What do you think?
Rate this book
Death Before Dragons #4.5
The Forbidden Ground
In "The Forbidden Ground," Val and Dimitri (and Sindari and Zav) take a trip to Southern Oregon for an assignment that is not as simple as it seems.
In the bonus scenes, we take a look at several events from the first three novels in the Death Before Dragons series from Lord Zavryd's point of view. For the first time ever, we see what he was thinking while interacting with Val and the world at large.
From the author's site: I wrote story to stand alone (so if you’re a new reader, you can jump in and enjoy it), but it does have some spoilers for the earlier books. It takes places between Books 4 and 5 in the Death Before Dragons series.
In the bonus scenes, we take a look at several events from the first three novels in the Death Before Dragons series from Lord Zavryd's point of view. For the first time ever, we see what he was thinking while interacting with Val and the world at large.
From the author's site: I wrote story to stand alone (so if you’re a new reader, you can jump in and enjoy it), but it does have some spoilers for the earlier books. It takes places between Books 4 and 5 in the Death Before Dragons series.
158 pages, ebook
First published May 22, 2020
21 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
198 books6,236 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 4, 2020
Fabulous!!!
I loved the short story and then the follow up scenes from Zav's point of view, it gave me a totally different perspective and mostly from a fun point of view.
The short was as good as the full books, nail biting, mysterious and definitely fun but those POVs were simply amazing!!!
Onto the next one...
I loved the short story and then the follow up scenes from Zav's point of view, it gave me a totally different perspective and mostly from a fun point of view.
The short was as good as the full books, nail biting, mysterious and definitely fun but those POVs were simply amazing!!!
Onto the next one...
June 24, 2022
The Forbidden Ground is a novella in the Death Before Dragons series by Lindsay Buroker.
This novella is a freebie that you can pick up here
We get a short story which I enjoyed and then follow up scenes from Zav's point of view.
The Pov’s didn’t add much to the books already published. I wasn’t impressed; because all the scenes featured in this novella felt word for word from the books with only a little new insight. I don’t think the POV added to Zav’s character or the series.
Rated: 3 Stars
This novella is a freebie that you can pick up here
We get a short story which I enjoyed and then follow up scenes from Zav's point of view.
The Pov’s didn’t add much to the books already published. I wasn’t impressed; because all the scenes featured in this novella felt word for word from the books with only a little new insight. I don’t think the POV added to Zav’s character or the series.
Rated: 3 Stars
July 6, 2023
This was a fun short story plus Zav's POV scenes to help tide me over between books.
July 9, 2020
Cute, fun little .5 novel. I really liked seeing scenes from the dragon's point of view-- seeing his opinion of her slowly change. Super fun!
July 5, 2020
This was just ok. It didn't add much to the books already published, which is the only reason I would read supplementary novellas in a series. The shoe shopping short was my favourite.
February 20, 2023
Interesting story. Makes me want to eventually get to reading the series. Filler story, I'd say.
July 30, 2021
This was a fun little short story for these characters. The retelling of certain scenes from Zav's perspective was an added bonus.
November 9, 2023
Excellent backstory on the two main characters. This really made me like Zav so much more now that I got his perspective. Lovely romance between him and Val.
January 31, 2022
A nice side adventure with Zav, Val, Sindari and Dimitri. After reading the blurb I expected to get some of the story from Zav’s POV, so I was a bit disappointed when there were none. Regardless, this was an enjoyable novelette.
P.S. You don’t need to read this one to keep up with their story since it doesn’t really add any further insight to the series.
Content: Clean, Mild innuendo.
P.S. You don’t need to read this one to keep up with their story since it doesn’t really add any further insight to the series.
Content: Clean, Mild innuendo.
April 24, 2021
A short story plus a few scenes from Zav's pov. No spoilers but one had a very interesting observation about Val that I hope is explored further in the series.
April 3, 2021
Absolutely adored this one. To be totally honest, I didn't really care for the side story, I didn't feel like to actually added anything to the series, but those bonus scenes in Zav's POV? Oooo boy, did I love them. I want more...right now. Couldn't get enough of them. It was so nice to finally know for sure what Zav thought of the shenanigans he and Val got up to.
December 2, 2023
While short this one was fun. It was nice to see things from a different perspective.
November 7, 2023
I loved the new short story, The Forbidden Ground.
Of the bits of story in Zav's POV, I liked some more than others.
Of the bits of story in Zav's POV, I liked some more than others.
August 13, 2022
What should be a routine assignment turns into something a little hairier (in more ways than one) and Val has to muscle her way out of her latest pickle. Her crew (Sindari, Dimitri, and Zav [who probably doesn't want to be thought of as backup or ground support - or is that air support?]) get caught in the weirdness (Zav more than the others) and BAD THINGS very nearly happen.
In the bonus scenes, we get to see in the most magnificent dragon's head as he goes from very put-out over Val's less-than-awed attitude toward him to how he looks forward to their verbal sparring matches. Plus, the big guy buys shoes. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
In the bonus scenes, we get to see in the most magnificent dragon's head as he goes from very put-out over Val's less-than-awed attitude toward him to how he looks forward to their verbal sparring matches. Plus, the big guy buys shoes. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 28, 2020
Oh, Zav. So much facepalming while reading this. He really does not understand humans, but I guess that's part of his charm. 😆
November 18, 2020
I've been really enjoying Lindsay Buroker's series. This is the third one I've read now and I like that they are quick easy reads. I had already read a space opera and a more traditional high fantasy by her, so I wanted to try her urban fantasy. I ended up liking the first book in the series quite a lot, but not loving it as much as I had hoped. That being said, I've read the whole series, or at least what's been published now, and I think the following books were better than that one.
The trademark Lindsay Buroker humor is present, which is one reason I like her books. They make me laugh quite a bit, and who doesn't like a little bit of laughter in their life? On the downside, I do feel like I've, for the most part, read the same main character in all three series. There are some slight differences, but they could be more distinct. Also every once in a while I find myself rolling my eyes at the attempts at humor, but still the stories are mostly good fun, and I don't think we are meant to take them too seriously.
I think my biggest issue with the main character is that she walked out on her daughter years ago to protect her from the different individuals/creatures who come after her because of her job, and I can't help but think that she could have simply left the job and chosen her daughter instead. This is definitely a flaw in the main character that I don't like, but this improves as the series progresses.
I thought this series had an interesting mix of fantasy creatures. There was pretty much everything but the kitchen sink thrown in, from dragons to vampires to orcs, and somehow it worked. I read these books back to back and I really can't remember now where one ended and the next started, so this will be my review for the whole series.
Sinister Magic (Death Before Dragons, #1): 3 stars
Battle Bond (Death Before Dragons, #2): 3.5 stars
Tangled Truths (Death Before Dragons, #3): 3.5 stars
Elven Doom (Death Before Dragons, #4): 3.5 stars
The Forbidden Ground (Death Before Dragons 4.5): 3 stars
False Security (Death Before Dragons #5): 3.5 stars
Storm Forged (Death Before Dragons #6): 3.5 stars
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
The trademark Lindsay Buroker humor is present, which is one reason I like her books. They make me laugh quite a bit, and who doesn't like a little bit of laughter in their life? On the downside, I do feel like I've, for the most part, read the same main character in all three series. There are some slight differences, but they could be more distinct. Also every once in a while I find myself rolling my eyes at the attempts at humor, but still the stories are mostly good fun, and I don't think we are meant to take them too seriously.
I think my biggest issue with the main character is that she walked out on her daughter years ago to protect her from the different individuals/creatures who come after her because of her job, and I can't help but think that she could have simply left the job and chosen her daughter instead. This is definitely a flaw in the main character that I don't like, but this improves as the series progresses.
I thought this series had an interesting mix of fantasy creatures. There was pretty much everything but the kitchen sink thrown in, from dragons to vampires to orcs, and somehow it worked. I read these books back to back and I really can't remember now where one ended and the next started, so this will be my review for the whole series.
Sinister Magic (Death Before Dragons, #1): 3 stars
Battle Bond (Death Before Dragons, #2): 3.5 stars
Tangled Truths (Death Before Dragons, #3): 3.5 stars
Elven Doom (Death Before Dragons, #4): 3.5 stars
The Forbidden Ground (Death Before Dragons 4.5): 3 stars
False Security (Death Before Dragons #5): 3.5 stars
Storm Forged (Death Before Dragons #6): 3.5 stars
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
June 22, 2021
3.5
Note: I read/listened to this series while traveling, so I didn't have access to review each individually. So, this is a review for books .5-6.
I’ve read several of Buroker’s books by now and enjoyed them all. The Death Before Dragons series is no exception. I really liked Val and her sarcasm, especially when she bantered with Willard. I loved that she was over 40, even if the fact that she didn’t look it kind of made it only half as satisfying as it would be to have a 40yo heroine who looked her age too. I adored that Val was biologically a mother, but not maternal or raising her child. This is a reality authors very rarely allow female characters, especially ones we’re supposed to like. I appreciate the diversity of the cast. And each of the books wrapped up nicely, which I prefer over an overarching plot where you have to read the whole series to get any conclusive satisfaction. All in all, I would be happy to continue the series.
I did have a few complaints. Some of the humor was over the top silly at times. There was a running joke about the shoes the hero wore and if they made him look gay or not, which trod a little too close to a gay joke for my taste (pun intended). This was somewhat mitigated by a loved and important gay character (who wasn’t cliched). But it shouldn’t be a tit for tat situation. Similarly, Val’s refusal to learn to pronounce the dragons’ names was a sign of rebellion, but it also reminded me a lot of Westerners who can learn to pronounce Dostoevsky but not names from the African continent. Uncomfortably close to a problem, close enough to recognize, but not quite there.
Lastly, I liked Zav and appreciated him as a love interest, but I never truly felt the passion. There was only one sex scene and it was fade to black, so I suppose passion wasn’t the point. But I might have liked to feel the love more strongly.
I stopped at book six because that’s the last the library had. But if I came across book 7 I’d happily read it. But I’m not sad to have a break here either.
Note: I read/listened to this series while traveling, so I didn't have access to review each individually. So, this is a review for books .5-6.
I’ve read several of Buroker’s books by now and enjoyed them all. The Death Before Dragons series is no exception. I really liked Val and her sarcasm, especially when she bantered with Willard. I loved that she was over 40, even if the fact that she didn’t look it kind of made it only half as satisfying as it would be to have a 40yo heroine who looked her age too. I adored that Val was biologically a mother, but not maternal or raising her child. This is a reality authors very rarely allow female characters, especially ones we’re supposed to like. I appreciate the diversity of the cast. And each of the books wrapped up nicely, which I prefer over an overarching plot where you have to read the whole series to get any conclusive satisfaction. All in all, I would be happy to continue the series.
I did have a few complaints. Some of the humor was over the top silly at times. There was a running joke about the shoes the hero wore and if they made him look gay or not, which trod a little too close to a gay joke for my taste (pun intended). This was somewhat mitigated by a loved and important gay character (who wasn’t cliched). But it shouldn’t be a tit for tat situation. Similarly, Val’s refusal to learn to pronounce the dragons’ names was a sign of rebellion, but it also reminded me a lot of Westerners who can learn to pronounce Dostoevsky but not names from the African continent. Uncomfortably close to a problem, close enough to recognize, but not quite there.
Lastly, I liked Zav and appreciated him as a love interest, but I never truly felt the passion. There was only one sex scene and it was fade to black, so I suppose passion wasn’t the point. But I might have liked to feel the love more strongly.
I stopped at book six because that’s the last the library had. But if I came across book 7 I’d happily read it. But I’m not sad to have a break here either.
June 30, 2020
The short story was interesting. But the feel of it was different than how things were left after book 4. I felt like their relationship was on the same level as it was with book 2. The characters didn’t seem quite as developed as they had been.
As for Zav’s point of view. I didn’t like the way his character was portrayed. The picture I painted in my head was much better (for my liking anyway). He is portrayed as a much weaker and haughty character in his point of view. That’s the impression I got anyway. All the other books have been fantastic. I’m not sure I’ll read any more excerpts from Zav’s point of view (if she writes them).
On a plus side, there were some hilarious parts that had my sister and I in tears!
As for Zav’s point of view. I didn’t like the way his character was portrayed. The picture I painted in my head was much better (for my liking anyway). He is portrayed as a much weaker and haughty character in his point of view. That’s the impression I got anyway. All the other books have been fantastic. I’m not sure I’ll read any more excerpts from Zav’s point of view (if she writes them).
On a plus side, there were some hilarious parts that had my sister and I in tears!
September 27, 2020
1.5 ⭐️
I really hated zav’s point of view it was vary underwhelming to say the least. I wanted depth to his character, his world, the dragon Realm, how he felt when she Pulled the trigger when they where underground.
But what we got was him confirming that he was attracted to her, over, and over again, in the most creepy way possible;
how he has no empathy for anyone and the only reason for his supposed “Honor” is his misguided sense of superiority and the complete and utter lack of critical thinking
the main reason for him wanting to Capture the dark elf’s is to obey/not disappoint his mother and to keep her political standing intact, not the 30k shifters that got Annihilated.
Also he has the audacity to judge val for doing her job under her law and blaming her for not knowing his law without any representation from his “dragon justice court ” and subjugating and judging her to his morals and way of thinking; and never giving her the benefit of the doubt or asking her to explain and be open minded about other cultures!
I really wish I didn’t read this
I really hated zav’s point of view it was vary underwhelming to say the least. I wanted depth to his character, his world, the dragon Realm, how he felt when she Pulled the trigger when they where underground.
But what we got was him confirming that he was attracted to her, over, and over again, in the most creepy way possible;
how he has no empathy for anyone and the only reason for his supposed “Honor” is his misguided sense of superiority and the complete and utter lack of critical thinking
the main reason for him wanting to Capture the dark elf’s is to obey/not disappoint his mother and to keep her political standing intact, not the 30k shifters that got Annihilated.
Also he has the audacity to judge val for doing her job under her law and blaming her for not knowing his law without any representation from his “dragon justice court ” and subjugating and judging her to his morals and way of thinking; and never giving her the benefit of the doubt or asking her to explain and be open minded about other cultures!
I really wish I didn’t read this
September 12, 2022
In "The Forbidden Ground," Val and Dimitri (and Sindari and Zav) take a trip to Southern Oregon for an assignment that is not as simple as it seems.
In the bonus scenes, we take a look at several events from the first three novels in the Death Before Dragons series from Lord Zavryd's point of view. For the first time ever, we see what he was thinking while interacting with Val and the world at large.
From the author's site: I wrote story to stand alone (so if you’re a new reader, you can jump in and enjoy it), but it does have some spoilers for the earlier books. It takes places between Books 4 and 5 in the Death Before Dragons series
Heather's Notes
So I liked the short story. It was well paced and fits into the series perfectly. I was a little disappointed in Zav POV - I really thought we would get more insight (and it would be different) but his thoughts pretty much matched what he was saying - still I liked the part with the cowboy boots
In the bonus scenes, we take a look at several events from the first three novels in the Death Before Dragons series from Lord Zavryd's point of view. For the first time ever, we see what he was thinking while interacting with Val and the world at large.
From the author's site: I wrote story to stand alone (so if you’re a new reader, you can jump in and enjoy it), but it does have some spoilers for the earlier books. It takes places between Books 4 and 5 in the Death Before Dragons series
Heather's Notes
So I liked the short story. It was well paced and fits into the series perfectly. I was a little disappointed in Zav POV - I really thought we would get more insight (and it would be different) but his thoughts pretty much matched what he was saying - still I liked the part with the cowboy boots
May 29, 2021
Adds some interesting detail to the Death Before Dragons series. An additional example of Val using her innate powers to resist mind manipulation and show Zav that she is to be trusted, since he is continually tells his mother and sister that he trusts Val after marking her for a mate, but doesn't have that many instances in which to trust her as of yet.
Followed by a series of scenes from the first 3 books written from Zav's point-of-view. Would be more interesting to learn more about the dragon world and maybe what Zav is doing when he goes back to "talk with his mother" and leaves Val for days or weeks at a time. But still interesting to see how Zav's human form feelings develop and how he gets his poster and cowboy boots.
I read this after book 6 but would have made more sense to read after book 3.
Followed by a series of scenes from the first 3 books written from Zav's point-of-view. Would be more interesting to learn more about the dragon world and maybe what Zav is doing when he goes back to "talk with his mother" and leaves Val for days or weeks at a time. But still interesting to see how Zav's human form feelings develop and how he gets his poster and cowboy boots.
I read this after book 6 but would have made more sense to read after book 3.
August 27, 2024
It was some fun extra reading, but nothing spectacular. You can skip this one without missing much, but if you're reading the series I assume you like the characters and their adventures, so you'll like this short extra story as well.
The ending was quite sudden, but for a fantasy book of this length I probably shouldn't expect much more. Still, I feel like I have more questions now than I had before reading it, and I'm not entirely sure they will be answered.
Let's find out.
Edit: The e-book contained some extra chapters from Zav's POV and it was fun reading those. The chapters were mainly moments we already saw happening from Val's POV so we didn't learn much, but it was fun nonetheless. Such a shame that the audiobook didn't contain them too.
The ending was quite sudden, but for a fantasy book of this length I probably shouldn't expect much more. Still, I feel like I have more questions now than I had before reading it, and I'm not entirely sure they will be answered.
Let's find out.
Edit: The e-book contained some extra chapters from Zav's POV and it was fun reading those. The chapters were mainly moments we already saw happening from Val's POV so we didn't learn much, but it was fun nonetheless. Such a shame that the audiobook didn't contain them too.
October 6, 2023
“The Forbidden Ground”, book 4.5 in the ‘Death Before Dragons’ series, is a bit of an oddity and definitely should not be read out of sequence as it delves into events from Zav’s point of view.
The idea seems to be that this will give us a greater understanding of him but, to be perfectly honest, it doesn’t as he is exactly as previously described – insufferable, full of himself, and not the brightest bulb in the box.
It’s a pleasant, free filler but nothing more. But if you ever wondered about his obsession with shoes, or the photograph he gave Val, you’ll find the answers here.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
The idea seems to be that this will give us a greater understanding of him but, to be perfectly honest, it doesn’t as he is exactly as previously described – insufferable, full of himself, and not the brightest bulb in the box.
It’s a pleasant, free filler but nothing more. But if you ever wondered about his obsession with shoes, or the photograph he gave Val, you’ll find the answers here.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
January 11, 2021
Urban Fantasy is definitely one of my guilty pleasures and the Death by Dragons series by Lindsay Buroker is my new favorite series in that genre. It reminds me a bit of the Kate Daniels series written by Ilona Andrews. It has a great mix, of romance, snark, humor, and action in it. I am glad I discovered it after several books had been published because the story could be a bit frustrating if you had to wait too long for the next book but luckily Lindsay Buroker is a fast and enjoyable writer.
April 6, 2021
I listened to the audio book version of this, so I didn't get the bonus features. I would have liked a sneak peak into Zav's mind; I suspect that a lot happens there of which we are unaware.
This novella actually felt out of place as a bridge between books 4 and 5. For example, in the end of book 4, Zav and Val discuss why they won't be having any further meals together... yet this one constantly refers to going out for Barbecue again. As a reader, I find constant discrepancies like that irksome.
This novella actually felt out of place as a bridge between books 4 and 5. For example, in the end of book 4, Zav and Val discuss why they won't be having any further meals together... yet this one constantly refers to going out for Barbecue again. As a reader, I find constant discrepancies like that irksome.
October 24, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed books 1-6 of this series, so much that I purchased all the ebooks!
I'm not usually into urban fantasy but these books were so good. A kick-butt mfc, with funny and interesting side characters, and Big-energy mmc!
There was always plenty of action, humor, and intrigue, with just enough romance to keep me stupid-smiling.
Definitely going on with Secrets of the Sword 1-3!
Since this was just a side novella with a short story and different scenes POV, it wasn't as entertaining. I'd honestly wanted a little more 'interest' in Val from Zavs POV, but it was still good.
I'm not usually into urban fantasy but these books were so good. A kick-butt mfc, with funny and interesting side characters, and Big-energy mmc!
There was always plenty of action, humor, and intrigue, with just enough romance to keep me stupid-smiling.
Definitely going on with Secrets of the Sword 1-3!
Since this was just a side novella with a short story and different scenes POV, it wasn't as entertaining. I'd honestly wanted a little more 'interest' in Val from Zavs POV, but it was still good.
August 3, 2020
I received this book, for free, via the author's newsletter. The bonus scenes were excellent and stayed true to the tone of the series without throwing up anything unexpected. It was good to experience some of my favourite scenes from Zav's point of view.
The Death Before Dragon's story was thoroughly enjoyable - it sees Val and Dimitri thrown together in one of Val's missions, with an appearance by the haunty Zav. Forbidden Ground can also be read on Lindsay Buroker's blog.
The Death Before Dragon's story was thoroughly enjoyable - it sees Val and Dimitri thrown together in one of Val's missions, with an appearance by the haunty Zav. Forbidden Ground can also be read on Lindsay Buroker's blog.
September 12, 2020
(2.5 Stars)
In all honesty, in as much as I loved the Death Before Dragon series the excerpts found in The Forbidden Ground weren’t that interesting. Additionally, the three scenes of Zav’s point of view were disappointing because they were written in the third person and just didn’t contain a lot of emotion.
Much of this book is a rehash of what we have already experienced and I’m glad this novella was free!
In all honesty, in as much as I loved the Death Before Dragon series the excerpts found in The Forbidden Ground weren’t that interesting. Additionally, the three scenes of Zav’s point of view were disappointing because they were written in the third person and just didn’t contain a lot of emotion.
Much of this book is a rehash of what we have already experienced and I’m glad this novella was free!
May 19, 2022
3.5 stars. Since I've been having trouble accessing Goodreads I didn't realize that I'd skipped this book and I had to go back to it. On one hand I enjoyed behind the scenes additional stories, but on the other and, I almost don't like hearing some of zav's thoughts, in his case it's almost better to be mysterious than to hear his belittling thoughts. But of course it gets better towards the end and overall I did enjoy it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews