Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Forged in Blood I (The Emperor's Edge, Book 6)

Top positive review

One of the best in the series

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2013

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, so much so that I tried to curb my natural tendency to speed through books so that I could prolong the experience.

I was excited to read things from Sicarius' point of view. I was worried it would feel forced or unnatural (IMO sometimes Akstyr's POV didn't seem as natural in his book), but it was perfect. I loved seeing how much Sicarius' feelings for both Sespian and Amaranthe dictate his choices, and he even realizes himself how different that is from how he used to make decisions.

Amaranthe is finally showing mental and physical repercussions from her time with Pike and Forge. That was something that bothered me about the previous book--she seemed to recover unnaturally quickly. But here we see that there are plenty of problems she has to deal with on a daily basis. In some ways the experience has really shaken her, in others she has become stronger. And I find it interesting that she is coming to understand Sicarius' views a bit better, all while he is coming around to her views too.

Some highlights--Sicarius' missions with his teammates, especially with Sespian. Amaranthe and Sicarius scenes. References to the short stories. Finding out a few more details of Sicarius' heritage. Oh, and while it's technically not part of this book, the preview to Part II was awesome--I cannot wait for that to come out! I love the Encrypted story and characters, so any tie-in with them is thrilling.

Finally, the cliffhanger was rather heart-wrenching. I'm not sure which was worse, the end of Book Four, or this one! I honestly don't know if all of the main characters will survive this series.

8 people found this helpful

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Alicia Bell

Least favorite in the series

Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2016

So I am writing this review before I write the review of book 5 because I feel there are a few things that need to be said about this one. I started the series not really loving Amaranthe and this book solidified that stance. She just really never thought before she acted. I felt like Secarius had to be the parent with disregarded advice more with her than he did with his actual son. I also really did not care at all for the emperor. What bothered me most was his pissy attitude. Once his secret came out no one openly treated him differently and he really did not deserve their respect. He was a lot nicer and tolerable when he was being drugged. If I was a nail biter I definitely would have been doing that more than once throughout this book. I just felt like Amaranthe and Secarius would never catch a break. And for the most part I was right. Towards the end when they literally just missed each other I swear I screamed and nearly threw my kindle. I did not like the ending to this book and I feel that it's a bad sign for the (semi) conclusion that I just purchased. What bothered me was that through all the revelations, developments in stilted relationships and character it was basically all for nothing. I scrambled to read the first 6 books in a week and the ending of this one makes me not in a hurry to get to the conclusion of this journey.

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Alicia Bell

Least favorite in the series

Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2016

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4 people found this helpful

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Tori

One of the best in the series

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2013

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BookY

The end is near...

Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2013

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I admit that I was a little concerned about how Buroker would handle Sicarius's point of view. I've said it before for other novellas and books featuring the male interest's POV - it's a tricky business, seeing as a lot of the intrigue and appeal of the character is the mystery factor that comes from not quite knowing what he is thinking. And I can understand how it might be tempting to make the hero of your series your dream guy -- to inject overly romantic notions, and maybe impart aspects to his character to make him more "heroic". I've seen many authors butcher some of my favorite characters in this way. But Buroker allows Sicarius to remain what he is, no more, no less, and for that I'm grateful. At no point did I feel like he was thinking or acting out of character, rather, I simply felt like I understood him more. His POV sections held moments of utter dryness (which is to be expected, it is Sicarius after all), as well as moments that had me grinning like an idiot. And I loved every second of it.

As to the story -- there's the usual fast paced action and awesome adventure that you saw in all the previous books. But you can definitely sense the escalation and urgency in the situations our beloved characters are facing now, and it all works to effectively build anticipation for what you just know is going to be a mind-blowing climax. The only thing about this book that I can really complain about is that I wish Sicarius and Amaranthe had not been separated for so much of it. While their time together was satisfying for sure, I just wanted more.

Buroker is without a doubt my favorite indie author. So glad to have discovered her and I can only hope the masses do as well. This series has been a wild ride and as excited as I am for the conclusion, I can't help but be a little sad that it is almost over.

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A. Mills

Every bit as good as the preceding novels

Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2013

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I was a bit wary about this book. I mean, I knew that I simply had to read it because I care so much about the characters from the preceding novels. I wanted know what they did next. However I feared that the golden imagination of Buroker may flag, my own exquisite expectations might have set the bar of satisfaction too high, but i'm relieved to report that all is well. The book is another very fine adventure, or rather three adventures, as the team splits off in three directions at once. I particularly enjoy Sicarius's perspective, which is entirely in character but also more informative than stories about Sicarius told from the other team members' POV. I feel more confident that I understand Sicarius better now. Sadly, there is very little of Maldynado or Yara in this novel beyond a little fashion advice and thumping the communal walls with the head of their bed. Maybe they'll contribute more in volume two. Akstyr is coming into his own (in his own, vile, teenage boy way). Books is tootling along cerebrally, like always. Amaranthe is not yet recovered from her ordeal with Pike, but she soldiers on with characteristic optimism. Happily, Sespian hasn't closed himself off from Sicarius so, although he's not approaching Sicarius with gushing enthusiasm, their relationship is naturally starting to show some preliminary signs of heading towards something more healthy. What action occurs? Vehicles are stolen and exploded, ancient technology and "the Science" wreck harm and pain on The Emperor's Edge team, the Turgonian warrior class embraces their military fetishism, Akstyr races off without wearing any underwear and spends a lot of magical energy exposing what's under his enemy's clothing. That's enough spoilers for now: read it. It's worth every penny.

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dlc

I don't want this to end!

Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2013

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I've loved this series and now I'm one book away from the bitter end. I've fallen in love with almost all of the characters and I've hated the ones I was suppose to hate. All of the characters are fallible, especially Amaranthe. She is the heart and soul of her reg-tag group and is a bit OCD (I can SO relate). From the Sicarius we met in the first book, he's slowly evolving into...a person you could like. Maybe not be friends with, although I'd want him on my side in a fight. Both sides are equally convinced in what they're doing is the right thing and that leads to personal conflicts. Making them all that much more human. With Amaranthe there is no sitting on the fence, she'll talk you into joining her cause, before you now it.

Lindsay Buroker knows how to keep the pace going, without beating you to death with overly exaggerated action sequences. There is an awful lot of action but it follows seamlessly. She can also maintain a sense of tension without wearing you out. Her interior spaces are so well defined you can almost see them. She paints with words and I love what she paints. Her books are fast and easy reads. Not overly Steampunk, maybe a bit more SiFi, but still a fun read.

I've said this in other reviews, but I hate to see this series end. I feel there is so much more to know about the different characters. I'm sure they each have a fascinating back stories. I'm going to miss them all.

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Akamai Okole

An epic, engaging swashchuckler fantasy romance

Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2015

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This review is for all 8 books in the series. I hesitated to start it, as I am not generally a fan of fantasy. But I was glad I did, though it started out rather slowly for me, and picked up speed as I went along. The principal characters are very well developed, and the various story lines intriguing and reasonably complex. The series has echoes of Star Wars (without Yoda, Darth Vader or The Force), Star Trek (in its adventuring and a couple of the characters), and Little Shop of Horrors at one point. And too many others to mention, especially in the names of places and people. But it is unique in itself, and if you like strong female lead characters, as I do (I am male, by the way, and old), I think you will find many hours of reading pleasure in the world of Amaranthe and Secarius. I also felt Ms. Buroker ended the series at just the right point. Some authors who write a series cannot seem to end it, or to end it in a satisfying fashion. Ms. Buroker did not fall into that trap. Kudos to her for that and this series.

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Ian Keller

Fun continuation of the series

Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2014

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The book starts out with the team back in the capital city, along with the ousted Emperor Sespian. Amaranthe has plans to get him back on the throne, but the city has turned into a war zone, with rival factions all backing their preferred candidate. As Amaranthe plots, Sicarius attempts to protect Sespian from a soul-construct.

As you know if you’ve been reading this series, each book features two POVs, Amaranthe’s and one of her team members. This time its Sicarius, the deadly assassin. I really appreciated this insight into his character. Although he is one of the main characters, I never really took a liking to him the way I did to the rest of the team. I hadn’t been looking forward to reading his sections of the book, but I surprisingly enjoyed his sections almost as much as Amaranthe’s.

Amaranthe’s story line follows her, Books, and Akstyr as they attempt to eliminate the Behemoth, Forge’s ace-in-the-hole on their way to the Throne.

Secarius, Sespian, and the rest of the team attempt to gather followers and backers loyal to the true Emperor.

The ending really surprised and shocked me, and I am eager to see how this is all going to wrap up.

I really enjoyed this book overall, but I can’t recommend it if you haven’t read the first five in the series.

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Lynxie

Can you say cliffhanger?

Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2013

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bookshelves: awesome-authors, indie-author, hot-men, legendary-leading-ladies, 5-star-review, a-lil-sexy
Read from May 20 to 22, 2013 -- I own a copy

Can you say cliffhanger?!

Lindsay has once again sucked me into Amarathe and Sicarius' world - not like it was that hard though - and I now find myself agitatedly waiting for the last installment of this series.

I loved being able to see how Sicarius' brain works, how he perceives things and how hard he is on himself.

There were times where I wanted to scream in frustration - come on Lindsay! Will it happen eventually or are you having too much fun teasing us?! Other times I chuckled and enjoyed the humor.

If there were something negative to say about this book, it would be that I didn't feel as emotive as I should have at the apex of the emotional climax (those who've read this should know what I am referring to) I wanted to feel like I couldn't bear to read anymore, like my heart was being ripped out of my chest and stomped on, or Sicarius had flung his notorious black blade into my chest, alas, I didn't quite get there.

This was a touch of a let down given how much I adore these characters.

Still, it's an engaging and entertaining read. Bring on Forged in Blood #2!!

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A. E. Babski

My Newest Addiction

Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2014

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Yes, I am now officially one of the fangirls who did indeed “squee” at the prospect of digging into Sicarius’ point of view in this installment from Buroker’s Emperor’s Edge series. In fact, it was only by reading other reader reviews, and following Lindsay’s ever-growing fan-base on social media, that I even learned the definition of the word “squee.” Forged in Blood I is certainly a “squee-worthy” tale. And Buroker’s characters (including Sicarius) continue to gain depth and beauty with every layer she paints in this fascinating and original world.

After the shock of this cliffhanger ending; after the emotional roller-coaster of Buroker’s fast-paced and action-packed writing style; after the vivid portrayal of her characters’ trials on this stage (including the questionable choices Amaranthe must make to survive), I’m left with certain impressions of this book which will stay with me for a long while—a hallmark of any good story. Without giving spoilers, I will say that the scenes between Sicarius and Sespian (the visual canvas, the emotional depth, and the weight of things implied but not said) are my favorite of this novel, if not the whole series thus far. And of course, the scenes between Amaranthe and Sicarius, though too brief, are beautiful.

If you are tempted by this review and you haven’t started with book one, The Emperor’s Edge, trust me, it’s worth it to start at the beginning and savor this journey. You’ll be glad you did.

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J. TO

It's a good thing there is another book coming

Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2013

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When I heard book 6 will be the last book I was mourning the fact that this series is coming to an end. Yes, I know that all good tale has to come to an end but I love the characters so much that I know I will miss them all. So when I heard there will be a EE7, I was elated but I also know that it will be a cliff hanger. I was also a little apprehensive about being in Sicarius' head. He is supposed to be this silent and mysterious assassin so I was not quite sure what to expects but Ms. Buroker carried that off beautifully. We get to see in first person what he thinks of Amaranthe and Sespian. The humor is still there but we also some flashbacks of Amaranthe time in the Behemonth. It makes it more believable. I was wondering how she can go through that ordeal and not be affected. With this book, I get a better sense of how that affected her. I was also looking forward to meetings the characters from Encrypted but it wasn't until the very end. I am looking forward to the next book. I always thought that Amaranthe is like the female version of Admiral Starcrest. She is a natural leader and has a gifted ability to read people. As Admiral Rias pointed out in Encryted, "What do you think a military strategist does?" It will be interesting to see the two join forces.

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Forged in Blood I (The Emperor's Edge, Book 6)

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