Theft of Swords: Riyria Revelations, Volume 1 (2009)
- Narrated by:
時間：22時間37分
発音：イギリス英語。
速度：130語/分前後。
評価：5 out of 5.
【あらすじ】
メレンガー王国の都、メドフォード城下で恐れられる盗賊集団・リィリア。影のように捉えがたきロイスと剣の名手ハドリアンの二人を中心に、どんなものも盗み、不可能に近い脱出を果たしてきた。そんな彼らに突然、高額報酬の依頼が舞い込む。仕事は王宮の礼拝堂から一本の剣を盗みだすだけのはずだったが……!?（Amazonより）
【感想】
お気に入りのシリーズ。悪名高き2人組の盗賊、ロイスとヘイドリアンの冒険譚。お約束通りのストーリー展開ではあるんだけれども、そのお約束通りを楽しく読ませてくれた。バディもの大好き！
ナレーションはイギリス英語。明瞭な発音で聞き取りやすいのも好感度が高い。
作者によると、最初は小さく始め、徐々に大きな謎や陰謀が明らかになっていくという仕組みらしい。6作が2作ずつまとまった3冊組。王宮から剣を盗み出すという小さな案件から始まった2人の冒険が、やがて国と教会の対立、エルフの侵略などと絡んでどのように展開していくのか楽しみ。
王都の二人組 (盗賊ロイス＆ハドリアン)
Book Review: Theft of Swords (The Riyria Revelations #1-#2)
Plot:
An infamous skilled thief, Royce Melborn, and his partner in crime, Hadrian Blackwater, are known as Riyria in Kingdoms of Avryn. When they set out to steal a sword from Melengar castle, they are framed for killing the King.
This book is the first book in the Riyria Revelations series written by Michael J. Sullivan. This high fantasy novel is one of my favorites, but I almost gave up on this book at first; it starts really slow, and I had to wade through a Shakespearean-like quaint part before it really got started.
Royce and Hadrian are the antipodes: Royce is a reticent and agile guy who grew up on the streets. Hadrian is chatty, and proficient in ancient swordplay. They successfully stole countless valuables, but they are not evil. As I read, I came to like them very much; the way they conduct misdeeds is elegant, and they help people with their skills. I was fascinated by their illustrious adventures.
All in all, this book is a must read for people who enjoy high fantasy books.
The author said that he intended to start small and end big. This book starts with the conspiracy in a kingdom, but it unravels the mystery of political parties in Avryn, the world of elves, and gods along with the story of Riyria.
This book is the beginning of a grandiose story, and I can’t wait to know more about their world.
YL: 7.5
語数：200,000語（概算）
Theft of Swords (Riyria Revelations)
【今日の一枚】
ワイオミングの景色。
