Review of Age of Empyre (The Legends of the First Empire, #6)
As I turned the final pages of Age of Empyre, I felt an odd mix of satisfaction and longing. Michael J. Sullivan’s talent for crafting enchanting tales had lured me into his world once again, but as a longtime admirer of his work, I couldn’t help but find myself comparing this finale to the unforgettable heights of The Riyria Revelations. With the echoes of adventure and intricate characters still fresh in my mind, I approached this installment with eager anticipation, hoping for a conclusion that would match the brilliance of its predecessors.
One of the most striking themes in Age of Empyre is the exploration of hope and redemption. Sullivan deftly weaves these concepts into the narrative fabric, reminding us of their weight through Brin’s reflective realization: “That’s what stories are for… They provide hope, a light to see by when all others are snuffed out.” Throughout the story, the characters grapple with their past deeds and their quests for forgiveness, a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially after the emotional journeys they’ve endured.
The pacing of this sixth volume is commendable. Unlike Age of Death, which felt somewhat sluggish, Age of Empyre moves at a brisk pace, avoiding filler moments and immersing us in a race against time. Each scene escalates the stakes, and Sullivan’s narrative flair shines brightest here, capturing the essence of tension and urgency. The dynamic interplay between characters and the captivating plot kept me on my toes, making it hard to put the book down.
However, not all was perfect. While the book delivered powerful themes and moments that tugged at my heartstrings, I found that a few storytelling decisions left me wanting more closure, especially for pivotal characters like Brin. Her arc felt cut short, ultimately missing that emotional climax that readers crave. I resonate with the frustrations voiced by so many fellow readers about this choice—there’s an ineffable need to witness those final moments, to savor the culmination of character growth. As much as I appreciated Sullivan’s intent, it felt like a critical scene had been left on the cutting room floor.
Visually, the cover art by Marc Simonetti does justice to the epic tales contained within, and seeing those depicted moments come to life is a real treat for fans of the series. But more than the aesthetic, Sullivan’s poetic prose elevates the reading experience. His insights into age and experience, as reflected in the quote, “I discovered that age isn’t measured in years, but rather by the roads we travel,” linger long after finishing the book.
In closing, I found Age of Empyre to be a satisfying conclusion to The Legends of the First Empire, even if it did not reach the heights of The Riyria Revelations. It’s a solid fantasy read for anyone who enjoys tales of moral complexity wrapped in adventure—though I recommend starting with The Riyria books first to fully appreciate the nuances of this series. The journey may not have been as groundbreaking, but it reaffirmed my love for Sullivan’s storytelling. Here’s to my continued exploration of his works with The Rise and Fall trilogy looming on the horizon!
For readers seeking an adventure filled with heart and moral introspection—or those new to Sullivan’s world—this series is a worthy endeavor. It’s a journey of unlikely heroes, each striving for something greater amidst their trials—a reminder that even in the darkest of times, stories can illuminate the path ahead.
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