Actual rating: 4.5 stars. ➽ And the moral of this reread is: there is nothing quite like a leisurely cruise downriver lead by Captain Maldynado of the Mad Spelunking Skills (CMotMSS™), if you ask me. You get to meet lecherous creeps, leerers and dictionary enforcers delightfully chummy people, fall into deadly traps visit extra relaxing relaxation grottos, fight old bats who use cushions as lethal weapons exchange niceties with lovely upper caste ladies, throw people overboard by the dozen play

I loved it. Why? See list below:* We learn more about Maldynado. I think he is my favorite non-Amaranthe POV. He also reminds me a bit of Budjold's Ivan, only with a much more homicidal family.* We learn about Sicarius' 'childhood' - I use the quotes because I don't think any sane person would qualify it as childhood. It explains pretty much everything about him and the only shock is he is still capable of caring for Sespian and Amaranthe. I love that while he would win 'worst childhood ever' aw...

Maldynado is left in charge of protecting the emperor while Sicarius leaves to rescue Amaranthe. She has been captured and is being tortured for information on Sicarius’s secrets while the rest of the team and the emperor attempt to infiltrate the usurpers in an endeavor to foil their plans.I am a huge fan of Steampunk and specifically this series. Blood and Betrayal was a very enjoyable book. I love the characters. I love the sense of humor and intelligence of the scheming and diabolical plans....

One would think that Maldynado's book would be the most light-hearted and humorous of the bunch, however, the exact opposite is the case. While the humor from the previous books is certainly present, the story has taken a definite turn in the darker direction. I guess it's to be expected--as we near the end of the series, the stakes are higher and the urgency in the situations surrounding our beloved characters are reaching a climax. Still, I wasn't quite ready when many of the things that happe...

A real roller coaster of a ride! Starts spang after the cliff-hanger at the end of the previous volume. This is Maldynado's book, and I think in many ways it is the most successful of the secondary threads focusing on each of the team through the books, because he seems to change the most.I love the incremental pacing of the central romance, which is exactly the way it should go given the damage to one of the members. (And the damage suffered by the other during the course of this book affords a...

*** 4.44 *** "...“You better not be dead. This team is already overflowing with ankle spankers. I was looking forward to having more women around."Yara's eyelids fluttered open. She blinked a few times, focused on him, and frowned."Ankle spanker? The only thing you've got that'll reach that far is your ego.”― Lindsay Buroker, Blood and Betrayal..." Yep, this is all about Maldynado! Dear, sweet, sexy, strong and not too bright Maldynado! But, he is loyal, despite the obvious mistrust the young...

Oh, it's been ages since I've read something as good as this series!Perfect for anyone who loves a strong, smart heroine with awesome friends.

If the worst thing you can say about a book is that you are...less than thrilled that the sequel isn't coming out for a year, then you are exceedingly lucky and well, I am exceedingly lucky. I have been waiting for Blood and Betrayal for several months now as Conspiracy (the 4th book in the series) ended on a cliffhanger. I could not, and did not, put this book down for the entire day and in a few months, to keep myself happy while I wait for book 6, I plan on starting over at Book 1. There are

So have you read the first four books? No you say? Do you plan on reading any of these? Yes you say? THEN DON'T READ THIS REVIEW. Why you ask? Because some things I mention in this review aren't a spoiler- not for someone who has read this entire series up to this book, but for YOU, that haven't read this series, this will be Spoilerland, so you are warned. Continue forward at your own risk reader. I looked forward to this book desperately as I do with any series I adore. This is an unusual ser

This was my favorite one so far. The relationship between Sicarius and Amaranthe progressed even further (YES!), and we got some insight into Mal's background. Mal is my third favorite character (after Amaranthe and Sicarius of course), and I really felt for him throughout this entire book. And I adore the fact that he thinks of Amaranthe as his little sister, and that he is the first to mention that he considers the other men in the group as his brothers.

I don't have enough words to say how much I'm enjoying this series!It's highly recommened to everybody who loves witty, action-full fantasy with great characters, a tiny bit of romance (but really breath-taking and nails-chawing one!)!

This series is fun. Thank you Lindsay Buroker.

oh my god, i just want to PROTECT AMARANTHE WITH EVERYTHING IN ME. i'm so sad about what happened to her and i'm so sad that sicarius had to deal with that same situation for the entirety of his upbringing. i just. am so sad! but. on a happier note. THE CAVE SCENE. YES X100. "When you have recovered, and you are ready, come to me. I'll be waiting." and then sicarius saying both sespian and amaranthe are his priorities? be still, my heart. poor sespian though, man. his life just... turned upsid...

Rating: 4.5Buroker has done it again. Since this book features Mal, it's obviously hilarious. And deliciously action-packed. Pros:- Nekkid runs through swamps.- Ridiculous hats.- Crude and childish innuendo to lady bits.- Sicarious (me-freaking-ow).- Excessive use of incendiary devices.- Mal passing out business cards an extremely inopportune moments.Cons:- It ended.What a ride.

In a way I am glad that I found this series as far along (this is the 5th book) as I did since the cliff hanger ending of the last book pretty much left me howling in frustration. I really hate cliffhangers and this was a doozy and I was immensely grateful that I could start reading this one immediately to follow up. The book begins with the aftermath of the dirigible crash and Amaranthe's capture by Major Pike and the Forge and is told from both Amaranthe's and Maldyano's point of view. While A...

This book was sooo good, and talk about romantic progress people. My heart was bouncing upside down and off the ceiling. I mean five books and we finally get an (view spoiler)[ I don't love you, but I appreciate you. (hide spoiler)] I mean seriously, Sicarius, he's definitely a romantic guy.

The fifth installment of The Emperor's Edge series, follows Maldynado's POV and it's about time too. We finally get an insight into the clown of the group who, whilst making the others laugh, determinedly convinces the other characters and the readers that he cares for nothing much but a "good" time with a pretty lady. We find that Maldynado has fears and insecurities, a desire to build his own identity and a strong need to divorce himself from his family's reputation. A fantastic installment wh...