What is the bird that drinks tears series?

The “bird that drinks tears” series refers to a collection of fantasy novels by author Michael J. Sullivan. The series consists of 6 books published between 2011-2018 and follows the adventures of Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, two thieves-for-hire known as Riyria who get caught up in epic events in a medieval world of elves, dwarves, and ancient evils awakening.

What is the overall premise of the series?

The bird that drinks tears series is set in a medieval world where humans coexist uneasily with other races like elves, dwarves, goblins, and more. The story follows Royce and Hadrian, two skilled thieves who take on odd jobs for paying clients as “Riyria.” Early on, they get unwittingly entangled in a conspiracy involving a lost ancient elven queen who returns to life and threatens the world. Across the 6 books, Royce and Hadrian end up confronting legendary evils, unraveling secrets of an ancient past, and playing pivotal roles in determining the fate of empires. Their adventures take them through different human and elf kingdoms across the world.

What are the major themes and tones of the novels?

Key themes in the bird that drinks tears novels include redemption, the corruption of power, political intrigue, the shades of grey in morality, unlikely heroes, and more. The story explores how individuals cope with a world where few things are black and white. The tone combines humor, adventure, drama, and high stakes in a gripping fantasy narrative. Sullivan skillfully develops the main characters and their complicated backstories across the series. The novels offer an entertaining blend of banter, suspense, and high fantasy.

What are some main character arcs and growth?

Some of the major character growth includes:

– Royce Melborn – A cynical, world-weary thief who slowly confronts his traumatic past and opens himself to trusting others.

– Hadrian Blackwater – A skilled fighter with an optimistic outlook who helps ground Royce and gains more nuance on what true justice means.

– Arista Essendon – An impulsive princess who grows into a formidable queen aware of the difficult choices required for rulers.

– Thrace/Modina – An elf with a fragmented identity who discovers her origins and reclaims her power.

Over the course of the novels, the characters evolve in believable ways while remaining true to their core selves.

Overview of the 6 Books

Here is a brief overview of the 6 novels in chronological order:

Theft of Swords

This is an omnibus volume containing the first 2 books of the series – The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha. In The Crown Conspiracy, Royce and Hadrian get framed for murder and become embroiled in a conspiracy to overthrow the king of Melengar. In Avempartha, they have to stop an ancient evil sorcerer who has returned to life.

Rise of Empire

Another omnibus with books 3 and 4 – Nyphron Rising and The Emerald Storm. In Nyphron Rising, the elves of Elan manipulate events to start a war between two human empires. In The Emerald Storm, Royce and Hadrian get sent on a perilous maritime mission to recover a treasure.

Heir of Novron

Omnibus of books 5 and 6 – Wintertide and Percepliquis. In Wintertide, Royce and Hadrian get caught in the crosshairs of the war between humans and elves. In Percepliquis, long-buried secrets are revealed as the final confrontation builds between ancient evils awakened and the divided world.

The Crown Tower

A prequel going back to how Royce and Hadrian first met and became partners in crime. It provides backstory enriching the main series.

The Rose and the Thorn

Another prequel focused on Royce’s past providing context for his personality and worldview.

The Death of Dulgath

A stand-alone novel set after the main 6-book saga, with Royce and Hadrian taking on a new adventure.

Worldbuilding and Magic System

Sullivan does excellent worldbuilding through the series, revealing a layered history of the world through stories from myths and legends. There are hints of long-buried civilizations and powers woven into the narrative.

Different fantasy races

The key fantasy races encountered are:

– Humans – The most populous and dominant race organized into different feuding kingdoms.
– Elves – An ancient, magical race facing decline and split into groups like the Instarya and the Exile.
– Dwarves – Master craftsmen with their own underground cities and love for artifacts.
– Goblins, trolls, ogres – Savage creatures viewed as monsters by other races.

Magic system

Magic in the world is subtle but slowly gains more presence. There are references to ancient magics tied to the earlier race of elves that have now faded. The wizards of Mir seem to rely on real-world alchemical principles versus overt spellcasting. But powerful entities like Novron display abilities like shapeshifting, dream manipulation, and more through the series.

Critical Reception and Impact

The bird that drinks tears novels received positive reviews and gathered a loyal readership over the years. Some key highlights:

Reviews

– Praise for Sullivan’s skill at characterization, worldbuilding, and plot pacing.

– The camaraderie between Royce and Hadrian is a consistent highlight.

– Fans appreciate the nuanced exploration of moral shades of grey.

– Criticism that stories rely on some well-worn tropes at times.

Impact

– Books have collectively sold over 700,000 copies worldwide.

– Translated into 15 languages.

– Continues to attract new fantasy readers through word-of-mouth.

– Helped establish Michael J. Sullivan as a major voice in self-published fantasy.

Why fans love the series

Here are some key reasons the books have resonated with fantasy readers:

– The likeable and grounded main characters.
– Sullivan’s engaging storytelling style.
– Blending humor with high stakes drama.
– Intricate world and mysteries that slowly unfold.
– Explores mature themes on morality and corruption.
– Overall fun, fast-paced heroic fantasy.

Conclusion

In summary, the bird that drinks tears series stands out for its memorable characters, unfolding epic fantasy narrative, immersive worldbuilding, and mature thematic explorations. Author Michael J. Sullivan has earned widespread acclaim for his work in developing the interconnected novels into a gripping saga. The books continue to attract passionate new readers through glowing reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations in the fantasy community. For readers looking for character-driven epic fantasy full of adventure, humor, and intrigue, the bird that drinks tears novels are a great choice.