Blood and Betrayal (The Emperors Edge, #5) by Lindsay Buroker

Blood and Betrayal (The Emperors Edge, #5) Reviews

• 
  ✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans)

  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 super fun games with your cruise companions, watch alligators eat not-so-innocent bystanders pet the local fauna, braid butt hair talk about personal grooming, explore the deadly local swamp while slightly under the weather and buck naked wonderfully peaceful river banks, and more! Truly, this is an experience not to be missed, my Little Barnacles!
  
  
  
  I believe this is our favorite spelunking expert's boat, yes.
  
  ➽ And the other moral of this reread is: adventure, crazy stuff, some of the mostest funniest dialogues you've ever read, fantastic characterization, emotional stuff EW, hilarious stuff, exploding stuff DUH, oh-my-fish-this-is-somewhat-horrible stuff, non-stop action, pure slapstick-type-stuff, oh-my-shrimp-Buroker-doesn't-kid-around-in-this-one-stuff, pickled stuff (don't ask), spoiler spoiler spoiler stuff...This installment has it all. Ergo, it's Slightly Very Good (SVG™) and stuff.
  
  👋 To be continued and stuff.
  
  · Book 1:
  The Emperor’s Edge ★★★★
  · Book 2:
  Dark Currents ★★★★
  · Book 3:
  Deadly Games ★★★★
  · Book 4:
  Conspiracy ★★★★
  · Book 5.5:
  Beneath the Surface ★★★★
  · Book 6:
  Forged in Blood I ★★★★
  · Book 7:
  Forged in Blood II ★★★★★
  · Book 8:
  Republic ★★★★
  · Book 9:
  Diplomats and Fugitives ★★★★
  
  
  
  [March 2014]
  
  Oh goody, this instalment focuses on Maldynado!! He is one of my favourite characters in the series so I just couldn’t wait to read Blood & Betrayal. Luckily enough for me, I started reading this series after the first seven books were written which means I was able to jump right from book 4 to book 5 (no cliffhanger for me!).
  
  This is my favourite instalment in the series so far. I love how the group is coming together and the addition of new members to our favourite team of outlaws changes the dynamics of the gang (I love Yara!). It gives a bit of fresh air to the story and adds a lot in terms of perspective.
  
  With Blood & Betrayal focussing on Maldynado, there is a lot of humour and the story telling tends to be light-hearted despite some very dark moments (which were very nicely done and never over-the-top). I read some readers complaining about the immaturity and sexual innuendos in this book but hey; that’s Maldynado for you! I just love him that way ;)
  
  The general plot of the series is coming together very well. I feel that everything we have been reading about since book 1 is slowly but surely leading us to a big resolution (Forged in Blood coming up!). Lindsay Buroker really has crafted this series to perfection. It gets more intense with each instalment and I just never get tired of the characters. I feel like I’m part of their dysfunctional family!
  
  Next, please!
• 
  Choko

  *** 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 Emperor and the team, Amaranthe excluded, seem to actively doubt. Just because he comes from an ancient Warrior Cast family with the noblest blood and claim to the throne, they think he is part of his older brother's conspiracy to take over the rule of the Empire. Ridiculous! As if a man with his sense of style and animal magnetism would ever be interested in the boring position of taking part in any role of the ruling family! Ha! He is Maldynado and he is going to get himself a statue in the center of the Empire dedicated to his bravery and prowess, but that is all! Maybe some riches, and of course the funds to purchase beautiful clothes... And a certain Sargent of the Enforcers to look upon him with adoration... But he would never be a part of insurrection and wanting power! He is much better than that!
  
  "...“They don’t make statues of people who walk behind others. You have to walk out in front.”
  ― Lindsay Buroker, Blood and Betrayal..."
  
  Also, there is some torture, secrets unveiled and explosions, of course!!! So yeah, an awesome addition to the series:) Have fun reading it!
• 
  Denisa

  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.
• 
  Milda Page Runner

  3.5* rounded to 4* for a strong ending.
  Slightly darker and more dramatic compared to other books in the series, but still action packed and with humour. This series became my comfort read.
• 
  Patricia Eddy

  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 some dark scenes in this book, but they are done very well. The continued relationship between Amaranthe and Sicarius is evolving and we see a lot more of his past and his sharing with her. I always want more from those scenes, but if I got it, the books wouldn't be the same and that would be a shame (despite the fact that I want them to finally actually HAVE a relationship).
  
  Maldynado's is the perspective we get in this book and so it makes for a very humorous and somewhat lighthearted view of things, which given some of the other aspects of the story is needed. I also hope for more between Maldynado and Yara in the future, and heck, even more of Yara in general. Given her newness to the team, there's a lot we could still learn about her.
  
  I've rarely found characters that I cared about so thoroughly that I actively worried about them. The author has quickly become one of my very favorite authors I've ever read. At this point, I've read nearly everything of hers, and honestly, if more writers were this skilled, well... I'd never get anything done because I'd be reading all the time. The action scenes are always perfect, and I love the sheer number of vehicles that the team has destroyed. But even more than the action scenes, the descriptions of the people are what draws me in. Whether when describing a character's strength or weaknesses (physical or emotional), you never feel like you're missing anything. Strong characters, excellent action, and a fantastic story. This series should make it to must-read lists everywhere.
• 
  Beth

  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. We still have a lot of action and fanatical planning but the progression of the relationship between Amaranthe and Sicarius is excruciating slow. I was hoping in the Conspiracy there would be more romantic tension between Amaranthe, Sicarius and the Emperor but it seems even in Blood and Betrayal we are still at the same point. With all that being said, I still love this series, the creativity and imagination of this world Lindsay Buroker has created baffles my mind and I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment in The Emperor’s Edge.
• 
  SubterraneanCatalyst

  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 series for me because it's definitely "cleaner" than most of the stuff I love to consume yet Buroker keeps me captivated through the ensemble cast and the relationships between all of them.
  
  I was hesitant starting this book because I knew it was going to have a lot of Maldynado POV involved and I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it. When I read a series what will make me continue to read it has as much to do with what an author decides to do with the direction of the plot as much or more to do with the character they decide to represent POV wise in particular books. Maldynado is a charming rascal, a fop to all that know him despite his considerable fighting skills and an outcast from his noble Warrior Caste family. Throughout the entire series he is portrayed as charming and funny eye candy that will come in handy when you need a fighter but lazy when it comes to team spirit. Surprisingly Maldynado becomes a much more sympathetic character in this book and I found myself enjoying him more- his conversations with Yara and other members of the group were hilarious and priceless! His dismay when he has to constantly struggle to get Sespian to try to trust him because of his ties to his revolting family is sad to watch. Poor Maldynado, I thought through this entire thing. He's a lovable fool who has some hidden depths that even Yara finds herself covertly intrigued by.
  
  You will still see plenty Amaranthe and Sicarius, almost not enough sometimes but it is well reasoned given the story. I found the interactions between Sicarius and Amaranthe to be satisfying - yet I wanted more. I want more. I need more. Did I already say that? I say this because I feel like surely in real life Ms. Buroker is a serious tease. I don't need graphic depictions of sex to float my boat, but ah don't worry, you won't get any of that here! It's clean I tell you, but I'm impatiently waiting. Impatiently.../tapping foot furiously. Action Jackson- we readers need some in this story. I feel by the end of this book we are at the precipice and holding our breath. It's uncomfortable. Only the afterword, (is this becoming habit now Ms. Buroker? :p ) ameliorated me somewhat.
  
  
  There isn't a ton of Booksie and Akystr although they are in the mix as usual. I find the thoughts Amaranthe has about her team refreshing and realistic. Some Very Important Events happen this installment.
  
  Sespian- deserves his own notice and paragraph. I find him underwhelming. More of a shadow of a character at times but he comes out more in this book than any previous with some good moves and commentary and sensible distrust of Amaranthe's crew and his new world. But he's too naive to me to be completely likable and too vulnerable and well I guess he's accurately rendered as the youth that he is. And frankly most 19 year olds(that is my guess for his age), even the very best of them, the most intelligent and amazingly ambitious of them are just not really attractive to me (uh I guess that's good since I'm in my late 30's and all but I mean as CHARACTERS IN A NOVEL AS ROMANCE POTENTIAL mmkay? :p ).
  
  Big secrets are revealed, so much action that is normal with this series happens the entire book, moments occur that any fans of this series will be happy to see.
  
  The ending was not my favorite but it's nothing to rant about.
  
  Per Buroker's afterword, I'll be purchasing Encrypted soon since that series is supposed to tie into this one and we'll find out more by Book 6 of this Emperors Edge series.
  
  I love this series and I'll continue to read anything of Burokers!
  
• 
  Sierra

  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.
  
• 
  Mei

  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!)!
• 
  Sandra

  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 upside down, and i can't imagine how difficult that's going to be for him in the upcoming book. rip. but I AM EXCITED TO READ THE NEXT ONE!!! woo!!!
• 
  Parker

  Rating: 4.5
  
  Buroker 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.
• 
  Hali Sowle

  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 Amaranthe is being tortured by Major Pike for the answer to one Very Important Question Maldyano has to take the Emperor where he wants to go and keep the group together, a job he most definitely doesn't want. It doesn't help that there is a new level of distrust of him by almost everyone's except maybe Basilard due to his families involvement in the coup of the capital. And of course there is Sicarius' promise to kill him if something happens to the Emperor. Just as bad is his sudden inanity around Sgt Yara, could it be the notorious woman's man has finally met his match - in an enforcer no less?
  
  The book had less than the usual scheming on Amaranthe's part, mostly die to a large part of it she was being locked up in a kennel and being tortured. In a way it was a bit of a relief as much as I've grown to enjoy the twists and turns of her mind and her "burbling" of ideas it was nice to have things not be as fluid. The book also had more input from Maldyano than previous books did from their "other" voice, it kept things very fresh.
  
  Although this book, like the others in the series, is branded as a mix of steampunk and fantasy it seems to be heavier on tue steampunk than the fantasy which is different but just as good.
  
  Another great read in the series and now the long wait until Book 6 is out in the spring.
• 
  Katie.g

  After coming across a cliffhanger at the end of book four, I was immensely glad that the entire series is already written and so all I needed to do was purchase the next book on my Kobo. In under a minute I had the next book ready and waiting to be perused.
  
  This time the story is told from Amaranthe's and Maldynado's point of view. Poor Amaranthe is captured and tortured for some information (Buroker doesn't go overboard with the descriptions) so the team go on without her. As Sicarius has decided to rescue her Maldynado is in charge of keeping the Emperor safe. Yes, he wasn't my first choice either! I enjoyed having Yara as an addition to the team, especially as it seems Maldynado has finally met his match. It's nice getting to know him better and it's a given that there's going to be more sexual innuendos floating around where he's involved. It made for some amusing dialogue I can tell you. Especially loved Basilard's one-liners.
  
  I like that Lindsay Buroker is rather bold in her storytelling. There is always a crazy scheme/plan waiting to be undertaken (and quite possibly to go awry in some shape or form) and that she loves to invent strange artifacts, creatures and hidden locations (such as an underwater lab in one of the previous books). It's such a unique series and I'm surprised it's not more well known. I could speculate on how the series will finish but I'm sure there will be more surprises to come.
  
  Hoping there's some more Amaranthe and Sicarius scenes in the next one. I love their relationship. It builds slowly but that makes it all the better when they have their moments.
  
  Can't wait to read the next one but mustn't completely neglect my other books!
• 
  mich

  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 happened...happened.
  
  But I don't want to give too much away. Let's just say that things progress on all fronts. Some questions are answered, some things are resolved, but not without new questions and things emerging of course.
  
  Despite this being the middle of the author's planned continuing long story arc for books 4, 5 and 6, this book did not end on a crazy cliffhanger (thank you Buroker), and I finished it feeling satisfied and content to wait patiently for the last book in the series.
• 
  Sherwood Smith

  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 level of insight that is nicely handled.)
  
  The world building that the consequences of mad action continue to be painted in broad strokes, but it works really, really well, I think. The humor is the glue, and the characterizations.
  
  Everything is now up in the air . . . on to get the next two books!
• 
  Farhin

  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 which much character insight and development. Also not to mention, an unlikely ship with Yara ;) and more development in Sicaranthe...or Amarius?
• 
  Navdha

  3.5 stars. If only the story wasn't dragged so much, I would have appreciated it more to round up my rating to 4 stars. That said, I'm still addicted. There is a 700 year old empire to topple afterall. Besides, we've also been promised some "later" time for Sicarius and Amaranthe.
• 
  Ashley

  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 I don't love you, but I appreciate you. I mean seriously, Sicarius, he's definitely a romantic guy.
• 
  cEe beE

  Not as interesting as the first few volumes, a lot of close calls, near misses, and death defying escapes - way too many. But I'm hooked on these series and can't wait for the 6th book.
• 
  Hazelbue

  Things are heating up in this book.
  This is Maldynado book and he is hands down one of my favorites. His relationship with Amaranthe and their friendship is so heartwarming. All the characters follow her and adore her but Maldynado loyalty has always been the clearest. He and Amaranthe have such a strong friendship love and their banter with each other is some of the best. When Maldynado gave Amaranthe a hug for the first time after she was captured – the pure joy in that hug symbolized everything that I love about their friendship and these books.
  I loved learning more about Maldynado and his family background. It was interesting to see him work to prove himself when his reputation was questioned due to his family actions despite that him being disowned and SO loyal. I really like learning of the circumstances of him being disowned and it added even more depth to a fantastic character.
  That said I was disappointed with the addition of Yara as a character in the series. I found her boring and the quips between her and Maldynado unsatisfying. Personally I KNOW he can do better and being around her just makes Maldynado the butt of the joke instead of the charming seducer he is.
  
  The parts of this book between Amaranthe and Sicarius are taken to a whole new level as she is tortured and he crosses hundred of miles to rescue her. I did not think I could fall more in love with them but somehow each book makes me care about them even more. Honestly perfection.
  
  One thing I noticed in this book, same as the other ones, was that there are so many inside jokes between the characters (which in turn becomes an inside joke with the reader) and that Lindsay Buroker not only excels with these but has a tremendous amount of call backs which are very satisfying as a reader.
  
  POV: dual POV (each book covers Amaranthe and one other side characters POV, this was Amaranthe and Maldynado (a former warrior caste/aristocrat who has been disowned by his family, extremely good looking) book)
  Story type: light fantasy, steampunk, found family
  Characters: 5/5
  Plot: 5/5
  Enjoyment: 5/5
  Writing style: 5/5
  Depth: 4/5
  Humor: 5/5
  Romance: 5/5
  Chemistry: 5/5
  Angst: 5/5
  Story ending: 5/5
  
• 
  San

  some very vague spoilers ahead, just in case, but most of these are pretty obvious developments (if you've read the previous books)
  
  Besides enjoying the overall adventure and humor, as always, my favourite aspects of this one were having Sespian along for the ride and some of the extended time we got with just Amaranthe and Sicarius - having him absent for a large portion of the story was pretty effective in making their reunion impactful.
  A large portion of the book was told from Maldynado's perspective and uh, well. I liked some of the insight we got into his character (none of it was particularly surprising, but it didn't necessarily have to be) and I usually enjoy him well enough, but it was mostly overshadowed by the fact that his and Yara's dynamic started to grate on me as it went on... It wasn't enemies to lovers or even just an unlikely pairing starting to understand and care for each other, but read mostly as Maldynado repeatedly disrespecting clearly stated boundaries until he wore her down, just because he liked the challenge. Which isn't really a ship dynamic I feel particularly invested in and I'm slightly disappointed that Yara's character was mostly reduced to Maldynado's reluctant love interest.
• 
  Pauline Ross

  This is book 5 is the Emperor's Edge series, and this review is going to be full of spoilers for the first four books of the series. If you don't want to know secrets, or the outcome of the cliffhanger ending of book 4, look away now.
  
  The end of book 4 left our heroes in a bit of a pickle. Their dirigible was shot down by their enemies, leaving Amaranthe to be captured by the evil Major Pike, while the survival of the rest of the group was in doubt. Surprise! They made it more or less unscathed, and since Sicarius sets off after Amaranthe, that leaves Maldynado to take charge of the group, following the plan of rescued boy emperor Sespian. Meanwhile, back in the capital, Sespian has been declared dead and evil conspiracists Forge are making their move for world domination.
  
  The series has always taken a lighthearted tone, with every madcap adventure ending with a lot of wrecked machinery, a heap of accidentally dead enemies, a few scratches on the gang and a metric tonne of entertaining banter along the way. Book 4 became slightly more serious, as Sicarius went on a cold assassin killing spree, but nothing much was made of it apart from a bit of internal angst by Amaranthe. Book 5 shifts into a different gear altogether, as Amaranthe is subjected to sustained torture at the hands of Major Pike.
  
  I found this section uncomfortable to read, and not because of the torture itself (I've read much worse). I have no problem with a story that delves into difficult territory, but I found the treatment of it here skirted round the issues raised. Amaranthe is treated with appalling brutality (which I won't describe here), yet she never cracks under the pressure, and is still able to joke. Some magical salve is conveniently used to heal her injuries between sessions. She is never raped, even though Major Pike, we're told, is famous for it. When she eventually escapes, she manages to evade capture despite her physical condition (she herself doubts she could have survived much longer), and is soon sufficiently recovered to be quite happy to enter a building alone to meet with an unknown male. The only long-term effect of her experience is to make her more likely to jump with surprise when Sicarius sneaks up on her. Oh, and she doesn't want to talk about it. Obviously not every book needs to be grimdark, and I can see how it might have been necessary, plotwise, to underline Sicarius's childhood experiences, but to my mind torture is automatically a grimdark subject and shouldn't be treated as just another violent experience, like being bopped on the head or taking a few cuts and bruises. The author does make some attempt to describe Amaranthe’s suffering, but there’s a fine line to walk: too serious a tone clashes with the light-hearted nature of the books, but too flippant would be wrong too. To my mind, it would have been better to leave the torture out altogether.
  
  The second major problem is Maldynado. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Maldynado. He's probably my favourite character (after Sicarius; what is it with ice-cold assassins anyway that makes them so appealing?), and I'd vote for his statue in a heartbeat. But he's essentially a shallow character, the comic relief who can always be relied upon for an entirely inappropriate comment of sexual innuendo or boasting about his triumphs in the bedroom, usually while beating up random villains with practised ease. Here he's the other point of view character (apart from Amaranthe), and since she's tied up - hmm, unfortunate phrasing there - being tortured, which we see only briefly at intervals, it means that dear old no-brain Mal is carrying the first half of the book virtually single-handed. Frankly, he's not a strong enough character for that. There's a certain amount of backstory to be revealed, but it's not wildly interesting and most of what we get is Mal whining internally about being misunderstood. Honestly, much as I like him, there's only so much of that I can take.
  
  If this all sounds negative - actually, it is negative. I just didn't enjoy the book as much as previous ones in the series. There's an increasing reliance on sophisticated technology for the hero-chomping machinery, too, which is too close to deus-ex-machina for my taste. Not enough to have our heroes trapped underground beneath a lake surrounded by armed villains? Let's have a few mysterious black boxes lying around which can remain inert to start with but will come to life and start shooting at everything at the most difficult moment. Blech. However, there is one element which is worth the price of admission all by itself. Sicarius chooses to leaves Sespian to the rest of the gang in order to rescue Amaranthe, and regular readers know exactly what a difficult decision that was for him. When they do eventually meet up again, there are some truly wonderful moments. Sicarius is never going to fall on Amaranthe's neck weeping, but the tiny (and not so tiny) ways in which he opens himself up to her and makes himself totally vulnerable are brilliantly written. Easily the best thing in the series so far.
  
  The ending is the usual machinery-and-scenery-demolishing mayhem, where hordes of bad guys may (or may not) die but our heroes improbably emerge injured but still intact. There's a really cheesy moment right at the end, one of those dramatic reveals that's abruptly cut off before anything crucial actually is revealed, and some truly clunky exposition to explain the villains' motives, but generally speaking things come to the usual end, with everything more or less as before (a few plot developments but no actual character progression, as such, beyond that infinitesmal lightening of attitude by Sicarius). I already have the rest of the series, so I'm committed for the long haul, but I have to be honest and say that this book was a disappointment. Three stars.
• 
  Nancy

  Outlaw leader Amaranthe Lokdon has been captured by the enemy’s chief torturer. While she lies helpless in his chamber of horrors, her team makes their way to a meeting by Forge, the conspirators trying to overthrow the crown. Along with the team is the emperor himself, who’s only beginning to learn about the true precariousness of his reign. Can the assassin Sicarius find Amaranthe in time to save her? Can the rest of the team overcome a series of obstacles on their way to the truth? "Blood and Betrayal" is another fast-paced action tale that will have readers rapidly turning pages.
• 
  Hallie

  Not knocking off any points for the horrible non-ending to the previous book in the series, although I normally get very cranky when authors do that. Part of my unusual tolerance is due to my own selfish lack of suffering, as I was able to go straight from Conspiracy into this; part the sincere-seeming apology at the end of Conspiracy; and part the fact that Buroker hasn't done this in any previous books (at least of those I've read, which is most of them).
  
  A few essentially non-spoilery thoughts about the series, before a few more behind cuts specific to Conspiracy & this book. It occurred to me as I was reading Conspiracy the other day that one thing I really, really like about the series is the snail-like pace of the romance. Relative to most fantasies I've read lately, at any rate. In 4 books we've had, by my admittedly uncertain count, one kiss. And no other sexual acts performed without kissing, for whatever reason! This in contrast to the typical urban fantasy/YA fantasy, with the heroine's instant attraction/instalove to/for some hothothot guy, which may not be satisfied, but only if the hot guy is part of a love-triangle. Amaranthe isn't at all attracted to Sicarius because he's an incredibly efficient and ruthless assassin, thankfully, nor because of his looks. In fact, I can't think of terribly much that's said about his appearance - he's physically tough as nails, but that's frequently considered ruefully rather than admiringly by Amaranthe as Sicarius pushes her and the team to train far past the point of pain and exhaustion. She comes to trust that he has her back, whatever his initial motivations, and as she learns his past, with frustrating slowness, she comes to understand that he was made into what he is by truly inhuman means. The slow development of romantic feelings towards him fits very well with her compassionate understanding and forgiving of her team members, even when one or other of them proves weak or untrustworthy.
  
  We rewatched the four Bourne films recently, and I was also struck by some correspondences between those (I haven't read the books, so am only going on the films) and the Emperor's Edge series. Like Sicarius, Bourne and Aaron Cross have been made into super-strong, efficient killers, without having chosen this for themselves. And in both cases, almost all of our disgust and anger is directed towards those who created them and use them without the slightest remorse or compassion. It's also necessary to suspend a lot of disbelief about both their ability to survive despite huge odds, and about their managing to retain a certain amount of humanity with all that has been done to remove that humanity from them. The survival incredibility in the Emperor's Edge series extends to Amaranthe's team as well as Sicarius, but it's a lack of realism I'm happy enough to go along with for the duration of the ride. It helps that Amaranthe really isn't a Mary Sue, so what her team manages with her as somewhat dubious leader is more acceptable than if she excelled at everything.
  
  As this is very character-driven adventure, it works well that Amaranthe is the main protagonist, but each of the books after the first picks up one of the team members for primary secondary character, as it were. The books which focused on Books and Basilard were my favourites in that regard, as they're deeper, more serious characters than Akstyr and Maldynado, at least initially. However, it worked quite well to have the boyos be the focus of the 4th and 5th books, as there's a heavy theme of misunderstanding and mistrust running through them both. Akstyr only slowly comes round from thinking only of himself and being quite willing to sell the others out if necessary, and finds, somewhat to his own surprise, that he cares that he may have lost the trust of Amaranthe and the team. And ironically, he's being judged for something he didn't do intentionally but only in an unguarded moment when he's tempted to trust someone from his past who has never before been worthy of it. Maldynado is also forced to face the fact that his family's rejection of him bothers him, and is distressed that others distrust him because of what that family does. Meanwhile, Amaranthe is the only person who knows Sicarius's big secret, and she's the emotional touchstone for the distress Sicarius feels (as much as he can) at being so thoroughly feared and hated, despite everything he's done. While she's being tortured by Pike, she also learns the full extent of the horror of Sicarius's "childhood" and training, which is appalling. Having Sespian so openly loathe Sicarius is pretty heartrending for her, and the susceptible reader too. (That would be this reader!)
  
  I didn't believe that Amaranthe would manage to hold out so thoroughly under torture, and I also found it a bit hard to credit her guilt when she was never broken but only gave up his secret under what was essentially mind-rape, but her combination escape/rescue was so extremely satisfying I didn't care too much. The scenes between her and Sicarius after Pike was killed were just lovely.
  
  Yara is a great addition to the team, although she only reluctantly and slowly becomes a full participant - looking forward to the novella from her POV. There was a decent enough ending to this installment, although I'm very glad indeed that book 6 will be out this year.
• 
  Jill

  Aaaaand, a satisfying resolution to that cliffhanger. Yes, this series stretched the bounds of credulity, but really, what action/adventure series (book, movie, or television) doesn't? I still enjoy the characters and their crazy adventures. Good to see Sespian growing as a character and a person--the poor guy has a lot to take in, for sure. And it's a pleasure to discover an author who has learned the sustaining power of a slow-burn romance. This, above all else, is what keeps readers glued to this series. I can only hope the last few books don't ruin it for me . . .
• 
  Hannah

  If there has to be a cliffhanger in a breathless adventure like the Emperor’s Edge series, then at least it should culminate in a suitable reward. Blood and Betrayal offers just that; the previous book might have ended on a real nail-biter of a cliffhanger with Amaranthe thrown (literally) into the most dangerous situation she’d ever known, but the outcome in this book is so satisfying that I almost wish there would be more of the sort.
  
  The characters and relationships have always been one of the greatest driving forces of the Emperor’s Edge books and it was just as strong in Book 5, which digs deeper into Amaranthe’s past, her personal demons and the harsh consequences of her choices throughout their adventures. Not only does this process humanize her (seeing her work through the result of her painful ordeal, for example, is an effective counter to her usual levity), but it actually emphasizes what an incredible strong character she is and why she’s probably one of my favourite book heroines ever. There’s much to be said for an heroine who not only defeats her torturer (in a way of speaking), but also finds a way to save herself and survive with her humour and warmth intact.
  
  Of course, the best part of Blood and Betrayal is really the leaps in the Amaranthe/Sicarius relationship, which has been the epitome of slow-burn thus far. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder, in their case, and we get some swoon-worthy admissions on Sicarius’ part – the fact that he is usually such a stoic mystery really makes it that much more valuable when he finally opens up and unloads his feelings. Yes, feelings! I feel almost apologetic towards Amaranthe when I say that her suffering was probably worth it, since it prompted the first real display of gentle concern from Sicarius. Lindsay Buroker really does know how to write a romantic relationship with just the right amount of tension and positive development to keep it interesting.
  
  Another major highlight? Maldynado as the secondary POV! I think it goes without saying that the team funnyman is an easy fan-favourite and his POV definitely rewarded all the anticipation. Maldynado is hilarious, as expected, but surprisingly it was his hidden depth that tugged at my heartstrings, far more than that of Books, Basilard or Akstyr. It is easy to forget that Maldynado might have his story behind his crude jokes and bravado and it actually irked me to see the dismissiveness and mistrust with which the rest of the team viewed him when he was (as Amaranthe had claimed in the previous book) probably one of the group’s most loyal members. His respect and love for Amaranthe, in fact, is what touched me most of all (even more than his developing romance with Yara, which is cute if not particularly earth-shaking) – it was adorable how Maldynado thought of Amaranthe at every turn – concern over her wellbeing, missing her presence or even wondering whether his actions would make her proud. We didn’t have any insight into the heads of the rest of the team, of course, but certainly none of the others have had her in mind as much as he did in the past.
  
  The only real downside to this book is the slight lack of coherency as an individual novel, since the first half was essentially the “aftermath,” the restoration of order after the crazy, gripping action that marked the second half of the previous book. I didn’t realize what an important cornerstone and motivating factor Amaranthe was until she was separated from the team (and therefore most of the real plot-related action) for much of the story – without her quick wit and madcap plans as driving force and the “brains” of the operation, much of the plot-related adventures on the Sespian/saving-the-empire front lacked cohesion and fell by the wayside. I was far more interested in seeing how Amaranthe would extricate herself from her predicament (and waiting for Sicarius to make his appearance) and actually paid far less attention to the “plot” then I probably should have. We do see that each team member – Maldynado, in this book – is being pushed to carve out their own roles on the team and become proficient in handling situations even in the absence of Amaranthe and Sicarius rather than remaining silent “muscle” with no initiative, but for now… let’s hope Amaranthe doesn’t get separated from the team again soon.
  
  That aside, we’re truly heading towards the climax of the series – even the best kept secrets are finally revealed in Blood and Betrayal and Forge’s machinations are building to a head – so I can’t wait to see how our characters deal with the fall out. It’s a good thing Amaranthe will be around to lead the team, because lord knows they’ll need the team functioning on full cylinders in Forged in Blood.
• 
  Safiyyah

  Blood and Betrayal was another thrilling book from Lindsay Buroker's Emperors Edge Series. This was Maldynado's POV. One of the best books so far.