With his mother’s life at stake and the entire world threatened by powerful dragons, the sand in the hour glass is running out for Jak Freedar. He and his allies must find the ancient Orbs of Wisdom and hope they hold the solutions to the problems plaguing humanity and the dragons before it’s too late.
I can’t even finish it. I don’t care about any of the endings or what happens to anyone. The inner monologue is so repetitive, is the same for all characters, and comprises 50% of each book. Good lord, I have read like 10% and have tried restarting at least 10 times and just close it again. I liked emperors edge so much and wanted to like this, but it’s impossible.
Please allow me a little bit more time to quit laughing and get serious, then I can finish my review 😅 No, Jak & his mate Rivlen aren't hilarious together!
I have just finished reading book six of Lindsay Buroker’s Dragon Gate series “the Orbs of Wisdom” which is the conclusion of the story cycle.
I have always enjoyed Lindsay’s books and this is one of the best story sets I have read by her.
These stories are set in a fantasy world where feudal kingdoms are ruled by rulers who are the most powerful of mages and ordinary humans are the serfs who provide for the needs of the mage caste. A couple additional pieces of the world building is the use of technology which is powered by magic, and the indication that some human’s gained magic by a historical interaction with world travelling dragons.
I was extremely impressed how the author managed diverse points of view, and motivations, of the different characters through the story arc from the beginning of book one to the end of book six. As some of the books involve travel through “dragon gates” to other worlds the author created the cultures, perspectives, and biology of each of the worlds. The witty dialogue, moments of humour balancing drama, is part of the excellent pacing.
I enjoyed the satisfying conclusion of this story and highly recommend series. Please be prepared for the fact you cannot skim these books. You will want to read every word.
This is a fabulous book like all of Lindsay Buroker’s. This has great characters who are courageous, snarky, interesting. There is lots action, humour, magic, hero’s and something villainous, everything you could ask for. I could actually reread this series right now I enjoyed it so much
A satisfying ending to the series but with enough untold stories to build on in the future. If you've read the first five you've gotta finish with this one.
I expected nothing less than superior From the author who wrote the series, Lindsey Buroker. She is the most fantastic fantasy writer I have ever read! This series does not disappoint ! I love the quirkiness of the characters And the exciting action and adventure. Highly recommended this series
There was more action in this book than the others, which was to be expected. After all, there was the big showdown with the dragons and the fleets from the other kingdoms. I wasn't too invested in all of that as what I am more interested in are characters, character growth, and explorations of the human condition.
It's still a five star for me because we still got all of that and lots of food for thought. Here are some of the things that stood out to me throughout the series and this book:
For one, this is only the second author who managed to make me feel gaslit by a character in a book. Uthari is a cruel, manipulative megalomaniac. It's obvious to anyone and the reader keeps being told by Jak and Jadora. But then we see him through Malek's eyes and I couldn't help but wondering whether, maybe, there is some good in him and he can be redeemed. This was very uncomfortable and shows the author's skill.
Speaking of Malek. Somehow it doesn't feel like a HEA for him. But then, there are no (or only a few) shortcuts and quick fixes in this book, so his ending is what can be expected at this point. He spent thirty years in an abusive relationship with the person he saw as his father. You don't just shake that off. I hope he is content with the decision he made, at least for now, and will one day manage to shake off Uthari's influence completely and live the life he wants for himself.
I also appreciated that Jak went back to university. Again, no shortcuts. I DNFd a book once because the FMC started off extremely driven, invested in her education, trying everything to get the funds to complete her degree and turned her back on everything as soon as she met the MMC. Jak finishing his education felt right, somehow.
The same with the other characters. There is enough closure to leave the reader satisfied but enough only hinted at that the reader can imagine where the characters might be in a few years.
This series was fantastic. The world building was intricate and detailed throughout every book. Here, you get to discover the underwater world. Particularly in this book, the action does not stop from beginning to end. The story flowed seemlessly like butter. Such a pleasure to read. Each character was complex and had depth. The magic was broad and accentuated for certain characters yet never over the top.
Tezi's pov, which I had found personally irksome before this book, was useful and the point of her character suddenly made sense. I had been struggling to see that until now. I'm still not convinced her povs were necessary though.
I cannot say enough good things about this series. Loved it!! And absolutely recommend it!!
I had two points though that did bother me a little. One was a certain character's death which was underwhelming considering the buildup given over the other books. The second had to do with the split chapter povs that took place throughout the series. For each book, that took time getting used to and could have easily been resolved by making new chapters for each pov.
I don't even know where to begin. The numerous characters came back to me as soon as they were mentioned in this last installment. They continued to be well-rounded beings and seemed true to themselves. They've all been changed by events and it shines through.
If you've read the first 5 installments, you're obviously not going to miss this one. If you haven't read any of them and enjoy fantastical stories, I highly recommend the series.
There were so many obstacles to overcome to bring this adventure to a close. Some challenges seemed more improbable than others. As each threat becomes imminently life-threatening, key heroes step up to assume responsibility and take action. Even though Jak, Jadora, Malek, and Rivlen, with the help of their friends, managed to save the realm, they realize that they can only implement change slowly and carefully, and that rapid change requires forces beyond their control. When the timing is right and enough good people come together with honorable intentions, outside powers, such as dragons, seem to magically intervene to find solutions. The conclusion felt perfect.
This storyline and extremely well written tale is definitely one of the best I've ever read !!! It's extremely long, and is told from several different characters throughout the books, but it's unique, exciting, adventurous and very entertaining. I couldn't stop reading it ! Jak, Jadora, Malek, Sorath, Sasko, Tezi, Shiraki, and others battle wizards, mages, dragons, each other, other creatures and parasites in this, and other magnificent worlds through the portals set it by dragons millennia ago !
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series to anyone that enjoys a good story about dragons, fantasy, magic, and of course, romance !!!
This is an epic fantasy. I'm a avid reader and wasn't daunted at all be the size of these books, in fact I craved it. I love being able to dive into a series and not devour it in a week. This took me about a month bit it was at my leisure which is why I read. Anyway the author is a truly talented creator the world's, characters and critters are sooo personable and real. I really appreciate that the author didn't feel that, in order to sell good stories, that they have to curse and use explicit love scenes. I will be reading anything Lindsay Buroker writes!
Everything that I hoped would happen and more. Character development continued to through each book and seeing the development was the best. So many integral characters from mages through mercenaries developed their potential. As I have said before, I am so glad that I read an anthology of her works. This caused me to seek her out as an author and add so many different series of her work to my Kindle library. Thank you, Lindsay Buroker, for many fantastic hours of delightful reading.
Sucked in again. I should know better. I should have some self control. But no, another Lindsay Buroker book has charmed me again and I'll be off to work tomorrow with barely any sleep. How does she do it ? It's the banter between the characters, the eternal optimism that the world can be made better by people acting honourably, the tech and science folk rubbing along with the gruff and the non stereotypical fighters and of course the dragons. Don't ever forget Lindsay 's dragons, they're always special just like this series. Read it.
Very disappointed that its the last book. Loved this series with its adventure, unlikely romance, and smart and quick witted dialogue.
The writing transporting me to the underwater world where Malak, Jadora, Jak and Vinjo fight the clock and unknown magic to find out how to cure the dragons and Jadora of a magical parasitic organism that has altered their personalities to be agressive and cruel. Wanting enslave or eat the human race.
I love all of Buroker’s fantasy tales. This one has lovable and evil characters who develop and grow either more lovable or more evil by the serie’s end. I love the combination of powerful mages and dragons but also brave and honorable humans who work together to defeat enemies. I love stories that end well and Buroker is an expert at keeping the story moving through trials, challenges, and the overcoming of seemingly insurmountable problems. Buroker’s book are never dull!
Lindsay Buroker has an excellent talent to continuously write very creative top notch exciting adventure series one right after another. This has been another with exciting lovable charactors that one can get to know and and become very interested in what they will do next to produce quality reading entertainment. I look forward to the next exciting adventure. I also wish that some of my all time favorite charactors will return. There is one that is my most favorite; look him up, Professor Casmir Dabrowski
The writer has a deep understanding of human nature in my opinion. As she Gives the characters depth and leads the reader to the understanding of the personalities thought process. In this book there are many changes that take place for the characters because of the situations they are thrown into. What I like about the book Is the depth in feelings brought forth from funny horrifying and periodically sad. I can't think of anything I didn't like about the book. I highly recommended for any one who loves fantasy and multi main characters.
I am sad to see the end of this series. I’ve enjoyed the Torvil universe and the complex characters that live here. This ending wrapped up most of the threads, but it didn’t satisfy me. A few things felt “too obvious” and were built up and then resolved easily, making them a huge letdown. Buroker is one of my favorite fantasy authors and this series doesn’t change that. I’m still loving EMPEROR’S EDGE and DEATH BY DRAGONS over anything else she has.
I have enjoyed this series immensely and was not left wanting with the final book in the series. I highly recommend all if this authors books as she developed her characters and storylines well and there is always a seam of laugh out loud humour that weaves its way throughout. Though the characters might face daunting situations, they find a way through by meaning on one another and laughing when they can.
Another character driven winner from Lindsay Buroker, my now-favorite author. I admit I'm biased, having read almost everything she's written, but if character development defines what you read, look no further. Secondary and even tertiary characters get attention usually reserved for main characters and when you're finished, you lament that the journey with them all is over. Read it all - its totally worth it!
This has been a very entertaining and long adventure. I am glad that Jak’s hope and aspiration for his world to come true. His world, his companions, his friends will have a lifetime to adjust to the changes that will occur. It is like saying goodbye to a friend forever. It would be fun to revisit these character in the future. Great adventure Ms. Buroker and the Dragon Gate adventure was good.
My favourite series so far. Within the first few pages of this final adventure I was smiling, relaxed and looking forward to learning how LB closes the series. I wasn't disappointed. All the characters, dragons and humans alike were likeable and interesting (yeah even the evil guys). The different worlds were intriguing and I wonder whether LB will explore them further. Can't wait for the next series.
Thank you Lindsay for an amazing few weeks on this emotional, action packed rollercoaster of a series! Also, thank you for NOT throwing away the ending as many authors are prone to do these days. I ABHOR when that is done. It like..."And they all lived happily ever after. The End.". :/
So thanks for Keeping it real right up to the last sentence!
I love all the characters Jak and Jadora, Malek, Rivlen and all the other characters. Lindsay has a way of bringing out each person and giving them such depth you just don't want the story to stop. I hope she brings back some of the characters in continuing stories, where their exploring new worlds maybe. I hate telling the story in my review I feel you should want to read the series it's so worth it. Lindsay writes a great story.
I liked it. Honestly this was a nice conclusion to a very well written and intriguing series. It is very HEA, and honestly I want to know more about the after. The epilogue of 1 year after, just wasn't enough. All in all, solid characters, even if Jak was overly irritating, as a teenager should be I guess, and intriguing plot, beautiful world/universe and quirky dragons.
I'd really like to see an audience with the Dragon Queen!
I read through the series in 2 weeks. Enjoyed the world creations and caracters. Skipped here and there because sometimes there was too much internal thinking and explaining by caracters. Well written action. Loved the quirky dragons.
Not in the league of Robin Hobb. But entertaining. Writer good and great potential to get even better.
I will definitely follow her and recommend her on my Pinterst page.
With many twists, turns, tangles, and battles galore on many fronts, with aspects of human rights issues, societal issues and challenges aplenty, this final volume in the six volume set nicely ties up most of the unresolved questions about " What's Next"?
There is also a possibility of a new and brighter future for everyone. Well worth reading the entire series, in my opinion.
I was glad to finish this series. It was unnecessarily long and dark. I thought with the death of Tonavan, rapes would no longer be part of the story for the main characters. Sadly, no.
I think I liked the dragons best. Shiraki was fun. Sorath's dragon reminded me of the silly gold dragon in the Dragon Blade series.
After reading this, I will not be buying Ms. Buroker's books but will borrow them. Way too dark.