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Dragon Blood #5.5
Under the Ice Blades
Captain Astuawilda Kaika is an elite forces soldier, a demolitions expert, and a woman who loves secret missions. She most certainly isn’t someone with the patience to teach General Zirkander’s raw cadets how to survive encounters with the enemy. Certain she’s been given this duty as a punishment, she confronts her superiors, only to find out that King Angulus himself gave her the assignment. When she attempts to reasonably and respectfully—and certainly not presumptuously—explain to him that she’s not suited for teaching, she gets swept up in a mission to a secret research facility that has been invaded by enemy agents. Soon, she, King Angulus, and General Zirkander are engrossed in an investigation that could change the world—and destroy all that they know.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
380 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
199 books6,262 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 132 reviews
November 5, 2015
I love, love, love this series!!!
I loved Kaika since her appearence! She's completly uninhibited and her thoughts are deliciously spicy!
The king, Angulus, was hilarious too, in his own serious way!
They could seem like a very unlikely couple, but they're perfect for each other!
Also the story is very interesting: with dragons, Cofah's sorceress, secret research facility - what's there not to like!?!
I loved Kaika since her appearence! She's completly uninhibited and her thoughts are deliciously spicy!
The king, Angulus, was hilarious too, in his own serious way!
They could seem like a very unlikely couple, but they're perfect for each other!
Also the story is very interesting: with dragons, Cofah's sorceress, secret research facility - what's there not to like!?!
October 7, 2019
4.5
I don't usually read fillers (the x.5 kind of books), but this one is not really a filler.
It introduces new characters that will, later on, become a 'problem'. Plus, the characters and the story are absolutely wonderful.
It's the same amazing, great writing style, and it's a story that tells us more than we knew before reading this one.
So yes, whether you read side stories or not, this is more than that and it's definitely worth reading.
I don't usually read fillers (the x.5 kind of books), but this one is not really a filler.
It introduces new characters that will, later on, become a 'problem'. Plus, the characters and the story are absolutely wonderful.
It's the same amazing, great writing style, and it's a story that tells us more than we knew before reading this one.
So yes, whether you read side stories or not, this is more than that and it's definitely worth reading.
February 21, 2016
Originally posted on Books & Bottles.
When I first decided to try out reading e-books, I started with several free or super cheap Amazon Kindle books. The Dragon Blood Collection was a fantasy that fell within my price range and I figured I'd give it a shot. Now, I'm actively reading two of her series and following her future publishings because I've become completely enraptured in the worlds and characters Lindsay Buroker writes. She always manages to balance the perfect combination of romance, action, mystery, and suspense, while still delivering adorable one-liners and great humour.
Under the Ice Blades is no exception. Though only a quaint novella between The Blades Memory and Raptor, you can't miss this book.
We are lead on an adventure through the perspectives of Captain Kaika (first name use is strictly forbidden) and King Angulus (recovering ego in progress). The change in characters is refreshing and incredibly enjoyable. I'm sure that most readers were smitten with Kaika's fluency in innuendo and perversion, along with her "habit" of making things "explode" (*hint hint*). As for the King, while he still struggles to nurse his bruised ego back to health and adjusting to unmarried life back at the castle, he decides to accompany the six man mission that threatens the safety of state secrets.
You can expect explosions, surprise tunnels, awesome air combat scenes, romance, and some not-to-subtle hot overtones. Kaika lives up expectations, and King Angulus doesn't disappoint in remaining the big puppy we all truly suspected him of being (or is that just me..?).
[ Also, for any interested readers, the first book in the Emperor's Edge series is currently available for free on Amazon - what do you have to lose?! Go give it a shot! The Emperor's Edge is also a fabulous series. ]
When I first decided to try out reading e-books, I started with several free or super cheap Amazon Kindle books. The Dragon Blood Collection was a fantasy that fell within my price range and I figured I'd give it a shot. Now, I'm actively reading two of her series and following her future publishings because I've become completely enraptured in the worlds and characters Lindsay Buroker writes. She always manages to balance the perfect combination of romance, action, mystery, and suspense, while still delivering adorable one-liners and great humour.
Under the Ice Blades is no exception. Though only a quaint novella between The Blades Memory and Raptor, you can't miss this book.
We are lead on an adventure through the perspectives of Captain Kaika (first name use is strictly forbidden) and King Angulus (recovering ego in progress). The change in characters is refreshing and incredibly enjoyable. I'm sure that most readers were smitten with Kaika's fluency in innuendo and perversion, along with her "habit" of making things "explode" (*hint hint*). As for the King, while he still struggles to nurse his bruised ego back to health and adjusting to unmarried life back at the castle, he decides to accompany the six man mission that threatens the safety of state secrets.
You can expect explosions, surprise tunnels, awesome air combat scenes, romance, and some not-to-subtle hot overtones. Kaika lives up expectations, and King Angulus doesn't disappoint in remaining the big puppy we all truly suspected him of being (or is that just me..?).
“What positions are kings supposed to put themselves in?”
“Padded rooms without windows or pointy objects, if my staff had its druthers.”
“No pointy objects at all?” Kaika quirked an eyebrow. “Doesn't sound like much fun.”
- Lindsay Buroker, Under the Ice Blades
[ Also, for any interested readers, the first book in the Emperor's Edge series is currently available for free on Amazon - what do you have to lose?! Go give it a shot! The Emperor's Edge is also a fabulous series. ]
April 18, 2019
This was my favorite so far. Maybe because it was more a romance than the others but I think because it was more concise. It opens up a lot of new directions for the stories to go in but I think I'll stop here. This is Kaika's story with King Angulus. She has been painted as a thrill seeker, likes to flirt, and by mind invasion we know she thinks about sex a lot, not always thinking about free men either. Yet, she isn't painted as a "man stealer" or other evil entity and she is kind of liked after the preceding books. I was glad that she got her own book and we got more into her mind and how she is a adrenaline junky at heart. Not the norm for females and even not excepted by many societies. I think I identify with her as in youth, I always was the roller-coaster, hang-gliding, and bungie jumping person. I wanted her happy ending, which is not really an ending but a direction. She will always be running. I loved the King's thoughts too. His fascination with Kaika and coming to understand her better. I loved it. Quick great edition to the series.
May 24, 2017
Under the Ice Blades is a glimpse into the heads of our crazy-for-explosions captain Kaika and that of the king of Iskandia.
At first I was quite uncertain as to what to expect of the king and the captain and had my doubts about them even fitting together, but I believe this story explained it enough for me to kind of root for that unlikely couple. Although I have to admit that I liked the action bit more than the romance-y part of the story.
Also, I have to say that I expected a bit more of Ridge as his role wasn't that big and Angulus and Kaika had to save the day themselves. After having fallen into some trouble first ...
Enjoyable and I'm definitely going to continue as there're so many things left to discover.
The Book Challengers blog // The Book Challengers Instagram // The Book Challengers Twitter
At first I was quite uncertain as to what to expect of the king and the captain and had my doubts about them even fitting together, but I believe this story explained it enough for me to kind of root for that unlikely couple. Although I have to admit that I liked the action bit more than the romance-y part of the story.
Also, I have to say that I expected a bit more of Ridge as his role wasn't that big and Angulus and Kaika had to save the day themselves. After having fallen into some trouble first ...
Enjoyable and I'm definitely going to continue as there're so many things left to discover.
The Book Challengers blog // The Book Challengers Instagram // The Book Challengers Twitter
October 14, 2015
Another reliably entertaining Lindsay Buroker book. She keeps writing them and I keep buying them.
One thing I do notice about this series in particular is that all of the couples seem to have the same dynamic: they're confident on the outside, and on the inside they're always wondering insecurely how they're coming across, and not knowing, because the other person is also not letting on. Maybe a new schtick would be good for a change?
The last scene also seemed a bit out of character for one of the participants, given several specific statements made earlier in the book.
Overall, though, a good mixture of adventure with a bit of romance, and it adds a couple of complications to the series in progress. I have the next book on preorder.
One thing I do notice about this series in particular is that all of the couples seem to have the same dynamic: they're confident on the outside, and on the inside they're always wondering insecurely how they're coming across, and not knowing, because the other person is also not letting on. Maybe a new schtick would be good for a change?
The last scene also seemed a bit out of character for one of the participants, given several specific statements made earlier in the book.
Overall, though, a good mixture of adventure with a bit of romance, and it adds a couple of complications to the series in progress. I have the next book on preorder.
April 5, 2017
Just a thought, but I really love Buroker's characters. They tend to be so very human. On the outside they look infallible but you get to see their thoughts on the matter they are going through and that adds a bit of excitement to the whole story.
Ridge seems like this playboy, laid back, irreverent pilot, but with Sardell and his thoughts and actions you see that he is so much more than that and is a rather understanding and has depths people wouldn’t think to assign him.
With Tolemek you see this brooding and gruff fearsome guy, but then you see his insecurities about how to interact with Ahn and how to show her affection that works for her personality.
With Angulus you see him as a somber and serious king who seems to be so staid and proper, but then you get to hear his thoughts about Kaika and are thrown for a loop as he is so unsure of how to interact with her since she is basically the opposite. At times it is almost like a boy’s first crush with how he deals with her and I thought it was really sweet to be honest.
***4/4/17
I ... love ... this ... series. I mean c’mon how could you not with dragons, magic, dog fights/fighter pilots, and loveable and funny characters?
I was rooting for this pairing to happen while reading the series. Kaika and Angulus, together, are a perfect match. I can't wait until Raptor comes out, though I wonder if it will top the awesomeness that was The Blade's Memory. I have faith that it will be its own brand of awesome despite this. I have yet to meet a Buroker book that I don’t like.
Ridge seems like this playboy, laid back, irreverent pilot, but with Sardell and his thoughts and actions you see that he is so much more than that and is a rather understanding and has depths people wouldn’t think to assign him.
With Tolemek you see this brooding and gruff fearsome guy, but then you see his insecurities about how to interact with Ahn and how to show her affection that works for her personality.
With Angulus you see him as a somber and serious king who seems to be so staid and proper, but then you get to hear his thoughts about Kaika and are thrown for a loop as he is so unsure of how to interact with her since she is basically the opposite. At times it is almost like a boy’s first crush with how he deals with her and I thought it was really sweet to be honest.
***4/4/17
I ... love ... this ... series. I mean c’mon how could you not with dragons, magic, dog fights/fighter pilots, and loveable and funny characters?
I was rooting for this pairing to happen while reading the series. Kaika and Angulus, together, are a perfect match. I can't wait until Raptor comes out, though I wonder if it will top the awesomeness that was The Blade's Memory. I have faith that it will be its own brand of awesome despite this. I have yet to meet a Buroker book that I don’t like.
February 21, 2016
A short diversion from the main storyline of the series. I enjoyed getting to know both Kaika and King Angulus better. I think at this point Buroker could publish her shopping list and I'd read it. Her books consistently deliver great characters and entertaining stories.
April 3, 2021
This series has been absolutely captivating. Each character truly has their own voice and wit. Loved this novella and peering into the uninhibited mind of Kaika at more length, and gaining more clarity on the inception of her relationship with Angulus. Grinned throughout the book!
May 5, 2023
an enjoyable short story, well worth reading
March 31, 2022
Not the highest quality book, but amusing
April 10, 2024
Good, wish it was longer!
November 21, 2020
Another great read from MS. Buroker. Our ever intrepid demolition expert continues to excite while being dangerous and well armed with quips, wins and stuff to kill things. And I'm here for all of it. I like her, I wonder how this will end for this fearing duo. Well onward and upwards to victory I hope.
February 8, 2017
A great novella about King Angulus.
There is trouble at Angulus' top secret laboratory deep in the Ice Blades, two scientists have been killed by person or persons unknown. When he decides to be a member of the party who go to investigate he just can't stop himself from inviting Captain Kaika to be the explosives expert.
For a novella this is action-packed with dragons, soul blades, explosions, strange ancient sorceresses wearing golden armour, mid-air fights with unknown assailants and a quirky romance.
I do love Captain Kaika.
There is trouble at Angulus' top secret laboratory deep in the Ice Blades, two scientists have been killed by person or persons unknown. When he decides to be a member of the party who go to investigate he just can't stop himself from inviting Captain Kaika to be the explosives expert.
For a novella this is action-packed with dragons, soul blades, explosions, strange ancient sorceresses wearing golden armour, mid-air fights with unknown assailants and a quirky romance.
I do love Captain Kaika.
November 3, 2015
Did not like the characterization of the king, his thought patterns are a bit more like a teenage boy than that of a monarch, or even a grown man
February 15, 2018
A short interlude between books. Capt Kaika and her sayings gets me laughing every time. This was another great read form the pen of Lindsay Buroker.
July 12, 2022
Not going to lie, Angulus getting tongue-tied around Kaika and worrying about whether she'd find him boring (when compared to, say, Ridge who routinely flies into glorious battle and pulls miraculous defeats of the enemy out of thin air) is pretty great. The guy's a king, used to leading and engaging on a big level, and yet one saucy soldier throws him for a loop.
On Kaika's end, she's kind of clueless about Angulus's feelings. Mostly because he's a king and she's very much not part of his circle. Yet...YET, he likes her. He likes her propensity for causing a little chaos and he likes that she checks out his butt. Which is VERY MUCH a thing Kaika does.
An unexpected mission that ends up fraught with danger, a hidden surprise, an endearingly awkward king, and a whole lot of upheaval that looks like it might cause some repercussions down the line. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
On Kaika's end, she's kind of clueless about Angulus's feelings. Mostly because he's a king and she's very much not part of his circle. Yet...YET, he likes her. He likes her propensity for causing a little chaos and he likes that she checks out his butt. Which is VERY MUCH a thing Kaika does.
An unexpected mission that ends up fraught with danger, a hidden surprise, an endearingly awkward king, and a whole lot of upheaval that looks like it might cause some repercussions down the line. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
November 6, 2024
This is Kaika's story with King Angulus.
I am glad that she got her own book and we got more into her mind and how she is an adrenaline junkie at heart.
This book is more about romance than the others because it was about certain character background stories . It opens up a lot of new possibilities for the stories to go in .She has been depicted as a thrill seeker adrenaline junky, compulsive flirt, sex addict and that was shown from the light by mind invasion we know she thinks about sex a lot, and not always thinking about free men either. Yet, she isn't painted as a "man stealer" "house breaker" or any other evil entity.
In my. Opinion,I wanted a happy ending for her . I loved the King's thoughts too. His fascination with Kaika and coming to understand her better. The author did justice with character and redemption of character will help the book emerge as new possibilities for the series
I am glad that she got her own book and we got more into her mind and how she is an adrenaline junkie at heart.
This book is more about romance than the others because it was about certain character background stories . It opens up a lot of new possibilities for the stories to go in .She has been depicted as a thrill seeker adrenaline junky, compulsive flirt, sex addict and that was shown from the light by mind invasion we know she thinks about sex a lot, and not always thinking about free men either. Yet, she isn't painted as a "man stealer" "house breaker" or any other evil entity.
In my. Opinion,I wanted a happy ending for her . I loved the King's thoughts too. His fascination with Kaika and coming to understand her better. The author did justice with character and redemption of character will help the book emerge as new possibilities for the series
April 26, 2020
A perfect fit
If you're looking at this, you've probably read at least some/most of the previous books in the series. I'm going to presume that you're as addicted to it all as I am & just say ADD THIS BOOK! It clarifies a couple of points from later books. Yes, I read all the others first & I'm coming back for this one & the separate offering about Therrik. That's next!
To be perfectly honest, and I try to be that, this book is more of a want than a need for the series but it helps fill in the blanks and I like my blanks filled :)! It is a great read and definitely worth it. Lindsay Buroker does it again.
If you're looking at this, you've probably read at least some/most of the previous books in the series. I'm going to presume that you're as addicted to it all as I am & just say ADD THIS BOOK! It clarifies a couple of points from later books. Yes, I read all the others first & I'm coming back for this one & the separate offering about Therrik. That's next!
To be perfectly honest, and I try to be that, this book is more of a want than a need for the series but it helps fill in the blanks and I like my blanks filled :)! It is a great read and definitely worth it. Lindsay Buroker does it again.
May 27, 2020
This novella depicts a harrowing experience for Kaika and the King. Well, before it turned into a different kind of experience of a more aahhh...romantic nature. They were trapped inside a cavern with a big bomb about to explode and bury them indefinitely. Luckily, as was Kaika’s profession, she managed to neutralize the bomb while the king kept a couple of enemy soldiers from killing them. But a far greater surprise was encased with them. I don’t want to provide any spoilers here. Let’s just say you will totally be baffled and intrigued by the surprise and will definitely want to read more of this series as am I.
August 15, 2018
Three stars isn’t quite what I would give this novel. I enjoyed getting to know Kaika more. However, I am getting bored with Lindsay always referencing sex and characters leaping into relations of that nature. I know how many people think about sex but either stick with a great story or write a smut novel. It’s at least not full of attempted G sex scenes like other authors I’ve read. I’m very intrigued where the story line will go and have made it through 5.5 books so I’m going to finish the series. I hope I’m not disappointed.
June 8, 2020
This book gives insight into the minor characters of the series, Kaika and King Angulus. Kaika is a kick-butt, demolition expert who the king has crushed on since she blew up an urn to get his attention years ago. Along with filling in gaps about the overarching series problem (the war with Cofah who have used dragon blood to create terrible weapons) and introducing a new set of problems to be the source of a sister series, this enriches the story world. An enjoyable read with all the adventure, tension and character interaction you’ve come to expect from Buroker.
March 12, 2024
Intriguingly Fun
The adventurous nature Of the characters brought to life In an unexpected fun way, in a very detailed environment. New precarious characters were Introduce, I hope will be in the next book. There was some sad parts in the book. However it really painted the characters personalities in more detail. As passionate Individuals that felt honored to put themselves In danger for their King Country and team mates. The book was fun and entertaining and I recommend reading it.
The adventurous nature Of the characters brought to life In an unexpected fun way, in a very detailed environment. New precarious characters were Introduce, I hope will be in the next book. There was some sad parts in the book. However it really painted the characters personalities in more detail. As passionate Individuals that felt honored to put themselves In danger for their King Country and team mates. The book was fun and entertaining and I recommend reading it.
August 4, 2025
And it continues to get better and better
So I am beginning to see the foundations of what must eventually become what I consider to be Lindsay’s trademark snark (rhyme unintentional, lol). There is a lot of humor in a very small space in this book and it’s enormous fun.
We also get introduced to a downright terrifying new villain. I cannot wait to see what Buroker does with THIS one.
So don’t haggle over the price, simply know that it’s worth it, and I’m off to Book 6, now. ENJOY!
So I am beginning to see the foundations of what must eventually become what I consider to be Lindsay’s trademark snark (rhyme unintentional, lol). There is a lot of humor in a very small space in this book and it’s enormous fun.
We also get introduced to a downright terrifying new villain. I cannot wait to see what Buroker does with THIS one.
So don’t haggle over the price, simply know that it’s worth it, and I’m off to Book 6, now. ENJOY!
April 10, 2019
Short but sweet
This was more of a novella than the normal novels by Lindsay that I am used to reading, but it was still packed with the amazing characters i have come to know and cherish. This dove into the perspective of Kaika and king Angulus, showing a different side to both and showing some behind the scenes activity. I enjoyed this shorter story, but back to the main narrative I will go
This was more of a novella than the normal novels by Lindsay that I am used to reading, but it was still packed with the amazing characters i have come to know and cherish. This dove into the perspective of Kaika and king Angulus, showing a different side to both and showing some behind the scenes activity. I enjoyed this shorter story, but back to the main narrative I will go
August 11, 2019
Best one yet Ms. Buroker
I certainly enjoyed this book. Kaika is my kind of lady, irreverent, speaks her mind, ready for action, smart, & feisty. Glad you took the time to flesh out her character. Do the same for Duck, Raptor, rest of the crew, please? No more recalcitrant people, shy or like minded individuals. You have great writing skills, use them please to write more about the remaining dragons, soul swords.
I certainly enjoyed this book. Kaika is my kind of lady, irreverent, speaks her mind, ready for action, smart, & feisty. Glad you took the time to flesh out her character. Do the same for Duck, Raptor, rest of the crew, please? No more recalcitrant people, shy or like minded individuals. You have great writing skills, use them please to write more about the remaining dragons, soul swords.
December 29, 2019
Their relationship is still baffling ...
I give four stars because the plot was fun and interesting. The dialogue was humorous. It wasn’t sappy, but I have to say, the relationship between Kaika and Angulus is just as baffling as it was when it was just stated as fact in Heritage of Power. I suppose Agulus is attracted to Kaika because she is allowed to do the everything he cannot. The relationship and how it works out in the end is still completely inexplicable.
I give four stars because the plot was fun and interesting. The dialogue was humorous. It wasn’t sappy, but I have to say, the relationship between Kaika and Angulus is just as baffling as it was when it was just stated as fact in Heritage of Power. I suppose Agulus is attracted to Kaika because she is allowed to do the everything he cannot. The relationship and how it works out in the end is still completely inexplicable.
May 13, 2020
More of a 3.5 due to being so short.
Basically our h in this case has been reassigned to train by the king, not out of punishment, but because he's fascinated by her and it's rather hard to get to know someone when they're on another continent.
Things happen, the king invites himself along (an occurrence which causes his various advisors and bodyguards a good deal of consternation), and between the two of them, they inadvertently set into motion events that will likely cause issue soon.
Basically our h in this case has been reassigned to train by the king, not out of punishment, but because he's fascinated by her and it's rather hard to get to know someone when they're on another continent.
Things happen, the king invites himself along (an occurrence which causes his various advisors and bodyguards a good deal of consternation), and between the two of them, they inadvertently set into motion events that will likely cause issue soon.
March 13, 2022
A little short, but still a great addition to the series
Captain Keika was the main character in this adventure and we meet another dragon, thats all the spoilers I want to give. I found it as exciting as the rest of the series so far even if it was shorter. I will definitely continue the series to see what happens next. Thank you for the amazing world you created and shared with the world we live in.
Captain Keika was the main character in this adventure and we meet another dragon, thats all the spoilers I want to give. I found it as exciting as the rest of the series so far even if it was shorter. I will definitely continue the series to see what happens next. Thank you for the amazing world you created and shared with the world we live in.
November 26, 2022
I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars. This wasn't bad but it required suspending a lot more disbelief than the others. To its credit, the book did kind of call itself out for putting the king in such an absurd position. However, I don't feel like the romance established in this one represents a particularly good match. Beyond that, the adventure was pretty good, the plot and action were both decent, and it was still a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews