Review of book The Emperor's Edge / The Emperor's Edge 1 (Lindsay Buroker)

***** 6,8/10 Review of book The Emperor's Edge  /  The Emperor's Edge 1  (Lindsay Buroker)

Medium rating of  The Emperor's Edge (Lindsay Buroker) / The Emperor's Edge 1  (year 2010) Rating :  6,8 Stars   Goodreads Rating: 4,05

Opinion of  The Emperor's Edge (Lindsay Buroker) / The Emperor's Edge 1: Entertaining, looking forward to reading the next in the series. .  Fantasy, assassin, emperor, law enforcement officer, romance, empire, murders, human sacrifices, intrigues.

Blogs reviews:

The novel is placed within a steampunk-esque setting but blended with medieval, magical fantasy tropes, so we have steam driven coaches within a militaristic, monarchistic government and many 18th century t..

https://sfbook.com/the-emperors-edge.htm

It’s a decent premise, but I found the plotting precarious at points. Amaranthe’s scheme involves setting up a fake counterfeiting operatio..

https://www.nickwisseman.com/single-post/2019/02/05/book-review-the-emperors-edge-by-lindsay-buroker

After reading just one book—the very fun and entertaining fantasy adventure hybrid that is The Emperor’s Edge—I’ve become a Lindsay Buroker fan and can’t wait to read the rest of h..

https://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/09/emperors-edge-by-lindsay-buroker.html

Simply put, I adored the characters in The Emperor’s Edge.  For starters, Amaranthe is a really fun protagonist.  She’s tough and strong while still managing to fit into..

https://germmagazine.com/review-the-emperors-edge-by-lindsay-buroker/

Overall, The Emperor’s Edge is an enjoyable, light read – mostly skimming over excessively dark themes. Some plot points come together too easily and so..

https://www.cherylrees-price.co.uk/blog/the-emperors-edge-book-review

The Emperor’s Edge is a fantasy, and an adventure, and the beginning of a long journey with a fascinating group of players. I h..

https://www.readingreality.net/2013/03/review-the-emperors-edge-by-lindsay-buroker/

This was well done and I enjoyed it. I would call this a military steampunk series, at least in the beginning. Amaranthe..

https://hiddeninpages.com/2021/12/08/review-the-emperors-edge-the-emperors-edge-book-1-by-lindsay-buroker-4-5-stars/

Oh, I’m still just loving this series! I’m not generally a raver, but I’m afraid the crew of the Emperor’s Edge makes me squeal a bit like an excite...

http://sadieforsythe.com/wp/review-of-the-emperors-edge-collection-by-lindsay-burkoer/

Definitely something for younger/less blasé readers than me. It might be just because of my dark fantasy fixation but I think the only way to enjoy this novel is t..

https://portiabridget.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/review-emperors-edge-emperors-edge-01-by-lindsay-buroker/

Imperial law enforcer Amaranthe Lokdon is good at her job: she can deter thieves and pacify thugs, if not with a blade, then by toppling an eight-foot pile of coffee canisters onto their heads. But when ravaged bodies show up on the waterfront, an arson covers up human sacrifices, and a powerful business coalition plots to kill the emperor, she feels a tad overwhelmed. Worse, Sicarius, the empire's most notorious assassin, is in town. He's tied in with the chaos somehow, but Amaranthe would be a fool to cross his path. Unfortunately, her superiors order her to hunt him down. Either they have an unprecedented belief in her skills... or someone wants her dead. 

First pages / excerpts and first chapters of  The Emperor's Edge (Lindsay Buroker) / The Emperor's Edge1  

Review of book A Drop Of Magic (L. R. Braden) / The Magicsmith 1

******* 7 / 10 Review of book  A Drop Of Magic (L. R. Braden) / The Magicsmith 1

Medium rating of  A Drop Of Magic (L. R. Braden) / The Magicsmith 1 (1990)  Rating : 7   Stars   Goodreads Rating: 3,98

Opinion of  A Drop Of Magic (L. R. Braden) / The Magicsmith 1: Good urban fantasy book, very good beginning of a serie , very well, to buy. I enjoyed it. Smith, fae, postwar, diplomacy, murders, haflings, magic objects, werewolves, attacks, metalsmith, fae knight, half-fae, romance, discover roots, investigate murders.

Blogs reviews:

This was a very interesting book and I enjoyed reading it immensely.  The vibe of it reminds me a bit of Diana Pharaoh Farris and her Diamond City Magic series.  Alex..

https://thebookreadinggals.com/a-drop-of-magic-by-l-r-braden/

It’s depiction of the fae was very similar to that of Patricia Briggs with them as ruthlessly sly and extremely clever. The fae are key aspec..

https://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/2019/08/a-drop-of-magic-by-l-r-braden.html

Braden did a great job of building the world without leaving you lost with the complexities. I can’t believe this is her f..

https://lovabullbooks.com/2020/04/08/a-drop-of-magic-by-l-r-braden-book-review/

Overall, a really good start to the series. There is plenty of mystery, surprises, twists, and originality to the story that will h..

http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-drop-of-magic-by-lr-braden-urban.html

The war isn’t over . . . With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade old war between humans and fae. Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future. Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive......

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First pages / excerpts and first chapters of  A Drop Of Magic (L. R. Braden) / The Magicsmith 1  :  

Review of book Daughter of the Empire (Raymond E. Feist, Janny Wurts) / Empire 1 / Riftwar Universe

******* 7 / 10 Review of book  Daughter of the Empire (Raymond E. Feist, Janny Wurts) / Empire 1 / Riftwar Universe

Medium rating of  Daughter of the Empire (Raymond E. Feist, Janny Wurts) / Empire 1 / Riftwar Universe  (1988)  Rating :  7Stars   Goodreads Rating: 4.28

Opinion of  Daughter of the Empire (Raymond E. Feist, Janny Wurts) / Empire 1 / Riftwar Universe: Good fantasy book, it costs a bit to catch the rhythm at first, it has almost no relationship with the first Riftwar saga, it has other characters, well, to buy.    Magic, culture clash, revenge, killers, murders, survival, romance, espionage,  court intriges, war, mages, soldiers, slaves, romance, blood feud

Blogs reviews:

I am seriously shocked by how good this was. Considering the disappointment I felt from reading Magician by Raymond E. Feist, I was equally excited and terrified of reading Daughter of the Empire...
 http://novelnotions.net/2021/06/19/book-review-daughter-of-the-empire-riftwar-empire-1-by-raymond-e-feist-janny-wurts/


I can’t tell you how much I love this book, Janny Wurts and Raymond E Feist are one of the reasons why I became a writer..
https://favinonia.wordpress.com/2017/04/09/daughter-of-the-empire-review/


A couple of years ago I embarked on a re-read of Raymond E. Feist, beginning (obviously) w..
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2017/12/daughter-empire-janny-wurts-raymond-e-feist/


I am always skeptical about author collaborations as the result is often uneven or lacking a unified voice. In t..
https://www.silverpetticoatreview.com/2015/04/09/vintage-review-daughter-of-the-empire/

Magic and murder engulf the realm of Kelewan. Fierce warlords ignite a bitter blood feud to enslave the empire of Tsuranuanni. While in the opulent Imperial courts, assassins and spymaster plot cunning and devious intrigues against the rightful heir. Now Mara, a young, untested Ruling lady, is called upon to lead her people in a heroic struggle for survival. But first she must rally an army of rebel warriors, form a pact with the alien cho-ja, and marry the son of a hated enemy. Only then can Mara face her most dangerous foe of all--in his own impregnable stronghold. An epic tale of adventure and intrigue. Daughter of the Empire is fantasy of the highest order by two of the most talented writers in the field today.

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Wiki's Summary:

At the age of 17, Mara's ceremonial pledge of servantship to the goddess Lashima is interrupted by the news that her father and brother have been killed in battle. Now Ruling La..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daughter_of_the_Empire






First pages / excerpts and first chapters of  Daughter of the Empire (Raymond E. Feist) / Empire 1 / Riftwar Universe :  

Wind and Shadow Series(Casey Matthews)

* * * * *     5/10   10

Volume 1 Wind and Shadow (Casey Matthews): The One Who Eats Monsters (2017)
Long ago, before history broke in half, elder gods exiled the vengeful deity Erynis to a far corner of Earth. When Ryn is found weakened after saving the life of an innocent villager, the U.S. military mistakes the battered immortal for a feral teenager and places her in New Petersburg, a decaying city full of monsters. In her clash with the city’s demons, Ryn is confused by her intense emotional connection with Naomi Bradford, a senator’s daughter she has sworn to protect. But while her claws can kill anything that dies (and a few things that cannot), she must also contend with the human race. They lie, they speak in riddles, and to protect her friend, the immortal must navigate the senseless rules of their flawed civilization. Worse, they are fragile and giving her heart to one makes Ryn afraid for the first time in her eternal life.

Review of The One Who Eats Monsters

First pages / excerpts and first chapters of The One Who Eats Monsters / Wind and Shadow  1 (Casey Matthews):  

Shattered Realms Series (Cinda Williams Chima)

* * * * * * * *     8/10   10

Volume 1 Shattered Realms (Cinda Williams Chima): Flamecaster (2016)
A burning vengeance. Adrian sul’Han, known as Ash, is a trained healer with a powerful gift of magic and a thirst for revenge. The son of the queen of the Fells, Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos. Now Ash is closer than he’s ever been to killing the man responsible, the cruel king of Arden. As a healer, can Ash use his powers not to save a life but to take it? A blood based curse. Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told the mysterious magemark on the back of her neck would make her a target. But when the King’s Guard launches a relentless search for a girl with a mark like hers, Jenna assumes that it has more to do with her role as a saboteur than any birth based curse. Though Jenna doesn’t know why she’s being hunted, she knows that she can’t get caught. Destiny’s fiery hand. Eventually, Ash’s and Jenna’s paths will collide in Arden. Thrown together by chance and joined by their hatred of the king, they will come to rescue each other in ways they cannot yet imagine. Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series a generation later, this is a thrilling story of dark magic, chilling threats, and two unforgettable characters walking a knife sharp line between life and death.

Reviews of Flamecaster:
"The only downfall to this book was the romance. The insta-love is real in this book. I wouldn’t have minded that these 2 characters were together if it was pa.."
http://bookstacked.com/reviews/book-reviews/book-review-flamecaster-seven-realms-cinda-williams-chima/

"The story is told from numerous points of view, which normally doesn’t bother me but with this book it confused me. Plus, it didn’t help that there was a time.."
http://darkfaerietales.com/review-flamecaster-cinda-williams-chima.html

"The new characters were super intriguing and definitely felt like their own people, rather than a repeat of the original series, both in their actions/persona.."
https://telltalepage.wordpress.com/2017/04/30/spoiler-free-review-flamecaster-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"Unfortunately, Flamecaster has the same major weakness as the first book in the Seven Realms series with none of its strengths. Like The Demon King, it took m.."
http://www.fantasybookcafe.com/2016/05/mini-review-flamecaster-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"The plot was definitely fantastic and it really kept me on the hook to want to read more from this author. I’m always wary of fantasy books - especially high .."
http://divergentgryffindor.blogspot.com.es/2016/04/arc-review-flamecaster-by-cinda.html

Volume 2 Shattered Realms (Cinda Williams Chima): Shadowcaster (2017)
A lifelong war. Alyssa ana’Raisa is the reluctant princess heir to the Gray Wolf throne of Fells, a queendom embroiled in a seemingly endless war. Hardened by too many losses, Lyss is more comfortable striking with a sword than maneuvering at court. After a brush with death, she goes on the offensive, meaning to end the war that has raged her whole life. If her gamble doesn’t pay off, she could lose her queendom before she even ascends to the throne. A life in peril. Across enemy lines in Arden, young rising star Captain Halston Matelon has been fighting for his king since he was a lýtling. Lately, though, he finds himself sent on ever more dangerous assignments. Between the terrifying rumors of witches and wolfish warriors to the north and his cruel king at home, Hal is caught in an impossible game of life and death. The shadow of defeat.

Reviews of Shadowcaster:
"First off, I think the main reason I enjoyed this book more than the first was the fact that I enjoyed both of these main characters more. Lyss especially was.."
https://thelibraryladies.com/2017/06/07/serenas-review-shadowcaster/

"The plot moved along pretty fast and was fully of action sequences. Despite the fast pace, I was easily able to understand the politics and battles going on. .."
http://darkfaerietales.com/review-shadowcaster-cinda-williams-chima.html

" I will say that this might be a coincidence, but I saw a lot of naming similarities between Shadowcaster and the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R R M.."
http://sandyfarmer.blogspot.com/2017/06/shadowcaster-review.html

"I really enjoyed the way each of the characters and their threads were woven together in this book. Cinda Williams Chima just continues to get better and bett.."
http://www.ohthebooks.com/arc-review-shadowcaster-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"The story also gave us a cameo appearance by Jenna and her dragon Flamecaster who were major characters in the first book. This was a great story but with a m.."
http://msmartin-media.blogspot.com/2017/03/arc-review-shadowcaster-by-cinda.html

Volume 3 Shattered Realms (Cinda Williams Chima): Stormcaster (2018)
The empress in the east the unspeakably cruel ruler whose power grew in Flamecaster and Shadowcaster tightens her grip in this chilling third installment in the series. Vagabond seafarer Evan Strangward can move the ocean and the wind, but his magical abilities seem paltry in comparison to Empress Celestine’s. As Celestine’s bloodsworn armies grow, Evan travels to the Fells to warn the queendom of her imminent invasion. If he can’t convince the Gray Wolf queen to take a stand, he knows that the Seven Realms will fall. Among the dead will be the one person Evan can’t stand to lose. Meanwhile, the queen’s formidable daughter, Princess Alyssa ana’Raisa, is already a prisoner aboard the empress’s ship. Lyss may be the last remaining hope of bringing down the empress from within her own tightly controlled territory. Multiple intricately interwoven storylines converge in this gripping novel about a brave, coordinated effort to undermine a horrific tyrant.



First pages / excerpts and first chapters of Shadowcaster / Shattered Realms 2 (Cinda Williams Chima):  

Dorina Basarab Series (Karen Chance)

* * * * * * * *     8/10   10

Volume 1 Dorina Basarab (Karen Chance): Midnight's Daughter (2008)
Dorina Basarab is a dhampir-half human, half vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. So far Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing. Now Dory's vampire father has come back into her life. Her Uncle Dracula (yes, the Dracula), infamous even among vampires for his cruelty and murderous ways, has escaped his prison. And her father wants Dory to work with gorgeous master vampire Louis Cesare to put him back there. Vampires and dhampirs are mortal enemies, and Dory prefers to work alone. But Dracula is the only thing on Earth that truly scares her, so when Dory has to go up against him, she'll take all the help she can get… ...

Reviews of Midnight's Daughter:
"Midnight’s Daughter is a vamp-centric story so there is more than enough vampire action to satisfy even the most demanding vampire fans.  Fantasy readers who .."
http://www.lovevampires.com/kcmidnightsdaughter.html

"  This book has a little bit of everything!  Vampires, half vampires, Mages, Fey, Trolls.  There is action and romance and personal growth.  It was wonderful!.."
https://confessionsofafictionfanatic.wordpress.com/2012/10/02/midnights-daughter-by-karen-chance-dorina-basarab-1/

"I think that Midnight's Daughter does a good job at setting up this spin-off series. It introduces Dorina, the important players and their dynamics well... Bu.."
http://natuschan.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-midnights-daughter-by-karen.html

" One thing is very clear throughout the book – Karen Chance knows how to write. Not just the action scenes, or having the butt-kicking heroine throw out pithy .."
http://myfavouritebooks.blogspot.com/2008/10/midnights-daughter-karen-chance.html

"  I’ve gathered that the Claire subplot has its roots in a short story in an anthology called On the Prowl, which you might also want to read first..."
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/reviews/midnights-daughter/

Volume 2 Dorina Basarab (Karen Chance):  Death's Mistress 
Dorina Basarab is a dhampir-half-human, half-vampire. Back home in Brooklyn after the demise of her insane Uncle Dracula, Dory's hoping her life is about to calm down. But soon Dory realizes someone is killing vampire Senate members, and if she can't stop the murderer, her friends may be next...

Reviews:
"With a plot that spans the lay-line racing World Championship, illegal Fey artefact smuggling, mysterious murders, the machinations of the Fey royal court and.."
http://www.lovevampires.com/kcdeathsmistress.html

"Where Karen Chance excels is in the action, the swiftly-changing scenery and the relentless pace, which makes it almost seem like modern action films with the.."
http://www.curledup.com/deaths_mistress.htm

" I adored Death’s Mistress by Karen Chance. For character, action, mystery, suspense and setting, I place this novel on a par with Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Fi.."
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/reviews/deaths-mistress/

"This series just keeps getting better and better.  I found that I laughed a lot in this book.  Not really a funny subject matter but Dory’s personality is jus.."
https://confessionsofafictionfanatic.wordpress.com/2012/10/05/deaths-mistress-by-karen-chance-dorina-basarab-2/

Volume 3 Dorina Basarab (Karen Chance):   Fury's Kiss (2012)
Dorina Basarab is a dhampir half human, half vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. But so far, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing... Dory is used to fighting hard and nasty. So when she wakes up in a strange scientific lab with a strange man standing over her, her first instinct is to take his head off. Luckily, the man is actually the master vampire Louis-Cesare, so he’s not an easy kill.  It turns out that Dory had been working with a Vampire Senate task force on the smuggling of magical items and weaponry out of Faerie when she was captured and brought to the lab. But when Louis-Cesare rescues her, she has no memory of what happened to her.  To find out what was done to her and who is behind it Dory will have to face off with fallen angels, the maddest of mad scientists, and a new breed of vampires that are far worse than undead…

Reviews:
"What more? Well there are these characters that have so many layers and so many qualities hidden in the depths of their personalities that is simply fascinati.."
http://www.lovevampires.com/kcfuryskiss.html

" I thoroughly enjoyed Fury´s kiss with the intense, frustrating and nerve wrecking situations, hot romance, lots of battles and blood and plenty of surprises. ."
http://booklalaland.blogspot.com/2012/10/furys-kiss-dorina-basarab-3-by-karen.html



Volume 4 Dorina Basarab (Karen Chance): Shadow's Bane


First pages / excerpts and first chaptersof Fury's Kiss / Dorina Basarab 3 (Karen Chance):