The first part's plot dragged (prepare for discussion after discussion) so that very little occurs until nearly midway, but I was willing to just listen (on 1.5x) and wait, believing that the pace would pick up and everything would come together more elegantly in the second.

This sequel promised more of this-but suffered from a complete lack of focus (or editing). I really enjoyed the first Riyria book, as simple as it was, particularly for a few of its interesting characters, promising set-up, and what felt like competent writing. This book has setup nicely for the last in series for which I cant wait! I highly recommend this book and series. This audio series is turning into one of my favorite. Narrator did a great job, and book is really a fun listen. Sense of humor between two thieves is still fresh and fun. Arista's development as person and as an practitioner of the 'art' continues, and it is a fun ride. There are twists in this book which caught me by surprised.

Back stories of Royce and Hadrian is been flushed out which is masterfully integral to the over all story. Author provides a lot more depth to the characters of Royce and Hadrian. Scope of the story is larger, and yet book almost manage to move as fast as the previous book (though there were few moments which I thought were kind of a drag). Some of the characters are cunning yet funny. I enjoyed this portion of the book that author does not let the narrative get dull with endless chatter. Our combo of elvish assassin and burly fighter find themselves working for the king of Melengar as spies that book start to focus a lot more on the politics and intrigue. This book picks up after a year or so after the end of first book where Church has found a lost leader and started to form an Empire.

Nyphron Rising by Michael J. Sullivan