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Swords & Salt #1
A Question of Honor
With less than six months until his entrance exams for the famed Nurian warrior-mage academy, Yanko is sent to his uncle’s salt mine for “hardening,” as his father calls it. He expects endless days of physical labor; what he doesn’t expect is to have to choose one of the mine’s prisoners as a sparring partner.
Not wanting his uncle to think him a coward, Yanko picks a big scarred man from Turgonia, a land known for its ruthless warriors. Only after his selection does he learn that he’ll be expected to kill his opponent… before his opponent kills him.
Not wanting his uncle to think him a coward, Yanko picks a big scarred man from Turgonia, a land known for its ruthless warriors. Only after his selection does he learn that he’ll be expected to kill his opponent… before his opponent kills him.
59 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2013
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
187 books5,812 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 36 reviews
October 2, 2024
3.5 Stars
Okay, I’m into this. It was short and sweet but there was so much character packed in. I really have missed this world.
Okay, I’m into this. It was short and sweet but there was so much character packed in. I really have missed this world.
January 5, 2014
This is an excellent start to a new series set in Nuria! We've only ever been introduced to Nuria and Nurians as enemies of Turgonia in the Emperor's Edge novels, so I'm excited for the chance to learn more about them from a different perspective. Amaranthe and her team aren't along for the ride this time, but there are equally interesting new characters and the dry, magic-using land of the Nurians promise to be quite a change from war-like and efficient Turgonia.
Despite the short length of the story, Yanko is an immediately engaging protagonist; he's more interested in nature sciences/magic, but rather reluctantly goes along with his father's plans to toughen him up through a stint in his uncle's mines and practicing his fighting skills so that he can become a warrior mage and restore their family honour. It's through fighting practice (though Yanko would describe it as his butt getting kicked repeatedly, hah) that he meets Dak, a Turgonian with whom he develops a hesitant bond. Wouldn't a bromance be fun? Coupled with his first glimpses of complex plots lurking beneath the surface due to the uneasy relationship between Turgonia and Nuria, Yanko will have some interesting times ahead.
It's probably worth noting that the events in this first Nuria novella follow shortly after the end of the Emperor's Edge series (with Forged in Blood II), so one can expect to be spoiled if they try to read this before having finished that series. One character that reappears here is Prince Zirabo, whom I enjoyed meeting again, and he'll almost certainly prove important to the Nurian developments.
Despite the short length of the story, Yanko is an immediately engaging protagonist; he's more interested in nature sciences/magic, but rather reluctantly goes along with his father's plans to toughen him up through a stint in his uncle's mines and practicing his fighting skills so that he can become a warrior mage and restore their family honour. It's through fighting practice (though Yanko would describe it as his butt getting kicked repeatedly, hah) that he meets Dak, a Turgonian with whom he develops a hesitant bond. Wouldn't a bromance be fun? Coupled with his first glimpses of complex plots lurking beneath the surface due to the uneasy relationship between Turgonia and Nuria, Yanko will have some interesting times ahead.
It's probably worth noting that the events in this first Nuria novella follow shortly after the end of the Emperor's Edge series (with Forged in Blood II), so one can expect to be spoiled if they try to read this before having finished that series. One character that reappears here is Prince Zirabo, whom I enjoyed meeting again, and he'll almost certainly prove important to the Nurian developments.
May 14, 2017
Yanko is a Nurian mage but he’s still in training. And his preferred magic is earth based. His love of soil, worms and regenerating plants just makes him even weirder. So, to toughen him up, his father sends him off to work in the mines. There he meets and fights a one-eyed Turgonian warrior. Yanko is smart enough to work out that the guy can understand more than he pretends to but he doesn’t have time to mention it to anyone else before Prince Zirabo arrives for a quick visit. And he wants a demonstration of Yanko’s skills.
***
I had honestly forgotten the names of all the races in Lindsay’s Emperor’s Edge world. Turgonians are the warlike dudes, Nurians the magic ones, Mangdorians the peaceful ones, and Kyatt were the islanders… I think. This series of three novellas has been renamed and extended upon as a Chains of Honor prequel set, before the full novel Warrior Mage and is set in a different continent to the Emperor’s Edges series but it’s the same world of magic, swords and battles. It can be read alone.
Here, we are left with more than a few loose ends but it is only a novella of 60 pages.
The Prince is an enigma. I do wonder what he’s up to.
4 stars.
***
I had honestly forgotten the names of all the races in Lindsay’s Emperor’s Edge world. Turgonians are the warlike dudes, Nurians the magic ones, Mangdorians the peaceful ones, and Kyatt were the islanders… I think. This series of three novellas has been renamed and extended upon as a Chains of Honor prequel set, before the full novel Warrior Mage and is set in a different continent to the Emperor’s Edges series but it’s the same world of magic, swords and battles. It can be read alone.
Here, we are left with more than a few loose ends but it is only a novella of 60 pages.
The Prince is an enigma. I do wonder what he’s up to.
4 stars.
January 7, 2014
Rating is for this short novella as an introduction to a new trilogy set in the Emperor's Edge world, but in Nuria rather than Turgonia. In itself, it would probably have felt frustratingly incomplete, although it's not unresolved, exactly. Yanko is a great character, and it was easy to warm to him and his impossible burden of familial expectations. After all, what father wouldn't insist his (second) son redeem the family honour, go to battle school and use the Science for military purposes, and then pack him off to the salt mines his uncle runs for 'hardening'? The huge Turgonian prisoner poor Yanko picks as a sparring partner (though 'partner' isn't initially the way to describe it!) turns out to be much more than he seems, in a number of ways, complicating Yanko's life even further.
Although the Swords & Salt stories can probably be read easily enough by those who haven't read/finished the Emperor's Edge books, there is a spoiler for the last one, which isn't huge, by any means, but something that might be kept in mind if considering picking up this collection.
Although the Swords & Salt stories can probably be read easily enough by those who haven't read/finished the Emperor's Edge books, there is a spoiler for the last one, which isn't huge, by any means, but something that might be kept in mind if considering picking up this collection.
January 21, 2018
No ending
More possibilities do not an ending make. I was getting really interested and the story stops. Otherwise I liked the story.
More possibilities do not an ending make. I was getting really interested and the story stops. Otherwise I liked the story.
January 9, 2024
Another series set in the Emperor's Edge world. This story is set in Nuria.
I love that every series I've read so far in this world is set in another world. First the Emperor's Edge series in Turgonia, then the prequel series Encrypted set in Kyatt. This series is set in Nuria.
I think it's great to see the difference in culture and habits of every country.
I love that every series I've read so far in this world is set in another world. First the Emperor's Edge series in Turgonia, then the prequel series Encrypted set in Kyatt. This series is set in Nuria.
I think it's great to see the difference in culture and habits of every country.
June 3, 2016
Nice little novella with a ton of worldbuilding, an unusual setting, an honorable and sympathetic MC and even more compelling side characters. Dak and the Prince remain an enigma - now I want to know more about them!
Will definitely bei reading the next 2 installments.
Will definitely bei reading the next 2 installments.
November 28, 2016
Great quick read.
I don't normally read short stories, but this is the first installment of what promises to be an exciting series by my favorite author, so I made an exception for this one and I'm glad I did. Well developed characters, political intrigue and plenty of action.
I don't normally read short stories, but this is the first installment of what promises to be an exciting series by my favorite author, so I made an exception for this one and I'm glad I did. Well developed characters, political intrigue and plenty of action.
May 7, 2017
A Question of Honor is the first of three short stories in the Swords and Salt trilogy.
In typical Lindsay fashion, she's drawn me back into the Emperor's Edge world with a new set of characters.
Yanko is a young man whose interests go against those of his father. Following a well-trodden trope of reluctant hero going on a quest for reasons aligning with their true desires, not the one their parents were pushing them towards.
This is not a bad thing, in fact, I'd argue that Lindsay uses tropes to her benefit, providing enough additional information to build a rich character around the trope and paint a strong picture with minimal words.
I am curious about Dak and the other supporting characters. I will look forward to reading the other two short stories in this collection and then the Chains of Honor series.
In typical Lindsay fashion, she's drawn me back into the Emperor's Edge world with a new set of characters.
Yanko is a young man whose interests go against those of his father. Following a well-trodden trope of reluctant hero going on a quest for reasons aligning with their true desires, not the one their parents were pushing them towards.
This is not a bad thing, in fact, I'd argue that Lindsay uses tropes to her benefit, providing enough additional information to build a rich character around the trope and paint a strong picture with minimal words.
I am curious about Dak and the other supporting characters. I will look forward to reading the other two short stories in this collection and then the Chains of Honor series.
August 1, 2022
A Question of Honor
In reading this book for the second time I have gleaned more from the story. It has been a long time since I read it and I can't remember if I read books 2 &3. But I needed something to read while waiting for your next book to come out in September. I guess I read too fast. This book is intriguing and am ready for book 2. I applaud Lindsay Buroker's writings and her editors are great as I am finding no grammatical errors in her books. I find it very difficult to read books that I have to correct grammar or who they are talking about. Kudos to Lindsay.
In reading this book for the second time I have gleaned more from the story. It has been a long time since I read it and I can't remember if I read books 2 &3. But I needed something to read while waiting for your next book to come out in September. I guess I read too fast. This book is intriguing and am ready for book 2. I applaud Lindsay Buroker's writings and her editors are great as I am finding no grammatical errors in her books. I find it very difficult to read books that I have to correct grammar or who they are talking about. Kudos to Lindsay.
January 13, 2024
Even as child Yanko was different. As was the magic he was capable off. Yet he got some training and to be eventually be tested for proper training as a Kurian warrior mage
But sending him to a a salt mine to be "toughened Up?"
Something does not make sense here.
But, it certainly grabbed ahold of my attention and interest and did not let go for even a moment. Author Lindsay Buroker once again is in top form here!
Wow!
Enjoy
But sending him to a a salt mine to be "toughened Up?"
Something does not make sense here.
But, it certainly grabbed ahold of my attention and interest and did not let go for even a moment. Author Lindsay Buroker once again is in top form here!
Wow!
Enjoy
November 23, 2024
This is an interesting beginning to new characters.
Yanko seems interesting. I reserve my opinion though. But I'll admit, my favourite moment was when Yanko is interacting with Prince Zirabo.
Dak is always great.
Oh, also Prince Zirabo's appearance is fun too!
Hmm, it will be interesting to see more of the magic of this world.
Yanko seems interesting. I reserve my opinion though. But I'll admit, my favourite moment was when Yanko is interacting with Prince Zirabo.
Dak is always great.
Oh, also Prince Zirabo's appearance is fun too!
Hmm, it will be interesting to see more of the magic of this world.
March 18, 2017
A Start to a Good Tale?
Short "book" but a fair character development. Will read the next book for further details. I like Lindsay's books and writing style. Have to believe this series will get into more action and intrigue.
Short "book" but a fair character development. Will read the next book for further details. I like Lindsay's books and writing style. Have to believe this series will get into more action and intrigue.
April 13, 2021
Finally some excellent answers.
A great hole in a surely epic story has been filled now
with the creation of this missing and much needed piece of the complicated puzzle. A very intriguing saga with exceptional interesting characters is much more complete.
A great hole in a surely epic story has been filled now
with the creation of this missing and much needed piece of the complicated puzzle. A very intriguing saga with exceptional interesting characters is much more complete.
May 13, 2021
This was a real short book. But wonderful trademark, Lindsay.
Well, classic Lindsay style, with wonderful ‘everything’. Mysterious warrior, clumsy war mage, elements Lindsay wields to craft an intriguing opener. More book next time please.
Well, classic Lindsay style, with wonderful ‘everything’. Mysterious warrior, clumsy war mage, elements Lindsay wields to craft an intriguing opener. More book next time please.
November 6, 2021
Very short
This book was very short and really didn't have much substance. It drew me in but left so many questions and complete confusion. Why write this story that opens a big world and just stop?? So confused!
This book was very short and really didn't have much substance. It drew me in but left so many questions and complete confusion. Why write this story that opens a big world and just stop?? So confused!
August 1, 2023
Another series to devour!
Can't wait to see what is next in this one. Yahoo is going to find advent for sure. I like how Lindsay brings back beloved characters to her stories. Way to go!
Can't wait to see what is next in this one. Yahoo is going to find advent for sure. I like how Lindsay brings back beloved characters to her stories. Way to go!
November 10, 2019
Fun, short, inexpensive, and not much to it.
July 26, 2020
As great writing as we can expect from Buroker. I don't see where we go from here yet, Yanko seems really young and foolish, but maybe seeing him grow up may make me like him more.
July 23, 2023
A wonderful story.
The characters are wonderful. The world building is great. The plot is interesting. I can't wait to read the next story.
The characters are wonderful. The world building is great. The plot is interesting. I can't wait to read the next story.
December 21, 2023
A very enjoyable prequel to the Swords and Salt series, and I look forward to reading the next one!
Read
January 30, 2024I found this book to be very interesting and enjoyable
Lindsay has a gift in making even a boring salt mine come alive with adventure and excitement. Very good read.
Lindsay has a gift in making even a boring salt mine come alive with adventure and excitement. Very good read.
August 25, 2018
another great series from Lindsay Buroker. only thing is it ends in a cliffhanger. so proceed with caution if you read this series.
same world as Emperor's edge but only one character form the original series and he didn't come into play until like book 8.
so this young man doesn't annoy me. the dragon series, Dragon Storm, Heritage of Power. those young folks annoyed me so much.
yanko is insecure and talks to himself a lot but he isn't annoying. i think may be because of how humble and polite he is. i dunno. i enjoyed watching him learn new skills and discover he could be badass. i enjoyed his moments of self doubt and when he blushed. i like his entourage, especially Dak.
as always lots of fun, lots of adventure, some scifi/fantasy, and a lil romance.
buy the books. read the books. love the books. get mad they end in a cliffhanger.
same world as Emperor's edge but only one character form the original series and he didn't come into play until like book 8.
so this young man doesn't annoy me. the dragon series, Dragon Storm, Heritage of Power. those young folks annoyed me so much.
yanko is insecure and talks to himself a lot but he isn't annoying. i think may be because of how humble and polite he is. i dunno. i enjoyed watching him learn new skills and discover he could be badass. i enjoyed his moments of self doubt and when he blushed. i like his entourage, especially Dak.
as always lots of fun, lots of adventure, some scifi/fantasy, and a lil romance.
buy the books. read the books. love the books. get mad they end in a cliffhanger.
December 24, 2013
This is a short, fun read, where we finally get a chance to learn a little about Nuria. The main character is Zanko, a 17 year old Nurian boy who is the hope of his family. That's a lot of pressure on a kid, and he feels pulled in two directions - the direction his family expects, and that of his own interests. In an attempt to toughen him up, Zanko's father sends him to his uncle who runs a salt mine.
While at the mine Zanko meets a Turgonian "worker." And by meets, I mean, gets his butt regularly kicked. But from this a certain amount of respect is born.
I really liked the character of Zanko - he's the boy every parent wants their daughter to bring home. He's honorable, conscientious, and tries to do what's right no matter the consequences. Unfortunately, that's not what makes you successful in Nuria.
While at the mine Zanko meets a Turgonian "worker." And by meets, I mean, gets his butt regularly kicked. But from this a certain amount of respect is born.
I really liked the character of Zanko - he's the boy every parent wants their daughter to bring home. He's honorable, conscientious, and tries to do what's right no matter the consequences. Unfortunately, that's not what makes you successful in Nuria.
January 20, 2014
I truly love this world that Lindsay Buroker has created and I'm constantly fascinated with the plots and story lines. This was set in Nuria after Admiral Starcrest became President Starcrest of Turgonia, so after the end of the final Emperor's Edge novel, when Nuria is desperate to trade with Turgonia for resources that Nuria is seriously lacking. However, the Great Chief of Nuria seems to be desperately sticking with the old attitudes and that isn't going to get Nuria where they need to be to survive.
I enjoyed this story of Yanko and I look forward to more of the intrigue and machinations this author is so devilishly good at!
I enjoyed this story of Yanko and I look forward to more of the intrigue and machinations this author is so devilishly good at!
January 12, 2014
a short story in my favorite fantasy world.
For those who've read Buroker's Emperor's Edge series this is the same fantasy world but in the magic empire rather than the steampunk one. Disclaimer though: if you haven't read the EE series there is a mini-spoiler in this one- nothing too crazy just thought I'd give it a shout out.
I'm not sure why this series is three very short stories and not one book, but hey, anything to get my Buroker fix is worth it to me:)
For those who've read Buroker's Emperor's Edge series this is the same fantasy world but in the magic empire rather than the steampunk one. Disclaimer though: if you haven't read the EE series there is a mini-spoiler in this one- nothing too crazy just thought I'd give it a shout out.
I'm not sure why this series is three very short stories and not one book, but hey, anything to get my Buroker fix is worth it to me:)
February 6, 2015
With this first in a trilogy of novellas, Lindsay Buroker expands the fascinating universe she has created in her brilliant Emperor's Edge series by taking the reader to Nuria, the country which so far we've only gotten to know as the enemy. An entertaining introduction to a setting and characters I'm looking forward to returning to.
October 2, 2014
Buroker really never disappoints me. This is another great tale, a side venture from her Emperor's Edge series (which I love!).
I really love the universe she's built, and seeing it from a fresh perspective in a new country was wonderful.
Buroker is great at developing in depth, realistic characters that are easy to relate to
I really love the universe she's built, and seeing it from a fresh perspective in a new country was wonderful.
Buroker is great at developing in depth, realistic characters that are easy to relate to
November 30, 2014
I love the world that the author has built in her Emperor's Edge series and Thurs books continue the richness of it nicely.
Yanko is a good protagonist with a nice mix of good guy, selfish kid, and Noble future mage to him.
Well written with a compelling story, I can always count on this author to take me into her worlds and leave me hungry for the next book.
Yanko is a good protagonist with a nice mix of good guy, selfish kid, and Noble future mage to him.
Well written with a compelling story, I can always count on this author to take me into her worlds and leave me hungry for the next book.
January 24, 2014
What can I say? Lindsay Buroker has done it again. A cracking short story, structured on a strong plot, and filled with the living-breathing characters we've come to expect from her. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I will be reading more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews