Rise of Empire

This volume contains books 3 and 4 of the Riyria Revelations. They follow the adventures of Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater. But they've largely moved on from their previous pursuits and are fully caught up in the political intrigue enveloping their world. Three factions are angling for power. I read book 3 (the first half of this volume) months ago and then returned to finish it this month. Sometimes the story doesn't quite grab me but then it always gets better as I continue. By and large it's light-hearted adventure stuff that is easy and fun reading.