Review: First chapter of The Rose and the Thorn
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 21, 2014
A good story that stands on its own, if you don't already know Riyria.  Interesting to note the small changes from the openings of three Riyria books included here to their versions in the novels.  Not needed at all if you own the full novels, but a decent taste tester if you don't.  [The Jester is a Riyria short story that is well worth seeking out (in the Unfettered collection, or alone) - it is not (yet) part of a novel, and is delightful.]