Explore how Michael J. Sullivan’s “The Riyria Revelations” has left an indelible mark on modern fantasy. From character dynamics to moral complexity, discover its lasting impact.
Ah, The Riyria Revelations—a series that tiptoes between traditional fantasy tropes and contemporary storytelling like a ballerina on a knife’s edge.
It’s no secret that Michael J. Sullivan’s dynamic duo of Hadrian and Royce has garnered a dedicated fanbase.
But let’s discuss the larger influence this series has had on modern fantasy, shall we?
A Return to Simplicity: The Quest Narrative
At a time when fantasy was fast becoming a tapestry of intricate political manoeuvres, Sullivan took us back to basics: a quest.
Yes, that age-old formula of heroes embarking on a seemingly impossible mission. It’s not a step back, but a refreshing counter-narrative in an oversaturated market of complex plot lines.
The Duo Dynamic: Reimagining Character Relationships
Hadrian and Royce—the optimist and the cynic, the sword and the shadow.
This dynamic partnership doesn’t just entertain; it revises the age-old trope of the adventuring duo.
Their rapport explores the nuances of friendship, trust, and mutual respect, all while executing heists and slaying beasts.
In doing so, they set the bar for character-driven narratives, pushing modern fantasy to prioritise individuals over epic scopes.
Moral Ambiguity: No Black and White Here
One of the series’ most significant contributions is its approach to moral ambiguity.
Gone are the caricatures of unadulterated evil and untarnished good.
Instead, Sullivan presents a world where characters exist in shades of grey.
The “bad” guys have redeemable qualities, and the heroes are flawed.
This multi-dimensional approach to morality has set a precedent that resonates deeply within modern fantasy storytelling.
The Art of Accessibility: Who Said Fantasy Must Be Inaccessible?
Some modern fantasy reads like a philosophical treatise interspersed with sword fights.
Not Riyria.
Sullivan’s writing is accessible, giving newcomers a gateway into the genre.
Yet, for seasoned veterans, the series doesn’t lack in thematic depth or complex characters. It’s a delicate balance that makes the series appealing to a broad audience, further fuelling its influence.
Self-Publishing: Breaking the Norms
Sullivan was initially a self-published author, and his success story is a beacon for many aspiring writers.
He proved that you don’t need the backing of a corporate publishing house to succeed, inspiring a new generation of authors to take the indie route.
In essence, he’s helped democratise the realm of fantasy fiction.
The Lasting Legacy
The Riyria Revelations may not have reinvented the wheel, but it certainly added some much-needed flair.
Its influence is nuanced, manifesting in various aspects of modern fantasy—from character dynamics and moral ambiguity to accessibility and publication routes.
As Hadrian and Royce continue to capture imaginations, they also reflect the ever-changing landscape of fantasy literature, proving that sometimes, all you need to make an impact is a sword, a cloak, and a friendship for the ages.
Delve into the rise of moral ambiguity in modern fantasy literature. Explore why morally grey characters have become essential, enriching plots and themes alike.
The classic tale of good versus evil is a narrative as old as storytelling itself.
But lo and behold, the literary landscape has undergone a seismic shift.
The manichean struggle has faded into obscurity, replaced by the intoxicating aroma of moral ambiguity.
Welcome to modern fantasy, where the heroes aren’t as virtuous as they seem and the villains aren’t necessarily in need of a good smiting.
Gone Are the Days of the Unblemished Hero
Remember the paragons of virtue, those champions of justice that graced the pages of early fantasy novels?
Well, it’s time to retire those lily-white conceptions of heroism.
The modern fantasy hero is as pure as a puddle in London—murky and filled with complexities.
Today’s protagonists come with vices, make questionable decisions, and show us that even heroes have a dark side.
Think Geralt of Rivia, the monster slayer with his own monstrous tendencies, or Kvothe from The Kingkiller Chronicle, who’s as flawed as he is brilliant.
Villains You Could Have a Pint With
If the heroes are grey, then the villains must be… also grey?
Yes, you read that right.
Gone are the days of malevolent dark lords brooding in their lairs, twirling their proverbial mustaches.
Modern fantasy presents antagonists you can empathize with, whose motivations go beyond mere world domination.
Look at Sanderson’s Moash from the Stormlight Archive, or Martin’s Jamie Lannister—a man who goes from pushing a child out a window to becoming one of the series’ most complicated and endearing characters.
The World Isn’t Black and White, So Why Should Fantasy Be?
Real-world politics and ethics are messy, so it only makes sense that modern fantasy reflects this complexity.
Authors incorporate sociopolitical and ethical questions into their works, pushing readers to confront their own beliefs.
Characters become mouthpieces for conflicting philosophies, creating a playground for ethical debate.
The lines between right and wrong are deliciously blurred, leaving readers to wrestle with moral quandaries long after the book is closed.
Complexity as a Narrative Tool
Moral ambiguity serves more than just thematic depth; it’s a potent narrative tool.
A morally grey character keeps readers on their toes, injecting unpredictability into the plot.
Will the antihero redeem themselves or plunge further into darkness?
It’s this suspense that turns casual readers into frothing fanatics, discussing theories online as if life depended on it.
What’s Fueling This Trend?
One could argue that this trend is a reflection of our increasingly complex world.
Or perhaps it’s due to the natural evolution of the genre, influenced by postmodernist ideas questioning the nature of truth and morality.
Then again, maybe writers are just fed up with archetypes and want to play in the muddy waters of human complexity.
The Takeaway
Moral ambiguity is more than a trend—it’s a revelation that has invigorated the fantasy genre.
It allows for more nuanced storytelling, richer characters, and a direct line to the messy questions that occupy our real-world selves.
So here’s to the morally grey characters who have made fantasy more colourful.
They’ve not only complicated our understanding of right and wrong, they’ve made it infinitely more interesting to read about.
Discover FFVII’s subtle influence on modern fantasy tales, from Midgar’s shadows to materia magic.
The roaring ‘90s saw not only the birth of slap bracelets and Tamagotchis, but also the dawn of a gaming icon: Final Fantasy VII (FFVII) on the PlayStation.
The tale of Cloud, Aerith, and the metropolis of Midgar wasn’t just content with conquering our gaming consoles; it subtly wormed its way into the heart of modern fantasy literature. Here’s how.
Midgar and the Megacity:
Midgar, a city divided between the haves and the have-nots, feels eerily familiar.
Think of the multi-layered metropolis in China Miéville’s “Perdido Street Station.”
The gritty, mechanical feel, the sense of a world both ahead and behind its time.
A reflection of Midgar’s gleaming topside and shadowy slums?
Eco-Conscious Narratives:
Shinra sucking the life out of the planet with Mako reactors is a bold eco-warning.
Paolo Bacigalupi’s “The Windup Girl,” set in a biopunk future, delves into the consequences of unchecked corporate greed on the environment, echoing the struggles between AVALANCHE and Shinra.
The Amnesiac Hero:
Cloud’s tangled memories and mysterious past have become something of a trope in fantasy literature.
Scott Lynch’s Locke Lamora from “The Lies of Locke Lamora” has a similarly clouded (pun absolutely intended) history, creating an intricate dance between what’s real and what’s forgotten.
Sephiroth’s Shadow:
The chilling, silver-haired Sephiroth set the bar for antagonists.
His influence might be traced in characters like the Darkling from Leigh Bardugo’s “Shadow and Bone” series.
Charismatic, with unclear motivations and a penchant for the dramatic?
Sounds about right.
Materia Magic:
The delightful system of materia in FFVII, gems granting abilities, isn’t too far off from the ‘grisha’ powers in Bardugo’s Grishaverse or the skill rings in Joe Abercrombie’s “The First Law” series.
The magic system, once a tool, now becomes a character in itself, defining hierarchies, personalities, and plot twists.
Unlikely Group Dynamics:
FFVII’s motley crew, from the fierce Tifa to the wise Red XIII, is reminiscent of the band of unlikely heroes in ensemble cast novels.
Think of Kaz’s crew in “Six of Crows.”
They’re all from different walks of life, united by a common goal, leading to an interplay of quirks, past traumas, and, of course, humour.
By weaving in the essence of FFVII, modern fantasy hasn’t just borrowed aesthetics or plot points but embraced its soul.
The journey from Midgar to the Northern Crater is more than a game—it’s a legacy.
And just like Cloud on his Hardy Daytona motorcycle, this legacy speeds forward, blurring the lines between pixels and print.
Explore the evolution of princess protagonists in fantasy literature, from damsels in distress to empowered heroines with depth, agency, and nuance. Dive into their captivating tales.
From magical kingdoms to epic quests, princess protagonists have long captivated readers of fantasy literature.
While early fantasy works often portrayed princesses as damsels in distress or prizes to be won, modern takes on the archetype have brought nuance, depth and agency to these royal heroines.
Let’s explore some of the most influential princess protagonists in contemporary fantasy novels and what makes them so impactful.
A Leader of Legends: Eilonwy in The Chronicles of Prydain
Though Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain often takes a lighthearted tone, the series broaches serious themes of war, death and finding inner strength. At its heart is Princess Eilonwy, a headstrong young girl grappling with her magical gifts and her role in saving the mythical land of Prydain. Far from a passive damsel, Eilonwy shows courage and cleverness from the start, often rescuing the hero rather than waiting to be rescued. Her matter-of-fact personality and dry wit add humor to the epic journey. Eilonwy emerges a wise, powerful leader who chooses duty over love – a subversion of classic princess tropes.
The Girl Who Would Be Queen: Aerin in The Hero and the Crown
Aerin, the heroine of Robin McKinley’s acclaimed novel The Hero and the Crown, is a fascinating study in duality. As the ignored daughter of the king, she is no one’s idea of a princess, much less a future queen. Shy and bookish, she seems an unlikely hero. Yet through grit and ingenuity, Aerin overcomes deadly dragons and becomes a battle-tested warrior. She claims both her magical heritage and her rightful place on the throne, proving that a princess’s power lies within. McKinley crafts a psychologically complex, inspiring character who finds greatness by being wholly herself.
The Princess as Warrior: Angharad in The Green Rider
Kristen Britain’s Green Rider series whisks readers away to an enchanted world on the brink of war. Standing strong against looming darkness is Princess Angharad, heir to the empire. Though a skilled fighter, Angharad’s true power lies in uniting allies toward a common cause. Her keen sense of diplomacy complements her warrior skills, showing that mind and muscle can partner in a strong leader. Angharad must navigate complex family dynamics and political intrigues while staying true to her principles of loyalty and justice. She proves a princess can fight battles both on the battlefield and in the cutthroat royal court.
Princess of Shadow: Elisa in The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Rae Carson’s The Girl of Fire and Thorns follows Princess Elisa, who must shed her insecurities to embrace her destiny as a prophesized ruler. Marked by a magical stone in her navel, Elisa is blessed – or cursed – with an ancient power, and hunted by dark forces who want to control it. Though born a princess, Elisa begins an unlikely hero, overweight and uncertain. Through painful growth and loss, she taps into her hidden strengths to claim her birthright and stand against evil. Elisa’s transformation inspires readers to look beyond the surface and find the spirit of the warrior princess within.
The Princess and the Commoner: Sophie in Howl’s Moving Castle
Diana Wynne Jones’ fantastical Howl’s Moving Castle stars Sophie, the eldest of three sisters doomed to fail in her fairy tale world. When she’s turned into an old crone by a jealous witch, plucky Sophie refuses to accept her fate. She bargains her way into an apprenticeship with the wizard Howl and finds magic, adventure and even true love. Sophie uses wit and indignation to become a powerful sorceress in her own right, proving that destiny is what you make it. Though a commoner, she ultimately wins over Howl, resolving the tension between princess and peasant that permeates fairy tales.
The Warrior Heir: Princess Cimorene in Dealing with Dragons
In Patricia C. Wrede’s endearing Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Princess Cimorene bucks tradition by running away to become a dragon’s princess. Cimorene’s practicality, competence and no-nonsense attitude make her an untraditional yet beloved heroine. She slays stereotypes of princesses as demure and passive.
The Clever Spy: Princess Irene in The Princess and the Goblin
In George MacDonald’s classic The Princess and the Goblin, young Princess Irene displays courage and wit. When her kingdom is threatened by sinister goblins, Irene devises clever traps and strategies to defeat them. She proves you can fight evil with intelligence just as well as strength.
The Beast Charmer: Beauty in Robin McKinley’s Beauty
Robin McKinley puts a fresh spin on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast in her novel Beauty. As the title character, Beauty must navigate her shifting feelings for the Beast while defending her kingdom from political unrest. Her empathy and inner strength enable her to gently tame the Beast and restore peace.
The Summoner: Aru Shah in Aru Shah and the End of Time
In Roshani Chokshi’s Pandava series, 12-year-old Aru Shah can summon ancient Hindu gods and goddesses. When she accidentally sparks the evil god of time, Aru must undertake a dangerous journey to turn back the clock. Smart and brave, Aru proves you don’t need a crown to be a hero.
The Reluctant Ruler: Sophos in Megan Whalen Turner’s The Queen’s Thief series
Sophos is an unlikely king – timid and bookish, he’s more scholar than ruler. Yet in Megan Whalen Turner’s Queen’s Thief books, Sophos displays quiet strength and care for his people. Though he never expected the crown, Sophos grows into a just, compassionate leader.
The Assassin Who Would Be Queen: Celaena Sardothien in Throne of Glass
Sarah J. Maas’ bestselling Throne of Glass series introduces Celaena Sardothien, a legendary teenage assassin sentenced to toil in the salt mines of Endovier. Offered a chance at freedom if she wins a competition to become the king’s champion, Celaena must summon the strength to once again embrace her deadly talents. Behind her fierce exterior, she hides a painful past and greater destiny as future Queen of Terrasen.
These princess protagonists capture the hearts of fantasy fans by showing courage, intelligence and growth.
While honoured for their royal blood, they rely on their personal strengths—quick wits, martial skill, humility in the face of destiny.
They lead with wisdom and prove girls can be the heroines of their own stories.
Fantasy authors continue to move princess characters to the foreground, making them complex individuals rather than lovely figures in the background.
Exploring Scott Lynch’s monumental impact on modern fantasy literature through his ‘Gentleman Bastard’ series, shaping characters, world-building & narrative style.
Scott Lynch’s tour de force, ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ burst onto the fantasy scene in 2006, marking a significant turning point in the genre’s evolution.
The book, and its subsequent sequels in the ‘Gentleman Bastard’ series, introduced readers to a unique and innovative world of fantasy that has since greatly influenced countless authors and contributed to the development of modern fantasy literature.
The Influence of Lynch’s World-Building
Perhaps the most substantial impact of ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ lies in Lynch’s innovative world-building.
Lynch breathes life into the city of Camorr, imbued with a Renaissance Venice-like setting, complete with a network of canals, grand structures, and a dark underworld.
This type of detailed and vivid cityscape, one that is both fantastical and grounded in historical reality, has inspired subsequent authors to create rich, detailed, and believable fantasy worlds of their own.
The city of Camorr, much like a character itself, is layered, flawed, and complex.
Its distinct districts, culture, social structure, and even food, craft an immersive and palpable atmosphere.
Lynch’s approach to world-building has changed how modern authors perceive and depict their settings, encouraging them to create worlds that extend far beyond generic kingdoms and forests.
The Significance of Realistic Characters
Lynch has also made his mark on the fantasy genre through his complex, flawed, and deeply human characters.
Locke Lamora, the eponymous protagonist, is no stereotypical hero.
Instead, he’s a crafty thief with his own set of morals, which don’t always align with societal expectations.
The novel’s emphasis on character development, relationships, and moral dilemmas has encouraged authors to break away from traditional, archetypical fantasy characters, forging instead more relatable, complex, and morally grey personas.
Further, the use of camaraderie and brotherhood as a central theme adds depth to the narrative.
The characters in ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ are tied together by bonds of friendship and loyalty, rather than destiny or prophecy, which was previously a common trope in fantasy literature.
This has pushed authors (include myself) to explore the themes of loyalty, love, and friendship in more profound and nuanced ways.
The Impact of Lynch’s Narrative Style
Lynch’s narrative style, rich in its use of suspense, humour, and shocking plot twists, represents a departure from the more traditional, linear storytelling techniques previously prevalent in the genre.
This approach adds a level of unpredictability and dynamism to the story, compelling readers to stay engaged and constantly guess what might happen next.
‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ also excels in its fusion of elements from different genres.
The book blends fantasy with crime, mystery, and thriller elements, creating a diverse and captivating narrative.
This cross-genre style has inspired many contemporary authors to experiment with genre boundaries, resulting in a new breed of hybrid fantasy books.
The Legacy of ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’
Lynch’s narrative introduced a vibrant blend of genres and a distinctive approach to character and world-building that many subsequent authors have embraced.
Notably, Michael J. Sullivan’s ‘Riyria Revelations,’ Fonda Lee’s ‘Green Bone Saga,’ and Leigh Bardugo’s ‘Six of Crows’ exhibit the profound influence of Lynch’s work.
One of the distinctive qualities of Lynch’s novel is the comradery and complex relationship between Locke Lamora and his partner-in-crime, Jean Tannen.
The bonds of brotherhood that tie these characters together have created a blueprint for ‘bromance’ that is apparent in Michael J. Sullivan’s ‘Riyria Revelations.’
The protagonists of Sullivan’s series, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, mirror the friendship and loyalty seen in ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’.
Sullivan, like Lynch, establishes a balance of humour, camaraderie, and dark pasts in the dynamic between his characters, showing that deep, platonic relationships can serve as a strong backbone for a compelling narrative.
‘Green Bone Saga’ and the Reflection of Realism
Fonda Lee’s ‘Green Bone Saga’ series reflects Lynch’s commitment to grounding a fantasy world in realism.
Much like Camorr, Lee’s city of Janloon is a well-structured, believable world.
Lee’s decision to focus on crime families and their struggles for power within a fantastical setting mirrors the gritty underworld and realistic socio-political structures found in ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora.’
The emphasis on gang wars, politics, and crime within a fantastical setting, strongly resonates with Lynch’s Camorr and the criminal activities of the Gentleman Bastards.
‘Six of Crows’ and the Band of Misfits
Leigh Bardugo’s ‘Six of Crows’ bears the undeniable mark of Scott Lynch’s influence.
Bardugo’s story revolves around a band of misfits who undertake a seemingly impossible heist, much like Locke and his band of thieves.
Kaz Brekker, the leader of the gang in Bardugo’s novel, shares Locke’s cunning and tactical mind, coupled with a moral compass that isn’t always aligned with the law.
Bardugo’s knack for intricate planning, multiple point-of-view storytelling, and the unexpected plot twists strongly echo Lynch’s narrative style, as she takes readers through a thrilling journey full of surprises.
Each of these works, while unique and inventive in their own right, owe a certain level of their approach to the trail blazed by Scott Lynch.
From the strong bonds of friendship, detailed world-building and the intricate blend of crime and fantasy elements, Lynch’s influence is apparent in these modern fantasy sagas.
Lynch’s masterpiece has not only altered the way we perceive fantasy literature but has also served as a stepping stone for other authors to push the boundaries of their own creativity.
As such, ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ continues to shape the landscape of fantasy literature through its lasting influence on contemporary works.
Recommended Fantasy Reads for Fans of Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard Series”
If you have been captivated by the charm and intrigue of Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard series, then you’re likely seeking more fantasy books that echo its rich world-building, morally complex characters, and intricate plots.
Below is a selection of excellent fantasy novels that should satiate your craving for more such fascinating stories.
‘The First Law’ Series by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie’s grimdark fantasy series ‘The First Law’ offers a realistic portrayal of a fantastical world, much like Lynch’s Camorr. Its morally grey characters and ruthless political machinations will appeal to fans of Lynch’s dark and complex narratives.
‘The Broken Empire’ Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
This trilogy, starting with ‘Prince of Thorns’, introduces readers to Jorg Ancrath, a character whose morally grey persona echoes that of Locke Lamora. The series is filled with complex characters, clever plots, and a dark, gritty world that fans of Lynch’s work will appreciate.
‘The Powder Mage’ Trilogy by Brian McClellan
Brian McClellan’s series is set in a world transitioning from a monarchy to a republic, and like Lynch’s work, it features a richly detailed world, complicated political intrigue, and characters with dubious morality. Its unique blend of gunpowder-era technology and magic adds a distinctive flair to the narrative.
‘Mistborn’ Series by Brandon Sanderson
For readers who enjoy Lynch’s intricate heists and complex magic system, Sanderson’s ‘Mistborn’ series is an excellent choice. The protagonist, Vin, is a young woman adept at allomancy – a magic system involving the manipulation of metals – and her journey is filled with intriguing twists and turns that will appeal to fans of the Gentleman Bastard series.
‘The Night Angel’ Trilogy by Brent Weeks
A dark, gritty fantasy series about a young street rat who becomes an apprentice to the city’s top assassin. Fans of the ‘Gentleman Bastard’ series will appreciate the dark atmosphere and layered characters.
‘The Dagger and the Coin’ Series by Daniel Abraham
This series stands out for its intricate politics and economics, as well as a diverse cast of characters. Its blend of fantasy and political intrigue is reminiscent of the power struggles in Camorr.
‘Low Town’ Series by Daniel Polansky
This series centres on a former intelligence agent turned drug dealer navigating through the criminal underworld. Its noir style and focus on the seedy underbelly of society will appeal to fans of Scott Lynch.
‘The City of Stairs’ by Robert Jackson Bennett
This standalone novel is renowned for its innovative world-building, something Scott Lynch’s fans would be familiar with. The novel’s main character, a spy tasked with solving a murder in a city where gods once lived, will resonate with fans of complex, morally ambiguous characters.
‘The Gutter Prayer’ by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan
This book is the first in ‘The Black Iron Legacy’ series, and it takes readers into a world of gods, monsters, and thieves. Its mix of horror and fantasy elements, along with its rich world-building and focus on the criminal underworld, should appeal to fans of Scott Lynch.
If you enjoy reading about thieves and assassins, you might also enjoy my Dawn of Assassins series.
You can get the prequel novel Birth of Assassins as part of the Ravenglass Universe starter library.
