After devouring 'Age of Myth', I (like many) waited on tenterhooks for its follow-on. In fact, I find the series is diminishing rapidly in appeal with each book, to the point where I questioned if I would continue with it. Please: find (and use) a thesaurus! (Spoiler Alerts) It is because of my admiration for Sullivan that it is difficult for me to say I was quite disappointed in 'Age of War'.

It's like the 'chuckling' that pervaded the ridiculous 'Twilight' series. They don't leer, they don't sneer, they don't grimace, they don't grin. Really my only criticisms of his works are the character's names, which seem to be borrowed from a peculiar variety of inexplicable sources ('Moya' from Farscape, 'Arista' from a record label, 'Royce' from a car, 'Persephone' from Greek Mythology, Suri from Katie Holmes' daughter, etc), and the gratuitous use of 'smirking'. His books hearken back to the swashbuckling films of Errol Flynn. Sullivan's strengths are his wonderfully indelible characters, his mastery of combat scenes that place you right in the midst of the action, and his engrossing way of weaving you from each mini-adventure to the next. I find his insights into his craft entertaining and enlightening (and I confess I share his wife's affinity for Hadrian :) ). The Ryira series is the first contemporary series in years that I have read (listened to) multiple times.

I would like to preface this review by saying I truly enjoy Michael J. In the darkest hour, when hope is all but lost, new heroes will rise.but at what terrible cost?Ī disappointing offering that does not capitalize on one of the author's key strengths

The arrogant Fhrey are barely held in check by their leader, Nyphron, who seeks to advance his own nefarious agenda through a loveless marriage that will result in the betrayal of the person Persephone loves most: Raithe, the God Killer.Īs the Fhrey overlords marshal their army and sorcerers to crush the rebellion, old loyalties will be challenged while fresh conspiracies will threaten to undo all that Persephone has accomplished. Persephone keeps the human clans from turning on one another through her iron will and a compassionate heart. The alliance of humans and renegade Fhrey is fragile - and about to be tested as never before. Now, in the New York Times best-selling Age of War, the epic battle between humankind and the cruel godlike beings who once ruled them finally ignites in all its fury. Sullivan’s soaring fantasy novels are masterworks of heroism, love, and sacrifice.

Age of war by michael j sullivan