development and authenticity that was so enchanting in the first series. It was a good listen whereas, the Riyria Chronicles was so exceptional.

Sullivan's fans won't be disappointed

I am a huge fan of Sullivan's earlier series and Tim Gerard Reynolds' narration is a big part of it. The Sullivan vibe occurs here but in original ways. I was happy that this book also starts with an couple of mismatched guys. But then I was impressed how the main part of the story is driven by female characters. I think this is rare in fantasy written by men. Sullivan's humor and kindness show up even when difficult events are taking place. My only complaint is that the story ends sort of abruptly, and even though he has written all 5 volumes of the series, they'll only be released at the rate of one a year. I feel like I need to take notes on all the characters and events or else I'll have to relisten every year, which wouldn't be so bad.

Great start to a new series

This book certainly is another burner from Michael J Sullivan. Once I had started listening, I was unable to stop. I was drawn in right from the start, and I can’t wait to listen to the sequels — but I’ll have to be patient for another four months before I can continue with volume 2.

If you’ve read the Riyria Revelations, you’ll recognize a few names, but it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read anything by the author before (although you really should).

Once again, this isn’t just a great story about magic and lore. There’s racism, superstition, prejudices and more the protagonists have to contend with.

Again, we have strong female and male characters alike, a fantastic plot, and some humour (although I think there was more of that in the Riyria Revelations).
I was very happy that Tim Gerard Reynolds is the narrator again, because he does such a fantastic job.
Do yourselves a favour and read or listen to this book, you won’t regret it.

Awesome

Another great book and I am wanting them out right now! The start was a bit hard to get the information on the main elf background but it came through just fine. Over all five stars is much deserved! A must read if you love his writing! This author create great epic fantasy that has not been put to paper since Gemmell!