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The Mandrake Company #4
The Ruins of Karzelek
Kalish has been a successful treasure hunter for years, relying on only herself to deal with deadly predators, impenetrable jungles, and diabolical booby traps. But with her father kidnapped, and a notorious pirate demanding an ancient alien artifact that may or may not exist, Kalish needs help.
She hires a mercenary company because she needs their combat experience and their piloting skills—the intelligence officer with the background in translating alien hieroglyphics could come in useful too. Sedgwick Thomlin is charming and handsome, when he isn’t busy sneezing at something from his long list of allergies. But she’s not sure if she can trust him or the mercenaries, not when the most valuable and coveted relic in the galaxy might turn out to be real.
The Ruins of Karzelek is a 95,000-word novel of space-based adventure and romance that can be read as a stand-alone. It is also part of the Mandrake Company series and brings back characters from the other books, such as Val, Gregor, Tick, and Striker.
She hires a mercenary company because she needs their combat experience and their piloting skills—the intelligence officer with the background in translating alien hieroglyphics could come in useful too. Sedgwick Thomlin is charming and handsome, when he isn’t busy sneezing at something from his long list of allergies. But she’s not sure if she can trust him or the mercenaries, not when the most valuable and coveted relic in the galaxy might turn out to be real.
The Ruins of Karzelek is a 95,000-word novel of space-based adventure and romance that can be read as a stand-alone. It is also part of the Mandrake Company series and brings back characters from the other books, such as Val, Gregor, Tick, and Striker.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 15, 2025
The banter cracks me up.
It is a lot of fun, packed with action, some harrowing times and some steamy times, and humour.
The Ruins of Karzelek is the fourth book in the Mandrake Company Sci Fi series. A bunch of misfits with specialised talents form the mercenaries of this story. With women who find themselves amongst these men who will do anything to protect them, but the women aren't shy about getting their hands dirty.
A fun tale to escape daily life.
It is a lot of fun, packed with action, some harrowing times and some steamy times, and humour.
The Ruins of Karzelek is the fourth book in the Mandrake Company Sci Fi series. A bunch of misfits with specialised talents form the mercenaries of this story. With women who find themselves amongst these men who will do anything to protect them, but the women aren't shy about getting their hands dirty.
A fun tale to escape daily life.
November 8, 2025
A successful treasure hunter, Kalish, needs the assistance of the Mandrake Company because this hunt has just gotten her way over her head and the cost might just be her father's life.
Kalish's father has been kidnapped. Leaving her, her mother and her younger sister up against insurmountable odds.
Unsure who she can trust, Kalish keeps their mission close to her chest. But the Sedgwick, the Mandrakes intelligence officer is on case. Nothing gets by him, but his interests are definitely distracted from his main missing by the voluptuous Kalish.
Both Kalish and Sedgwick are very interesting, family oriented characters. Although Lionsdrake's past characters had unaware social inadequacies, it seems Sedge is fully aware of his flaws and isn't afraid to admit them.
Something about this story sucked me in and kept me captive till the end.
I loved the alien, archeology, treasure hunting vibe.
I very excited about Val and the Captain having another story so add me as the 4th person requesting it.
Kalish's father has been kidnapped. Leaving her, her mother and her younger sister up against insurmountable odds.
Unsure who she can trust, Kalish keeps their mission close to her chest. But the Sedgwick, the Mandrakes intelligence officer is on case. Nothing gets by him, but his interests are definitely distracted from his main missing by the voluptuous Kalish.
Both Kalish and Sedgwick are very interesting, family oriented characters. Although Lionsdrake's past characters had unaware social inadequacies, it seems Sedge is fully aware of his flaws and isn't afraid to admit them.
Something about this story sucked me in and kept me captive till the end.
I loved the alien, archeology, treasure hunting vibe.
I very excited about Val and the Captain having another story so add me as the 4th person requesting it.
July 14, 2015
It was entertaining. This one had a really nice atmosphere and a good backstory. I liked the Alien archeology topic a lot.
The love story was ok - not my favourite here, as the pacing and the rhythm felt exactly like in the other books.
I didn't find Thomlin very interesting, he felt like a pale copy of Thatcher.
The girl felt like a pale copy of Arkani.
It was nonetheless an entertaining book and I enjoyed it a lot.
The love story was ok - not my favourite here, as the pacing and the rhythm felt exactly like in the other books.
I didn't find Thomlin very interesting, he felt like a pale copy of Thatcher.
The girl felt like a pale copy of Arkani.
It was nonetheless an entertaining book and I enjoyed it a lot.
May 19, 2015
Have I said that I love this series? No?
Well, let me say it now: I love this series!!!!
The thing I love most is the humor that is in every scene, even the most dangerous, or the most hot! It is so very well done!
Another thing I love is the quirkiness of the characters! Each one has something: Victor’s real name is Willow and he grunts a lot; Thatcher is almost Vulcan-like; here Sedgwick Thomlin has allergies of various types! LOL
The heroine, Kalish is a a female version of Indiana Jones, but with a few insecurities of her own.
Sedgwick Thomlin is such a dear! I loved how he was at the same time shy and very masculine. :)
Here we have everything regarding aliens, archeology, treasure hunting... and some very, very hot scenes! LOL
Well, let me say it now: I love this series!!!!
The thing I love most is the humor that is in every scene, even the most dangerous, or the most hot! It is so very well done!
Another thing I love is the quirkiness of the characters! Each one has something: Victor’s real name is Willow and he grunts a lot; Thatcher is almost Vulcan-like; here Sedgwick Thomlin has allergies of various types! LOL
The heroine, Kalish is a a female version of Indiana Jones, but with a few insecurities of her own.
Sedgwick Thomlin is such a dear! I loved how he was at the same time shy and very masculine. :)
Here we have everything regarding aliens, archeology, treasure hunting... and some very, very hot scenes! LOL
September 3, 2015
Let me start by saying that Sedgewick is my kind of hero. I loved the depth of his awkwardness and allergies and mannerisms and... Loved it all. Kalish is my kind of heroine, too - strong, smart and not throwing herself at the guy. So, from the start it was a recipe for a good read for me. Add to that a fun space adventure with alien ruins, a bunch of great side characters and an interesting plot... I very much enjoyed this book.
A drawback for me was the amount of introspection and repeated inner dialogue - the whole 'does she/he like me?, what should I do, how should I do it' kind of inner banter, as well as some over-explanation where I would have preferred a faster pace with more dialogue. The dialogue that was there, however, was great!
I will certainly be picking up the rest of the series for a read.
A drawback for me was the amount of introspection and repeated inner dialogue - the whole 'does she/he like me?, what should I do, how should I do it' kind of inner banter, as well as some over-explanation where I would have preferred a faster pace with more dialogue. The dialogue that was there, however, was great!
I will certainly be picking up the rest of the series for a read.
January 9, 2015
The problem with reading this series is that it is always in the back of your mind that THIS is the last book (as of this reading in Jan 2015). I understand another one will be out in February - thank goodness - but I sure wish there were MORE. I want to see Striker get his comeuppance by meeting the perfect woman for him and his comic books - and Tick - write more and write faster, Miss Ruby!
I so enjoyed this book. After reading Book 4 (Thatcher and Val, who were in this book, as well), I wasn't sure any new characters could engage me as much as they did. While Sedge is a little like Thatcher, he's enough different that you forget all about comparisons. I like the heroine, Kalish, because while she's a strong woman, she's still feminine and doesn't hold stupid and immature grudges as so many heroines do in current books.
The story is good with killer robots, alien artifacts, chases, near misses, injuries, sexual tension, romance, and, all in all, a pretty cool, imaginative story that flings you along as fast as one of Striker's launched grenades. I really enjoyed this book and really hated reaching the end. I just wish I'd known a bit more in the ending about the hero's choice and also what the heroine did to get back on her feet and how much she might have made. A nice epilogue would have been nice. Not gonna have a spoiler so quit here.
If you liked the first three books, you will like this one, too. It's another fast and furious read that leaves you partially satisfied and partially disgruntled - partially because (1) it's a great book and (2) it's over and there isn't another one to pick up right now!
I so enjoyed this book. After reading Book 4 (Thatcher and Val, who were in this book, as well), I wasn't sure any new characters could engage me as much as they did. While Sedge is a little like Thatcher, he's enough different that you forget all about comparisons. I like the heroine, Kalish, because while she's a strong woman, she's still feminine and doesn't hold stupid and immature grudges as so many heroines do in current books.
The story is good with killer robots, alien artifacts, chases, near misses, injuries, sexual tension, romance, and, all in all, a pretty cool, imaginative story that flings you along as fast as one of Striker's launched grenades. I really enjoyed this book and really hated reaching the end. I just wish I'd known a bit more in the ending about the hero's choice and also what the heroine did to get back on her feet and how much she might have made. A nice epilogue would have been nice. Not gonna have a spoiler so quit here.
If you liked the first three books, you will like this one, too. It's another fast and furious read that leaves you partially satisfied and partially disgruntled - partially because (1) it's a great book and (2) it's over and there isn't another one to pick up right now!
September 20, 2022
3.5
The romance was pretty fun and I enjoyed a different kind of hero- ie: an intelligent/slightly nerdy mercenary with allergies and fumbling manners willing to play word games and trade famous quotes with a smart and determined treasure hunter heroine.
The mission as a whole and side characters were okay- but overall liked the book.
The romance was pretty fun and I enjoyed a different kind of hero- ie: an intelligent/slightly nerdy mercenary with allergies and fumbling manners willing to play word games and trade famous quotes with a smart and determined treasure hunter heroine.
The mission as a whole and side characters were okay- but overall liked the book.
September 3, 2016
Successful treasure hunter Kalish Blackwell is about to embark on the most challenging and also most important hunt of her career. Her father has been kidnapped, and to get him back she needs to find an ancient alien artifact which may not even exist outside the realm of speculation. To aid in her quest, she hires a group of mercenaries: Mandrake Company are to provide firepower, two shuttles and the pilots to fly them, and a distraction while Kalish sneaks into a mountain being mined for ore and protected a whole lot better than one would think. Intelligence officer Sedgwick Thomlin is on the mission for his hacking skilles and expertise with ancient alien hieroglyphics. That he's handsome and charming when not plagued by his many allergies certainly doesn't hurt, though with Kalish's father taken hostage and her mother and sister on board, surely this isn't the right time to pursue anything resembling romance... or is it?
Adventure, romance, and a lot of fun - another great entry in the series! I really liked having one of the protagonists' family actually on the page for a change, it added some interesting dynamics we hadn't seen before. Looking forward to the next part!
Adventure, romance, and a lot of fun - another great entry in the series! I really liked having one of the protagonists' family actually on the page for a change, it added some interesting dynamics we hadn't seen before. Looking forward to the next part!
July 19, 2015
This one was fun. We have an erudite treasure hunter who has hired a troop of mercenaries in order to save her father. We have a geeky (yet super fit) intelligence officer for the mercenaries. And there are assorted other characters, including one hard-headed crude Chief of Boom who has a hard time looking women in the eyes since he's so busy looking elsewhere.
The search for alien treasure and the difficulties faced was fun. The bantering and teasing of the mercenaries was also a lot of fun. Kalish is a great heroine--inventive, creative, self-assured, desperate, and not afraid to trust despite having been burned in the past. There are a number of scenes that were great to read, such as Serge getting ready for bed in the tent. That was priceless.WE also get to see a bit of Val and Gregor from Trial and Temptation as they are supporting characters. And their relationship looks different from the outside.
Overall, I think this is maybe my favorite in the series so far.
The search for alien treasure and the difficulties faced was fun. The bantering and teasing of the mercenaries was also a lot of fun. Kalish is a great heroine--inventive, creative, self-assured, desperate, and not afraid to trust despite having been burned in the past. There are a number of scenes that were great to read, such as Serge getting ready for bed in the tent. That was priceless.WE also get to see a bit of Val and Gregor from Trial and Temptation as they are supporting characters. And their relationship looks different from the outside.
Overall, I think this is maybe my favorite in the series so far.
January 5, 2015
A great continuation of the Mandrake Company series
Once again Ms Lionsdrake weaves an exciting space adventure with a satisfying romance that both sexes will enjoy. New characters join those we have all come to love. If you liked her previous novels you will not be disappointed!
Once again Ms Lionsdrake weaves an exciting space adventure with a satisfying romance that both sexes will enjoy. New characters join those we have all come to love. If you liked her previous novels you will not be disappointed!
May 5, 2020
I admit I was more interested in the caverns and aliens than I was in the romance in this book. I do like Sedge and Kalish, but I kept wincing every time Sedge went behind Kalish's back because I (and he) knew what was gonna happen. I did like seeing more of Val and Gregor and the quirky humor between the characters.
March 10, 2015
Well done! Great story full of action, aliens and romance, oh my! We meet up again with Val and Thatcher, who's story was in the previous book, along with Tick, Striker and Thomlin; who are hired to assist a young treasure hunter as she searches for alien technology to save her father.
April 13, 2015
Adventure abounds in The Ruins of Karzelek!
Action-packed with a sprinkling of romance. Ms Lionsdrake creates unique characters and puts them in nail-biting situations. I will definitely be reading the next installments in the Mandrake Company series.
Action-packed with a sprinkling of romance. Ms Lionsdrake creates unique characters and puts them in nail-biting situations. I will definitely be reading the next installments in the Mandrake Company series.
October 6, 2023
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars (rounded up).
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I LOVED THIS; it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Mandrake Company series, bk 4 ~
Treasure hunter Kalish Blackwell (and her family) hire Mandrake Co mercenaries to assist them in locating rumored ancient alien artifacts on a remote, desolate mining planet. Kalish is being coerced into the mission without a lot of choices and hopes her research into the Mandrake Co won’t let her down. Mandrake’s Intelligence Officer, Lt Sedgwick Thomlin is among the handful of crew members sent with Kalish as security for her mission.
Comments ~
1) THE RUINS OF KARZELEK is another action-filled Space Opera Romance novel in Ruby Lionsdrake’s/Lindsay Buroker’s Mandrake Company 7 book series. I hadn’t read (or listened to) anything by this author before beginning this series. I am loving it, so far. This book contained great world building, more action and adventure scenes and less steamy interludes than Anna Hackett’s books (which I tend to love) The styles/tones of both are otherwise somewhat similar. I have read nearly everything written by Anna, but less nooky-time and more action (as in the Mandrake Co series) is a win in my book. After beginning the 1st book, I went ahead and purchased the entire series in audiobook format. I look forward to continuing with this series.
2) Jill Redfield did a wonderful job with the voices, pulling me in for the crazy ride, all the way until the end. I am very pleased to see that she is the voice actor for the entire series. Yay!
3) I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy Space Opera with humor, great dialogue and wit, protagonists with good hearts and rough edges, great world building, action-filled pages and a touch of romance. Each book features the Mandrake Company, focusing on different crew members. (The humor and tone remind me somewhat of the Original Star Trek series although this is much more). I also look forward to checking out other series by Ruby Lionsdrake/Lindsay Buroker.
4) I also liked that the female MC wasn’t a “gorgeous, skinny Barbie-girl” but seemed more an average “curvy gal.” Yet the story didn't revolve around her body size, either. So, Yay! (Although the guy was definitely GI Joe - but, no complaints there). 😉
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language used infrequently.
VIOLENCE - PG. Not described in dark or graphic manner.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. 2? brief intimacy scenes occur in the last chapters of the book (which could be easily skipped if desired). This book is actually more of a a slow burn.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I LOVED THIS; it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Mandrake Company series, bk 4 ~
Treasure hunter Kalish Blackwell (and her family) hire Mandrake Co mercenaries to assist them in locating rumored ancient alien artifacts on a remote, desolate mining planet. Kalish is being coerced into the mission without a lot of choices and hopes her research into the Mandrake Co won’t let her down. Mandrake’s Intelligence Officer, Lt Sedgwick Thomlin is among the handful of crew members sent with Kalish as security for her mission.
Comments ~
1) THE RUINS OF KARZELEK is another action-filled Space Opera Romance novel in Ruby Lionsdrake’s/Lindsay Buroker’s Mandrake Company 7 book series. I hadn’t read (or listened to) anything by this author before beginning this series. I am loving it, so far. This book contained great world building, more action and adventure scenes and less steamy interludes than Anna Hackett’s books (which I tend to love) The styles/tones of both are otherwise somewhat similar. I have read nearly everything written by Anna, but less nooky-time and more action (as in the Mandrake Co series) is a win in my book. After beginning the 1st book, I went ahead and purchased the entire series in audiobook format. I look forward to continuing with this series.
2) Jill Redfield did a wonderful job with the voices, pulling me in for the crazy ride, all the way until the end. I am very pleased to see that she is the voice actor for the entire series. Yay!
3) I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy Space Opera with humor, great dialogue and wit, protagonists with good hearts and rough edges, great world building, action-filled pages and a touch of romance. Each book features the Mandrake Company, focusing on different crew members. (The humor and tone remind me somewhat of the Original Star Trek series although this is much more). I also look forward to checking out other series by Ruby Lionsdrake/Lindsay Buroker.
4) I also liked that the female MC wasn’t a “gorgeous, skinny Barbie-girl” but seemed more an average “curvy gal.” Yet the story didn't revolve around her body size, either. So, Yay! (Although the guy was definitely GI Joe - but, no complaints there). 😉
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language used infrequently.
VIOLENCE - PG. Not described in dark or graphic manner.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. 2? brief intimacy scenes occur in the last chapters of the book (which could be easily skipped if desired). This book is actually more of a a slow burn.
November 18, 2017
Sedgwick seems really unsure at points and seems to question everything between them despite evidence to the contrary. In previous books he seemed really stodgy and sure so this was an interesting change and a bit more layering added to his character.
The relationship between Kalish and Sedgwick developed really quickly. I didn’t really like that aspect of the story much. Especially with how her mother and her were all anti-mercenary like and were extra wary around him and the people helping them. I know it is different since we have a good idea about the integrity of these characters--so it is annoying to hear someone say bad stuff about them.
The mystery of the aliens was a bigger draw for me about this story even if it was a romance. I also really enjoyed seeing characters from other books. Reading Val, Gregor, Tick, and Striker interact with each other was a nice bonus. I felt for Sedgwick and the teasing he got about his allergies. I really, really enjoyed the mystery of the aliens and wonder how she is going to expand that with the last few stories in this series since it is all done now. I thought the wanderers from the Star Guardian series were pretty interesting, but these aliens are the pre-runners for that series and I’m curious to read more.
That reminds me … the whole setting for this book was eeek inducing for me with underground caverns, flying, underwater, massive cave systems…. can we say claustrophobic? I remember hearing that mentioned once, but not again in the book. I think that might be a good thing since the whole idea gives me the creeps as it is.
To wrap it all up:
I liked the book.
The relationship went a little too fast for me—I just didn’t get it and it didn’t feel naturalish. Yes I know these are nearly insta love couplings, but sometimes there can be a natural progression to them.
The mystery of the aliens got a bit more real with the introduction of what they found near the end of the book—totally curious to see what she does with what they found in later books.
Striker is a bigger jerkface and I would so like to read a story about him where his jerkiness is stymied a bunch by a woman who shows him what’s up. I looked ahead so I didn't see a book or story just about him so I can hope it happens during a main story or something.
I can’t wait to read Tick’s book.
The relationship between Kalish and Sedgwick developed really quickly. I didn’t really like that aspect of the story much. Especially with how her mother and her were all anti-mercenary like and were extra wary around him and the people helping them. I know it is different since we have a good idea about the integrity of these characters--so it is annoying to hear someone say bad stuff about them.
The mystery of the aliens was a bigger draw for me about this story even if it was a romance. I also really enjoyed seeing characters from other books. Reading Val, Gregor, Tick, and Striker interact with each other was a nice bonus. I felt for Sedgwick and the teasing he got about his allergies. I really, really enjoyed the mystery of the aliens and wonder how she is going to expand that with the last few stories in this series since it is all done now. I thought the wanderers from the Star Guardian series were pretty interesting, but these aliens are the pre-runners for that series and I’m curious to read more.
That reminds me … the whole setting for this book was eeek inducing for me with underground caverns, flying, underwater, massive cave systems…. can we say claustrophobic? I remember hearing that mentioned once, but not again in the book. I think that might be a good thing since the whole idea gives me the creeps as it is.
To wrap it all up:
I liked the book.
The relationship went a little too fast for me—I just didn’t get it and it didn’t feel naturalish. Yes I know these are nearly insta love couplings, but sometimes there can be a natural progression to them.
The mystery of the aliens got a bit more real with the introduction of what they found near the end of the book—totally curious to see what she does with what they found in later books.
Striker is a bigger jerkface and I would so like to read a story about him where his jerkiness is stymied a bunch by a woman who shows him what’s up. I looked ahead so I didn't see a book or story just about him so I can hope it happens during a main story or something.
I can’t wait to read Tick’s book.
May 30, 2017
This was another fantastic installment in this wonderful series.
This had action right from the start. As per usual, well written and really gripping. I was completely drawn into the story and could not put it down. This was really fast paced, with lots of explosions and plenty of humour that carried you through the book.
This installment brought back some of the other mercenary characters, such as Tick, Striker, Val and Thatcher, but it really focused on Sedgwick Thomlin, Mandrake Company's Intelligence Officer. I really liked his character; I like that he has imperfections and quirks, as it is unusual to have the hero/male love interest be anything but the perfect stereotypical alpha male character. I like how there is a range of personality types among the mercenary characters, that all work well together and have a good chemistry. Kalish and her mother and sister were new characters that we were introduced to in this story, Kalish being the main focus. She has a personality very similar to Ankari, although I think that she is less witty than Ankari is and takes herself a little bit more seriously. I liked her character and think that she complimented Thomlin well.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this series to science fiction lovers with a sense of adventure.
This had action right from the start. As per usual, well written and really gripping. I was completely drawn into the story and could not put it down. This was really fast paced, with lots of explosions and plenty of humour that carried you through the book.
This installment brought back some of the other mercenary characters, such as Tick, Striker, Val and Thatcher, but it really focused on Sedgwick Thomlin, Mandrake Company's Intelligence Officer. I really liked his character; I like that he has imperfections and quirks, as it is unusual to have the hero/male love interest be anything but the perfect stereotypical alpha male character. I like how there is a range of personality types among the mercenary characters, that all work well together and have a good chemistry. Kalish and her mother and sister were new characters that we were introduced to in this story, Kalish being the main focus. She has a personality very similar to Ankari, although I think that she is less witty than Ankari is and takes herself a little bit more seriously. I liked her character and think that she complimented Thomlin well.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this series to science fiction lovers with a sense of adventure.
March 17, 2023
The Ruins of Karzelek is book 4 in the Mandrake Company series by Ruby Lionsdrake, and the one I loved the most so far - at least from the science fiction adventure point of view.
All books can be read as stand alones, but since the characters from previous books make lots of appearances in the following ones, I found it useful to read the series in the correct order. You can also read my reviews of Mercenary Instinct (book 1), Trial and Temptation (book 2) and The Assassin's Salvation (book 3).
As mentioned above, The Ruins of Karzelek is a great adventure, including the exploration of an alien planet, a system of caves full of amazing life forms, old ruins, outstanding technology, killer security robots and great characters to go along. The banter between the Mandrake Company men make me laugh out loud in several places.
The romance between Kalish and Sedge is great too, maybe even better than average if you take the previous books into consideration, but a few of the sex scenes made me cringe a bit - and at least one of them I found pretty much unrealistic, taking into account that Sedge had been severely wounded a short time ago and they were in a pretty public place...
In any case, if you love the genre and want to follow the series, The Ruins of Karzelek is a must read book.
All books can be read as stand alones, but since the characters from previous books make lots of appearances in the following ones, I found it useful to read the series in the correct order. You can also read my reviews of Mercenary Instinct (book 1), Trial and Temptation (book 2) and The Assassin's Salvation (book 3).
As mentioned above, The Ruins of Karzelek is a great adventure, including the exploration of an alien planet, a system of caves full of amazing life forms, old ruins, outstanding technology, killer security robots and great characters to go along. The banter between the Mandrake Company men make me laugh out loud in several places.
The romance between Kalish and Sedge is great too, maybe even better than average if you take the previous books into consideration, but a few of the sex scenes made me cringe a bit - and at least one of them I found pretty much unrealistic, taking into account that Sedge had been severely wounded a short time ago and they were in a pretty public place...
In any case, if you love the genre and want to follow the series, The Ruins of Karzelek is a must read book.
August 9, 2017
I got this book as part of a "StoryBudle"-SciFi-Bundle; so I didn't really know what I was getting. Not my best idea I have to admit...
The Book is SciFi - but a kind of romatic-SciFi so I guess it generally appeals to women more than to men. As one of the latter I did not really get into it.
The story is actually not so bad, but feels wrong in a lot of places - time and space (speed) do not really add up and most problems kind of solve themselves - like finding a "lid" with a detailed 3D-on-2D-map of an area that a spaceship takes hours to fly through AND a complete list of parts for a spaceship. Must be a hell of a lid... that can be held in one hand while (basically) making love. I found the teenagery does-(s)he-like-me-no-maybe-oh-maybe-yes-scenes distracting.
Nevertheless interesting ideas; gains momentum at times - but is stopped again by more boring interludes and "strong" characters behaving naively.
Maybe mixing SciFi with "hot" romance is not that good an idea...
And thank goodness those bad alien robots basically miss with every shot (except when shooting at "the others").
The Book is SciFi - but a kind of romatic-SciFi so I guess it generally appeals to women more than to men. As one of the latter I did not really get into it.
The story is actually not so bad, but feels wrong in a lot of places - time and space (speed) do not really add up and most problems kind of solve themselves - like finding a "lid" with a detailed 3D-on-2D-map of an area that a spaceship takes hours to fly through AND a complete list of parts for a spaceship. Must be a hell of a lid... that can be held in one hand while (basically) making love. I found the teenagery does-(s)he-like-me-no-maybe-oh-maybe-yes-scenes distracting.
Nevertheless interesting ideas; gains momentum at times - but is stopped again by more boring interludes and "strong" characters behaving naively.
Maybe mixing SciFi with "hot" romance is not that good an idea...
And thank goodness those bad alien robots basically miss with every shot (except when shooting at "the others").
May 27, 2017
Another awesome book in the series. What struck me this time was that each couple has come together in a unique way, and at a pace suited to them. Even as a fan, I can admit that sometimes romance is a bit predictable in terms of the pacing - sexy times around 50%, Big Mis at 80%, etc. Not true for this series! Each H/h pair has followed their own path, and expressed their sexuality in a way that fits them.
Kalish was a fun, adventurous heroine, and pairing her with the seemingly weak and mild-mannered Thomlin might look like a mis-match, but it worked. She doesn't make fun of his many (many) allergies, or the routines he has to follow to minimize sneezing attacks. Sedge knows that Kalish is more than just a treasure hunter, and enjoys trading obscure quotes with her. Having Kalish's family around and interacting with the mercenaries was fun as well. It was nice to see more of Val and Thatcher, and a tiny hint of Sergei at the end!
Kalish was a fun, adventurous heroine, and pairing her with the seemingly weak and mild-mannered Thomlin might look like a mis-match, but it worked. She doesn't make fun of his many (many) allergies, or the routines he has to follow to minimize sneezing attacks. Sedge knows that Kalish is more than just a treasure hunter, and enjoys trading obscure quotes with her. Having Kalish's family around and interacting with the mercenaries was fun as well. It was nice to see more of Val and Thatcher, and a tiny hint of Sergei at the end!
September 5, 2017
1.5 stars
Sedge is not as cute as a character as Gregor, but at least we got to see a bit more of Gregor and Val - clearly still my favourite couple (and standalone characters) in this series. Kalish was not as interesting as I would expect from a treasure hunter and a little slow.
Sedge is not as cute as a character as Gregor, but at least we got to see a bit more of Gregor and Val - clearly still my favourite couple (and standalone characters) in this series. Kalish was not as interesting as I would expect from a treasure hunter and a little slow.
August 6, 2020
I loved this couple! Especially Sedge -- I was a complete sucker for the sweet cinnamon roll hero with all his allergies. (Side note, it reminded me of Ruby Lang's Acute Reactions since I've never seen that characteristic anywhere else!) They had amazing steamy scenes together and I just loved it all. Four stars since I wasn't super engaged in the actual plot, which is a giant treasure hunt for an alien civilization -- though I did get fun Atlantis vibes out of it! (My family adores this movie, even if everyone else just considers it a flop.)
Thanks to Goodreads and Ruby Lionsdrake -- I won a copy of the complete Mandrake series and am slowly working my way through all 7 books.
Thanks to Goodreads and Ruby Lionsdrake -- I won a copy of the complete Mandrake series and am slowly working my way through all 7 books.
August 27, 2021
had to go back to this series as I've been in a slump having listened to all my favourite authors and waiting for more to be uploaded.
even got in trouble ( just a tad😊) with audible as I returned too many awful books.
it was heaven to listen to Jill Redfield she brings all characters and plots to life.
this wasn't as sexy as some of the others but really action packed. The hero was quirky as and really enjoyable and it was unusual to see the Hero leave their job and join the heroine...haven't listened to many like that. such great plotlines and awesome research into sci-fi technology.
even got in trouble ( just a tad😊) with audible as I returned too many awful books.
it was heaven to listen to Jill Redfield she brings all characters and plots to life.
this wasn't as sexy as some of the others but really action packed. The hero was quirky as and really enjoyable and it was unusual to see the Hero leave their job and join the heroine...haven't listened to many like that. such great plotlines and awesome research into sci-fi technology.
August 20, 2020
I really liked this story though some things needed work. Sedge was supposed to be an intelligent man and he called a tick an insect. Still, I was able to overlook this and other oversights and character development plot holes. Nice story. Encouraged to move onto the next. Hoping that soon GalCon will pay for its misdeeds.
January 2, 2021
A lot of fun
I think I like Sedge (and Gregor Thatcher) so much because they are super smart but still kick butt men. And Kalish, along with the other females, are kick butt and smart. You just can’t go wrong with those combinations but then you toss in spaceships and aliens...and it’s “woohoo! Hang on tight for the ride!”
I think I like Sedge (and Gregor Thatcher) so much because they are super smart but still kick butt men. And Kalish, along with the other females, are kick butt and smart. You just can’t go wrong with those combinations but then you toss in spaceships and aliens...and it’s “woohoo! Hang on tight for the ride!”
June 7, 2018
I loved the setting. I loved the Indian Jones type story line.....It just took me a hell of a long time to work my way through this book.
I found it hard to really get into liking Kalish, and while I think Sedge was sweet I honestly didn't get any heat from them together.
I found it hard to really get into liking Kalish, and while I think Sedge was sweet I honestly didn't get any heat from them together.
March 17, 2019
Good overall
Sedge and Kalish's story was fast paced and entertaining. I really enjoyed seeing more of Tick and Striker. Sedge was very protective and quite shy, which is unusual in a romance hero. Not a bad read for the series.
Sedge and Kalish's story was fast paced and entertaining. I really enjoyed seeing more of Tick and Striker. Sedge was very protective and quite shy, which is unusual in a romance hero. Not a bad read for the series.
December 13, 2021
I liked this book, it's entertaining enough and we get to know more of the Mandrake people. is it great literature? Nope. But it's good enough for what it is. A sci fi romance tale, and despite me reading romance on occasion, it isn't really a favourite genre. It's more that it's low effort and the kind of stuff that's nice to relax to between the heavier stuff. This is the kind of book where you don't need to put in too much emotional effort, and it's not gonna make you feel too much.
Both main characters are personable enough, though I find him more intriguing that her. and there isn't really that much more to say about this. unlike really good books, or really bad books.
Both main characters are personable enough, though I find him more intriguing that her. and there isn't really that much more to say about this. unlike really good books, or really bad books.
August 9, 2023
mf - speculative (scifi) romance - biracial FMC/white MMC - low steam - POV: third dual - chronic illness (MMC has severe allergies) - curvy - forced proximity (workplace) - military - 5 stars. I am really enjoying this series and the action/adventure aspect.
December 12, 2024
ah yes, another part of the ‘everyone on in this ship is autistic’ mercenary series - and I love them for it…
The client has hired them, but not told them all the details about the job…
4 stars
The client has hired them, but not told them all the details about the job…
4 stars
July 22, 2025
Holy Treasure Hunter Batman!
Lionsdrake can write a saucy and sexy story, with strong and witty characters. The plot is fast paced and fun to read. I hope to see more from this writer.
Lionsdrake can write a saucy and sexy story, with strong and witty characters. The plot is fast paced and fun to read. I hope to see more from this writer.
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