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The Emperor's Edge #2.5
The Assassin's Curse
When outlaws Amaranthe and Sicarius chance upon imperial spies stealing military prototypes, they immediately give chase. Well, immediately after Amaranthe talks Sicarius, former assassin and all-around non-altruistic type, into the mission. After all, they both want imperial pardons, and what better way to attract the emperor’s favor than by looking after the empire’s interests?
What seems like a straightforward mission develops a hitch when the spies flee to Darkcrest Isle, a forbidding chunk of land reputed to be haunted. Amaranthe isn’t quick to believe in tales of malevolent spirits, so she’s startled when the ever-pragmatic and unflappable Sicarius shows reluctance at setting foot on the island. Only when it may be too late to escape does Amaranthe come to understand why.
What seems like a straightforward mission develops a hitch when the spies flee to Darkcrest Isle, a forbidding chunk of land reputed to be haunted. Amaranthe isn’t quick to believe in tales of malevolent spirits, so she’s startled when the ever-pragmatic and unflappable Sicarius shows reluctance at setting foot on the island. Only when it may be too late to escape does Amaranthe come to understand why.
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First published January 1, 2012
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About the author
Lindsay Buroker
191 books6,076 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 126 reviews
January 20, 2012
Assassin's Curse is a tough, short-paced short story adventure of the center pair of Lindsay Buroker's captivating "The Emperor's Edge" novel series. Fans of the series, especially A+S shippers, would not want to miss it! At least, I for sure loved every minute of reading it. :-)
Then why only 4 of 5 stars?
It's because Assassin's Curse suffers from a typical "established series in between short story illness": the indecision of whether to include all the details necessary for freshly visiting readers or to accept that it is an in between story catering to established fans and leave out the established background where it doesn't connect to the actual plot.
The result of this indecision are "info dumps" esp. in the first part of the story that are not enough for new readers to appreciate the characters (and their treats & quirks), while tempting an established fan to jump a few lines. Interestingly, the later part of the story doesn't suffer from this. Background details here (the supposed lineage of the current emperor, for example) are used skillfully as plot device and are also expanded to greater depth. Lovely so, I may add.
So much about style, but what about content?
It's not even 12.000 words, read yourself!
No really, I don't want to summarize a short story. It would give too much away imho. However, since only two of the five main characters star in this, I think it might be nice to have the other three say their thoughts about the events:
"Following heavily armed thieves onto a cursed island is not prudent." ~ Books.
"There's something wrong with a man, when it takes a shot to the back to make him hug a beautiful woman." ~ Maldynado.
"Whatever." ~Akstyr.
Then why only 4 of 5 stars?
It's because Assassin's Curse suffers from a typical "established series in between short story illness": the indecision of whether to include all the details necessary for freshly visiting readers or to accept that it is an in between story catering to established fans and leave out the established background where it doesn't connect to the actual plot.
The result of this indecision are "info dumps" esp. in the first part of the story that are not enough for new readers to appreciate the characters (and their treats & quirks), while tempting an established fan to jump a few lines. Interestingly, the later part of the story doesn't suffer from this. Background details here (the supposed lineage of the current emperor, for example) are used skillfully as plot device and are also expanded to greater depth. Lovely so, I may add.
So much about style, but what about content?
It's not even 12.000 words, read yourself!
No really, I don't want to summarize a short story. It would give too much away imho. However, since only two of the five main characters star in this, I think it might be nice to have the other three say their thoughts about the events:
"Following heavily armed thieves onto a cursed island is not prudent." ~ Books.
"There's something wrong with a man, when it takes a shot to the back to make him hug a beautiful woman." ~ Maldynado.
"Whatever." ~Akstyr.
November 22, 2013
An Emperor's Edge adventure can never go wrong (for readers, anyway), particularly if it involves Amaranthe and Sicarius on a mission. This is exactly what we get in The Assassin's Curse, a fast-paced short story that follows the established set-up - Amaranthe's crazy schemes lead them on a wild adventure that quickly goes south. The main difference is that this story only involves Amaranthe and Sicarius on their own; I can't say I have any complaints, since I love it when the two of them get some alone-time together in order to bond.
We find out a little more about Sicarius' background, but most importantly we get to see what happens when Amaranthe finds herself in danger from Sicarius of all people when he's turned into her enemy against his will. It's an interesting switch - the mysterious protector finds himself targeting the one person that he has no wish to kill. I would have given a lot to glimpse Sicarius' thoughts during those moments, but what we had was just as glorious for fans of the Amaranthe/Sicarius relationship. Ahh, that moment when it becomes evident that he would rather die than hurt her and Simply glorious.
We find out a little more about Sicarius' background, but most importantly we get to see what happens when Amaranthe finds herself in danger from Sicarius of all people when he's turned into her enemy against his will. It's an interesting switch - the mysterious protector finds himself targeting the one person that he has no wish to kill. I would have given a lot to glimpse Sicarius' thoughts during those moments, but what we had was just as glorious for fans of the Amaranthe/Sicarius relationship. Ahh, that moment when it becomes evident that he would rather die than hurt her and Simply glorious.
November 27, 2014
This is a solid 3 star read (again focusing on a mini-adventure with Sicarius and Amaranthe) BUT THE LAST COUPLE OF PAGES.
Who knew I could have so many emotions.
I JUST SHIP THEM SO MUCH.
Who knew I could have so many emotions.
I JUST SHIP THEM SO MUCH.
May 3, 2023
Challenging, dark, emotional, mysterious,
reflective, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0 ⭐
Let me say this again, I'm not a fan of short stories and novellas, but with that said...I loved this story. Oh, man did I love this story.
I love the banter between Amaranthe and Sicarius. It is pure gold. It is mostly Amaranthe saying things (from the heart) and Sicarious "says nothing", just like Jack Reacher. He's stone cold.
There's a great mystery in this story. Also, there's a scene in this story that made me physically feel it (involves water). Oh, I had to get up and walk around.
You don't know this, but I encouraged my best friend to go to the movies to see Jaws (in the theater...when it came out). I was NINE years old. It scarred me for life. I don't like the water. Oooh, and there's a sequence that freaked me out.
Also, the mystery and the mystic portion of this story was SO well played out.
At the end, we learn more about our two characters and how they can/will move forward in the overall story being.
Loved it.
reflective, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0 ⭐
Let me say this again, I'm not a fan of short stories and novellas, but with that said...I loved this story. Oh, man did I love this story.
I love the banter between Amaranthe and Sicarius. It is pure gold. It is mostly Amaranthe saying things (from the heart) and Sicarious "says nothing", just like Jack Reacher. He's stone cold.
There's a great mystery in this story. Also, there's a scene in this story that made me physically feel it (involves water). Oh, I had to get up and walk around.
You don't know this, but I encouraged my best friend to go to the movies to see Jaws (in the theater...when it came out). I was NINE years old. It scarred me for life. I don't like the water. Oooh, and there's a sequence that freaked me out.
Also, the mystery and the mystic portion of this story was SO well played out.
At the end, we learn more about our two characters and how they can/will move forward in the overall story being.
Loved it.
August 19, 2018
Flashlight-Book Couples
As always Sicarius & Amaranthe's interactions make me smile...
As always Sicarius & Amaranthe's interactions make me smile...
July 28, 2012
It's a quick read. Amaranthe and Sicarius are in the midst of another grueling training session when they come across evidence of wrongdoing against the Empire. Amaranthe convinces Sicarius they need to investigate, and from there launches a Halloween-ish chapter in the daily lives of Buroker's biggest characters.
"The Assassin's Curse" reveals a bit more of Sicarius' back story, but mainly, it's just a fun read. If I had to quibble, I could wish for some indication of where in the series timeline the story takes place. After the first novel? Second? Third? Neither the dialogue nor the plot make it clear, and the answer would change the way readers interpret the scenes between Amaranthe and Sicarius.
"The Assassin's Curse" reveals a bit more of Sicarius' back story, but mainly, it's just a fun read. If I had to quibble, I could wish for some indication of where in the series timeline the story takes place. After the first novel? Second? Third? Neither the dialogue nor the plot make it clear, and the answer would change the way readers interpret the scenes between Amaranthe and Sicarius.
April 24, 2017
Now this was an excellent short story! I’ve never enjoyed short stories much but here the plot was well developed and so where the characters (which have always been Buroker’s strongest point). I think this is more a novella than a short story, which might explain why it is so well crafted.
The story features Amaranthe & Sicarius getting into trouble yet again to prevent wrongdoing against the Empire. Action, Investigation, cursed island, humour: this story has it all. A very satisfying read, especially now that the series has come to an end and there will be no further instalments!
The story features Amaranthe & Sicarius getting into trouble yet again to prevent wrongdoing against the Empire. Action, Investigation, cursed island, humour: this story has it all. A very satisfying read, especially now that the series has come to an end and there will be no further instalments!
May 8, 2012
A very short novella with a quick story.
August 4, 2013
Sicarius worried about going to a haunted island, surely not, but in this short story set between books two and three is does seem a bit unnerved, good job Amaranthe is going to then.
June 26, 2016
Very lovely, but unfortunately a bit too short for my tastes.
September 8, 2019
While out in the woods doing some strenuous training, Amaranthe and Sicarius hear a large explosion. Being weary of such a commotion, the duo proceed with caution and investigate what caused the disturbance.
A bipedal war automaton lay in shambles in a nearby clearing, appearing to have exploded from a broiler malfunction. Now this sort of machinery is used by the Empire to keep it safe from invaders, but what on earth is it doing all the way out here in the boonies? How very odd.
There are weapons and ammo strewn about on the ground, along with a dead man whose throat has been slit. Clearly someone specifically attacked this automaton. The question is why? Only an enemy would attack the Empire’s property! Seeing as this robot was carrying lots of weaponry, perhaps that’s what the attacker(s) wanted?
Because Amaranthe and Sicarius are trying to do good deeds to get exonerated, they both decide it’s in their best interest to figure out what’s going on. And that determination gets them into quite a bit of trouble this time around! For the clues lead the pair to a wickedly cursed island, so dangerous in fact that is even gives Sicarius pause. Yikes!
That man isn’t ruffled by anything, so us readers know something bad is gonna happen if it makes Sicarius hesitate. And it sure does! Thankfully they both get away at the end and thwart a devious scheme.
All in all, I would have to say that this was a fun short story. It’s full of action, adventure, mystery and character relationship building. The interactions between Amaranthe and Sicarius are so cute! They really need to be a couple. Just kiss already!
Anyways, this novella was a great addition to the main story line and simply just adds more depth and richness to this fictional world. Assassin’s Curse is definitely worth the read!
A bipedal war automaton lay in shambles in a nearby clearing, appearing to have exploded from a broiler malfunction. Now this sort of machinery is used by the Empire to keep it safe from invaders, but what on earth is it doing all the way out here in the boonies? How very odd.
There are weapons and ammo strewn about on the ground, along with a dead man whose throat has been slit. Clearly someone specifically attacked this automaton. The question is why? Only an enemy would attack the Empire’s property! Seeing as this robot was carrying lots of weaponry, perhaps that’s what the attacker(s) wanted?
Because Amaranthe and Sicarius are trying to do good deeds to get exonerated, they both decide it’s in their best interest to figure out what’s going on. And that determination gets them into quite a bit of trouble this time around! For the clues lead the pair to a wickedly cursed island, so dangerous in fact that is even gives Sicarius pause. Yikes!
That man isn’t ruffled by anything, so us readers know something bad is gonna happen if it makes Sicarius hesitate. And it sure does! Thankfully they both get away at the end and thwart a devious scheme.
All in all, I would have to say that this was a fun short story. It’s full of action, adventure, mystery and character relationship building. The interactions between Amaranthe and Sicarius are so cute! They really need to be a couple. Just kiss already!
Anyways, this novella was a great addition to the main story line and simply just adds more depth and richness to this fictional world. Assassin’s Curse is definitely worth the read!
December 11, 2021
An interesting story
From a The Emperors Edge series, this is a short before for the main characters, outlaws; Amaranthe Lokdon and Sicarius; they are getting in over their heads. During a training session they hear an explosion. On investigation it appears that someone has blown up a vehicle. As the suspects take run, Amaranthe and Sicarius Chase them, until they manage to get away on a boat. The suspects row to a cursed island that even the assassin Sicarius fears to go to. Evidently a warrior mage died there but he cursed the island, and since that time, any people that go there have died there. The fact that Sicarius believes it to be a dangerous place with a real curse on it, makes Amaranthe take it seriously. But that doesn't stop her concocting a plan to capture the suspects before they can get away, and if that means going to a cursed island, then so be it.
This book was full of exciting action and lots of dangerous situations and I enjoyed it greatly. I love the Emperors Edge series, it's really a brilliant series.
From a The Emperors Edge series, this is a short before for the main characters, outlaws; Amaranthe Lokdon and Sicarius; they are getting in over their heads. During a training session they hear an explosion. On investigation it appears that someone has blown up a vehicle. As the suspects take run, Amaranthe and Sicarius Chase them, until they manage to get away on a boat. The suspects row to a cursed island that even the assassin Sicarius fears to go to. Evidently a warrior mage died there but he cursed the island, and since that time, any people that go there have died there. The fact that Sicarius believes it to be a dangerous place with a real curse on it, makes Amaranthe take it seriously. But that doesn't stop her concocting a plan to capture the suspects before they can get away, and if that means going to a cursed island, then so be it.
This book was full of exciting action and lots of dangerous situations and I enjoyed it greatly. I love the Emperors Edge series, it's really a brilliant series.
August 18, 2017
Eep. I'm not sure seeing a Sicarius who isn't entirely in control is a good thing. The guy might be a non-emotional, utterly dedicated machine under normal circumstances (something I'm sure drives his comrades crazy when they're not quaking in fear around him), but not-Sicarius is kinda scary. Mostly because he's so insanely deadly.
Amaranthe is a brave woman to trust Sicarius as much as she does. But then, that's part of her charm. She believes in people and they rise up to her expectations. Even a deadly assassin whose first reaction is to kill whoever's in front of him just so they can't report anything they might know about him.
Hey, no one ever said the path to clearing one's name and finding their special someone in the form of a man who kills for a living would be easy, right?
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Amaranthe is a brave woman to trust Sicarius as much as she does. But then, that's part of her charm. She believes in people and they rise up to her expectations. Even a deadly assassin whose first reaction is to kill whoever's in front of him just so they can't report anything they might know about him.
Hey, no one ever said the path to clearing one's name and finding their special someone in the form of a man who kills for a living would be easy, right?
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 4, 2021
3.5 stars.
This one is quite interesting as it involves an island where a long-dead wizard had laid a curse. The curse meant that anyone from the empire setting foot on it would not be able to leave and would die there.
When Amaranthe and Sicarius happened upon a couple of spies who've absconded with some new prototypes of imperial weapons going to the island to hide, Amaranthe talked Sicarius in going to there to thwart the spies' plans. But once on the island, Sicarius changed....
As this short story took place between books 2 & 3, there had been quite a bit more development between Amanranthe and Sicarius, which ultimately helped them overcome the curse. This one was fun and I enjoyed that it showed some of Sicarius's vulnerabilities.
This one is quite interesting as it involves an island where a long-dead wizard had laid a curse. The curse meant that anyone from the empire setting foot on it would not be able to leave and would die there.
When Amaranthe and Sicarius happened upon a couple of spies who've absconded with some new prototypes of imperial weapons going to the island to hide, Amaranthe talked Sicarius in going to there to thwart the spies' plans. But once on the island, Sicarius changed....
As this short story took place between books 2 & 3, there had been quite a bit more development between Amanranthe and Sicarius, which ultimately helped them overcome the curse. This one was fun and I enjoyed that it showed some of Sicarius's vulnerabilities.
May 1, 2018
As a selfrespecting serious reader , I sometimes wonder if I should like this series as much as I do. The stories always go along the same lines, character development... Mwah, suprising world insights? Super special world building.. Hm well it's all just okay, but still I LOVE the books. Absolutely and unwaiveringly. This short story ticked all the boxes again, funny (mostly due to word play and cringegily funny one-sided dialogues), adventurous and a small hint of romance. Yay! A good palate cleanser, and I'm all cheered up in the process.
maybe
January 5, 2022
The Assassin's Curse on Books On Track
Previous books:
✦ Dark Currents (The Emperor's Edge, #2) ~ ★★★ (05/01/2022)
✦ The Emperor's Edge (The Emperor's Edge, #1) ~ ★★★ (10/12/2021)
✦ Shadows Over Innocence
(The Emperor's Edge #0.5) ~ ★★★ (10/12/2021)
November 22, 2018
3.5 stars. This was just a cute little short story, which isn't really necessary to follow the series, but it was fun to see Sicarius and Amaranthe on a mini-adventure together. I just love everything about their dynamic, and it was especially great to see Nothing extraordinary or vital, but still very enjoyable.
June 27, 2020
This is a short story with only Amaranthe and Sicarius. It isn’t really explained why they are training alone but they end up going after thieves by themselves. Turns out there’s a paranormal element, but the story is so short that the action barely has a chance to build. Nothing happens which has any impact on the rest of the saga. I’d say this one can be skipped by all but the most ardent fans of the series.
March 4, 2024
This was a cute, short side story but the logic doesn't make any sense and it was bugging me out the whole time. If Amaranthe knows the mage can only control one person at a time, and that the only reason she's free of mind control is because he's trying to control Sicarius at the moment...why would she send him away? Like obviously you're going to be next in line once Sicarius is out of the radius and you're not trained in mind resistance so it's just ggez for you?
February 28, 2025
although this is a bit of a filler novella, it is still a very good book. Being a short book is is much more fast paced than a full novel and it is all about Amaranthe and Sicarius. There is definitely some humanity and even a hint of emotion in Sicarius, and Amaranthe shows that she is at least aware of the concept of prudence and caution.
I am definitely moving this series into my favourites pile for future re-reading.
I am definitely moving this series into my favourites pile for future re-reading.
March 11, 2019
Light rrading
As the next book in my series it seemed a little less. Perhaps i was put off by how things went. My hero has a weakness ? I think not! It's still a good read', doesn't follow the sceem of the rest of the series. And why can't they do anything without getting into trouble? Then again, trouble is the whole part of this series,isn't it?
As the next book in my series it seemed a little less. Perhaps i was put off by how things went. My hero has a weakness ? I think not! It's still a good read', doesn't follow the sceem of the rest of the series. And why can't they do anything without getting into trouble? Then again, trouble is the whole part of this series,isn't it?
December 12, 2021
Great short read
I have now completed the first three primary books in this series, as well as the two available shorter books. This short story as well as the first book with 4 short stories have continued to add to the character personalities and the world building details. Now I will excitedly go forth with reading the 4th primary book in the series. Yay!
I have now completed the first three primary books in this series, as well as the two available shorter books. This short story as well as the first book with 4 short stories have continued to add to the character personalities and the world building details. Now I will excitedly go forth with reading the 4th primary book in the series. Yay!
May 20, 2017
Story is only 34 pages long, but Buroker makes fantastic use of every word. The action is tight, smmoth and nail biting. The emotions of the characters intense and realistic and the stinger at the end excellent.
December 10, 2018
A quick little read about Sicarius and Amaranthe and a little side adventure they had while training. I liked how it showed a vulnerable side to Sicarius. Hopefully, this will create a more intimate component to Sicarius and Amaranthe's budding relationship. That would be nice to see.
March 26, 2020
A short story with all the elements of the longer books, but with only Amaranthe and Sicarius as charcaters. A lot of action and great insight into Sicarius's past. And he's showing a new side to him too, if only under duress. A very satisfying read.
November 7, 2022
There's a bit of a supernatural element to this one, which is okay, just not my thing. I would have liked some more insight into the characters with the short stories for this series, but they're more "caper of the week", which isn't bad, just not what I was hoping for.
September 4, 2023
I liked this, it's my preferred style. Good action and suspense but not overly graphic violence. I have one more of these novellas in my ebook library that I'm going to read then most likely I am going to purchase The Emperor's Edge.
July 15, 2024
8,5/10
A sweet little story with Amaranthe and Sicarius and quite a good one! Love their dynamic here, the writing is good, plot to the point. Nice.
A sweet little story with Amaranthe and Sicarius and quite a good one! Love their dynamic here, the writing is good, plot to the point. Nice.
July 25, 2025
Shirt, sweet and oh so worth it!
That headline, above, summarizes nicely, my opinions of this mini Novella. It also offers another facet to this world’s “ magic “or “mental sciences“. It won’t take long, and you are certain to enjoy!’
That headline, above, summarizes nicely, my opinions of this mini Novella. It also offers another facet to this world’s “ magic “or “mental sciences“. It won’t take long, and you are certain to enjoy!’
June 16, 2018
I enjoy Lindsey Buroker's adventure writing. This story centers on two characters and is, like most of her stories, fun and action packed. A good diverting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews