Colonel Ridge Zirkander isn’t the model of military professionalism — he has a tendency to say exactly what’s on his mind, and his record has enough demerits to wallpaper the hull of an airship — but as the best fighter pilot in the Iskandian army, he’s used to a little leniency from his superiors. Until he punches the wrong diplomat in the nose and finds himself issued new orders: take command … command of a remote prison mine in the inhospitable Ice Blades Mountains. Ridge has never been in charge of anything larger than a flier squadron — what’s he supposed to do with a frozen fortress full of murderers and rapists? Not to mention the strange woman who shows up right before he arrives…
Sardelle Terushan wakes from three hundred years in a mage stasis shelter, only to realize that she is the last of the Referatu, the sorcerers who once helped protect Iskandia from conquerors. Their subterranean mountain community was blown up in a treacherous sneak attack by soldiers who feared their power. Everyone Sardelle ever knew is dead, and the sentient soulblade she has been bonded to since her youth is buried in the core of the mountain. Further, what remains of her home has been infested by bloodthirsty miners commanded by the descendants of the very soldiers who destroyed her people.
Sardelle needs help to reach her soulblade — her only link to her past and her last friend in the world. Her only hope is to pretend she’s one of the prisoners while trying to gain the commander’s trust. But lying isn’t her specialty, especially when the world has changed so much in the intervening centuries, and if Colonel Zirkander figures out who she truly is, he’ll be duty-bound to sentence her to the only acceptable punishment for sorcerers: death.
The Dragon Blood series reading order:
Book 1: Balanced on the Blade’s Edge
Book 2: Deathmaker
Book 3: Blood Charged
more
A really fun read! I really like the snarkiness (is that a word?) of Ridge, the seeming innocence of Sardelle and banter between them and their companions. Wonderful series! Looking forward to the next book!
I have recently fallen in love with Linday Buroker’s other series The Emperor’s Edge, so I decided to try another of her books out. Though I didn’t like it as much as the aforementioned series it was definitely entertaining. And original. I don’t know if I’m just in the dark but I haven’t stumbled upon many dragon fliers or soul-housing-swords, …
I picked up this book as a freebie and ended up binge-reading the entire series. If you love cheeky characters, magic, and fantastic adventure then this book is for you!
The start of a highly entertaining series, with great characters. Lindsay Buroker is an author that I will always recommend to anyone looking for a great read.
Steampunk and fun
Quick read, lots of action. Not much character development but enough to where you like them. The villains were unnecessary I think because the book would have been more compelling without the distraction. How would he have handled the revelation if there had not been another extremely counter reaction to mitigate. Was that …
Nice twist in this series of book.
After I read Lindsay Buroker’s Fallen Empire series I decided to try one of her other series. I got the box set that contained the firs 3 books in this series and decided to give this a try. I enjoyed this story. It has the same writing style, vibe and humor that I’ve grown to expect form Lindsay Buroker’s books. And I enjoyed trying out one of …
Loved this book and it’s introduction to a cool new character and much wanted return of old favorites in a great funny romp in this wonderful Buroker Universe!!!
A thoroughly enjoyable novel. I enjoyed story, and the setting created by Lindsay Buroker. I look forward to reading more of her new world and the characters she has created.
I tried to put this book down but it was much too difficult. After I finished this one I could not wait to get into the next one. I love Lindsay Buroker’s writing! I love the snarkiness, love the romance, and the action held me in suspense. I’m glad I bought the whole series so I don’t have to wait for the next one. See you there!
I tried to put this book down but it was much too difficult. After I finished this one I could not wait to get into the next one. I love Lindsay Buroker’s writing! I love the snarkiness, love the romance, and the action held me in suspense. I’m glad I bought the whole series so I don’t have to wait for the next one. See you there!
As I’m primarily known for a fantasy steampunk world, this is the best other fantasy steampunk world I’ve found so far. Lindsay is absolutely amazing and I think if you love my Von Monocle series you’ll definitely enjoy this — though the romance is a lot spicier in her books (maybe that’s a good thing)!
Like all of Buroker’s books, this one is a winner!
I have been an enthusiastic reader of every L. Buroker novel I’ve bought; And I’ve bought a lot of them. She needs to keep writing to feed my habit. I particularly enjoy the way she combines action with witty dialog.
Great!
A great start to a great series, once again by one of my favorite authors.
My husband and I have read the entire series. Characters are fantastic, humor top notch. If you like fun sarcastic humor with a twist towards dragons and sorcerers you will enjoy this set of books.