I’m always on the lookout for quality steampunk fantasy I saw Lindsay Buroker’ss name on several different top lists on Amazon for several months and so I’ve been meaning to check her out for a while. Balanced on the Blades Edge was (and is) free on Amazon the first book in the Dragon Blood series so it seemed good time.
The book starts out with a sorceress who awakens deep within the mines that have been turned into a prison after a 300 year slumber. She meets a fellow by the name of ridge who is removed from his assignment as an airship pilot to be the warden of the prison mines. The sorceress Sardelle is bonded with what’s called a soul blade which is also hidden trapped within the mines she is trying to get to the soul blade and win the affections of the warden while trying to survive a culture that burns it withes somewhat Puritan style.
As Ridge gains control over the mines enemies are attacking via an airship. The enemy has a sorcerer aboard who is trying to get at the soul bode. they attacked several times and Sardelle and Ridge have to defend against it. What follows is two parts romance and one part action through the rest of the story.
I really love Lindsay‘s writing style. While Ridge can come off somewhat cocky and almost a romantic version of Han Solo he still ends up pretty likable throughout the story and Sardelle really carries her weight within the story. The enemies have good and clear motivations characters are well defined all around.
At first I thought the world building was a little bit lite but it’s very similar to the way I unfold my worlds with my writing and it gains depth as the story goes along and necessitates it.
Pacing wise, I thought it was very well done. I found myself wanting more of the book and not wanting to put it down. It had great airship action, romance was very exciting ,and I find myself genuinely caring for the characters and wanting more at the end of it.
The world and book overall had a fantasy feel to it more than steam punk as the focus was more on magic then on technical gadgets. I still found that this is one of the most enjoyable steam punk worlds I’ve had the pleasure of reading so far.
Overall, this book was fantastic. I am excited to get to the next installment in the series and look forward to reading more. It’s about everything I want out of steampunk fantasy.
10/10
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Her Emperor’s blood series is also quote fun. I really enjoyed the immersive ambiance. She does a good job of pulling you her world and i really enjoyed being in that world.
xavier