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Swords & Salt #1–3 omnibus
Chains of Honor: the Prequels
All three Chains of Honor prequel novellas in 1 boxed set.
Previously published as the Swords & Salt Collection, these adventures take place a few months before Warrior Mage and show how Yanko first meets Dak and Lakeo.
Tale 1: A Question of Honor
With less than six months until his entrance exams for the famed Nurian warrior-mage academy, Yanko is sent to his uncle’s salt mine for “hardening,” as his father calls it. He expects endless days of physical labor; what he doesn’t expect is to have to choose one of the mine’s prisoners as a sparring partner.
Not wanting his uncle to think him a coward, Yanko picks a big scarred man from Turgonia, a land known for its ruthless warriors. Only after his selection does he learn that he’ll be expected to kill his opponent… before his opponent kills him.
Tale 2: Labyrinths of the Heart
After months of working in his uncle’s mine, Yanko longs to see his family and friends again, especially Arayevo, the woman he has adored from afar since he was a boy. When she travels two days and asks to see him, his mind dances at the possibilities.
But the mines are busy: there’s a political delegate to humor, a maiden in distress to help, and a wedding that must go perfectly—or else. Yanko will be lucky if he finds a chance to talk to Arayevo before she disappears from his life forever.
Tale 3: Death from Below
A visit from Yanko’s older brother is interrupted when an alarm blasts through the mine. Mutilated workers have been found dead in a newly opened tunnel.
Yanko has been studying to become a mage, and his brother is a soldier, so they believe they are prepared to deal with this unknown threat, but what awaits them in the subterranean depths is nothing the mine has seen in its hundreds of years of operation.
Previously published as the Swords & Salt Collection, these adventures take place a few months before Warrior Mage and show how Yanko first meets Dak and Lakeo.
Tale 1: A Question of Honor
With less than six months until his entrance exams for the famed Nurian warrior-mage academy, Yanko is sent to his uncle’s salt mine for “hardening,” as his father calls it. He expects endless days of physical labor; what he doesn’t expect is to have to choose one of the mine’s prisoners as a sparring partner.
Not wanting his uncle to think him a coward, Yanko picks a big scarred man from Turgonia, a land known for its ruthless warriors. Only after his selection does he learn that he’ll be expected to kill his opponent… before his opponent kills him.
Tale 2: Labyrinths of the Heart
After months of working in his uncle’s mine, Yanko longs to see his family and friends again, especially Arayevo, the woman he has adored from afar since he was a boy. When she travels two days and asks to see him, his mind dances at the possibilities.
But the mines are busy: there’s a political delegate to humor, a maiden in distress to help, and a wedding that must go perfectly—or else. Yanko will be lucky if he finds a chance to talk to Arayevo before she disappears from his life forever.
Tale 3: Death from Below
A visit from Yanko’s older brother is interrupted when an alarm blasts through the mine. Mutilated workers have been found dead in a newly opened tunnel.
Yanko has been studying to become a mage, and his brother is a soldier, so they believe they are prepared to deal with this unknown threat, but what awaits them in the subterranean depths is nothing the mine has seen in its hundreds of years of operation.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2013
82 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
198 books6,243 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 40 reviews
May 18, 2020
First steps towards destiny
A great book. I am someone who does not like prequels, as sometime the back stories don't love up to the main stories. This book and these stories on the other hand are great as they give great insight into the characters of the main story. I read in the acknowledgments that this was supposed to be a stand alone book that the characters seem to grow out of and to me that really shows.
The first story is Yanko being sent to the mines to "harden up". Here he meets Dok and someone else who would shape his destiny later on. This is my favourite of the three stories as it has the most martials arts training and tactics. I really like the difference shown by formal techniques Vs practical fighting, as well as adapting new styles and tactics.
The second story is reunion between Yanko and someone from is past, as well as the first meeting between Yanko and Lakeo. The mai take away from this story is Yanko and Lakeo's sense of justice even of honor or changing someones "looking out for number 1" nature. This is a turning point in three relationships for Yanko in this story. This has one of my favourite lines in any book "women keep saying they need me, but never for what I want". Ha ha love it.
The third story shows the relationship between Yanko and Falcon. His older brother. I find these two interesting as being brothers they are very close, but have every reason to be jealous of each other as the other one has everything the other wants.
A great book. It really adds to the characters of the main story. Granted I have read it after book one and the references in book one made sense which to a continuity lover like me means a lot.
A great book. I am someone who does not like prequels, as sometime the back stories don't love up to the main stories. This book and these stories on the other hand are great as they give great insight into the characters of the main story. I read in the acknowledgments that this was supposed to be a stand alone book that the characters seem to grow out of and to me that really shows.
The first story is Yanko being sent to the mines to "harden up". Here he meets Dok and someone else who would shape his destiny later on. This is my favourite of the three stories as it has the most martials arts training and tactics. I really like the difference shown by formal techniques Vs practical fighting, as well as adapting new styles and tactics.
The second story is reunion between Yanko and someone from is past, as well as the first meeting between Yanko and Lakeo. The mai take away from this story is Yanko and Lakeo's sense of justice even of honor or changing someones "looking out for number 1" nature. This is a turning point in three relationships for Yanko in this story. This has one of my favourite lines in any book "women keep saying they need me, but never for what I want". Ha ha love it.
The third story shows the relationship between Yanko and Falcon. His older brother. I find these two interesting as being brothers they are very close, but have every reason to be jealous of each other as the other one has everything the other wants.
A great book. It really adds to the characters of the main story. Granted I have read it after book one and the references in book one made sense which to a continuity lover like me means a lot.
August 29, 2015
3 short stories introducing a new (nurian) likeable character, Yanko, in the EE world. Not overwhelming but still pleasant.
This collection is a prequel to Chains of Honor (book #1 Warrior Mage ) which I am going to start now even if I am sworn to NEVER again start an unfinished series...
Ah well.
This collection is a prequel to Chains of Honor (book #1 Warrior Mage ) which I am going to start now even if I am sworn to NEVER again start an unfinished series...
Ah well.
April 8, 2017
I enjoyed this collection of shorts. It has me wishing to read the entire Emperor's Blade series, or at least finish it since I stopped @ book 3. heh
June 25, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars
Definitely novellas used for worldbuilding before the main series, so in that sense, it's not too exciting. However, it was easy to become invested in Yanko's story.
Definitely novellas used for worldbuilding before the main series, so in that sense, it's not too exciting. However, it was easy to become invested in Yanko's story.
September 16, 2015
I’m a huge Lindsay Buroker fan and her Emperor’s Edge series is one of my favourite series ever. The novellas in this collection serve as prequel to an upcoming series set in Nuria which is part of the Emperor’s Edge world.
Although the stories here didn’t disappoint they felt a bit weak and like they lacked something. This collection is only a prequel so I guess there is room for much more development once the actual series is set in motion. The world-building isn’t very convincing and could be a lot more detailed. Swords & Salt feels a bit like the first brush strokes on a blank canvas. Buroker is handing us the first sketch of the series to come. It doesn’t mean that the stories are not entertaining, it is just that they are not quite engaging enough.
I do like the characters featured in this collection, especially Yanko, Mishnal and Lakeo (great butt-kicking heroine potential here!). And I just love that Dak Starcrest is part of the cast! I really liked his character in the Emperor’s Edge series and want to read more about him.
Overall, I think this series does have some potential but Buroker definitely needs to work on the world-building. I hope she doesn’t disappoint as I can’t wait to read about life in Nuria and to find out how it all ties in with the Emperor’s Edge world.
Although the stories here didn’t disappoint they felt a bit weak and like they lacked something. This collection is only a prequel so I guess there is room for much more development once the actual series is set in motion. The world-building isn’t very convincing and could be a lot more detailed. Swords & Salt feels a bit like the first brush strokes on a blank canvas. Buroker is handing us the first sketch of the series to come. It doesn’t mean that the stories are not entertaining, it is just that they are not quite engaging enough.
I do like the characters featured in this collection, especially Yanko, Mishnal and Lakeo (great butt-kicking heroine potential here!). And I just love that Dak Starcrest is part of the cast! I really liked his character in the Emperor’s Edge series and want to read more about him.
Overall, I think this series does have some potential but Buroker definitely needs to work on the world-building. I hope she doesn’t disappoint as I can’t wait to read about life in Nuria and to find out how it all ties in with the Emperor’s Edge world.
June 9, 2016
Chains of Honor
A little exercise into the mind of a great fantasy writers mind! The three tales are almost seamless, Yanko is in a salt mine being toughened up for his warrior mage school in nine months. Read this to get the real flavor of Chain of Honor!
A little exercise into the mind of a great fantasy writers mind! The three tales are almost seamless, Yanko is in a salt mine being toughened up for his warrior mage school in nine months. Read this to get the real flavor of Chain of Honor!
March 3, 2016
Wow, I am on a streak. 6 great books in a row. From contemp to historical/paranormal and then fantasy. Now I don't know what to read next :(
July 27, 2025
I'm rounding up to five stars. I think it kind of shows that these weren't really written to be read before the main novels of the series. All three seem to be fleshing out the backstory of the world and characters more than trying to tell a full story about any of them. That said, they do each tell a full story and we get some good character development with Yanko. The world and magic system are really interesting and it's easier to sympathize with Yanko with each story as he tries to do the right thing. It also introduces us to his uncle, his brother, Dak, Lakeo, Aaryevo, and Prince Zirabo, at least some of which I suspect are major characters in the novels as they are all very interesting characters who seem like they have some depth to be explored. It definitely makes me look forward to getting into the series.
January 14, 2024
Yanko is earmarked to become a warrior mage, that is if he can succeed the entry exams.
But then, Yanko, a seventeen year old boy, has his own ideas of life and what interests him. To the exasperation of his father. Small wonder his father elected to send Yanko to the salt mines to get "toughened up".
Except, there is a lot to Yanko that nobody really knows off. These three short prequels of what happens at this salt mine gives an idea how different Yanko really is.
And for this reader providing a fine insight into what to expect in the series Chains of Honor by capable fantasy author, Lindsay Buroker.
Enjoy
But then, Yanko, a seventeen year old boy, has his own ideas of life and what interests him. To the exasperation of his father. Small wonder his father elected to send Yanko to the salt mines to get "toughened up".
Except, there is a lot to Yanko that nobody really knows off. These three short prequels of what happens at this salt mine gives an idea how different Yanko really is.
And for this reader providing a fine insight into what to expect in the series Chains of Honor by capable fantasy author, Lindsay Buroker.
Enjoy
July 13, 2017
Bugs
As always, I really enjoy everything that Lindsay Buroker writes. What else can I say? That I would recommend any of her books to anyone that enjoys a good fantasy, yes! One other thing I wanted to bring to your attention is that I always feel a bit longing for the next read of hers. I wasn't aware that I was a fantasy junkie...lol
As always, I really enjoy everything that Lindsay Buroker writes. What else can I say? That I would recommend any of her books to anyone that enjoys a good fantasy, yes! One other thing I wanted to bring to your attention is that I always feel a bit longing for the next read of hers. I wasn't aware that I was a fantasy junkie...lol
December 8, 2018
Three solid stories
This mini-trilogy introduces Yanko, the aspiring mage and provide some background on why he's laboring in his family's salt mines. Other main characters are introduced who later appear in the Chains of Honor series. The stories are quick, humorous, and show how Yanko develops his skills as a fighter and mage.
This mini-trilogy introduces Yanko, the aspiring mage and provide some background on why he's laboring in his family's salt mines. Other main characters are introduced who later appear in the Chains of Honor series. The stories are quick, humorous, and show how Yanko develops his skills as a fighter and mage.
October 14, 2020
Fun and endearing characters.
I was unsure about how interesting I would find this set, but was happy to see some overlap with the Emperor's Edge/Forgotten Ages.
It turned out to be another set of page-turners. Great fun.
Keep up the great job Lindsay! !!
I was unsure about how interesting I would find this set, but was happy to see some overlap with the Emperor's Edge/Forgotten Ages.
It turned out to be another set of page-turners. Great fun.
Keep up the great job Lindsay! !!
August 4, 2023
Nice prequel to the next series
Another great storyline that I am eager to follow. Yahoo needs to follow his passion and the family can only be proud of him for doing so. Looking forward to this series.
Another great storyline that I am eager to follow. Yahoo needs to follow his passion and the family can only be proud of him for doing so. Looking forward to this series.
May 6, 2024
I saw that these three short stories are a “prequel”. They are interesting enough that I will continue on to the series. I’ve yet to be disappointed by a Buroker series and look forward to this one, especially since I may encounter characters from one of her other series.
July 2, 2024
Definitely not someone who can willingly admit to enjoying prequels. However this has been an enjoyable read, given I'm reading these before the rest of the series. The world was fun and very well drawn for me, I'm excited to read forward in this series.
January 5, 2025
Another enjoyable romp through the Emperor's Edge universe, albeit from a completely different location and perspective. Based on the cameo and the over-all bend towards Important Things On The Horizon, I look forward to carrying on this revist in the Warrior Mage series!
March 30, 2018
This was not one of my favorites of Lindsey‘s works. I didn’t find it very interesting. It was kind of slow and repetitive. It didn’t go anywhere for me, at least, it didn’t go anywhere very fast.
January 17, 2020
Great intro
Good to return to this situation and happy to have a bit of background too. Looking forward to reading Chains of hope
Good to return to this situation and happy to have a bit of background too. Looking forward to reading Chains of hope
March 27, 2021
Good
Good addition to the Emperor's Edge series. Yahoo, Lakeo , Falcon , Dak, the Prince and more are characters I'm looking forward to hearing more about
Good addition to the Emperor's Edge series. Yahoo, Lakeo , Falcon , Dak, the Prince and more are characters I'm looking forward to hearing more about
September 3, 2021
Good character development, funny moments and drama. Not as fond of this protagonist as others, though.
February 15, 2023
I love Lindsay Buroker stories in the world and am looking forward to seeing more of Dak Starcrest.
April 18, 2025
Excellent start to a series. 3 short stories that give a slice of life picture.
August 25, 2018
another great series from Lindsay Buroker. only thing is it ends in a cliffhanger. so proceed with caution if you read this series.
same world as Emperor's edge but only one character form the original series and he didn't come into play until like book 8.
so this young man doesn't annoy me. the dragon series, Dragon Storm, Heritage of Power. those young folks annoyed me so much.
yanko is insecure and talks to himself a lot but he isn't annoying. i think may be because of how humble and polite he is. i dunno. i enjoyed watching him learn new skills and discover he could be badass. i enjoyed his moments of self doubt and when he blushed. i like his entourage, especially Dak.
as always lots of fun, lots of adventure, some scifi/fantasy, and a lil romance.
buy the books. read the books. love the books. get mad they end in a cliffhanger.
same world as Emperor's edge but only one character form the original series and he didn't come into play until like book 8.
so this young man doesn't annoy me. the dragon series, Dragon Storm, Heritage of Power. those young folks annoyed me so much.
yanko is insecure and talks to himself a lot but he isn't annoying. i think may be because of how humble and polite he is. i dunno. i enjoyed watching him learn new skills and discover he could be badass. i enjoyed his moments of self doubt and when he blushed. i like his entourage, especially Dak.
as always lots of fun, lots of adventure, some scifi/fantasy, and a lil romance.
buy the books. read the books. love the books. get mad they end in a cliffhanger.
June 6, 2016
These 3 shorts are prequels to the "Chains of Honor" series. Definitely recommend reading before starting the series - there's a lot of interesting background, and character building that shouldn't be missed. All main characters in the CoH series are from these short stories. Though this takes place in the Salt Mines of Nuria, this is the same world as Emperor's Edge (Definitely a Must Read if you haven't already...best to read before this series since there is some crossover)
I was a little slow to get into this prequel but once I did I blazed thru and really enjoyed! Have now read Warrior Mage & Snake Heart - both Excellent 5 Star , Highly Recommend!!
I was a little slow to get into this prequel but once I did I blazed thru and really enjoyed! Have now read Warrior Mage & Snake Heart - both Excellent 5 Star , Highly Recommend!!
August 10, 2016
Quick, fun, exciting stories introducing new characters and a new land in the same world as the Emperor's Edge series. Yanko is convincing and engaging as a 17-year-old boy teetering between the awkwardness of adolescence and the demands of adulthood that his family and society will be placing on him.
August 30, 2016
A set of shorter stories that act as a prequel to the two Chains of Honor books. We see how Yanko met Dak and Laeko, and see how it is that Arayevo left to search for adventure in the seas. I'm glad I read these as it helps fill in some blanks that I had after reading book one of Chains of Honor.
December 30, 2013
Hope this is just the beginning
Set in her Emperor's Edge world, Buroker gives us a fascinating look at the land of Nuria as told through the eyes of Yanko, a somewhat reluctantly aspiring warrior-mage. I do hope this is only the beginning of Yanko's story. I'm already hooked!
Set in her Emperor's Edge world, Buroker gives us a fascinating look at the land of Nuria as told through the eyes of Yanko, a somewhat reluctantly aspiring warrior-mage. I do hope this is only the beginning of Yanko's story. I'm already hooked!
February 11, 2014
These stories are set and the EE world, after the completion of the EE series in the neighboring country of Nuria. The stories were very engaging and I can't wait to hear more about what happens to all of the characters.
March 11, 2014
I like swashbuckling and short stories that feature it. This is not a ton of the fighting, but definitely a few places here and there. The stories are independently readable, but do reference each other in a few places. Nice little intro into a different part of Lindsay Buroker's world.
May 29, 2014
Yanko stole my heart. He is one the most self-deprecating characters imaginable, but with so much real pazazz going for him . . . I just wish he could see it. Really fun adventures that have left me wanting more. Can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews