Michael J. Sullivan is a bestselling American author, well-known for his epic/high fantasy and science fiction novels. He is most recognized for his Riyria series, which has been translated into fourteen languages. Sullivan's writing journey began in 1979, but after facing numerous rejections, he decided to quit in 1994. However, his passion for writing was rekindled in 2004, and he published his first novel with a small press in 2008. Despite initial setbacks, Sullivan has become a New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post bestselling author, with millions of copies sold worldwide.
Sullivan's success can be attributed to his perseverance and dedication to his craft. After facing rejection from the publishing industry, he decided to write solely for his own enjoyment and that of his friends and family. However, his wife, Robin, encouraged him to pursue publication, leading to his debut novel's release in 2008. Since then, Sullivan has published eighteen novels, including the popular Riyria Revelations, Riyria Chronicles, Legends of the First Empire, and Hollow World series. He is also one of the few authors to have successfully published through all three routes: small press, self, and big five.
Sullivan's career highlights include multiple bestselling titles, Goodreads Choice Award Nominations, and recognition as one of the most successful self-published science fiction and fantasy authors. His books have been translated into fifteen foreign languages, and he has spent more than six years on Amazon's Bestselling Fantasy Authors list. Additionally, his works have been featured on numerous best-of and most-anticipated lists, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the fantasy and science fiction genres.
After the Fall Books (with Lorian Ellis)
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Out of the Ashes
2026
Riyria Revelations Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Crown Conspiracy
2008
2
Avempartha
2009
3
Nyphron Rising
2009
4
The Emerald Storm
2010
5
Wintertide
2010
6
Percepliquis
2012
Riyria Chronicles Books (with Laura Lee Guhrke)
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Viscount and the Witch
2011
2
The Crown Tower
2013
3
The Rose and the Thorn
2013
4
The Jester
2014
5
The Death of Dulgath
2015
6
The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter
2017
Riyria Revelations Omnibus Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Theft of Swords
2011
2
Rise of Empire
2011
3
Heir of Novron
2012
Riyria Chronicles Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Viscount and the Witch
2011
2
The Crown Tower
2013
3
The Rose and the Thorn
2013
4
The Jester
2014
5
The Death of Dulgath
2015
6
The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter
2017
7
Drumindor
2024
First Empire Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Age of Myth
2016
2
Little Wren and the Big Forest
2016
3
Age of Swords
2017
4
Age of War
2018
5
Age of Legend
2019
6
Pile of Bones
2019
7
Age of Death
2020
8
Age of Empyre
2020
First Empire Series in Chronological Order
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Pile of Bones
2019
2
Age of Myth
2016
3
Age of Swords
2017
4
Age of War
2018
5
Age of Legend
2019
6
Age of Death
2020
7
Age of Empyre
2020
8
Little Wren and the Big Forest
2016
First Empire Books in Chronological Order
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Pile of Bones
2019
2
Age of Myth
2016
3
Age of Swords
2017
4
Age of War
2018
5
Age of Legend
2019
6
Age of Death
2020
7
Age of Empyre
2020
8
Little Wren and the Big Forest
2016
The Rise and Fall Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Nolyn
2021
2
Farilane
2022
3
Esrahaddon
2023
Standalone Novels
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Hollow World
2013
Short Stories/Novellas
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Greener Grass
2012
2
Burning Alexandria
2012
3
The Thieves
2023
Michael J. Sullivan Anthologies
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The End: Visions of Apocalypse
2012
2
Unbound
2016
3
Unfettered II: New Tales By Masters of Fantasy
2016
4
Grimdark Magazine Issue #12
2017
5
Deep Magic - Winter 2020
2021
6
When Swords Fall Silent: An Assassination Anthology