I have to say, this book was a nail-biter. I nearly jumped out of my chair and started pacing when Amaranthe got kidnapped at the end of book 4. And then to see Major Pike show up? Well, I knew it was going to bad. And it was, indeed, very bad. Things did not go smoothly for Amaranthe this time around, and I really wish she had clung just a little bit tighter to that stupid slingshot. There were some cringe-inducing moments, and the violence could get pretty intense. However I wasn't too horrified, and it made rescue that much more satisfying. Truly, Buroker knows how to build that tension! She also knows how to write believable resolutions, balanced with setbacks. There is no such thing as a perfect solution and there are always consequences. The relief I felt when Sicarius mounted his rescue (let's be honest, we all knew he would succeed) was intense. It's amazing to see how far they've come. It's odd, because Sicarius is not a good man. But I still find myself rooting for his contentedness (I don't know if he even knows what happiness is) or at the very least for Sespian to come to see him in a better light. I enjoyed this chance to see a better side of Maldynado. Despite the frivolous thoughts that so often occupy his head, there really is a brain underneath all those curls. I never realized how vile his family was though, until certain plots were revealed. He tries so hard to do something worthy with his life, I felt really badly for him when everyone regarded him with suspicion. Dark times are descending upon Turgonia, and the political machinations are at their height. Some of the Forge hijinks seemed totally unrealistic, such as the ridiculous alien technology. However, it wasn't enough to deter my enjoyment of the novel. When I started the series I just automatically assumed that they'd succeed, Sespian would retain the throne, and all would be well in the empire. Now? I'm not so sure. this series is getting better and better ... I was not sure what to expect from Maldynado POV but I hoped that he would endear himself to me the same way Books and Akstyr did. And I was right!the books starts where the other book ended - which was with a big cliffhanger. Amaranthe is captured by Forge and Mal and the others are trying to help Sespasian.there is not so much scheming in this book but the action is as good as in the previous books. and the characters don't disappoint. I love the whole team.Mal always comes along as a superficial man with sex as his only interest but here we see his more vulnerable side. and he has some big problems because obviousely the team does not really trust him.It does make a difference now that we know the characters better due to their POVs in the previous books.I absolutely adore this series and recommend it to everyone who loves fantasy or just a real good story with amazing world and character building!
What do You think about Blood And Betrayal (2012)?
Maldynado's storyline was kind of dropped, but yet another fun book with lots of action and DRAMA.
—veranya
Loved this story! Can't wait to see how it goes...
—123456
