Publishing Information: Paperback; 448 pgs
Publisher: Riyria Enterprises; 1 Dec 2015
ISBN: 9781943363001
Series: Riyria Chronicles #3
Copy: Kickstarter out of pocket
Reviewer: Tyson
Synopsis: "Three times they tried to kill her. Then a professional was hired. So was Riyria.
When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start life as rogues-for-hire. Things have gone well enough until they're asked to help prevent a murder. Now they must venture into an ancient corner of the world to save a mysterious woman who knows more about Royce than is safe and cares less about herself than is sane.
From the best-selling author of The Riyria Revelations comes the third installment of The Riyria Chronicles. Although part of a series, it's designed to thrill both new readers looking for fun, fast-paced fantasy and Riyria veterans wishing to reunite with old friends."
I have been a fan of Michael J Sullivan from the beginning and whenever I read a book based in the world of Riyria it is like coming home to old friends so it was a real treat to jump back into the Riyria Chronicles and complete the last book in the saga. It was also a little bittersweet as it is the last book feature the duo of Royce and Hadrian. Although I have a feeling Michael isn't done with them.
In The Death of Dulgath the newly forged mercenary duo take a trip down south to provide a service on determining how an assassin could kill the noble daughter in charge of a small kingdom. Along the way Royce already feels that something isn't right while Hadrian is enjoying himself and their journey. Sullivan does a great job of making the dialogue humorous as the pair are still learning to work together and iron out the kinks. While their personalities are polar opposites, you can see they care for each other and want their partnership to work out.
Our professionals are put on a job and things seem to be going well and in their favor when things begin to unravel and they learn that things aren't quite what they seem. Hadrian still looks for the best in people where Royce barely restrains his instinct to stab first and walk away without bothering to ask any questions. It is Royce's ability to distrust everyone that keeps them a half-step ahead of the plot against them.
The story is tight, the action and intrigue build until the final pages. There are a few revealed insights that I wouldn't want spoiled for readers new to the series, I would recommend reading this series AFTER you have read the original trilogy as it will lessen the big reveal in the series and could ruin the story. However, that said The Death of Dulgath delivers on everything I was hoping for in this installment of the series. If you haven't set your sights on Michael J Sullivan's work, you need to go out and find them now as he continues to produce high quality stories that leave you wanting more. Highly recommended.
Overall 8.5/10
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