Riyria

Riyria is a fictional fantasy world created by American author Michael J. Sullivan. It serves as the setting for two related series: the Riyria Revelations and the Riyria Chronicles. The stories center on Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and Hadrian Blackwater, a seasoned swordsman, whose partnership drives much of the action across a realm of kingdoms and city-states.

The Riyria Revelations is a sprawling, interlinked arc that combines political intrigue, conspiracy, and epic conflict. The Riyria Chronicles are prequel adventures that explore earlier events in the same world and flesh out the backstories of its main players. Together, the works blend high-stakes fantasy with character-driven storytelling and occasional light humor.

Riyria's world includes diverse polities, including monarchies, guilds, and mercantile realms, all marked by shifting alliances and rivalries. Magic exists in several forms, from direct sorcery to martial or alchemical arts, and is woven into the governance, religion, and warfare of its societies. The setting features varied geography, from urban centers to frontier regions and ancient ruins.

Publication history and reception: The Riyria Revelations were published in the late 2000s and later reissued in a consolidated edition; the Riyria Chronicles followed as prequel narratives, expanding the chronology. The books have been noted for accessible prose, fast pace, and a focus on the two protagonists. They have developed a dedicated fan base within the fantasy genre.