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Dragon Blood #4
Patterns in the Dark
Everyone knows dragons have been extinct for over a thousand years. Everyone is wrong. At least one dragon remains, and military scientists from the Cofah Empire are experimenting with its blood, using the magical substance to power deadly new weapons that could be used to bring the world to its knees.
That's a concern for Zirkander, Cas, and the rest of the Iskandians, but all Tolemek wants is to find his missing sister. The last time he saw her, their father had locked her in an asylum because of a mental illness with no cure. Now the military has taken her. What use the Cofah have for her, Tolemek can only guess, but he is certain she is in danger. He must save her before it's too late. But her fate is inexplicably tied to the dragon's, and he must find it to find her.
That's a concern for Zirkander, Cas, and the rest of the Iskandians, but all Tolemek wants is to find his missing sister. The last time he saw her, their father had locked her in an asylum because of a mental illness with no cure. Now the military has taken her. What use the Cofah have for her, Tolemek can only guess, but he is certain she is in danger. He must save her before it's too late. But her fate is inexplicably tied to the dragon's, and he must find it to find her.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2014
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About the author
Lindsay Buroker
198 books6,298 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 252 reviews
May 6, 2025
Not the best in the series. It did not have a lot of character development, but it had some interesting twists. I will finish this series but I plan to take a bit of a break from it.
November 11, 2015
Since I’ve read the whole series in one week-end, I’ll write the review, for the books 1, 2, 3, and 4 here together (I’ve read somewhere that the next book is due this summer, but I haven’t find exactly when…).
The Dragon Blood series is like a mix of Indiana Jones meets steampunk and dragon lore!
I got hooked since the first book and loved it since!
I loved the adventure, the mysterious past, the characters, the action, the romance, the writing style: I loved everything! :)
The soreceress, Sardelle, is fun and apart from some anacronistic speech pattern, I didn’t feel that she was from a distant past. She was quite well adapted to the world that is so many centuries distant from her own. She was quick to understand it and to bend the rules to her wishes. I loved her and her courage.
The colonel, Ridge, was a fantastic character too. He’s military, but hates regulations and discipline. He’s sarcastic, but also very honorable. He’s a womanizer, but ready to admit his feelings toward Sardelle without too much problems! I loved how his mind works when dealing with his underling and his superiors and other strange situations.
They’re the main charachers of the first book, but in the second we’re introduced to another couple: Tolemek, aka Deathmaker and Caslin, aka Raptor.
Tolemek is a Cofah, Inskandians’ sworn enimy, a pirate and a man hated both by Cofah’s and Inskandian’s population. In spite of his moniker Deathmaker, he’s not as much bloodthirsty as averybody thinks. He’s firstly a scientist and a very lonely man.
Caslin is a young woman and a member of Ridge’s flying squad. She’s been missing in action and thought dead, but instead was imprisoned by Cofah. She’s young, but very well trained by her mercenary father.
Tolemek and Caslin are thown in dungeon together with hope that they will kill each other, but instead they join forces and escape. During the escape they get to know each other better, and their relationship, if forced in the beginning, evolves in attraction and respect at the end.
In the third book more characters are brought on: Kaika, a special force demolition expert, Apex, a scholarly pilot, Duck, a naïve survivalist pilot. They are sent together to investigate the appearance of viable dragon blood.
And in this one, the 4th book, the story started in the third continues. Here Tolemek sister is introduced and her strangeness explained: there's a live dragon and he's directly linked with her! The action is centered on finding him and stopping Cofah Emipire for using it to create weapons against Iskandia.
The last, but not least, character that is the soulblade: Jaxi. She linked with Sardelle, but can telepathically talk to whomever she wants. First with Tolemek, then with Ridge, then with all of them in the 4th book. She’s a fantastic character! She snarky, sarcastic, sometimes very teenager sounding, but always entertaining! I loved her!
The action in every one of the book is non stop and, as I already said, very Indiana Jones where the characters have to battle and overcome very difficult and dangerous situations. It’s fun and very revealing of each character’s motivations, reasonings, weaknesses and strong points. Obviously Jaxi has a thing to tell about everything!
A wonderful and engaging series! I’m looking forward to the next book and the next adventure! Like: where did the dragon and Tolemek’s sister go? Is he the last one? Where did the kind dissapear? Who is the traitor? What happened with Cas’ father? There’s so much to be discovered!!!!
The Dragon Blood series is like a mix of Indiana Jones meets steampunk and dragon lore!
I got hooked since the first book and loved it since!
I loved the adventure, the mysterious past, the characters, the action, the romance, the writing style: I loved everything! :)
The soreceress, Sardelle, is fun and apart from some anacronistic speech pattern, I didn’t feel that she was from a distant past. She was quite well adapted to the world that is so many centuries distant from her own. She was quick to understand it and to bend the rules to her wishes. I loved her and her courage.
The colonel, Ridge, was a fantastic character too. He’s military, but hates regulations and discipline. He’s sarcastic, but also very honorable. He’s a womanizer, but ready to admit his feelings toward Sardelle without too much problems! I loved how his mind works when dealing with his underling and his superiors and other strange situations.
They’re the main charachers of the first book, but in the second we’re introduced to another couple: Tolemek, aka Deathmaker and Caslin, aka Raptor.
Tolemek is a Cofah, Inskandians’ sworn enimy, a pirate and a man hated both by Cofah’s and Inskandian’s population. In spite of his moniker Deathmaker, he’s not as much bloodthirsty as averybody thinks. He’s firstly a scientist and a very lonely man.
Caslin is a young woman and a member of Ridge’s flying squad. She’s been missing in action and thought dead, but instead was imprisoned by Cofah. She’s young, but very well trained by her mercenary father.
Tolemek and Caslin are thown in dungeon together with hope that they will kill each other, but instead they join forces and escape. During the escape they get to know each other better, and their relationship, if forced in the beginning, evolves in attraction and respect at the end.
In the third book more characters are brought on: Kaika, a special force demolition expert, Apex, a scholarly pilot, Duck, a naïve survivalist pilot. They are sent together to investigate the appearance of viable dragon blood.
And in this one, the 4th book, the story started in the third continues. Here Tolemek sister is introduced and her strangeness explained: there's a live dragon and he's directly linked with her! The action is centered on finding him and stopping Cofah Emipire for using it to create weapons against Iskandia.
The last, but not least, character that is the soulblade: Jaxi. She linked with Sardelle, but can telepathically talk to whomever she wants. First with Tolemek, then with Ridge, then with all of them in the 4th book. She’s a fantastic character! She snarky, sarcastic, sometimes very teenager sounding, but always entertaining! I loved her!
The action in every one of the book is non stop and, as I already said, very Indiana Jones where the characters have to battle and overcome very difficult and dangerous situations. It’s fun and very revealing of each character’s motivations, reasonings, weaknesses and strong points. Obviously Jaxi has a thing to tell about everything!
A wonderful and engaging series! I’m looking forward to the next book and the next adventure! Like: where did the dragon and Tolemek’s sister go? Is he the last one? Where did the kind dissapear? Who is the traitor? What happened with Cas’ father? There’s so much to be discovered!!!!
October 10, 2019
If you got to this book, you probably read the previous 3, so you already know that it's a series worth reading.
And if you didn't know that, you do now.
It's the kind of series you don't find every day, it'll be better than you expect. This author is just amazing! Definitely worth trying!
And if you didn't know that, you do now.
It's the kind of series you don't find every day, it'll be better than you expect. This author is just amazing! Definitely worth trying!
June 15, 2015
I still like Ridge and Sardelle better... But the group as a whole was quite enjoyable to read.
I liked Tolemek as a character - I liked his banter with Jaxi, the sentient soulblade, his quabble with Ridge and his over-all nerdy pirate-ness (quite the combination!).
Cas will never become a favouorite, she is just to meh for my taste.
I loved the where the story is going - not so sure about all the hints for the next installment, but I LOVE THAT THERE IS A LIVE DRAGON.
This will be so good!
Here some of my favourite quotes to illustrate the strength of dialoge and the BANTER:
"Anyone else disturbed by the people eating brains?" Zirkander asked, stepping past the body and waving a hand toward the carvings on the walls.
"I was hoping that was merely cereal in a skull-shaped ceramic bowl," Duck said.
"I am trying not to look," Sardelle said.
---------
"I'd be better," Duck said weakly, "if someone was holding my head and fondling my hair."
"Uh," Zirkander said."I guess I could if you want to crawl over here."
"I meant a woman, sir."
"Well, if you're going to be picky, I can't help you."
I liked Tolemek as a character - I liked his banter with Jaxi, the sentient soulblade, his quabble with Ridge and his over-all nerdy pirate-ness (quite the combination!).
Cas will never become a favouorite, she is just to meh for my taste.
I loved the where the story is going - not so sure about all the hints for the next installment, but I LOVE THAT THERE IS A LIVE DRAGON.
This will be so good!
Here some of my favourite quotes to illustrate the strength of dialoge and the BANTER:
"Anyone else disturbed by the people eating brains?" Zirkander asked, stepping past the body and waving a hand toward the carvings on the walls.
"I was hoping that was merely cereal in a skull-shaped ceramic bowl," Duck said.
"I am trying not to look," Sardelle said.
---------
"I'd be better," Duck said weakly, "if someone was holding my head and fondling my hair."
"Uh," Zirkander said."I guess I could if you want to crawl over here."
"I meant a woman, sir."
"Well, if you're going to be picky, I can't help you."
July 28, 2021
*** 3.35 ***
September 5, 2016
I know I said this before, but I am going to say it anyway: These are getting better and better.
Buroker somehow peddled back, in the romance relationship department and elegantly made the insta relationships into interesting and solid ones, even if they have issues. Actually, because of that.
Suddenly the glowy and instalove is gone and real emotions take their place. The MC's are still adoring and all that, which is a good thing if you ask me, but it's feels less like hormones and lust, and more like something deep and tangible.
The world building is still awesome. I mean really awesome. If I wouldn't have read this, I wouldn't believe Buroker can outdo herself in this department... but she kinda did. I honestly absolutely adore the world of Dragon Blood. Patterns in the Dark is set in yet another part of the world and I was totally blown away by the descriptions, again. All the details and all the action is lining up to be also quite interesting in the power structure department. I can't wait to see where Buroker is going with all of this.
The character building is constantly wonderful. The crew was off on another adventure, we meet three interesting new people, that are part of the crew for a bit. I love the camaraderie and the banter and their loyalty. With each book I feel like I know them better and I am looking forward to my next adventure with them.
The plot was entertaining, action packed and left me wanting more.
Well as I said these are getting better and better, so I shall be off to read the next one.
Buroker somehow peddled back, in the romance relationship department and elegantly made the insta relationships into interesting and solid ones, even if they have issues. Actually, because of that.
Suddenly the glowy and instalove is gone and real emotions take their place. The MC's are still adoring and all that, which is a good thing if you ask me, but it's feels less like hormones and lust, and more like something deep and tangible.
The world building is still awesome. I mean really awesome. If I wouldn't have read this, I wouldn't believe Buroker can outdo herself in this department... but she kinda did. I honestly absolutely adore the world of Dragon Blood. Patterns in the Dark is set in yet another part of the world and I was totally blown away by the descriptions, again. All the details and all the action is lining up to be also quite interesting in the power structure department. I can't wait to see where Buroker is going with all of this.
The character building is constantly wonderful. The crew was off on another adventure, we meet three interesting new people, that are part of the crew for a bit. I love the camaraderie and the banter and their loyalty. With each book I feel like I know them better and I am looking forward to my next adventure with them.
The plot was entertaining, action packed and left me wanting more.
Well as I said these are getting better and better, so I shall be off to read the next one.
January 17, 2015
Patterns in the Dark confirms one thing that I’d noted in passing after the third book: That my level of enjoyment of each installment in the Dragon Blood series changes based on which duo’s POVs are featured – Ridge/Sardelle’s or Tolemek/Cas’. It’s definitely the former duo’s POVs that tip the scales for me personally, and the fact that this fourth book switches to Tolemek and Cas’ voices is probably the biggest reason why I enjoyed it somewhat less than I did Book 3.
The last time we heard directly from Tolemek and Cas was when they were introduced in Deathmaker, where I distinctly recall liking Tolemek more than Cas (not that I didn’t like Cas, but I found her rather dry in comparison to the more complex Tolemek). For that reason I welcomed the idea of getting Tolemek’s POV again, but Patterns in the Dark completely upturned my previous preferences. Somewhere between establishing a romantic relationship with Cas and becoming increasingly obsessed with locating his sister, Tolemek’s complex mind seems to have been overtaken by emotional extremes – on paper he’s still the rational, skeptical and highly intelligent scientist, but he reads more like the petulant Akstyr (Emperor’s Edge fans will recognize him as the teenage rebel of the EE gang). He seems almost constantly down in the dumps, makes some incredibly stupid and unnecessarily desperate decisions (), acts remarkably selfish and self-absorbed throughout much of the book () and even gets childishly jealous and immature in his dealings with Cas and Zirkander. I found it particularly frustrating watching Zirkander approach Tolemek with friendship – or at least as a friendly, bickering rival – only for Tolemek’s narration to reveal a stream of truly uncharitable thoughts towards him in return. Grow up, Tolemek!
Perhaps because Tolemek has become a child in a man’s body in this book, I was struck with fresh appreciation for the straightforward, no-nonsense and practical Cas. Her character goes through a significant step in her emotional growth in this book, while her strained relationship with her father promises to get even tenser in the future and would likely prompt a face-off down the road – that should prove interesting. I love that this series features two heroines in Cas and Sardelle who’re both strong, intelligent and actually better equipped to take care of themselves than their men.
For fans of Ridge and Sardelle, they’re unfortunately reduced to side characters here with the shift in focus to Tolemek and Cas (basically a reverse of what Blood Charged was like in terms of character “screen time”), but kudos to Lindsay Buroker for managing to sprinkle some lovely nuggets of relationship development throughout the book. Thankfully for the humour factor – Tolemek and Cas really are dry in comparison to Ridge and Sardelle – there’s always plenty of Jaxi. Thank goodness for Jaxi.
There is significantly less action and excitement in Patterns in the Dark in comparison to Book 3 – less battles, more tramping through dense jungles in search of hidden secrets – but the fun search-for-the-dragon-blood storyline is wrapped up adequately with enough trouble left over to keep readers hooked for the next book. The only hitch is the "adequate" resolution - stop and think about it for a moment and it'll strike you that it's impossibly quick, rather too pat and doesn't make the most satisfying use of our protagonists.
But there is one highlight. This book wraps up the exciting search-for-the-dragon-blood storyline with the long-awaited appearance of a real dragon – and yes, the dragon-lover in me rejoiced, because DRAGONS! We have yet to learn much of the dragon lore for certain reasons, but I hope we’ll find out more in the fifth book; the details that have been revealed so far promises a potentially rich and fascinating history of dragons in the Dragon Blood universe.
If I remember correctly, the fifth book will be the final one in the series – fingers and toes crossed it’ll feature Ridge and Sardelle’s POVs (trouble back home in Iskandia on the horizon and the POV rotation pattern so far gives me hope for this) and more dragons! That would be a winning formula for the series finale.
The last time we heard directly from Tolemek and Cas was when they were introduced in Deathmaker, where I distinctly recall liking Tolemek more than Cas (not that I didn’t like Cas, but I found her rather dry in comparison to the more complex Tolemek). For that reason I welcomed the idea of getting Tolemek’s POV again, but Patterns in the Dark completely upturned my previous preferences. Somewhere between establishing a romantic relationship with Cas and becoming increasingly obsessed with locating his sister, Tolemek’s complex mind seems to have been overtaken by emotional extremes – on paper he’s still the rational, skeptical and highly intelligent scientist, but he reads more like the petulant Akstyr (Emperor’s Edge fans will recognize him as the teenage rebel of the EE gang). He seems almost constantly down in the dumps, makes some incredibly stupid and unnecessarily desperate decisions (), acts remarkably selfish and self-absorbed throughout much of the book () and even gets childishly jealous and immature in his dealings with Cas and Zirkander. I found it particularly frustrating watching Zirkander approach Tolemek with friendship – or at least as a friendly, bickering rival – only for Tolemek’s narration to reveal a stream of truly uncharitable thoughts towards him in return. Grow up, Tolemek!
Perhaps because Tolemek has become a child in a man’s body in this book, I was struck with fresh appreciation for the straightforward, no-nonsense and practical Cas. Her character goes through a significant step in her emotional growth in this book, while her strained relationship with her father promises to get even tenser in the future and would likely prompt a face-off down the road – that should prove interesting. I love that this series features two heroines in Cas and Sardelle who’re both strong, intelligent and actually better equipped to take care of themselves than their men.
For fans of Ridge and Sardelle, they’re unfortunately reduced to side characters here with the shift in focus to Tolemek and Cas (basically a reverse of what Blood Charged was like in terms of character “screen time”), but kudos to Lindsay Buroker for managing to sprinkle some lovely nuggets of relationship development throughout the book. Thankfully for the humour factor – Tolemek and Cas really are dry in comparison to Ridge and Sardelle – there’s always plenty of Jaxi. Thank goodness for Jaxi.
There is significantly less action and excitement in Patterns in the Dark in comparison to Book 3 – less battles, more tramping through dense jungles in search of hidden secrets – but the fun search-for-the-dragon-blood storyline is wrapped up adequately with enough trouble left over to keep readers hooked for the next book. The only hitch is the "adequate" resolution - stop and think about it for a moment and it'll strike you that it's impossibly quick, rather too pat and doesn't make the most satisfying use of our protagonists.
But there is one highlight. This book wraps up the exciting search-for-the-dragon-blood storyline with the long-awaited appearance of a real dragon – and yes, the dragon-lover in me rejoiced, because DRAGONS! We have yet to learn much of the dragon lore for certain reasons, but I hope we’ll find out more in the fifth book; the details that have been revealed so far promises a potentially rich and fascinating history of dragons in the Dragon Blood universe.
If I remember correctly, the fifth book will be the final one in the series – fingers and toes crossed it’ll feature Ridge and Sardelle’s POVs (trouble back home in Iskandia on the horizon and the POV rotation pattern so far gives me hope for this) and more dragons! That would be a winning formula for the series finale.
January 12, 2015
This was a tough one for me.
Overall, I liked the story. I'm interested to see where things will go from here, too, as we have some major cliffhangers.
But in terms of specifics, well, it was always going to be a problem, because I just don't like Tolemek (and wasn't impressed with Cas at the end of book 2, though she grew on me in this book). I just don't buy - and will never buy - that he's redeemable. And this book doesn't really try to convince anyone of his redemption. He's only interested in his own pursuits - he helps them on their quest, but only because it is related to his. And the minute he feels like it isn't directly in line with his, he leaves them to do his own thing. Without a word to the person he supposedly loves.
So even if I was going to just pretend the past didn't happen - which would have been hard, but I was doing a good job of denial in the last book - it's impossible when Tolemek is the primary character, because it's impossible to miss how completely self-absorbed he is. It doesn't occur to him to think about anything from Cas's perspective - not her loyalty to her team or career (he's so selfishly jealous of any respect she plays Zirkander, it is just pathetic), nor does it even OCCUR to him to think it would be shitty to put her in a position where she'd have to kill her father to protect Tolemek. Which says all that needs to be said, frankly, when Tolemek has put his sister above any and everyone, including Cas, constantly in this book. So his family is sacrosanct, but hers isn't even worth thinking of, and if she has to kill them, oh well, not his problem.
He's a complete piece of shit, frankly.
I also didn't like the resolution of the sickness. Firstly, frankly, if you're going to make it a sickness, then Sardelle - the healing sorceress - should have a critical role. It's just stupid to have a problem that is directly in her forte, but have her be completely irrelevant to the solution. But secondly, come on. He works out, in like 10 minutes, a problem that has stumped the team of scientists for months? That's just ridiculous.
So basically, this book carried my interest on the overall story, while I did my best to ignore Tolemek. But the good news is, Cas grew on me in this book. She was much more competent, and compelling, than she was in book 2. So hooray for that!
Overall, I liked the story. I'm interested to see where things will go from here, too, as we have some major cliffhangers.
But in terms of specifics, well, it was always going to be a problem, because I just don't like Tolemek (and wasn't impressed with Cas at the end of book 2, though she grew on me in this book). I just don't buy - and will never buy - that he's redeemable. And this book doesn't really try to convince anyone of his redemption. He's only interested in his own pursuits - he helps them on their quest, but only because it is related to his. And the minute he feels like it isn't directly in line with his, he leaves them to do his own thing. Without a word to the person he supposedly loves.
So even if I was going to just pretend the past didn't happen - which would have been hard, but I was doing a good job of denial in the last book - it's impossible when Tolemek is the primary character, because it's impossible to miss how completely self-absorbed he is. It doesn't occur to him to think about anything from Cas's perspective - not her loyalty to her team or career (he's so selfishly jealous of any respect she plays Zirkander, it is just pathetic), nor does it even OCCUR to him to think it would be shitty to put her in a position where she'd have to kill her father to protect Tolemek. Which says all that needs to be said, frankly, when Tolemek has put his sister above any and everyone, including Cas, constantly in this book. So his family is sacrosanct, but hers isn't even worth thinking of, and if she has to kill them, oh well, not his problem.
He's a complete piece of shit, frankly.
I also didn't like the resolution of the sickness. Firstly, frankly, if you're going to make it a sickness, then Sardelle - the healing sorceress - should have a critical role. It's just stupid to have a problem that is directly in her forte, but have her be completely irrelevant to the solution. But secondly, come on. He works out, in like 10 minutes, a problem that has stumped the team of scientists for months? That's just ridiculous.
So basically, this book carried my interest on the overall story, while I did my best to ignore Tolemek. But the good news is, Cas grew on me in this book. She was much more competent, and compelling, than she was in book 2. So hooray for that!
May 24, 2017
A fellow Buroker-fan told me that the more I read of this series, the more I'm going to enjoy this and the more action I'm going to get. She was not mistaken as I seem to like each book more. Although I do have to say that I may prefer Sardelle with her silly name to Cas, but I adore both the crazy evil scientist Tolemek and the a bit loony pilot Ridge. Why can't we have all four POV-s at once?
Action-wise this book starts right where the previous book ended and is full of even more action than the previous books in the series. And guess what? I liked it a lot! As with the previous stories, the laugh out loud worthy banter makes it all even better. Example:
I may not have been a fan of the insecurities Tolemek and Cas felt towards their relationship as they seemed so badass otherwise, BUT I felt that the book simply flew by and, of course, left me wanting more of this world. Which I am going to do ASAP, of course.
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Action-wise this book starts right where the previous book ended and is full of even more action than the previous books in the series. And guess what? I liked it a lot! As with the previous stories, the laugh out loud worthy banter makes it all even better. Example:
“Just don’t get close to the body,” Zirkander said. “We’re leaving that for Tolemek.”
“Really,” he [Tolemek] said.
“Don’t you want to get your microscope out and look at some brain bits?”
“Brain bits, Zirkander? How is it your people consider you a national hero?”
“We have low standards for heroism in Iskandia.”
“Obviously.”
I may not have been a fan of the insecurities Tolemek and Cas felt towards their relationship as they seemed so badass otherwise, BUT I felt that the book simply flew by and, of course, left me wanting more of this world. Which I am going to do ASAP, of course.
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December 6, 2018
This ends on a epilogue cliffhanger. 3 1/2 stars
If they had ended at them returning without what was going on, I would've assumed everything would work out but been a bit disappointed with the abrupt ending. Intead it is a serial true and true. I thought that this one wraps up the last book lines that are left hanging, and it does for the most part. The only thing we would wonder but thing fine Well hell. You had to do it. Even though I am enjoying this and the characters, I would be hesitant to recommend it. From what I understand you much read 7 books to get the full story.
If they had ended at them returning without what was going on, I would've assumed everything would work out but been a bit disappointed with the abrupt ending. Intead it is a serial true and true. I thought that this one wraps up the last book lines that are left hanging, and it does for the most part. The only thing we would wonder but thing fine Well hell. You had to do it. Even though I am enjoying this and the characters, I would be hesitant to recommend it. From what I understand you much read 7 books to get the full story.
March 28, 2015
I don't understand how this book can possibly be the final one of this series when the main characters are facing a bigger problem at the end of it *vigorous head scratching*
Not a cliffhanger or anything of the sort but, Iskandia's king is missing, the Wolf squadron has been declared AWOL, Sardelle is wanted (as a witch)...
Uh ?
EDIT : Just saw a comment from the author saying book 5 was due in May. Pheeew ;)
Not a cliffhanger or anything of the sort but, Iskandia's king is missing, the Wolf squadron has been declared AWOL, Sardelle is wanted (as a witch)...
Uh ?
EDIT : Just saw a comment from the author saying book 5 was due in May. Pheeew ;)
January 22, 2022
After three books in a series, you might expect an author to begin to meander or lose the thread of their story. It’s not something you want to see, but it happens often enough that it’s a concern. In Patterns in the Dark, book 4 of the Dragon Blood series, Lindsay Buroker doesn’t slow. Quite the contrary. She slams on the gas pedal!
Continuing the… erm… pattern of the previous three novels, we’re again focused on Cas and Tolemek. While I still prefer Sardelle and Zirkander as the focus of these stories, I actually enjoyed this one more than the first time we were focused on this couple. As if the author could sense that the reader was less comfortable with them, she addressed it head-on, and I think it worked out brilliantly.
Aside from the pattern of the previous novels, having Tolemek and Cas as the primary characters was critical for the direction of the plot. Tolemek’s fear for his captured sister and Cas’s worry that she might have divided loyalties made the conflict richer.
But remember what I said about slamming on the gas pedal? The pacing in this story is fast. As soon as you think it’s okay to take a break from the book, Buroker hits you with another exhilarating adventure sequence. Even more than Deathmaker, this novel has the brisk efficiency of an action/adventure movie, and there’s not a boring moment to be found. I do prefer a slower pace in my fantasy, but I can’t say that it felt wrong.
When I started this novel, I wondered if it would be the final one I’d read in the series. But Buroker has a way of making sure you keep going while still delivering a satisfactory experience with the story at hand. If you haven’t tried the Dragon Blood series yet, and you’re looking for a steampunk fantasy adventure series with a fair amount of romance, give it a shot!
Continuing the… erm… pattern of the previous three novels, we’re again focused on Cas and Tolemek. While I still prefer Sardelle and Zirkander as the focus of these stories, I actually enjoyed this one more than the first time we were focused on this couple. As if the author could sense that the reader was less comfortable with them, she addressed it head-on, and I think it worked out brilliantly.
Aside from the pattern of the previous novels, having Tolemek and Cas as the primary characters was critical for the direction of the plot. Tolemek’s fear for his captured sister and Cas’s worry that she might have divided loyalties made the conflict richer.
But remember what I said about slamming on the gas pedal? The pacing in this story is fast. As soon as you think it’s okay to take a break from the book, Buroker hits you with another exhilarating adventure sequence. Even more than Deathmaker, this novel has the brisk efficiency of an action/adventure movie, and there’s not a boring moment to be found. I do prefer a slower pace in my fantasy, but I can’t say that it felt wrong.
When I started this novel, I wondered if it would be the final one I’d read in the series. But Buroker has a way of making sure you keep going while still delivering a satisfactory experience with the story at hand. If you haven’t tried the Dragon Blood series yet, and you’re looking for a steampunk fantasy adventure series with a fair amount of romance, give it a shot!
April 29, 2023
Another great book. I do find that Tolomek is a bit of a pain sometimes, doing his own thing but it works out in the end
February 17, 2023
Easy fun read extending the series.
June 26, 2016
Now that I've finished the full series, here's my quick review of all the books. No spoilers other than what's on the jacket description (mostly).
#1 Balanced on the Blade's Edge: This was a very fun, steampunk fantasy romance. It feels a lot like a YA novel, except the protagonists are in their 30s-40s. It is a sweet story, slow paced, and a great start to the series. Ridge and Sardelle are great together!
#2 Deathmaker: I have to say that Cas and Tolemek's romance is less interesting to me than Ridge and Sardelle's. The beginning of the story is very promising, with Cas & Tolemek in prison together, but it doesn't last long enough and the rest of the book I was just wondering what they see in each other. I didn't really get the chemistry between them. I was pretty much wondering why they were together all the way through book 7.
#3 Blood Charged: This is the beginning of the real action-packed part of the series, which continues all the way through book 7. We've been waiting for a dragon for a long time, and.... you'll have to keep waiting! Books 3 and 4 are really a single book. There's a ton more humor, and Jaxi is pretty much the star whenever she's talking. Therrik and Kaika are introduced in this book - great characters that you will love/hate/love throughout the rest of the books!
#4 Patterns in the Dark: Do we get to see a dragon? Do we? Do we? Ummmmm, sort of. If you're waiting for cool dragon action, you'll have to keep waiting. In fact, the end of the book will just make you eager to start the next one. There's lots of action, planning, plans going awry, monsters, smooching, humor, and explosions. Owanu Owanus doesn't sound like a great place to visit. Very fun. Dragon Count: 1.
#5 The Blade's Memory: Our heroes are now hiding out, having returned from their mission (books 3&4) to some big changes in the capital. The action is more covert, and our heroes have to work to clear their names, find the king, and figure out who's the villain. The evil sorceress is at it again, and this time there are consequences to the battles. The dragon? Mostly MIA. Dragon Count: 0.1
#5.5 Under the Ice Blades: Don't forget to read this book before reading #6! Another sweet romance between Angulus and Kaika. They are my new favorite couple. Dragon Count: 2
#6 Raptor: The book title would imply that the story is about her, but she's not in the book as much as you expect. Cas has finally left the military, and is busy moping. But she volunteers to go on a mission anyway. Our heroes are back together and heading back to the Ice Blades on a dragon hunt. (If you haven't read book 5.5, stop and read it now.) Dragons are pretty tough and have more magic than anyone else, so it's going to be a difficult battle. Also, the evil sorceress is still lurking around somewhere. Fortunately (or unfortunately for Cas), they have a sword that is eager to kill dragons and sorceresses alike. Lots of cool dragon action. The book ends on a cliff hanger, so prepare to dive right into the next book. Dragon Count: 4
#7 Soul Blade: The final book in the series does not disappoint. Sardelle and company are searching for Ridge, while a second team is off to the jungle again on a secret mission. The dragons are fun, mysterious, and maddening throughout. I loved Bhrava Saruth, and not just because his name was mostly pronounceable. It's non-stop action, so be prepared to stay up late reading! The epilogue is very satisfying and a good end-cap to the series. Dragon Count: 3
Overall comments: dragon names are very hard to pronounce, soul blades are very snarky, and everyone finds love, even Pimples. This series is chock full of humor, romance, and action, and I wish it went on longer than 7 1/2 books!
#1 Balanced on the Blade's Edge: This was a very fun, steampunk fantasy romance. It feels a lot like a YA novel, except the protagonists are in their 30s-40s. It is a sweet story, slow paced, and a great start to the series. Ridge and Sardelle are great together!
#2 Deathmaker: I have to say that Cas and Tolemek's romance is less interesting to me than Ridge and Sardelle's. The beginning of the story is very promising, with Cas & Tolemek in prison together, but it doesn't last long enough and the rest of the book I was just wondering what they see in each other. I didn't really get the chemistry between them. I was pretty much wondering why they were together all the way through book 7.
#3 Blood Charged: This is the beginning of the real action-packed part of the series, which continues all the way through book 7. We've been waiting for a dragon for a long time, and.... you'll have to keep waiting! Books 3 and 4 are really a single book. There's a ton more humor, and Jaxi is pretty much the star whenever she's talking. Therrik and Kaika are introduced in this book - great characters that you will love/hate/love throughout the rest of the books!
#4 Patterns in the Dark: Do we get to see a dragon? Do we? Do we? Ummmmm, sort of. If you're waiting for cool dragon action, you'll have to keep waiting. In fact, the end of the book will just make you eager to start the next one. There's lots of action, planning, plans going awry, monsters, smooching, humor, and explosions. Owanu Owanus doesn't sound like a great place to visit. Very fun. Dragon Count: 1.
#5 The Blade's Memory: Our heroes are now hiding out, having returned from their mission (books 3&4) to some big changes in the capital. The action is more covert, and our heroes have to work to clear their names, find the king, and figure out who's the villain. The evil sorceress is at it again, and this time there are consequences to the battles. The dragon? Mostly MIA. Dragon Count: 0.1
#5.5 Under the Ice Blades: Don't forget to read this book before reading #6! Another sweet romance between Angulus and Kaika. They are my new favorite couple. Dragon Count: 2
#6 Raptor: The book title would imply that the story is about her, but she's not in the book as much as you expect. Cas has finally left the military, and is busy moping. But she volunteers to go on a mission anyway. Our heroes are back together and heading back to the Ice Blades on a dragon hunt. (If you haven't read book 5.5, stop and read it now.) Dragons are pretty tough and have more magic than anyone else, so it's going to be a difficult battle. Also, the evil sorceress is still lurking around somewhere. Fortunately (or unfortunately for Cas), they have a sword that is eager to kill dragons and sorceresses alike. Lots of cool dragon action. The book ends on a cliff hanger, so prepare to dive right into the next book. Dragon Count: 4
#7 Soul Blade: The final book in the series does not disappoint. Sardelle and company are searching for Ridge, while a second team is off to the jungle again on a secret mission. The dragons are fun, mysterious, and maddening throughout. I loved Bhrava Saruth, and not just because his name was mostly pronounceable. It's non-stop action, so be prepared to stay up late reading! The epilogue is very satisfying and a good end-cap to the series. Dragon Count: 3
Overall comments: dragon names are very hard to pronounce, soul blades are very snarky, and everyone finds love, even Pimples. This series is chock full of humor, romance, and action, and I wish it went on longer than 7 1/2 books!
April 4, 2017
I can’t believe that I didn’t review this the first time I read it … or I can’t remember doing it anyway. This, like the majority of Buroker’s books, was freaking fantastic to read. I love the imagination that she has when it comes to coming up with stuff, it always lends to a great read.
There is the way cool pilot stuff, secret military lab, booby traps, and fatalish dangers possible, and all woven in are characteresque things where you get more shading and details on and about the couples and the ways that each character thinks about the same situation.
I just fail at explaining why I love this series so much … sorry! You should really read it for yourself. It has action, adventure, just the right touch of romance to keep things interesting, and just is riveting all around to read.
There is the way cool pilot stuff, secret military lab, booby traps, and fatalish dangers possible, and all woven in are characteresque things where you get more shading and details on and about the couples and the ways that each character thinks about the same situation.
I just fail at explaining why I love this series so much … sorry! You should really read it for yourself. It has action, adventure, just the right touch of romance to keep things interesting, and just is riveting all around to read.
November 6, 2025
Patterns in the Dark is like reading an Indiana Jones novel. The action is nail biting the romance is apparent but kept clean and villain is a power hungry government willing to sacrifice it all for more power.
Tolemek is searching for his missing sister, Zirkander, Cas, Jax, the talking sword and the rest of the gang go along for the ride because they believe the Cofah Empire are using a dragon...which originally believed to be extinct.
The fate of the world, Tolemek's sister and the remaining dragon rests in the hands of AWOL pilots and a Cofah “mad scientist”.
I loved it. At each and every turn, unexpected twists keep you guessing. Patterns in the Dark is a magical steampunk adventure.
Tolemek is searching for his missing sister, Zirkander, Cas, Jax, the talking sword and the rest of the gang go along for the ride because they believe the Cofah Empire are using a dragon...which originally believed to be extinct.
The fate of the world, Tolemek's sister and the remaining dragon rests in the hands of AWOL pilots and a Cofah “mad scientist”.
I loved it. At each and every turn, unexpected twists keep you guessing. Patterns in the Dark is a magical steampunk adventure.
February 12, 2018
This is a great series that I came upon merely by chance. I am currently working my way through the whole series. This book is action packed and whilst reading I thought to myself it is a good thing that Ridge has Sardelle in his life because he would surely have died in some of the scenes. I wonder what the new soul blade will do in the next book and how the team will solve this next mystery, I can't wait to start reading.
If you are a fantasy lover then this is the series to read!!!!
If you are a fantasy lover then this is the series to read!!!!
October 21, 2015
This is one wild adventure, by wild I mean way way out in the wilds jungle. Ridge takes his crew in search of the origin of the Dragon blood. They battle all kinds of bad guys, and sneekie guys and even one impossible guy too.
January 30, 2015
NOOOOOOOO!!!! want MORE!!!! (sigh) guess i'll have to wait until she gets another one written.. darn it.... (hahahahaha!)
April 22, 2015
Nice, refreshing steam punk/fantasy serie.
There is technology AND magic.
I have to say I really like this author. She's consistent and the quality of her books is always good.
There is technology AND magic.
I have to say I really like this author. She's consistent and the quality of her books is always good.
June 28, 2015
This keeps getting better and better!
July 11, 2015
3.5 maybe
January 27, 2016
Review to come...
Read
December 10, 2024So good. I really enjoy this mix of steampunk and fantasy. Going to jump right into the next book.
March 1, 2021
If you couldn't tell by the fact that I finished this in a weekend, this is a really good book.
...And now to completely contradict my positive rating by tearing this book a new one. Spoilers ahead.
In many ways this book feels somewhat like a part 2 to book 3 rather than its own thing (and judging from how this ends, book 5 is going to do something similar) which is both good and bad. So many plotlines and ideas set up at the start of book 3 pay off in this book rather than in their own story, which makes the overall tale feel bigger but also messes with the story's pacing.
In this book, we deal with a wild jungle enviornment and a horrific magical disease that Zirkander catches pretty quickly. This scenario is quite tense in many ways, but it's ruined by a weak enviornment. I said in my review of the collection of the first three books that Buroker's world delved deeper than it did wide, but that doesn't really apply to this installment. The area that our characters are in feels empty. There's some obligatory hostile wildlife that's just kinda *there*. The natives are just that, "the natives". There's a pirate base that is disgusting and that's it. A tiger with wings is just *there*. It's not meant to hint at anything, they already know about the dragon, it's just there for the heroes to realize 'oh shit dragon's blood doesn't save you from this'. Which isn't a bad thing to convey, but it feels like such a shallow way to convey exposition. Don't even get me started on Cas' talk with her dad, cuz uh... *damn*.
Also
A miracle happened.
Jaxi said something *actually dumb and annoying.*
"Isn't it obvious? She's a Receiver"
No Jaxi, it's *not* obvious. It wasn't obvious to you 10 minutes ago before you found Tylie, why would it be obvious to Tolemek now?!
And this moment here:
"Forget the dragon [currently thrashing about in a blind fury]. Get the pirate"
Hahahahahahaha...
...what?
...And now to completely contradict my positive rating by tearing this book a new one. Spoilers ahead.
In many ways this book feels somewhat like a part 2 to book 3 rather than its own thing (and judging from how this ends, book 5 is going to do something similar) which is both good and bad. So many plotlines and ideas set up at the start of book 3 pay off in this book rather than in their own story, which makes the overall tale feel bigger but also messes with the story's pacing.
In this book, we deal with a wild jungle enviornment and a horrific magical disease that Zirkander catches pretty quickly. This scenario is quite tense in many ways, but it's ruined by a weak enviornment. I said in my review of the collection of the first three books that Buroker's world delved deeper than it did wide, but that doesn't really apply to this installment. The area that our characters are in feels empty. There's some obligatory hostile wildlife that's just kinda *there*. The natives are just that, "the natives". There's a pirate base that is disgusting and that's it. A tiger with wings is just *there*. It's not meant to hint at anything, they already know about the dragon, it's just there for the heroes to realize 'oh shit dragon's blood doesn't save you from this'. Which isn't a bad thing to convey, but it feels like such a shallow way to convey exposition. Don't even get me started on Cas' talk with her dad, cuz uh... *damn*.
Also
A miracle happened.
Jaxi said something *actually dumb and annoying.*
"Isn't it obvious? She's a Receiver"
No Jaxi, it's *not* obvious. It wasn't obvious to you 10 minutes ago before you found Tylie, why would it be obvious to Tolemek now?!
And this moment here:
"Forget the dragon [currently thrashing about in a blind fury]. Get the pirate"
Hahahahahahaha...
...what?
September 10, 2019
I downloaded the first 3 books of this series since it was free and free means nothing to lose if you don't like it. I really, REALLY liked them...and had to buy the 4th book. It has been a long time since I had to read and read and read...so many things just didn't get done while I was consuming these books. The characters are very entertaining, even the snarky sword...maybe especially the snarky sword. These stories are listed as steampunk....a genre I really don't care for but it isn't too over the top here. The same is true of romance. I avoid those completely since swooning, weak women make me ill. There is a bit of romance in these but it is acceptable since it is part of the story and not the main theme.
In this fourth book, the crew is on a mission, on their own, looking for the dragon and also the pirate's sister. There is a lot of action in this one and throughout the first four books that snarky sword will have you laughing out loud. This is true of lots of the dialogue, not just the sword...it is not always gloom and doom even though things get rather difficult.
I will probably get the next 4 books because I really do like these characters!
In this fourth book, the crew is on a mission, on their own, looking for the dragon and also the pirate's sister. There is a lot of action in this one and throughout the first four books that snarky sword will have you laughing out loud. This is true of lots of the dialogue, not just the sword...it is not always gloom and doom even though things get rather difficult.
I will probably get the next 4 books because I really do like these characters!
May 11, 2020
Well, beyond leaving us in a cliff hanger - again...
I mean; I do sort of like for an adventure to be completely wrapped up rather than a part 1, 2, etc. Or at least, warn me that it's written that way.
That said, when last we left off, our couples, and the parts of their party that were continuing on with them as opposed to well, going back to report on the mission, were leaving. Now they've arrived on an island where the senior Zirkander is researching artifacts (he sort of sounds like Dr. Jones, Sr here, btw) to ask him a question or three. They manage to incense the native shaman, and well, they all get to bail out. Sr Zirkander isn't pleased to wake up in what amounts to an airplane. They land on another island, spend a few days traipsing through a jungle to a temple containing, among other things, a sick dragon in stasis. Much excitement later, the dragon is healed, has healed everyone who'd caught his contagion, and the missing, not-mad;just dragon-blooded and v. telepathic, sister has gone for a ride.
Off to book 5, because they have to go home somehow, find the king, and fix things that have gone to hell in a handbasket while they were gone.
I mean; I do sort of like for an adventure to be completely wrapped up rather than a part 1, 2, etc. Or at least, warn me that it's written that way.
That said, when last we left off, our couples, and the parts of their party that were continuing on with them as opposed to well, going back to report on the mission, were leaving. Now they've arrived on an island where the senior Zirkander is researching artifacts (he sort of sounds like Dr. Jones, Sr here, btw) to ask him a question or three. They manage to incense the native shaman, and well, they all get to bail out. Sr Zirkander isn't pleased to wake up in what amounts to an airplane. They land on another island, spend a few days traipsing through a jungle to a temple containing, among other things, a sick dragon in stasis. Much excitement later, the dragon is healed, has healed everyone who'd caught his contagion, and the missing, not-mad;just dragon-blooded and v. telepathic, sister has gone for a ride.
Off to book 5, because they have to go home somehow, find the king, and fix things that have gone to hell in a handbasket while they were gone.
November 15, 2021
It's been a while since I spent time with Ridge and Sardelle and their crew and HEH. There's a lot of snark and wry humor being flung about as the group trudge through a deadly jungle in search of the source of dragon blood. Sure, sure, Tolemek is also looking for his sister, but Tylie is where the dragon is so they're all jaunting about to the same place.
Did I mention the deadly part? Because the jungle is that. Not only are there strange beasties to be found, but the natives are a little aggressive and there's the slllllliiiightest possibility there might be a deadly illness/virus in the area.
Good times, amirite?
Anywho. We get to meet Ridge's dad, see some thrilling escapades, fight pirates (among other things), and watch Sardelle and Jaxi do what they do best. Which means they saved the day on more than one occasion. GOOD TIMES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Did I mention the deadly part? Because the jungle is that. Not only are there strange beasties to be found, but the natives are a little aggressive and there's the slllllliiiightest possibility there might be a deadly illness/virus in the area.
Good times, amirite?
Anywho. We get to meet Ridge's dad, see some thrilling escapades, fight pirates (among other things), and watch Sardelle and Jaxi do what they do best. Which means they saved the day on more than one occasion. GOOD TIMES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 23, 2020
More magical, mythological creatures for fantasy lovers to enjoy reading about are included in this book in the Dragon Blood Series. Many mysterious deaths of natives on a remote island tended to work up a decent amount of terror among those who braved trekking across to the other side of the island, specifically the star group of characters we read about here. Also, some new characters tend to make for some greater banter among the lot. Plus, other new characters provide some angst among the lot, I should specify comedic angst. Never fear for our great author, Ms Buroker, has great writing skills that keep us “balanced on the blades edge” furiously turning those pages until the end and even greatly anticipating the next book in the series. Thankfully I have all the books in this series at hand and can turn the page to the next book immediately. See you in the next one.
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