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The Emperor's Edge #5.5
Beneath the Surface
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
All Sergeant Evrial Yara wanted was to protect the young emperor from those plotting to kill him. Joining forces with a group of notorious outlaws wasn’t part of the plan, especially not when one of them is determined to charm her out of her uniform at every turn. Working with the criminals might have been worth it if their efforts had saved the emperor, but it seems he’s not the rightful heir to the throne.... Evrial may have thrown away her career for nothing.
To make matters worse, fate isn’t going to give her time to calmly decide what to do next. While she’s traveling back to the capital with Amaranthe Lokdon and the rest of the outlaws, Evrial uncovers artifacts that have been smuggled aboard their steamboat. They’re deadly enough to threaten the entire city, perhaps the entire empire. Oh, and they could kill everybody on board the boat too. These scenarios just weren’t discussed in the Enforcer Academy.
This 56,000-word novella takes place between Books 5 and 6 in the Emperor’s Edge series.
All Sergeant Evrial Yara wanted was to protect the young emperor from those plotting to kill him. Joining forces with a group of notorious outlaws wasn’t part of the plan, especially not when one of them is determined to charm her out of her uniform at every turn. Working with the criminals might have been worth it if their efforts had saved the emperor, but it seems he’s not the rightful heir to the throne.... Evrial may have thrown away her career for nothing.
To make matters worse, fate isn’t going to give her time to calmly decide what to do next. While she’s traveling back to the capital with Amaranthe Lokdon and the rest of the outlaws, Evrial uncovers artifacts that have been smuggled aboard their steamboat. They’re deadly enough to threaten the entire city, perhaps the entire empire. Oh, and they could kill everybody on board the boat too. These scenarios just weren’t discussed in the Enforcer Academy.
This 56,000-word novella takes place between Books 5 and 6 in the Emperor’s Edge series.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2013
176 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
198 books6,251 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 165 reviews
July 19, 2020
“Without slowing her gait, Evrial skewered the blade juggler with a glare. “If you two sludge-licking toads so much as wave those knives in my direction, I’ll rip your apples off, stuff them like taxidermy ostriches, then hand-deliver them to your boss with the suggestion that they be incorporated into future juggling practices.”
➽ And the moral of this reread is: Sergent Yara’s classy threats + Maldynado’s spelunking attempts = a romance for the ages.
Poor Mal, no wonder he’s got his love apples in a twist.
➽ And the other moral of this reread is: if it doesn’t have funny as fish dialogues, ridiculously insane schemes and things going boom, then the book you’re reading is NOT an Emperor’s Edge installment. And that, my Little Barnacles, is a scientifically proven fact.
P.S. assassins do not loiter. No, they do not. They stand purposefully. And then, out of nowhere, people start throwing themselves overboard of their own accord. Handy that.
👋 To be continued and stuff.
· Book 1: The Emperor’s Edge ★★★★
· Book 2: Dark Currents ★★★★
· Book 3: Deadly Games ★★★★
· Book 4: Conspiracy ★★★★
· Book 5: Blood and Betrayal ★★★★
· Book 6: Forged in Blood I ★★★★
· Book 7: Forged in Blood II ★★★★★
· Book 8: Republic ★★★★
· Book 9: Diplomats and Fugitives ★★★★
[April 2014]
I keep expecting every new instalment in this series to be a disappointment but somehow Buroker manages to keep it up! Beneath the Surface is yet another very exciting and very entertaining read. I don’t usually enjoy reading short stories and novellas but this one was great. It is much more relevant to the series as a whole than the other EE short stories, which are mostly stand-alones.
This time the focus is Sergeant Yara, one of the new team members. A great idea on Buroker’s part as it gives her the opportunity to develop Yara’s character and make her an integral part of our favourite dysfunctional family. I love the way she interacts with a certain warrior caste lord: “Another woman in my life who’s going to give me orders? How did I get signed up for that?” Poor Maldynado!;) Now that the whole Amaranthe/Sicarius situation finally feels like it is going somewhere, it’s fun to have another couple situation to watch out for!
As in the rest of the series, the book is action-packed. Things are being blown up, there is mayhem and complete chaos: “It’s amazing how many conveyances your team destroys for the good of the empire.” The dialogues are as hilarious as ever and even Yara (who seemed so serious when she first appeared in the series) gets her share of witty comments.
This might be a novella but it really is one of the best instalments in the series so far, if not the very best. Okay, so I can see a pattern emerging here as it does seem I say this very same thing with every new instalment I read. Still, it is true that the series is getting better and more exciting every time!
“I want to take this moment to tell you that I care about all of you, and my life would have been extremely bland and unfulfilling if I’d never met you.” That sounded like a doomsday salute, so she smiled and added, “Also, I’m terribly concerned about all of your mental states. I can’t imagine any sane person who would engage in such a ludicrous plan.” -Amaranthe
➽ And the moral of this reread is: Sergent Yara’s classy threats + Maldynado’s spelunking attempts = a romance for the ages.
Poor Mal, no wonder he’s got his love apples in a twist.
➽ And the other moral of this reread is: if it doesn’t have funny as fish dialogues, ridiculously insane schemes and things going boom, then the book you’re reading is NOT an Emperor’s Edge installment. And that, my Little Barnacles, is a scientifically proven fact.
P.S. assassins do not loiter. No, they do not. They stand purposefully. And then, out of nowhere, people start throwing themselves overboard of their own accord. Handy that.
👋 To be continued and stuff.
· Book 1: The Emperor’s Edge ★★★★
· Book 2: Dark Currents ★★★★
· Book 3: Deadly Games ★★★★
· Book 4: Conspiracy ★★★★
· Book 5: Blood and Betrayal ★★★★
· Book 6: Forged in Blood I ★★★★
· Book 7: Forged in Blood II ★★★★★
· Book 8: Republic ★★★★
· Book 9: Diplomats and Fugitives ★★★★
[April 2014]
I keep expecting every new instalment in this series to be a disappointment but somehow Buroker manages to keep it up! Beneath the Surface is yet another very exciting and very entertaining read. I don’t usually enjoy reading short stories and novellas but this one was great. It is much more relevant to the series as a whole than the other EE short stories, which are mostly stand-alones.
This time the focus is Sergeant Yara, one of the new team members. A great idea on Buroker’s part as it gives her the opportunity to develop Yara’s character and make her an integral part of our favourite dysfunctional family. I love the way she interacts with a certain warrior caste lord: “Another woman in my life who’s going to give me orders? How did I get signed up for that?” Poor Maldynado!;) Now that the whole Amaranthe/Sicarius situation finally feels like it is going somewhere, it’s fun to have another couple situation to watch out for!
As in the rest of the series, the book is action-packed. Things are being blown up, there is mayhem and complete chaos: “It’s amazing how many conveyances your team destroys for the good of the empire.” The dialogues are as hilarious as ever and even Yara (who seemed so serious when she first appeared in the series) gets her share of witty comments.
This might be a novella but it really is one of the best instalments in the series so far, if not the very best. Okay, so I can see a pattern emerging here as it does seem I say this very same thing with every new instalment I read. Still, it is true that the series is getting better and more exciting every time!
“I want to take this moment to tell you that I care about all of you, and my life would have been extremely bland and unfulfilling if I’d never met you.” That sounded like a doomsday salute, so she smiled and added, “Also, I’m terribly concerned about all of your mental states. I can’t imagine any sane person who would engage in such a ludicrous plan.” -Amaranthe
December 27, 2024
This novella is very much part of the series so do not skip it. Some important stuff happens here which I sure will influence the arc of the story. Beneath the surface is written from the newest addition to the team, Sergeant Evrial Yara. She does not have te to mourn the probable loss of her career as there are some dangerous weapons on the boat that should bring the gang to safety. Also, our Maldynato does not leave her alone either but does she want to be left in peace? Hehe.
July 5, 2020
*** 4.25 ***
"...“He doesn’t take anything seriously, and he has the work ethic of a… a… well, an indolent son of the privileged caste. I’ve worked my entire life, and I…” “Take everything seriously?” Amaranthe suggested. Evrial crossed her arms. “Maybe. So, what? Life isn’t a joke.” “No, but it’s easier to enjoy if you can find the humor in even the grim moments. Perhaps it’d be healthy for you to let someone bring a little levity into your life.”
― Lindsay Buroker, Beneath the Surface..."
"...“He doesn’t take anything seriously, and he has the work ethic of a… a… well, an indolent son of the privileged caste. I’ve worked my entire life, and I…” “Take everything seriously?” Amaranthe suggested. Evrial crossed her arms. “Maybe. So, what? Life isn’t a joke.” “No, but it’s easier to enjoy if you can find the humor in even the grim moments. Perhaps it’d be healthy for you to let someone bring a little levity into your life.”
― Lindsay Buroker, Beneath the Surface..."
January 28, 2018
Don't skip this novella. It's true that whenever I see that point-five after a series book number, I tend to picture the author as one of those cartoon characters with two dollar signs in place of their eyes. Regardless of whether it's true or not, I kinda always feel like these extra novellas are just their way of trying to milk as much money as they can out of an existing series with a fan base. And often times, they're completely worthless and totally skipable. But don't skip THIS one. For real. Relevant things happen, it felt like a substantial read despite its page count, and best of all . . .
August 16, 2016
I really wonder how people feel about book six if they didn't read this novella...
September 8, 2024
4.5⭐️ I have no coherent thoughts, just obsessed.
December 23, 2023
I usually don’t bother to read all the side novellas in any series, but I noticed the author and reviewers of this series all suggested this one was important to the events that take place in book six. Now, I can say I agree… and it was worth it.
The story (as almost all novellas IMHO) doesn’t have time to explore any great depth but it does offer some great forward progression with Maldonado and Yaro’s relationship. It also serves up an entire story filled with non-stop action. So, win/win for everyone!
The story (as almost all novellas IMHO) doesn’t have time to explore any great depth but it does offer some great forward progression with Maldonado and Yaro’s relationship. It also serves up an entire story filled with non-stop action. So, win/win for everyone!
August 22, 2023
nobody understands sicarius and amaranthe like EYE do
March 28, 2017
INDISPENSABLE.
I started FORGED IN BLOOD having forgotten the existence of this novella but at the 1% mark there was a sentence that puzzled me until I remember Mich's recommendation of not skipping this novella.
This adventure is essencial.
There's no way you are reading FORGED IN BLOOD if you haven't read this novella before.
You won't want to miss what is going on with our dear characters, specially Evrial, Maldonado, Amaranthe and Sicarious, in their most epic adventure to the date.
Got it?
Bonus: there were a couple of romantic scenes I replayed a lot in my mind.
Thank you Mich! <3
I started FORGED IN BLOOD having forgotten the existence of this novella but at the 1% mark there was a sentence that puzzled me until I remember Mich's recommendation of not skipping this novella.
This adventure is essencial.
There's no way you are reading FORGED IN BLOOD if you haven't read this novella before.
You won't want to miss what is going on with our dear characters, specially Evrial, Maldonado, Amaranthe and Sicarious, in their most epic adventure to the date.
Got it?
Bonus: there were a couple of romantic scenes I replayed a lot in my mind.
Thank you Mich! <3
January 16, 2013
I was initially debating if I should buy this book now or wait until EE6 came out... And then I looked around on the EE forum, found out some wonderful spoilers and I just HAD to purchase it!
I loved this book. I love Yara and her POV, and understanding more about her because of her background. I find her very fascinating and as she softened up, I wanted to give her welcoming hugs into the EE gang!
I will say that I was impressed with Mal x Yara interactions. My only criticism is that it seems as if Yara opened up a little too quickly? It was a bit sudden on my end, anyway. I guess I expected more resistance from her since she had been avoiding Mal and all his advances.
With Sespian... I was also surprised by some of his comments and reactions. (Totally was not expecting his "emperor's buns" comment. That seemed too off-color for him, but he's a teen still. *shrug*) HOWEVER, he was completely redeemable by the time he realized his reactions were childish and his passion for saving the empire. I was very proud of him for that.
Books: Ah, Booksie, I was so very disappointed with you in EE5 for making Mal look terrible. After your little concern for him, I will say I was pleased but not completely satisfied. More growth from you, please?
Amaranthe and Sicarius. Ah, the best characters I have ever seen. Sic was... to be expected and somehow managed to surprise me, too. Always happy to have those! Amaranthe... she healed up very quickly. I understand how she wants to be seen as strong (particularly in front of Sicarius) but I thought there should be more vulnerability? Perhaps.
Overall, I loved LOVED this novella. It was a perfect addendum to the overall plot. I enjoyed reading it and I simply cannot wait for more! Please, Ms. Buroker! Write quickly!
I loved this book. I love Yara and her POV, and understanding more about her because of her background. I find her very fascinating and as she softened up, I wanted to give her welcoming hugs into the EE gang!
I will say that I was impressed with Mal x Yara interactions. My only criticism is that it seems as if Yara opened up a little too quickly? It was a bit sudden on my end, anyway. I guess I expected more resistance from her since she had been avoiding Mal and all his advances.
With Sespian... I was also surprised by some of his comments and reactions. (Totally was not expecting his "emperor's buns" comment. That seemed too off-color for him, but he's a teen still. *shrug*) HOWEVER, he was completely redeemable by the time he realized his reactions were childish and his passion for saving the empire. I was very proud of him for that.
Books: Ah, Booksie, I was so very disappointed with you in EE5 for making Mal look terrible. After your little concern for him, I will say I was pleased but not completely satisfied. More growth from you, please?
Amaranthe and Sicarius. Ah, the best characters I have ever seen. Sic was... to be expected and somehow managed to surprise me, too. Always happy to have those! Amaranthe... she healed up very quickly. I understand how she wants to be seen as strong (particularly in front of Sicarius) but I thought there should be more vulnerability? Perhaps.
Overall, I loved LOVED this novella. It was a perfect addendum to the overall plot. I enjoyed reading it and I simply cannot wait for more! Please, Ms. Buroker! Write quickly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2013
I received the alert last week and was surprised there will be a novella before the EE6. What a treat! I don't care that the novella cost 2.99, I just know i need to get my hands on it.
Another surprised was to find out the novella was pretty long and not an usual short story. Therefore, I don't think 2.99 is overpriced. This time the alternate POV is Yara. To be honest, everytime we had an alternate POV apart from Amaranthe, I tends to rush through it pretty quickly. Don't get me wrong, I love all their cast, they feel like a great A-team to me. But I tends to be very anxious to read more about Sicarius and can't wait to find his screen-time. In this short story, Maldynado and Yara got hooked up. Wow! You go man. Though Yara keep saying she hate him and etc, they hook up even faster than Amaranthe and Sicarius. What constantly amaze me is how the team always got scattered but they will eventually found each other at those crucial time without the use of a cell phone communication.
Now when will we get EE6! I hope we don't need to wait that long.
Another surprised was to find out the novella was pretty long and not an usual short story. Therefore, I don't think 2.99 is overpriced. This time the alternate POV is Yara. To be honest, everytime we had an alternate POV apart from Amaranthe, I tends to rush through it pretty quickly. Don't get me wrong, I love all their cast, they feel like a great A-team to me. But I tends to be very anxious to read more about Sicarius and can't wait to find his screen-time. In this short story, Maldynado and Yara got hooked up. Wow! You go man. Though Yara keep saying she hate him and etc, they hook up even faster than Amaranthe and Sicarius. What constantly amaze me is how the team always got scattered but they will eventually found each other at those crucial time without the use of a cell phone communication.
Now when will we get EE6! I hope we don't need to wait that long.
April 28, 2023
Ughhhh this one has me doing happy sighs. I usually skip novellas or the books with the little .5 at the end of the number, but I've learned my lesson!! This one is not to be skipped. It's super important plot wise, and a lot happens here.
1. We get kissing in the smoke stacks
2. Amaranthe grabs Sicarius’s ass during the kissing
3. Amaranthe runs towards Sicarius and hugs him when they reunite after she thought they would all die, and he hugs her back
4. SICARIUS SLAPS AMARANTHES ASS I AM DYING **major happy sigh**
5. Yara and Maldynado are...together? And Yara decides to become a part of the team permanently
6. Sicarius and Amaranthe let Sespian know that they are together finalllyyyy
7. They sink a bunch of very very dangerous magical torpedo weapon things to the bottom of the ocean, encased in cement. My only concern is that the ship that the weapons were originally on is also sinking. So when the baddies come looking to retrieve their weapons, they will assume it's underneath the water near or on the ship 😬
I never want this series to end. And I'm so sad because there are only a few books left and I want it to go on forever
1. We get kissing in the smoke stacks
2. Amaranthe grabs Sicarius’s ass during the kissing
3. Amaranthe runs towards Sicarius and hugs him when they reunite after she thought they would all die, and he hugs her back
4. SICARIUS SLAPS AMARANTHES ASS I AM DYING **major happy sigh**
5. Yara and Maldynado are...together? And Yara decides to become a part of the team permanently
6. Sicarius and Amaranthe let Sespian know that they are together finalllyyyy
7. They sink a bunch of very very dangerous magical torpedo weapon things to the bottom of the ocean, encased in cement. My only concern is that the ship that the weapons were originally on is also sinking. So when the baddies come looking to retrieve their weapons, they will assume it's underneath the water near or on the ship 😬
I never want this series to end. And I'm so sad because there are only a few books left and I want it to go on forever
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2013
This short story seemed pretty important to me in moving along in the series so I would def recommend not skipping this while reading the series (read this before #6). It's the segway between them leaving the underwater secret meeting of the Forge to the next step in their journey, but I think it's an important book because get a lot of character developments emotions-wise.
We finally get some Yara/Maldynado time from Yara's point of view. We get to see her testing things out and it's a hoot seeing Maldynado's reaction! They are the tough-as-steel couple, or the equivalent of the power-house couples of our time... except Maldynado is still funny-as-heck.
We also get a little development on the Sicarius/Sespian relationship. I just wanted to make these guys hug it out the whole time lol. I think this development makes this book important for the next one that is from Sicarius' POV.
Of course they can't just get on a boat and safely travel from one city to another... no, they have to find adventure along the way.. and blow some sh*t up as well:)
We finally get some Yara/Maldynado time from Yara's point of view. We get to see her testing things out and it's a hoot seeing Maldynado's reaction! They are the tough-as-steel couple, or the equivalent of the power-house couples of our time... except Maldynado is still funny-as-heck.
We also get a little development on the Sicarius/Sespian relationship. I just wanted to make these guys hug it out the whole time lol. I think this development makes this book important for the next one that is from Sicarius' POV.
Of course they can't just get on a boat and safely travel from one city to another... no, they have to find adventure along the way.. and blow some sh*t up as well:)
February 1, 2013
A great story, much more central than the other short story asides, as it features the whole crew and includes some important character development moments.
November 28, 2014
This is a novella that features the entire gang, but is mostly focused on Sergeant Yara. This is definitely meant to be read in it's designated order because group dynamics are starting to shift, and some important moments definitely take place.
For me, this will forever be known as the time when
There may have been squeals involved.
For me, this will forever be known as the time when
There may have been squeals involved.
July 6, 2020
Rating: 3.9 spelunking attempts
It took a little while for this book to get going, or maybe I'm just used to the dumpster fire of debauchery that is all the Emperor's Edge books (I say that affectionately). But. BUT. Once it gets going it is, of course, wonderful. The kind of wonderful only this explosive-detonating crew can deliver.
If you want to see the dynamic play out between Yara and Mal, or are just craving some good, old-fashioned Mal one-liners, I highly recommend this.
It took a little while for this book to get going, or maybe I'm just used to the dumpster fire of debauchery that is all the Emperor's Edge books (I say that affectionately). But. BUT. Once it gets going it is, of course, wonderful. The kind of wonderful only this explosive-detonating crew can deliver.
If you want to see the dynamic play out between Yara and Mal, or are just craving some good, old-fashioned Mal one-liners, I highly recommend this.
That old lady was tougher than Sicarius’s nasty meat bars, and I had trouble escaping her. Finally had to stuff her in a cabinet.
November 22, 2021
This was a half book but should be considered as part of the series as it important to the story.
While this book centers around Yara (bleh I really dislike her) it felt like more a book about the group and Amaranthe.
There are hilarious scenes between Amaranthe and Sicarius and Sicarius is finally starting to try to have a relationship with Sespian (to his dismay).
Loved it .
While this book centers around Yara (bleh I really dislike her) it felt like more a book about the group and Amaranthe.
There are hilarious scenes between Amaranthe and Sicarius and Sicarius is finally starting to try to have a relationship with Sespian (to his dismay).
Loved it .
November 28, 2025
I live, breathe, die and resurrect myself for the Maldynado Yara romance, it's everything.
It's a neat little story which sets up the team for returning to the city and the setting of the two parter forged in blood.
It gives me DND campaign energy as various things go wrong and the team gets split up. The difficult odds and disguises make it.
This felt like an appetiser so looking forward to something more substantial in the next couple books
It's a neat little story which sets up the team for returning to the city and the setting of the two parter forged in blood.
It gives me DND campaign energy as various things go wrong and the team gets split up. The difficult odds and disguises make it.
This felt like an appetiser so looking forward to something more substantial in the next couple books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2023
This is a great little books showing more about Yara and Maldynado as the team tries to get back to the Stumps. Lots of action and great dialogue
May 15, 2021
let it be known, sometimes I do read books that I enjoy
January 13, 2013
I just can't seem to get enough of the books in this series and I couldn't wait until this novella was released. There is something that is so likable about the characters in the books, even the so stealthy and stiff and nearly impossible to be real Sicarius. They aren't the caricatures that seem to populate so many novels, protagonists and supporting characters that are so righeous and perfect although the antagonists are pretty much Really.Bad. It is refreshing to have a heroine that doubts herself but isn't flawed from those doubts and supporting characters that don't just exist to make the main character shine. But enough of why I like the books on to this one.
After the events of Blood and Betrayal the band is on the run again, trying to get back to Stumps to somehow thwart Ravido (Maladyano's brother) from consolidating power after declaring marshal law. Nothing can ever go right for Amaranthe et al though and the steamboat they have booked passage on is also the transport for some of the Forge members that have been trying to destroy Sespian as well as Enforcers that somehow seemed to know that the group was on board. To make matters worse Askyr has detected some magical artifacts and when Sicarius and Amaranthe investigate Sicarius recognizes them as being similar to the ones that caused so much trouble in the related novel Encrypted. When the team learns of what they can do the mission expands to include preventing them from getting to Stumps.
Similar to all the other books (other than the singles involving Sicarius) the book is told from two points of view - Amaranthe's and in this case newcomer Sgt. Yarra. This is a little more than half the length of the other books but it feels as if it is an important tie in for the next book and it is great to learn more about Yarra and how she will fit in to the team. So now the all too long wait for EE6!
After the events of Blood and Betrayal the band is on the run again, trying to get back to Stumps to somehow thwart Ravido (Maladyano's brother) from consolidating power after declaring marshal law. Nothing can ever go right for Amaranthe et al though and the steamboat they have booked passage on is also the transport for some of the Forge members that have been trying to destroy Sespian as well as Enforcers that somehow seemed to know that the group was on board. To make matters worse Askyr has detected some magical artifacts and when Sicarius and Amaranthe investigate Sicarius recognizes them as being similar to the ones that caused so much trouble in the related novel Encrypted. When the team learns of what they can do the mission expands to include preventing them from getting to Stumps.
Similar to all the other books (other than the singles involving Sicarius) the book is told from two points of view - Amaranthe's and in this case newcomer Sgt. Yarra. This is a little more than half the length of the other books but it feels as if it is an important tie in for the next book and it is great to learn more about Yarra and how she will fit in to the team. So now the all too long wait for EE6!
July 15, 2013
Huh. That's a first. Never thought I would ever be bored with any book in The Emperor's Edge series.
While trying to keep alien WMD from falling into the wrong hands, Amaranthe and the (A)team fight, escape and hide from the authorities. Over, and over and over again. Painstaking descriptions of close calls, narrow escapes, along with repetitive arguments and bickering get very tedious after awhile.
Meanwhile, I wonder if Amarenthe is repressing a world of pain under all that good humor. Nobody can remain THAT cheerful with the constant havoc and mayhem.
While trying to keep alien WMD from falling into the wrong hands, Amaranthe and the (A)team fight, escape and hide from the authorities. Over, and over and over again. Painstaking descriptions of close calls, narrow escapes, along with repetitive arguments and bickering get very tedious after awhile.
Meanwhile, I wonder if Amarenthe is repressing a world of pain under all that good humor. Nobody can remain THAT cheerful with the constant havoc and mayhem.
October 27, 2019
A quick read that turned out to be a good follow up to the last book or a good prequel to the next - however you want to think of it. I like the new addition to the team, Sergeant Yara (Evrial). I hope Sespian stays too; he's a good addition but something tells me that he's not going to stick around much longer. I hope the next book helps him find his way away from the throne though.
September 1, 2013
A short story which mostly is told by Yara, the enforcer is having a difficult time reconciling her previous job with her current activities. There's also her feelings about a certain pretty, disowned warrior caste lordling.
February 9, 2021
LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT! This entire series has never disappointed. I am more crazy about Sicarius than ever :D
June 11, 2014
I had been so looking forward to that scene in the smokestack! It was lovely!
November 28, 2018
4.5 stars. This was really good! I actually almost skipped it because I was eager to get to the first book with Sicarius POV, and normally the between-book short stories/novellas are fun but don't add a whole lot, but I'm glad I didn't skip it because… stuff really happens in this! Granted, it's actually much longer than the other between book short stories (it's basically novel-length itself, although shorter than any of the main installments)
I mean, first there's Yara and Maldynado finally hooking up, which isn't something I particularly care about, but it would've been super weird to jump from book 5 to 6 and have them suddenly be together. I mean, it was clearly building up in book 5, so it wouldn't be totally shocking, but still. I still love both characters, but the relationship set-up just isn't something I care for at all, so they still didn't do much for me together here. I did like Yara opening up to him a bit, though, and her insecurity about whether he'd still be interested in her after the chase was over. I mean, they're fine! I'm not completely opposed to them! They just don't give me swoony feelings like a certain other major pairing in this series.
I also almost skipped this installment because the summary made it look like it was all from Yara's POV, but then I saw that Amaranthe had a POV as well, and I was like, "Well, maybe there'll be one or two nice Sicarius/Amaranthe moments!" LITTLE DID I KNOW!!!
So this was really great, and unlike the other between-book short stories/novellas, actually kind of vital to the ongoing story and definitely not one that I would say is okay to miss. Unless all you care about is the main, overarching plot and none of the character/relationship development.
I mean, first there's Yara and Maldynado finally hooking up, which isn't something I particularly care about, but it would've been super weird to jump from book 5 to 6 and have them suddenly be together. I mean, it was clearly building up in book 5, so it wouldn't be totally shocking, but still. I still love both characters, but the relationship set-up just isn't something I care for at all, so they still didn't do much for me together here. I did like Yara opening up to him a bit, though, and her insecurity about whether he'd still be interested in her after the chase was over. I mean, they're fine! I'm not completely opposed to them! They just don't give me swoony feelings like a certain other major pairing in this series.
I also almost skipped this installment because the summary made it look like it was all from Yara's POV, but then I saw that Amaranthe had a POV as well, and I was like, "Well, maybe there'll be one or two nice Sicarius/Amaranthe moments!" LITTLE DID I KNOW!!!
So this was really great, and unlike the other between-book short stories/novellas, actually kind of vital to the ongoing story and definitely not one that I would say is okay to miss. Unless all you care about is the main, overarching plot and none of the character/relationship development.
January 27, 2018
I like Sgt. Yara, the ambivalent new addition to the team, and her PoV.
This story is partly from Amaranthe's PoV, as the group gets tangled up in trying to stop weapons of mass destruction from reaching the capitol in Forge's hands. She also determinedly takes a few more little steps forward with Sicarius, in their relationship, and in Sespian's still-cold attitude toward his recently revealed biological father.
However, we begin with, and frequently return to, the PoV of Enforcer Sergeant Evrial Yara, who earns our sympathy as she finds out how easy it is to get more and more on the wrong side of the law once begun, even with the best intentions. She's further doubting her course re. the flirtations of the attractive but exasperating — though not merely useless — Maldynado, not the kind of attention she's used to receiving, either.
There's the usual snowballing action from one narrow escape to another — Amaranthe is pleased that Sicarius is not merely pragmatically killing anyone who stand in the way anymore, without needing to be told — and banter before, during, and after. Books is preoccupied, still drafting his proposal for a new, better government.
There are only a few minor typos, the funniest being "goat geese" (which surely should be "goat cheese").
I read this novella the first time a while ago, but then hesitated to start the two-part next volume[s]. When I decided to pick the series back up, I worried that I'd have forgotten too much, so I started with this short reread. I found myself almost immediately right back in the swing of things. Time to continue!
This story is partly from Amaranthe's PoV, as the group gets tangled up in trying to stop weapons of mass destruction from reaching the capitol in Forge's hands. She also determinedly takes a few more little steps forward with Sicarius, in their relationship, and in Sespian's still-cold attitude toward his recently revealed biological father.
However, we begin with, and frequently return to, the PoV of Enforcer Sergeant Evrial Yara, who earns our sympathy as she finds out how easy it is to get more and more on the wrong side of the law once begun, even with the best intentions. She's further doubting her course re. the flirtations of the attractive but exasperating — though not merely useless — Maldynado, not the kind of attention she's used to receiving, either.
There's the usual snowballing action from one narrow escape to another — Amaranthe is pleased that Sicarius is not merely pragmatically killing anyone who stand in the way anymore, without needing to be told — and banter before, during, and after. Books is preoccupied, still drafting his proposal for a new, better government.
There are only a few minor typos, the funniest being "goat geese" (which surely should be "goat cheese").
I read this novella the first time a while ago, but then hesitated to start the two-part next volume[s]. When I decided to pick the series back up, I worried that I'd have forgotten too much, so I started with this short reread. I found myself almost immediately right back in the swing of things. Time to continue!
November 29, 2021
Brilliant! A fun read and full of action!
If you've been following the series, and I highly recommend you do, this is another action packed, live or die by the seat of your pants, mega watt of a book.
The enemy have decided to fight for the emperor's throne; since the parentage of emperor Sespian, who is currently at large with a band of outlaws; is in question.
To keep the throne means more to Sespian than a simple power trip. He cares very deeply for his people. But he has no one but the band of outlaws to stand by him in his bid to stop evil men from taking the throne from him. And at present the evil men are trying hard, not only To capture the outlaws aiding Sespian, but to kill Sespian outright.
To say this story is riveting is quite an understatement. I found myself stuck to its pages because of every action the outlaws and Sespian, are taking to try to keep the empire out of evil hands. This book, this series, is first rate and I am loving every minute of it.
I thoroughly recommend this book and The Emperors Edge series as well worth reading, if you like action packed stories with some great tongue-in-cheek humour thrown in and the smallest smattering of romance to tease the heart as well.
If you've been following the series, and I highly recommend you do, this is another action packed, live or die by the seat of your pants, mega watt of a book.
The enemy have decided to fight for the emperor's throne; since the parentage of emperor Sespian, who is currently at large with a band of outlaws; is in question.
To keep the throne means more to Sespian than a simple power trip. He cares very deeply for his people. But he has no one but the band of outlaws to stand by him in his bid to stop evil men from taking the throne from him. And at present the evil men are trying hard, not only To capture the outlaws aiding Sespian, but to kill Sespian outright.
To say this story is riveting is quite an understatement. I found myself stuck to its pages because of every action the outlaws and Sespian, are taking to try to keep the empire out of evil hands. This book, this series, is first rate and I am loving every minute of it.
I thoroughly recommend this book and The Emperors Edge series as well worth reading, if you like action packed stories with some great tongue-in-cheek humour thrown in and the smallest smattering of romance to tease the heart as well.
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