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Fire and Fang #3
Game of Captives
Falling in love with the enemy is never a good idea, especially when you’re in the middle of a war.
After her coronation, Queen Syla Moonmark must lead her people against the stormers and their dragon allies to drive them out of the kingdom. That would be easier if she’d managed to bring home the rare magical components that would allow the rebuilding of the sky shielder that was sabotaged early in the war. Without that protection, keeping dragons away from her people’s islands is impossible.
As she battles the kingdom’s enemies, worries about usurpers, and learns what it means to be bonded to the persnickety red dragon, Wreylith, Syla plans to capture and interrogate the dragon rider, Captain Vorik. By questioning him, she might learn where the crucial shielder components are—and how to get them.
The problem is that Vorik is charming, handsome, talented, and keeps saving her life. She might even be falling in love with him.
To make matters worse, Vorikhas orders to capture Syla.
If she can’t outmaneuver him, she could end up in an enemy camp, being tortured and interrogated for secrets with the power to destroy her entire kingdom.
After her coronation, Queen Syla Moonmark must lead her people against the stormers and their dragon allies to drive them out of the kingdom. That would be easier if she’d managed to bring home the rare magical components that would allow the rebuilding of the sky shielder that was sabotaged early in the war. Without that protection, keeping dragons away from her people’s islands is impossible.
As she battles the kingdom’s enemies, worries about usurpers, and learns what it means to be bonded to the persnickety red dragon, Wreylith, Syla plans to capture and interrogate the dragon rider, Captain Vorik. By questioning him, she might learn where the crucial shielder components are—and how to get them.
The problem is that Vorik is charming, handsome, talented, and keeps saving her life. She might even be falling in love with him.
To make matters worse, Vorikhas orders to capture Syla.
If she can’t outmaneuver him, she could end up in an enemy camp, being tortured and interrogated for secrets with the power to destroy her entire kingdom.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
269 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
199 books6,323 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 32 reviews
March 6, 2026
wtf
I’m sorry but WHAT was this ending?!? This was extremely rushed…. Everything was going great I started to get worried when I’m at 85% and still felt like SO much had to happen to conclude this book…. SPOILER ALERT so stop reading now.
Vorik just killed and watched his brother die and moved on so quickly it was like a blink and this is the guy he looked up to and RAISED him after their father died… terrible ending. He moved on way too quickly for losing the most important person in his life?!? Also Jhiton did not deserve to die I don’t think. He had the opportunity several times to kill Syla and never did… like cmon. Also if you were going to kill him off he should have been more evil in my opinion….
we don’t know if Levsa lives or survives the most sisister character but JHITON gets killed and by his own brother?!? No, just very disappointed. Also I want to see Syla regain HER kingdom!!? Like what the hell. I’m just extremely upset with this ending. Is there a book 4?!? There needs to be. Was a great series until this ending….
I’m sorry but WHAT was this ending?!? This was extremely rushed…. Everything was going great I started to get worried when I’m at 85% and still felt like SO much had to happen to conclude this book…. SPOILER ALERT so stop reading now.
Vorik just killed and watched his brother die and moved on so quickly it was like a blink and this is the guy he looked up to and RAISED him after their father died… terrible ending. He moved on way too quickly for losing the most important person in his life?!? Also Jhiton did not deserve to die I don’t think. He had the opportunity several times to kill Syla and never did… like cmon. Also if you were going to kill him off he should have been more evil in my opinion….
we don’t know if Levsa lives or survives the most sisister character but JHITON gets killed and by his own brother?!? No, just very disappointed. Also I want to see Syla regain HER kingdom!!? Like what the hell. I’m just extremely upset with this ending. Is there a book 4?!? There needs to be. Was a great series until this ending….
February 10, 2026
The Game of Captives certainly held me captive.
It’s been a few months since I’ve spent time in Buroker’s world of spectacled princesses, snarky dragons and smoldering rogues. I usually worry about being able to jump back into a series after a while, but there was no issue reacquainting myself with the Garden Kingdom.
The dialogue was fresh and entertaining, helping to develop the already multifaceted characters even more. There are a variety of complex personalities, storylines and relationships. Yet, I never found myself bogged down in the complexities of the world, or characters relations to one another.
I’ve noticed a concerning trend within the fantasy genre where authors don’t denote switching perspectives between different characters. POVs do switch mid-chapter which can be a bit disorienting. I’m not opposed to the multiple-POV style, but I would have preferred even a small heading to help orient myself.
One small issue I had with the plot itself is that it does get a tad repetitive. Yes, the book is called ‘game of captives’ but it was a little too much back and forth for me. The main characters capture one another several times over the course of the novel, often severely betraying the other to do so. Not only do they fail to learn from their past mistakes to avoid future capture, but their feelings for one another do not change despite the lengths they go to imprison the other. They’re fighting for the future of their respective people! Constantly trying to foil the other’s plan, while conveniently not having to choose a side. I’m all for a strong relationship, and I love these two together, but this began to feel a little unrealistic. How many times can one be betrayed by another before realizing maybe this relationship isn’t right?
I enjoyed the final act, though some of the descriptions got a little over complicated and the pivotal moment in the MMC’s plot felt a tad rushed. That being said, it did serve the anxious, ‘out of time’ feeling the author was trying to convey.
I look forward to seeing how Buroker continues to develop several very well-rounded characters and how she handles a particularly complicated relationship.
It’s been a few months since I’ve spent time in Buroker’s world of spectacled princesses, snarky dragons and smoldering rogues. I usually worry about being able to jump back into a series after a while, but there was no issue reacquainting myself with the Garden Kingdom.
The dialogue was fresh and entertaining, helping to develop the already multifaceted characters even more. There are a variety of complex personalities, storylines and relationships. Yet, I never found myself bogged down in the complexities of the world, or characters relations to one another.
I’ve noticed a concerning trend within the fantasy genre where authors don’t denote switching perspectives between different characters. POVs do switch mid-chapter which can be a bit disorienting. I’m not opposed to the multiple-POV style, but I would have preferred even a small heading to help orient myself.
One small issue I had with the plot itself is that it does get a tad repetitive. Yes, the book is called ‘game of captives’ but it was a little too much back and forth for me. The main characters capture one another several times over the course of the novel, often severely betraying the other to do so. Not only do they fail to learn from their past mistakes to avoid future capture, but their feelings for one another do not change despite the lengths they go to imprison the other. They’re fighting for the future of their respective people! Constantly trying to foil the other’s plan, while conveniently not having to choose a side. I’m all for a strong relationship, and I love these two together, but this began to feel a little unrealistic. How many times can one be betrayed by another before realizing maybe this relationship isn’t right?
I enjoyed the final act, though some of the descriptions got a little over complicated and the pivotal moment in the MMC’s plot felt a tad rushed. That being said, it did serve the anxious, ‘out of time’ feeling the author was trying to convey.
I look forward to seeing how Buroker continues to develop several very well-rounded characters and how she handles a particularly complicated relationship.
February 16, 2026
Well THAT was annoying!
A beautiful ending, such as it was, except that it left so much unresolved. I won’t give away any spoilers, but suffice it to say that while we DO get an HEA resolution, that TECHNICALLY meets all the necessary criteria, all of those unresolved issues leave a tremendous void and any number of ways in which that HEA might finally be secured for posterity.
Unfortunately, this book ends with those two words which are most unwelcome to people like me, “The End.” I don’t want this to be the end. Despite the ridiculous naming conventions and superficial simplicity of this story, Buroker’s gift for writing characters in whom her readers get invested persists and easily supersedes those considerations.
I want more. One might go so far as to say, “need” more, but I’ll limit it to “want” for the moment. There is nothing worse than an author persisting with a storyline purely for the readers’ sake, rather than his or her own internal muse. The result is often much like pablum, nutritious but scarcely satisfying. Authors who follow that path often end up ruining perfectly great material, so I’ll just have to trust Lindsay, despite my disappointment.
Believe me when I say this series is a fun and engaging read, which is the only reason for my foregoing complaints. It’s cute and dark, uplifting and sad, and the continuous snark between the protagonists, the continuous snark between royalty and those who serve and support them, the continuous snark between dragons and humans…. Oh hell! Let’s face it, the snark is pretty much between everyone and everyone else, LOL, and serves to make the whole thing, despite the very real pain of very real losses, as light and appealing as a re-warmed three-day old apple tart eaten while starving for a bite of any sort (IYKYK).
ENJOY!
A beautiful ending, such as it was, except that it left so much unresolved. I won’t give away any spoilers, but suffice it to say that while we DO get an HEA resolution, that TECHNICALLY meets all the necessary criteria, all of those unresolved issues leave a tremendous void and any number of ways in which that HEA might finally be secured for posterity.
Unfortunately, this book ends with those two words which are most unwelcome to people like me, “The End.” I don’t want this to be the end. Despite the ridiculous naming conventions and superficial simplicity of this story, Buroker’s gift for writing characters in whom her readers get invested persists and easily supersedes those considerations.
I want more. One might go so far as to say, “need” more, but I’ll limit it to “want” for the moment. There is nothing worse than an author persisting with a storyline purely for the readers’ sake, rather than his or her own internal muse. The result is often much like pablum, nutritious but scarcely satisfying. Authors who follow that path often end up ruining perfectly great material, so I’ll just have to trust Lindsay, despite my disappointment.
Believe me when I say this series is a fun and engaging read, which is the only reason for my foregoing complaints. It’s cute and dark, uplifting and sad, and the continuous snark between the protagonists, the continuous snark between royalty and those who serve and support them, the continuous snark between dragons and humans…. Oh hell! Let’s face it, the snark is pretty much between everyone and everyone else, LOL, and serves to make the whole thing, despite the very real pain of very real losses, as light and appealing as a re-warmed three-day old apple tart eaten while starving for a bite of any sort (IYKYK).
ENJOY!
February 6, 2026
Too much filler
Too many scenes that weren't necessary for the plot and just acted as filler to make page count. Didn't really solve anything except to prove no matter how much skill was miraculously gained it still wasn't enough to find peace
Too many scenes that weren't necessary for the plot and just acted as filler to make page count. Didn't really solve anything except to prove no matter how much skill was miraculously gained it still wasn't enough to find peace
February 10, 2026
Hang on to your dragon in this fast paced, rollicking adventure full of action scenes and witty banter. This book definitely moved the story along and it is good to see Syla come into her powers and the role of leader.
Why three stars? This book just makes me feel so uncomfortable. How Syla continually is kind to Vorik as he repeatedly betrays her, killing many of her soldiers. Vorik’s conflicted loyalty doesn’t quite work and the ending just seemed inappropriate given what he had been through. There is also quite a lot of inconsistency in the book - why doesn’t Syla talk to wryleith more? Why do they continually try to save levsna? Why is jhiton so determined to take the actions he does - he’s really inconsistent.
This books has all the fast paced action and enjoyable scenes and is good, but it just doesn’t sit right with me.
Why three stars? This book just makes me feel so uncomfortable. How Syla continually is kind to Vorik as he repeatedly betrays her, killing many of her soldiers. Vorik’s conflicted loyalty doesn’t quite work and the ending just seemed inappropriate given what he had been through. There is also quite a lot of inconsistency in the book - why doesn’t Syla talk to wryleith more? Why do they continually try to save levsna? Why is jhiton so determined to take the actions he does - he’s really inconsistent.
This books has all the fast paced action and enjoyable scenes and is good, but it just doesn’t sit right with me.
February 12, 2026
Romantasy and Adventure
Although I could hardly put this book down, it still felt repetitive
Syla and Vorik always want to be together but they’re always on opposite sides of the conflict. Syla takes the high road when she has the upper hand, but Vorik always gives in to his brother’s demands.
It was difficult to admire him in this story. Did he really save her life? Maybe she would have preferred death to betraying her people.
A few new magical abilities seemed to be manifesting for Syla but nothing was truly explored. Hopefully we’ll get to see more of those in the next installment.
It appears that final book will center around the threats “from within” that have been hinted at for the past two books.
If you enjoy the snarky exchanges Buroker is known for, you’ll find plenty of those here.
Although I could hardly put this book down, it still felt repetitive
Syla and Vorik always want to be together but they’re always on opposite sides of the conflict. Syla takes the high road when she has the upper hand, but Vorik always gives in to his brother’s demands.
It was difficult to admire him in this story. Did he really save her life? Maybe she would have preferred death to betraying her people.
A few new magical abilities seemed to be manifesting for Syla but nothing was truly explored. Hopefully we’ll get to see more of those in the next installment.
It appears that final book will center around the threats “from within” that have been hinted at for the past two books.
If you enjoy the snarky exchanges Buroker is known for, you’ll find plenty of those here.
February 26, 2026
Game of Captives is intense!
As Syla and Vorik continue to work out their relationship challenges, they realize the impossibility of a future together while maintaining their integrity and loyalty to their own people. They have difficult choices to make as enemies faced with being on opposite sides of conflict. When inevitable war heats up and plans go awry with chaos, the increasing escalation forces them to take sides. While battling to help her people, Syla comes into her power with the aid of her independent dragon friend. While Vorik tries to follow orders from his superior leader and brother, he discovers that Syla has enemies in her own kingdom plotting against her. He realizes he must take action. I'm anticipating what comes next in Book 4.
As Syla and Vorik continue to work out their relationship challenges, they realize the impossibility of a future together while maintaining their integrity and loyalty to their own people. They have difficult choices to make as enemies faced with being on opposite sides of conflict. When inevitable war heats up and plans go awry with chaos, the increasing escalation forces them to take sides. While battling to help her people, Syla comes into her power with the aid of her independent dragon friend. While Vorik tries to follow orders from his superior leader and brother, he discovers that Syla has enemies in her own kingdom plotting against her. He realizes he must take action. I'm anticipating what comes next in Book 4.
February 25, 2026
This series is based on brilliant premises, with a range of quirky characters - including dragons - magic, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, conflicted emotions, loyalties and goals...in fact a typical Lyndsay Buroker type plot. However, the misplaced sex scenes are really not good - particularly in this book, where I felt each sexual encounter had been fitted in, somewhat awkwardly and implausibly. Every Buroker book I have read, has included strong attraction, sexual reference and encounters - this is the only series where I have felt the sex was overdone, inappropriately situated within plot, awkward and forced.
A book 4 is definitely inferred as Syla needs to address the implied plotting and treachery against her accession to the Throne; plus Vorik's clans are still very much on the warpath. I look forward to reading the next instalment of the story - hopefully with less of the teenage like hormones being explored and sated; with interruption & pause to the storyline.
A book 4 is definitely inferred as Syla needs to address the implied plotting and treachery against her accession to the Throne; plus Vorik's clans are still very much on the warpath. I look forward to reading the next instalment of the story - hopefully with less of the teenage like hormones being explored and sated; with interruption & pause to the storyline.
March 20, 2026
I saw so many different directions the author could have taken this but she surpassed my expectations! This book had me on edge the whole way through. But just like others mentioned — I hit 84% and realized…
This book is almost over and it doesn’t seem anywhere near wrapping up!
Want to know why?
Because it wasn’t. And now I’m left wondering if another book is coming or she’s just going to leave things unresolved like this???
Don’t get me wrong, I love where the story went…but I feel like it needs an entire book to wrap up the rest.
This is my husbands favorite author so I thought I would give it a shot, but I’m just left wanting more.
This book is almost over and it doesn’t seem anywhere near wrapping up!
Want to know why?
Because it wasn’t. And now I’m left wondering if another book is coming or she’s just going to leave things unresolved like this???
Don’t get me wrong, I love where the story went…but I feel like it needs an entire book to wrap up the rest.
This is my husbands favorite author so I thought I would give it a shot, but I’m just left wanting more.
February 10, 2026
I always love a Lindsay!
My only disappointment with this book is that it appears to be the last of the series! I am hoping the author will continue the story and give us a great HEA. There are many loose ends here that could justify a new book! Please Lindsay!!!!
The banter between the queen and Vorik was such fun! A bit of sarcasm, snark and true love. Best adventure since “The Princess Bride”! Loved the dragons, the interesting weaving of two cultures, and the powerful, intelligent women of the Kingdom. Highly recommend!!!
My only disappointment with this book is that it appears to be the last of the series! I am hoping the author will continue the story and give us a great HEA. There are many loose ends here that could justify a new book! Please Lindsay!!!!
The banter between the queen and Vorik was such fun! A bit of sarcasm, snark and true love. Best adventure since “The Princess Bride”! Loved the dragons, the interesting weaving of two cultures, and the powerful, intelligent women of the Kingdom. Highly recommend!!!
March 3, 2026
Excellent!!
So in this book, Lindsay made some respectable choices to propel the story forward. I just didn’t like how she just sort of ended it because her other books have an epilogue but this one didn’t.
I am interested in where the story is going to go because of Vorilks choice. It open up a lot of possibilities and some more tough decisions with lots of drama.
Looking forward to the next book!
So in this book, Lindsay made some respectable choices to propel the story forward. I just didn’t like how she just sort of ended it because her other books have an epilogue but this one didn’t.
I am interested in where the story is going to go because of Vorilks choice. It open up a lot of possibilities and some more tough decisions with lots of drama.
Looking forward to the next book!
February 9, 2026
Is that the end?
Please tell me there is a book 4 coming Lindsay! Your tales of Fire and Fang are WONDERFUL! I cried I laughed I shouted in despair I whispered in hope and I smiled it was a story for the ages an epic tale of dragons, warriors and love that never gets old never fades. Bless you!
Please tell me there is a book 4 coming Lindsay! Your tales of Fire and Fang are WONDERFUL! I cried I laughed I shouted in despair I whispered in hope and I smiled it was a story for the ages an epic tale of dragons, warriors and love that never gets old never fades. Bless you!
March 15, 2026
Good story
Lindsay Buroker is one of my favorite authors, however this was not one of my favorite series. It could have been so much better if the sex was less prominent. This series took a lot longer to read because I got bored with all the sex scenes. I thought the sex scenes took away from the story.
Lindsay Buroker is one of my favorite authors, however this was not one of my favorite series. It could have been so much better if the sex was less prominent. This series took a lot longer to read because I got bored with all the sex scenes. I thought the sex scenes took away from the story.
February 9, 2026
Another great installment
I’m going to assume this series continues. I need to know Syla gets her throne back and Voric gets to stay with her. They are the obvious solution to the problem, and I rely on Ms. Buroker to give me the happy ending I need.
I’m going to assume this series continues. I need to know Syla gets her throne back and Voric gets to stay with her. They are the obvious solution to the problem, and I rely on Ms. Buroker to give me the happy ending I need.
February 10, 2026
What a cliffhanger!
I can hardly wait for the next book in the series to drop! The characters undergo non-stop action, shifting relationships, crazy politics, and possibly intervention from the gods themselves!
I can hardly wait for the next book in the series to drop! The characters undergo non-stop action, shifting relationships, crazy politics, and possibly intervention from the gods themselves!
February 15, 2026
Love, love, love!
All of Lindsay's books are fantastic! The characters and story lines are always so interesting that you just cannot stop reading, then you are so sad when the book is done! Love her work!
All of Lindsay's books are fantastic! The characters and story lines are always so interesting that you just cannot stop reading, then you are so sad when the book is done! Love her work!
February 15, 2026
good read.
The series is great. It captures your attention and holds into it. The only complaint I have is the way this last book ended, I do hope you have plans to write another and not leave us hanging as to whether the kingdom was won back.
The series is great. It captures your attention and holds into it. The only complaint I have is the way this last book ended, I do hope you have plans to write another and not leave us hanging as to whether the kingdom was won back.
February 18, 2026
What next?
While I enjoyed the story, and Syla's burgeoning power, and the dragons, of course (because who doesn't 't love dragons) I don't know if I will continue the series. Way too much sex.
While I enjoyed the story, and Syla's burgeoning power, and the dragons, of course (because who doesn't 't love dragons) I don't know if I will continue the series. Way too much sex.
February 28, 2026
This can’t be the end!
As always I never want your series to end but this one just can’t be over. What an emotional, action filled, funny, creative ride but now we need what will happen next to Queen Sylar & Vorick.
As always I never want your series to end but this one just can’t be over. What an emotional, action filled, funny, creative ride but now we need what will happen next to Queen Sylar & Vorick.
March 3, 2026
A fitting end to a new beginning.
Princess Syla and her Stormer enemy come together, as usual, but plans don't go as intended. A non stop adventure, many deaths and a fitting end. There must be more to come though.
Princess Syla and her Stormer enemy come together, as usual, but plans don't go as intended. A non stop adventure, many deaths and a fitting end. There must be more to come though.
March 5, 2026
I got about 3/4 of the way through. I thought the lead hero was an absolute slime ball. He helped kill the heroine’s family, repeatedly betrayed her, & finally murdered his brother who had raised him. They had sex under conditions no one would ever want to have sex. I couldn’t stand anymore.
March 9, 2026
More Epic Dragon fantasy!
This is definitely one of my favorite of Buroker’s series. The personalities and characters are engaging and charming…I can’t wait for the next installment!
This is definitely one of my favorite of Buroker’s series. The personalities and characters are engaging and charming…I can’t wait for the next installment!
February 9, 2026
3.5 stars
February 10, 2026
An exciting story.
This is a great series, full of action with great characters and character development. I can’t wait for the next book.
This is a great series, full of action with great characters and character development. I can’t wait for the next book.
February 11, 2026
Okay
This series isn't as good as her previous ones. I don't care for the porn and hope Lindsay won't have it in her next one.
This series isn't as good as her previous ones. I don't care for the porn and hope Lindsay won't have it in her next one.
February 17, 2026
I almost gave up hope there in the middle but I'm glad I finished the book.
February 17, 2026
Not my favorite of Lindsay's books. Loved the snark and the action but a little too much graphic detail as far as the sex scenes go.
Read
February 17, 2026From my favorite author
Another wonderful saga. Dragons, magic, love and war, and just enough spice. I can't wait till the next book comes out!
Another wonderful saga. Dragons, magic, love and war, and just enough spice. I can't wait till the next book comes out!
February 18, 2026
So fun! Really enjoyed this.
February 23, 2026
that was the end?
Story got to be a little annoying but the ending just kinda ruined it for me. Love this author normally so I was a little shocked by this book.
Story got to be a little annoying but the ending just kinda ruined it for me. Love this author normally so I was a little shocked by this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews