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Valkyrie Bestiary #2
Dervishes Don't Dance
A Guardian is dead. Fae are missing. And someone has let a golem loose in town. Ride along with Kyra Greene, the only pest controller qualified to deal with the strange and wonderful creatures that come out the shadows when magic flares.
Dervishes Don’t Dance is the second book in the Valkyrie Bestiary series.
Dervishes Don’t Dance is the second book in the Valkyrie Bestiary series.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2020
999 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Kim McDougall
46 books355 followersIf Kim McDougall could have one magical superpower, it would be to talk to animals. Or maybe to shift into animal form. Definitely, fantastical critters and magic often feature in her stories. So until she can change into a Griffin and fly away, she writes dark paranormal action and romance tales. Kim is also passionate about fiber art, photography, children’s literacy, rescue animals, nature, and genre-bending fiction. She also writes for children under pen name Kim Chatel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
February 7, 2021
I enjoyed it, but I'm not sold on Mason as love interest, and I find the way Kyra is hurling herself into the relationship to be... embarrassing. Like, I'm embarrassed for her utter lack of self respect. She's had like 3 encounters with this guy, and after each one he ignores her for six months or more (after the first one, for a whole year!). Yet she obsesses about him in this insta-love way that is eyerolling. At one point in her inner narrative she swears to herself that "after everything we've been through together" she'd wait for him however long it takes. Dude. I literally laughed at loud at how OTT overdramatic that was. She barely knows him, and he blows hot and cold at a whiplash-inducing rate. And every encounter ends with months of ghosting. Hard pass, and please see a therapist to talk about your self-worth issues.
That sounds like I didn't like it, but that's actually not true. Mason isn't in it all that much (because of the aforementioned tendency to disappear for months), and I do like the underlying story. And Kyra's family of rescues are wonderful. Emil is an interesting addition, as is Errol. I'm engaged with the overall plot, and excited to see where it goes. And I want more Kyra backstory!
So definitely reading onward. Just not sold on Mason.
That sounds like I didn't like it, but that's actually not true. Mason isn't in it all that much (because of the aforementioned tendency to disappear for months), and I do like the underlying story. And Kyra's family of rescues are wonderful. Emil is an interesting addition, as is Errol. I'm engaged with the overall plot, and excited to see where it goes. And I want more Kyra backstory!
So definitely reading onward. Just not sold on Mason.
February 28, 2021
Still enjoying this little series, still loving Kyra and her menagerie of orphans. Still see no purpose for Mason whatsoever. 4 stars
October 24, 2020
Very good
My only issue was that at times, the story did not flow along like it did in the first book. However, it was still entertaining and I will be picking up the next book when it is released.
My only issue was that at times, the story did not flow along like it did in the first book. However, it was still entertaining and I will be picking up the next book when it is released.
July 21, 2024
Someone tell me if she gets over Mason, cause I’m over it and won’t be reading further if the rest of the series is like the first 2 books.
Mason keeps ghosting her, she keeps obsessing over him. I don’t get how she got so attached when she barely interacts with him and then he ignores her for nearly a year between each interactive event. I also don’t particularly get why he’s interested in her against his best judgement.
The story itself was disappointing. It’s mostly Mason’s problem, but she inserts herself.
Unlike the last one, they stay in the city for this one. I’m more disappointed than I was when they went out in the first book. It seems that her love of animals mostly means keeping them caged and fed. Most of her interactions with her rescues are holding a finger through a bar or putting something [gross like rotting meat] into their cages for them to eat. The mini kraken is always escaping but she just routinely plops him back into his aquarium. What sad lives :( She seems more like an animal hoarder now than an animal rescuer.
Like I said - not going to keep reading this series. Someone tell me if she smartens up and stops throwing herself at Mason. It’s kinda cringe at this point.
Mason keeps ghosting her, she keeps obsessing over him. I don’t get how she got so attached when she barely interacts with him and then he ignores her for nearly a year between each interactive event. I also don’t particularly get why he’s interested in her against his best judgement.
The story itself was disappointing. It’s mostly Mason’s problem, but she inserts herself.
Unlike the last one, they stay in the city for this one. I’m more disappointed than I was when they went out in the first book. It seems that her love of animals mostly means keeping them caged and fed. Most of her interactions with her rescues are holding a finger through a bar or putting something [gross like rotting meat] into their cages for them to eat. The mini kraken is always escaping but she just routinely plops him back into his aquarium. What sad lives :( She seems more like an animal hoarder now than an animal rescuer.
Like I said - not going to keep reading this series. Someone tell me if she smartens up and stops throwing herself at Mason. It’s kinda cringe at this point.
December 25, 2020
Just not to my taste
I can't quite put my finger on it. Reading this book made me feel like it was barely scratching the surface. The romance between the h and the Captain was superficial and not convincing. They barely spend time together and yet she's already in love with him. He blows hot and cold but she always comes running when he calls. And even when he doesn't. Her personality feels bland. So do the secondary characters. And the story has some time jumps. Like when she learned very important information that she knew she should share with the Captain. Does she tell him immediately? Not really. It takes her days.
I just can't connect with any of the characters. Everything feels superficial. Maybe it's just me. Hopefully, the rest of the series is better. But I probably won't be reading the next books anymore.
I can't quite put my finger on it. Reading this book made me feel like it was barely scratching the surface. The romance between the h and the Captain was superficial and not convincing. They barely spend time together and yet she's already in love with him. He blows hot and cold but she always comes running when he calls. And even when he doesn't. Her personality feels bland. So do the secondary characters. And the story has some time jumps. Like when she learned very important information that she knew she should share with the Captain. Does she tell him immediately? Not really. It takes her days.
I just can't connect with any of the characters. Everything feels superficial. Maybe it's just me. Hopefully, the rest of the series is better. But I probably won't be reading the next books anymore.
April 17, 2021
I really like Kyra and her menagerie. But while she's expanding her powers and her knowledge, she's also locking part of it away. The overall story is fun and different- which keeps the story interesting, but the characters all around are pretty one dimensional. There isn't a whole lot of depth or conversation happening- which makes it hard to really get attached to anyone. I think out of everyone, I like Angus the gargoyle the most.
I want to like her slow burn romance with Mason, but it's so hot and cold that it's more annoying than anything. I don't really like Mason TBH. I keep waiting for him to be better...and he's just not.
The corrupt govt is also sad, if not too unexpected. Mostly, I am hoping her next books are more character focused. I would love some better backstory and interaction between people/fae.
I want to like her slow burn romance with Mason, but it's so hot and cold that it's more annoying than anything. I don't really like Mason TBH. I keep waiting for him to be better...and he's just not.
The corrupt govt is also sad, if not too unexpected. Mostly, I am hoping her next books are more character focused. I would love some better backstory and interaction between people/fae.
October 15, 2020
Every bit as good as the first
I love these books for all of the critters and I adore the strays picked up by Kyra. The books are better when Mason is around. There was a long build up and then the end seemed rushed. Regardless a good sequel. This would be 4.5 but as that is not possible I have rounded it up.
I love these books for all of the critters and I adore the strays picked up by Kyra. The books are better when Mason is around. There was a long build up and then the end seemed rushed. Regardless a good sequel. This would be 4.5 but as that is not possible I have rounded it up.
October 18, 2020
Engaging read
This is the second book in Kim McDougall's series. I highly recommend bot books! These books a refreshing take on the paranormal world.
They are in turns, interesting, funny, witty, thought provoking, and romantic.
I am eagerly anticipating the next book in her series!
This is the second book in Kim McDougall's series. I highly recommend bot books! These books a refreshing take on the paranormal world.
They are in turns, interesting, funny, witty, thought provoking, and romantic.
I am eagerly anticipating the next book in her series!
March 9, 2021
I'm really enjoying this series. I like the world-building and Kyra and her menagerie. I don't really see a need for the romance. It doesn't make a lot of sense given the context. They've had very few interactions, so the ILYs kind of came out of nowhere. I like the rest enough to keep reading.
June 22, 2021
Holy crow!
What a hell of a story! Fantastic world building and suspense galore. I can’t wait to dive into the next book. I had the “I’m just going to read one more chapter” thing going last night till I couldn’t keep my eyes open and it was 3:30 a.m. kudos!!
What a hell of a story! Fantastic world building and suspense galore. I can’t wait to dive into the next book. I had the “I’m just going to read one more chapter” thing going last night till I couldn’t keep my eyes open and it was 3:30 a.m. kudos!!
February 12, 2024
This book and audio version of it was so good! It is such a different take on books these days and I just love the interactions between Kyra and her critters. This book included Emile who I am excited to get to know more. The its 5x5 reference made me think of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Faith.
December 9, 2020
I am dissatisfied but this is well-written
I enjoy these stories but I don't appreciate how Eurocentric they are when they're set in Canada. There are centuries of indigenous belief and mythology on this land but here i am reading YET ANOTHER urban fantasy series with none of that* except a brief mention of an entity that, so I've been told, isn't even supposed to be a named thing. I don't know if I'll bother reading more in this series or not, partially because of that and partially because of the "not like other girls" feeling that was budding by the end and the implied love triangle that's developing (blecch).
*look, settler authors including indigenous mythology is a minefield and I get that. I've read some real fetishist shit over the years. But this is just so fucking lazy and racist. I'm not saying the AUTHOR is racist, I'm saying the pervasiveness of ignoring indigenous culture in the genre is ABSOLUTELY racist. It's the same racist shit that tries to pretend FNMI people are past tense in reality. Don't need that shit in my fiction too.
I enjoy these stories but I don't appreciate how Eurocentric they are when they're set in Canada. There are centuries of indigenous belief and mythology on this land but here i am reading YET ANOTHER urban fantasy series with none of that* except a brief mention of an entity that, so I've been told, isn't even supposed to be a named thing. I don't know if I'll bother reading more in this series or not, partially because of that and partially because of the "not like other girls" feeling that was budding by the end and the implied love triangle that's developing (blecch).
*look, settler authors including indigenous mythology is a minefield and I get that. I've read some real fetishist shit over the years. But this is just so fucking lazy and racist. I'm not saying the AUTHOR is racist, I'm saying the pervasiveness of ignoring indigenous culture in the genre is ABSOLUTELY racist. It's the same racist shit that tries to pretend FNMI people are past tense in reality. Don't need that shit in my fiction too.
November 2, 2024
Each book just keeps getting better! The narrator is superb!
February 6, 2023
An Adventure Fraught with Treachery, Mystery, and Skulduggery!
Kim McDougall is still a new-to-me author but I’m really enjoyed these action-packed urban fantasy stories. The future world that she has created is a rich, fantastical tapestry that still feels real and believable. I enjoyed Kim’s pacing in this story and the revelations were delightfully unexpected. The humour in her stories are always fantastic; feeling natural and well-timed. Kim had me smiling and chuckling out loud quite a few times.
Kyra Greene ticked my boxes – a heroine capable to kick arse with a heart of gold.
As our protagonist, Kyra exhibited many of the personality traits that I love. She’s intelligent, has integrity and will fight against injustice. I loved seeing how she dealt with the challenges that sprung to confront her in these stories. Kyra loves expanding her knowledge about the creatures that now inhabit the world and uses her skills to deal with them humanely. I love that she writes a blog – Valkyrie Bestiary – and shares her knowledge and experiences throughout these stories. Kyra has captured my heart and I’m looking forward to listening to more of her adventures.
But it’s not just about Kyra, there’s a varied selection of characters to entertain and connect to.
I loved the personalities that Kim created for each one of the characters in this story. There are fae, brownies, vampires, and so many fantastical species that I wouldn’t know where to begin! We get to know Mason and the other gargoyles a bit more during this adventure. Lyra’s menagerie is ever-expanding and we’re introduced to more of the human population within the Montreal Ward.
Hollie Jackson is one of my favourite narrators.
Hollie did a great job pulling me into this story. The pace she read felt right to me and the emotions and inflexions she used throughout heightened my enjoyment. Hollie’s performance brought Kyra and the other characters to life. She has a wealth of accents and voices; she creates just the right one for each character she reads. I never felt lost when multiple characters were in conversation. Hollie transported me into each and every scene in these stories.
Dervishes Don’t Dance is a fantastic audiobook.
Kim’s written another tale that is a great example of a character-led urban fantasy story. Our protagonist’s journey aside, who couldn’t be won over by Jacoby’s growing bravery or the insights Angus reveals. I’m also looking forward to learning more about Errol. I’ve already downloaded audiobook 3 – Hellhounds Don’t Heel. I need to listen to the next adventure and find out what Kyra encounters next.
Kim McDougall is still a new-to-me author but I’m really enjoyed these action-packed urban fantasy stories. The future world that she has created is a rich, fantastical tapestry that still feels real and believable. I enjoyed Kim’s pacing in this story and the revelations were delightfully unexpected. The humour in her stories are always fantastic; feeling natural and well-timed. Kim had me smiling and chuckling out loud quite a few times.
Kyra Greene ticked my boxes – a heroine capable to kick arse with a heart of gold.
As our protagonist, Kyra exhibited many of the personality traits that I love. She’s intelligent, has integrity and will fight against injustice. I loved seeing how she dealt with the challenges that sprung to confront her in these stories. Kyra loves expanding her knowledge about the creatures that now inhabit the world and uses her skills to deal with them humanely. I love that she writes a blog – Valkyrie Bestiary – and shares her knowledge and experiences throughout these stories. Kyra has captured my heart and I’m looking forward to listening to more of her adventures.
But it’s not just about Kyra, there’s a varied selection of characters to entertain and connect to.
I loved the personalities that Kim created for each one of the characters in this story. There are fae, brownies, vampires, and so many fantastical species that I wouldn’t know where to begin! We get to know Mason and the other gargoyles a bit more during this adventure. Lyra’s menagerie is ever-expanding and we’re introduced to more of the human population within the Montreal Ward.
Hollie Jackson is one of my favourite narrators.
Hollie did a great job pulling me into this story. The pace she read felt right to me and the emotions and inflexions she used throughout heightened my enjoyment. Hollie’s performance brought Kyra and the other characters to life. She has a wealth of accents and voices; she creates just the right one for each character she reads. I never felt lost when multiple characters were in conversation. Hollie transported me into each and every scene in these stories.
Dervishes Don’t Dance is a fantastic audiobook.
Kim’s written another tale that is a great example of a character-led urban fantasy story. Our protagonist’s journey aside, who couldn’t be won over by Jacoby’s growing bravery or the insights Angus reveals. I’m also looking forward to learning more about Errol. I’ve already downloaded audiobook 3 – Hellhounds Don’t Heel. I need to listen to the next adventure and find out what Kyra encounters next.
October 23, 2024
I am binging this series right now, and I am realizing that they tend to start a little slow in the beginning. I hope the next book after this is a little better with the pacing, but this kind of dragged on in the first quarter, especially because it was already clear what was going on and there was basically no mystery left to solve, mostly. I didn't expect the plot twist at the end with Susanna so that's a plus point. Also, I forgot to say this in my review of the first book, but I always love when Holly Jackson is the audiobook narrator. So many of my favorite fantasy series are narrated by her. She's one of my favorites.
Anyway, this second book had a lot more heartbreaking moments and also a lot more frustrating ones. There's just so much injustice for a world that was supposed to be "new ". And I've always appreciated the environmentalist angle in the story. I think it's really one of the best things about the world building, the idea that Mother earth would strike back. it makes me want to believe that may happen Especially because the circumstances in the story that led to it are pretty much what is happening in our world now, but unfortunately magic isn't real and we have to suffer through the consequences of the greed of The few. I love that Kyra is passionate and has strong convictions and tries her best to do good by those who have been failed by the system. The same goes for Mason and the guardians, because their entire goal is to protect those who are in the fringes of society, those deemed less valuable by, the people in power.
But I'm not gonna lie, the story is stressing me out a little. The author is really good at building up tension, and I love the whole family with different creatures thing. And once again, the blog is the real gem in the story, though it's clear from this book that it had also become , a weapon being used against Kyra
Sorry this review is so very messy, I'll fix it up later when my eyesight comes back 🤞 It's hard to maintain a good flow of thoughts using only dictation. This also explains any spelling errors, BTW.
Anyway, this second book had a lot more heartbreaking moments and also a lot more frustrating ones. There's just so much injustice for a world that was supposed to be "new ". And I've always appreciated the environmentalist angle in the story. I think it's really one of the best things about the world building, the idea that Mother earth would strike back. it makes me want to believe that may happen Especially because the circumstances in the story that led to it are pretty much what is happening in our world now, but unfortunately magic isn't real and we have to suffer through the consequences of the greed of The few. I love that Kyra is passionate and has strong convictions and tries her best to do good by those who have been failed by the system. The same goes for Mason and the guardians, because their entire goal is to protect those who are in the fringes of society, those deemed less valuable by, the people in power.
But I'm not gonna lie, the story is stressing me out a little. The author is really good at building up tension, and I love the whole family with different creatures thing. And once again, the blog is the real gem in the story, though it's clear from this book that it had also become , a weapon being used against Kyra
Sorry this review is so very messy, I'll fix it up later when my eyesight comes back 🤞 It's hard to maintain a good flow of thoughts using only dictation. This also explains any spelling errors, BTW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2023
Incomplete and all over the place
Hmmm
This is an incomplete story and the author has asked us to suspend our natural in limitation to wonder about certain things by just telling us information.
For starters, this infamous bloodstone that held Mason’s first wife was last seen still in the digestive track of one underdeveloped baby dragon. A dragon I may add that flew away with its Queen at the end of book one. We’re treated to events five months later where somehow that same bloodstone is recovered and supposedly in a magical artifact lockup where no one can get to it and is the prime evidence against a sham of a trial that Mason is forced to stand. Then it’s revealed that the bloodstone is not in fact in a magically secure facility but being held in a room where it’s still absorbing souls or something.
Yep, not buying it either.
Then there’s this weirdness of how Pierre was able to keep Polina’s bloodline alive for her to have a granddaughter three centuries later. The obvious answer is Pierre may have “reproduced” with Polina’s biological daughter…the same daughter that Mason saved from his wife. Consider that for a moment…then add to the reveal that Pierre found the two kids on the street and adopted them.
Now I’m left with even more random questions, if the golems were indeed sentient how was Maeve able to find a way around her commands to go back home? She had a rune and she was animated, so theoretically she was given a command to go home and apprehend her sister? How else do you explain her breaking into the home and hiding in a shed?
Overall, I think I’m gonna read one of the prequels to see if it can restore my faith in this series.
It’s an interesting read/concept and I like the parallels it draws on all the things that are wrong now in 2022 by looking at a dystopian future that came about because of global warming and sheer excessive ness that humans possess.
Hmmm
This is an incomplete story and the author has asked us to suspend our natural in limitation to wonder about certain things by just telling us information.
For starters, this infamous bloodstone that held Mason’s first wife was last seen still in the digestive track of one underdeveloped baby dragon. A dragon I may add that flew away with its Queen at the end of book one. We’re treated to events five months later where somehow that same bloodstone is recovered and supposedly in a magical artifact lockup where no one can get to it and is the prime evidence against a sham of a trial that Mason is forced to stand. Then it’s revealed that the bloodstone is not in fact in a magically secure facility but being held in a room where it’s still absorbing souls or something.
Yep, not buying it either.
Then there’s this weirdness of how Pierre was able to keep Polina’s bloodline alive for her to have a granddaughter three centuries later. The obvious answer is Pierre may have “reproduced” with Polina’s biological daughter…the same daughter that Mason saved from his wife. Consider that for a moment…then add to the reveal that Pierre found the two kids on the street and adopted them.
Now I’m left with even more random questions, if the golems were indeed sentient how was Maeve able to find a way around her commands to go back home? She had a rune and she was animated, so theoretically she was given a command to go home and apprehend her sister? How else do you explain her breaking into the home and hiding in a shed?
Overall, I think I’m gonna read one of the prequels to see if it can restore my faith in this series.
It’s an interesting read/concept and I like the parallels it draws on all the things that are wrong now in 2022 by looking at a dystopian future that came about because of global warming and sheer excessive ness that humans possess.
September 6, 2021
Lives Up to the Promise of it's Predecessor & Then Some
The stakes are much higher in Dervishes Don't Dance, & we begin to see some of the plot lines that were only hinted at in Dragons Don't Eat Meat begin to pan out & come to fruition.
I love the character interaction in this book, particularly the non-human characters. Errol is my favorite new introduction, I hope he sticks around for the sequels. And who wouldn't love Jacoby?! He's adorable.
I've mentioned this in previous reviews for the prequels & book 1, but it's a big enough deal for me to bring up again here. What I probably love most about the Valkyrie Bestiary Series is the totally unique world building. I read a lot of fantasy & urban fantasy, & I have never run across a more original world than the one Kim McDougal has created with these dystopian fantasies. I adore all of the creature cameos, as I am quite interested in cryptozoology, & have read up on some of the often little-known creatures to grace these pages, & any book in which I learn something is a definite winner!
Can't wait to see where Kyra's story takes her next! There's so much going on that I honestly don't know where book 3 will start. One thing I do know is how excited I was to see the other day that BOOK 4 is to be released at the end of this month... So at least I won't have long to wait after I finish Hellhounds Don't Heel!!!
Recommended to lovers of urban fantasy or dystopian stories, or just for people who like stories with magic & fantastic beasts! A lot of fun with a fast paced plot & loveable characters.
The stakes are much higher in Dervishes Don't Dance, & we begin to see some of the plot lines that were only hinted at in Dragons Don't Eat Meat begin to pan out & come to fruition.
I love the character interaction in this book, particularly the non-human characters. Errol is my favorite new introduction, I hope he sticks around for the sequels. And who wouldn't love Jacoby?! He's adorable.
I've mentioned this in previous reviews for the prequels & book 1, but it's a big enough deal for me to bring up again here. What I probably love most about the Valkyrie Bestiary Series is the totally unique world building. I read a lot of fantasy & urban fantasy, & I have never run across a more original world than the one Kim McDougal has created with these dystopian fantasies. I adore all of the creature cameos, as I am quite interested in cryptozoology, & have read up on some of the often little-known creatures to grace these pages, & any book in which I learn something is a definite winner!
Can't wait to see where Kyra's story takes her next! There's so much going on that I honestly don't know where book 3 will start. One thing I do know is how excited I was to see the other day that BOOK 4 is to be released at the end of this month... So at least I won't have long to wait after I finish Hellhounds Don't Heel!!!
Recommended to lovers of urban fantasy or dystopian stories, or just for people who like stories with magic & fantastic beasts! A lot of fun with a fast paced plot & loveable characters.
April 29, 2021
Valkyrie and pest controller Kyra Greene has a dervish apprentice who will protect her from brownies, do into scary basements with you and is incredibly proud to be the one to help her (and save her). In this story, a Guardian is dead. Fae are going missing and someone unknown has let a golem loose in the town. Kyra is the only pest controller qualified to handle all of these magical creatures - can she protect everyone while saving all the creatures?
This was such a fun read as we experienced all of the complications in Kyra's life. Throughout it all, she handled everything thrust at her and protected as much life as she could even if it was at the price of her safety. I loved the way that we learnt all about the various creatures and experienced through the story the reason they were there as well as what she did in order to preserve life. There was a lot of drama and danger in the stories while the love interest that was there between her and gargoyle Mason. Easy to read and understand it was very addictive and I just know I need to read the next story in the series to find out what happens next.
This was such a fun read as we experienced all of the complications in Kyra's life. Throughout it all, she handled everything thrust at her and protected as much life as she could even if it was at the price of her safety. I loved the way that we learnt all about the various creatures and experienced through the story the reason they were there as well as what she did in order to preserve life. There was a lot of drama and danger in the stories while the love interest that was there between her and gargoyle Mason. Easy to read and understand it was very addictive and I just know I need to read the next story in the series to find out what happens next.
August 3, 2021
Really loving this Story
The Heroine Kyra is years into a desolate future that is rebuilding after war & the return of magic to the world. Most magic is wild and creates or imbibes creatures with their magic. As a result she has become a beast wrangler. All the fairy tale monsters that can hurt people, harm the environment, or be harmed because they are small or weak. She helps the smallest of creatures and has given them a home. And as with the title she’s a Valkyrie who isn’t fond of her job.
This second novel in the series recaps the first and has references to it. Time moves along quickly and I appreciate that everything doesn’t occur in one single day or that adventures are a month long. Kyra is very aware of passing time and the reader is privy to that. This book extends the original story arc ‘search for the stone’ and the ‘stone’ is important.
This book ends in a cliffhanger and though I’m not a fan of those types of endings I do imagine months will have passed when the next installment picks up again. That means gossip the way old friends catch one up in their lives.
The Heroine Kyra is years into a desolate future that is rebuilding after war & the return of magic to the world. Most magic is wild and creates or imbibes creatures with their magic. As a result she has become a beast wrangler. All the fairy tale monsters that can hurt people, harm the environment, or be harmed because they are small or weak. She helps the smallest of creatures and has given them a home. And as with the title she’s a Valkyrie who isn’t fond of her job.
This second novel in the series recaps the first and has references to it. Time moves along quickly and I appreciate that everything doesn’t occur in one single day or that adventures are a month long. Kyra is very aware of passing time and the reader is privy to that. This book extends the original story arc ‘search for the stone’ and the ‘stone’ is important.
This book ends in a cliffhanger and though I’m not a fan of those types of endings I do imagine months will have passed when the next installment picks up again. That means gossip the way old friends catch one up in their lives.
December 11, 2024
Kyra has a busy life with her pest control business and creature rescue but when Mason calls for her to help look into the death of a gargoyle that looks like suicide but no one except the HUB officers believe that.
While Kyra looks into it she discovers that there are a lot of missing fae, but whether or not that is connected is something more to look into.
There is also the matter of the golem like creatures helping with the construction of a railway between Montreal and Manhattan. These golems are a creation of the head alchemist who is also part of the council. Mason and Kyra have their doubts about him so there’s one more thing to investigate.
I’m not sure about the romance between Mason and Kyra, it’s not an even situation. One minute he wants nothing to do with her, the next he wants to protect her, then ignores her again. Then they both admit they’re in love.
And then there is the fun parts, Hunter the mini kraken is still escaping to unusual spots. The dervish, Jacoby, is now Kyra’s apprentice. There are some more great creatures as well.
This was a fun, quick, entertaining read that I liked more than the first book.
While Kyra looks into it she discovers that there are a lot of missing fae, but whether or not that is connected is something more to look into.
There is also the matter of the golem like creatures helping with the construction of a railway between Montreal and Manhattan. These golems are a creation of the head alchemist who is also part of the council. Mason and Kyra have their doubts about him so there’s one more thing to investigate.
I’m not sure about the romance between Mason and Kyra, it’s not an even situation. One minute he wants nothing to do with her, the next he wants to protect her, then ignores her again. Then they both admit they’re in love.
And then there is the fun parts, Hunter the mini kraken is still escaping to unusual spots. The dervish, Jacoby, is now Kyra’s apprentice. There are some more great creatures as well.
This was a fun, quick, entertaining read that I liked more than the first book.
November 5, 2020
Charming sequel
A very charming sequel to the first book, in pretty much all ways—including an Ollie update. It’s nice McDougall doesn’t forget about characters in previous books, an all too common issue in urban paranormal series. McDougall also picks several threads from the first book, which again helps with an overall sense of coherence.
This time around, Kyra is trying to investigate a Guardian’s murder—or at least, what she thinks is a murder. Unfortunately, she can’t convince the very bigoted replacement for Det. Ben that Guardians are people, and that’s just one of the roadblocks she faces. Ultimately, what she uncovers is much bigger than o e murder—in more ways that one.
Personally, Kyra continues to stand toe to toe with Mason, which is a nice change from the norm in this genre; she calls him on his bad behavior, apologizes for her mistakes,and pretty much acts like a responsible adult. And Mason has the decency to do the same.
Overall, a really enjoyable read. Definitely pick up the first one, though, in order to really understand what’s going on.
A very charming sequel to the first book, in pretty much all ways—including an Ollie update. It’s nice McDougall doesn’t forget about characters in previous books, an all too common issue in urban paranormal series. McDougall also picks several threads from the first book, which again helps with an overall sense of coherence.
This time around, Kyra is trying to investigate a Guardian’s murder—or at least, what she thinks is a murder. Unfortunately, she can’t convince the very bigoted replacement for Det. Ben that Guardians are people, and that’s just one of the roadblocks she faces. Ultimately, what she uncovers is much bigger than o e murder—in more ways that one.
Personally, Kyra continues to stand toe to toe with Mason, which is a nice change from the norm in this genre; she calls him on his bad behavior, apologizes for her mistakes,and pretty much acts like a responsible adult. And Mason has the decency to do the same.
Overall, a really enjoyable read. Definitely pick up the first one, though, in order to really understand what’s going on.
July 2, 2023
Another Intriguing Addition To The Series
I’m totally in love with bad-ass Kyra, and her entire support team.
I’m hoping her and Mason will continue to develop into something stronger, and without adding any possible spoilers, now that they’ve admitted there’s conceivably something there. Due to a development in the plot, and the end of the book, it looks as if we will have to wait and see-just hopefully not too long.
How you can’t fall in love with each unique critter in Kyra’s clutch is beyond me. Especially sweet Jacobi, the dervish. As well as Cyril, the vampire that has an an obvious crush on Krya. And even with the wailing, crying banshee, Gita, who obviously has a deep respect, and acts almost as a overwrought parent at times. I could go on and on about each on, but suffice it to say, they’re all part of the pack, come what may!
Props to McDougall for a well written series so far. Not a lot of repetition trying to explain what’s happened in previous books. Thank goodness!
I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series.
I’m totally in love with bad-ass Kyra, and her entire support team.
I’m hoping her and Mason will continue to develop into something stronger, and without adding any possible spoilers, now that they’ve admitted there’s conceivably something there. Due to a development in the plot, and the end of the book, it looks as if we will have to wait and see-just hopefully not too long.
How you can’t fall in love with each unique critter in Kyra’s clutch is beyond me. Especially sweet Jacobi, the dervish. As well as Cyril, the vampire that has an an obvious crush on Krya. And even with the wailing, crying banshee, Gita, who obviously has a deep respect, and acts almost as a overwrought parent at times. I could go on and on about each on, but suffice it to say, they’re all part of the pack, come what may!
Props to McDougall for a well written series so far. Not a lot of repetition trying to explain what’s happened in previous books. Thank goodness!
I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series.
December 18, 2023
This is another great book in the Valkyrie Bestairy series. Kyra and Mason are put together again in this book when a gargoyle is found dead. At the same time, fae are going missing but no one cares. Kyra adds to her menagerie with Jacobi becoming her apprentice. (I have to say not only do I still love the narrator yelling "Gobble Gobble", but "Kyra lady" is becoming a close runner up! This narrator is perfect!) Kyra's job is pest control, but she may as well be a detective. She is definitely soft hearted to the point she has to take action so that a vampire will stop trying to sneak up and kill himself. All the characters interact so wonderfully and I am glad Kyra has found a wonderful assistant in Gabe. Mason does make me angry at times with how he runs from Kyra, but as an immortal, he has his reasons. This one had me waiting to find out how it would end and boy was I surprised! And no spoilers, but I hope we get to see a certain character stay around in the rest of the series!
November 26, 2020
Yes!!!
Oh man. I have so much to say and I can’t say most of it because I don’t like spoilers. First, I love Kyra, for so many reasons. She’s still a slightly broken soul and yet she gives all she has for so many others. I love her house of critters, but they’re friends. Just because they speak a different language doesn’t mean she has trouble understanding them, and them with her. I’m also hopelessly waiting for Henry Mason to finally really throw caution to the wind. I’m thrilled that I won’t have to wait terribly long for book 3 because I’m salivating for it!! With the final chapters of this book, I KNOW something crazy delicious is coming with the next book!
I love the little mysteries that keep the boom flowing so well. It keeps me hooked and I have to know what’s gunna happen. I love the creativity, and uniqueness, and writing style this author possesses. It’s quite refreshing and amazing!! I’m a fun- a big one!!!!
Oh man. I have so much to say and I can’t say most of it because I don’t like spoilers. First, I love Kyra, for so many reasons. She’s still a slightly broken soul and yet she gives all she has for so many others. I love her house of critters, but they’re friends. Just because they speak a different language doesn’t mean she has trouble understanding them, and them with her. I’m also hopelessly waiting for Henry Mason to finally really throw caution to the wind. I’m thrilled that I won’t have to wait terribly long for book 3 because I’m salivating for it!! With the final chapters of this book, I KNOW something crazy delicious is coming with the next book!
I love the little mysteries that keep the boom flowing so well. It keeps me hooked and I have to know what’s gunna happen. I love the creativity, and uniqueness, and writing style this author possesses. It’s quite refreshing and amazing!! I’m a fun- a big one!!!!
January 11, 2021
Book 2
Kyra, the Valkyrie pest exterminator (not that she always exterminates them), has been asked by the gargoyles to investigate a murder.
Then there are the Fae that are disappearing, her relationship woes (and those of her friends)- she has a lot going on!
To top it all off, it looks like one of the Montreal council members is irritating Terra...
This is the second book of the series, and is just as good as the first. It’s a fast paced urban fantasy, with an overarching background story (so read them in order) and a slow burn romance. The main character is interesting, the supporting characters vary from brooding and mysterious (Mason), to comic relief (Jacoby), and everything in between. This makes for a book that is a rich and satisfying read.
It’s similar in style to books by Ilona Andrews and Nalini Singh, so if you enjoy those authors then you’ll probably enjoy this book.
Recommended for urban fantasy fans.
Kyra, the Valkyrie pest exterminator (not that she always exterminates them), has been asked by the gargoyles to investigate a murder.
Then there are the Fae that are disappearing, her relationship woes (and those of her friends)- she has a lot going on!
To top it all off, it looks like one of the Montreal council members is irritating Terra...
This is the second book of the series, and is just as good as the first. It’s a fast paced urban fantasy, with an overarching background story (so read them in order) and a slow burn romance. The main character is interesting, the supporting characters vary from brooding and mysterious (Mason), to comic relief (Jacoby), and everything in between. This makes for a book that is a rich and satisfying read.
It’s similar in style to books by Ilona Andrews and Nalini Singh, so if you enjoy those authors then you’ll probably enjoy this book.
Recommended for urban fantasy fans.
February 18, 2022
i want a pygmy kraken
I like this author. They’re new to me but I like the writing a lot. Only time I don’t is when I get impatient but don’t wanna stop reading. A small handful of errors with missing end quotes, but that’s all.
I like Kyra. I love her rescued creatures, especially the pygmy kraken!!! Hunter is such a cutie. But I love how… but their importance is despite showing up only when she’s home. I love them and what the author created.
Mason is okay. Sometimes he’s hot to me, sometimes he confuses me. Other times, I feel like he missed a mark with being mysterious and complicated. Or maybe hit it too well. Kyra certainly forgave him all too easily in my opinion but that seems like her personality: to be a nurturer.
The emails depicting her creatures are a cool idea. I love what’s happening. Part of me has a list of issues when I’m reading in the moment but I can’t for the life of me think of any now.
I like this author. They’re new to me but I like the writing a lot. Only time I don’t is when I get impatient but don’t wanna stop reading. A small handful of errors with missing end quotes, but that’s all.
I like Kyra. I love her rescued creatures, especially the pygmy kraken!!! Hunter is such a cutie. But I love how… but their importance is despite showing up only when she’s home. I love them and what the author created.
Mason is okay. Sometimes he’s hot to me, sometimes he confuses me. Other times, I feel like he missed a mark with being mysterious and complicated. Or maybe hit it too well. Kyra certainly forgave him all too easily in my opinion but that seems like her personality: to be a nurturer.
The emails depicting her creatures are a cool idea. I love what’s happening. Part of me has a list of issues when I’m reading in the moment but I can’t for the life of me think of any now.
September 5, 2025
Kyra is a Valkyrie and magical pest controller in a dystopian Montreal. In this book she also has her Dervish apprentice, Jacoby, along for the ride. Jacoby - with a personality like a mix between a toddler and a puppy dog with a dash of hobbit, was my favorite character.
In Dervishes Don’t Dance they’re researching the death of a gargoyle Guardian and the making of some mysterious automatons. The romance with the handsome and head of the Gargoyle Guardians, Mason, is VERY slow burn and not my favorite part of the story. The world building is great, though, with loads of fairly gruesome details, a found family feel, and lots of fascinating creatures. It’s a dangerous post-apocalyptic world out there!
I listened to the audiobook, but I didn’t care for the narrator. Athough I liked her portrayal of the Fae Queen, I found some of the other voices and accents grating. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I’d read it instead of listening.
In Dervishes Don’t Dance they’re researching the death of a gargoyle Guardian and the making of some mysterious automatons. The romance with the handsome and head of the Gargoyle Guardians, Mason, is VERY slow burn and not my favorite part of the story. The world building is great, though, with loads of fairly gruesome details, a found family feel, and lots of fascinating creatures. It’s a dangerous post-apocalyptic world out there!
I listened to the audiobook, but I didn’t care for the narrator. Athough I liked her portrayal of the Fae Queen, I found some of the other voices and accents grating. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I’d read it instead of listening.
December 3, 2020
A wonderful read in a great alternate world.
Dystopian novels come in all flavors and series has a great twist on how Terra reacted when it just got to be too much. In this book we learn more about the mysterious stone which has survived many attempts at being destroyed and has even survived being in the belly of a dragon. Once again we see Kyra and her creatures facing peril but her circle of s growing as she has more than Gita to help. Mason and Angus are back and now they are asking Kyra for her help in finding out what happened to one of the Guardians. As she starts to delve into that it appears many things tie onto a death the Hub label a suicide. Rarely have I enjoyed a fantasy book so much and my saddest moment was coming to the end and knowing I have to wait many months to find out what happens next.
Dystopian novels come in all flavors and series has a great twist on how Terra reacted when it just got to be too much. In this book we learn more about the mysterious stone which has survived many attempts at being destroyed and has even survived being in the belly of a dragon. Once again we see Kyra and her creatures facing peril but her circle of s growing as she has more than Gita to help. Mason and Angus are back and now they are asking Kyra for her help in finding out what happened to one of the Guardians. As she starts to delve into that it appears many things tie onto a death the Hub label a suicide. Rarely have I enjoyed a fantasy book so much and my saddest moment was coming to the end and knowing I have to wait many months to find out what happens next.
March 16, 2022
3.5 Stars!
I love the world that McDougall has built. It's fun, quirky, and full of surprises. Dervishes Don't Dance is another great entry to the series. The plot feels a little slower, even though there is plenty going on. Kyra's life is getting more complicated, but I hope we continue to see her do her day-to-day job, which for me, is almost as fun as when she is saving the world.
The only drawback for me so far is the romance. It isn't the main focus of the books, so far, which is a good thing. Kyra is a strong independent woman until she suddenly isn't. And when it comes to Henry Mason, she definitely isn't, which doesn't feel true to character. Their interactions often feel forced and Mason's interest is all over the place. I thought it was going to be a slow-burn romance, but instead, it feels more like an insta-love.
I love the world that McDougall has built. It's fun, quirky, and full of surprises. Dervishes Don't Dance is another great entry to the series. The plot feels a little slower, even though there is plenty going on. Kyra's life is getting more complicated, but I hope we continue to see her do her day-to-day job, which for me, is almost as fun as when she is saving the world.
The only drawback for me so far is the romance. It isn't the main focus of the books, so far, which is a good thing. Kyra is a strong independent woman until she suddenly isn't. And when it comes to Henry Mason, she definitely isn't, which doesn't feel true to character. Their interactions often feel forced and Mason's interest is all over the place. I thought it was going to be a slow-burn romance, but instead, it feels more like an insta-love.
August 22, 2022
3 1/2 stars. Liked the tone again, but less light-hearted frolic and bumbling, more politics and seriousness. It's not going to put me off the series at all, just a bit of a moment of mourning for the pure escapism that could have been.
Our heroine is off on an adventure to try to clear her not-boyfriend's name, and to save the city from magical machinations.
Our heroine is off on an adventure to try to clear her not-boyfriend's name, and to save the city from magical machinations.
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