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Dragon Blood #6
Raptor
Die Drachenblut-Saga - die Bestseller Fantasy Serie aus den USA geht weiter Band 6 Leutnantin Caslin Ahn ist für den Tod ihres Freundes verantwortlich. Sie verlässt die Armee, gibt das Fliegen auf und zieht sich vor allen Freunden zurück. Doch ein Auftrag des Königs lässt ihr keine andere Wahl, als sich ihren Kameraden wieder anzuschließen. Ein Drache ist zurückgekehrt und bringt Tod und Zerstörung über Iskandia, und Cas und ihre Kameraden sind die einzigen, die eine Chance haben, ihn aufzuhalten. Begleitet im sechsten Band der atemberaubenden Drachenblut-Saga Cas, Tolemek, Grat, Ardelle, Kaika und Tylie sowie ihren Drachen auf ein neues episches Fantasy-Abenteuer! Über die Drachenblut-Saga Tausend Jahre sind vergangen, seit zuletzt ein Drache gesichtet wurde. Wissenschaft und Technologie haben die alte Magie verdrängt. Doch es gibt Menschen, durch deren Adern noch immer Drachenblut fließt, entfernte Nachfahren der mächtigen Kreaturen von einst. Diese Menschen haben die Macht, Magie zu wirken, zu heilen und Waffen herzustellen, die Kriege entscheiden können. Wegen dieser Kräfte sind sie gefürchtet, und in den letzten Jahrhunderten wurden sie fast bis zur Ausrottung gejagt. Die wenigen Überlebenden müssen einen Weg finden, die Magie von einst wieder aufleben zu lassen, oder sie werden für immer aus der Welt verschwinden.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
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 144 reviews
October 7, 2019
4.5 And so we reach the end.
Oh, how I will miss this series.
I absolutely love this author, she is so much more than I expected! Everything in it was fantastic, it's a series I'd recommend to any and all fantasy lovers.
If you haven't tried her before, then it's definitely a must.
Oh, how I will miss this series.
I absolutely love this author, she is so much more than I expected! Everything in it was fantastic, it's a series I'd recommend to any and all fantasy lovers.
If you haven't tried her before, then it's definitely a must.
November 10, 2015
First I must say that I love this series and that I'm sad the next book will be the last!
Second, I loved the adventure here and the strong presence of Ridge, Sardelle and poor Tolemek, but not so much Cas taht became a crybaby here. I understand the weight of guilt she feels after what happened in the previous book (The Blade's Memory), but here it was so exasperated that I wanted to scream at her "Stop it!!! You're doing everything wrong!!!"
Third, why, oh why Ms. Buroker??? Why did you have to leave us so??!!! Why such a HUGE cliffhanger???!!! Now we must wait the next book to know what happened!!!
But still this book is such a huge roller-coaster that I loved it very, very much!
Second, I loved the adventure here and the strong presence of Ridge, Sardelle and poor Tolemek, but not so much Cas taht became a crybaby here. I understand the weight of guilt she feels after what happened in the previous book (The Blade's Memory), but here it was so exasperated that I wanted to scream at her "Stop it!!! You're doing everything wrong!!!"
Third, why, oh why Ms. Buroker??? Why did you have to leave us so??!!! Why such a HUGE cliffhanger???!!! Now we must wait the next book to know what happened!!!
But still this book is such a huge roller-coaster that I loved it very, very much!
October 12, 2023
Oh crap!
Well, everything took a turn and I won't spoil it. Worth the read? Yes of course! Going back to the mountain range with the hidden fort tucked in for another epic battle was definitely half the fun! The characters are in it for some crazy time, and the ride is worth it :-)
Well, everything took a turn and I won't spoil it. Worth the read? Yes of course! Going back to the mountain range with the hidden fort tucked in for another epic battle was definitely half the fun! The characters are in it for some crazy time, and the ride is worth it :-)
July 27, 2022
Cas is in a pretty bad place here and she's punishing herself for her unwilling part in the death of one of her squad. As in, she's withdrawn from her friends and teammates and resigned her commission. She's a mess, but she can't refuse when the king asks her to help Ridge on a mission. Mostly because she doesn't want anyone else to carry the burden of what the sword made her do if it chooses to flare up again.
So she's on the mission, but her head's in a bad place. There's a dragon (not Phel!) causing havoc in the countryside. Times are dangerous and she and the others have to think on the fly to try to thwart said dragon and try to keep it from destroying pretty much everything.
While Cas is coming to terms with the past, Ridge is being his usual daring self, Sardelle is trying to mentor Tylie, Therrik is ...uhh, well, scowling, I suppose. I mean, the guy is like a concentrated ball of anger. He grates against pretty much everyone and is absolutely fine being the way he is. To be fair, a person should absolutely accept themself and be comfortable with who and what they are. So, you know, there's that.
Anywho. A wild mid-air fight and the (potential) loss of someone everyone (except Therrik) holds dear. Dragons! They're kind of fight-y, aren't they?
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So she's on the mission, but her head's in a bad place. There's a dragon (not Phel!) causing havoc in the countryside. Times are dangerous and she and the others have to think on the fly to try to thwart said dragon and try to keep it from destroying pretty much everything.
While Cas is coming to terms with the past, Ridge is being his usual daring self, Sardelle is trying to mentor Tylie, Therrik is ...uhh, well, scowling, I suppose. I mean, the guy is like a concentrated ball of anger. He grates against pretty much everyone and is absolutely fine being the way he is. To be fair, a person should absolutely accept themself and be comfortable with who and what they are. So, you know, there's that.
Anywho. A wild mid-air fight and the (potential) loss of someone everyone (except Therrik) holds dear. Dragons! They're kind of fight-y, aren't they?
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 26, 2016
Now that I've finished the full series, here's my quick review of all the books. No spoilers other than what's on the jacket description (mostly).
#1 Balanced on the Blade's Edge: This was a very fun, steampunk fantasy romance. It feels a lot like a YA novel, except the protagonists are in their 30s-40s. It is a sweet story, slow paced, and a great start to the series. Ridge and Sardelle are great together!
#2 Deathmaker: I have to say that Cas and Tolemek's romance is less interesting to me than Ridge and Sardelle's. The beginning of the story is very promising, with Cas & Tolemek in prison together, but it doesn't last long enough and the rest of the book I was just wondering what they see in each other. I didn't really get the chemistry between them. I was pretty much wondering why they were together all the way through book 7.
#3 Blood Charged: This is the beginning of the real action-packed part of the series, which continues all the way through book 7. We've been waiting for a dragon for a long time, and.... you'll have to keep waiting! Books 3 and 4 are really a single book. There's a ton more humor, and Jaxi is pretty much the star whenever she's talking. Therrik and Kaika are introduced in this book - great characters that you will love/hate/love throughout the rest of the books!
#4 Patterns in the Dark: Do we get to see a dragon? Do we? Do we? Ummmmm, sort of. If you're waiting for cool dragon action, you'll have to keep waiting. In fact, the end of the book will just make you eager to start the next one. There's lots of action, planning, plans going awry, monsters, smooching, humor, and explosions. Owanu Owanus doesn't sound like a great place to visit. Very fun. Dragon Count: 1.
#5 The Blade's Memory: Our heroes are now hiding out, having returned from their mission (books 3&4) to some big changes in the capital. The action is more covert, and our heroes have to work to clear their names, find the king, and figure out who's the villain. The evil sorceress is at it again, and this time there are consequences to the battles. The dragon? Mostly MIA. Dragon Count: 0.1
#5.5 Under the Ice Blades: Don't forget to read this book before reading #6! Another sweet romance between Angulus and Kaika. They are my new favorite couple. Dragon Count: 2
#6 Raptor: The book title would imply that the story is about her, but she's not in the book as much as you expect. Cas has finally left the military, and is busy moping. But she volunteers to go on a mission anyway. Our heroes are back together and heading back to the Ice Blades on a dragon hunt. (If you haven't read book 5.5, stop and read it now.) Dragons are pretty tough and have more magic than anyone else, so it's going to be a difficult battle. Also, the evil sorceress is still lurking around somewhere. Fortunately (or unfortunately for Cas), they have a sword that is eager to kill dragons and sorceresses alike. Lots of cool dragon action. The book ends on a cliff hanger, so prepare to dive right into the next book. Dragon Count: 4
#7 Soul Blade: The final book in the series does not disappoint. Sardelle and company are searching for Ridge, while a second team is off to the jungle again on a secret mission. The dragons are fun, mysterious, and maddening throughout. I loved Bhrava Saruth, and not just because his name was mostly pronounceable. It's non-stop action, so be prepared to stay up late reading! The epilogue is very satisfying and a good end-cap to the series. Dragon Count: 3
Overall comments: dragon names are very hard to pronounce, soul blades are very snarky, and everyone finds love, even Pimples. This series is chock full of humor, romance, and action, and I wish it went on longer than 7 1/2 books!
#1 Balanced on the Blade's Edge: This was a very fun, steampunk fantasy romance. It feels a lot like a YA novel, except the protagonists are in their 30s-40s. It is a sweet story, slow paced, and a great start to the series. Ridge and Sardelle are great together!
#2 Deathmaker: I have to say that Cas and Tolemek's romance is less interesting to me than Ridge and Sardelle's. The beginning of the story is very promising, with Cas & Tolemek in prison together, but it doesn't last long enough and the rest of the book I was just wondering what they see in each other. I didn't really get the chemistry between them. I was pretty much wondering why they were together all the way through book 7.
#3 Blood Charged: This is the beginning of the real action-packed part of the series, which continues all the way through book 7. We've been waiting for a dragon for a long time, and.... you'll have to keep waiting! Books 3 and 4 are really a single book. There's a ton more humor, and Jaxi is pretty much the star whenever she's talking. Therrik and Kaika are introduced in this book - great characters that you will love/hate/love throughout the rest of the books!
#4 Patterns in the Dark: Do we get to see a dragon? Do we? Do we? Ummmmm, sort of. If you're waiting for cool dragon action, you'll have to keep waiting. In fact, the end of the book will just make you eager to start the next one. There's lots of action, planning, plans going awry, monsters, smooching, humor, and explosions. Owanu Owanus doesn't sound like a great place to visit. Very fun. Dragon Count: 1.
#5 The Blade's Memory: Our heroes are now hiding out, having returned from their mission (books 3&4) to some big changes in the capital. The action is more covert, and our heroes have to work to clear their names, find the king, and figure out who's the villain. The evil sorceress is at it again, and this time there are consequences to the battles. The dragon? Mostly MIA. Dragon Count: 0.1
#5.5 Under the Ice Blades: Don't forget to read this book before reading #6! Another sweet romance between Angulus and Kaika. They are my new favorite couple. Dragon Count: 2
#6 Raptor: The book title would imply that the story is about her, but she's not in the book as much as you expect. Cas has finally left the military, and is busy moping. But she volunteers to go on a mission anyway. Our heroes are back together and heading back to the Ice Blades on a dragon hunt. (If you haven't read book 5.5, stop and read it now.) Dragons are pretty tough and have more magic than anyone else, so it's going to be a difficult battle. Also, the evil sorceress is still lurking around somewhere. Fortunately (or unfortunately for Cas), they have a sword that is eager to kill dragons and sorceresses alike. Lots of cool dragon action. The book ends on a cliff hanger, so prepare to dive right into the next book. Dragon Count: 4
#7 Soul Blade: The final book in the series does not disappoint. Sardelle and company are searching for Ridge, while a second team is off to the jungle again on a secret mission. The dragons are fun, mysterious, and maddening throughout. I loved Bhrava Saruth, and not just because his name was mostly pronounceable. It's non-stop action, so be prepared to stay up late reading! The epilogue is very satisfying and a good end-cap to the series. Dragon Count: 3
Overall comments: dragon names are very hard to pronounce, soul blades are very snarky, and everyone finds love, even Pimples. This series is chock full of humor, romance, and action, and I wish it went on longer than 7 1/2 books!
May 28, 2017
I really liked this book as well, BUT I have to say that I grew quite tired of Cas's whining and self-pity. I understand that she feels bad for a friend's death and it's not something one gets over very easily, but I wished that she had put on her big girl socks a lot sooner. Although, her insecurities did give us a great LOTR moment 14% that made me giggle like a lunatic so it's not all bad.
I love the addition of dragons and while Phel seems way too closed off and stuck on Tylie for some odd reason, I loved this story's bad guy Mor. (His name is actually longer but I'm lazy and can't bother to look up the right spelling of his tricky name.) I also hope that Sardelle and Jaxi will find out more about dragons in the final installation as these mysterious creatures no-one had seen in a thousand years are definitely something I wish to learn more about.
This book was also the first that gave us more than two POVs (I guess I got what I wanted) and to my utmost surprise I actually prefer only 2 POVs to all four ... Maybe I would've liked it better if Buroker had added Kaika's POV to the others.
Also, WHAT KIND OF AN ENDING WAS THAT??? I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!
The Book Challengers blog // The Book Challengers Instagram // The Book Challengers Twitter
I love the addition of dragons and while Phel seems way too closed off and stuck on Tylie for some odd reason, I loved this story's bad guy Mor. (His name is actually longer but I'm lazy and can't bother to look up the right spelling of his tricky name.) I also hope that Sardelle and Jaxi will find out more about dragons in the final installation as these mysterious creatures no-one had seen in a thousand years are definitely something I wish to learn more about.
This book was also the first that gave us more than two POVs (I guess I got what I wanted) and to my utmost surprise I actually prefer only 2 POVs to all four ... Maybe I would've liked it better if Buroker had added Kaika's POV to the others.
Also, WHAT KIND OF AN ENDING WAS THAT??? I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!
The Book Challengers blog // The Book Challengers Instagram // The Book Challengers Twitter
April 5, 2017
This book started off rather slow for me, but as I soldiered on I got dragged into the story and it didn't let me go until late in the night after it finally ended.... It ended on a kind of cliffhanger, but as soon as I finished it I pre-ordered the next/last book in the series, I didn't hear the date right and was oh so pleasantly surprised when the next book showed up on my kindle the next day. Hah
I love this series for so many reasons. It has pretty much everything I adore in a story, some great action, just enough romance, and an intriguing world. One of the best things about Buroker’s books, I think, is that she writes awesome and exciting action sequences. She also creates characters that have their own unique personalities. I’m almost sad that this is the second to last book in the series, but another thing that Buroker does so well, is that she knows when to end a series. Instead of dragging a series on, she just creates another one that might be set in the same world.
Btw:
Dog fights + dragons + magic = omg wtf win, win, win
I think I may've watched a bit too many episodes of Black Sheep and/or seen Top Gun too many times. teehee
I love this series for so many reasons. It has pretty much everything I adore in a story, some great action, just enough romance, and an intriguing world. One of the best things about Buroker’s books, I think, is that she writes awesome and exciting action sequences. She also creates characters that have their own unique personalities. I’m almost sad that this is the second to last book in the series, but another thing that Buroker does so well, is that she knows when to end a series. Instead of dragging a series on, she just creates another one that might be set in the same world.
Btw:
Dog fights + dragons + magic = omg wtf win, win, win
I think I may've watched a bit too many episodes of Black Sheep and/or seen Top Gun too many times. teehee
January 4, 2018
Started off a little slower than the last few, but I don't think that mattered as it took off with lightning speed! The ending was epic, of course. Dragons, and more dragons. Have to start the next book immediately to find out what happens next with Ridge. I don't fear for the worst but you never know. Nothing is ever certain in this universe. Starting Soul Blade now.
March 4, 2017
Gah! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
No way. I don't think I could live with this ending. I really couldn't... *rushes to get the next book*
No way. I don't think I could live with this ending. I really couldn't... *rushes to get the next book*
December 1, 2023
Book Six is another action packed right. there a moments of humor and moments of sweetness, moments of loss and moments of hope. The simple story telling style continues to be a great lighter read/listen inbetween heavier books. I am enjoying every minute.
May 13, 2020
Well... it wasn't the ending I was hoping for, but I did anticipate part of it due to reading the synopsis of book 7. Fortunately, it isn't as bad as it sounds since there's a book 8, so... I just have a book...or 3...to get to that point. yay.
The good noose is, the nasty gold is taken care of. The bad noose... Oh, there are a few more flying the friendly skies at the end. Fortunately, one doesn't seem inclined to kill everyone. Bonus, the *other* possessed sword actually serves a purpose.
The good noose is, the nasty gold is taken care of. The bad noose... Oh, there are a few more flying the friendly skies at the end. Fortunately, one doesn't seem inclined to kill everyone. Bonus, the *other* possessed sword actually serves a purpose.
February 7, 2017
Rather late to the party, I have finished Raptor.
Fair warning, whilst this is a stand-alone novel there is a big cliff-hanger at the end and it is the penultimate book in the series so there is a palpable feeling of things being set up and pieces being put in place for the grand finale. I didn't know either of these things before I read the book and whilst it by no means affected my enjoyment of the novel it did explain the aforementioned 'set up' feeling I had whilst reading. Also, I didn't feel that the book focused on Cas as much as it should for one that is named for her (Raptor is Cas' nickname).
I think I would summarise this book as Ridge has trouble with dragons!
As readers of the preceding novella Under the Ice Blades will be aware, King Angulus was tricked into setting free an ancient gold dragon, who turned out to be a megalomaniac criminal. At the start of this novel said dragon visits General Ridge Zirkander's cottage and incinerates his new couch (which was just being delivered) as it attempts to kidnap Tolemek's sister Tylie but is driven off by her silver dragon friend Phelistoth.
Angulus pulls together a crack team of all our old favourites to back to the mines to search for information which might help to defeat a dragon, as a side quest they are also looking for a soul blade for Tylie. Caslin Ahn, who resigned her commission after she killed someone while under the influence of a sentient sword which was forged to kill magical creatures, volunteers to be part of the team to wield said sword.
This book switches between different viewpoints of the key characters: Ridge, Sardelle, Cas and Tolemek as they work together to find a way to defeat the dragon. Both couples reach new understandings with each other about their relationships and their futures. Cas comes to terms with the events of the past. I have read Therrick's novella which takes place after the end of this series which slightly spoilered some of the events in this book (my bad, but on the positive side, great novella), I kept waiting for certain events to happen and some of them didn't actually happen in this book!
I wouldn't read this as a stand-alone novel, the references to past characters and events would make it too confusing, but for anyone who has read the preceding novels this is a fantastic set up for the final novel.
Fair warning, whilst this is a stand-alone novel there is a big cliff-hanger at the end and it is the penultimate book in the series so there is a palpable feeling of things being set up and pieces being put in place for the grand finale. I didn't know either of these things before I read the book and whilst it by no means affected my enjoyment of the novel it did explain the aforementioned 'set up' feeling I had whilst reading. Also, I didn't feel that the book focused on Cas as much as it should for one that is named for her (Raptor is Cas' nickname).
I think I would summarise this book as Ridge has trouble with dragons!
As readers of the preceding novella Under the Ice Blades will be aware, King Angulus was tricked into setting free an ancient gold dragon, who turned out to be a megalomaniac criminal. At the start of this novel said dragon visits General Ridge Zirkander's cottage and incinerates his new couch (which was just being delivered) as it attempts to kidnap Tolemek's sister Tylie but is driven off by her silver dragon friend Phelistoth.
Angulus pulls together a crack team of all our old favourites to back to the mines to search for information which might help to defeat a dragon, as a side quest they are also looking for a soul blade for Tylie. Caslin Ahn, who resigned her commission after she killed someone while under the influence of a sentient sword which was forged to kill magical creatures, volunteers to be part of the team to wield said sword.
This book switches between different viewpoints of the key characters: Ridge, Sardelle, Cas and Tolemek as they work together to find a way to defeat the dragon. Both couples reach new understandings with each other about their relationships and their futures. Cas comes to terms with the events of the past. I have read Therrick's novella which takes place after the end of this series which slightly spoilered some of the events in this book (my bad, but on the positive side, great novella), I kept waiting for certain events to happen and some of them didn't actually happen in this book!
I wouldn't read this as a stand-alone novel, the references to past characters and events would make it too confusing, but for anyone who has read the preceding novels this is a fantastic set up for the final novel.
February 19, 2020
I love the characters and setting of this series but sometimes the fight scenes are just too long. This book happened to be just one long fight scene. My husband loves these types of books but it's what moved it from a 4 star to a 3 star because of my preference. I will still continue to read the rest of the series because everything else is great and I'm hoping for a bit less fighting is the rest...
April 28, 2016
Ridgeeeee
January 20, 2022
I enjoyed this more than the others - the story just keeps getting better.
March 13, 2021
I think this one is my favorite of the Dragon Blood series. It's not without problems (and again, the problem lies in its antagonists) but it's easily the tightest and tensest of all of the books.
Morishtomaric is a force of nature that our heroes are near powerless to stop, you feel genuine tension throughout the book as our heroes duck and weave to outrun/outmaneuver him. Almost everyone's character conflicts and motivations feel real and believable. Therrik continues to be an interesting character who's a bit hard to pin down. For the first time, Ahn and Tolemek's relationship feels believable. The fact that both are responsible for deaths that aren't their fault helps connect the two emotionally in a way that they've never quite managed before now. Their plan to take down Morishtomaric is a sound one, and executed well enough that you almost think they can do it. The story is tense, the romances fun, all in all a good time.
Oh, and obligatory "Jaxi is the absolute best". And the dragon that calls himself a god is hilarious. He is trying *so hard* to look cool to his new high priestess. "Now you know why I let them get ahead of me." "I shall destroy them with my cleverness!"
Now... the problems I talked about earlier. I said "almost" everyone felt believeable, and... well..
Morishtomaric is easily the best antagonist the books have had, but even he suffers from a lack of focus and an impersonal conflict. At the start of the book it seems that he wants to take Tylie and make her work for him, but partway through his motive changes to be about this repository of knowledge McGuffin. I think the idea is supposed to be that he noticed the MacGuffin during the chase with Ridge, but that doesn't really come across. His 24 hour ultimatum feels like it exists entirely so the heroes have time, which is nonsense if he's serious about getting this thing. He's good because he feels like a genuine threat and has a personality/presence, but he's also bad in that his motives are whatever the plot calls for.
In addition... Morishtomaric as a character feels incidental to the conflicts that are actually interesting. Ahn is wrestling with her desire to be with her squadron again and her guilt over Apex's death. Tolemek is trying to repair their relationship and keep his sister safe (the latter of which stops being a problem partway through for no apparent reason). Ridge and Sardelle are considering their future; the former thinking about fatherhood, the latter the fear she's still treated with (and also kids). There's nothing personal about the conflict with Morishtomaric in particular, even though the book seems to be building that up at first. He's there to provide a physical threat.
And again, the plot suffers from a lack of focus when it comes to antagonists. The Cofah sorceress shows up and her presence is almost entirely unneeded. Yes, Ahn learns by fighting her that Kasandral can break magical shields. But that's it, and then she's dropped. Her father sending assassins after Tolemek? Dropped. Morishtomaric wanting to kidnap Tolemek's sister? Dropped. It's hard to get invested in this big country-ending threat if nobody cares about it beyond that point.
Still, a great book.
Morishtomaric is a force of nature that our heroes are near powerless to stop, you feel genuine tension throughout the book as our heroes duck and weave to outrun/outmaneuver him. Almost everyone's character conflicts and motivations feel real and believable. Therrik continues to be an interesting character who's a bit hard to pin down. For the first time, Ahn and Tolemek's relationship feels believable. The fact that both are responsible for deaths that aren't their fault helps connect the two emotionally in a way that they've never quite managed before now. Their plan to take down Morishtomaric is a sound one, and executed well enough that you almost think they can do it. The story is tense, the romances fun, all in all a good time.
Oh, and obligatory "Jaxi is the absolute best". And the dragon that calls himself a god is hilarious. He is trying *so hard* to look cool to his new high priestess. "Now you know why I let them get ahead of me." "I shall destroy them with my cleverness!"
Now... the problems I talked about earlier. I said "almost" everyone felt believeable, and... well..
Morishtomaric is easily the best antagonist the books have had, but even he suffers from a lack of focus and an impersonal conflict. At the start of the book it seems that he wants to take Tylie and make her work for him, but partway through his motive changes to be about this repository of knowledge McGuffin. I think the idea is supposed to be that he noticed the MacGuffin during the chase with Ridge, but that doesn't really come across. His 24 hour ultimatum feels like it exists entirely so the heroes have time, which is nonsense if he's serious about getting this thing. He's good because he feels like a genuine threat and has a personality/presence, but he's also bad in that his motives are whatever the plot calls for.
In addition... Morishtomaric as a character feels incidental to the conflicts that are actually interesting. Ahn is wrestling with her desire to be with her squadron again and her guilt over Apex's death. Tolemek is trying to repair their relationship and keep his sister safe (the latter of which stops being a problem partway through for no apparent reason). Ridge and Sardelle are considering their future; the former thinking about fatherhood, the latter the fear she's still treated with (and also kids). There's nothing personal about the conflict with Morishtomaric in particular, even though the book seems to be building that up at first. He's there to provide a physical threat.
And again, the plot suffers from a lack of focus when it comes to antagonists. The Cofah sorceress shows up and her presence is almost entirely unneeded. Yes, Ahn learns by fighting her that Kasandral can break magical shields. But that's it, and then she's dropped. Her father sending assassins after Tolemek? Dropped. Morishtomaric wanting to kidnap Tolemek's sister? Dropped. It's hard to get invested in this big country-ending threat if nobody cares about it beyond that point.
Still, a great book.
July 19, 2017
Raptor is the sixth (or seventh depending on how one counts) book in this series, so if you've read this far, you pretty much know what you are in for. The book is typical of Buroker's work where the characters have some disparate goals, they start working to complete them and come together as these goals converge. Most of the main characters are well developed by now and a lot of the secondary characters get their chance to enjoy some development in this, as well as a new pilot - "Pimples" starts to rise as a major character. I have to say, this is one of the things I really like about Buroker's writing. This book also introduces a long awaited character for me in Bhrava Suruth, one I've heard a lot about but only meet at the end of this book.
The Good
As always, the characters, which are the real leaders of this series. Each is distinct and faces individual issues and challenges, unique to them. The plot builds nicely, the stakes become high and it reaches a great climax. More importantly, everything makes sense and remains consistent. The setting helps here and we even visit old locations that we have seen before.
The Bad
The major point that I don't like for this book is that it ends on a cliff-hanger ending and the disappearance of a major character. This seems a cheap stunt to force people to read the next book which is a little below Buroker's calibre - people would have read the next book anyway.
Finally, I think Buroker has seriously overpowered magic in her world which makes some of the situations the characters survive somewhat hard to believe. This is more a quibble though as this has continued pretty much throughout the books, but just keeps powering up.
The Good
As always, the characters, which are the real leaders of this series. Each is distinct and faces individual issues and challenges, unique to them. The plot builds nicely, the stakes become high and it reaches a great climax. More importantly, everything makes sense and remains consistent. The setting helps here and we even visit old locations that we have seen before.
The Bad
The major point that I don't like for this book is that it ends on a cliff-hanger ending and the disappearance of a major character. This seems a cheap stunt to force people to read the next book which is a little below Buroker's calibre - people would have read the next book anyway.
Finally, I think Buroker has seriously overpowered magic in her world which makes some of the situations the characters survive somewhat hard to believe. This is more a quibble though as this has continued pretty much throughout the books, but just keeps powering up.
January 12, 2020
Please just stop this crap, 1/2 of a story is 1/2 of a story. It sucks. Yes, I was warned but even so, I'm expected to review and rate a book that is not even at the midpoint. And on top of that, ends in a cliffhanger in plot, character situation and possible death, but who knows.
Well here is my review, it might have been a 3 1/2 but then left us hanging and in a really bad way, and more than one way. One thing was accomplished but it wasn't the big picture. But the fighting, end scene just went on and on and really lost its grip. I kept on hoping to get what happens, come on not another fly by the seat, almost do something, another almost, another almost, argh... and finally the end, at the point that I didn't care anymore and just was barely holding on. And the end, no finality, none. That was just a ploy and after the extended battle, just ticked me off.
So 2 1/2 stars
What was good, some of the character interactions and the building of the relationship of Tolomec and Cas. Some of the nuances in the relationships. Mostly it was superficial waiting for the next step, which hopefully is wrapped up in the next book.
Well here is my review, it might have been a 3 1/2 but then left us hanging and in a really bad way, and more than one way. One thing was accomplished but it wasn't the big picture. But the fighting, end scene just went on and on and really lost its grip. I kept on hoping to get what happens, come on not another fly by the seat, almost do something, another almost, another almost, argh... and finally the end, at the point that I didn't care anymore and just was barely holding on. And the end, no finality, none. That was just a ploy and after the extended battle, just ticked me off.
So 2 1/2 stars
What was good, some of the character interactions and the building of the relationship of Tolomec and Cas. Some of the nuances in the relationships. Mostly it was superficial waiting for the next step, which hopefully is wrapped up in the next book.
July 29, 2019
WELL now...
My only complaint with this series until now was that some of the villains were rather flat. That has been rectified. All of the characters have gotten much more complex as the series has progressed. The author seems to be getting to know them right along with us readers. I don't know if this is deliberate brilliance or just a happy accident. It doesn't really matter, though, because it works!
This is probably just me and no fault of the author, but I'm having trouble envisioning the big dragon and Tylie's dragon (I can't begin to remember how to spell those names) as described. Despite numerous reminders that the big one is gold, I keep seeing him as red. And despite as frequent reminders that Tylie's dragon is silver, I keep imagining him as being green.
Anyway, I am really getting into this series. Each book is better than its predecessor. I'm looking forward to the next one!
My only complaint with this series until now was that some of the villains were rather flat. That has been rectified. All of the characters have gotten much more complex as the series has progressed. The author seems to be getting to know them right along with us readers. I don't know if this is deliberate brilliance or just a happy accident. It doesn't really matter, though, because it works!
This is probably just me and no fault of the author, but I'm having trouble envisioning the big dragon and Tylie's dragon (I can't begin to remember how to spell those names) as described. Despite numerous reminders that the big one is gold, I keep seeing him as red. And despite as frequent reminders that Tylie's dragon is silver, I keep imagining him as being green.
Anyway, I am really getting into this series. Each book is better than its predecessor. I'm looking forward to the next one!
February 4, 2020
Up Close & More Personal
It's great when an author takes the time to flesh out some of the other recurring characters from the series, isn't it? In this book, we get to know Cas better, plus a bit more about Tolemek, Therrik, and our BIG silver buddy, Phelistoth. Bad guys are beaten, good gals win the day... gads!! I LOVE these books! There's enough excitement and action (with a little bit of love thrown in for good measure) to make me keep saying, "One more page, then I'll go to bed."
I love the fact that there's no (or next to no) actual swearing anywhere in these books. Compared to the average book written today, these are definitely PG-13 at most.
So I'm still saying, "Rah! Rah! Read these books!" Six+ books down and I haven't been disappointed with any of them yet! Now on to book seven .........
It's great when an author takes the time to flesh out some of the other recurring characters from the series, isn't it? In this book, we get to know Cas better, plus a bit more about Tolemek, Therrik, and our BIG silver buddy, Phelistoth. Bad guys are beaten, good gals win the day... gads!! I LOVE these books! There's enough excitement and action (with a little bit of love thrown in for good measure) to make me keep saying, "One more page, then I'll go to bed."
I love the fact that there's no (or next to no) actual swearing anywhere in these books. Compared to the average book written today, these are definitely PG-13 at most.
So I'm still saying, "Rah! Rah! Read these books!" Six+ books down and I haven't been disappointed with any of them yet! Now on to book seven .........
September 29, 2019
Lindsay Buroker writes with an easy to read style that captures your attention early in the story and pulls you completely into the adventure. Her characters are real people with real feelings. They get hurt. They have friends. They want to be loved. The adventures are good vs evil, but the evil sometimes can be turned into an ally or at least turned into no longer being an enemy. My only criticism of Buroker’s writing is that the stories are so enjoyable I hate to put them down and they often cost me lots of lost sleep. I have read three series by Buroker and have fully enjoyed them all. This series Dragon Blood was typical excellence. We meet new characters, make new friends, find new enemies. Absolutely wonderful series. Anyone who enjoys tales of fantasy, this is a must read.
May 26, 2020
This book takes us on an awesome and thrilling ride. By now you should know the point blank accuracy that is Raptor’s talent. Well that was with weapons that shoot bullets. This time around she faces a much greater challenge. How do you stab a golden dragon with a sword in a place that would kill it? Ms Buroker describes an unbelievable take down that I would love to see on the big screen! As it is, I could see with my imagination what takes place with pinpoint accuracy. This definitely deserves a five star review. If I could give it more, I would easily do so. A heart pounding, breath stealing, nerve wracking....well, I hope you get the picture. Better yet, read it for yourself and see, vividly. But watch out for that ending!
November 7, 2021
Be warned it is left on a cliffhanger.
So the dragon that was released in book 5.5 is causing harm so the team is sent out to get rid of him. There names are so difficult s The gold one is M and the silver one that Tolenek sister is with I call P . The king sends everyone on a new mission try and get rid of M. The criminal that the king unfortunately released. in book 5.5 but another good story. I would suggest you get Book 7 because it has a cliffhanger . But we get to meet more dragons and one funny one he is also a gold. You would want to read all the books from the beginning their are some jokes you may not get plus in this bokk we end up back at the mines were the first book started.
So the dragon that was released in book 5.5 is causing harm so the team is sent out to get rid of him. There names are so difficult s The gold one is M and the silver one that Tolenek sister is with I call P . The king sends everyone on a new mission try and get rid of M. The criminal that the king unfortunately released. in book 5.5 but another good story. I would suggest you get Book 7 because it has a cliffhanger . But we get to meet more dragons and one funny one he is also a gold. You would want to read all the books from the beginning their are some jokes you may not get plus in this bokk we end up back at the mines were the first book started.
November 27, 2018
While I did think that this book started out a bit slower than other installments in the series, I absolutely enjoyed it nonetheless! I loved all of the fighting sequences, and I loved seeing more of many of my favorite characters. I thought that it was awesome seeing Ridge and Sardelle's relationship evolve more and more, and I loved seeing the other characters open up more to Jaxi. I hands down loved the way Buroker got the Dragon perspective across-the Dragons were written very well. I also thought that the dynamics between Tylie and her Dragon, Phel was very interesting to read...I just wish we got more of that and less of Cas' self-pity.
November 27, 2022
Well that was intense. Lots of feels, many good and many bad, and a lot of crazy action.
June 30, 2021
Best of the series. Almost gave it a 5 star, but I don't think it is without problems. I wish Cas had more of the final say during the climax. In a great way this was kind of her and Sardelle's book to shine. I wish Cas got some damn credit and hero worship but it seemed to all go to Ridge for the event even though it was way more Cas's victory (in the next book) which was a little weird. She needed more of a last say and not just her voice in the epilogue because it kind of made Cas's book (named "Raptor") more about Sardelle than Cas.
The books always seem to stuff Cas in letting them center around her. I like the idea of having the 4 main characters, but end of the day the author clearly favors Ridge and Sardelle over Cas and Tolemek and the main characters.
The books always seem to stuff Cas in letting them center around her. I like the idea of having the 4 main characters, but end of the day the author clearly favors Ridge and Sardelle over Cas and Tolemek and the main characters.
August 10, 2023
Good story but
Most of this book was about battle ,so overdone. And the cliffhanger was so obviously so you would have buy the next book. The narrators voice for the men was awful.It brought down the quality, especially since I had to pay $8 to hear a voice That obviously was a woman. I found this very irritating whenever the men spoke. But I like a man to sound like a man not a woman. Other than all this The book is entertaining and fun the characters make the book
Most of this book was about battle ,so overdone. And the cliffhanger was so obviously so you would have buy the next book. The narrators voice for the men was awful.It brought down the quality, especially since I had to pay $8 to hear a voice That obviously was a woman. I found this very irritating whenever the men spoke. But I like a man to sound like a man not a woman. Other than all this The book is entertaining and fun the characters make the book
February 25, 2024
Another tale in this Dragon Series
I have become very fond of the characters in these stories. Can I believe all the plots - probably not but they are generally all action with plenty of hero status.
Their sexualised behaviours and thoughts are amusing but might take it outside certain readership groups.
But I’ve always wanted to know what happens next.
I have become very fond of the characters in these stories. Can I believe all the plots - probably not but they are generally all action with plenty of hero status.
Their sexualised behaviours and thoughts are amusing but might take it outside certain readership groups.
But I’ve always wanted to know what happens next.
May 6, 2017
Oh, Cas. Trying so hard but burdened with so much guilt. I'm glad we got to see her relationship with Tolemek improve... that pairing actually seems much more solid after this book than it did in their original story (book 2).
June 19, 2017
I LOVE Cas, And Her Ex Pirate
Excellent next in the series, keeping me filled with adventure, enthralling characters and a world I truly believe lives just over the horizon! Cannot wait to see where their world takes me next.
Excellent next in the series, keeping me filled with adventure, enthralling characters and a world I truly believe lives just over the horizon! Cannot wait to see where their world takes me next.
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