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Death Before Dragons #9
Secrets of the Sword III
I’m Val Thorvald, tough butt-kicking assassin and soon-to-be wife of Lord Zavryd'nokquetal. He’s a dragon from another world, and he’s haughty, arrogant, and has horrible taste in footwear, but I love him. Our wedding is going to be amazing.
At least… I’d like to think so. But when the coffee shop I’m a co-owner of gets bombed, our youngest employee goes missing, and the entire elven family I didn’t know I had shows up for a visit, my wedding preparations take an alarming turn.
Oh, and did I mention that Zav’s clan is coming to the wedding? Dozens of dragons flying into the Seattle area. What could possibly go wrong?
At least… I’d like to think so. But when the coffee shop I’m a co-owner of gets bombed, our youngest employee goes missing, and the entire elven family I didn’t know I had shows up for a visit, my wedding preparations take an alarming turn.
Oh, and did I mention that Zav’s clan is coming to the wedding? Dozens of dragons flying into the Seattle area. What could possibly go wrong?
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2021
666 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
195 books6,221 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 451 reviews
February 13, 2021
I know the author really intended to finish at book 6 and maybe felt a bit pressured in to writing these 3 final "Secrets of the Sword" books, but I'm really glad for the result of that extra effort.
I think the unconventional wedding of Val and Zav was the perfect way to call an end to the series. All of the pressing issues and sub-plots are tied up neatly and put away, Val and Zav have attained their realistic "happily ever after" which means chaos, combat, and compromise rather than saccharine perfection, yet I could happily read another novel (or several) full of unexpected problems and supportive friends if they magically appeared in front of me. It feels like even though we're taking our leave now, their lives and adventures will continue without us.
I think that desire to want to keep reading is the best compliment I, as a reader, can give (well, that and pre-ordering every volume). Every new book released was a bright, happy spot for me this last year and I very much enjoyed the silly, sarcastic world Val exists in.
Though I can't guarantee you'll like this series anywhere near as much as I did, I think if you're ever in need of a fun afternoon distraction without stress then starting from book one would be worth it. I don't get to indulge in much lighthearted Urban Fantasy that isn't just ogling the love interest these days, so to read about a cast of interesting side characters with varied lives, love interests, and motivations (beyond dropping everything to help the main protagonist) of their own was a much needed and refreshing change of pace.
I think the unconventional wedding of Val and Zav was the perfect way to call an end to the series. All of the pressing issues and sub-plots are tied up neatly and put away, Val and Zav have attained their realistic "happily ever after" which means chaos, combat, and compromise rather than saccharine perfection, yet I could happily read another novel (or several) full of unexpected problems and supportive friends if they magically appeared in front of me. It feels like even though we're taking our leave now, their lives and adventures will continue without us.
I think that desire to want to keep reading is the best compliment I, as a reader, can give (well, that and pre-ordering every volume). Every new book released was a bright, happy spot for me this last year and I very much enjoyed the silly, sarcastic world Val exists in.
Though I can't guarantee you'll like this series anywhere near as much as I did, I think if you're ever in need of a fun afternoon distraction without stress then starting from book one would be worth it. I don't get to indulge in much lighthearted Urban Fantasy that isn't just ogling the love interest these days, so to read about a cast of interesting side characters with varied lives, love interests, and motivations (beyond dropping everything to help the main protagonist) of their own was a much needed and refreshing change of pace.
March 22, 2024
Love love LOVE! Such a great end to the series. Would I read more in this world??? Heck yes! But I'm satisfied with where things are now. Such great characters and development.
May or may not give a better review in the future. No matter what though I'll probably be gushing about this series to everyone.
May or may not give a better review in the future. No matter what though I'll probably be gushing about this series to everyone.
May 11, 2021
I'm sad to see this series end, but it has been a highly entertaining and enjoyable ride with Val and the gang! 5 stars
June 17, 2022
This whole series was so enjoyable to read. I was so sad when I had read this last in the series because I wanted to hear more about what happened with the supporting characters. I loved the author’s world building, her use of language (not writing as elementary as so many books are - I liked the “big words” used :) ) as well as the sarcasm and snark of so many of the characters.
Each book in itself was complete, but the overarching story built with each succeeding book. There was excellent character development over the series so I would highly recommend you read them in order to see that for yourself.
This was a new author for me but I will definitely be looking for more of her books
Each book in itself was complete, but the overarching story built with each succeeding book. There was excellent character development over the series so I would highly recommend you read them in order to see that for yourself.
This was a new author for me but I will definitely be looking for more of her books
January 22, 2025
Secrets of the Sword III is the last book in the Death Before Dragons series. It’s full of action, adventure and family drama. It wraps up all the open plot lines and provides a satisfying and happy ending for the characters.
Lindsay Buroker is one of those authors where I think you either like her writing style or not. This series has been a lot of fun with plenty of action, banter, some romance and interesting characters.
The story starts off about a week before Val and Zav's wedding. Of course things don’t go smoothly and she's got to deal with an explosion at the shop, trolls causing trouble, missing employee, unexpected early arrival of family, sword training and of course the wedding. WOW! That’s a lot to handle before her wedding. Luckily she has her friends and family to help deal with it all.
I liked the flow and vibe of this book. Everything is leading up to the big day, the wedding, which is every bit as strange as its characters. We also get a nice epilogue. Everything wraps up nicely and leads you to wanting to dive into the spin-off series.
All and all I enjoyed this adventure full of action and kick-ass characters. I love that everything is wrapped up. If you love kick-ass heroines, weird characters and loads of action; you’ll like this.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Lindsay Buroker is one of those authors where I think you either like her writing style or not. This series has been a lot of fun with plenty of action, banter, some romance and interesting characters.
The story starts off about a week before Val and Zav's wedding. Of course things don’t go smoothly and she's got to deal with an explosion at the shop, trolls causing trouble, missing employee, unexpected early arrival of family, sword training and of course the wedding. WOW! That’s a lot to handle before her wedding. Luckily she has her friends and family to help deal with it all.
I liked the flow and vibe of this book. Everything is leading up to the big day, the wedding, which is every bit as strange as its characters. We also get a nice epilogue. Everything wraps up nicely and leads you to wanting to dive into the spin-off series.
All and all I enjoyed this adventure full of action and kick-ass characters. I love that everything is wrapped up. If you love kick-ass heroines, weird characters and loads of action; you’ll like this.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
September 13, 2023
“Secrets of the Sword 9”is a great ending to a wonderful series. I love the world that Lindsay Buroker created where an arrogant dragon meets and falls in love with a half elf assassin who loved to kick and vex him. This has been a wonderful incredible ride with equally incredible characters that I am truly going to miss.
Val and Zav are about to get married but during the final planning someone sets off a grenade at the coffee shop destroying an entire wall. Fortunately no one was killed but the patrons are angry that their favorite place is out of commission. To make matters worse, 8 year old Reb is missing and his guardian is quite upset.
It seems there is a new troll bar in town and they are attempting to eliminate the competition by destroying the coffee shop. Of course they also want to destroy Val as well. As Val, Freaysa and a host of others attempt to locate and eradicate the trolls, the wedding venue has canceled due to rainy weather and a new hidden location has become available. Unfortunately, Val discovers that the troll have a copy of her wedding invitation and plan to attack. Fortunately, they are going to be in for a surprise.
This read nicely wraps up so many subplots. Despite the incredible differences between the customs of the species it all works out better than anyone would ever have expected including me. I won’t lie. I wish this series was not ending. It sometimes seems that when characters marry a series ends. Does that mean there is no life after marriage?Lord. I hope not. I know that the author mentioned she may try a spin-off series at some time in the future. I for one truly hope so.
Val and Zav are about to get married but during the final planning someone sets off a grenade at the coffee shop destroying an entire wall. Fortunately no one was killed but the patrons are angry that their favorite place is out of commission. To make matters worse, 8 year old Reb is missing and his guardian is quite upset.
It seems there is a new troll bar in town and they are attempting to eliminate the competition by destroying the coffee shop. Of course they also want to destroy Val as well. As Val, Freaysa and a host of others attempt to locate and eradicate the trolls, the wedding venue has canceled due to rainy weather and a new hidden location has become available. Unfortunately, Val discovers that the troll have a copy of her wedding invitation and plan to attack. Fortunately, they are going to be in for a surprise.
This read nicely wraps up so many subplots. Despite the incredible differences between the customs of the species it all works out better than anyone would ever have expected including me. I won’t lie. I wish this series was not ending. It sometimes seems that when characters marry a series ends. Does that mean there is no life after marriage?Lord. I hope not. I know that the author mentioned she may try a spin-off series at some time in the future. I for one truly hope so.
March 13, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️While I am sad to say goodbye to Val and the gang, this final installment was the perfect ending to this incredible series. As always this one is packed with action, dry humor, sarcasm at its best and some really cute romantic scenes. Although book 6 did leave them at a good place I’m so happy Val & Zav sealed the deal by getting married. I don’t think there could have been a more perfect ending.
CONTENT
Romance: Innuendo throughout, Kissing, Implied intimacy
Violence: Moderate
Language: Moderate
CONTENT
Romance: Innuendo throughout, Kissing, Implied intimacy
Violence: Moderate
Language: Moderate
January 25, 2025
A fitting closing to the series. We got a wedding, fights with trolls, momma dragon comes to town and Zav still needs to get a robe that fits. The one thing I wish was cleared up was the lifeline of Val vs Zav.
May 2, 2021
Val and Zav are gearing up for their wedding and...well, things are definitely going to be interesting no matter how you look at it. After all, Zav invited everyone he could possibly think of (which means pretty much anyone within telepathic range whenever he goes ANYWHERE) and they're all about to descend on Seattle.
Sure, sure, the goblins and trolls and orcs are already in Seattle, but the elven side of Val's family and the, you know, dragons on Zav's side are most definitely not. And the dragons have some interesting ways of celebrating a mating. Let's just say there are flying races and hunts and possible duels and leave it at that.
On top of the wedding shenanigans, Val's training with a dwarven master to learn what her beloved sword can do. And in her down time? She's trying to figure out who blew out a wall of her coffee shop, where Reb is and whether he's in danger, and what the trolls in the neighborhood have planned.
In the end, there's a lot of smoked meat, some questionable presents from the local goblins, a little friction between the different supernatural factions, a fight or two or three, and Zav giving Val bedroom eyes every chance he gets. Have I enjoyed this series and all the bloody situations Val finds herself drawn into? INDEED I HAVE.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Sure, sure, the goblins and trolls and orcs are already in Seattle, but the elven side of Val's family and the, you know, dragons on Zav's side are most definitely not. And the dragons have some interesting ways of celebrating a mating. Let's just say there are flying races and hunts and possible duels and leave it at that.
On top of the wedding shenanigans, Val's training with a dwarven master to learn what her beloved sword can do. And in her down time? She's trying to figure out who blew out a wall of her coffee shop, where Reb is and whether he's in danger, and what the trolls in the neighborhood have planned.
In the end, there's a lot of smoked meat, some questionable presents from the local goblins, a little friction between the different supernatural factions, a fight or two or three, and Zav giving Val bedroom eyes every chance he gets. Have I enjoyed this series and all the bloody situations Val finds herself drawn into? INDEED I HAVE.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 11, 2023
The perfect ending to a fabulously fun series! This last installment focuses a bit more on the lighter side because, of course, they are planning a wedding! There is still action and creatures who are determined to destroy Val and her world, but the overall focus is on everyone coming together. All the things we love about this series culminates in an unforgettably fun and satisfying way. Totally worth every minute spent in all nine books!
November 22, 2023
Secrets of the Sword 3 is the last book in the 9 books long Death Before Dragons series and I really enjoyed the conclusion to this series. This book wraps up all the open plot lines and provides a satisfying and happy ending for the characters. I loved listening to this series and will probably get most of Lindsay Buroker's future books in audio now where possible as the narrator Vivienne Leheny is just such a good fit for Lindsay Buroker's books.
Lindsay Buroker is one of those authors where I think you either like her writing style or not and I definitely fall into the camp of liking her writing style. Her books are comfort reads to me, I know exactly what to expect and always enjoy them. This series has been a lot of fun to read with plenty of action, banter, some romance and interesting characters.
So Secrets of the Sword 3 starts off with about a week before Val and Zav's wedding. Ofcourse nothign ever goes smoothly and Val has to deal with someone damaging her shop, trolls who are causing troubles, a missing employee, sword training and then there is the actual wedding planning and visiting relatives in preparation for the wedding. Luckily she has her friends and family to help her out and her employer Willard handles most of the wedding planning. I liked the vibe of this book with it all building up toward the wedding, which is every bit as strange and fitting for the characters as I had hoped it would be. Then there is an epilogue and it just left me feeling happy and satisfied with the conclusion to this series. As well as eager to dive into the spin-off series next.
All the side characters make plenty of appearances in this book and there's plenty of banter between Val and Zav, as well as snark and banter with other characters. Ongoing plot lines and character related plot lines get wrapped up and it just made me happy to see how everything got resolved and ended for the characters.
I also really liked seeing Val learn more about her sword in this book, as fitting for these last three books with the Secrets of the Sword titles. There are some cool new powers she learns about it and actually out some of them to use in battles too. I am really happy the author decided to write these last 3 books as I think this book works as a much better ending to the series and the latest story arc about the sword was a fun one.
To summarize: This is an awesome conclusion to the series! It starts a week or so before Val and Zav's wedding and there's plenty of things going on with some trolls who are after Val, sword training, wedding planning and visiting relatives. This book wraps everything up well and I liked seeing how everything got resolved. It's also just another fun read about these characters and there's plenty of the side characters from previous books. As well as fun banter and character interactions. The narrator for this series is awesome and fits Lindsay Buroker's style so well. I look forward to the spin-off series!
Lindsay Buroker is one of those authors where I think you either like her writing style or not and I definitely fall into the camp of liking her writing style. Her books are comfort reads to me, I know exactly what to expect and always enjoy them. This series has been a lot of fun to read with plenty of action, banter, some romance and interesting characters.
So Secrets of the Sword 3 starts off with about a week before Val and Zav's wedding. Ofcourse nothign ever goes smoothly and Val has to deal with someone damaging her shop, trolls who are causing troubles, a missing employee, sword training and then there is the actual wedding planning and visiting relatives in preparation for the wedding. Luckily she has her friends and family to help her out and her employer Willard handles most of the wedding planning. I liked the vibe of this book with it all building up toward the wedding, which is every bit as strange and fitting for the characters as I had hoped it would be. Then there is an epilogue and it just left me feeling happy and satisfied with the conclusion to this series. As well as eager to dive into the spin-off series next.
All the side characters make plenty of appearances in this book and there's plenty of banter between Val and Zav, as well as snark and banter with other characters. Ongoing plot lines and character related plot lines get wrapped up and it just made me happy to see how everything got resolved and ended for the characters.
I also really liked seeing Val learn more about her sword in this book, as fitting for these last three books with the Secrets of the Sword titles. There are some cool new powers she learns about it and actually out some of them to use in battles too. I am really happy the author decided to write these last 3 books as I think this book works as a much better ending to the series and the latest story arc about the sword was a fun one.
To summarize: This is an awesome conclusion to the series! It starts a week or so before Val and Zav's wedding and there's plenty of things going on with some trolls who are after Val, sword training, wedding planning and visiting relatives. This book wraps everything up well and I liked seeing how everything got resolved. It's also just another fun read about these characters and there's plenty of the side characters from previous books. As well as fun banter and character interactions. The narrator for this series is awesome and fits Lindsay Buroker's style so well. I look forward to the spin-off series!
January 7, 2022
Sad to say goodbye
I have enjoyed Val & Zav as their relationship progressed, along with their family and friends. It was a fun ride and I hope the author comes back to this series and revisits Zav & Val in the future, possibly with a dragonling. Or a spin off with another dragon, especially "z". Since Zav was always aggravated with him, maybe Z marries Amber in the future!! One thing that I wish had been addressed in this book, is the fact Val will grow old. I was hoping her elven blood would make her live longer. Anyways, goodbye to my "friends."
I have enjoyed Val & Zav as their relationship progressed, along with their family and friends. It was a fun ride and I hope the author comes back to this series and revisits Zav & Val in the future, possibly with a dragonling. Or a spin off with another dragon, especially "z". Since Zav was always aggravated with him, maybe Z marries Amber in the future!! One thing that I wish had been addressed in this book, is the fact Val will grow old. I was hoping her elven blood would make her live longer. Anyways, goodbye to my "friends."
May 29, 2022
I enjoyed this series so so much! Easy fun reading. I will miss these characters.
December 13, 2023
I absolutely loved this series and I'm so sad this was the last book of the series.
Luckily there's 2 more series in the same world so I hope we'll get a glimpse of Val and her entourage in those series.
Luckily there's 2 more series in the same world so I hope we'll get a glimpse of Val and her entourage in those series.
March 3, 2021
2.5 stars.
I'm glad that we have an ending to this series. However, this book sort of dragged and every other chapter had someone or a whole lot of someones plotting against or actively trying to kill the heroine. I was kind of bored by it. And the humour between the heroine and Sindari, and the heroine and her mate felt stale. I liked the geeky jokes, the secondary characters, and the HEA, but this didn't feel like the strongest installment of the series.
I'm glad that we have an ending to this series. However, this book sort of dragged and every other chapter had someone or a whole lot of someones plotting against or actively trying to kill the heroine. I was kind of bored by it. And the humour between the heroine and Sindari, and the heroine and her mate felt stale. I liked the geeky jokes, the secondary characters, and the HEA, but this didn't feel like the strongest installment of the series.
December 21, 2023
אני לא מאמינה ששרדתי סדרה של 9 ספרים! אני בחייםםםם לא מתמידה ככה.
אבל מה לעשות שיש בה משהו מיוחד.
לצערי הספר הזה היה די מיותר, אמנם נותן את ההאפי אנד שחיכינו לו
אבל נטול אקשן וגם... ארגוני חתונה זה לא מענין. גם אם מוזמנת אליה כל הקהילה הקסומה.
לסקירה שלי
אבל מה לעשות שיש בה משהו מיוחד.
לצערי הספר הזה היה די מיותר, אמנם נותן את ההאפי אנד שחיכינו לו
אבל נטול אקשן וגם... ארגוני חתונה זה לא מענין. גם אם מוזמנת אליה כל הקהילה הקסומה.
לסקירה שלי
October 5, 2021
3.5 Stars
It's sad to say goodbye to the Crew. I shall miss them.
A nice tying off kind of ending, but compared to the other books it was not quite as captivating.
I should mention that the bar was set extremely high by the previous 8 books. And even if I wasn't quite as enthralled this is still solid. The world-building is fabulous, the character-building amazing. The storyline is the only little thing that felt a bit weaker than in previous books.
Again let's face it, I read and enjoyed all 9 books so really I am kinda knit-picking at this point, which is why I am rounding up.
I was still laughing out loud at the witty dialogues until the last page. I adore the banter between Val & Co. and I really do hope that Buroker is doing a spin-off very soon.
( I got plenty of ideas who she could write about...)
It's sad to say goodbye to the Crew. I shall miss them.
A nice tying off kind of ending, but compared to the other books it was not quite as captivating.
I should mention that the bar was set extremely high by the previous 8 books. And even if I wasn't quite as enthralled this is still solid. The world-building is fabulous, the character-building amazing. The storyline is the only little thing that felt a bit weaker than in previous books.
Again let's face it, I read and enjoyed all 9 books so really I am kinda knit-picking at this point, which is why I am rounding up.
I was still laughing out loud at the witty dialogues until the last page. I adore the banter between Val & Co. and I really do hope that Buroker is doing a spin-off very soon.
( I got plenty of ideas who she could write about...)
July 29, 2022
Finally finished off the series though it looks like there might be another one in the future. Another solid entry and the whole series has been enjoyable though reading them back to back has made me take longer to finish. Still very interesting and one of the things I love about this author is that she throws just enough interesting events in between the big story lines to keep you hooked. Loved the wedding loved the ending and I guess I wouldn't mind reading more!
April 19, 2021
I Loved this series, i recommend that you start with Mist and Magic which is book 0.5 and read through in order
A very slow burn romance
The worlds are intriguing
I look forward to reading about the therapy sessions for the Half Elf assassin
The secondary characters are so interesting and fun
A very slow burn romance
The worlds are intriguing
I look forward to reading about the therapy sessions for the Half Elf assassin
The secondary characters are so interesting and fun
June 28, 2023
I definitely enjoyed this series, very much so! I even tried to drag out the last couple of books by relistening to chapters, lol.
Alas, this is the end…..but there’s a spin-off, so yay!
I will say that Book 6 could have been a perfectly good place to end the series & it was a very strong book…these last 3 were good, but maybe more 4.5 than 5 :)
Alas, this is the end…..but there’s a spin-off, so yay!
I will say that Book 6 could have been a perfectly good place to end the series & it was a very strong book…these last 3 were good, but maybe more 4.5 than 5 :)
July 12, 2023
I'm going to give the series in full a 4.5 stars. If you've read all the Ilona Andrews and have an Ilona sized hole in your reading heart ♥ then Lindsay Buroker while not an exact match will definitely provide the support needed to make it to the next Ilona Andrews book release. While that may not seem like the highest of praise-it is. As they are my absolute favorite currently writing authors. If you want a very good, fun, fast paced urban fantasy series I highly recommend this one, and then do yourself a favor and pick up her half-dwarf spin off series, which I'm currently in the midst of.
August 15, 2023
THE ONE UNFINISHED THING I WANT TO KNOW IS:
Val mentioned in book 1 that she doesn't have friends because the "the only person she had a relationship with died."
WE NEVER LEARN ABOUT THAT IN THESE 9 BOOKS.
I'm so sad.
Anyway I love wedding shenanigans tho and Zav grew on me and I love Val so it was a good ending.
Val mentioned in book 1 that she doesn't have friends because the "the only person she had a relationship with died."
WE NEVER LEARN ABOUT THAT IN THESE 9 BOOKS.
I'm so sad.
Anyway I love wedding shenanigans tho and Zav grew on me and I love Val so it was a good ending.
December 15, 2023
If you have reached the final book of this series, it already means that you enjoy the various characters and creatures, each with their own quirky behavior and interactions. The coveted event of the series is almost upon us, but instead of last minute jitters, there are some unexpected threats and hardships as the various races and beliefs threaten to clash. Fortunately there is a joyous {some times ridiculous} set of events to turn it all into a most satisfying occasion for all parties.
I wish there was a follow-up series for the next generation present & upcoming.
I wish there was a follow-up series for the next generation present & upcoming.
January 11, 2025
Lovely ending
A great finale to the series if course the wedding doesn't go off without a hitch! But all's well that ends well. I live Val and Zav and the final book didn't disappoint:)
A great finale to the series if course the wedding doesn't go off without a hitch! But all's well that ends well. I live Val and Zav and the final book didn't disappoint:)
June 25, 2021
A very fun end to the series. And the bonus Christmas story at the end was super cute!
October 4, 2021
One word for this whole series is HILARIOUS! This is a comedic adventure series. A fun read 👌
February 12, 2022
Married to the dragon
Great end to this series. The characters throughout were great and it was fun getting to know them. I enjoyed seeing Val go from who and where ahe was when this series started to who she was at the end.
Great end to this series. The characters throughout were great and it was fun getting to know them. I enjoyed seeing Val go from who and where ahe was when this series started to who she was at the end.
April 17, 2023
4.5 stars. I’m loving this series so much!
July 29, 2023
great book, story, characters, action, humour, everything
February 27, 2021
Sincerely sad to see this series end, it has been solid since the beginning. I hope the author decides to dip back into this world in the future
Displaying 1 - 30 of 451 reviews