The best of the 4 so far! Solid series, as I mentioned earlier ( )

Sailing in fantasy books is so goddamn boring. ( )

Another fine addition to the series; highly recommended. Although the series continues to be a good 'light' read, I can't help wishing the author had done a little more research on the naval engagement portion of the storyline. IMHO the mistakes here are even harder to ignore than the structural engineering problems encountered at the end of book one. When you put that much detail about something, you really need to make sure that the detail is correct; as such if reinforces a general perception that the story arc is rushed and too formulaic to ever be a classic. ( )

The Emerald Storm is the fourth book in Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations series. The story picks up immediately where the last book left off, continuing the three story threads.

I haven't seen it mentioned much in other reviews. I am impressed with Sullivan's portrayal of PTSD and depression through Modina. Her story continues to be the most interesting of the three for me. I understand a lot better now how she's stuck and why she's so passive as she deals with her inner demons. I can already see her story ending one of two ways, one that is fairly bleak and the other hopeful. Here's hoping she gets the encouragement she needs for the hopeful outcome.

Royce and Hadrian's story definitely picks up once they reach their destination and we're given a whole new part of the world to explore. The world building here is phenomenal. I wish we could have spent a lot more time exploring this new land.

And then there's Arista. Her thread continues to be the most problematic for me and I don't like that is seems the author is trying to force a romance for her. It just isn't as smooth as the rest of the story and feels jarring in comparison.

Yet again the book ends abruptly, leaving each story thread unresolved and one in a sort of cliff hanger. I'm really glad I waited to read these after they were all published. ( )

Great fun & a must-read for anyone who is following the series. Whew! It was tough to put down! Excellent action, thrills & chills. After reading this, you'll have to read the next one, too. This could be read out of order, I suppose, but I wouldn't recommend it. I can't wait for the next! (Hurry up & get to writing, Michael!)
;-) ( )