Book 1, Warrior Mage: Chains of Honor

There seems to be a trend in online publishing these days wherein authors put out partial books as a series. I liked the characters in this book, but the story seemed to drag a bit and the main characters ongoing squeamishness at having to kill persons who well deserved killing gets old. Okay, so he has moral values, let us not have them dragged out every time some crisis appears that means bad guys are going to have to die. My biggest critique about this piece is that it ends abruptly before any meaningful development of the overall story. Publishing in serial fashion is not a bad thing to do, but the individual bits have to be able to stand on their own, as in several short stories that combine to make a full novel. This story just steps off a cliff, and if that is what I am to expect of the next installment I just might not even read it.

Disappointing dragged out plot development, weak characters, expect better from Lindsay. Usually look forward to next book in her series
but I was left with a "who cares" glad it ended feeling for the first time.

I have read almost everything Lindsay Buroker has written, and I was grateful to receive a copy of her latest book (this one) in exchange for an honest review. In general, the things I like most about Buroker's novel are humorous dialog, interesting and quirky characters, strong female leads, and a nice balance between epic fantasy and character development. While this book did contain many of those elements (humor, adventure, and unique characters), I was not as captivated by the story or characters as in some of her other books.

Yanko, the main character, is trying to redeem himself and his family by training to become a great mage after some personal and familial (his war hero mother became a feared pirate) disgraces. After his ancestral home and village are destroyed, he sets off on a quest at the behest of a prince to find new lands for his people to settle since the fertility of his country continues to decline after centuries of exploitation to support the population. Unknown adversaries try to stop him at every stage, but he perseveres with the help of his friends (or maybe just travel companions?) Dak and Lakeo. Yanko has to get creative about learning and using his magic. Especially since his strengths are earth magics, which are less obviously useful in a quest around the globe that requires thwarting people (including other mages) who want to kill him.

I found Yanko to be less likable than I expected. He is convincing as an insecure and confused adolescent, but I didn't particularly enjoy his insecurities, inconsistencies, and occasional arrogance, even if they were realistic. I will continue to read other books in the series and hope that Yanko does eventually come of age and become a bit less annoying. I did enjoy most of the side characters, and I loved the inclusion of cameos by folks from the Emporer's Edge series.

When Lindsay Buroker offered me the chance to review Warrior Mage, the first book in the Chains of Honour series I was of course delighted. Who in their right mind would say no to a good read, especially when it doesn't cost you anything (well except for an honest review). Anyway, I was happy to oblige as I love and own all her books, so it wasn't a hardship by any means.

Warrior Mage is a return to the Sword & Salt tales and Emperor's Edge territory, (one of my favourite places since it contains such people as Sicarius, Amaranth, Moldynado and the rest of the delightful rogues). However this series continues the story of Yanko the young Nurian wannabe Mage.

The new series picks up Yanko's story after the six months of "toughening" down the salt mine. We follow his heroic efforts to try and win a place with the famed Nurian Warrior Mage Academy and his heartfelt endeavours to complete the mission set by Prince Zirabo, which result in some magical escapades and some dire confrontations with a Mage Hunter.

At this point I suppose a lot of reviewers would give you a blow by blow account of the story, but since I'm sure you would rather read Lindsay's story than my synopis, I'm just going to say that it contains all the necessary elements to make it a thumping good read; swashbuckling heroes/heroines, magic, romance, humour and Lindsay's own special brand of wit. Lindsay is a master at world building and excellent characterisations and she continues this in Warrior Mage. The return of Dak (The Republic) and Akstyr (EE series) just add to the enjoyment and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait for Book 2.

I've been reading pretty much everything Lindsay Buroker writes for a while now. The reason? Because she's so darn good at creating imaginative characters and putting them into absorbing adventures. I first started out with her steampunk Emperor's Edge series, which is one of my all-time favorite series of books. That series also introduced me to the of culture of the magic using rival empire that then got its full treatment in her truly excellent Swords & Salt Collection. That, in turn, is where she introduced me to her character Yanko, the star of Warrior Mage, and to several other characters that appear in this book. It's been a great progression and it won't surprise anyone that I therefore expected Chains of Honor to also be a great series. Judging from book 1, I anticipate that my expectations will definitely be met. This is a great book with a wonderful lead and supporting characters and a well written plot. My only criticism is that the ending, while not a cliffhanger, is rather abrupt. I'm looking forward to book 2.

Since Warrior Mage was just as fun as expected the only possible conclusion is that I highly recommend it.

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

Warrior Mage is a heart stopping race of action from beginning to end with magic battles, a treasure to find, dubious allies, and unknown gifts along with an overlooked critical element. It speaks to a tradition of adventure novel that has been done poorly, but it’s not the case here. Between complex characters and a well-drawn world, I was sucked right in. The book is the beginning to an epic adventure, and as such, true victory has not been achieved, but the specific trial has been overcome…for now…giving a satisfying conclusion as well as the need for more.

The characters are fascinating and mysterious in many ways. Though Dak carries most of the mystery as the not-so-trusted advisor and bodyguard, and Lakeo manages to surprise despite her blunt speaking, Yanko, the main character, holds the most mystery. Though he claims the point of view, I suspect he doesn’t truly know himself nor do I think what he knows of his family is the whole truth, though it may be a matter of degree.

It’s the last that makes this book so strong. It’s a simple adventure with a command given from someone in power and Yanko tasked to carry it out. Or at least it sounds simple. Add in the need to regain the family honor, the task being something that many parties want to achieve both within his culture and the others in this world, and cultural differences that act as almost insurmountable barriers, and there’s nothing simple about this at all.

Also, there are little hints of things, seeds laid that have yet to bear fruit but which speak to a bigger story. I’ve mentioned already I suspect there’s more to his family history than he knows, but there’s also more to Yanko than he is aware of. For me, though, what holds the book together, and holds my attention, is nothing more than the cultural setup of the world. The combination of a society built on magic and a society built on technology might be familiar, but add in another culture happy to share what it knows and use economy rather than force to establish itself, and things get more complex.

The story occasionally has elements that feel out of place, but only because so much of it occurs on the magic side. In a culture with armed submarines, the mention of “button-down shirts” does not stand out, but in a magic world, it’s unexpected. This speaks more to my biases than the story’s, and offered an interesting insight into my reader experience.

Another example of how the world and Yanko’s experience is multilayered is found in Yanko’s magic. The magic that calls to him is earth magic, growing things and communicating with animals. In Yanko’s culture, this is considered women’s magic (though with female warrior mages, that’s an odd thing to use as a dismissive) and all the focus is on fire magic. This is so true that Yanko knows using his magic in the very beginning where he is trying for a spot in the academy will work against, not for him. However, this bias is not held in the next culture he visits where earth magic is taught and explored as a critical element, showing the three cultures we interact with to be separate and distinct for more than just their physical forms (and yes, there is size, shape, and skin color bias evident as well).

Ultimately, it’s an intriguing story with characters well-worth spending time with for an adrenaline rush that hardly ever slows down…even when they spend time researching in a library because of the troubles they have there. But it’s also a fun, multicultural exploration with both culture clashes and biases to hinder and aid them.

I love that this new series is bringing together a large number of my favorite characters from the Emperor's Edge series as well as the Swords and Salt Collection. It had been awhile since I read both series and so it took me a bit for some reason to place Akstyr. The others I remembered easily so how could I have forgotten the unorthodox, sarcastic, gangly, and clueless Akstyr?

There are some new characters as well. My favorite is Kei. Worth reading just to meet this fun new character.

Now since I have been given this venue to share my opinion I am going to broaden the venue to assume that it also is here to serve my desires. So...

1) How about bringing us some Ridge, Sardelle, Tolemek and Cas. They would be great treasure hunters!
2) I really want to meet Yanko's infamous warrior mage turned pirate mother. That should prove interesting.
3) Please don't retire my favorite assassin!

Back to the book review...

This is pure fantasy but of the best kind. The scrapes these characters get into and out of go way beyond plausibility. It's fantasy! It is really fun fantasy though, of the type that would make an incredible action movie if millions were available to make it just right. Lindsay...you are an incredible self-published author. You ready for Hollywood?

I loved this book and am looking forward to the rest in the series.

I was given a review copy of this book by the author for my honest opinion. Thank you as always Lindsay.

For all of my reviews please see my blog at: https://blessedandbewildered.wordpress.com

Lindsay writes some amazing stories - and this is yet another one of them. It takes into the Nurian Empire - the 'baddies' from the Emporer's Edge series. However you soon come to love the 'hero', Yanko (who has already appeared in the salt and sword series), very quickly and are taken on an emotional rollercoaster during this book.

This is written with the usual humour, pace and excitement of her previous books and I really enjoyed reading it. The characters are really well developed, the dialogue entertaining and emotions expressed in such a way that they become your emotions.

I find the style of writing so very easy to read and the plot flows clearly and smoothly throughout the book. There is never any impression of parts of the book being rushed, or of the author having run out of steam and just putting down what little story was in her head. The plot is always highly thought through and very detailed, with the characters staying true throughout the story.

A definite must read if you love fantasy books, particularly the likes of Anne McCaffrery.

If you enjoyed Lindsay Buroker's Emperor's Edge series you will welcome this new series. The lead character is the young Nurian warrior mage in training,Yanko, who featured in the Sword & Salt collection. Yanko has led a very sheltered life and his personal interests lie more with growing plants and keeping bees, but family expectations weigh heavily on him. His family's social standing was hopelessly tarnished when Yanko was only a toddler. His warrior mage mother, formerly a great Nurian war hero, abandoned her husband and sons at this time and took up a life of piracy for reasons that remain unexplained.The story begins some months after the last of the Sword & Salt stories. A moment of inattention while Yanko indulges his personal pride, sees him fail the tests for admission to the warrior mage training academy, Stargrind, something he has been reluctantly training for since he was a small boy. His sole hope of redeeming the family honour appears to have been crushed until he receives an unexpected letter tasking him with a mission on which the fate of his country may depend. Maybe he still has a chance to redeem the family honour? Dak, who played an entertaining minor role in Republic, as well as turning up briefly in the Sword & Salt series, emerges as the key to Yanko's hopes. A very enjoyable read.

Lindsay Buroker’s books are always good for a fast-paced, page-turning ride—and Warrior Mage is no exception. It’s the first in the author’s new Chains of Honor series and there is never a dull moment, from the beautiful cover to a closing scene that leaves the reader chomping at the bit for what happens next. I was delighted to take the author up on her offer of a free read in exchange for an honest review. So here it is!

Buroker takes seriously the instructions to “start in the middle of the action.”

The main character, Yanko, starts the story with a bang, duking it out on the testing grounds of the elite Stargrind school of magic, chosen to redeem his family from disgrace because he’s the only one who can wield magic. Things don’t slow down after that, though there are a few places where you can at least catch your breath. Set in the same world as the Emperor’s Edge books, this tale offers a view from the continent of Nuria, but the author has promised some appearances from some old characters — indeed, one of them shows up in Warrior Mage. Not telling which. You’ll have to read and find out for yourself!

Yanko is eighteen. He’s still a kid—but he’s not. He’s got some growing up to do, and the Fates are seeing to it. I love how Buroker has made him smart (but not too smart), inexperienced, naïve in spite of himself, arrogant (in the way that only teens can be arrogant), and confused. I love the way that circumstances have pushed him along, and he goes without stopping to think about it the way an adult might. Another intriguing aspect of the story is how he deals with — and learns more about — magic. Without being formally schooled, he has the option of being creative, of exploring through participation. His specialty is the earth sciences, and they are not particularly popular in the rest of his world.

And his new bodyguard? Dak is Turgonian—the enemy. He’s also full of mystery and unexplained secrets and activities. In spite of the enmity between their countries (or perhaps because of it, we’ll have to read more to learn!), he takes a particular shine to his new charge. At least a dozen times I wondered out loud, “WHAT is going on in that man’s head?”

Besides the bodyguard, Yanko has a sidekick, too. Laeko may have Turgonian blood (also frowned upon in this neck of the woods), she’s an artist, she is curious and loyal—and drips sarcasm. Gotta love that gal.

The three of them embark on a secret quest that far too many people know about. From the outset they are dodging attacking armies, mage hunters, betrayal, explosions, confusion, secrets, plots within plots, suspicion and murder… And, without turning the story into a comedy, there is Buroker’s trademark humor. She knows exactly how to use it in just the way normal people would reacting to things out of their control or terrifying to the point of the ridiculous. I know that’s what I do, and that’s probably why Buroker’s stories work so well for me.

So. Question: When is the next book in the series coming?

I received an ARC for an honest review.

I discovered the Emperor’s Edge series not too long ago and I was so sad when I finished Republic. I went on the store and found there were other books by Lindsay Buroker that also included the same universe, but different characters so I quickly bought them. One of these series was the novella series called The Sword and Salt (I would recommend reading these stories before Warrior Mage for background information). I quickly fell in love with Yanko (a new character) and Dak and the other characters and I was wishing that there were more stories about these characters. I found out months ago that Lindsay was writing a full length novel about Yanko and I could not wait until Warrior Mage came out. I was so grateful when Lindsay Buroker sent me an advanced copy of this book because I was getting tired of waiting.

Warrior Mage starts out with a lot of action and it does not stop. It starts out with Yanko trying to redeem his family’s honor by trying to get into the Nurian Warrior Mage Academy but Yanko soon discovers that life does not go according to plan. Yanko after experiencing tragedy is given a mission from Prince Zanko that could not only redeem his family’s honor but to save his whole country. Yanko and his companions (Dak and Lakeo) soon find out that the mission was full of danger and try to stay alive. Along his journey we meet up with a couple of characters that we knew in previous Emperor’s Edge books including Astyr. I do not want to go into more detail because I do not want to spoil anything.

I absolutely loved the book. It was so worth the wait and I cannot believe that I have to wait in order to find out what happens next. The main things I enjoyed about Warrior Mage were that it was action packed, humorous, and that it was easy to care about the characters.

There were a couple of things that I wished were different. The main thing that I wish was different was that we had Dak’s point of view. Warrior Mage is only written in Yanko’s point of view. I think it would be hilarious to find out what he really he thinks of Yanko and to learn the reasoning behind helping him. The second thing I wish was different was that it was longer because there were so many unanswered questions. I know that this book is the first book in a new series and that we probably get more answers in the other books, but I wish a few more things were resolved.

Overall, I give Warrior Mage five stars and I would recommend anyone to read it. You do not have to read the Emperor’s Edge series first or the Sword and Salt series but I do recommend readers to read simply because they are also great books.

Warrior Mage (book 1 of The Chains of Honor Series)
I was given this book in trade for an honest review.
I loved this story!! I loved the characters and the detail given to each person of interest. It's nice because the author gives us a lot of insight into their character but it leaves you wanting more, which I'm fine with because she gives us so much up front. The storyline runs along that same premiss, giving us plenty of action, emotion, adventure and clear cut storyline but definitely leaves us wanting to know more and what's going to happen next. In this book you'll encounter wizards--good & bad, pirates, rebels & much more. Of special interest is the young boy, or young adult as he insists so much in the book because he's 18 years old; he's a wizard in training and unfortunately hasn't had any magical school training so he's not nearly as proficient as others his own age. Yanko is a shy, quiet, selfless, full of self doubt and a young boy on the brink of manhood; all of these traits will be tested and bested on this adventure with the help of a couple of old and new freinds. These freinds are really good at helping Yanko to not take himself so seriously all the time which really adds that key personal interaction, and humor always helps a story. I love the witty ones. ? Yanko, is pitted against evil magic wizards and wizard hunters in the middle of a civil war and a quest of profound importance to his country and its people. He's determined to succeed. This is a series and the writer states the next book is soon to follow. Can't wait!!?
This book is well edited and for ages 13+.

Sent from my iPhone

I have been an ardent fan of Lindsay Buroker since I stumbled across the Emperor's Edge series, thankfully right before book 7 was released so I was able to binge read right through! Since then, I have devoured all of her books, including the Swords & Salt collection, which really should be read before Warrior Mage. I remember thinking that the collection was fun but I wanted something deeper from this character and this world, having no idea at the time that it would be forthcoming.

Yanko is an interesting protaganist. He is endearingly flawed, young and nearly incompetent, but doggedly shouldering the burden of his entire family's expectations. He may seem an unlikely candidate for a leading man, but if you've read the S&S stories, then you know how far he's come already. I really look forward to seeing his growth through the subsequent books of this series!

With our hapless hero, his reluctant companion, and character players that invoke nostalgia for another series, we are reunited with an old "friend" and pulled back into a beloved world, if on the other side of it, and are privileged to embark upon a new series of adventures that are sure not to disappoint.

If I had any complaint, it would be that Ms. Buroker could not possible write swiftly enough, and I'll have to wait, however impatiently, for the next installment!

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Any time I can return to the Emperor's Edge world I am delighted. This book picks up Yanko's story shortly after the events in The Swords & Salt Collection and is practically non-stop action. It feels like Yanko is in a constant state of "controlled crash", moving from one near miss to the next.

Nuria is no longer safe for Yanko for many reasons. The country is in a state of turmoil due to several factions rebelling against the exiting ruler and Yanko somehow gets caught up in the middle of this making some very nasty enemies. He is given a mission to find an important artifact and needs to reach the Kyattanese Islands. Aided by the enigmatic Turgonian, Dax, and Lakeo, the tough young woman from the salt mines, he finds a ship willing to transport them. There are plenty of explosions and chaos all along the way. Yanko's abilities as a mage are stretched to the limits time and again.

This is the first book in a mini-series which promise to be lots of fun. We meet old acquaintances from the other books in the Emperor's Edge series too. Another fun read from Lindsay Buroker!

This book takes place after her Salt and Sword mini-series, as well as in the same universe as her AMAZING Emperor's Edge books, but doesn't require you to have read anything else it to understand (but I highly recommend it!). Warrior Mage follows Yanko, somewhat of an outcast from his family and even the kingdom itself for his mothers crimes against the country. He also is shunned upon because of his choice to focus on Earth mental sciences (magic) rather than fire, which is the common science studied by those with magical aptitude.

He gets caught up in a major civil conflict and is asked to find a solution (no spoilers!) by a very special friend. Along the way, he is reunited with people from his past, including a young woman who once annoyed him and a foreigner who once would have killed him without a thought. They decide to join him, but do they have ulterior motives or are they truly helping him?

As with all of Lindsay Buroker's books, this is a well written story with lots of great characters and a plot that will leave you wanting more. She has a unique way of putting her own sense of humor into her writing (including all the amazing innuendo's she comes up with, how does she do it?). If you've enjoyed any of her other stories, this is a no brainer. And if you're brand new to her, it's still a good starting point to get into the world (though I highly recommend the Emperor's Edge series once again).

This is the first volume in another series from the always- entertaining Lindsay Buroker.

Warrior Mage is based in the same world as the brilliant Emperor's Edge series, but set in the land of Nuria. It's the story of Yanko, a young mage from a disgraced family, who is further burdened that his main skill, a gentle magic with plants and animals, is not as respected as the more spectacular forms such as fire magic. When the salt mine where he works is attacked, and his family home destroyed, he is sent on a mission that is the only hope for his hungry nation. A mission that involves political intrigue, pirates, a bribed parrot, mage hunters and nasty geology.

As always, Buroker's writing crackles with action and wit. Some of her scenes made me laugh out loud (the appearance of a character from Emperor's Edge is brilliantly funny). Yanko, diffident and gentle, is an appealing hero, and the supporting cast of characters is well drawn. The Chains of Honor series is off to a great start.

(Note, I was provided with a free Advance Review Copy.)

I was delighted when Lindsay Buroker offered me the chance to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I've read everything she's published, and even when the book's not entirely my thing--I'm actually not a part of the Naughty Brigade, for example--I know for sure going into the book that I'll enjoy it anyway.

Of all her books, though, I have to admit that the Sword & Salt stories are my least favorite so far. Don't get me wrong; as with all her work, they're well written, with great pacing, character development, plotting, and so on. But for whatever reason, I never really connected with Yanko, and just couldn't find myself caring all that much about him, even if his adventures were interesting. (Perhaps I have an anti-Nurian prejudice from reading other stories set in the same world.) I don't feel as though the lack of connection is LB's fault, mind you; she did an excellent job of creating a believable character, but that character just happens to be one that I wouldn't really feel able to connect with much in real life, either. So, I have to admit that my excitement level was relatively low going into this novel, the first full-length story about Yanko.

And honestly, that feeling of not caring too much about the main character did stick with me, at least for the first half of the book. However, I found the plot, the other characters, the return to a familiar setting, and the theme of the lost continent (one of my favorites) to be more than engaging enough to keep me interested in spite of that. To my surprise, by the last half of the book, I felt myself connecting a lot better with Yanko--there's that good character development, I suppose! Even if that hadn't been the case, I'd still be interested in reading the rest of the series: I'm very much interested in the adventure this group is on, and look forward to seeing it all play out. Soon! When's the next one out?

I received a copy of Warrior Mage in exchange for an honest review.
This series actually begins with the Swords and Salt collection where we are introduced to and given the history behind Yanko's service to his uncle in the salt mines. To me those stories seemed like a warm up exercise on character and world building since Yanko lives in a society near, but not very much like the Turgonians in Emperors Edge. I loved those little snippets into Yanko's experiences in the mines and naturally was excited to begin the Chains of Honor series.
Warrior Mage did not disappoint: it's a fully realized world that revolves around an inexperienced Mage navigating his youth with some fairly large obstacles thrown in his path, and a rag-tag group of helpers to march him through the tight spots. The poor guy ends up shouldering the future of his entire race, continuously (and somewhat frustratingly) pines after what seems to be the wrong girl, somehow ropes a gruff Turgonian into helping him, befriends a very sarcastic (and funny) parrot and yet seems positive throughout everything. I don't know if I could accomplish all that myself, but escaping into fantasy worlds are fun like that. I also enjoyed the point of view coming from a male character in this series as Flash Gold and Emperors Edge both have strong female leads. As far as characters are concerned, I loved the sassy and intriguing Lakeo, but Arayevo seemed kind of 'meh' in this version and in my opinion could have been left back in the prison. Seriously, she doesn't do much. Naturally Dak is on my favorite list, but he's no Sicarius or Cedar...yet. And that's just it, this book is the beginning of a series and I can't wait to see where it goes and how the characters grow through their adventures.
I love Lindsay's writing, will be buying the next book in the series, and have already passed on the recommendation to read her work on multiple occasions.

Warrior Mage continues the story of Yanko, who we met in the Swords and Salt trilogy. I got a review copy in exchange for an honest review, and honestly – I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading!
The action starts in the middle of a grueling competition testing young mages to their limits, and Does. Not. Stop! Yanko wants nothing more than to redeem his family’s honor, but is dogged by insurrection, a secret mission, questionable loyalties and an old flame. But along the way, how nice to run into old friends from Buroker’s other books in the Emperor’s Edge world.
All heroes have flaws, and Yanko’s is his not-quite-under-control ability to manipulate the earth and communicate with animals.
The environmental crisis in Yanko’s home of Nuria echoes current headlines in our world, giving us added incentive to wish him well in his quest to find a way to save his society.
Warrior Mage is a welcome addition to Buroker’s catalog.

Great new series by one of my favorite authors. Super great book,. Very different characters from the first series in this world (Emperor's Edge), but also totally awesome. I love the complexity of the characters, the fact that the world is not black and white, and the interaction between people. As always, there is a lot of humor in these book. but the story is mostly an adventure. I loved the insight in this new culture, and the new places that will be/ are explored in this series. And it comes with side characters which we allready now from the Emperor's Edge :D

I am so glad that my sister discovered Lindsay Buroker’s books because she is an excellent author and I loved all her books so far. Warrior Mage: Chains of Honor Book 1 was no exception because I absolutely loved it!

The story begins with Yanko White Fox trying to get into Warrior Mage academy in order to fix his family’s honor that was tarnished by his mother’s decision to become a lawless pirate. To make the story more interesting, Yanko is naturally inclined to earth magic not warrior magic (aka fire magic). However, things did not go as planned. Due to an interesting twist of events, Yanko goes on a secret quest from the Great Chief’s son to help the country Nuria that is suffering on two fronts – a drought and a major rebellion. If Yanko fails in his quest then Nuria will be changed forever, and not for the better.

There are a few reasons why I love this book and recommend it to others. The first reason is the characters are engaging and relatable. The second reason is the nonstop action that was made possible by an intriguing plotline. The third reason is Warrior Mage has an interesting magic system. If you enjoy these things then Warrior Mage: Chains of Honor Book 1 might very well be your cup of tea. However, I do recommend that you read the Sword and Salt stories first so you will have the necessary background knowledge to truly enjoy Warrior Mage.

In addition, here are a couple of things that I hope will happen in the next book (or at least in a future book in the series). I want more information on Yanko’s mother because I am wondering why she decided to become a pirate. I personally believe that there is more to that particular story. Also, I really want to have Dak’s (an important character in the book who was originally introduced in the Emperor’s Edge series) point of view in the next story because I truly want to know what Dak really thinks about Yanko and why he decided to help Yanko.
Lastly, I strongly believe that if you decide to give Warrior Mage: Chains of Honor Book 1 a try you will not be disappointed.

I received an ARC for a honest review.

Ms. Buroker never disappoints! Like Lois McMaster Bujold, her characters have amazing humor and wit, while her writing grows even stronger in each successive book. This book is far lighter on romance than some of her other works. But the multi-country chase at breakneck speed keeps the tension going nevertheless. Both the main character and his antagonist are engaging. Highly recommended!

Note: while the "Sword and Salt" novellas introduce these characters, it is not necessary to read them first to enjoy Warrior Mage. This book is a great starting point for a new reader to jump into the series.

I finished Warrior Mage and was thrilled to be back in the world from Emperor's Edge. Yanko's first Warrior Mage adventure proved him capable even if he doesn't realize how special his skills are. But if he can convince a Kraken to give him a hand, he surely can handle the dangers ahead of him.

It was nice learning what Akstyr has been up to and I rather enjoyed the fact that I knew more about Dak (from Republic) then Yanko. A little secret knowledge is fun.

Lindsay's new series will surely be a hit. I enjoyed the book immensely! I look forward to the next in the series.

Before reading this book I highly recommend you read the Swords and Salt collection to get the background on the main characters, and before that, I suggest reading all, every one, of the Emperor's Edge series. Just because THOSE characters are so wonderful and as much as I enjoyed all the new characters in this book - it was also the hope of getting to meet some of the old ones that enticed me. I love this world and have read every book that lives in it, multiple times!

OK, that said, this can be read as a stand alone, but it is much richer with the background. This book reads quickly, too quickly, because you get caught up in the fast pace of all the things that are happening to Yanko, and you just can't help but cheer him on as he tries to overcome betrayal, attacks, loss and the challanges he faces.

Read this book if you enjoy heroes, humor, rooting for the underdog, and just plain fun. I love how Lindsey throws pretty harrowing circumstances at her characters and they never give up, they never wallow and they never get depressed .. they just optimistically move from one thing to next and work to resolve and move on.

Please keep them coming!

I received this book as an early review copy, which made my week because I love this author and I've read every one of her books. Warrior Mage was, as usual, a very fun read. Lindsay writes characters who actually face limitations in their lives, like headaches and the desire to mentally gripe but also suck it up so they don't come off as whiny to the people around them. You know, things that actually happen in your life. It also explored the culture that was generally the "enemy" in the previous books set in this world, which I find quite novel. I've found it's rare for an author to do that. There were a couple times where my imagination simply refused to stretch far enough to suspend my disbelief of, for example, the ability to think rationally whilst surrounfed by a rising pool of magma, but I found this next adventure quite entertaining regardless.

Words cannot express how much I love this book. I've read a few of Buroker's books, but this one is hands down my favorite. The characters are well developed, there's some adventure/suspense with moments of comic relief. Then main character is very likable and the book really just leaves you anxious for more of this world. Cannot wait for book two!

I did receive an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which you can also find with a few minor spoilers at the WorldsEdgeTavern website.

I received this book in exchange of a honest review.

What I liked:
- Yanko's incertainties, fitting with his age
- the adventure and action. As usual with Lindsay Buroker, there's no getting bored
- Dak : enigmatic, broody but honourable (at least in his own way)

What I liked less:
- the glossing over Yanko's moral dilemma about killing people
- Yanko's schemes are too much like Amaranthe's ones and at times, it felt like reading Amaranthe's story with a boy instead of a woman (Amaranthe is the heroin of The Emperor's Edge).

In summary, an entertaining read which would better if it explored more in-depth the moral dilemma of the necessity, or not, of killing people.