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Dragon Blood #3
Blood Charged
Sardelle Terushan, sorceress and healer, should be lying low. Magic is forbidden in Iskandia, and magic users are drowned, shot, or otherwise slain. The problem? She's fallen in love with ace fighter pilot and national hero, Colonel Ridge Zirkander, a man whom everybody notices, including the king. It's not long before Sardelle has spies dogging her steps and people trying to blow her up. Worse, her presence is jeopardizing Ridge's career. If she can't find a solution to the nation's centuries-old hatred of magic, the only way to protect Ridge—and herself—may be to leave.
Ridge Zirkander isn't used to worrying about more than shooting down Cofah airships and keeping the officers in his squadron alive, but his world has gotten more complicated since giving his heart to Sardelle. It's difficult to keep people from noticing a mysterious and enigmatic woman, not to mention her chatty sentient sword. He's been passing her off as an archaeologist to his fellow pilots, but when the king calls him in to a private meeting, Ridge fears his secret has been discovered.
But the king—and the rest of the country—has a greater problem. Cofah military scientists have acquired something that shouldn't exist in the world any longer: dragon blood. In addition to having countless mysterious properties, it's a powerful energy source that can be used to create devastating weapons. Ridge, Sardelle, and their allies must travel to the empire as part of a secret strike force to steal the dragon blood. If they fail, the Cofah will finally have the power to destroy all of Iskandia.
The Dragon Blood series reading order:
Book 1: Balanced on the Blade's Edge
Book 2: Deathmaker
Book 3: Blood Charged
Ridge Zirkander isn't used to worrying about more than shooting down Cofah airships and keeping the officers in his squadron alive, but his world has gotten more complicated since giving his heart to Sardelle. It's difficult to keep people from noticing a mysterious and enigmatic woman, not to mention her chatty sentient sword. He's been passing her off as an archaeologist to his fellow pilots, but when the king calls him in to a private meeting, Ridge fears his secret has been discovered.
But the king—and the rest of the country—has a greater problem. Cofah military scientists have acquired something that shouldn't exist in the world any longer: dragon blood. In addition to having countless mysterious properties, it's a powerful energy source that can be used to create devastating weapons. Ridge, Sardelle, and their allies must travel to the empire as part of a secret strike force to steal the dragon blood. If they fail, the Cofah will finally have the power to destroy all of Iskandia.
The Dragon Blood series reading order:
Book 1: Balanced on the Blade's Edge
Book 2: Deathmaker
Book 3: Blood Charged
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2014
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
185 books5,802 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 258 reviews
July 27, 2021
*** 3.65 ***
December 11, 2021
A decent episode for the series, and mercifully far less loved-up than the last two.
Can I just take a quick sec though to ask what is up with the cowboy flyer cover? XD Not my fave!
Aiight so this story jumps into the action with Sardelle in danger and Ridge being whisked off on a dangerous mission with Anh and Deathmaker along for the ride.
The whole attack on Sardelle at the very start of this book seems a bit out of place, because then it features as more of a curiosity for the rest of the book without ever really playing a serious part. It's clearly setting up for further things to come but honestly I just never got invested. It's an interesting world for sure, and the world building is mostly there, but it just doesn't really interest me enough to plan to continue the series. So that particular part, while exciting, was a bit pointless in this book.
Ridge is being dashingly handsome and heroic and Sardelle and her sassy sword are saving everyone's butts without a thank you. Anh and her silent puppy Deathmaker are making astute observations and trying to be part of the story but mostly they seem to just make out a lot. *shrugs*
Then we also get to know Ridge's team a little better which was fun and will definitely be more entertaining for those who pay more attention than I did (I'm seriously bad at multi-tasking - it's why I don't ever plan on buying audio of books I really want to absorb thoroughly). They seem like cute kids.
I like that there was more of a goal with this novel, because finally we have something to achieve and everyone is working together for it. Again, there's a lot of lore here that would be fascinating if I was more invested. Also, I'm just not that into steampunk. Air ships and mechanical things do very little for me. I spent this entire trilogy waiting for actual dragons to show up.
Look, mostly, it's a pretty fun story. The characters are interesting, they do fun things, there is action and tension and romance and decent world building. I just wasn't totally invested so I wasn't really listening as hard as I could. So for me, it was good but average.
I do feel that others who pay more attention (eg actually read the words or just have better listening skills) will get a lot more out of this story, and I think fans of steampunk will also really enjoy it. It was an entertaining addition to the series, and likely to have many people continuing on.
This is where I get off the ride, though, I think.
Can I just take a quick sec though to ask what is up with the cowboy flyer cover? XD Not my fave!
Aiight so this story jumps into the action with Sardelle in danger and Ridge being whisked off on a dangerous mission with Anh and Deathmaker along for the ride.
The whole attack on Sardelle at the very start of this book seems a bit out of place, because then it features as more of a curiosity for the rest of the book without ever really playing a serious part. It's clearly setting up for further things to come but honestly I just never got invested. It's an interesting world for sure, and the world building is mostly there, but it just doesn't really interest me enough to plan to continue the series. So that particular part, while exciting, was a bit pointless in this book.
Ridge is being dashingly handsome and heroic and Sardelle and her sassy sword are saving everyone's butts without a thank you. Anh and her silent puppy Deathmaker are making astute observations and trying to be part of the story but mostly they seem to just make out a lot. *shrugs*
Then we also get to know Ridge's team a little better which was fun and will definitely be more entertaining for those who pay more attention than I did (I'm seriously bad at multi-tasking - it's why I don't ever plan on buying audio of books I really want to absorb thoroughly). They seem like cute kids.
I like that there was more of a goal with this novel, because finally we have something to achieve and everyone is working together for it. Again, there's a lot of lore here that would be fascinating if I was more invested. Also, I'm just not that into steampunk. Air ships and mechanical things do very little for me. I spent this entire trilogy waiting for actual dragons to show up.
Look, mostly, it's a pretty fun story. The characters are interesting, they do fun things, there is action and tension and romance and decent world building. I just wasn't totally invested so I wasn't really listening as hard as I could. So for me, it was good but average.
I do feel that others who pay more attention (eg actually read the words or just have better listening skills) will get a lot more out of this story, and I think fans of steampunk will also really enjoy it. It was an entertaining addition to the series, and likely to have many people continuing on.
This is where I get off the ride, though, I think.
September 1, 2016
The Dragon Blood Series is getting better with each book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. We get more mystery, more action and more of the gang, with addition of three new characters. Not much romance, but I actually think Buroker does world building and storyline way better than romance, so no complaints from me.
This is told from Sardelle and Ridge POV again. Buroker actually does fix all the things I had issues with in the first book when it comes to their relationship. And may I just say: I adore Jixi!!
Good world building, fast and captivating plot and great character building make this a must read!
My only query: It's too short!
Good thing the entire series has already been released, so I'll just go and read the next one right.NOW. *waves*Goodbye.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. We get more mystery, more action and more of the gang, with addition of three new characters. Not much romance, but I actually think Buroker does world building and storyline way better than romance, so no complaints from me.
This is told from Sardelle and Ridge POV again. Buroker actually does fix all the things I had issues with in the first book when it comes to their relationship. And may I just say: I adore Jixi!!
Good world building, fast and captivating plot and great character building make this a must read!
My only query: It's too short!
Good thing the entire series has already been released, so I'll just go and read the next one right.NOW. *waves*Goodbye.
January 25, 2017
Military intelligence suggests the Cofah have somehow gotten their hands on dragon blood and are experimenting with it in a secret research facility. Ridge and some of his pilots are ordered to fly an elite team as well as Tolemek into the Empire where they are to infiltrate the facility, obtain samples of the blood and destroy any and all Cofah research related to it on their way out, preferably without being detected. Definitely not on the agenda was Ridge replacing the assigned mission leader, an antagonistic asshole of a Colonel who'd rather see the Deathmaker dead than participating in his operation, with Sardelle, who's in a bit of trouble with spies and explosions at home and also will probably come in handy if they run into trouble. Which of course they do, because everything that could go wrong on extremely sensitive and dangerous missions usually does.
The best one in the series yet! Lindsay Buroker excels at making large ensemble casts work, and this is a delightful example of her skill. While the previous two books each concentrated on one couple, here we get to see them all getting into (and out of) sticky situations side by side, along with a few additions to the cast of characters whom I hope we'll see again in the next books. Great fun - as always with this author.
The best one in the series yet! Lindsay Buroker excels at making large ensemble casts work, and this is a delightful example of her skill. While the previous two books each concentrated on one couple, here we get to see them all getting into (and out of) sticky situations side by side, along with a few additions to the cast of characters whom I hope we'll see again in the next books. Great fun - as always with this author.
June 14, 2015
More of Ridge and Sardelle! And the rest of the crew.
Let me say one thing first: She deserves a better name than that - at least for German-spekaing readers, as "Sardellen" are some stinky fishes, so the name constantly gives me an unpleasant picture when I read it.
This was a very enjoyable read. The story ark with the dragon blood is coming to a head and I am looking forward to seeing how that will work out.
There is a lot of my favourite couple in there and also a lot of group action - a little like a steampunk-fantasy-war-road-movie with fliers.
As always a lot of banter, a lot of sarcasm and humor and also a lot of first-class action.
Let me say one thing first: She deserves a better name than that - at least for German-spekaing readers, as "Sardellen" are some stinky fishes, so the name constantly gives me an unpleasant picture when I read it.
This was a very enjoyable read. The story ark with the dragon blood is coming to a head and I am looking forward to seeing how that will work out.
There is a lot of my favourite couple in there and also a lot of group action - a little like a steampunk-fantasy-war-road-movie with fliers.
As always a lot of banter, a lot of sarcasm and humor and also a lot of first-class action.
September 11, 2023
Sardelle and Ridge are back for adventures with Cas and Torc. This time they’re of to rescue the death merchant’s sister and make startling discoveries along the way about what’s happening in the Codah empire. With Jaxi along for the ride, Sardelle is finally outed but will that help or hurt Ridge’s career?
January 9, 2015
Blood Charged is hands down the best book in the Dragon Blood series yet - if the first two didn't have you 100% hooked, this one is sure to do the trick. Sardelle/Ridge and Tolemek/Ahn were great in their novels, but when they're all working together as a team as they begin to in Blood Charged... boy, is it awesome. I think Lindsay Buroker is at her very best writing about a colourful and varied cast who gets to team up; the banter, camaraderie and humour just flies off the page and the action is turned up a notch.
The third book is definitely more action-packed than the first two - it starts off with a bang in the most literal manner, as long-time Lindsay Buroker fans would appreciate. And while fast-paced throughout, there's plenty of character, relationship and plot development alongside the action. Magic is front and center here and there's quite a lot of use of machinery (though books 2 & 3 so far haven't been very strong on the actual steampunk), but the exciting news is that we might soon get real dragons in the Dragon Blood series! We also get to know our Cofah enemies and their territory quite a bit better, which better defines the world in the Dragon Blood series and puts more of a collective face to what had previously been largely villains/enemies in name only.
Having a clearer picture of the world, its politics and history also fleshed out Sardelle and Tolemek's characters; much of what makes Sardelle and Tolemek themselves is tied to their past experiences in Iskandia and Cofah, and getting to know the settings that shaped them really gave me better insight into their characters. Sardelle, in particular, I really liked in the first book and was really glad to know better - once again I enjoyed how intelligent, powerful and in-control she usually is. It rather tickles me pink that she's far more capable of taking care of trouble (generally) than Ridge - talk about a change from the damsel-in-distress, eh? I love Ridge as well for his irreverent remarks, easy-going and joking relationship with his subordinates and obvious adoration of Sardelle - she's always his first concern, and as much as I love the author's silent and stoic Sicarius from her Emperor's Edge series, it's hard not to appreciate a sweet guy like Ridge as well.
Sardelle and Ridge are truly well-matched, and though there's considerably less romance in Blood Charged in comparison to the first two books, I liked their relationship progress even better here than the initial "getting together" segment - huge kudos to Lindsay Buroker, because that's a rare thing indeed. Perhaps it's because their attraction and romance bloomed so fast in the first book (it was of my opinion that it was a little too fast, to be honest), but seeing them slowly get to know each other better, accept the other's quirks (in particular, seeing Ridge make an effort to understand and appreciate Sardelle's power was wonderful, given how he'd reacted previously) and figure out where they want to go from hereon was especially rewarding. I think a large part of the reason why I enjoyed Blood Charged so much more than Deathmaker is because I find Sardelle, Ridge and Jaxi infinitely more entertaining. Sardelle and Ridge are both more expressive people, more given to humour and banter, and Jaxi is always there to throw out a sarcastic crack or two that keeps things fun.
We get far less Tolemek and Ahn here - the focus is firmly on Ridge and Sardelle - but it was fun seeing all four protagonists work together, and I enjoyed getting to know some new members of Ridge's team that round out the cast very well. I know we'll probably see more of Duck, but I hope there'll be more of Apex as well; his resentment of Tolemek is bound to prove interesting.
Blood Charged really ties together the events that felt largely separate in the first two installments and makes huge leaps forward on the overarching plot, now that our four main characters are moving in the same direction with largely common goals, and I love that the series finally feels like a coherent, connected series. Admittedly I had been concerned whether Dragon Blood would take on a romance series format (in which a new set of characters/couples would be featured in each succeeding book) after the first two books - I'm not a fan of that format, so I was glad to find out that it won't head that way. In fact, I finished the book so excited about the direction and what's to come that the only thing on my mind right now is: Bring on book 4!
The third book is definitely more action-packed than the first two - it starts off with a bang in the most literal manner, as long-time Lindsay Buroker fans would appreciate. And while fast-paced throughout, there's plenty of character, relationship and plot development alongside the action. Magic is front and center here and there's quite a lot of use of machinery (though books 2 & 3 so far haven't been very strong on the actual steampunk), but the exciting news is that we might soon get real dragons in the Dragon Blood series! We also get to know our Cofah enemies and their territory quite a bit better, which better defines the world in the Dragon Blood series and puts more of a collective face to what had previously been largely villains/enemies in name only.
Having a clearer picture of the world, its politics and history also fleshed out Sardelle and Tolemek's characters; much of what makes Sardelle and Tolemek themselves is tied to their past experiences in Iskandia and Cofah, and getting to know the settings that shaped them really gave me better insight into their characters. Sardelle, in particular, I really liked in the first book and was really glad to know better - once again I enjoyed how intelligent, powerful and in-control she usually is. It rather tickles me pink that she's far more capable of taking care of trouble (generally) than Ridge - talk about a change from the damsel-in-distress, eh? I love Ridge as well for his irreverent remarks, easy-going and joking relationship with his subordinates and obvious adoration of Sardelle - she's always his first concern, and as much as I love the author's silent and stoic Sicarius from her Emperor's Edge series, it's hard not to appreciate a sweet guy like Ridge as well.
Sardelle and Ridge are truly well-matched, and though there's considerably less romance in Blood Charged in comparison to the first two books, I liked their relationship progress even better here than the initial "getting together" segment - huge kudos to Lindsay Buroker, because that's a rare thing indeed. Perhaps it's because their attraction and romance bloomed so fast in the first book (it was of my opinion that it was a little too fast, to be honest), but seeing them slowly get to know each other better, accept the other's quirks (in particular, seeing Ridge make an effort to understand and appreciate Sardelle's power was wonderful, given how he'd reacted previously) and figure out where they want to go from hereon was especially rewarding. I think a large part of the reason why I enjoyed Blood Charged so much more than Deathmaker is because I find Sardelle, Ridge and Jaxi infinitely more entertaining. Sardelle and Ridge are both more expressive people, more given to humour and banter, and Jaxi is always there to throw out a sarcastic crack or two that keeps things fun.
We get far less Tolemek and Ahn here - the focus is firmly on Ridge and Sardelle - but it was fun seeing all four protagonists work together, and I enjoyed getting to know some new members of Ridge's team that round out the cast very well. I know we'll probably see more of Duck, but I hope there'll be more of Apex as well; his resentment of Tolemek is bound to prove interesting.
Blood Charged really ties together the events that felt largely separate in the first two installments and makes huge leaps forward on the overarching plot, now that our four main characters are moving in the same direction with largely common goals, and I love that the series finally feels like a coherent, connected series. Admittedly I had been concerned whether Dragon Blood would take on a romance series format (in which a new set of characters/couples would be featured in each succeeding book) after the first two books - I'm not a fan of that format, so I was glad to find out that it won't head that way. In fact, I finished the book so excited about the direction and what's to come that the only thing on my mind right now is: Bring on book 4!
June 28, 2017
It was only "okay". I read this as part of the omnibus Dragon's Blood. I don't feel the 3 books are strong enough to be solid novels on their own. I think the Emperor's Edge books are better written than this off which takes place in the same world. It's a quick read and okay if the price stays low. I'd like to see what happens later if it gets more interesting but I feel like I'm being strung along. Something I don't care for when reading a series.
I also picked up the audible narrated version - which I'd forgotten about. Switched part way in to the story when I realized I had that benny available. Then I discovered that I don't like Caitlin Davies's style as a narrator. I actually went back to my Iphone "Voice Over" narrator in preference. The narration speed is off; 1x is a little too slow but 1.25x is a little too fast. She doesn't have a wide range (of flex) for different characters and her reading sounds like a bad play. I stuck w/ 1.25x to make it go quicker before I switched back to my Voice Over person.
All in all, I was disappointed in this set. I think Lindsay has more talent and ingenuity that was reflected in this set.
I also picked up the audible narrated version - which I'd forgotten about. Switched part way in to the story when I realized I had that benny available. Then I discovered that I don't like Caitlin Davies's style as a narrator. I actually went back to my Iphone "Voice Over" narrator in preference. The narration speed is off; 1x is a little too slow but 1.25x is a little too fast. She doesn't have a wide range (of flex) for different characters and her reading sounds like a bad play. I stuck w/ 1.25x to make it go quicker before I switched back to my Voice Over person.
All in all, I was disappointed in this set. I think Lindsay has more talent and ingenuity that was reflected in this set.
October 14, 2023
So I don’t like this series. Neither do I dislike it. It’s just not interesting to me right now. I may come back to it later and tell myself I was an idiot for leaving it but for now im going to read some other series
July 21, 2014
Now how's that for a cover? That is one serious hottie, our pilot Ridgewalker Zirkander, hero of this action-packed, steampunkish, magic-filled story. Actually, to be entirely accurate, Ridge shares the limelight with his sorceress girlfriend, Sardelle. And my two personal favourites from this Dragon's Blood series, Ahn and Tolemek, also tag along.
In Blood Charged, Ridge, Tolemek, and a team of flyers are sent into enemy territory to infiltrate a secret laboratory. Their goal? To steal a sample of impossibly rare dragon's blood being used in the war against Iskander. Ridge – being Ridge – manages to contrive to bring Sardelle along. Just as well, because nothing goes according to plan and our heroes are taxed to their absolute limits in their quest to survive.
This is good stuff. The action – and the humour – starts on page one and does not let up until the very last breath. Unlike some of Lindsay's other stories, there is nothing predictable in this one and the characters are on the back foot throughout. This isn't Sardelle, her magical soul blade sword, and her hot flyer boyfriend routing the enemy. They have to claw for every victory. It made for exciting reading.
Talking about the soul blade sword . . . Jaxi is wonderful in this story. I grow to like her more and more with each tale and I really hope she meets her dragon . . .
It was also masterful the way Buroker used the sword to merge the story each time the characters got separated. I don't know if that makes sense, but I can't tell you more without giving away spoilers. You will just have to read it to find out more.
What didn't I like about this book?
To be honest, I was disappointed that Ahn and Tolemek had subsidiary roles. They are by far my favourite characters and I would have loved to have seen more of them in action. I'm really hoping the next book is either from their POV, or at least has their POVs included because they both have so much to offer to the action. And I'm secretly in love with Tolemek.
That said, Blood Charged left me eager for more because, while the main goal of the story was reached by the end, there are a thousand more questions that have opened up. I know the next instalment is going to be fun and I'm excited to follow the adventure. Happily, Lindsay churns books out at an alarming rate (I wonder if she actually sleeps?) so I probably won't have long to wait.
So, number of stars for Blood Charged? Four. (Okay, that's just me being peevish. It would have got five if I'd seen more of Tolemek and Ahn, but not everyone is necessarily as obsessed about them as I am)
In Blood Charged, Ridge, Tolemek, and a team of flyers are sent into enemy territory to infiltrate a secret laboratory. Their goal? To steal a sample of impossibly rare dragon's blood being used in the war against Iskander. Ridge – being Ridge – manages to contrive to bring Sardelle along. Just as well, because nothing goes according to plan and our heroes are taxed to their absolute limits in their quest to survive.
This is good stuff. The action – and the humour – starts on page one and does not let up until the very last breath. Unlike some of Lindsay's other stories, there is nothing predictable in this one and the characters are on the back foot throughout. This isn't Sardelle, her magical soul blade sword, and her hot flyer boyfriend routing the enemy. They have to claw for every victory. It made for exciting reading.
Talking about the soul blade sword . . . Jaxi is wonderful in this story. I grow to like her more and more with each tale and I really hope she meets her dragon . . .
It was also masterful the way Buroker used the sword to merge the story each time the characters got separated. I don't know if that makes sense, but I can't tell you more without giving away spoilers. You will just have to read it to find out more.
What didn't I like about this book?
To be honest, I was disappointed that Ahn and Tolemek had subsidiary roles. They are by far my favourite characters and I would have loved to have seen more of them in action. I'm really hoping the next book is either from their POV, or at least has their POVs included because they both have so much to offer to the action. And I'm secretly in love with Tolemek.
That said, Blood Charged left me eager for more because, while the main goal of the story was reached by the end, there are a thousand more questions that have opened up. I know the next instalment is going to be fun and I'm excited to follow the adventure. Happily, Lindsay churns books out at an alarming rate (I wonder if she actually sleeps?) so I probably won't have long to wait.
So, number of stars for Blood Charged? Four. (Okay, that's just me being peevish. It would have got five if I'd seen more of Tolemek and Ahn, but not everyone is necessarily as obsessed about them as I am)
July 22, 2014
I want to start this review by thanking Lindsay Buroker for actually having mature, reasonable characters. People who TALK. People who THINK before they act. people who are not slaves to their emotions. It's wonderful to read a story that contains some romance which treats it's characters like responsible adults. Shocking, I know.
That said, this is book 3 in the Dragon's Blood series, and you really should read the first two before starting this, as you need to know the character's backgrounds. This novel brings together the protagonists from book 1 and book 2 and has them all go on an adventure together.
Somehow Cofah has acquired dragon's blood. LIVE dragon's blood. And the Iskarians are determined to stop this. Ridge and his team are tasked with flying 3 special agents to the top secret lab in order to steal information, and destroy the dragon's blood. It's sort of a sucky mission as Ridge is just a pilot, but it allows him to help Tolemec and Sardelle rescue Tolemec's sister.
Of course, it soon turns into more when the agents are killed and Ridge decided to fulfill their mission. Explosions! Giant mobile statues! Missiles! Dragon's Blood! Smooches! Many feels.
The only problem I have with this book is not having book four to read RIGHT NOW.
That said, this is book 3 in the Dragon's Blood series, and you really should read the first two before starting this, as you need to know the character's backgrounds. This novel brings together the protagonists from book 1 and book 2 and has them all go on an adventure together.
Somehow Cofah has acquired dragon's blood. LIVE dragon's blood. And the Iskarians are determined to stop this. Ridge and his team are tasked with flying 3 special agents to the top secret lab in order to steal information, and destroy the dragon's blood. It's sort of a sucky mission as Ridge is just a pilot, but it allows him to help Tolemec and Sardelle rescue Tolemec's sister.
Of course, it soon turns into more when the agents are killed and Ridge decided to fulfill their mission. Explosions! Giant mobile statues! Missiles! Dragon's Blood! Smooches! Many feels.
The only problem I have with this book is not having book four to read RIGHT NOW.
January 9, 2015
I started out annoyed - Sardelle being attacked and hated while Tolemek was just accepted and given a lab pissed me off, and I wanted nothing more than for her to leave and wish them all good luck fighting the magic without her.
But by the end, I was... I don't know if appeased is the right word. But I enjoyed the ride. And I enjoyed Sardelle winning over the squad. I will never get over Tolemek - what Apex said is exactly what I said in my review of book 2, you don't make a weapon like that unless you ARE evil.
I guess I'm invested enough in the overall story to read on, regardless. And I really like Sardelle and Jaxi. And I've forgiven Ridge for his squeamishness about Sardelle's magic, and his assumption that she'd just happily live in his house doing nothing while he continues on with business as usual.
Here's hoping the next book doesn't wreck the fragile peace I've made with the issues in the series!
But by the end, I was... I don't know if appeased is the right word. But I enjoyed the ride. And I enjoyed Sardelle winning over the squad. I will never get over Tolemek - what Apex said is exactly what I said in my review of book 2, you don't make a weapon like that unless you ARE evil.
I guess I'm invested enough in the overall story to read on, regardless. And I really like Sardelle and Jaxi. And I've forgiven Ridge for his squeamishness about Sardelle's magic, and his assumption that she'd just happily live in his house doing nothing while he continues on with business as usual.
Here's hoping the next book doesn't wreck the fragile peace I've made with the issues in the series!
June 4, 2018
The series kind of took a dive. The first book was a great read. The second was enjoyable. This one just kind of feels like it is forcing the characters along a path to the next book. I understand that this is a part of a series, but the end of this book does not feel finished.
I enjoy Lindsay's writing style and story-telling, but this story just felt flat to me.
I enjoy Lindsay's writing style and story-telling, but this story just felt flat to me.
September 21, 2018
I got the first three books as a bundle, discounted. The third book provides more development amid the action and chemistry, but not enough that I'll be rushing to buy book 4. I'm not ruling out sometime later, but these characters didn't grab my attention and make me want to know more as much as other Buroker stories have.
October 19, 2015
Well what's ya know, doggone good steampunk adventure. Col. Ridge and crew face off against a white mountain, filled with evil scientists and enemy soldiers. Gotta read it to believe all the scrapes they get into.
August 18, 2021
So far very happy with the series! The characters could be a bit more explored and a few other minor details bug me, but anything else is good. It's not a typical story, and I love the mix of male/female characters that seem so plausible in the situation. It's so nice to not have any of the two extremes we usually see:
1: men are heroes and women are to be saved and sexy
2: women rule and men are just there to see the show and not contribute
Highly recommend this is a good all round fantasy YA.
1: men are heroes and women are to be saved and sexy
2: women rule and men are just there to see the show and not contribute
Highly recommend this is a good all round fantasy YA.
April 17, 2019
The books in this series are getting stronger with each installment (so far). The action and adventure was at a high with this one. Though books one and two ended like a stand alone would, book three leaves you knowing there is much more in store for the characters.
It was a slow build, but definitely got me hooked into the series by the time I reached the end. I’ll definitely keep the remaining books of the Dragon Blood series on my watchlist for when the other books may go on sale.
It was a slow build, but definitely got me hooked into the series by the time I reached the end. I’ll definitely keep the remaining books of the Dragon Blood series on my watchlist for when the other books may go on sale.
August 24, 2023
3.5/5.0
Good story and action. Probably not quite as gripping as previous installments in this series - at least for me. That could be because most of that action is contained in one very long scene that takes up the entirety of the last 15% of the book. It was nail-biting but got a bit exhausting all in one chunk. Before that, the storyline is interesting but is focused on getting to that big action ending.
Good story and action. Probably not quite as gripping as previous installments in this series - at least for me. That could be because most of that action is contained in one very long scene that takes up the entirety of the last 15% of the book. It was nail-biting but got a bit exhausting all in one chunk. Before that, the storyline is interesting but is focused on getting to that big action ending.
July 12, 2022
The story had trouble holding my interest. Some in party strife that felt better than the normal if they just talked it wouldn't be an issue. Though the world setting is great I don't think the first three were strong enough for me to want to keep going.
October 21, 2018
This is a Fantasy series. The action is increasing in this series and things are getting more intense. On to the next in the series!
October 2, 2020
Loved the suspense in this one! I love the introduction of the new characters and their roles throughout this novel!
Want to read
May 14, 2021🎁 Part of The Dragon Blood Collection, Books 1-3 which is FREE on Amazon today (5/14/2021)! 🎁
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October 27, 2024
someone kill me.
why did i read these?
LOWKEY THE ALL SUCKED
JAX IS ANNOYING
AND I JUST WANT TO PUKE
thanks but no thanks
why did i read these?
LOWKEY THE ALL SUCKED
JAX IS ANNOYING
AND I JUST WANT TO PUKE
thanks but no thanks
April 28, 2023
Great book, story, and characters. I love the interaction between the different people, it makes such a big difference in enjoyment
December 12, 2022
3 1/2
Story was incomplete for me. It was a stepping stone. The mission gets resolved but the consequences of all the rest does not. Tolemek was on this mission to free his sister
Story was incomplete for me. It was a stepping stone. The mission gets resolved but the consequences of all the rest does not. Tolemek was on this mission to free his sister
August 4, 2014
I'm always glad when an author figures out that they don't need graphic sex scenes to keep their readers entertained. After the first book in this series the author lets her characters and fast-moving action keep us glued to the pages, instead of resorting to cheap emotional tricks. I heartily approve.
September 8, 2018
I liked the book and enjoy the characters and the worldbuilding around magic and technology. I purchased the first three books of this series as a box set on sale, and while I feel I got my money's worth I won't be continuing due to other issues I have with the worldbuilding of the two warring countries.
December 23, 2023
The series should have started here. The romance subplots from the first two books are taking a backseat as the real adventure finally unfolds. We learn the significance of dragon blood and get to see ALL the characters band together forming a fun and unlikely team. This book has good pacing but if things aren't blowing up or moving around, the weakness of the character's depth, dialogue, and versatility become very apparent.
It's an entertaining story on the surface if you can stomach the pubescent tone that no one seems above, not even the well decorated and honorable military personnel. I do appreciate the accurate military jargon from Buroker’s real life military experience. I think she was trying to induce that familiar camaraderie that breeds their fearless dialogue but it ends up just sounding immature.
And now, allow me to indulge in some spoilers because I have questions. And did we just forget that the whole world forbids magic? Why is it that these extremely taboo books marked in red about the dragon blood lineages are open to the public at the Public Archives Building if there’s harmful information in there that people have been caught using for “nefarious reasons”?
And as for Jaxi the soulblade… She is way under utilized as much as I dislike her. If this sword has a 50 mile radius where she can sense the minds of individuals without anyone ever even knowing she was in their mind, why wouldn’t she jump into the minds of those intruders at the very beginning of this book, follow them home to see where they’re from and where they’re going and relay that information to Sardelle in order to protect them both from whatever is going on and why they are being spied upon? This was never brought up again in this book because I’m guessing it’s an adventure for a later book in the series, but why aren’t we eliminating all of these inevitable problems that Jaxi should be more than capable of eliminating? The magic around Jaxi is not very clear. Are there reasons for all of these sudden limitations in times of need or why isn’t she doing anything about them? And one more thing with Jaxi. Is this supposed to be a “soft magic” system because it seems like we are learning a bunch of hard and fast rules that don’t make sense when you think about it.
And WHY is the King allowing his former enemy, Tolemek, WHO IS NOT KNOWN TO BE TRUSTED AMONG ANYONE on this TOP SECRET MISSION? Tolemek is not special! He’s not the King’s only scientist. They even said he’s just “the new one”. So just hire a different scientist to go on this mission. There are so many instances where this story is NOT convincing. It just seems convenient to the plot. Make it make sense!
I could go on about all of these plot holes that took little to no thought to see through but I digress. I think this story either wasn’t well thought out or maybe not well explained enough to fit the narrative because I don’t get it and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
I hate leaving on a bad note because this was an enjoyable little story to passively listen to for free on the audiobook. But I don’t think I could recommend this series to even young adults because the messages in this story about love are dangerous, the writing is rather weak, and the plot, the characters, and world all seem like a compulsive first draft that was published before given the love it very much needs to be a story worth sharing. Sadly, I think this is where my investment into this series will end.
It's an entertaining story on the surface if you can stomach the pubescent tone that no one seems above, not even the well decorated and honorable military personnel. I do appreciate the accurate military jargon from Buroker’s real life military experience. I think she was trying to induce that familiar camaraderie that breeds their fearless dialogue but it ends up just sounding immature.
And now, allow me to indulge in some spoilers because I have questions. And did we just forget that the whole world forbids magic? Why is it that these extremely taboo books marked in red about the dragon blood lineages are open to the public at the Public Archives Building if there’s harmful information in there that people have been caught using for “nefarious reasons”?
And as for Jaxi the soulblade… She is way under utilized as much as I dislike her. If this sword has a 50 mile radius where she can sense the minds of individuals without anyone ever even knowing she was in their mind, why wouldn’t she jump into the minds of those intruders at the very beginning of this book, follow them home to see where they’re from and where they’re going and relay that information to Sardelle in order to protect them both from whatever is going on and why they are being spied upon? This was never brought up again in this book because I’m guessing it’s an adventure for a later book in the series, but why aren’t we eliminating all of these inevitable problems that Jaxi should be more than capable of eliminating? The magic around Jaxi is not very clear. Are there reasons for all of these sudden limitations in times of need or why isn’t she doing anything about them? And one more thing with Jaxi. Is this supposed to be a “soft magic” system because it seems like we are learning a bunch of hard and fast rules that don’t make sense when you think about it.
And WHY is the King allowing his former enemy, Tolemek, WHO IS NOT KNOWN TO BE TRUSTED AMONG ANYONE on this TOP SECRET MISSION? Tolemek is not special! He’s not the King’s only scientist. They even said he’s just “the new one”. So just hire a different scientist to go on this mission. There are so many instances where this story is NOT convincing. It just seems convenient to the plot. Make it make sense!
I could go on about all of these plot holes that took little to no thought to see through but I digress. I think this story either wasn’t well thought out or maybe not well explained enough to fit the narrative because I don’t get it and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
I hate leaving on a bad note because this was an enjoyable little story to passively listen to for free on the audiobook. But I don’t think I could recommend this series to even young adults because the messages in this story about love are dangerous, the writing is rather weak, and the plot, the characters, and world all seem like a compulsive first draft that was published before given the love it very much needs to be a story worth sharing. Sadly, I think this is where my investment into this series will end.
May 11, 2015
I've written the review for the first 4 book bere:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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