Review: Every bit as good as the preceding novels
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 29, 2013
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.