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Chains of Honor #3
Assassin's Bond
Yanko and his friends must escape a Turgonian prison and find passage back home before their enemies claim an advantage that could change the world. And not for the good of the Nurian people.
But even more trouble awaits at home. Civil war has broken out, Yanko’s family is in danger, and the man who sent him on his mission has disappeared.
If Yanko can’t find Prince Zirabo, he’ll forever remain a criminal and be hunted down by his own people. Worse, his only chance to survive and redeem his honor may be to rely on the one person who’s been trying to kill him since his adventure began.
But even more trouble awaits at home. Civil war has broken out, Yanko’s family is in danger, and the man who sent him on his mission has disappeared.
If Yanko can’t find Prince Zirabo, he’ll forever remain a criminal and be hunted down by his own people. Worse, his only chance to survive and redeem his honor may be to rely on the one person who’s been trying to kill him since his adventure began.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2019
161 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
198 books6,238 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 42 reviews
March 29, 2021
Stepping up
A great book at the begining I though the would be a transitional book. Only bridging the gap of the fourth book, but it is so much more. I enjoyed every bit of it. On a side note I am glad I got to read this series when I did so I do not have to wait for the fourth book.
Bond us the key word in this book. As much as Yanko has become more powerful as the series has gone on it it the bond he has forged with the people around him that is his greatest feat. I really like Yanko's development as a Warrior Mage. It is funny that everyone can see the potential in him, except Yanko himself. This humble, decent and naive behaviour is what makes home likeable. His always wanting to the right thing is what makes draws people to him. Especially at the end of this book there is another role he adds to his growing list. Again the fact that he is the only one who does not see it, is what makes him perfect for it.
This a series that has just gotten better as it has gone along. The this books concentrates on Yanko and Dak, there is a bit of development of the side characters as well. I think all the peices and players are in place for an awesome ffinale. I just hope I have not set my hopes too high.
A great book at the begining I though the would be a transitional book. Only bridging the gap of the fourth book, but it is so much more. I enjoyed every bit of it. On a side note I am glad I got to read this series when I did so I do not have to wait for the fourth book.
Bond us the key word in this book. As much as Yanko has become more powerful as the series has gone on it it the bond he has forged with the people around him that is his greatest feat. I really like Yanko's development as a Warrior Mage. It is funny that everyone can see the potential in him, except Yanko himself. This humble, decent and naive behaviour is what makes home likeable. His always wanting to the right thing is what makes draws people to him. Especially at the end of this book there is another role he adds to his growing list. Again the fact that he is the only one who does not see it, is what makes him perfect for it.
This a series that has just gotten better as it has gone along. The this books concentrates on Yanko and Dak, there is a bit of development of the side characters as well. I think all the peices and players are in place for an awesome ffinale. I just hope I have not set my hopes too high.
August 16, 2023
Quite fun :-)
Things are certainly developing in a few fun turns in this book 3! We learn more about each character, we get to meet a couple more interesting ones and then the plot gets a few interesting twists. Great read overall!
Things are certainly developing in a few fun turns in this book 3! We learn more about each character, we get to meet a couple more interesting ones and then the plot gets a few interesting twists. Great read overall!
April 26, 2019
I enjoyed the story progression, and especially loved seeing Sicarius and Amranthe in this book. Yanko was really annoying through a big part of it. His blind loyalty to Nuria, and they way things have been with Honored families, etc. is getting old. His fear of Turgonia drives me crazy, maybe because I like the Turgonians after reading about them all in the Emperor's Edge books.
Despite Yanko, the main character, being so annoying, there was good adventure in this book, and it was an easy read. They pretty easily escape their Turgonian captors, and sail off to Nuria with new character Tynlee. She is a Nurian ambassador who rights non-fiction works as well as romance novels and has a huge crush on Dak. Tynlee was a great addition, and I honestly would prefer to read this from her view point, or really any one other than Yanko!
The team discovers that a great number of honored families are being held on an island prison, that has magic-repulsing properties (through a made artifact. In order to save everyone, Yanko has to reach out to his mom for help.
Despite Yanko, the main character, being so annoying, there was good adventure in this book, and it was an easy read. They pretty easily escape their Turgonian captors, and sail off to Nuria with new character Tynlee. She is a Nurian ambassador who rights non-fiction works as well as romance novels and has a huge crush on Dak. Tynlee was a great addition, and I honestly would prefer to read this from her view point, or really any one other than Yanko!
The team discovers that a great number of honored families are being held on an island prison, that has magic-repulsing properties (through a made artifact. In order to save everyone, Yanko has to reach out to his mom for help.
February 22, 2019
I am a very strange person because I have several people who are truly beloved even though I’ve never met them. It’s the love of a junkie for her drug pusher only in this case it’s the addiction is for great fiction with the pushers being the authors who create it. Lindsay Buroker is a prime example of that. As such I thanked heaven when this particular “pusher” appeased my addiction by coming out with new “product”, namely (hallelujah) a her Chains of Honor series (a worthy successor to her Swords and Salt novels), which has been glorious and is now in its third book, Assassin's Bond. And what a book! Yanko is an amazing character and his story is a “bumpy ride” but it’s an extraordinary fun (and, as expected, well written) ride indeed. Magic, technology and telepathy, soul constructs and captured pirates, action and adventure, assassins and redemption, this book had it all. Filled with great supporting characters (hello Arayevo, Jhali, Dak and Tynlee) and a perfected executed plot to advance the story arc. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 21, 2019
Assassins, mother issues and a spice of romance
I don’t much like reading about teenage boys, but this was one of the more enjoyable books I have read. I will admit part of it was having Sicarius and Amaranthe in it (two favorite Lindsay Buroker characters from the Emperor’s Edge series). Dak Is another favorite character of mine and his potential love interest was intriguing. Ok, and I have to admit I loved the foul-mouthed parrot that several people recognized. Best of all, the action in this book had me reading when I should have been doing chores. I loved it!
I don’t much like reading about teenage boys, but this was one of the more enjoyable books I have read. I will admit part of it was having Sicarius and Amaranthe in it (two favorite Lindsay Buroker characters from the Emperor’s Edge series). Dak Is another favorite character of mine and his potential love interest was intriguing. Ok, and I have to admit I loved the foul-mouthed parrot that several people recognized. Best of all, the action in this book had me reading when I should have been doing chores. I loved it!
April 13, 2019
A long awaited storyline satisfies immensely
I zipped through the short stories that began this series, and it felt as if years passed ,oh wait they did, before continuing apace. I am truly pleased to read about these characters again. This book reminds one that no matter what great trials you may survive or surpass, your family is always there to bring you back to a familiar if no longer comfortable assessment of self.
I zipped through the short stories that began this series, and it felt as if years passed ,oh wait they did, before continuing apace. I am truly pleased to read about these characters again. This book reminds one that no matter what great trials you may survive or surpass, your family is always there to bring you back to a familiar if no longer comfortable assessment of self.
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January 26, 2020Read these in order...
If you would like to understand the characters and storyline, you must read these in order written. Have patience for the lead character, Yanko. As each book is written, it becomes clear to you that wisdom can come from teenagers. Battles become more complex, people less so. I refuse to spoil the storyline by giving plots away. Why read a book if you already know how each book ends?
If you would like to understand the characters and storyline, you must read these in order written. Have patience for the lead character, Yanko. As each book is written, it becomes clear to you that wisdom can come from teenagers. Battles become more complex, people less so. I refuse to spoil the storyline by giving plots away. Why read a book if you already know how each book ends?
May 21, 2025
Lindsay Buroker excels at creating awkward, but endearing, protagonists that have some complexity to them. I've quite enjoyed Yanko's journey, thus far. Yes, he's young, naive (as every secondary character has reminded him), ignorant about the political and moral position of his own and other countries, blind to some of the struggles between classes, and sometimes generally annoying. BUT he's also just a kid ... one who is struggling with wanting to earn the respect of a rigid and exacting father, carrying the weight of his family's dishonor at the hands of his mother, the desire to act with honor in his actions, bearing the gravity of his mission from Prince Zirabo and how that might change the course of his country, fighting for his life against mages with far greater training than himself, and all of the normal struggles a teen boy might have (self-doubt, crushes and the ensuing awkwardness, determining right and wrong, having to reevaluate what he thinks he knows against what he sees, etc.). Personally, I find him to be a charming lead character - one that makes me want to continue to root for him.
This installment sees his power growing as he searches for Prince Zirabo and works to free members of the nobility and mage class that have been imprisoned by a warring faction in the civil war erupting within his nation. Will he be able to use the bonds he has formed with his allies to succeed?
This installment sees his power growing as he searches for Prince Zirabo and works to free members of the nobility and mage class that have been imprisoned by a warring faction in the civil war erupting within his nation. Will he be able to use the bonds he has formed with his allies to succeed?
November 30, 2024
This was so good. Yanko is great. He and Dak as allies amuses me greatly. Yanko and Pey Lu are also very interesting. That's one very awkward relationship from the beginning AND YET why is it that Yanko and his father have an even MORE awkward relationship than a mother and son who had only met for the first time recently? I love it. The brief interactions of both pairs spoke volumes.
Also, I think Dak and Tynlee are great. Tynlee especially though, is amusing, no wonder Dak struggled with himself.
I was addicted to this one from beginning to end. If not for a few interruptions, I would have finished it a day earlier.
Okay, more comprehensive review another time. On to the next one.
Also, I think Dak and Tynlee are great. Tynlee especially though, is amusing, no wonder Dak struggled with himself.
I was addicted to this one from beginning to end. If not for a few interruptions, I would have finished it a day earlier.
Okay, more comprehensive review another time. On to the next one.
July 31, 2025
I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars. This one was even more YA-ish than the previous book. The tone has changed, like Buroker wishes she'd been writing an action-romance-comedy like the Dragon Blood books. It doesn't completely go off the rails in that direction, but it does feel lighter and somewhat incongruous when comparing it to the first book in the series. I also found it to be pretty hard to suspend my disbelief for much of the first half of it. And Yanko is still getting way more affection and loyalty than his actions deserve: I dig a Mary Sue, but it can be a bit much. The last half was pretty exciting, though, and I did ultimately enjoy reading it and I'll definitely read the final book (even if I think that the direction it's taking Yanko is absurd).
January 18, 2024
The thing I like about Yanko is that, very much like Dak, he never seems able to give up, no matter how screwed up things may turn out to be.
Even in a Korondian jail he is determined to find Prince Zirabo and try to claim a lost continent for Nuria.
Which is all good and well as the jailbreak went off surprisingly well.
Then the fun starts.
Again.
And again.
Assassin's Bond by Lindsay Buroker is another immersive, action filled epic fantasy that makes it so easy to keep on paging with delight as new and even more new events unfold.
Enjoy
Even in a Korondian jail he is determined to find Prince Zirabo and try to claim a lost continent for Nuria.
Which is all good and well as the jailbreak went off surprisingly well.
Then the fun starts.
Again.
And again.
Assassin's Bond by Lindsay Buroker is another immersive, action filled epic fantasy that makes it so easy to keep on paging with delight as new and even more new events unfold.
Enjoy
February 27, 2019
Book three certainly lives up to the promise of the series. So, if you liked the previous books, you will not want to miss out on this one.
Looking forward to the upcoming book - which will finish this story arc.
Sicarius and Amaranthe make a brief appearance - for fans of the Emperor's Edge series, but mostly we have the same characters - with the addition of a greater role by the mage hunter that Sun Dragon had set upon Yanko.
Looking forward to the upcoming book - which will finish this story arc.
Sicarius and Amaranthe make a brief appearance - for fans of the Emperor's Edge series, but mostly we have the same characters - with the addition of a greater role by the mage hunter that Sun Dragon had set upon Yanko.
March 24, 2021
Probably my favourite of the series so far.
Felt like a lot of the characters had room to grow and develop for some reason, and we had a few great appearances from some old favourites.
The ending was pretty cool and I really enjoyed it.
Yanko has been improving steadily across the books which is fun, it did seem he had a bit of an abrupt level up, as it were in this volume but I didn't mind.
Felt like a lot of the characters had room to grow and develop for some reason, and we had a few great appearances from some old favourites.
The ending was pretty cool and I really enjoyed it.
Yanko has been improving steadily across the books which is fun, it did seem he had a bit of an abrupt level up, as it were in this volume but I didn't mind.
February 26, 2019
Fabulous adventure
This story was worth waiting for. Yanko isn't a typical leading character, full of skill and bravado. Instead he's something of an immature, some would say naive, teenager, unsure of his abilities and purpose in the world. I like that he's not your typical alpha character. He still has plenty of personality and grit to carry an action packed adventure story.
This story was worth waiting for. Yanko isn't a typical leading character, full of skill and bravado. Instead he's something of an immature, some would say naive, teenager, unsure of his abilities and purpose in the world. I like that he's not your typical alpha character. He still has plenty of personality and grit to carry an action packed adventure story.
March 5, 2019
Another Great Book!!
I will be sorry to see this series end in the next book, but as they say all good things come to an end. Nuria is in a civil war, the great chief is dead. Will Yanko ever find Prince Zirabo? Will Yanko be able to find his family? Will the mage hunter finally kill Yanko? Great adventure awaits you in this book. Read it you won't be disappointed.
I will be sorry to see this series end in the next book, but as they say all good things come to an end. Nuria is in a civil war, the great chief is dead. Will Yanko ever find Prince Zirabo? Will Yanko be able to find his family? Will the mage hunter finally kill Yanko? Great adventure awaits you in this book. Read it you won't be disappointed.
July 20, 2021
Love this series
I have been working my way through all of Lindsey Buroker's books and really love the world created for this series, Emperor's Edge, and Encrypted. I fall in love with new sets of characters as she focuses on them, their thoughts and frailties, and their challenges.
I have been working my way through all of Lindsey Buroker's books and really love the world created for this series, Emperor's Edge, and Encrypted. I fall in love with new sets of characters as she focuses on them, their thoughts and frailties, and their challenges.
February 20, 2024
I wish this was the last book in this series, not for any other reason than this is the last book in the series available on Audible and I really hate listening to books on Kindle. I might never find out what happens to all of the different people but I am pretty sure that the parrot ends up staying with Yanko.
March 4, 2019
Another great Lindsey Buroker tale
It’s full of lovely sarcastic, confused main characters, who accomplish great things..I’m looking forward to hearing more about Yanko and his group of friends in the next book of the series.
It’s full of lovely sarcastic, confused main characters, who accomplish great things..I’m looking forward to hearing more about Yanko and his group of friends in the next book of the series.
August 27, 2019
Another fantastic series!
Lindsay’s books, and I’ve read almost all of them are always great and this one is no exception. If you haven’t read one of her books your missing out on some excellent books!
Lindsay’s books, and I’ve read almost all of them are always great and this one is no exception. If you haven’t read one of her books your missing out on some excellent books!
April 29, 2020
Good read
I've been reading a lot of books on programming lately and this book (and series) has been a wonderful change of pace... Lindsay Buroker is truly talented and I really enjoy her work.
I've been reading a lot of books on programming lately and this book (and series) has been a wonderful change of pace... Lindsay Buroker is truly talented and I really enjoy her work.
March 30, 2021
Most excellent
Buroker makes loveable and admirable characters that you can't help but cheer for or cry for. She makes the supporting characters so interesting you will hope they will get a series of their own. Yanko has won my heart , his allies too.
Buroker makes loveable and admirable characters that you can't help but cheer for or cry for. She makes the supporting characters so interesting you will hope they will get a series of their own. Yanko has won my heart , his allies too.
October 20, 2021
Amazing adventures!
I absolutely loved this book. I love all the characters & enjoy having Kai the parrot play a part in each book. This is one of my favorite series & it’s so fun to see my favorite characters from the other series make an appearance.
I absolutely loved this book. I love all the characters & enjoy having Kai the parrot play a part in each book. This is one of my favorite series & it’s so fun to see my favorite characters from the other series make an appearance.
June 6, 2023
Oh my fucking god, Yanko is such an oblivious baby boy and I love him. He is too precious for this world. This book was packed with action and I am thrilled with all the relationships, platonic and romantic.
February 27, 2019
Another amazing adventure!
The author serves up a heap of action in her latest book! I can hardly believe she's going to wrap up this series with just one more book!
The author serves up a heap of action in her latest book! I can hardly believe she's going to wrap up this series with just one more book!
March 4, 2019
Awesome
Anticipated entertainment. Action , drama, romance, intrigue all mysteriously heralding a fantastic outcome
That has me anxiously awaiting book 4....
Anticipated entertainment. Action , drama, romance, intrigue all mysteriously heralding a fantastic outcome
That has me anxiously awaiting book 4....
March 6, 2019
I love her books...especially her sense of humor.
March 10, 2019
Gripping
Can't wait for the final part! One of the best I've read recently.Good to find such a great story teller
Can't wait for the final part! One of the best I've read recently.Good to find such a great story teller
March 24, 2019
Fun! Looking forward to the next one.
May 18, 2019
Unexpected twists and turns!
Exciting and at the same time amusing! I could see this series as a Great movie! Love the characters and the unexpected twists.
Exciting and at the same time amusing! I could see this series as a Great movie! Love the characters and the unexpected twists.
December 26, 2019
Best of the series so far
I enjoyed the characters getting some more depth and growing in this book. I can't wait to see how it all gets wrapped up.
I enjoyed the characters getting some more depth and growing in this book. I can't wait to see how it all gets wrapped up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews