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The Emperor's Edge #7.5
Solstice Day Gifts
After a year full of adventure, intrigue, and tragedy, Sicarius agrees to spend Solstice Day on a tropical island with Amaranthe, resting and relaxing far away from the chaos of the new republic. But there are a couple of problems. First off, the island is riddled with old wanted posters of Sicarius, along with countless people who would like to collect the bounty. Second... Amaranthe is hoping for a Solstice Day gift.
Sicarius, having never given a gift in his life, finds the second problem far more daunting.
This holiday-themed short story takes place after Forged in Blood II and before Republic.
Sicarius, having never given a gift in his life, finds the second problem far more daunting.
This holiday-themed short story takes place after Forged in Blood II and before Republic.
15 pages, ebook
First published December 21, 2013
52 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
198 books6,236 followersI'm a full-time indie fantasy and science fiction author. When I'm not writing, I'm ferrying my dogs to hiking trails for adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 4, 2020
*** 4 ***
Absolutely delightful! After all the non stop battling, running and hiding for couple of years, Amaranthe and Sicarius are taking an island vacation for their equivalent of Christmas. Their only directive - have fun and be merry. Amaranthe is totally up to the challenge. Sicarius is unequipped to deal with it. I guess our girl will have to teach the scary assassin something after all 😃❤️👍
Absolutely delightful! After all the non stop battling, running and hiding for couple of years, Amaranthe and Sicarius are taking an island vacation for their equivalent of Christmas. Their only directive - have fun and be merry. Amaranthe is totally up to the challenge. Sicarius is unequipped to deal with it. I guess our girl will have to teach the scary assassin something after all 😃❤️👍
November 16, 2015
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
After toppling an empire, what can the leader of a group of secretive operatives and its deadly assassin do for relaxation?
Well, in Lindsay Buroker’s The Emperor's Edge series, they take a cruise to a tropical island for some well deserved rest, relaxation, and romance. At least, that is what Amaranthe has in mind for herself and her significant other, Sicarius, as this short story begins.
There is only one problem: on this island vacation spot, Sicarius is still a criminal, whose portrait graces numerous wanted posters all over town!
Should this war-weary couple flee back to the stuffy confines of their two person submarine, showing utmost caution as Sicarius suggests, or should they cast their cares into the sea, do a little shopping, find a cozy beach cottage for two, and have a little quality playtime with one another as Amaranthe wishes?
Tsk, tsk, tsk. I’m not going to tell you what they decide. You have to read this one to find out for yourself.
As those that are familiar with The Emperor’s Edge series know, it is a rather campy fantasy series that doesn’t take itself seriously, so when you pick up one of these stories, you need to go into the read not expecting serious, grimdark literature. And “Solstice Day Gifts” is a great example of Lindsay Buroker’s light-hearted approach to fantasy, as she crafts a very short, very satisfying romantic comedy with enough action and funny moments to keep even an action guy like me satisfied.
Did this short story “Wow!” me? Not really. But I didn’t go into it expecting that. All I was looking for was a change of pace read that was light, fun, yet still a bit fantastical. “Solstice Day Gifts” definitely met those limited expectations, which is why I’d recommend it to anyone else who enjoys rom-com fantasies.
After toppling an empire, what can the leader of a group of secretive operatives and its deadly assassin do for relaxation?
Well, in Lindsay Buroker’s The Emperor's Edge series, they take a cruise to a tropical island for some well deserved rest, relaxation, and romance. At least, that is what Amaranthe has in mind for herself and her significant other, Sicarius, as this short story begins.
There is only one problem: on this island vacation spot, Sicarius is still a criminal, whose portrait graces numerous wanted posters all over town!
Should this war-weary couple flee back to the stuffy confines of their two person submarine, showing utmost caution as Sicarius suggests, or should they cast their cares into the sea, do a little shopping, find a cozy beach cottage for two, and have a little quality playtime with one another as Amaranthe wishes?
Tsk, tsk, tsk. I’m not going to tell you what they decide. You have to read this one to find out for yourself.
As those that are familiar with The Emperor’s Edge series know, it is a rather campy fantasy series that doesn’t take itself seriously, so when you pick up one of these stories, you need to go into the read not expecting serious, grimdark literature. And “Solstice Day Gifts” is a great example of Lindsay Buroker’s light-hearted approach to fantasy, as she crafts a very short, very satisfying romantic comedy with enough action and funny moments to keep even an action guy like me satisfied.
Did this short story “Wow!” me? Not really. But I didn’t go into it expecting that. All I was looking for was a change of pace read that was light, fun, yet still a bit fantastical. “Solstice Day Gifts” definitely met those limited expectations, which is why I’d recommend it to anyone else who enjoys rom-com fantasies.
May 5, 2020
Actual rating: 2.5 stars.
A cute, short read. Solstice Day Gifts is light-hearted and lacks the crazy schemes, never-ending action and humor of the rest of the series. This story solely involves Amaranthe & Sicarius and I missed the rest of the team. It's just not the same without them!
A cute, short read. Solstice Day Gifts is light-hearted and lacks the crazy schemes, never-ending action and humor of the rest of the series. This story solely involves Amaranthe & Sicarius and I missed the rest of the team. It's just not the same without them!
November 29, 2014
A charming little story about Sicarius and Amaranthe exploring an island after all their adventures back at Turgonia.
Read
April 30, 2018I never rate short stories though I appreciate it immensely when an author gives them to us. I think it's nice to give us fans who can't get enough something extra. And this was free on her website to boot!
I thought this was a cute extra to give us after the finale of book 7.
I thought this was a cute extra to give us after the finale of book 7.
November 27, 2022
I read this in 2013 when Lindsay published into on her blog. Then when trying to fill up the Emperor's Edge series, I added it rto my TBR without realising. So I read it again. Still just as good (provided you know the characters).
November 22, 2021
The best gift for fans of Sicarus and Amaranthe (which I really am). Really really enjoyed this short story!
March 5, 2015
What can be better than a Christmas short story featuring Amaranthe and Sicarius celebrating a beach island adventure on Solstice Day? This is a perfect little gift from author Lindsay Buroker as a thank you to loyal fans who voted Forged in Blood I into the Goodreads’ Choice Awards 2013 Fantasy novel finals – I would never complain about more Amaranthe and Sicarius moments, but there’s something particularly delightful about seeing the two enjoy a tropical island vacation (give or take a lighthearted ‘mission’) and doing something as normal as exchanging gifts. After the emotional close to the series, I thoroughly approve of relaxed moments of fun for the two.
The best part of the story is getting more Reluctant Sicarius (the story is from his POV), who finds himself completely out of his comfort zone when asked to “be merry” and celebrate Solstice Day in beach bungalow. The concept of gift-giving and receiving is almost enough to strike fear into the deadly assassin’s heart, HAH. For all his uncertainty as to his success in that regard, it’s adorable that Sicarius has not yet realized that his sincerity does move Amaranthe – his heartfelt Solstice Day gift to her is truly touching and may or may not draw a tear or two. Amaranthe’s gift(s) are more in tune with her humorous nature, but she may be a genius nevertheless for prompting further romantic interludes. I entirely approve.
If anything, Solstice Day Gifts proves that we simply need more Amaranthe and Sicarius in our lives – this was a charming window into one of their island-hopping adventures (and I hope Lindsay Buroker would one day share some of their other vacation moments with us), but I cannot wait for more of their full-length escapades in the upcoming book Republic. Dare I hope for more arcs beyond that, too? All in all, an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit!
The best part of the story is getting more Reluctant Sicarius (the story is from his POV), who finds himself completely out of his comfort zone when asked to “be merry” and celebrate Solstice Day in beach bungalow. The concept of gift-giving and receiving is almost enough to strike fear into the deadly assassin’s heart, HAH. For all his uncertainty as to his success in that regard, it’s adorable that Sicarius has not yet realized that his sincerity does move Amaranthe – his heartfelt Solstice Day gift to her is truly touching and may or may not draw a tear or two. Amaranthe’s gift(s) are more in tune with her humorous nature, but she may be a genius nevertheless for prompting further romantic interludes. I entirely approve.
If anything, Solstice Day Gifts proves that we simply need more Amaranthe and Sicarius in our lives – this was a charming window into one of their island-hopping adventures (and I hope Lindsay Buroker would one day share some of their other vacation moments with us), but I cannot wait for more of their full-length escapades in the upcoming book Republic. Dare I hope for more arcs beyond that, too? All in all, an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit!
June 27, 2015
Solstice Day Gifts is a short story based in Lindsay's Emperor's Edge world. It follows our two lovable protagonists, Amaranthe and Sicarius on a trip via submarine to a tourist outpost island. This is book 7.5 of the series, and gives the reader plenty of humour and delight.
It has been a while since I've read in the EE world, and oh how I missed it. The witty banter, Amaranthe's mischievous plots and Sicarius... I have missed my favourite assassin!
One to make the reader chuckle at their antics, it was lovely to experience things from Sicarius' perspective. He's more emotive than I thought, but highly schooled in keeping it internal.
A brilliant little tale to tide readers over between novels 7 and 8. Fantastic work Lindsay, as per usual.
It has been a while since I've read in the EE world, and oh how I missed it. The witty banter, Amaranthe's mischievous plots and Sicarius... I have missed my favourite assassin!
One to make the reader chuckle at their antics, it was lovely to experience things from Sicarius' perspective. He's more emotive than I thought, but highly schooled in keeping it internal.
A brilliant little tale to tide readers over between novels 7 and 8. Fantastic work Lindsay, as per usual.
January 2, 2015
The perfect short story to read for Christmas. Amaranthe and Sicarius go on a little get-away after the events of book seven. As ever full of humour and witty banter, Sicarius struggles to buy Amaranthe a Solstice Day gift.
June 2, 2015
Sicarius and Amaranthe, I missed you! :D
October 9, 2014
short but good!
January 8, 2018
A delightful read that combines Buroker's trademark light-hearted fantasy with a very satisfying romantic comedy with a sprinkling of action. But please! Don't do what I did, see that it's free, and read it before you have read the two forged in the blood novels. Otherwise you are going to end up with a very nasty spoiler from the two books you haven't read. As I hadn't gotten into Forged in the Blood yet I was delightfully surprised by the rather humourous POV of Sicarus who, despite his better judgement, seemed to be... enjoying himself! Wonderful little commute read to satisfy your hunger for more Emperor's Edge.
December 3, 2021
3.5 stars.
A short story after the events of Forged in Blood II where Amaranthe and Sicarius have borrowed Rias' submarine for a couple's getaway. Amaranthe wanted to spend Solstice Day on a faraway tropical island but Sicarius's Wanted posters are still all over the island. So Amaranthe devised a plan to replace those posters and at the same time tried to educate Sicarius of the gift exchange tradition of Solstice Day. A light fun read.
A short story after the events of Forged in Blood II where Amaranthe and Sicarius have borrowed Rias' submarine for a couple's getaway. Amaranthe wanted to spend Solstice Day on a faraway tropical island but Sicarius's Wanted posters are still all over the island. So Amaranthe devised a plan to replace those posters and at the same time tried to educate Sicarius of the gift exchange tradition of Solstice Day. A light fun read.
June 29, 2020
Found for free at Lindsay Buroker’s website, this short story will delight fans of The Emperor’s Edge, especially those of us that enjoy the dry banter between Amaranthe and Sicarius. Taking place a few months after the main story ended, Sicarius and Amaranthe are on their vacation. Told entirely from Sicarius’ POV, it is clear he hasn’t changed much. And the gift he finally chooses to give her for Solstice Day even had me choking up a bit. But mostly I was giggling at his continued discomfort with relaxation and celebration.
May 21, 2023
I failed to realize this book actually took place as part of a series until after I read it. No wonder I was a little confused and felt like I'd been dropped in midstory. I feel like I need to read the rest of the series and then reread Solstice Day Gifts. This story was a short fantasy focusing on two outlaws who dock at a small port for Solstice Day. It's pretty lighthearted but the language was super formal at times. Again, this might be intentional and have an impact on the over all series, but I won't know until I go back to book 1.
January 3, 2021
Read it so I wouldn't feel bad about DNF'ing The Emperor's Edge.
It's ok, gives a good understanding of the standard of writing for the series (good), the character-building (so-so, no motivations apparent) and the chemistry (non-existent).
It's ok, gives a good understanding of the standard of writing for the series (good), the character-building (so-so, no motivations apparent) and the chemistry (non-existent).
November 25, 2020
A short fun Novella
Sacarius and Amaranthe are enjoying a short holiday on a tropical island, well Amaranthe is at least.
It's refreshing and enjoyable to view holidays and the things associated with them from Scacarius's point of view where he feels threatened and or uncomfortable with things most people would enjoy.
Sacarius and Amaranthe are enjoying a short holiday on a tropical island, well Amaranthe is at least.
It's refreshing and enjoyable to view holidays and the things associated with them from Scacarius's point of view where he feels threatened and or uncomfortable with things most people would enjoy.
December 15, 2021
Definitely an enjoyable read. This short story has romance and humor that will delight the reader. There is always the edge of violence, this is after all Amaranthe and Sicarius. The close call is easily and very appropriately dealt with.
Read this book for a different view on the relationship of two very determined soldiers.
Read this book for a different view on the relationship of two very determined soldiers.
December 5, 2018
This was super cute! It was nice to get to see Sicarius and Amaranthe get to be relaxed and happy and only have one minor issue to deal with. And Sicarius's gift was so ridiculously sweet. He's secretly a huge softy (okay, literally only one it comes to Amaranthe, but still!!!).
September 3, 2019
I missed so much Amaranthe & Sicarius and his gift was heartwarming.
The Emperor's Edge - Trailer
Amaranthe & Sicarius
The Emperor's Edge - Trailer
Amaranthe & Sicarius
January 14, 2020
Amaranthe and Sicarius have travelled by their submarine to a tropical island for a Solstice Day holiday. The only problem is that there are plenty of posters offering a bounty ffor Sicarius. They decide to take some action to retain his anonymity. Fun story
October 29, 2023
Fantastic
Another fabulous book from Lindsay Buroker. I loved the Emperor’s Edge series and was sad when it ended. This novella sequel was a delight. It was good to share another Amaranthe and Sicarius adventure.
Another fabulous book from Lindsay Buroker. I loved the Emperor’s Edge series and was sad when it ended. This novella sequel was a delight. It was good to share another Amaranthe and Sicarius adventure.
April 17, 2024
I didn't reserve to read this when I still have two books left in the series, but I needed something light. I needed a happy ending, okay?
And this short story was nice, but didn't quite scratch that itch. As I said in my review of Beneath the Surface, I think I have action fatigue and need to take a break from this series.
And this short story was nice, but didn't quite scratch that itch. As I said in my review of Beneath the Surface, I think I have action fatigue and need to take a break from this series.
August 24, 2017
of course it was nice to have that last little morsel of delight to chew on ... but it was so small and now it is all gone...
what a fantastic journey this series has been!
Thank you Lindsay.
what a fantastic journey this series has been!
Thank you Lindsay.
November 21, 2017
A humorous, fun little short story, it's nice to get in Sicarius' head for a bit and see how he thinks.
February 7, 2018
Well, quite a short snippet. Nice to see Amaranthe and Sicarius relax for a bit. now onto Republic.
March 9, 2018
This was a fun, little read!
July 6, 2018
Great story, only thing is that it feels short (but it’s a short story so that’s how the cookie crumbles lol).
January 8, 2019
Fun short story which tells of Amaranthe and Sicarius adventuring on an island.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews