Gold Dragon

Heritage of Power #5

by Lindsay Buroker

Now that Trip’s siblings are safely back in the capital, he would like it if life got back to normal. As normal as possible for a half-dragon army officer learning to use his magical powers when he isn’t busy piloting with Wolf Squadron.

But trouble keeps popping up, and the capital isn’t the safe haven Trip had hoped. More and more dragons are working together, with attacks growing frequent as they scheme to claim the country for themselves. Equally daunting, Rysha wants to introduce Trip to her parents, parents who want a proper nobleman for their daughter, not some odd commoner sired by a dragon.

If Trip is to have any chance of bringing peace to the country—and impressing Rysha’s parents—he’ll have to finally and fully embrace what he is and what he can do. Before time runs out.

Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk, Dragons, Romance, Magic, Fiction, Audiobook

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2018

About the author

I'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.

Reviews

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahora ya en la capital, Trip con su entrenamiento de Hechizero, sus vuelos con el escuadron Wolf, y los trabajitos que hace para sus hermanos, no ha tenido tiempo de ver a Rhysa, sobre todo despues de que esta lograra superar su entrenamiento para la tropa elite. Pero cuando los problemas vuelven a atacar el reino, quizas haber estado entrenando fue lo mejor para los dos. Sobre todo cuando tienen que luchar contra varios dragones dorados, plateado e intentar no solo salvar un carguero de Iskandia, sino tambien la propiedad de los padres de Rhysa.
Pero pareciera que la unica forma de que los dragones acepten dejar en paz el reino es demostrarle que ellos son mas fuertes, y quizas la unica forma de lograrlo sea que Trip acepte totalmente su poder y logre explotar totalmente sus habilidades, no solo como hechizero sino tambien como ingeniero. Asi como Rhysa debe aceptar y entender que ella ahora es una guerrera, la primera Jinete Dragon en miles de anos, y que puede ser una de las pocas personas capaces de derrotar a un dragon dorado.

En este libro por fin vemos a ambos protas aceptar sus peculiaridades y explotan su potencial, aunque todavia siento que el autor no logro manejar exactamente esa aceptacion. Ademas que aqui vemos mucho del punto de vista de Rhysa y nos deja a Trip un poco abandonado. Me gusto mucho que fuera de accion desde el principio, muy bien hiladas las peleas, muy divertidos los comentarios de los otros pilotos y de las espadas. Tambien me gusto mucho la interaccion de Rhysa-dragona, y la de dragona-dragon-dios, en pocas palabras, me gusto mucho la personalidad juguetona, pero seria de la dragona.
Sin embargo, siento que quedaron algunas preguntas sin respuestas en toda la saga, con cada libro que terminaba de la saga quedaba algo en el aire, que no se respondia en los libros siguientes. Pero tambien senti que no el personaje de Trip quedo sin desarrollar complementa, asi como quede con las dudas de muchos de los personajes de la saga anterior.
Me gustaria que el autor sacara otro libro de epilogos, donde podamos tener respuestas a las dudas de toda la saga, asi que saber que ha pasado con los otros personajes, pero lo mas seguro es que mas adelante lea la saga principal (Blood of Dragon) para lograr entender un poco mas el universo y algunos de los chistes que se hacian en estos libros.
En fin, es una serie entretenida, llena de accion y divertida, con personajes con los que vale la pena reencontrarse, seguro leo alguna otra serie de este autor mas adelante.

[kartik narayanan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The review of the entire series is available at my blog

Gold Dragon is a damp squib of an end to the Heritage of Power series. It goes in different directions, has no coherent plot and the resolution is unsatisfying.

Lindsay Buroker has her style of writing which is fun & light and good in small doses. But, this style has to paired with a decent plot for the book to be interesting. Unfortunately, in Gold Dragon, all we get is this light hearted fluff with nothing much of consequence. I am not expecting a GRRM or a Steven Eriksson here but I need some kind of plot to keep me interested. That is not the case and I consider this to be the weakest book in the series.

[Kian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book overall but the narrator makes Trip sound too childlike and I find Trip too naive and a wimp, he needs to stop cowering at any type of confrontation and man-up. I really like Raisha, her character is funny and likable.

[Llaph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. This was a nice wrap up for itI'm glad that she knows when to end a series rather than drag it on and on like other authors.
That epilogue was priceless.

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last book in the series, oh well.


I was so nervous about this book! It was hard for me to imagine how Buroker can wrap it all up in just 400 pages.

Luckily, she didn't disappoint! Really good ending for an amazing series.

It would be nice to see these characters again (especially the dragons, you can't help but love them!); the author has done this before, with this series as well, so let's hope this happens again!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the series:

I read this series before finishing the prequel series. While you do get some spoilers about what's to come in the other series you otherwise don't need to read the other one to enjoy this one. It incorporates Lindsay's trademarks- her silly, light humor, her quirky unconventional characters and lots of action.

None of this author's books contain a lot of worldbuilding. That works for me because I can fill in a good bit on my own. Plus, too much detail will drag down the pace. However, if you need a lot of complex worldbuilding and details then your enjoyment might be diminished.

Her characters are all quirky and unconventional heroes and heroines. That is one of the things I love about this author, how her characters are all unusual and misfits in their own ways. For the most part they start as underdogs and grow into their potential which is very satisfying to read. Her books are very much character and action driven.

I also love the female positivity in her books. They aren't the in your face, all men are bad and women rule and are superior types. They simply show a variety of really strong women in very different ways who display different types of competency. They also easily hold their own next to men.

If you like some light hearted fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously, along with some humor then give this author a try. Humor is always very personal and not everyone enjoys the same types. This author's humor tends to be a little screwball, perhaps a bit sophomoric, broad and droll. If you need more of a highbrow type of wit looks elsewhere. I think her humor adds to the feel of her books, that they are for escapism and not meant to be taken overly seriously. Basically, her books are great for getting away from the real world for a bit.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

PS! This review is for the first five books in the Heritage of Power series/the entire series (depending on whether Buroker decides to grace her readers with more stories about these characters).

I read the entire series back to back, and honestly, I don't think I could easily differentiate between these five books just because the plot flowed easily and honestly it just felt like one story to me. Sure, there were different plots to each of them, but the romance between Trip and one bespectacled officer made the story flow like one story for me.

I loved meeting some of my old favourites from Buroker's "Dragon Blood" series - some of those characters were more prominent, such as Jaxi and Bhrava Saruth, but they didn't take over the series as their own. It was still mostly Trip's story and really, really enjoyed it.

Buroker herself has said that Heritage of Power is a different series from Dragon Blood and if one wished, they could simply skip Dragon Blood before diving into this series, but I actually feel as if some of the reading experience would be lost that way. I have read all of the books in the Dragon Blood series and I still felt that some parts needed a bit refreshing as some connections between different characters or their backgrounds weren't as clear as they maybe could have been. However, Buroker did a great job at trying to describe these different relationships without spoiling the contents of the other series if a reader hasn't read any or some of those books.

And as always with Buroker's books - once you start, it's really, really difficult to stop and once you do finish with all of the books, you feel like you want more. I definitely want more as I need to know what happens to Shulina Arya and if she finds herself someone as well.

[Mandapanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this series underwhelming and lacking in focus and resolution. No chemistry between the two mains. Normally I love this author's books so I'm disappointed.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid ending to a good series.

[Lorre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series was absolutely amazing and Gold Dragon was such a good ending to it.
I love this world (which started in the Dragon Blood series) and even after 2 series in this world I'm not ready to say goodbye so I really hope the author will revisit this world someday. Maybe a series about the dragon Shulina Arya, because she's definitely deserves her own series!

After having read this series, the Dragon Blood series and her syfy series Fallen Empire and its sequel Sky Full of Stars, Lindsay Buroker has become my new favorite author and I look forward to read more of her series.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If Trip is to have any chance of bringing peace to the country—and impressing Rysha’s parents—he’ll have to finally and fully embrace what he is and what he can do. Before time runs out.”

There, in a nutshell, is this book. It hints at the great action, and romance, and complexity of plotting, found in this book and the whole series it is ending. Wonderfully written and thoroughly enjoyable, with a fantastic cast of lead and supporting characters including those that readers (fellow addicts) of this series have come to love. All hallmarks if Lindsay Buroker at her best, and that is a superb thing to be. So rejoice, fellow addicts as the end of this glorious series is upon us and it is equally glorious. (And feel sad too, as while all things must end, this one will be sorely missed...and feel comfortable in knowing that if this author can create two fantastic series in this wonderful world, she can do so again.)

As for newcomers, while you can (sorts) read this as a standalone, you are much better starting off at book 1. It’s addictively delicious and you’ll be in for a real treat following this series along.

Stratospherically high in my recommendation of this book, and series.

[RoRo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like this series

This is just a boring, unfun ride. In the beginning it was slow and generic and in the end it was also slow and generic. Maybe, there are a lot of people who like slow books, with characters that stay the exact same throughout the story, with minimal action and a romance that really didn't add anything and probably could have been left out, but it's not for me. I really wanted to like this story, trust me, I really tried. I even read all five books hoping to eventually start enjoying the books but it just never clicked. (Actually it's more like listen to the series as Caithlin Davies was the one positive reason I could tolerate the story)

I like shy, passive, and timid MCs, but there is always reason given why they are worth rooting for. Just because they are the protagonist isn't a justifiable reason to root for someone. Give me a moment / a reason / hell anything worth cheering for. At the start of Tower of God, Bam just wanted to be with Rachel and after season 1 he wanted revenge. Then in season three he wanted a purpose. In Tower of God, Bam was just a treat to read and seeing him progress is so fun, but here Trip remains the same. There is a difference between keeping the character the same and evolving the character but keeping the core aspect of themselves to be the same. The author shows that she can write an interesting character arc, but just not with Trip. Cough Cough Rysha. If this was Rysha's story it would have been fine, but every description given for each book, it is always phrased as Trip's story. So hence why I feel duped.

This series didn't sit well with me. Essentially it's a story of a odd person who plays a major part in stopping a war, yet is treated like a garbage bag. Only maybe 4 or 5 people show him any amount of respect. The message that is given in this series is always take shit from people, never stand up for yourself, hope and pray that someone will take pity on you and just do extraordinary things to make people lives easy at the expense of your own. Very heartwarming message.

I hate disrespectful people, and this book is just filled with assholes being disrespectful and everyone else just complying with their behavior. I don't get why every superior officer must automatically be stupid and disrespectful. I have done 1 year in boot camp for the army, and I have never ever ever seen a more disrespectful unit than what I have read in this book. Even when my father was in the army I don't remember him saying anything about his superiors or colleagues being disrespectful or being an asshole during missions. Majors, corporals, hell even Lieutenants never once mocked a person for being odd. They might scream and yell when your in training, but outside of that EVERYONE and I MEAN EVERYONE treated people with respect. Now you might disagree as this is a fantasy story so it can be whatever and probably you are right, but I just didn't like the way the military was portrayed.

Also, I hated the fact that Trip is always passive. I get that he is a gentle soul, but I hate it when people let others walk all over them just because. Think about this. If you were a young teen who is shy and timid and always feel odd and somehow you started to read this story, what will your impression be? I know what I would have taken away from this story. Never stand up for yourself because your peers know better and it's your fault for being different, and the only way to gain respect is to produce a miracle. Instead of this book giving us a moment to show that no matter how you are, you deserve to be treated with respect, it is instead replaced with the only way to get some respect is to literally move mountains for people.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of fun and action in this conclusion, plus ...

... an unconventional wedding that you may or may not have seen coming. (And no, I don't mean going back to Ridge and Sardelle's; that story, Oaths, is still forthcoming.)

There's more than one method attempted to deal with invading dragons this time, from Iskandia's dragon allies and the chapaharii sword-wielders, of course, to bargaining, to Trip's inventions. In the end, things are looking safely settled. (BTW, I have to to ask, am I the only one who keeps starting to say "chappa'ai" instead of "chapaharii"? I miss Stargate!)

Dragons aren't the only source of conflict, as Rysha's family continue being reluctant to accept either her military career or her non-aristocratic lover, especially with his whiff of the Other — and an embarrassing incident doesn't make it easier for Trip to face them! Trip's efforts to help them deal with a noble-blooded, ignoble-natured schemer land him in possibly serious legal trouble.

Oh, and speaking of parents, we get to meet the two male bronze dragons who raised Sulina Arya, both research scientists seeking a solution for the difficulty of human and dragon populations vying for land and resources.

But if you know Lindsay Buroker, you know that there's never a shortage of lighthearted moments, before, after, and often during the action scenes. Teasing is typical between romantic partners and among pilots (including Gen. Zirkander). The differently but equally irrepressible "god" Bhrava Saruth and youthfully eager Sulina Arya keep stealing the scene. And let's not forget the soulblades, fire-happy old friend Jaxi, and Azarwrath, who keeps hoping to sample culinary delicacies via Trip's taste buds.

The airborne battle climax is one of several exciting scenes (though it didn't feel like the most certain resolution I've ever read). I enjoyed more than enough in this story to easily give it a fourth star. The only bit that really felt missing to me was Trip talking with the grandparents who raised him about all he'd discovered of his origins. The proofreading/ editing was thorough and clean.

[Gavin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really disappointed with how this series turned out. The first three books were fantastic and the return to Iskandia was much welcomed. This is a better book than the previous one, but then it would be difficult to be worse. The book reads easily enough but Lindsay quite literally lost the plot after book three. She would have been far better putting the series on hold at that point rather than writing these last two for the sake of completion. Lindsay's editor and beta readers aren't doing their job if they didn't tell her these two works were substandard; or maybe they did and she unwisely ignored them.

Captain Trip continues to be Captain Drip. Lindsay writes many things well but struggles when it comes to anything introspective (it almost always turns out dull), or anything concerning male emotions (just plain unrealistic).

There are several plot holes in the storyline, including one big enough to drive an oil tanker through. If you have to resolve a storyline problem by jumping the shark then you need to go back and start again.

Overall, this was a lost opportunity to revisit several very likable characters. Having read some other reviews, it appears many fans of the Iskandia world feel the same as I do.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful world of dragons

Or, at least a world with an unexpected number of dragons in it. I have really enjoyed this series. Trip and Rysha made for an interesting pairing with her unorthodox interests and his unorthodox background. They matured nicely over the course of the series, both becoming more confident in themselves and what they want from life. There are always so many fun and quirky characters in Lindsay Buroker's books that it's hard to pick favorites. Zirkander and Sardelle were supporting characters in this series, but, of course, they're the main characters of the original series. King Angulus and Kaika were an offbeat pairing, but their scenes never failed to make me laugh. All of the members of Wolf Squadron felt like old friends. And the dragons... Brava Saturn cracked me up through the whole series and Shulina Arya made a nice addition to the otherwise crusty dragonkind. I'm sad that this was the last book in this series but I hope it's not the last we see of this world.

[Ryan Mangrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there is no "great wrap up." There's a framework for how we can expect the direction various relationships will take and how the humans and dragons will coexist. I love how all of the characters are well-rounded people with their own strengths and weaknesses. Something I personally love about Lindsay's writing is she doesn't fall into the "Grrl power" trap where female characters are Mary Sue's and the male characters are villains or bumbling fools. She takes the time to really think about how a real person would act in a given situation -- and the story is all the more enjoyable for it.

The banter between characters is second to none and had me literally laughing out loud a couple of times.

Then there's the dragons. All are fun to read, but Shurina Arya is an absolute hoot and I hope she can get her own short story at some point. I was really hoping (after some of the character conversations in book alluded to something like this) that she would form a relationship with Duck. Who knows? Maybe in a future story.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series & excellent wrapup

The final two instalments clinched it. As a work commute reader I found it very challenging through the last 2 books to interrupt the story for work ;) and ended up sidelining Netflix for the final 5 or so chapters of Gold Dragon. I wish there was a film in the making.

The only thing I can recall that may have left me a little wanting was the Court Case. I sort of expected it to be a platform to have a say, to get some things out in the open, to deal with some injustice. But still, not bitter with Lindsay's choice.

One or two predictable points but I think I would have been disappointed had they not ended with the cliche & they were offset with a few things that were not quite so predictable.

All in all the entire double series from Balanced on the Blade’s Edge to Gold Dragon has been one of the best reads of all time for me & I don't consider myself a Dragon fan (or Worshipper); though I guess I must now confess to being a Buroker fan.

[Carmen D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heritage of power series

The Golden Dragon was excellent. Loved your dragon books but please continue with Shulina Arya story (finding a mate). Need a Marriage between Trip(commoner) and Rysha(noble), and her family acceptance (honoring Trip). Also don’t forget Pimples and the princesses (Zilandria) story, another could be with Varlok (Cofahre ) meeting and marriage with Iskandian. But most of all, the growing up of Trip’s siblings & half animal siblings too. It’s to much fun not to see how they would play out! Imagine the animals as shifters, you can have/write another series! Can’t wait to see where you can go with this! Write this series as a set, I’d purchase it. In my mind I’m already making up stories! It’s very hard to put down this book and calling it the end.

Please don’t let it be the end!!!

Sincerely your fan

Carmen
c.valdez@snet.net

p.s. I’d love to be your beta tester, on this new and exciting series!

[Effie Eshel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lindsay Buroker. She is one of those rare writers that enables us, the readers, to see a lot without overwhelming us with too many unnecessary words and descriptions, thus allowing the story to flow and our imagination to bloom. A good story allows us to feel the characters emotions, to enjoy the friendly banter and to manipulate our emotions in sync with the characters and the events. This story of Trip and Rysha is her best and together with Zirkander and Sardelle creates one of the most wonderful literary experiences I have read. I do wish to see more of them in the near future.
Any person that loves action fantasy with great characters, lots of action and some of the best dialogue ever must read Lindsay Buroker books.

[Rbmartworks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great finish to the series and over all it was fantastic and something that only took me over a month to read all 5 books. It was gripping and contained a lot of action, which made it hard to put down at times. What I loved most about the heritage of power series was in all the intense moments, there was always some humour and romance. I especially loved the soulblades were they continued to argue with one another and give Trip a headache. The depth of story in this series was great and something I hope that Lindsay continues on with maybe in the future for maybe some characters.

However If you love dragons, magic, humour, romance and some intense action this is something for you.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed this book a lot, there was something missing. The “awesomeness” of the first books wasn’t there. I miss Trip discovering his powers and rooting him to be stronger. In this book you just expect it, instead of being surprised by what he can do. Also, no offense to Lindsey, but I thought it was a little too convenient that Trip all of a sudden comes up with a way to fight the dragons. I know we needed a way to wrap up the series....but come on. Trip just comes up with this idea out of nowhere and it works. Plus, it gets built very quickly (and sounds way too easy).
I started with this series. I definitely like it enough that I want to go back and read the original Dragon Blood series.

[RealF0x · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 star out 5
Wow ,this book went downhill reall fast for me.the main problem I think was the absence of any direction or plot in this one,the things that happened in this book felt like side quests in video games without any main quest.
Trip and Rysha(now a dragon rider) rescue her parents manor,they rescue an airship,Trip is almost hanged for investigating a nobleman,Trip building a Flying Fortress to fight dragons,Kaika getting married to the king and...

This last book in series left a bad taste in my mouth and disappointed me with how the things ended with manu questions left unanswered.
P.S:it seems there is an “original” seiries that was a sort of prequel to this one although I didn’t know and don’t think I would read it after Golden Dragon

[Manie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gold Dragon might be the last book in the Heritage of Power series but will not be that easy to put easy to put aside once finished reading. It is in itself a memorable book as Trip is struggling to accept what he is...a sorceror of huge power.
With Rysha also insisting to have him meeting her parents, Trip actually has little choice but to do so. More so when rogue dragons are attacking Iskandia and news on the homefront for Rusha's parents paints a bleak picture especially with a ruthless noble trying to force her parents into selling their property for next to nothing.
But then, one's fingers got used to paging the books in this series at a fast pace, Gold Dragon proving to be no exception.
Enjoy.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm rounding down to four stars. I liked this as an ending to the series. It had the usual good things – exciting action, fun romance, and a nice dose of humor – but it felt like it didn't give enough time to all of the plot threads that were introduced along the way. There's some conflict with the nobility that resolves a little to easily and, to some extent, too much off-stage. There's Rysha's conflict with her family that barely gets addressed beyond a suggestion that they might appreciate her choice of career enough to stop being horrible to her about it, but a lot of that seems to happen off-stage, too. The ending is hella fun, though, and left me smiling, which is really what I want out of a funny adventure/romance book like this, so I'm happy with it.

[Kara Prem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very satisfying conclusion to the dragon problems plaguing Iskandia, at least for the time being. Trip and Rysha go on a few adventures trying to help protect their country from the dragons that seem to be attacking people every where. Additionally they help Rysha's family deal with a scheming noble who wants their land and a silver dragon who is wrecking havoc. This book also spent a good amount of time on Angulus and Kaika, and had a few mentions for some other characters like Pimples and the Cofare princess. I hate that we seem to be done with this world for a while, but I loved the book.

[Natli VanDerWerken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Finish to the Series

Gold Dragon ties all of threads in the series together for a really satisfying ending. Themes of creating alliances, discrimination, hatred of 'different', and use and abuse of power are explored and tied together really well. Buroker's characters are well written and show growth through every book. I particularly love the back chat and sarcasm used to highlight character traits. Battle scenes are exceptionally well written. I can see the action clearly. Thanks for the rousing finish, Lindsay. Please write more in this universe!

[jonathan rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel that is funny, quirky and romantic as well as adventurous fantasy. I look forward to next in series as I don't see all the plot lines as being finished, because Rysha hasn't married Trip yet, or had children, and their friends also need to interact in future perhaps having children their own as well, a d the Dragon problem is still there maybe Rysha's dragon

Becomes queen of all dragons? Lots of ways a plot can go from here.
Now time to read previous series.

[Jailyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion of the Heritage of Power series does not disappoint. Kaika finally! I'd love to see a sequel with her (or novella similar to Under the Ice Blades). I'm happy that Trip and Rysha finally found their places in the world and are more comfortable with themselves. Rysha knew what she wanted to do, but finding acceptance from her family was definitely something she needed.

Overall I found this an enjoyable read and I liked the characters that kept popping up from the Dragon Blood series set in the same world. You go, Captain Pimples!

[Maria Sacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love this series and all the others Lindsay Buroker has written. She is an amazing writer with an brilliant imagination. I am 47 years old and I so in love with dragons story and the way she writes transported me to the time in her history. Please don’t stop these series I am your greatest admirer and will fallow you to the end of earth. Thank you for the wonderful moments you gave me with you books.
You yourself have magical mind and little finger that blesses all of us your readers with you stories.

Yours sincerely,

Marìa

[Rachel Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to see it end

Just like with the final book in the Blood Dragon series, I'm so sad to see the end of the Heritage of Power series! This final book was my favorite of the bunch! I've loved watching the growth Trip makes, as well as the relationship he and Rysha are growing! Of course, I loved catching up with Ridge, Sardelle, and the gang. The witty banter in Lindsay's books always cracks me up! I absolutely love it! This was a great way to end Trip's story! I really hope we get to come back to this world again someday!!