Review: Romeo & Juliet, set in a MUCH different world
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 1, 2013
I bought this book when it was released, but it had to stay on the backburner as I finished some others (it's hard to quit a series you're chain reading for a single book).  I must say, I'm sad I waited so long to read it!The story is a continuation of the adventures of Rias and Tikaya, only this time, they're in Tikaya's homeland of the Kyatt Islands.  In this world, there are three main countries/groups of people, all of which do not get along with each other.  The Nurians are a society of magic users (called "mental sciences") with a leaning towards violence, but it's not a main trait associated with them.  The Kyattese are a society of mostly peaceful people just wanting to live their lives; some can use the mental sciences, but it's not a requirement/expected skill.  Then we have the Turgonians, who are characterized as being militant.  During the war, Turgonia attacked the Kyatt Islands, and Rias was one of its top commanders, inflicting high levels of damage to Kyatt Islands.  So, when Tikaya shows up back home with the man responsible for the deaths of so many of their kinsmen... You can imagine how that would go.It did feel a bit Romeo & Juliet, since the two main characters are from countries that hate each other.  However, the world itself is so interesting (and Buroker writes so well), it wasn't too bad.  It isn't quite as sappy as you might think given that fact.  There aren't any long, steamy scenes, and if you're looking for that, this isn't your book.  Buroker has an amazing grasp on the adventure genre.  She draws you in to the world.  This particular book, you get to (for a long chunk) feel like you're reading a whodunit.  It's really engaging and a tough read to put down.Unfortunately, there are no additional books planned for Tikaya/Rias exclusively, so it's also a short pairing to commit to.  They are supposed to show up in Buroker's Emperor's Edge 6 and that would be the end of their story.  Hopefully Buroker goes back and writes more in the diary of Tikaya and Rias.  I know I'd be first in line to buy more!  Hopefully you'll find the book just as amazing as I did.