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MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN is a New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post bestselling author who has been nominated for nine Goodreads Choice Awards and received six Amazon Editor's Picks. His first novel, The Crown Conspiracy was released by Aspirations Media Inc. in October of 2008. Michael has been published by the fantasy imprints of Penguin Random House (Del Rey) and Hachette Book Group (Orbit). He has also been a pioneer in the indie publishing movement. As of 2023, Michael has released twenty novels (nineteen set in his fictional world of Elan, and one standalone sci-fi thriller, Hollow World). His series include: The Riyria Revelations (6 books) The Riyria Chronicles (4 books) The Legends of the First Empire (6 books) The Rise and Fall (3 books) Today, Michael has returned to his indie roots while still providing his novels through retail bookstores. Each novel is launched via Kickstarter (eleven books and counting), where his campaigns are among the most-backed and highest-funded fiction projects of all time. Doing so provides his most-ardent fans with unparalleled author access, deluxe limited-edition hardcovers, exclusive perks, and the ability to read the story months before its official release. MARC SIMONETTI was born in France in 1977. He is an award-winning concept artist, illustrator, and fine artist specializing in fantasy. Marc studied at the Beaux Arts in Annecy and then at the Emile Cohl School. He quickly established himself as a concept artist, making his mark in high-profile productions such as the 3D space opera Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, when he worked in close partnership with acclaimed French director Luc Besson. Further collaborations with leading visual effect companies include Los Angeles-based MPC, and Weta digital. His most recent work as a concept artist, making visual development and staging dramatic lighting and designs, includes Aladdin, Maleficent 2, Aquaman 2, and the upcoming Transformers Moviem, Rise of the Beasts. Best known for his work on GRR Martin’s books A Song of Ice and Fire and The Iron Throne, Marc has also illustrated some of the best-known fantasy and Sci-Fi novels, such as Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, Robin Hobb’s The Royal Assassin trilogy, Patrick Rothfuss’s Name of the Wind, Terry Brook’s Shannara Cycle, Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy, Frank Herbert’s Dune, and Michael J. Sullivan’s Legends of the First Empire series and the Rise and Fall trilogy. Marc’s awards include Winner of the 2018 Locus Magazine’s Chesley Award: Best Cover Illustration • r/Fantasy Stabby Award Winner for best fantasy covers in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2018 • the 2006-Grand winner Blizzard Art Contest.<p>“<i>Nolyn</i> is masterfully executed and the disparate storylines are equally intriguing as they are spun beautifully together into an ending full of gnarled twists and grim surprises that will leave you clamoring for more” – David Estes, Amazon #1 bestselling author of <i>Fatemarked</i><br /><br />“Breathtakingly epic in scope, yet the characters are infused with the breath of genuine humanity that makes Sullivan’s work utterly unique.” – Andy Peloguin, bestselling author of The Silent Champions series<br /><br />“Vengeance and love test the boundaries of honor in this phenomenal epic fantasy by Michael J. Sullivan. Heart-wrenching and powerful, you can’t help but root for Nolyn and Sephryn as they struggle to unravel the plots against them before the final trap is sprung.” – Megan Haskell, award-winning autor of The Sanyare Chronicles<br /><br />“With Nolyn, a true master of epic fantasy shines even brighter. Sullivan has an amazing ability to craft a brilliant ensemble of characters and lead readers on an adventure that keeps them wide-eyeed and betting for more with each expertly written page.” – Dyrk Ashton, autho of The Paternus Trilogy.</p>
A New York Times Bestseller & Amazon Editor's Pick!
After more than five hundred years of exile, the heir to the empyre is wary about his sudden reassignment to active duty on the Goblin War’s front lines. His assignment to rescue an outpost leads to a dead-end canyon deep inside enemy territory, and his suspicion turns to dread when he discovers the stronghold does not exist. But whoever went to the trouble of planning his death to look like a casualty of war did not know he would be assigned to the Seventh Sikaria Auxiliary Squadron. In the depths of an unforgiving jungle, a legend is about to be born, and the world of Elan will never be the same.
From Michael J. Sullivan, the New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post bestselling author, a new adventure begins with the first book in The Rise and Fall trilogy. Although this series is set in the same world as the Riyria novels and the Legends of the First Empire books, it is a standalone tale. As such, no prior knowledge of the other works is required to enjoy this tale to its fullest.
Author’s Note
Map
Chapter 1: The Arrow of Death
Chapter 2: The Monk
Chapter 3: The Gathering
Chapter 4: The Voice
Chapter 5: One of Them
Chapter 6: Divine Providence
Chapter 7: The Thief and the Poker
Chapter 8: Escape from Urlineus
Chapter 9: Inside the Gem Fortress
Chapter 10: Death Pays a Visit
Chapter 11: The Orinfar
Chapter 12: Crossroads
Chapter 13: Vernes
Chapter 14: A Gem of Great Worth
Chapter 15: Teshlor Nights
Chapter 16: Hail, Prymus
Chapter 17: Cries in the Dark
Chapter 18: Six Toes In
Chapter 19: Father and Son
Chapter 20: Children of Legends
Chapter 21: A Cup of Wine
Chapter 22: Founder’s Day
Chapter 23: Miralyith
Chapter 24: The Horn
Chapter 25: The Invisible Hand Moves
Chapter 26: Telling the Truth
Chapter 27: The Last Galantian
Chapter 28: Finding the Way Home
Afterword
Sample Chapter: Farilane (Book 2 of the series)
About the Author
About the Type
“My apologies, gentlemen.” Nolyn tried to sound as gallant as possible. “It appears you are to be sacrificed along with me, and for that, I’m sincerely sorry.”
“What do you mean, Your Highness?” Jerel DeMardefeld asked. Nolyn remembered his name because it sounded as absurdly dignified as the man looked. DeMardefeld stood out from the rest by virtue of his exceptional plate armor and polished weapons, making even Nolyn appear a pauper. At that moment, the impeccably bedecked soldier stared incredulously, as if Nolyn had just declared the sun was but a lie.
Nolyn took a breath. “I’m about to be assassinated, and because someone wants my death to be seen as a casualty of war, all of you will have the misfortune of joining me.” He frowned, felt the need to say more, and added, “You deserve better.”
They didn’t break, which surprised Nolyn. Legions were held together by discipline and faith in the infallibility of their leaders, even unfamiliar ones. By admitting defeat, he had cut those invisible bonds. They were free to run, to panic, or if nothing else, to at least complain. Instead, they remained silent, though their eyes shifted to the ground.
They’re all thinking the same thing: dirt. This day has forced everyone to become a philosopher.
“I don’t understand,” the First Spear said. “If that’s true, why didn’t you take the horse? Why send the scout? It’ll take days for any help to arrive, and we only have hours. You’ve thrown away your only hope of escape.”
“Did I? What a fool I am.” Nolyn moved to a fallen tree and began breaking off dead branches. “What’s your name, First Spear?”
“Amicus, sir.”
“Well, Amicus, you’re a bright fellow.” Nolyn snapped another stick. “Which is why I’m turning command of this squadron over to you.”
“Me? But you’re the prymus, sir.”
“Not anymore. You’re going to do your best to lead these men to safety. I’m going to stay here and build a nice fire.”
“Oh, no, sir!” one of the others said. Nolyn didn’t know his name, either, but the spike on his helmet declared he was the squadron’s Second Spear. “You can’t do that, sir. You’ll bring the ghazel for sure. Building a fire is like hanging a lantern in a swamp. You’ll draw in a cloud of them, but these pests have four-inch claws and fangs.”
“That’s what he wants,” Jerel said with absolute conviction. “He plans to distract the ghazel to help us escape.”