Ah, Lindsay Buroker . . .
A lady who can spin a mean yarn!!!!
Set in a steampunk world complete with magic, war, adventure, plenty of escapes, and a good dollop of a fancy gooey concoction with remarkable metal-melting properties, it's brilliant stuff. I just loved it.
In fact, my traitorous heart even thinks it prefers this little number to Lindsay's Emperor's Edge series!!
How is that possible when I do love Amaranthe and Sicarius so much? (If you haven't read those books you are doing yourself a serious disservice, and I would suggest you rectify that oversight without further ado.)
But as much as I love A&S from Emperor's Edge, Cal and Tolemek from Deathmaker have absolutely stolen my heart.
Cal is the ultimate impetuous shoot-first-ask-questions-later heroine.
Tolemek - despite his dastardly nickname Deathmaker - is a smart, Captain Jack Sparrowish (Pirates of the Caribbean) hero with a penchant for making gooey substances (from snake and spider venom) with both deadly and benign properties.
The chemistry between these two sworn enemies is fun to read, although, unlike Balanced on a Blade's Edge (the first in this series) this is more of an adventure than a romance. For those who loved Balanced on a Blade's Edge, Ridge, Sardelle and Jaxi also appear in this one. That said, Cal and Tolemek are definitely the show-stealers.
As we can expect from Lindsay, the action is fast-paced and riddled with her usual witty dialogue. There is even an unexpected twist at the end to keep it from becoming predictable.
And . . . tara tara . . . no deluge scene! No water at all! To understand this reference see my Blade's Edge review.
So, after this rave review, what didn't I like?
Okay, I admit, this sounds shallow, but the cover . . .
I know, I know, I did choose this one when Lindsay posted her options on Facebook for comment, but it was the best of a boring lot . . .
Maybe it's just me, but I find the blue very dull. Tolemek deserves better . . .
So, if you haven't read this yet, I suggest you rush out and buy it. And in case you are wondering how much Lindsay paid me for this review . . . nada - other than a free copy for comment.
But, let it be said, hand on heart, this is my honest opinion of a fantastic story. I can't wait to read more about these guys.
cheers
Gwynn
