Diplomats and Fugitives by Lindsay Buroker [Review]

Diplomats and Fugitives (The Emperor's Edge #9) by Lindsay Buroker
Format: ebook
Source: purchased

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Date read: August 27, 2020

The Emperor's Edge
0.5. Shadows Over Innocence
1. The Emperor's Edge
1.5. Ice Cracker II
2. Dark Currents
2.5. The Assassin's Curse
3. Deadly Games
4. Conspiracy
5. Blood and Betrayal
5.5. Beneath the Surface
6. Forged in Blood I
7. Forged in Blood II
7.5. Solstice Day Gifts
8. Republic
9. Diplomats and Fugitives - Paperback | Kindle

Lindsay Buroker
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Synopsis (Goodreads):

Even though Basilard is the official Mangdorian ambassador to the Turgonian Republic, he still isn’t fully trusted by his pacifist people. After he was enslaved and forced to entertain spectators in pit fights that left him scarred and mute, his kin turned their backs on him, condemning him for choosing violence. They don’t let him travel home without supervision, and he isn’t allowed to see his daughter.

When trouble arises in his homeland, a mysterious blight that could cause widespread starvation for his people, he’s invited to take several old friends to travel to his country to investigate. If Basilard can solve the problem, perhaps his people will finally realize he’s not a bad influence on his family. But unlikely obstacles stand in his way, including a strange Kendorian woman that he’s ordered to take along on the mission.

A Kendorian fugitive hiding in Turgonia, former tracker and assassin Ashara Longbow wants to start a new life, so she can sneak her children out of her country to join her in the republic. Not only is she hunted back home, but the Kendorian ambassador in Turgonia has learned she exists and wants a favor in exchange for keeping her secret. If she doesn’t help him thwart Basilard’s mission, she may never see her children again.

Thoughts on Diplomats and Fugitives: Oh, Basilard. His people have shunned him for fighting to survive and the lady he wants to forge a connection to...isn't interested. The guy's a gem and he keeps hitting every bump in the road imaginable when he reaches for a little happiness.

On the plus side, he does have Amaranthe, Sicarius, and Maldynado (heh! That guy and his hats!) in his corner and they can be kind of ferocious when it comes to having their friends' backs.

Still, Basilard is dealing with a lot and a blight that could threaten his people just throws another log on the fire. Being sort of unwanted even when you're trying to fix a widespread problem has to sting. Being hunted and hassled by people who want you to fail is even more bothersome. And having a tracker who's probably a spy along for the journey and who he's starting to develop a friendship/feelings for is problematic, too.

Yup, the crew is caught up in their usual shenanigans. Sicarius is doing his thing. Amaranthe is coming up with slightly crazy plans. And Maldynado is...surprisingly astute at times. You know, when he's not wearing one of his hats.

Danger, mayhem, explosions, and one surprisingly sweet former-pit fighter who will do what he needs to do to protect his people. It's always fun to spend time with this group and I'm kinda sad to see it end. *thumbs up*