10 audiobooks for fans of Rise of Empire
- 1
Theft of Swords
Riyria Revelations • Book 1
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
★ 4.44 ABR Score (110.0K ratings)★ 4.23 Goodreads (77.8K) ★ 4.65 Audible (32.2K)More about this pick
A simple sword heist frames thief Royce and mercenary Hadrian for regicide, launching them into a conspiracy that spans kingdoms.
- 2
The Rose and the Thorn
The Riyria Chronicles • Book 2
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
Why this book?
The Rose and the Thorn maintains Sullivan's signature blend of character-driven storytelling and intricate world-building, while Tim Gerard Reynolds' consistent narration ensures the same immersive listening experience that made Rise of Empire compelling. This shorter companion work delivers the same richly layered fantasy with themes of loyalty and redemption, making it an ideal follow-up for listeners invested in Sullivan's narrative voice and thematic concerns.
★ 4.57 ABR Score (46.7K ratings)★ 4.4 Goodreads (31.0K) ★ 4.79 Audible (15.8K)More about this pick
Tim Gerard Reynolds returns to voice Royce and Hadrian's darkest adventure as they confront abuse, corruption, and the birth of their legendary partnership. Reynolds captures each character's distinct voice perfectly.
- 3
Age of War
The Legends of the First Empire • Book 3
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
Why this book?
Age of War delivers the same richly immersive world-building and character-driven storytelling that made Rise of Empire compelling, with Tim Gerard Reynolds's masterful narration bringing the same epic scope to a tighter, more focused narrative. The prequel explores the foundational conflicts and moral complexity that define Sullivan's fantasy universe, offering longtime listeners a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped the events they've already experienced.
★ 4.54 ABR Score (34.1K ratings)★ 4.43 Goodreads (21.3K) ★ 4.76 Audible (12.8K)More about this pick
The fragile alliance between humans and renegade Fhrey faces its ultimate test as godlike beings return to reclaim their dominion. Tim Gerard Reynolds has become the definitive voice of Sullivan's world, guiding listeners through this epic clash of magic and determination.
- 4
The Crown Tower
The Riyria Chronicles • Book 1
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
Why this book?
The Crown Tower delivers the same richly immersive fantasy experience with Tim Gerard Reynolds's masterful narration, while exploring the origins of characters and magic systems that deepen your appreciation for the world established in Rise of Empire. Sullivan's characteristic blend of political intrigue, character-driven storytelling, and wit shines through in a more compact format that maintains the same engaging listening experience.
★ 4.53 ABR Score (61.9K ratings)★ 4.33 Goodreads (43.5K) ★ 4.75 Audible (18.4K)More about this pick
Before Royce and Hadrian became the legendary Riyria, they were enemies forced to work together on an impossible heist targeting the realm's most secure vault.
- 5
Age of Empyre
The Legends of the First Empire • Book 6
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
Why this book?
The continuation deepens the epic scope and political intrigue established in *Rise of Empire* while maintaining the same immersive narration that made the first book compelling. Tim Gerard Reynolds' masterful performance brings the same richly developed characters and high-stakes world-building to life, making *Age of Empyre* an essential next chapter for listeners invested in Sullivan's sweeping fantasy saga.
★ 4.48 ABR Score (19.5K ratings)★ 4.39 Goodreads (12.8K) ★ 4.76 Audible (6.7K)More about this pick
Sullivan's epic fantasy conclusion pits dragons against the living while the dead hold the key to survival, and Tim Gerard Reynolds delivers every emotional beat perfectly.
- 6
The Death of Dulgath
The Riyria Chronicles • Book 3
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
Why this book?
Tim Gerard Reynolds's masterful narration captures Sullivan's signature blend of humor, heart, and intricate plotting in both works, making *The Death of Dulgath* an equally immersive listen for those drawn to his character-driven fantasy. This standalone mystery offers the same wit and emotional depth as *Rise of Empire*, delivering a more concentrated narrative that maintains Sullivan's gift for weaving personal stakes into larger adventures.
★ 4.48 ABR Score (30.3K ratings)★ 4.37 Goodreads (21.3K) ★ 4.73 Audible (9.0K)More about this pick
Hired to prevent an assassination, Royce and Hadrian discover that saving the last of an ancient noble line means navigating political schemes and magical threats. Tim Gerard Reynolds captures both the witty banter and underlying darkness of their partnership.
- 7
Age of Swords
The Legends of the First Empire • Book 2
by Michael J. Sullivan, Marc Simonetti
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
Why this book?
Tim Gerard Reynolds's masterful narration brings the same epic scope and character depth to this prequel, while Sullivan expands the world-building with fresh perspectives on the origins of the conflicts that define Rise of Empire. The intimate storytelling and themes of courage against overwhelming odds remain central, making Age of Swords a natural continuation of the listening experience.
★ 4.47 ABR Score (42.5K ratings)★ 4.29 Goodreads (26.6K) ★ 4.72 Audible (15.9K)More about this pick
Gods proved mortal in the first book, now humans and Fhrey prepare for all-out war while seeking legendary weapons. Reynolds captures both intimate character moments and sweeping battle sequences.
- 8
Drumindor
The Riyria Chronicles • Book 5
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
★ 4.36 ABR Score (5.6K ratings)★ 4.37 Goodreads (4.0K) ★ 4.77 Audible (1.6K)More about this pick
Riyria's easy job stopping a vengeful dwarf craftsman at a paradise resort turns into a city-threatening nightmare. Tim Gerard Reynolds brings Sullivan's signature character chemistry to this fantasy heist adventure.
- 9
Age of Myth
The Legends of the First Empire • Book 1
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
★ 4.36 ABR Score (57.9K ratings)★ 4.22 Goodreads (41.5K) ★ 4.61 Audible (16.4K)More about this pick
Humans discover their gods can bleed when Raithe kills a Fhrey warrior, shattering millennia of religious belief. Tim Gerard Reynolds brings his signature energy to Sullivan's fresh take on fantasy mythology.
- 10
The Jester
The Riyria Chronicles #2.5
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
★ 3.89 ABR Score (21.9K ratings)★ 3.94 Goodreads (6.7K) ★ 4.24 Audible (15.2K)More about this pick
Riyria's hired to steal a jester's treasure, but their target proves far more cunning than expected. Tim Gerard Reynolds returns to voice another clever adventure in Sullivan's beloved fantasy world.
Browse Related Lists
How We Rank Audiobooks
Rankings are driven by listener ratings and review counts from Audible and Goodreads. Books with high ratings across a large number of listeners rank higher — a 4.5 with 50,000 ratings says more than a 4.8 with 200.
Unlike most book lists, we weight audiobook-specific factors: narrator performance, production quality, and how well a story translates to audio. A great book with a poor narration isn't a great audiobook.
We don't accept paid placements or prioritize new releases. These rankings reflect what listeners actually enjoy, not what's being promoted.
Rankings update periodically as new ratings come in and new titles are added to the collection.