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The Emperor's Edge #0.5
Shadows Over Innocence
Note: Despite chronology, it is recommended that The Emperor's Edge (book 1) be read first. This short story contains a spoiler for book 1.
Sicarius, the emperor’s personal assassin, returns from a successful mission only to discover that the enemy is retaliating by sending an assassin of their own. The target? Five-year-old Prince Sespian.
Shadows over Innocence is a 4,500-word short story set fourteen years before the first Emperor’s Edge novel. It is available for free on the author’s website: http://www.lindsayburoker.com/Shadows...
Sicarius, the emperor’s personal assassin, returns from a successful mission only to discover that the enemy is retaliating by sending an assassin of their own. The target? Five-year-old Prince Sespian.
Shadows over Innocence is a 4,500-word short story set fourteen years before the first Emperor’s Edge novel. It is available for free on the author’s website: http://www.lindsayburoker.com/Shadows...
17 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2012
92 people are currently reading
1163 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
198 books6,308 followersI'm a full-time indie fantasy and science fiction author. When I'm not writing, I'm ferrying my dogs to hiking trails for adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
May 30, 2024
A short story about a certain moment in Sicarius past that is discussed in the Emperor's Edge. To be read after reading that book, even if this is shelved as 0.5.
November 16, 2015
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
“Shadow’s Over Innocence” is a short story set about a dozen years before The Emperor’s Edge. In it, Lindsay Buroker takes a closer look at the mysterious and deadly assassin Sicarius, who plays a central role in the ongoing series, also named The Emperor’s Edge.
As the tale begins, Sicarius has just completed a successful assassination for his liege lord. Upon his arrival at the palace, he interacts with Emperor Raumesys Savarsin, Commander of the Armies Hollowcrest, and five-year-old Prince Sespian; something that allows this silent assassin to divulge parts of his murky past, explore who he might truly be, and internally express his true feelings about those he serves – years before his chronicled exploits.
As a less-than-enamored reader of The Emperor’s Edge (The book was far too “campy” for me.), I choose not to continue along with the series, but this short story was one I felt compelled to give a try for one simple reason: Sicarius! While Amaranthe Lokdon was definitely the protagonist of the series, this near silent, mysterious killer was, by far, my favorite character.
Yeah, I know, I tend to say that assassins are a bit overused in fantasy, and I still stand by that opinion, but Buroker’s take on this standard character was very compelling. This was mainly due to how Sicarius was portrayed: saying very little, blending in with the crowd, keeping to himself, not trusting people, and being skilled at numerous tasks. Traits which allowed this royal assassin to do his job with high efficiency and little fuss in The Emperor’s Edge. A standard Sicarius mission going something like this. “Sicarius, go kill Joe Blow.” Sicarius disappears. Sicarius reappears some time later and says “Mission completed.” End of story. No endless planning. No annoying brooding. No monologue-ing. Nope, just a skilled assassin doing his job. And in “Shadows over Innocence,” I was finally allowed a glimpse behind the stoic façade at how and why Sicarius acted as he did as well as what he truly felt.
Now, if this story is one you'd like to try, please realize it might be more entertaining if you have read book one of the series and are already familiar with the characters highlighted here, but if you decide to start with "Shadows," never fear, because it is an entertaining adventure tale in its own right, filled with wonderful interactions between Sicarius and the other characters as well as having a rousing assassination tale of its very own.
“Shadow’s Over Innocence” is a short story set about a dozen years before The Emperor’s Edge. In it, Lindsay Buroker takes a closer look at the mysterious and deadly assassin Sicarius, who plays a central role in the ongoing series, also named The Emperor’s Edge.
As the tale begins, Sicarius has just completed a successful assassination for his liege lord. Upon his arrival at the palace, he interacts with Emperor Raumesys Savarsin, Commander of the Armies Hollowcrest, and five-year-old Prince Sespian; something that allows this silent assassin to divulge parts of his murky past, explore who he might truly be, and internally express his true feelings about those he serves – years before his chronicled exploits.
As a less-than-enamored reader of The Emperor’s Edge (The book was far too “campy” for me.), I choose not to continue along with the series, but this short story was one I felt compelled to give a try for one simple reason: Sicarius! While Amaranthe Lokdon was definitely the protagonist of the series, this near silent, mysterious killer was, by far, my favorite character.
Yeah, I know, I tend to say that assassins are a bit overused in fantasy, and I still stand by that opinion, but Buroker’s take on this standard character was very compelling. This was mainly due to how Sicarius was portrayed: saying very little, blending in with the crowd, keeping to himself, not trusting people, and being skilled at numerous tasks. Traits which allowed this royal assassin to do his job with high efficiency and little fuss in The Emperor’s Edge. A standard Sicarius mission going something like this. “Sicarius, go kill Joe Blow.” Sicarius disappears. Sicarius reappears some time later and says “Mission completed.” End of story. No endless planning. No annoying brooding. No monologue-ing. Nope, just a skilled assassin doing his job. And in “Shadows over Innocence,” I was finally allowed a glimpse behind the stoic façade at how and why Sicarius acted as he did as well as what he truly felt.
Now, if this story is one you'd like to try, please realize it might be more entertaining if you have read book one of the series and are already familiar with the characters highlighted here, but if you decide to start with "Shadows," never fear, because it is an entertaining adventure tale in its own right, filled with wonderful interactions between Sicarius and the other characters as well as having a rousing assassination tale of its very own.
February 17, 2019
A prequel of sorts and a freebie. This introduces an assassin who is more than just his training who works for a hard Emperor in a time when death seems cheap. Yet we also get a glimpse of the child who will grow up to be the new Emperor and there's an innocence about him that whilst fragile is appealing. However short this may be the author made it incredibly interesting and even though I haven't read the series that follows it I'm now very keen to find out what happens to these characters.
May 5, 2020
Actual rating: 2.5 stars.
A very short story preceding events in the Emperor’s Edge series.. This is a very simple story featuring Sicarius back in is “assassin days” and Sespian as a child. It was nice enough but overall didn’t add much to the series. As the story is so short, the characters are not very developed. I’m glad I read the rest of the series before Shadows Over Innocence as I’m not sure this is a very exciting introduction to the Emperor’s Edge books. It was entertaining enough but a bit dull compared to the rest of the series.
A very short story preceding events in the Emperor’s Edge series.. This is a very simple story featuring Sicarius back in is “assassin days” and Sespian as a child. It was nice enough but overall didn’t add much to the series. As the story is so short, the characters are not very developed. I’m glad I read the rest of the series before Shadows Over Innocence as I’m not sure this is a very exciting introduction to the Emperor’s Edge books. It was entertaining enough but a bit dull compared to the rest of the series.
August 24, 2012
This short story was a little extra Ms Buroker dug out of her archives for her fans, who might have been begging (read: pleading and harassing) her for it.
An exceptionally rare (actually the ONLY published) glimpse into Sicarius' POV. For fans of the series this a Must Read, and for newcomers... I would recommend at least reading The Emperor's Edge first.
This is a short background story for the second book, and it does contain a spoiler about our favorite assassin.
This takes place approximately 10 years before the series starts, when Sespian is still a young prince. Sicarius is returning from a key mission, with repercussions that will extend throughout the series.
An exceptionally rare (actually the ONLY published) glimpse into Sicarius' POV. For fans of the series this a Must Read, and for newcomers... I would recommend at least reading The Emperor's Edge first.
This is a short background story for the second book, and it does contain a spoiler about our favorite assassin.
This takes place approximately 10 years before the series starts, when Sespian is still a young prince. Sicarius is returning from a key mission, with repercussions that will extend throughout the series.
December 17, 2013
3.5 stars.
A cute 16 page short story from Sicarius's life before the events in The Emperor's edge. It was nice reading from his viewpoint for the first time as he worked as an assassin in the palace. It was also cute to see Sespian as a young child. I recommend reading the first book before reading this as it will give a few things away.
A cute 16 page short story from Sicarius's life before the events in The Emperor's edge. It was nice reading from his viewpoint for the first time as he worked as an assassin in the palace. It was also cute to see Sespian as a young child. I recommend reading the first book before reading this as it will give a few things away.
August 18, 2017
Oh, man. Sicarius as a slightly less jaded young man is weirdly heartbreaking. Seeing how events (and some conscienceless people) shaped him into the killer he is rough. Which means, I thoroughly enjoyed getting into his head. He has layers, man. Lots of layers.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 31, 2022
Short little snippet of a moment in time involving Sicarius and Sespian, when Sespian was a child. Not really important to the plot, just gave a better feel for who Sicarius is and we got to see inside his head. It did make him feel more human.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 9, 2018I don't rate extras and short stories but this was a good addition.
November 28, 2022
I haven’t read a full-length
story in the series yet (which fault is on me- perhaps soon), but this and the other short story were interesting and well-done enough.
story in the series yet (which fault is on me- perhaps soon), but this and the other short story were interesting and well-done enough.
May 24, 2017
Really enjoyed this short story. Also, I think it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing if there had been more of this story.
March 5, 2015
Shadows Over Innocence is an interesting little glimpse of Sicarius dating years before the events in The Emperor's Edge and his meeting with Amaranthe.
It's not so much a proper short story as it is a snippet taken from Sicarius' past (literally dug out of Lindsay Buroker's archives and published due to fan demand), so I didn't find it at all a problem that it wasn't a standalone story. It's better considered a character piece that fleshes out the background of the Sicarius that we know from The Emperor's Edge - the environment in which Sicarius developed his cold ruthlessness, his motivations and incidents that reinforced the "legend" of the deadly assassin. I loved this look into Sicarius' thoughts before his life-changing encounter with Amaranthe and it really made a difference "experiencing" the events covered in this short story first hand through Sicarius, since they are referenced several times over the course of the series proper and are quite crucial in the motivation of future character conflicts.
Chronologically, Shadows Over Innocence is labelled "#0.5," but as several other reviewers have noted, this is best read at least after the first book of the series, since this short story has a possible spoiler or two for The Emperor's Edge. In hindsight, I'm personally glad that I read this after I've finished the entire series, because jumping back to the "beginning" (of sorts) gives me a new appreciation for the subtle but astounding character growth that Sicarius has underwent over the course of 7-8 books. Hats off to Lindsay Buroker! There was also considerably more impact to The Emperor's Edge series if the introduction of Sicarius' POV is left until Forged in Blood I & II - his mysterious aura is maintained since we could only get to know him externally through the other team members' eyes (mainly Amaranthe's), and having the door to Sicarius' mind finally opened in the final books highlighted his growth and depth. If that doesn't matter to you, then Shadows Over Innocence can be read at any time after book 2, but I would strongly recommend finishing the series first.
It's not so much a proper short story as it is a snippet taken from Sicarius' past (literally dug out of Lindsay Buroker's archives and published due to fan demand), so I didn't find it at all a problem that it wasn't a standalone story. It's better considered a character piece that fleshes out the background of the Sicarius that we know from The Emperor's Edge - the environment in which Sicarius developed his cold ruthlessness, his motivations and incidents that reinforced the "legend" of the deadly assassin. I loved this look into Sicarius' thoughts before his life-changing encounter with Amaranthe and it really made a difference "experiencing" the events covered in this short story first hand through Sicarius, since they are referenced several times over the course of the series proper and are quite crucial in the motivation of future character conflicts.
Chronologically, Shadows Over Innocence is labelled "#0.5," but as several other reviewers have noted, this is best read at least after the first book of the series, since this short story has a possible spoiler or two for The Emperor's Edge. In hindsight, I'm personally glad that I read this after I've finished the entire series, because jumping back to the "beginning" (of sorts) gives me a new appreciation for the subtle but astounding character growth that Sicarius has underwent over the course of 7-8 books. Hats off to Lindsay Buroker! There was also considerably more impact to The Emperor's Edge series if the introduction of Sicarius' POV is left until Forged in Blood I & II - his mysterious aura is maintained since we could only get to know him externally through the other team members' eyes (mainly Amaranthe's), and having the door to Sicarius' mind finally opened in the final books highlighted his growth and depth. If that doesn't matter to you, then Shadows Over Innocence can be read at any time after book 2, but I would strongly recommend finishing the series first.
September 6, 2012
I do not know how Lindsay does it! How she manages to write this short, but 'Oh so sweet' glimpse inside of Sicarius' mind while giving her EE fans information, but keeping some of the bigger secrets hidden from those who may only be new to the EE world is beyond me!
I felt like I was reading a coded message straight from the head of EEIA (Emperor's Edge Intelligence Agency), I could read into the message all the things I have gleaned from my previous EE reading, yet someone completely new would go away with a full story too, just less intricate, less involved, but no less satisfying.
Is it weird that being inside of Sicarius' head was exactly like I thought it would be like?
Lindsay, I take my hat off to you! Brilliantly written as always!
I felt like I was reading a coded message straight from the head of EEIA (Emperor's Edge Intelligence Agency), I could read into the message all the things I have gleaned from my previous EE reading, yet someone completely new would go away with a full story too, just less intricate, less involved, but no less satisfying.
Is it weird that being inside of Sicarius' head was exactly like I thought it would be like?
Lindsay, I take my hat off to you! Brilliantly written as always!
August 4, 2013
Only a short story but an opportunity to see Sicarius before the emperor's edge series, a glimpse of the human behind and under his conditioning. Sicarius has become one of my favourite characters in fantasy, an assassin who on first appearances is cold, calculating and not someone you want to meet in a brightly lit alley let alone a dark one.
November 22, 2014
3.5 stars
October 3, 2023
Buroker's storytelling is pure magic. The plot is gripping, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the last page. The characters are vibrant and beautifully developed, each with their own unique journey of self-discovery. Buroker's writing style is a symphony of words that will transport you to other worlds. Her vivid descriptions, heartwarming dialogue, and attention to detail make every scene come alive. Plus, she seamlessly incorporates thought-provoking themes that add depth to the story. 🌈💖
"Shadows Over Innocence" is a celebration of diversity and self-expression. It's a journey that will empower you and inspire personal growth. Buroker's ability to create a world that embraces all identities is truly remarkable. This book will leave you feeling uplifted, empowered, and ready to conquer the world! 🌙✨
So, my fellow adventure seekers, dive into "Shadows Over Innocence" and let the magic unfold. Lindsay Buroker's masterful storytelling and captivating characters make this an absolute must-read.
"Shadows Over Innocence" is a celebration of diversity and self-expression. It's a journey that will empower you and inspire personal growth. Buroker's ability to create a world that embraces all identities is truly remarkable. This book will leave you feeling uplifted, empowered, and ready to conquer the world! 🌙✨
So, my fellow adventure seekers, dive into "Shadows Over Innocence" and let the magic unfold. Lindsay Buroker's masterful storytelling and captivating characters make this an absolute must-read.
March 8, 2024
What can I say, I really enjoy this series and I keep finding more books to this series. I will say, I really hate that not every single book of Lindsay's is available as an audio book but this is a super short read, I just hate that I have to listen to the way voice over reads Kindle books instead of listening to how Vivienne Leheny narrates them, she really does a great job to me. And because of the way she really gives Sicarius a personality in his dry humor, I can pick up on the Suttle way he talks.
In this novella, Sicarius discovers that there is a spy and that spy is also an assassin, sent to kill the 5-year-old prince. If you’ve read or listened to this series before you found this short story to read then you will get the emotions and joy in Sicarius’ actions.
In this novella, Sicarius discovers that there is a spy and that spy is also an assassin, sent to kill the 5-year-old prince. If you’ve read or listened to this series before you found this short story to read then you will get the emotions and joy in Sicarius’ actions.
May 9, 2023
Challenging, dark, mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5 ⭐
This is a long short story or as short novella, but either way...it is VERY good.
In a previous book I read about this scene shared within this story. It is frustrating to already know about it...before reading this book, here.
On the other hand, not knowing another aspect of this story, would/could possibly have given away something else that could've been sussesd out of this story.
I like Sicarius (now), but I'm not sure I would have had the same feelings for him...IF this was one of the first stories I had had read...IF I'd have read this FIRST or even second...after the first book. We will never know. I wonder how many people have read this BEFORE the first book.
I really liked what I read...and it DOES inform on three of the main characters that show prominantly in the main story.
Very interesting.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5 ⭐
This is a long short story or as short novella, but either way...it is VERY good.
In a previous book I read about this scene shared within this story. It is frustrating to already know about it...before reading this book, here.
On the other hand, not knowing another aspect of this story, would/could possibly have given away something else that could've been sussesd out of this story.
I like Sicarius (now), but I'm not sure I would have had the same feelings for him...IF this was one of the first stories I had had read...IF I'd have read this FIRST or even second...after the first book. We will never know. I wonder how many people have read this BEFORE the first book.
I really liked what I read...and it DOES inform on three of the main characters that show prominantly in the main story.
Very interesting.
August 13, 2021
Sicarius is the emperor's assassin. Sicarius seems to have a soft spot for the emperor's son Sespian, He knows is cannot show any emotions when he sees the boy being treated harshly. Sicarius finds out that there is an assassin in the palace, thinking the assassin wants to kill the emperor he runs back to the palace, the emperor is more than fine, so now Sicarius expects the assassin might be after the emperor's five-year-old son Sespian.
I liked this prequel. Although short, it gives a good peek into Sicarius's personality. Also shows his ability as an assassin.
I liked this prequel. Although short, it gives a good peek into Sicarius's personality. Also shows his ability as an assassin.
January 13, 2024
This weeks story is a short, but sweet, tale of an assassin watching over a the young heir to a kingdom. There is no softness, no joy in this assassin. All emotion has been beat out of him by the emperor that rules with an iron fist. But still…there’s something about the innocence of this young buy that gives the hardened assassin pause.
Overall the story was an enjoyable peak into this world that the author created. It’s hard, and viscous. It is a land where might makes right. But even in this world of hardness and pain there is one small point of light flickering in the darkness.
Overall the story was an enjoyable peak into this world that the author created. It’s hard, and viscous. It is a land where might makes right. But even in this world of hardness and pain there is one small point of light flickering in the darkness.
June 18, 2019
Fabulous short assassin story. Sicarius is well groomed for his role yet still imperfect. The story creates an interesting world in which he operates.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Informative. Page-turner. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Wonderful characters.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Informative. Page-turner. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Wonderful characters.
July 28, 2020
This is a short story in the Emperor's Edge series. I would not recommend until you have read at least the first of the novels. This takes place before Sicarius and Amaranthe become partners. What is missing is the interaction between the two. This gives us insight into Sicarius before he became involved with Amaranthe.
June 18, 2021
This short story follows Sicarius and Sespian in which Sicarius was forced to protect Sespian from an assassination attempt. It was a cute story that allowed the reader a glimpse into their lives when they were younger. Story didn’t really add anything to the story plot, character development or world building. Glad I read it though.
December 10, 2021
Shadows Over Innocence on Books On Track
RTC
Previous books:
✦ The Emperor's Edge (The Emperor's Edge, #1) ~ ★★★ (10/12/2021)
December 14, 2021
This quick read gives the reader lots of action. It also informs the reader of the skill set that Sicarius has. We get the quick look into the training that brought skill set. There is also humanity behind this killing machine - a quick look shows that to the reader.
If you like action and want it now give this book a quick read.
If you like action and want it now give this book a quick read.
February 26, 2019
Definitely a very short story
As always, neatly written with detail. This read almost more like a synopsis it was so short. I guess was expecting a longer short story. But it has whetted an interest in future stories which would be fro Sicarius’ view point.
As always, neatly written with detail. This read almost more like a synopsis it was so short. I guess was expecting a longer short story. But it has whetted an interest in future stories which would be fro Sicarius’ view point.
July 25, 2019
My favorite assaying
Even in small doses, he remains my favorite assassin. He cares for the crown prince, and in each little vignette I gain a glimpse of the man who cares for the boy who will become emperor.
Even in small doses, he remains my favorite assassin. He cares for the crown prince, and in each little vignette I gain a glimpse of the man who cares for the boy who will become emperor.
June 23, 2020
A brief addendum that gives some insight to Sicarius’ life in the palace. While it is chronologically prior to Book 1 of the series, don’t read it first. It could be a mild spoiler for things we learn in book 2.
November 25, 2020
Another side to Sacarius
A short story that shows you both the professional assassin and the hidden caring side of Sacarius.
Sacarius is a really interesting character and short stories like this give you a glimpse into another aspect of it.
A short story that shows you both the professional assassin and the hidden caring side of Sacarius.
Sacarius is a really interesting character and short stories like this give you a glimpse into another aspect of it.
July 8, 2021
Great read
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews