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Death Before Dragons #1-3
Death Before Dragons: Books 1-3
I’m Val Thorvald, and I kill bad guys for a living.
My half-elven blood, magical sword, and telepathic tiger give me an edge, at least against most villains. But when dragons show up in Seattle, the city is in serious trouble—and so am I. Dragons are bigger, stronger, and more powerful than anything I’ve battled, and they don’t appreciate it when you sass them.
Just ask Lord Zavryd’nokquetal. That’s a name, not a cat hacking up a hairball, and if you mispronounce it, he’ll either insult you, incinerate you, or throw your Jeep up in a tree. Trust me, I know.
Unfortunately, he’s taken an interest in me. Not in the “half-elves are sexy and appealing and I need a new girlfriend” kind of way. Nope, he wants to use me. He’s on a mission, and he’s decided I’ll make the perfect bait to lure his enemies to him.
That’s about as good for your longevity as it sounds, and I’d love to decline the gig, but dragons can magically coerce people into doing their bidding. If I can’t figure out how to get him to leave me alone, I’ll either end up his servant for the rest of my life… or dead. And who’s going to protect Seattle then?
This bundle includes the first three novels in the Death Before Dragons urban fantasy series:
Sinister Magic
Battle Bond
Tangled Truths
My half-elven blood, magical sword, and telepathic tiger give me an edge, at least against most villains. But when dragons show up in Seattle, the city is in serious trouble—and so am I. Dragons are bigger, stronger, and more powerful than anything I’ve battled, and they don’t appreciate it when you sass them.
Just ask Lord Zavryd’nokquetal. That’s a name, not a cat hacking up a hairball, and if you mispronounce it, he’ll either insult you, incinerate you, or throw your Jeep up in a tree. Trust me, I know.
Unfortunately, he’s taken an interest in me. Not in the “half-elves are sexy and appealing and I need a new girlfriend” kind of way. Nope, he wants to use me. He’s on a mission, and he’s decided I’ll make the perfect bait to lure his enemies to him.
That’s about as good for your longevity as it sounds, and I’d love to decline the gig, but dragons can magically coerce people into doing their bidding. If I can’t figure out how to get him to leave me alone, I’ll either end up his servant for the rest of my life… or dead. And who’s going to protect Seattle then?
This bundle includes the first three novels in the Death Before Dragons urban fantasy series:
Sinister Magic
Battle Bond
Tangled Truths
ebook
First published March 10, 2021
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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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
April 18, 2021
Lindsay Buroker books are essentially popcorn, but they're well-crafted, well-edited and consistent popcorn, a big step up from what I refer to as "extruded fiction product". The banter is amusing; the characters are driven through the plot by believable motivations, solving problems with bravery and intelligence; there's tension, suspense, excitement, romance (usually with a slow burn), and sensawunda.
This series is urban fantasy, in more or less the style of Jim Butcher, though with a much more Dungeons and Dragons-like universe (there are orcs, for example). The protagonist, though, is not a wizard but an assassin who has assembled a collection of magical amulets and weapons to help her in her work, killing dangerous and murderous supernatural beings for the US Army as a contractor. I don't generally like assassin characters, what with the whole killing-people-for-money thing, but this one worked OK for me; she only kills murderers (and the occasional rapist), only non-humans, and she's trying to improve her reputation and relationship with other non-human beings who are not criminals. Putting the criminals through the justice system is not an option, because the governments of the world have decided on a policy of denial towards otherworldly beings, and they don't officially exist or have any rights. But as the books progress, she does start wondering whether that's the way things should be.
I've heard it said that authors usually only have about 10 characters who they re-cast in new roles with each book or series, and I definitely felt that with these - we have the self-regarding but useful companion, the competent but worried female MC, the dangerous, haughty and emotionally reserved love interest, and so on, and all of them seemed like I'd seen them before under other names. But I did enjoy the ride, and plan to pick up the rest of the series in due course.
This series is urban fantasy, in more or less the style of Jim Butcher, though with a much more Dungeons and Dragons-like universe (there are orcs, for example). The protagonist, though, is not a wizard but an assassin who has assembled a collection of magical amulets and weapons to help her in her work, killing dangerous and murderous supernatural beings for the US Army as a contractor. I don't generally like assassin characters, what with the whole killing-people-for-money thing, but this one worked OK for me; she only kills murderers (and the occasional rapist), only non-humans, and she's trying to improve her reputation and relationship with other non-human beings who are not criminals. Putting the criminals through the justice system is not an option, because the governments of the world have decided on a policy of denial towards otherworldly beings, and they don't officially exist or have any rights. But as the books progress, she does start wondering whether that's the way things should be.
I've heard it said that authors usually only have about 10 characters who they re-cast in new roles with each book or series, and I definitely felt that with these - we have the self-regarding but useful companion, the competent but worried female MC, the dangerous, haughty and emotionally reserved love interest, and so on, and all of them seemed like I'd seen them before under other names. But I did enjoy the ride, and plan to pick up the rest of the series in due course.
August 12, 2023
YEEEEESH when it comes to slow burn, this is super duper slow burn! And why wouldn't it be? We got our badass 42 year old asthmatic half-elf asssassin Val who's running around trying to not get killed by the magical community while doing hits for the US Government, and is now hanging out with pompous dragon overlord Zavryd'nokquetal Stormforge, who's come from a different dimension to lay down the draconic law on Earth and considers Val to be a worthless half human mongrel. Um, how is that supposed to become a ship?
But it DOES and it WORKS....to an extent. At this point, I'm more interested in Val's motley crew of semi-friends-- human-magical being hybrid artist Dmitri, Thai food truck and gunsmith owner Nin, the magical tiger beast Sindari (I keep saying Shunduri in my head, which means "beautiful" in my native language), vampire alchemist Zaltan, US army Colonel Willard and her other army buds. The idea of Earth being a refuge to otherworlders escaping from the Dragon regime and their own civil wars, driven by desperation to live in an inhospitable planet and give up whatever magic they had back home... that's interesting !!! With this in mind, another thing that WORKS really well is Val's character arc from military grunt who takes orders and kills whoever (even after doing research to make sure it's a deserved hit) to someone who negotiates with magical creatures and even saves them when given the chance. Sure, she does this because she's tired of having the worst rep ever as the "Ruin Bringer" and "Mythic Murderer" but hey, she's less shoot first ask questions later!! See, her friends are GREAT. Now let's get back to the ship.
I'll be honest, I was skeptical with this. I thought it was obvious the author would be pushing for Val and Zav to get together, but I wasn't too into Zav, who was way too alien and foreign for me. Like, I've read a lot of alien sci-fi romance, and I have read many authors nail non-human romantic interests really, really, really, well, and at first, with Zav's arrogance and total disrespect for Val because she was a "lesser" being... that got old really quick. But he got better too!
But....at the same time, is it instalust? Yes. I'm not sure why Zav would've wanted anything to do with our fair assassin lady. He says multiple times she's not his type, and doesn't even have a chance at being his type. He thinks humans are beneath him. He's respectful unlike the other supernatural guys who try to sex her up. But he also can't keep his hands to himself at some points too? He lusts after her secretly? Man is CONFUSED and the readers are too. We recognize he's hot as dragon fire 🔥 but he's got no redeeming qualities other than being a lawful Good on the DRAGON alignment board-- you know, the same board that says humans are vermin?
Anyway he realllllly likes Val. Val realllllly likes him. They have a working relationship and don't really develop much of a friendship. It makes sense in book 4 that they're friends, imo, because we're told they've been hanging out and going on missions together after the events of book 3. Oops is that a spoiler? I think them being together is inevitable so NO not a spoiler.
I've been trying to rank the male love interests from urban fantasy novels that I've read. I haven't read a lot, but I'd probably put Zav above Aiden from the Lizzie Grace series which is a compliment because Aiden is one of the worst male leads ever. Would I put him over Emory of the Other World series by Heather G. Harris? Debatable. Emory is a dragon shifter as well, is more personable than Zav, and isn't prejudiced against our leading lady Jinx. Aiden on the other hand cannot get over the fact that he's a werewolf and Lizzie is a witch and can't commit while sleeping with her every other chapter in every book. Cue eye roll. At least Zav is willing to commit once he's able to trust Val won't try to kill him.
I gotta go out now so let's cut this review short. I've already read book 4 and have skimmed through 5 and 6. If you enjoyed the Other World series, then this book is for you.
Adios
But it DOES and it WORKS....to an extent. At this point, I'm more interested in Val's motley crew of semi-friends-- human-magical being hybrid artist Dmitri, Thai food truck and gunsmith owner Nin, the magical tiger beast Sindari (I keep saying Shunduri in my head, which means "beautiful" in my native language), vampire alchemist Zaltan, US army Colonel Willard and her other army buds. The idea of Earth being a refuge to otherworlders escaping from the Dragon regime and their own civil wars, driven by desperation to live in an inhospitable planet and give up whatever magic they had back home... that's interesting !!! With this in mind, another thing that WORKS really well is Val's character arc from military grunt who takes orders and kills whoever (even after doing research to make sure it's a deserved hit) to someone who negotiates with magical creatures and even saves them when given the chance. Sure, she does this because she's tired of having the worst rep ever as the "Ruin Bringer" and "Mythic Murderer" but hey, she's less shoot first ask questions later!! See, her friends are GREAT. Now let's get back to the ship.
I'll be honest, I was skeptical with this. I thought it was obvious the author would be pushing for Val and Zav to get together, but I wasn't too into Zav, who was way too alien and foreign for me. Like, I've read a lot of alien sci-fi romance, and I have read many authors nail non-human romantic interests really, really, really, well, and at first, with Zav's arrogance and total disrespect for Val because she was a "lesser" being... that got old really quick. But he got better too!
But....at the same time, is it instalust? Yes. I'm not sure why Zav would've wanted anything to do with our fair assassin lady. He says multiple times she's not his type, and doesn't even have a chance at being his type. He thinks humans are beneath him. He's respectful unlike the other supernatural guys who try to sex her up. But he also can't keep his hands to himself at some points too? He lusts after her secretly? Man is CONFUSED and the readers are too. We recognize he's hot as dragon fire 🔥 but he's got no redeeming qualities other than being a lawful Good on the DRAGON alignment board-- you know, the same board that says humans are vermin?
Anyway he realllllly likes Val. Val realllllly likes him. They have a working relationship and don't really develop much of a friendship. It makes sense in book 4 that they're friends, imo, because we're told they've been hanging out and going on missions together after the events of book 3. Oops is that a spoiler? I think them being together is inevitable so NO not a spoiler.
I've been trying to rank the male love interests from urban fantasy novels that I've read. I haven't read a lot, but I'd probably put Zav above Aiden from the Lizzie Grace series which is a compliment because Aiden is one of the worst male leads ever. Would I put him over Emory of the Other World series by Heather G. Harris? Debatable. Emory is a dragon shifter as well, is more personable than Zav, and isn't prejudiced against our leading lady Jinx. Aiden on the other hand cannot get over the fact that he's a werewolf and Lizzie is a witch and can't commit while sleeping with her every other chapter in every book. Cue eye roll. At least Zav is willing to commit once he's able to trust Val won't try to kill him.
I gotta go out now so let's cut this review short. I've already read book 4 and have skimmed through 5 and 6. If you enjoyed the Other World series, then this book is for you.
Adios
August 24, 2025
Didn’t realise this was actually 3 books in 1…so basically I just cheated the system and ticked off 3 books while only putting in the effort of one. Slay.
Honestly though, I had a blast with this one it’s full of fantasy goodness and random new creatures like sasquatch!! I laughed way too hard at that name! There’s a sprinkle of romance in here too, but no smut…which I’m low key grateful for because I probably needed a detox with the amount I usually consume.
Solid 4.5 stars from me. Would 100% recommend if you just want to dive head first into fantasy
Honestly though, I had a blast with this one it’s full of fantasy goodness and random new creatures like sasquatch!! I laughed way too hard at that name! There’s a sprinkle of romance in here too, but no smut…which I’m low key grateful for because I probably needed a detox with the amount I usually consume.
Solid 4.5 stars from me. Would 100% recommend if you just want to dive head first into fantasy
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April 20, 20223.5
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.
April 1, 2023
I won this 3 book set via Goodreads Giveaway
I didn’t know what to expect from an urban fantasy book - but I was pleasantly surprised. This was easy to read, the characters were interesting, and it was the right mix of light and serious. I appreciated that Val was fallible in believable ways, and aware of it.
Some things were a little genre generic and borrowed (maybe not intentionally) from other works (Sindhari vs Guenhwyvar, and other D&D related stuff)
The first two books were fast paced and interesting, the third wasn’t as engaging for me, but I’m still interested enough that I would read what comes next in the series. A strange combo but enjoyable.
I didn’t know what to expect from an urban fantasy book - but I was pleasantly surprised. This was easy to read, the characters were interesting, and it was the right mix of light and serious. I appreciated that Val was fallible in believable ways, and aware of it.
Some things were a little genre generic and borrowed (maybe not intentionally) from other works (Sindhari vs Guenhwyvar, and other D&D related stuff)
The first two books were fast paced and interesting, the third wasn’t as engaging for me, but I’m still interested enough that I would read what comes next in the series. A strange combo but enjoyable.
May 21, 2024
Snarky humored paranormal fantasy
This series has it all-heads roll, Val-a sassy half elf heroine, Lord Zav-a grumpy, arrogant and extremely good looking male dragon, a magical tiger, and many more paranormal creatures. Val works for the army and deals with paranormal threats to the human population. She meets Zav in the course of her work as he is pursuing a criminal who has escaped the Dragon Justice Courts. Sparks fly in more ways than one!
This series has it all-heads roll, Val-a sassy half elf heroine, Lord Zav-a grumpy, arrogant and extremely good looking male dragon, a magical tiger, and many more paranormal creatures. Val works for the army and deals with paranormal threats to the human population. She meets Zav in the course of her work as he is pursuing a criminal who has escaped the Dragon Justice Courts. Sparks fly in more ways than one!
March 6, 2024
4.5 stars. I reviewed books 1 and 2 separately, and this is my review for book 3, Tangled Truths. Best book in this series so far. Characters have been filled in and I look forward to reading onward to see how things progress.
April 9, 2023
First three books in a well paced urban fantasy that I finished in less than a week. Purchased the 4th book right afterwards. Fairly light on language and sensual passages until the third book, but seems to be trying to stay out of that mostly.
June 25, 2025
Great!
Lindsay Buroker is a great author. She has written a number of series set in this alternate world all of which I’ve read. Somehow, I ended up reading the first series last but well worth it as I’d always wondered about Val’s story. Her world building, solid characters and humour can’t be beaten. That’s 3 books in this series down and I’m looking forward with great pleasure to reading the rest.
Lindsay Buroker is a great author. She has written a number of series set in this alternate world all of which I’ve read. Somehow, I ended up reading the first series last but well worth it as I’d always wondered about Val’s story. Her world building, solid characters and humour can’t be beaten. That’s 3 books in this series down and I’m looking forward with great pleasure to reading the rest.
February 4, 2023
Love love love these books!
Buroker is one of my favorite writers, and Death Before Dragons (1-3) is classic. Introducing Val, a Viking/Elf hybrid government sanctioned assassin, who targets “mythical” beings who commit major crimes. Zav is the dragon shifter sent by the Dragon Court to apprehend such beings and return them for their version of rehabilitation. Val’s battles are epic, and become even more so when she comes up against Zav. The banter between them, the battles, the other characters, the world-building, are all excellent and draw you in to their world. Full of action, snarky comments, funny situations and interactions, and vivid descriptions, these books are a joy to read!
Buroker is one of my favorite writers, and Death Before Dragons (1-3) is classic. Introducing Val, a Viking/Elf hybrid government sanctioned assassin, who targets “mythical” beings who commit major crimes. Zav is the dragon shifter sent by the Dragon Court to apprehend such beings and return them for their version of rehabilitation. Val’s battles are epic, and become even more so when she comes up against Zav. The banter between them, the battles, the other characters, the world-building, are all excellent and draw you in to their world. Full of action, snarky comments, funny situations and interactions, and vivid descriptions, these books are a joy to read!
May 13, 2021
I laughed, I hit my head against the couch, and sighed I found a new heroine
The blurb does a good job describing the story line. What it doesn't do is tell you about the witty dialogue the chemistry between them. Val is your typical I need to do this alone so I don't make anyone in my family a target. She has lots of snark, no respect for authority, and a chip on her shoulder. Enter in the arrogant dragon lord and watch then argue and fight together.
The blurb does a good job describing the story line. What it doesn't do is tell you about the witty dialogue the chemistry between them. Val is your typical I need to do this alone so I don't make anyone in my family a target. She has lots of snark, no respect for authority, and a chip on her shoulder. Enter in the arrogant dragon lord and watch then argue and fight together.
October 28, 2025
First, my disclosure: I’ve only read the first two books. I might eventually go back to read the third, but after finishing the second (and having other books I’m really into), it doesn’t seem worth my time to continue with the series. Maybe it gets better.
Why I gave this 3 stars and not fewer: I usually really enjoy urban fantasy, with magical beings, fae, dragons, and a kick-ass female lead. I was interested enough to finish the first two books. The author comes at the story from an angle that isn’t typical, so I was curious to know more about what might happen.
Why I didn’t rate higher: The main character is a Mary Sue. She has magical weapons and heals fast, every action sequence has her in complete control, doing everything right, and surviving without any real struggle. She doesn’t suffer, is always confident in her abilities, and she doesn’t think things through or worry about making the right decisions. She’s flat. The author doesn’t give us enough to become emotionally invested in her at all. You’re told she cares about things, but I couldn’t feel it.
What really turned me off is that she doesn’t ever stop to ask why the events in the book are happening. She gets through one scrape, sets her sights on her next challenge, and goes after it. Why doesn’t she stop and consider that all the things she’s dealing with might be related? And maybe they aren’t really related, and I’m just being hopeful that the plot will come together and show itself—but after reading two books, it hasn’t yet. At the end of the second book (I’ll try to be vague enough not to spoil anything) there’s a scene where the author (and the main character) seem to forget what motivated her to act, and instead makes things worse by telling another character a different reason for what she did. It doesn’t read as though the character is trying to mislead the other person, she just gives a false response that might have been true during a previous draft of the story, but it doesn’t fit. That is what made me return the books (Kindle Unlimited) instead of reading on.
Sorry if this sounds harsh. I’ve been a beta reader for a few authors and have confidence in my ability to write reviews to help the writer improve. This story reads like the author’s first attempt to write a novel, and without giving a draft to unbiased beta-readers for helpful, honest feedback. She could use a writing community, or at least a good editor.
Why I gave this 3 stars and not fewer: I usually really enjoy urban fantasy, with magical beings, fae, dragons, and a kick-ass female lead. I was interested enough to finish the first two books. The author comes at the story from an angle that isn’t typical, so I was curious to know more about what might happen.
Why I didn’t rate higher: The main character is a Mary Sue. She has magical weapons and heals fast, every action sequence has her in complete control, doing everything right, and surviving without any real struggle. She doesn’t suffer, is always confident in her abilities, and she doesn’t think things through or worry about making the right decisions. She’s flat. The author doesn’t give us enough to become emotionally invested in her at all. You’re told she cares about things, but I couldn’t feel it.
What really turned me off is that she doesn’t ever stop to ask why the events in the book are happening. She gets through one scrape, sets her sights on her next challenge, and goes after it. Why doesn’t she stop and consider that all the things she’s dealing with might be related? And maybe they aren’t really related, and I’m just being hopeful that the plot will come together and show itself—but after reading two books, it hasn’t yet. At the end of the second book (I’ll try to be vague enough not to spoil anything) there’s a scene where the author (and the main character) seem to forget what motivated her to act, and instead makes things worse by telling another character a different reason for what she did. It doesn’t read as though the character is trying to mislead the other person, she just gives a false response that might have been true during a previous draft of the story, but it doesn’t fit. That is what made me return the books (Kindle Unlimited) instead of reading on.
Sorry if this sounds harsh. I’ve been a beta reader for a few authors and have confidence in my ability to write reviews to help the writer improve. This story reads like the author’s first attempt to write a novel, and without giving a draft to unbiased beta-readers for helpful, honest feedback. She could use a writing community, or at least a good editor.
June 17, 2025
I am literally laughing out loud
Oh my ***insert profanity here*** GAWD!! While the term LOL has taken a far more common place in our speech, the list of things that ACTUALLY make you UNCONTROLLABLY laugh out loud, no matter where you are, is sadly much much shorter. While reading the last book in this omnibus, Buroker, however, managed to draw out that reaction from me not once, or twice, but fully three times in the space of a single book.
The whole thing is great - great storyline, entertaining snark, and the aggressive female with a tragic backstory and too much backbone for her own good. It’s fun and light hearted but also clearly portrays the darker sides of the world Buroker has created. It’s an easy and fun read without any negative points I can think of.
That being said, we all know how “snark” works. It’s dry and it’s combative and will always make you chuckle, but rarely does it seize you and force the laugh out. The first two books were funny, and they’d tease the laugh the way any good snark will, but I never got pushed over the edge, not much does. So I very much appreciated it the first time it happened, it’s great when it happens, but then the 2nd one hit and I knew what my review would be about. The third one was a “sinker,” like the baseball pitch where a ball loses speed and drops. As the story was drawing towards its ridiculously comic ending, I was caught completely off guard by the book’s last line dropping in out of nowhere to totally make me laugh out loud one last time. The only problem is that it’s late at night, it’s a very quiet neighborhood, almost everyone else is asleep, and I discovered that even a short laugh can echo for quite a bit.
You’ve been warned. Enjoy!
Oh my ***insert profanity here*** GAWD!! While the term LOL has taken a far more common place in our speech, the list of things that ACTUALLY make you UNCONTROLLABLY laugh out loud, no matter where you are, is sadly much much shorter. While reading the last book in this omnibus, Buroker, however, managed to draw out that reaction from me not once, or twice, but fully three times in the space of a single book.
The whole thing is great - great storyline, entertaining snark, and the aggressive female with a tragic backstory and too much backbone for her own good. It’s fun and light hearted but also clearly portrays the darker sides of the world Buroker has created. It’s an easy and fun read without any negative points I can think of.
That being said, we all know how “snark” works. It’s dry and it’s combative and will always make you chuckle, but rarely does it seize you and force the laugh out. The first two books were funny, and they’d tease the laugh the way any good snark will, but I never got pushed over the edge, not much does. So I very much appreciated it the first time it happened, it’s great when it happens, but then the 2nd one hit and I knew what my review would be about. The third one was a “sinker,” like the baseball pitch where a ball loses speed and drops. As the story was drawing towards its ridiculously comic ending, I was caught completely off guard by the book’s last line dropping in out of nowhere to totally make me laugh out loud one last time. The only problem is that it’s late at night, it’s a very quiet neighborhood, almost everyone else is asleep, and I discovered that even a short laugh can echo for quite a bit.
You’ve been warned. Enjoy!
May 6, 2025
such a good. series!👍👍
Love how you never what kind of alien being aged will run into next . I also love how she’s becoming, or maybe it’s her counterparts who are becoming more Amelia me to one another, which leaves Val with more options for the situation other than killing them. In this last one her worst nightmare comes true and makes the situation in a small town really bad but even worse personally. Her new dragon foe becomes an ally, and perhaps more, whether she like it or not. But maybe…we’ll…we’ll have to see, I guess.
It’s full of adventure , mystery, intrigue, drama, and humor. Plus, there’s killing, & fighting—sometimes with dragons— & lots of perilous moments in general. Val has a dry, quirky, loner, personality, with quirky humor. You can’t help but feel bad for her because she has all her walls up, even with her boss,Willard, who I really like too because she really gets Val—she’s a very no-nonsense character, but she has to be as she’s a general. Val’s relationship walls are up for a reason—though we don’t know the exact scenarios behind the deep trauma that occurred —she’s afraid (.terrified) of those close to her getting hurt or killed by the magical beings she has to deal with, but we’re seeing those walls creeping downward, even if it’s only be one half inch,at least for now. Her hot dragon has become an even more intricate issue for her future, which is good, somewhat funny and going to be a real pain for her moving forward, I’m sure. Oh! And can I just say I LOVE Sindari!! He is the coolest cat!! Oh boy! lol. He’d hate that!! Read this series. It’s got a little for everyone. I do recommend getting the 3 book bundle to begin. You can just keep reading without stopping. Makes it so nice.👍👍
Love how you never what kind of alien being aged will run into next . I also love how she’s becoming, or maybe it’s her counterparts who are becoming more Amelia me to one another, which leaves Val with more options for the situation other than killing them. In this last one her worst nightmare comes true and makes the situation in a small town really bad but even worse personally. Her new dragon foe becomes an ally, and perhaps more, whether she like it or not. But maybe…we’ll…we’ll have to see, I guess.
It’s full of adventure , mystery, intrigue, drama, and humor. Plus, there’s killing, & fighting—sometimes with dragons— & lots of perilous moments in general. Val has a dry, quirky, loner, personality, with quirky humor. You can’t help but feel bad for her because she has all her walls up, even with her boss,Willard, who I really like too because she really gets Val—she’s a very no-nonsense character, but she has to be as she’s a general. Val’s relationship walls are up for a reason—though we don’t know the exact scenarios behind the deep trauma that occurred —she’s afraid (.terrified) of those close to her getting hurt or killed by the magical beings she has to deal with, but we’re seeing those walls creeping downward, even if it’s only be one half inch,at least for now. Her hot dragon has become an even more intricate issue for her future, which is good, somewhat funny and going to be a real pain for her moving forward, I’m sure. Oh! And can I just say I LOVE Sindari!! He is the coolest cat!! Oh boy! lol. He’d hate that!! Read this series. It’s got a little for everyone. I do recommend getting the 3 book bundle to begin. You can just keep reading without stopping. Makes it so nice.👍👍
January 11, 2023
Fun, fast-paced, non-stop adventure!
Val- aka Ruin Bringer, Assassin, Mythic Murderer, and her snarky attitude and mouth had me smiling throughout this series. She is committed to justice for humans- from supernaturals (dragons, orcs, goblins, dark elves, and more). Unfortunately, justice normally means death. Sindsri- a magical Tiger, assists Val in her battles and is a friend and ally, but lives in a distant realm. He can be called through a talisman/token on Val’s necklace, for six hours each day. Zav- aka Lord Zavryd’ Noquetal, a Dragon, is equally committed to justice- but without the murder *ahem* death of the perpetrators. He is committed to imprisonment and rehabilitation of the criminals, and tbh that process sounds equally if not worse then death. These characters form the backbone of our adventures.
The friends, family, and random people we meet along the way interact in a modern Earth setting combined with a magical multiverse humans remain mostly unaware of. The writing is easy to read without being simple, and the juxtaposition of the magical and mundane is interesting to ‘watch’.
Great for readers teen and up. Clean writing, no graphic descriptions of sex or violence, and storyline suitable for most. The problems they solve/issues they deal with- both personally and professionally -are completely believable and relatable to readers in our daily lives. World building is unique and the fun snarky dialogue is a bonus. I plan to read the rest of this series ASAP.
Val- aka Ruin Bringer, Assassin, Mythic Murderer, and her snarky attitude and mouth had me smiling throughout this series. She is committed to justice for humans- from supernaturals (dragons, orcs, goblins, dark elves, and more). Unfortunately, justice normally means death. Sindsri- a magical Tiger, assists Val in her battles and is a friend and ally, but lives in a distant realm. He can be called through a talisman/token on Val’s necklace, for six hours each day. Zav- aka Lord Zavryd’ Noquetal, a Dragon, is equally committed to justice- but without the murder *ahem* death of the perpetrators. He is committed to imprisonment and rehabilitation of the criminals, and tbh that process sounds equally if not worse then death. These characters form the backbone of our adventures.
The friends, family, and random people we meet along the way interact in a modern Earth setting combined with a magical multiverse humans remain mostly unaware of. The writing is easy to read without being simple, and the juxtaposition of the magical and mundane is interesting to ‘watch’.
Great for readers teen and up. Clean writing, no graphic descriptions of sex or violence, and storyline suitable for most. The problems they solve/issues they deal with- both personally and professionally -are completely believable and relatable to readers in our daily lives. World building is unique and the fun snarky dialogue is a bonus. I plan to read the rest of this series ASAP.
July 25, 2024
Dragons and goblins and werecats— oh my!
While I’m not sure what the title refers to, given that dragons, as intimidating as they are, remain preferable to death, this trio of novels is worth reading. The protagonist is a government assassin of magical criminals, the woman who is sent in when orcs eat tourists.
Actually, in this case Val’s been assigned to deal with a group of dark elves living in the Seattle underground, and kidnapping Seattle residents to sacrifice bloodily to whatever it is that they worship.
Meanwhile, there is also a black dragon in the area, seeking the dark elves’ ringleaders to capture and return to the dragons’ high court for punishment against draconic laws, leaving Val and the dragon competing for the same criminal prize. The coming clash is made more complicated by a second dragon coming to earth to assassinate the first, and involving Val.
I shall quit trying to describe the plot— it’s three books worth— and just encourage you to read it.
Recommended.
While I’m not sure what the title refers to, given that dragons, as intimidating as they are, remain preferable to death, this trio of novels is worth reading. The protagonist is a government assassin of magical criminals, the woman who is sent in when orcs eat tourists.
Actually, in this case Val’s been assigned to deal with a group of dark elves living in the Seattle underground, and kidnapping Seattle residents to sacrifice bloodily to whatever it is that they worship.
Meanwhile, there is also a black dragon in the area, seeking the dark elves’ ringleaders to capture and return to the dragons’ high court for punishment against draconic laws, leaving Val and the dragon competing for the same criminal prize. The coming clash is made more complicated by a second dragon coming to earth to assassinate the first, and involving Val.
I shall quit trying to describe the plot— it’s three books worth— and just encourage you to read it.
Recommended.
April 10, 2021
I loved this series!. I have been a little tired of the same plots and characters that recur in UF. Ms. Buroker´s Death Before Dragons was an amazing surprise. It´s really funny! I laughed aloud in many scenes, I loved the two main characters, specially Val, who is a mature woman with a dry wit and sense of humour. She works for the government, chasing and executing magical beings that are killing humans. Yet, in spite of her job, she is honest and reliable, and cares for the weaker people she comes across. Zav is a dragon, and he comes as delightfully arrogant and clueless, if you can image that combination. Yet, all the other characters are realistic too. Colonel Willard, Val´s boss and friend, Nin and Dimitri, two dwarfish friends, Zoltan, an alquimist vampire, and Val´s family: mother, daughter and ex-husband. All of them are real, lovable, and funny! You´ll love them. Go on, get this trilogy and give yourself a gift.
February 10, 2023
So Exciting!
And full of laughs, too. Val is an unapologetic smart-mouth, even when she’s kicking herself because she knows the real smart thing would be to keep her mouth shut. The sheer aggravation between her and Zav is hilarious, and I love that it doesn’t stop just because they start to respect (and maybe, eventually, sort of like) each other as working together lets them get to know one another. They’re still the people who drove each other crazy at the star, after all, just with more understanding of each other.
Nice slow burn - pun unintended but a happy accident! - with very believable enemies to lovers that for once isn’t purely about lust overriding two people’s established judgment of each other’s character and making them get mushy despite themselves. Every bit of good feeling that builds between Val and Zav feels earned. Love the character arcs over these three stories! And the plot never slows down any, either. Adventure and snark from front to back!
And full of laughs, too. Val is an unapologetic smart-mouth, even when she’s kicking herself because she knows the real smart thing would be to keep her mouth shut. The sheer aggravation between her and Zav is hilarious, and I love that it doesn’t stop just because they start to respect (and maybe, eventually, sort of like) each other as working together lets them get to know one another. They’re still the people who drove each other crazy at the star, after all, just with more understanding of each other.
Nice slow burn - pun unintended but a happy accident! - with very believable enemies to lovers that for once isn’t purely about lust overriding two people’s established judgment of each other’s character and making them get mushy despite themselves. Every bit of good feeling that builds between Val and Zav feels earned. Love the character arcs over these three stories! And the plot never slows down any, either. Adventure and snark from front to back!
June 23, 2025
one of the best books I’ve ever read
I read this a year ago and didn’t remember the name so I’ve been searching for a couple months so I could re-read the series. Nothing and no one had it in their archives by my description. And the description had A LOT of details! Buying and putting the book in my pics so I never lose it again. Now, for the why, the heroine is awesome, smart, snarky, selfless, unfailingly honest and principled and best of all, not a pushover for her love interest.
Amazing side characters that are so interesting, quirky, so well described even with their faults you root for them and hate the bad guys. This writer was why I started writing the people that live in my head. I will never come close to how good (good is seriously not enough but oh, well) this author is.
If you read it, you’ll love it. ‘Nuff said.
Thank you Lindsay for your hard work in making such a wonderful world. I’d love to read more someday. This story is endless.
I read this a year ago and didn’t remember the name so I’ve been searching for a couple months so I could re-read the series. Nothing and no one had it in their archives by my description. And the description had A LOT of details! Buying and putting the book in my pics so I never lose it again. Now, for the why, the heroine is awesome, smart, snarky, selfless, unfailingly honest and principled and best of all, not a pushover for her love interest.
Amazing side characters that are so interesting, quirky, so well described even with their faults you root for them and hate the bad guys. This writer was why I started writing the people that live in my head. I will never come close to how good (good is seriously not enough but oh, well) this author is.
If you read it, you’ll love it. ‘Nuff said.
Thank you Lindsay for your hard work in making such a wonderful world. I’d love to read more someday. This story is endless.
September 28, 2021
A surprising change from her other storylines
I've read enough of Lindsay Buroker's books in the past two years that I shouldn't be surprised anymore by the way her rich imagination pulls me deep into her worlds. But once again she has created a marvelous world, this time within the modern USA, that again lures me in like a drug pusher giving away the first few doses. Once again I am hooked, and need the fix of the next installment, even if it is at full price! Val is a different kind of heroine than those we usually come across. A six foot tall half elf working as a contract assassin for a special unit of the US Army dealing with magical creatures, who's encounter with a dragon will ultimately lead to involvement in the magical relms in a much larger scope, and which I am eager to finf where the author will take us.
I've read enough of Lindsay Buroker's books in the past two years that I shouldn't be surprised anymore by the way her rich imagination pulls me deep into her worlds. But once again she has created a marvelous world, this time within the modern USA, that again lures me in like a drug pusher giving away the first few doses. Once again I am hooked, and need the fix of the next installment, even if it is at full price! Val is a different kind of heroine than those we usually come across. A six foot tall half elf working as a contract assassin for a special unit of the US Army dealing with magical creatures, who's encounter with a dragon will ultimately lead to involvement in the magical relms in a much larger scope, and which I am eager to finf where the author will take us.
January 3, 2024
Truly excellent
I admit it, I’m late to the party. Somehow I missed this author until I bought a calendar that has some of her book covers in it, but I’m thoroughly hooked now!
The writing and action is top-rate, the locale details are authentic, the character is mature and both HAS a mother and IS a mother, which you never see in urban fantasy. Val is neither helpless nor ridiculously overpowered. She’s dealing with a lot but her choices all make sense, even if they’re painful.
There’s romance on the horizon but it’s not a huge factor, at least not yet. I’m off to secure the next book immediately; I haven’t been so impressed with an urban fantasy series since Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniel’s series.
Highly, highly recommend.
I admit it, I’m late to the party. Somehow I missed this author until I bought a calendar that has some of her book covers in it, but I’m thoroughly hooked now!
The writing and action is top-rate, the locale details are authentic, the character is mature and both HAS a mother and IS a mother, which you never see in urban fantasy. Val is neither helpless nor ridiculously overpowered. She’s dealing with a lot but her choices all make sense, even if they’re painful.
There’s romance on the horizon but it’s not a huge factor, at least not yet. I’m off to secure the next book immediately; I haven’t been so impressed with an urban fantasy series since Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniel’s series.
Highly, highly recommend.
July 17, 2021
One Dragon Is A Problem…
Val Thorvald is a governmental assassin, tasked witth executing magical creatures guilty of murder or rape of human beings. Herself half-elven by birth, Val doesn't need much help (apart from Sindari, a telepathic silver tiger she can 'call' from another diimension) … least of all the arrogant powerful dragon Lord Zavryd'nokquetal who wants to use her as bait…! But when other dragonss – more interested in harming humans and terrorizing the other sapients in the area – all bets are off!…
Val Thorvald is a governmental assassin, tasked witth executing magical creatures guilty of murder or rape of human beings. Herself half-elven by birth, Val doesn't need much help (apart from Sindari, a telepathic silver tiger she can 'call' from another diimension) … least of all the arrogant powerful dragon Lord Zavryd'nokquetal who wants to use her as bait…! But when other dragonss – more interested in harming humans and terrorizing the other sapients in the area – all bets are off!…
April 7, 2022
These books (and series) hit all of the checkmarks for a (generally/comparatively) light urban fantasy series. It's well written and I laughed at so many of the snarky lines between the main character and ... well everyone. The world-building was well developed but not complicated (the exact Godlilocks middle that I want for all of urban fantasy books), and was still unique.
The side characters were just as funny and developed as the main character and I would happily keep reading more in this series.
The side characters were just as funny and developed as the main character and I would happily keep reading more in this series.
May 2, 2023
I am really enjoying this series. Im really not into reading about dragons, it was something I liked doing when I was much younger, but I decided to give this one a try because I liked the idea of someone using her hammer for things!! Then I discovered that the book takes place in an area I know well and it really helped me with envisioning what was going on. I also really appreciate that she is intellegent and extends it to the book. its fun to read something tht has alot of good thought put into it!!
June 30, 2023
Adventure, action and a fierce and awesome FMC 💜
Wow, I was pleasantly surprised by this series. I love a strong, fierce and kick-ass h, and Val is that and so much more. Apart from the story itself, which is highly entertaining, the way Val’s character slowly but surely evolves throughout the story is amazing. Her interactions with Zav, are one of the highlights for me, as well as, her interaction with the very colorful secondary characters. My only issue, is that I wish there was a bit more romance and spice included in this series. Hopefully we will see more of it between Val and Zav as the story progresses. Onto the next one!!!! Yay!
Wow, I was pleasantly surprised by this series. I love a strong, fierce and kick-ass h, and Val is that and so much more. Apart from the story itself, which is highly entertaining, the way Val’s character slowly but surely evolves throughout the story is amazing. Her interactions with Zav, are one of the highlights for me, as well as, her interaction with the very colorful secondary characters. My only issue, is that I wish there was a bit more romance and spice included in this series. Hopefully we will see more of it between Val and Zav as the story progresses. Onto the next one!!!! Yay!
August 25, 2023
It keeps getting better
After starting this captivating world at the end - first book Hammered and then buying this box set, I can see where my next few months will be spent; reading this series first than going onto the the ‘Hammered’ series. At first the story was slow but gradually as the characters developed the relationship between Val and Zav bring into our lives a lovely entertaining few hours of pure escapism from our own sick world. Why use a gun when you can use a sword or an off world tiger.?
After starting this captivating world at the end - first book Hammered and then buying this box set, I can see where my next few months will be spent; reading this series first than going onto the the ‘Hammered’ series. At first the story was slow but gradually as the characters developed the relationship between Val and Zav bring into our lives a lovely entertaining few hours of pure escapism from our own sick world. Why use a gun when you can use a sword or an off world tiger.?
December 29, 2023
Enter a world you never knew existed. A world of magical beasts and and a time when a lot of them are fleeing to Earth to escape persecution elsewhere. Enter Val Thorvald, the half elf, half human who hunts down those who break human law and are killing humans.
Death Before Dragons is a collection of the first three books of this series and they will hook you. Val is an interesting character, one who can see magical beings as is tasked to hunt them down, until she encounters the arrogant and aloof dragons who control the Dragon Court and everyone in the universe. No matter where she goes, there are dragons getting in her way. And they are not helping her reputation as the assassin who kills magical beings.
This series is light hearted and fun, in between the killing. The aloof dragons are confused by humans and their lack of respect, causing many humourous situations. Especially as Val can't keep her snarky mouth shut.
Sindari is a lovely addition. Who wouldn't love a silver striped tiger as a companion?
Fun, easy read, and who knew? Dragons love a hot tub.
Death Before Dragons is a collection of the first three books of this series and they will hook you. Val is an interesting character, one who can see magical beings as is tasked to hunt them down, until she encounters the arrogant and aloof dragons who control the Dragon Court and everyone in the universe. No matter where she goes, there are dragons getting in her way. And they are not helping her reputation as the assassin who kills magical beings.
This series is light hearted and fun, in between the killing. The aloof dragons are confused by humans and their lack of respect, causing many humourous situations. Especially as Val can't keep her snarky mouth shut.
Sindari is a lovely addition. Who wouldn't love a silver striped tiger as a companion?
Fun, easy read, and who knew? Dragons love a hot tub.
June 12, 2024
Pretty good - very entertaining, a fairly realistic urban fantasy world (while there are some magical beings on Earth, there is very little magic on Earth, so most magical beings prefer to stay in their home realms). Lots of snark and banter - it's fun and entertaining but occasionally felt like... maybe she could TRY to be polite sometimes?
The writing is reasonably good but nothing fancy. It's honestly probably this book's biggest positive attribute for me - easy to pick up, easy to set down.
The writing is reasonably good but nothing fancy. It's honestly probably this book's biggest positive attribute for me - easy to pick up, easy to set down.
July 31, 2021
I really enjoyed all three of these books. I had read the first one separately, so when the book set came available I jumped at the chance of buying it. I was not disappointed. The books have action, wit, and romance. It also deals with relationship problems between the main character and her family. It's good to see a character that is not perfect. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys urban fantasies.
Read
November 17, 2021Kept me in suspense the entire series. I enjoyed all three books. Glad the Dragon got his girl.
Magical story with interesting characters thrown in. I liked the assignments her Colonel gave her. A nice love story between a Dragon and a part elf. That agent loved to do battle with magical beings. Magical bullets , sword and Tiger her main weapons coupled with her magical Dragon.
Magical story with interesting characters thrown in. I liked the assignments her Colonel gave her. A nice love story between a Dragon and a part elf. That agent loved to do battle with magical beings. Magical bullets , sword and Tiger her main weapons coupled with her magical Dragon.
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