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Dragon Blood #7.5
Shattered Past
An elite forces officer with a dreadful reputation.
A bookish paleontologist with a love for mysteries.
An ancient stronghold full of secrets that will take both of them to unearth.
Professor Lilah Zirkander (yes, she’s related to the famous pilot, and no, she can’t get him to autograph your undergarments) is looking forward to a summer in the paleontology lab, researching and cataloging new fossils. But that summer takes an unexpected turn when the king sends her into the Ice Blades to a secret mine where ancient dragon bones have been discovered. Rumor has it that they’re cursed and dangerous, but Lilah is more concerned about dealing with the outpost commander, a fierce officer with the temperament of a crabby badger.
As punishment for irking the king, Colonel Vann Therrik is overseeing the hardened criminals working in the remote Magroth Crystal Mines. He would like a chance to redeem himself—and escape the loathsome duty station—but nothing is going his way. Cursed fossils have delayed production, miners are trying to escape, and now a scientist has shown up, making demands on his time. Worse, she’s the cousin of his nemesis General Zirkander. As if one Zirkander in his world wasn’t bad enough.
Investigating the fossils leads Lilah and Vann into the depths of Magroth Mountain where centuries-old secrets lurk, and a long-forgotten threat stalks the passages. To have any chance at survival, they’ll have to work together and perhaps learn that neither is what the other expected.
Shattered Past is a stand-alone novel set in the author’s Dragon Blood world.
A bookish paleontologist with a love for mysteries.
An ancient stronghold full of secrets that will take both of them to unearth.
Professor Lilah Zirkander (yes, she’s related to the famous pilot, and no, she can’t get him to autograph your undergarments) is looking forward to a summer in the paleontology lab, researching and cataloging new fossils. But that summer takes an unexpected turn when the king sends her into the Ice Blades to a secret mine where ancient dragon bones have been discovered. Rumor has it that they’re cursed and dangerous, but Lilah is more concerned about dealing with the outpost commander, a fierce officer with the temperament of a crabby badger.
As punishment for irking the king, Colonel Vann Therrik is overseeing the hardened criminals working in the remote Magroth Crystal Mines. He would like a chance to redeem himself—and escape the loathsome duty station—but nothing is going his way. Cursed fossils have delayed production, miners are trying to escape, and now a scientist has shown up, making demands on his time. Worse, she’s the cousin of his nemesis General Zirkander. As if one Zirkander in his world wasn’t bad enough.
Investigating the fossils leads Lilah and Vann into the depths of Magroth Mountain where centuries-old secrets lurk, and a long-forgotten threat stalks the passages. To have any chance at survival, they’ll have to work together and perhaps learn that neither is what the other expected.
Shattered Past is a stand-alone novel set in the author’s Dragon Blood world.
230 pages, ebook
First published January 20, 2016
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 147 reviews
March 3, 2016
I was really curious to find out how Ms. Buroker could redeem Therrik and I'm glad to tell you that she did an excellent work!
As those who read the series know, Therrik is a very angry, thorny, hateful man who made things difficult for Ridge and Sardelle. I detested him and was happy when Ridge did things to make his life difficult!
But here we get to see the why he's that way and to discover his more human and tender heart.
I love the heroine too. She was just perfect for him!
Ridge's cousin, Lilah, of all the females! LOL
Lilah is a woman with her head tightly on her shoulders. She's no-nonsense girl very much like Kaiko (who's her bodyguard here!). I love their banter! :)
The events in this book are pretty tame compared to those of the previous books (stilll there's enough adventure!), but it is just perfect that way!
I know that the Dragon Blood series is finished, but I would still love if a spin-off could be written! Pretty please, Ms. Buroker: would you do it?
As those who read the series know, Therrik is a very angry, thorny, hateful man who made things difficult for Ridge and Sardelle. I detested him and was happy when Ridge did things to make his life difficult!
But here we get to see the why he's that way and to discover his more human and tender heart.
I love the heroine too. She was just perfect for him!
Ridge's cousin, Lilah, of all the females! LOL
Lilah is a woman with her head tightly on her shoulders. She's no-nonsense girl very much like Kaiko (who's her bodyguard here!). I love their banter! :)
The events in this book are pretty tame compared to those of the previous books (stilll there's enough adventure!), but it is just perfect that way!
I know that the Dragon Blood series is finished, but I would still love if a spin-off could be written! Pretty please, Ms. Buroker: would you do it?
April 8, 2017
I liked most everything about this story, except one thing which I will complain about later.
Finally we get a better grasp on Therrik and why he is the way he is. Knowing about his past helps some in understanding why he acts the way he does. I don't blame him one bit, but I think it's a good example of what happens when you let something fester inside of you for too long. (The more I learn about the old queen and her family the more I hates them lots….) I found myself actually liking him. Well, as long as Ridge is not around then he turns into a grumpy Gus. I like how he works on being polite for Lilah near the end of the story even though he has a serious hate on for Ridge. It was a good comparison to see Ridge through someone else's eyes … especially through someone who doesn’t always have charitable thoughts about him.
I liked Lilah; she was strong, smart, and seemed mostly open to new things. I enjoyed her nerdiness when it came to the fossils and ruins below the ice blades. I was very happy to read more about what might’ve happened 300 years ago and I hope that the mystery is studied some more. Come on new books… I also really enjoyed how she got Vanne to come out of his shell, so to speak, and act like … well a normal human for the most part.
The only thing that I didn’t like about this story … was Kaika and her ramblings about a threesome with a dragon. Let me say first that I am the farthest thing from a prude, but I just didn’t think that this belonged in the story at all. I know that she is known for her sometimes uncomfortable sexual banter, but this was a bit too much and I don’t think it really fit with the story and the style it had for the series to me.
Finally we get a better grasp on Therrik and why he is the way he is. Knowing about his past helps some in understanding why he acts the way he does. I don't blame him one bit, but I think it's a good example of what happens when you let something fester inside of you for too long. (The more I learn about the old queen and her family the more I hates them lots….) I found myself actually liking him. Well, as long as Ridge is not around then he turns into a grumpy Gus. I like how he works on being polite for Lilah near the end of the story even though he has a serious hate on for Ridge. It was a good comparison to see Ridge through someone else's eyes … especially through someone who doesn’t always have charitable thoughts about him.
I liked Lilah; she was strong, smart, and seemed mostly open to new things. I enjoyed her nerdiness when it came to the fossils and ruins below the ice blades. I was very happy to read more about what might’ve happened 300 years ago and I hope that the mystery is studied some more. Come on new books… I also really enjoyed how she got Vanne to come out of his shell, so to speak, and act like … well a normal human for the most part.
The only thing that I didn’t like about this story … was Kaika and her ramblings about a threesome with a dragon. Let me say first that I am the farthest thing from a prude, but I just didn’t think that this belonged in the story at all. I know that she is known for her sometimes uncomfortable sexual banter, but this was a bit too much and I don’t think it really fit with the story and the style it had for the series to me.
June 2, 2024
This was the last book of the Dragon Blood series that I read. I thought Shattered Past will be the last one but am glad that this will not be the case as I see that during April a new book will be release, I can't wait. I love everything about this book, the characters, the story, the dragons and the magic. It was nice to see another side of Col Therrik and meeting Ridge's cousin Lilah, strange that she knows nothing about the magic.
I would recommend this book, although this can be read as a standalone you are doing yourself an injustice if you don't read the rest of the books in the series.
I would recommend this book, although this can be read as a standalone you are doing yourself an injustice if you don't read the rest of the books in the series.
May 29, 2017
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
This book is a bit separated from the previous stories as its story is not directly connected with the previous ones but we do get a glimpse of most of our favourites such as Ridge and Bhrava Saruth, but no Tolemek. :( Instead, there's the grumpy Therrik I have grown to like despite his surly self.
I started liking Therrik in the previous book and am pleased that he, too, found someone special even if she is someone who shares a dislike for a certain charming, witty general. Although I quite liked both Therrik and Lilah, I have to admit that I didn't grow to love them as I have grown to love the previous couples. Sure, I've had more time to get to know them, but I liked them more even in their first books.
I loved that Therrik stayed his grumpy self but I have to say that his reason for hating magic so much was a bit (teeny-tiny bit) weak in my eyes as I expected something way more monumental to have happened to him due to a bad magic user. Sure, what happened was pretty bad but I simply expected something ... more.
Also, I can't help but say that I found Therriks' first name a bit ludicrous because his first name is "a bath" in my mother tongue ...
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This book is a bit separated from the previous stories as its story is not directly connected with the previous ones but we do get a glimpse of most of our favourites such as Ridge and Bhrava Saruth, but no Tolemek. :( Instead, there's the grumpy Therrik I have grown to like despite his surly self.
I started liking Therrik in the previous book and am pleased that he, too, found someone special even if she is someone who shares a dislike for a certain charming, witty general. Although I quite liked both Therrik and Lilah, I have to admit that I didn't grow to love them as I have grown to love the previous couples. Sure, I've had more time to get to know them, but I liked them more even in their first books.
I loved that Therrik stayed his grumpy self but I have to say that his reason for hating magic so much was a bit (teeny-tiny bit) weak in my eyes as I expected something way more monumental to have happened to him due to a bad magic user. Sure, what happened was pretty bad but I simply expected something ... more.
Also, I can't help but say that I found Therriks' first name a bit ludicrous because his first name is "a bath" in my mother tongue ...
The Book Challengers blog // The Book Challengers Instagram // The Book Challengers Twitter
May 16, 2020
Interesting... so crankypants' issue with magic wielders stems from the late queen's parents' treatment of him.
The adventure in this incident involves a discovery of bones, an old betrayal, and... I can't help but wonder though if perhaps things still managed to be misread. It was centuries in the past though,
Amusing part - h asking her cousin to put in a word for the H so he could be assigned a position closer so she could have sex with him. Rather blunt there. But then, this story was unusually blunt. I suppose it's fitting that this H uttered a curse or two.
The adventure in this incident involves a discovery of bones, an old betrayal, and... I can't help but wonder though if perhaps things still managed to be misread. It was centuries in the past though,
Amusing part - h asking her cousin to put in a word for the H so he could be assigned a position closer so she could have sex with him. Rather blunt there. But then, this story was unusually blunt. I suppose it's fitting that this H uttered a curse or two.
December 12, 2023
More explosives, dragons and magic.
Van isn't one of my favorite characters, but was still good getting to know him better. I did enjoy getting more back story for Sardel's peoples history and what happened to them. Still a good read even if it wasn't my favorit of the series.
Van isn't one of my favorite characters, but was still good getting to know him better. I did enjoy getting more back story for Sardel's peoples history and what happened to them. Still a good read even if it wasn't my favorit of the series.
December 14, 2019
Free giveaway from the author to readers everywhere (also outside US) until December 25, 2019:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/raoevnwzuy
This is a ***standalone***, even if numbered as part of the series.
With only 3 stars this obviously was not my favorite, but a fairly shallow romance rather than an action packed adventure as Buroker's other books usually are. I highly recommend The Emperor's Edge, first 3 books are free on Amazon for kindle at this time.
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/raoevnwzuy
This is a ***standalone***, even if numbered as part of the series.
With only 3 stars this obviously was not my favorite, but a fairly shallow romance rather than an action packed adventure as Buroker's other books usually are. I highly recommend The Emperor's Edge, first 3 books are free on Amazon for kindle at this time.
January 6, 2022
Therrik needs a therapist, not a girlfriend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'on-kindle-to-read'
March 14, 20173/14/17 on sale .99. Hopefully there is some steamy sex I can't tell by the reviews.
February 15, 2016
Shattered Past is exactly what I have come to expect from the imaginative mind of Lindsay Buroker. Buroker provides a new stand-alone story set in the fantastical Dragon Blood world which her fans have come to love during its seven-book long adventures. It is a world populated with ingenious, snarky, and brave soldiers and civilians alike. Reading one of Buroker’s stories is like sitting down with your globe trotting adventurous best friend and catching up on her exciting life.
Shattered Past may exist in the same world but it is not a continuation of the story per-se. Buroker takes an opportunity to explore previously minor characters more fully. The focus of Shattered Past is Colonel Vann Therrik. If you’ve read the Dragon Blood series you have been introduced to him and you may dislike him, at least a little bit. (Don’t worry if you haven’t read those books….all of his aspects are well scrutinized here). Therrik’s cranky, he’s full of muscle and pride, he has a tendency to pummel anyone that he can, he’s a rake, and he has serious anger management issues.
Buroker provides us with a foil to Therrik’s hard edges in a new character, a scientist. A Zirkander scientist at that. Lilah, the new Zirkander is a treat. She is a different brand of Zirkander but just as confident and capable. A less pompous female Zirkander (don’t get me wrong though…. I love the pompous male Zirkander). It is humorous to see her effect on Therrik.
There are also characters with fun names like Sleepy and Boxcar and we get to spend a bit a bit more time with returning explosives loving Kaika. On the downside, I am noting that the characters are starting to become quite monotonous. They all share the same sense of humor, ardor, and general disrespect for authority. Their exteriors are different but the core of the characters are merging together.
Shattered Past throws into the Buroker catalog new romance, definitely new tension, more intrigue, and of course more snarkiness. The major downside is the continual need to warn my fellow Christians that there is serious and continuous action and discussion of “bedroom activities “. The mention of a threesome with a dragon was nausea inducing. This is Buroker’s style. I can’t fault her for that. You just need to be aware.
I have consistently given Buroker’s books 4 stars but I have dropped Shattered Past down to 3 because of the threesome discussion and the increasingly monotonous characters.
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author Lindsay Buroker.
For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered
Shattered Past may exist in the same world but it is not a continuation of the story per-se. Buroker takes an opportunity to explore previously minor characters more fully. The focus of Shattered Past is Colonel Vann Therrik. If you’ve read the Dragon Blood series you have been introduced to him and you may dislike him, at least a little bit. (Don’t worry if you haven’t read those books….all of his aspects are well scrutinized here). Therrik’s cranky, he’s full of muscle and pride, he has a tendency to pummel anyone that he can, he’s a rake, and he has serious anger management issues.
Buroker provides us with a foil to Therrik’s hard edges in a new character, a scientist. A Zirkander scientist at that. Lilah, the new Zirkander is a treat. She is a different brand of Zirkander but just as confident and capable. A less pompous female Zirkander (don’t get me wrong though…. I love the pompous male Zirkander). It is humorous to see her effect on Therrik.
There are also characters with fun names like Sleepy and Boxcar and we get to spend a bit a bit more time with returning explosives loving Kaika. On the downside, I am noting that the characters are starting to become quite monotonous. They all share the same sense of humor, ardor, and general disrespect for authority. Their exteriors are different but the core of the characters are merging together.
Shattered Past throws into the Buroker catalog new romance, definitely new tension, more intrigue, and of course more snarkiness. The major downside is the continual need to warn my fellow Christians that there is serious and continuous action and discussion of “bedroom activities “. The mention of a threesome with a dragon was nausea inducing. This is Buroker’s style. I can’t fault her for that. You just need to be aware.
I have consistently given Buroker’s books 4 stars but I have dropped Shattered Past down to 3 because of the threesome discussion and the increasingly monotonous characters.
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author Lindsay Buroker.
For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered
March 22, 2017
Apparently, I like grumpy, growly heroes with well-developed abs. WHO KNEW? (Me. I knew this. It really isn't a surprise.) (But it is surprisingly how much I enjoyed Vann's journey from grumpmeister extraordinaire to a guy who could actually joke and smile.) (The fact this journey was via some awkward flirting and scowling over Lilah's infamous cousin made it all the better.)
(I think I'd like more scowling Vann stories. He made me grin.)
Anyway. That prison up in the Ice Blades sure does see a lot of action for such an out of the way place. Dragons and escape attempts and unexploded ordinance and all. And for the poor soldiers sent to man it...well, I can see why Vann was so crabby. On the other hand, I also think he had a bit of a predisposition toward crabbiness, so maybe his location only had a teeny, tiny impact on his overall grumpiness.
Team up a scowling Colonel with a smart woman prone to telling jokes with a paleontological bent, toss them in a mountain in danger of coming down on them, and things are BOUND to happen. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
(I think I'd like more scowling Vann stories. He made me grin.)
Anyway. That prison up in the Ice Blades sure does see a lot of action for such an out of the way place. Dragons and escape attempts and unexploded ordinance and all. And for the poor soldiers sent to man it...well, I can see why Vann was so crabby. On the other hand, I also think he had a bit of a predisposition toward crabbiness, so maybe his location only had a teeny, tiny impact on his overall grumpiness.
Team up a scowling Colonel with a smart woman prone to telling jokes with a paleontological bent, toss them in a mountain in danger of coming down on them, and things are BOUND to happen. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 29, 2017
I just love this series! Great writing, action, adventure, mystery, romance and humor!! Hits all my must haves! This was a great addition featuring Therrik and a new heroine, Lilah. I've always wanted to know more about Therrik - just why is he such an A-Hole and hater of magic? We learn a lot in this book, very significant moments in his past have shaped him. Ultimately he's lonely and wishes for a real relationship. So Yay for Lilah...smart, strong, and not put off by Therrik's gruff behavior. I Really Really would like to have their story continue! There's so much there to expand on, and it would be so much fun if he goes the way the ending insinuates!!
All books in the Dragon Blood series have been hits for me. Though there's been word there may only be one more book, I'm not too proud to beg and grovel for more, PLEASE!! Continuing Therrick and Lilah's story, also King Angulus & Kaika, and we Must Not forget Bhrava Saruth, would be such fun! Fingers Crossed there will be more!!
All books in the Dragon Blood series have been hits for me. Though there's been word there may only be one more book, I'm not too proud to beg and grovel for more, PLEASE!! Continuing Therrick and Lilah's story, also King Angulus & Kaika, and we Must Not forget Bhrava Saruth, would be such fun! Fingers Crossed there will be more!!
January 22, 2016
A Fun Side Trip into a Character you Love to Hate!
Lindsay is definitely one of my favorite authors, and the Dragon Blood series is a must-read for all fantasy lovers. While Shattered Past can be read on its own, you'll really have a much better time in this world if you read the rest of the books – understanding the relationships between the characters, the social/political goings-on, and just why we're surprised Therrick can be charming just takes you deeper into an exciting time.
I loved the pace of this book, and the fact that it had a bit more of a mystery going on throughout. It was exciting and surprising … things I've come to expect in Lindsay's books. That, and the fact that she creates characters I truly care about and want to follow around, are what keep me coming back for more.
Lindsay is definitely one of my favorite authors, and the Dragon Blood series is a must-read for all fantasy lovers. While Shattered Past can be read on its own, you'll really have a much better time in this world if you read the rest of the books – understanding the relationships between the characters, the social/political goings-on, and just why we're surprised Therrick can be charming just takes you deeper into an exciting time.
I loved the pace of this book, and the fact that it had a bit more of a mystery going on throughout. It was exciting and surprising … things I've come to expect in Lindsay's books. That, and the fact that she creates characters I truly care about and want to follow around, are what keep me coming back for more.
Read
June 10, 2016Unexpectedly readable
Therrik is difficult to love and I was certain I wouldn't be able to get through this book because of how much his character has irritated me in the last, but this book did a great job keeping me going and Lilah managed to tame my feelings toward Therrik just as much as she managed to unite him with other characters (which isn't an unbelievable amount, but just enough to keep the peace.) A+ well done.
Therrik is difficult to love and I was certain I wouldn't be able to get through this book because of how much his character has irritated me in the last, but this book did a great job keeping me going and Lilah managed to tame my feelings toward Therrik just as much as she managed to unite him with other characters (which isn't an unbelievable amount, but just enough to keep the peace.) A+ well done.
May 1, 2023
I actually read this one out of order. I missed it when I was reading through the series and found out about it afterwards.
This short novella length story introduces us to Ridge's cousin Lilah Zirkander. She is a paleontologist of some renown who teaches at a college some distance away and she is asked to come and look at some dragon bones that have been discovered in one of the mines. And wouldn't you know it, the mine happens to be the mine that Colonel Vann Therrik has been sent to (basically he has been shipped off as penance for his non action when the Queen had the King kidnapped).
I had two issues with this novella. First of all - Therik. Need I say more? I thought not.
The second issue was with Lilah herself. Let me just say that I have come to adore Ridge. Seriously adore him. He is kind, a brilliant pilot, unbelievably brave and a great and caring leader. He would do anything to protect his squadron and has- most times to the detriment of his wellbeing and his career.
Well, Lilah can't really stand him. Why? Well, because she has to put up with the college kids in her classes asking for stupid stuff like autographs from Zirkander when they discover that the two are related. That seems like jealousy to me and that is just...well....petty. So, I didn't like her. Sue me.
But, I guess the two of them made a perfect couple since I didn't like either one of them. Usually when a book features two characters, you end up coming away with a better understanding of the characters and generally end up liking the characters. Nope, didn't happen for me. I mean, I guess I don't hate them, but liking them....nope...didn't really happen. ((Okay, okay, maybe I could feel a LITTLE bit of empathy for what Therik went through as a child....maybe...)
Oh, and the story itself was okay. Just okay.
This short novella length story introduces us to Ridge's cousin Lilah Zirkander. She is a paleontologist of some renown who teaches at a college some distance away and she is asked to come and look at some dragon bones that have been discovered in one of the mines. And wouldn't you know it, the mine happens to be the mine that Colonel Vann Therrik has been sent to (basically he has been shipped off as penance for his non action when the Queen had the King kidnapped).
I had two issues with this novella. First of all - Therik. Need I say more? I thought not.
The second issue was with Lilah herself. Let me just say that I have come to adore Ridge. Seriously adore him. He is kind, a brilliant pilot, unbelievably brave and a great and caring leader. He would do anything to protect his squadron and has- most times to the detriment of his wellbeing and his career.
Well, Lilah can't really stand him. Why? Well, because she has to put up with the college kids in her classes asking for stupid stuff like autographs from Zirkander when they discover that the two are related. That seems like jealousy to me and that is just...well....petty. So, I didn't like her. Sue me.
But, I guess the two of them made a perfect couple since I didn't like either one of them. Usually when a book features two characters, you end up coming away with a better understanding of the characters and generally end up liking the characters. Nope, didn't happen for me. I mean, I guess I don't hate them, but liking them....nope...didn't really happen. ((Okay, okay, maybe I could feel a LITTLE bit of empathy for what Therik went through as a child....maybe...)
Oh, and the story itself was okay. Just okay.
June 13, 2017
Great read
What a great book!! I loved the dragon! Lol I also loved both the hero and heroine which in other authors doesn't always happen. The love that grew between them was great. However I definitely would have liked to read More about where he ended up and even words of love even though I know they did love each other. I also wished to hear the heroines guard lady talk about the dragon she wanted to have a go with her and the king lol! At any rate this was a great read And. I was pleasantly surprised. Will definitely buy her other books and totally recommend this book! Read it! Awesome job Ms Buroker!
What a great book!! I loved the dragon! Lol I also loved both the hero and heroine which in other authors doesn't always happen. The love that grew between them was great. However I definitely would have liked to read More about where he ended up and even words of love even though I know they did love each other. I also wished to hear the heroines guard lady talk about the dragon she wanted to have a go with her and the king lol! At any rate this was a great read And. I was pleasantly surprised. Will definitely buy her other books and totally recommend this book! Read it! Awesome job Ms Buroker!
February 12, 2018
Well written and very believable.
So long as you believe in dragons and magic.
I re-read Soulblade before taking up this new book and found it a worthwhile exercise.
Good story that filled in some missing information from the series and gave further insight into the characters.
From my own personal view, there was too much sexual innuendo but that is most certainly a function of my upbringing. Given the characters military background I suppose it was true to life. The sexual activity that inevitably resulted was handled discreetly and did not cause offense.
I can thoroughly recommend this adventure.
So long as you believe in dragons and magic.
I re-read Soulblade before taking up this new book and found it a worthwhile exercise.
Good story that filled in some missing information from the series and gave further insight into the characters.
From my own personal view, there was too much sexual innuendo but that is most certainly a function of my upbringing. Given the characters military background I suppose it was true to life. The sexual activity that inevitably resulted was handled discreetly and did not cause offense.
I can thoroughly recommend this adventure.
December 4, 2022
This rounds down to four stars because it was hard for me to believe in the romance in this book. However, I was blown away at how well Buroker managed to flesh out a character that, up to this point, has been more of a caricature and to do so without contradicting anything established about his character in the previous books. I also loved that the adventure in this novel was one of exploration and discovery instead of battling enemy forces and whatnot. Even if I didn't buy the romance, I found it to be a really enjoyable read.
October 7, 2024
Awesome
A between book that rates as a whole! I understand the logic of making this a .5 book. It comes between the main books of the series. The first few times I listened to this series I didn't include this book. Therrick is an ass and good at it but I wanted to get on with the rest of the story. Big mistake! Even though this is a side story it contains information necessary to the rest of the storyline.
Don't skip this book. Get it and read it before going on to the next. You won't be sorry. Therrick is a part of the storyline and his story should not be missed.
A between book that rates as a whole! I understand the logic of making this a .5 book. It comes between the main books of the series. The first few times I listened to this series I didn't include this book. Therrick is an ass and good at it but I wanted to get on with the rest of the story. Big mistake! Even though this is a side story it contains information necessary to the rest of the storyline.
Don't skip this book. Get it and read it before going on to the next. You won't be sorry. Therrick is a part of the storyline and his story should not be missed.
June 5, 2017
I really liked seeing into Colonel Therrik and understand why he was so aggressive and hostile. Other than that, Lilah is interesting, although not my favorite of the female characters that we've seen in this series.
I missed Jaxi, and her whitty mouth, kind of disappointed that there wasn't some smartass comments from her.
I'm sad that this series is done. I read it all in one go, and I don't regret it. I will miss them all :)
I missed Jaxi, and her whitty mouth, kind of disappointed that there wasn't some smartass comments from her.
I'm sad that this series is done. I read it all in one go, and I don't regret it. I will miss them all :)
February 25, 2018
Great story!
I really enjoy this book! Can be read as a stand of long but I won't advise you to do that. Because you will miss out on a great find in this series! I found this book funny and lovable. This book gives more insight of why the main male character is the way he is. Why he hates witches or anything magics. We also found out what happen 300 years ago in the mountain. I hope you will like this book as much as I did!
I really enjoy this book! Can be read as a stand of long but I won't advise you to do that. Because you will miss out on a great find in this series! I found this book funny and lovable. This book gives more insight of why the main male character is the way he is. Why he hates witches or anything magics. We also found out what happen 300 years ago in the mountain. I hope you will like this book as much as I did!
September 24, 2019
Great story
Going into this boom I didn’t think I would like Therrik, no matter what his backstory was. I was certain it wouldn’t justify his grumpy, rude and violent nature. I’m pleased to say that the author actually pulls off making him like-able and completely changed my mind! His backstory is rich with intertwined plot (Nia) and his character development is spot on. The love story here is the sexiest the series has pulled off yet! Bravo!
Going into this boom I didn’t think I would like Therrik, no matter what his backstory was. I was certain it wouldn’t justify his grumpy, rude and violent nature. I’m pleased to say that the author actually pulls off making him like-able and completely changed my mind! His backstory is rich with intertwined plot (Nia) and his character development is spot on. The love story here is the sexiest the series has pulled off yet! Bravo!
January 20, 2020
It is hard to like this guy. Yet he has his good points. Vann Therrik gets his happy ending with Ridge's cousin Lilah. Lilah has always held a bit of a grudge against Ridge as he got all the acolades in the family even though she has the education and discoveries. No being a pilot trumps all her work, and since the rest of the family is absent, or alcoholic, she hoped to be the family member to impress? Well, she is but not in the way that her cousin does. So when she meets a Colonel that isn't impressed by her cousin, she is intrigued. Since she has to spend time with him while studying artifacts, she decides to find out why and judge Therrik on her own with his own merrits and she finds that he is very noble in his own ways.
They work really well together and I enjoyed them coming together and figuring how it could work.
They work really well together and I enjoyed them coming together and figuring how it could work.
January 27, 2021
Very Enjoyable
Having read other stories involving Vann Therrik, I wouldn't have and didn't want to empathize with him. I even cheered for him. Lilah is an interesting person. Immensely likeable on the inside. She has in common with Therrik ,that her tremendous attributes are hard for the casual observer to scrutinize. Smartly written, this story is sweet, fun ,inciteful and of course adventurous.
Having read other stories involving Vann Therrik, I wouldn't have and didn't want to empathize with him. I even cheered for him. Lilah is an interesting person. Immensely likeable on the inside. She has in common with Therrik ,that her tremendous attributes are hard for the casual observer to scrutinize. Smartly written, this story is sweet, fun ,inciteful and of course adventurous.
February 25, 2022
I was really looking forward to seeing if there was actually something redeemable in Therrick. It was really good to finally see another side to the gruff man. And to also get some insight in why he is the way he is.
I loved how it's a cousin of the man he really can't stand to be the the woman to bring out the softer side to him (as much as one could be drawn out). She is a character all in her own way too.
I loved how it's a cousin of the man he really can't stand to be the the woman to bring out the softer side to him (as much as one could be drawn out). She is a character all in her own way too.
October 10, 2018
Fantastic
Throughout this series I've grown to dislike Colonel Therick. I wasn't looking forward to this book at all, but once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I even laughed and cried at the ending. Thank you for turning the colonel into another complex yet lovable character.
Throughout this series I've grown to dislike Colonel Therick. I wasn't looking forward to this book at all, but once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I even laughed and cried at the ending. Thank you for turning the colonel into another complex yet lovable character.
January 27, 2019
Never fails to be a page turner
I am so sad that this series is over! I love the characters and want the development to go on forever. Great series, do yourself a favor and read them all! Full of awesome adventure, well developed characters and delicious plot twists. Did I mention cool dragons and super sorceress? Read on!
I am so sad that this series is over! I love the characters and want the development to go on forever. Great series, do yourself a favor and read them all! Full of awesome adventure, well developed characters and delicious plot twists. Did I mention cool dragons and super sorceress? Read on!
June 18, 2019
Humanizing
Throughout the main series of Dragon blood, Therrik has been a glooming, imposing character who is at odds with Ridge and always stays stoic. This story shows the real Therrik, when he doesn't have to endure the life of a soldier so harshly. And maybe find someone to bring him back out of his shell
Throughout the main series of Dragon blood, Therrik has been a glooming, imposing character who is at odds with Ridge and always stays stoic. This story shows the real Therrik, when he doesn't have to endure the life of a soldier so harshly. And maybe find someone to bring him back out of his shell
August 19, 2019
Fulfilling...
Once again the author has satisfied my desire for a great story. Getting to know the background of Col. Therrik does make the character more relatable and the story more enjoyable. The reader becomes more invested in the story. The humor, suspense, danger and storytelling make this book a good addition to the series.
Once again the author has satisfied my desire for a great story. Getting to know the background of Col. Therrik does make the character more relatable and the story more enjoyable. The reader becomes more invested in the story. The humor, suspense, danger and storytelling make this book a good addition to the series.
February 7, 2020
A good read for sure! Another well written novel and highly engaging in the Dragon blood series! It is compared with the other 5 star reads of the series a little less substantial in story line but highly engaging! Definitely worth a read albeit with slightly less laughs and sub plots as it’s a .5 spin off in the series!
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