Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
When athletes start going missing, Amaranthe, Sicarius and the team decide to investigate. But with tensions rising within the group they may end up turning on each other before they get anywhere near the kidnappers.
Deadly Games is another swashbuckling steampunk adventure. It's a long way from perfect but for a little escapism, you could do a lot worse than this series.
Deadly Games is another swashbuckling steampunk adventure. It's a long way from perfect but for a little escapism, you could do a lot worse than this series.
I can't believe the first three books of this series are only 99 cents on Kindle. It is a very entertaining fantasy series.
One thing I appreciate about the Deadly Games is how Sicarius becomes more and more open with Amaranthe. Though certainly no chatterbox by any means, I noticed in each book he speaks more and more. I think the way Buroker slowly builds on this relationship between them is well-done. The plot for deadly games was also quite fascinating and the ending definitely prompted me to purchase the fourth book.
I'm excited to see what's in store for "Conspiracy."
One thing I appreciate about the Deadly Games is how Sicarius becomes more and more open with Amaranthe. Though certainly no chatterbox by any means, I noticed in each book he speaks more and more. I think the way Buroker slowly builds on this relationship between them is well-done. The plot for deadly games was also quite fascinating and the ending definitely prompted me to purchase the fourth book.
I'm excited to see what's in store for "Conspiracy."
After a so-so installment in the second book of this series, this one came roaring back full steam in a truly enjoyable story.
The annual Games where the best athletes compete for a chance to meet the Emperor have begun. However athletes are starting to disappear. Amaranthe and her merry band of mercenaries are hired by the sister of one of the athletes to find out what is happening. But because this is Amaranthe and her crew, it isn't too long before a) they are being blamed for the disappearances and b)one of them gets a price on his head.
This series continues to rock along quite well and I really liked this installment because it does quite a few interesting things:
1) It centers on Basilard. He was the last to join Amaranthe's crew and the only one who is counted as a foreigner. His people have a pacifist belief system that condemns even those who would hurt another in elf-defense. Basilard, of course, was forced to kill in the pits to save his own life. So he is a deeply troubled and has some strong issues to grapple with.
2) The crew has internal issues. Amaranthe is the glue that holds the team together at this point. They have not yet developed a real sense of family or community. In fact two of the members plot to kill a third member and one member continues to question his utility as a team member. At one point I can only think the only reason they are still together outside of their loyalty to Amaranthe is that they just don't have anything else to do. But by the end there is a small, yet important shift in the dynamic. Ties are closer and some bridges are built. But there is still an element of unrest amongst at least one crew member. I can't help but think this will rear it's head again in some future installment.
3) Sicarius -- super Assassin -- is shown to be human (gasp! he makes a near fatal mistake) and also still a total, fearless, death-defying bad-ass. And he unbends enough in the end to let Amaranthe know just what she means to him.
4) Ratchets up the steampunk elements (sorely missed in the first book) in a big way. The climatic scenes underwater are excellent.
Beyond all the wonderful forward momentum are still some familiar elements that are hallmarks of the series.
Amaranthe is still an idealist who just wants to Do The Right Thing. And can talk her way out of trouble a lot.
The humor is a major plus in this book. Maldynado alone is a great comic element. But his (awful) efforts at setting up Amaranthe with a boyfriend is mined for both comedy and plot propelling effect. I also enjoy the fact that Amaranthe realizes that when you start getting mail at your hidden lair, it is time to move your hidden lair.
I am loving this series quite a bit.
The annual Games where the best athletes compete for a chance to meet the Emperor have begun. However athletes are starting to disappear. Amaranthe and her merry band of mercenaries are hired by the sister of one of the athletes to find out what is happening. But because this is Amaranthe and her crew, it isn't too long before a) they are being blamed for the disappearances and b)one of them gets a price on his head.
This series continues to rock along quite well and I really liked this installment because it does quite a few interesting things:
1) It centers on Basilard. He was the last to join Amaranthe's crew and the only one who is counted as a foreigner. His people have a pacifist belief system that condemns even those who would hurt another in elf-defense. Basilard, of course, was forced to kill in the pits to save his own life. So he is a deeply troubled and has some strong issues to grapple with.
2) The crew has internal issues. Amaranthe is the glue that holds the team together at this point. They have not yet developed a real sense of family or community. In fact two of the members plot to kill a third member and one member continues to question his utility as a team member. At one point I can only think the only reason they are still together outside of their loyalty to Amaranthe is that they just don't have anything else to do. But by the end there is a small, yet important shift in the dynamic. Ties are closer and some bridges are built. But there is still an element of unrest amongst at least one crew member. I can't help but think this will rear it's head again in some future installment.
3) Sicarius -- super Assassin -- is shown to be human (gasp! he makes a near fatal mistake) and also still a total, fearless, death-defying bad-ass. And he unbends enough in the end to let Amaranthe know just what she means to him.
4) Ratchets up the steampunk elements (sorely missed in the first book) in a big way. The climatic scenes underwater are excellent.
Beyond all the wonderful forward momentum are still some familiar elements that are hallmarks of the series.
Amaranthe is still an idealist who just wants to Do The Right Thing. And can talk her way out of trouble a lot.
The humor is a major plus in this book. Maldynado alone is a great comic element. But his (awful) efforts at setting up Amaranthe with a boyfriend is mined for both comedy and plot propelling effect. I also enjoy the fact that Amaranthe realizes that when you start getting mail at your hidden lair, it is time to move your hidden lair.
I am loving this series quite a bit.
These books keep getting better and better. I love the slow development of the romance and the drawing out of each member of the Emperor's Edge in each installment of the series.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
STOOOOOOOOP.
WHY IS THIS BOOK SERIES SO GOOD.
SICARIUS YOU ANNOYING WOODEN DEADPAN TWAT JUST GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!!!!
Basilard is my new hero, thank you. He is the absolute best.
I have nothing useful to add, thank you.
WHY IS THIS BOOK SERIES SO GOOD.
SICARIUS YOU ANNOYING WOODEN DEADPAN TWAT JUST GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!!!!
Basilard is my new hero, thank you. He is the absolute best.
I have nothing useful to add, thank you.
Good story! The group called the emperor's Edge is evolving, along with the individual members. Although not accepted as part of the community yet, progress continues. Of course, the ending seems to begin that acceptance, or start the process of acceptance, leaving room for the next book and story.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love,love, love this series. Only thing wrong is I now have to wait months for the next book. This series is so entertaining. I smiled the whole way through this book. I smiled when I bought it (in anticipation) I smiled on the train while reading it, in the office (when thinking about it) and reading it at the restaurant waiting for my lunch date (so glad they were late!)
I love how Amaranthe can talk people into doing whatever she wants, I love how Sicarius is gradually developing a sense of humor, I love how Amaranthe has whole conversations with Sicarius with his only involvement being the twitch of the brow. I love the pace of the series, Lindasy Buroker times the progression of the relationship perfectly with a little more in each book. And just as I was wondering what was going on with Sespian - there he is at the end of the book.
I love how Amaranthe can talk people into doing whatever she wants, I love how Sicarius is gradually developing a sense of humor, I love how Amaranthe has whole conversations with Sicarius with his only involvement being the twitch of the brow. I love the pace of the series, Lindasy Buroker times the progression of the relationship perfectly with a little more in each book. And just as I was wondering what was going on with Sespian - there he is at the end of the book.