Blood and Betrayal

Although the details of Amaranthe's torture pained me (no pun intended), I found this book as marvelous as its predecessors. I was somewhat miffed that Maldynado was suspected of colluding with Forge in order to help his brother, but at least it never became too big of a deal where someone died or anything. The growing bond between Maldynado and Yara was somewhat intriguing, as well (however, in the beginning, I didn't find their potential connection so interesting). Something particularly intriguing was Maldynado's concern for Amaranthe. I found it heartening and simply adorable.
And, of course, Sicarius and Amaranthe. Cue my swoonage. Sicarius being comforting, considerate, and caring? Sign me up! I'm ashamed to admit that I skipped ahead to the part where Sicarius and Amaranthe finally meet up again; after reading a few chapters, I just couldn't wait any longer. But really, who could blame me? And I went back to read everything else later so no harm done...right?
And then there's the Sespian and Sicarius issue. Perhaps I should Amaranthe in there as part of the “problem.” Truth me told, I found it odd how Lindsay Buroker put them in a love triangle, considering two corners of the “triangle” are related to each other...and part of different generations...awkward, I initially thought. But Buroker reminds us of why she did so in this book.
And that ending...Oh dear, another adventure awaits. And I can't wait!