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Dragon Gate #1
Kingdoms at War
For centuries, wizard kings have ruled the world from their elite sky cities, battling each other to add to their wealth and power, while using normal human beings as pawns. Those without magic struggle to feed their families and live in constant fear of bringing down the wrath of their tyrannical masters.
Something must change.
As a cartography student, Jak has always dreamed of finding the lost dragon gate and exploring and mapping distant worlds.
Developing magical powers and becoming a powerful wizard? Not a chance.
Wizards are cruel and inhumane, warring with each other from their great sky cities and keeping most of humanity enslaved. Jak wants nothing to do with them.
But when he and his archaeologist mother unearth the gate, they attract the attention of the very wizards they sought to avoid. Even more troubling, Jak starts developing magical powers of his own, powers that could rival those of the great rulers.
Fate may have given him the opportunity to change the world.
But the wizard rulers don’t like change, and when they detect threats, they send their elite assassins to eliminate them.
If Jak can’t unlock the power of the gate, and the powers within himself, the world will remain enslaved forever.
Something must change.
As a cartography student, Jak has always dreamed of finding the lost dragon gate and exploring and mapping distant worlds.
Developing magical powers and becoming a powerful wizard? Not a chance.
Wizards are cruel and inhumane, warring with each other from their great sky cities and keeping most of humanity enslaved. Jak wants nothing to do with them.
But when he and his archaeologist mother unearth the gate, they attract the attention of the very wizards they sought to avoid. Even more troubling, Jak starts developing magical powers of his own, powers that could rival those of the great rulers.
Fate may have given him the opportunity to change the world.
But the wizard rulers don’t like change, and when they detect threats, they send their elite assassins to eliminate them.
If Jak can’t unlock the power of the gate, and the powers within himself, the world will remain enslaved forever.
515 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2021
1952 people are currently reading
3270 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
197 books6,276 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 297 reviews
April 9, 2021
This was the start of another great adventure from Lindsay Buroker! This was my first book to get early as a Patreon, and the only issue will be waiting for the next one. Luckily, Lindsay is such a prolific writer that we won’t have long to wait! I got some random Stargate vibes for sure, and I can’t wait to see how this universe will expand. This has Lindsay’s signature witty banter and complex characters, so the journey will be entertaining whichever direction it takes!
May 5, 2021
I've enjoyed all of LB's stories. While many of her storylines and characters have similarities between them (see "Fallen Empire" and "Emperor's Edge"), this does not detract from their enjoyment factor. My favorite has been the "Dragon Blood" series, followed closely by "The Emperor's Edge". But based on the first book in this new series, I feel a definite, though subtle, change in her writing style. KaW has a more grown up feel to it. Of course there is still a fair amount of the snarky "schoolboy/girl" banter between characters, but there is often a darker undertone to it. On page 149, the simple response, "The cute girls are busy", would traditionally have been met with one or two of those snarky responses, but Buroker was able to convey the disgust in Jadora's words perfectly. Unlike many of LB's stories, nearly all of the primary characters (good and bad), with the exception of Jak, have at least a bit of baggage to them. So far, I believe this to be Buroker's best writing to date. It has a little bit of a different feel to it than her previous books. As she is one of my favorite authors, I am very pleased with the direction she seems to have gone with "Kingdoms at War".
September 5, 2021
This book fell flat for me. The main characters kept doing witty banter at points when doing so would likely end with their throats cut. All the joking at inappropriate times just made me think they were dumb and incapable of understanding the seriousness of their situation.
Also, having one of the main love stories be based on Stockholm Syndrome is not exactly fun to read.
Finally, could have done without all the rape and pedophilia. You can make your villains evil without resorting to such tactics.
Also, having one of the main love stories be based on Stockholm Syndrome is not exactly fun to read.
Finally, could have done without all the rape and pedophilia. You can make your villains evil without resorting to such tactics.
April 24, 2021
A very good start to a new series by Lindsay Buroker. I found it a little slow in the beginning but it gained pace and her characteristic interesting people and slightly sarcastic dialogue soon emerged. I am delighted to have read it and I look forward to the next!
May 11, 2021
Disappointed
I have read most of Lindsay's writing and while I enjoyed the story so far I believe that leaving out the sexual abuse of woman would have made it a better story. There is no need to go into details of the sex seen it doesn't add anything to the story. It was already established that the guy was bad. I fail to understand why .
I have read most of Lindsay's writing and while I enjoyed the story so far I believe that leaving out the sexual abuse of woman would have made it a better story. There is no need to go into details of the sex seen it doesn't add anything to the story. It was already established that the guy was bad. I fail to understand why .
April 23, 2021
Grim world
This is very well written and have interesting characters and incredible world building. It’s just a tough world where most people are slaves. Power and abuse are synonymous in this world. It was too dark for my tastes but very well done.
This is very well written and have interesting characters and incredible world building. It’s just a tough world where most people are slaves. Power and abuse are synonymous in this world. It was too dark for my tastes but very well done.
March 13, 2023
WELP! I think my progress reports could pretty much be my review. The first 3/4 of this book was SLOW! It was such a weird experience, though, because the characters and the set-up were awesome, but it was such a drudge getting any kind of plot progression. That left me not wanting to quit because there was so much promise but getting so bored, I couldn’t understand why I didn’t quit!
Then… suddenly everything took off and WHAM! It got amazing! A huge, long, suspense filled fight, chase, nail-biting excitement right up until the last page of the book. Whew! LOVED it.
So? Yeah… I’m going to grab the next book and cross my fingers, hoping the slow was just a really long set-up for the rest of the series and everything to come will keep up the amazeballs thrown out at the end.
Then… suddenly everything took off and WHAM! It got amazing! A huge, long, suspense filled fight, chase, nail-biting excitement right up until the last page of the book. Whew! LOVED it.
So? Yeah… I’m going to grab the next book and cross my fingers, hoping the slow was just a really long set-up for the rest of the series and everything to come will keep up the amazeballs thrown out at the end.
February 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.25
For centuries, wizard kings have ruled the world from their elite sky cities, battling each other to add to their wealth and power, while using normal human beings as pawns.
On an island housing an active volcano, a group of bookish archaeologists hope to find an ancient portal that allows travel to other worlds; maybe they can find the dragons. With such powerful allies, the oppressed could finally end the wizards' corrupt rule.
I loved that our main characters were a mother and her son. Their dynamic was so fun and endearing to follow and it’s always exciting to see different ages represented in books and tier different strengths, weaknesses and attitudes.
However, I did find the action and battle scenes repetitive which saw me skimming.
This was like Indiana Jones meets evil wizards and science fiction.
For centuries, wizard kings have ruled the world from their elite sky cities, battling each other to add to their wealth and power, while using normal human beings as pawns.
On an island housing an active volcano, a group of bookish archaeologists hope to find an ancient portal that allows travel to other worlds; maybe they can find the dragons. With such powerful allies, the oppressed could finally end the wizards' corrupt rule.
"I thought you just wanted to ride a dragon." Jadora smiled, remembering an entire summer when he'd been eight or nine where he'd voiced that fantasy frequently, usually while galloping around the kitchen on her broomstick.
"Of course I want to ride a dragon--who wouldn't? - but I want them to come fix...
the world."
I loved that our main characters were a mother and her son. Their dynamic was so fun and endearing to follow and it’s always exciting to see different ages represented in books and tier different strengths, weaknesses and attitudes.
However, I did find the action and battle scenes repetitive which saw me skimming.
This was like Indiana Jones meets evil wizards and science fiction.
May 3, 2021
2.5 I wanted to love this more, but I found myself skimming internal dialogue sections and wanting it to get moving a little faster. And the snark was just a bit too heavy for me, especially with Jadora and Jak. More than once I was so frustrated thinking, “Would guys shut up and get serious?!” That said, I have pre-ordered ART OF THE HUNT, because there’s enough interest in world building and characters to bring me back.
May 8, 2021
Lindsay takes a turn to the dark side
I stopped reading when the book descended into pedophilia and orgys. One of my favorite writers has dissapinted me this time
I stopped reading when the book descended into pedophilia and orgys. One of my favorite writers has dissapinted me this time
March 31, 2023
Archaeology Fantasy Blast!
Wizard Kings engage in a power struggle. Ruling with dominance over it’s people. A Dragon Gate & newfound abilities discovered begin to challenge its oppressors.
Lots of action & fun dialogue between characters! Excellent visualization.Great start to series.
Wizard Kings engage in a power struggle. Ruling with dominance over it’s people. A Dragon Gate & newfound abilities discovered begin to challenge its oppressors.
Lots of action & fun dialogue between characters! Excellent visualization.Great start to series.
November 8, 2022
This was such an epic book. I loved the setting and it was quite different from the other fantasy books I have read featuring dragons and archaeology and a great diverse cast of characters. I am excited to see how they all come together in the next books to achieve their mission and how Jakstor's character develops. Also, Malek, the anti hero character is noteworthy as well.
December 21, 2021
Well written but slow
While I did finish this book I had to struggle. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the writing or the style it is very clean and well written. My problem is that the book is slow. A lot of internal monolog which normally I would like And yet very little actually happens over there long-term. The whole premise is majors and dragons and they return. Dragon magic really. To = the scales. However there is absolutely no description on how this magic works. It just happens. Throughout the book magic happens with no description including one of the protagonist who has it. There is no spells or gestures.... Just happens with a thought. Leaves the system very arbitrary. I get the overarching storyline but i don't feel it so to speak. All the "good" characters are helpless like leaves in a hurricane. They don't do much, just enough to survive. What makes them special?? I dont feel it. The POV changes don't take away from the plot and certainly give you some insight into some of the other characters perspectives. There is no real romance here but hints to something later on. I don't think I'll be reading second book it just became too much of a drudge Even though it was well written.
While I did finish this book I had to struggle. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the writing or the style it is very clean and well written. My problem is that the book is slow. A lot of internal monolog which normally I would like And yet very little actually happens over there long-term. The whole premise is majors and dragons and they return. Dragon magic really. To = the scales. However there is absolutely no description on how this magic works. It just happens. Throughout the book magic happens with no description including one of the protagonist who has it. There is no spells or gestures.... Just happens with a thought. Leaves the system very arbitrary. I get the overarching storyline but i don't feel it so to speak. All the "good" characters are helpless like leaves in a hurricane. They don't do much, just enough to survive. What makes them special?? I dont feel it. The POV changes don't take away from the plot and certainly give you some insight into some of the other characters perspectives. There is no real romance here but hints to something later on. I don't think I'll be reading second book it just became too much of a drudge Even though it was well written.
June 17, 2021
Well written, first installment of the series, basically this book lays the ground work for following books. Slow start as it plots out who all the players are, gets a bit more exciting towards middle to end of book. Ends on cliffhanger.
************Possible spoilers **********
Got a bit worried about half way through, story had a dragon gate, humans pulling the gate down, symbols and then constellations on the gate was giving me a “Stargate” vibe..Will have to see what washes out in next book.
There are some elements in the book that some reviewers don’t like such as non-magic people are indentured servants. And it also references sexual situations with young women/men, it’s implied but not actually described, except for scene that is glossed over to reflect the depravity of one person of power.
I have read all of Lindsay’s books, The Emperors Edge and Death Before Dragons are my all time favorites.
************Possible spoilers **********
Got a bit worried about half way through, story had a dragon gate, humans pulling the gate down, symbols and then constellations on the gate was giving me a “Stargate” vibe..Will have to see what washes out in next book.
There are some elements in the book that some reviewers don’t like such as non-magic people are indentured servants. And it also references sexual situations with young women/men, it’s implied but not actually described, except for scene that is glossed over to reflect the depravity of one person of power.
I have read all of Lindsay’s books, The Emperors Edge and Death Before Dragons are my all time favorites.
May 23, 2021
A predictable YA with a subpar story
I honestly cannot understand the praise this book is getting, the biggest problem with this story is that it feels like I was reading a YA novel. There was almost no consequences to the heros actions and when there was I didn't care for it because the character had little to no development. At every turn I knew what was going to happen, a story with no twists. Mrs.Buroker's writing style is reminist to every typical story without the expansive world building. Kingdom's at war had one character that showed promise and that was the anti-hero Malek and he is the main reason I didn't drop this book half way through.
Story:4 Characters:5 Pacing:4 Writing Style:3
Overall: 4
I honestly cannot understand the praise this book is getting, the biggest problem with this story is that it feels like I was reading a YA novel. There was almost no consequences to the heros actions and when there was I didn't care for it because the character had little to no development. At every turn I knew what was going to happen, a story with no twists. Mrs.Buroker's writing style is reminist to every typical story without the expansive world building. Kingdom's at war had one character that showed promise and that was the anti-hero Malek and he is the main reason I didn't drop this book half way through.
Story:4 Characters:5 Pacing:4 Writing Style:3
Overall: 4
October 20, 2022
This book was okay. (Which is the best description I can give)
There were no great characters. They were mostly one dimensional and predictable. Other than one or two surprises, there’s nothing of importance to talk about with the story. And the dialogue…empty, obvious with little thought behind it.
I’m a fan of Buroker - but I don’t know if I’ll read the next book in the series. There are too many other books I’d rather read.
There were no great characters. They were mostly one dimensional and predictable. Other than one or two surprises, there’s nothing of importance to talk about with the story. And the dialogue…empty, obvious with little thought behind it.
I’m a fan of Buroker - but I don’t know if I’ll read the next book in the series. There are too many other books I’d rather read.
May 21, 2021
Awesome start to ask epic story. This book is the first of a series and it feels that way. Introducing characters and setting up multiple story lines and romances that will play out in later books.
September 16, 2021
Dragon’s Gate: Kingdoms at War is an underdog story through-and-through. Jak and Jadora are mother and son archaeologists unearthing an ancient artifact when the oppressive forces of their wizard rulers swoop in and not only take the artifact, but kidnap them.
I really enjoyed the opening. It did an excellent job of painting a vivid picture, laying the foundations of the plot, and introducing likeable characters. You can tell right off the bat that Lindsay Buroker knows what she’s doing.
The story of Kingdoms at War revolves around the quest to open the fabled dragon gate, an artifact that leads to the Dragon homeworld. Once Jak and Jadora unearth the legendary artifact the powers that be converge to try to control it and the possibility of allying with dragons on the other side of the portal.
I enjoyed most of the characters in the story. They have a quirkiness that makes them endearing without going too far and making them silly. The storyline goes back and forth from the archeologists to a crew of mercenaries whose paths cross in a couple of spots. Both sections are enjoyable and neither really stood out as a weak link. All the characters definitely have their own personalities and feel fleshed out and believable. I think that’s one of the strengths of Buroker‘s writing.
The setting is familiar with a few unusual elements. Wizards rule the world. In fact, they are so powerful that at first it seems impossible that any of the characters could stand against them. There is the magical equivalent of gun powder and other technological advances that allow mundane humans to fight against the wizards. There are also flying ships and floating cities. A fair amount of the story is set in one of the flying wizard cities which makes for a high Magic setting over all that I found consistent but not particularly unique.
The plot of this novel dragged a bit from time to time. When I take a step back and look at the bird's eye view of the different things that happened in the story, it certainly was not very economical for a 500 to 600 page epic fantasy novel. Every complication is dealt with in multiple scenes, some of which felt like they didn’t accomplish very much. A lot of the time I felt like we were kind of treading water where we get a tiny bit of progress but not very much for how many pages were devoted to said complication.
Luckily, Buroker writes in a easy to digest and engaging prose style. Her dialogue and banter were quite good, and she did a fine job of painting vivid scenes. Her action was also very visual and engaging, even if it was teased out more than I would normally enjoy.
All in all this was a pretty good book. I like the characters a lot and everything else about it was solid.
I really enjoyed the opening. It did an excellent job of painting a vivid picture, laying the foundations of the plot, and introducing likeable characters. You can tell right off the bat that Lindsay Buroker knows what she’s doing.
The story of Kingdoms at War revolves around the quest to open the fabled dragon gate, an artifact that leads to the Dragon homeworld. Once Jak and Jadora unearth the legendary artifact the powers that be converge to try to control it and the possibility of allying with dragons on the other side of the portal.
I enjoyed most of the characters in the story. They have a quirkiness that makes them endearing without going too far and making them silly. The storyline goes back and forth from the archeologists to a crew of mercenaries whose paths cross in a couple of spots. Both sections are enjoyable and neither really stood out as a weak link. All the characters definitely have their own personalities and feel fleshed out and believable. I think that’s one of the strengths of Buroker‘s writing.
The setting is familiar with a few unusual elements. Wizards rule the world. In fact, they are so powerful that at first it seems impossible that any of the characters could stand against them. There is the magical equivalent of gun powder and other technological advances that allow mundane humans to fight against the wizards. There are also flying ships and floating cities. A fair amount of the story is set in one of the flying wizard cities which makes for a high Magic setting over all that I found consistent but not particularly unique.
The plot of this novel dragged a bit from time to time. When I take a step back and look at the bird's eye view of the different things that happened in the story, it certainly was not very economical for a 500 to 600 page epic fantasy novel. Every complication is dealt with in multiple scenes, some of which felt like they didn’t accomplish very much. A lot of the time I felt like we were kind of treading water where we get a tiny bit of progress but not very much for how many pages were devoted to said complication.
Luckily, Buroker writes in a easy to digest and engaging prose style. Her dialogue and banter were quite good, and she did a fine job of painting vivid scenes. Her action was also very visual and engaging, even if it was teased out more than I would normally enjoy.
All in all this was a pretty good book. I like the characters a lot and everything else about it was solid.
January 22, 2023
This was a very fun start to the beginning of a new world and series. I enjoyed all of the world building and the fun banter. However, there was too much and perhaps an unbalanced view of mages that kept this from being entirely enjoyable. I am looking forward to seeing how Jak and Jadora get out of their sticky situation in the next installment of this series.
April 23, 2021
New and good
This story has a different flavor from the author's other series. I think it might be the several different viewpoint characters instead of a tighter focus on one.
There are hints of previous character types in this story. The woman archaeologist, the taciturn dedicated warrior.
The wizards in this story remind me of the dragons in her other stories. Arrogance and tons of irresistible power. But so much less amusing. Corrupted by power and taking full advantage of it. You really want to see them all destroyed. There are hints that they aren't all like that, but still.
This story may take several books to finish. I'm looking forward to it.
This story has a different flavor from the author's other series. I think it might be the several different viewpoint characters instead of a tighter focus on one.
There are hints of previous character types in this story. The woman archaeologist, the taciturn dedicated warrior.
The wizards in this story remind me of the dragons in her other stories. Arrogance and tons of irresistible power. But so much less amusing. Corrupted by power and taking full advantage of it. You really want to see them all destroyed. There are hints that they aren't all like that, but still.
This story may take several books to finish. I'm looking forward to it.
July 30, 2024
Still found parts slow and I was more interested in Jak and Jadora’s story than keeping up with the mercenaries. Although, that said I do like the mercenary characters and I am glad we got to know them. I just feel like sometimes we were with them way too long during their travels.
I also hope we see some romance happen between… People I won’t in case it seems like a spoiler, but it would be great if there was something there.
I also, this second read through, listened to some of the audiobook and think the narrator did a Fantastic job.
I also hope we see some romance happen between… People I won’t in case it seems like a spoiler, but it would be great if there was something there.
I also, this second read through, listened to some of the audiobook and think the narrator did a Fantastic job.
July 27, 2021
A winner
Another universe complete with magic, politics, religion, the haves and the have nots. A great plot that twists and turns. Divided and shifting loyalties for an eclectic cast, and best of all, Buroker's trademark snappy dialogue and warped humour.
A great read.
Another universe complete with magic, politics, religion, the haves and the have nots. A great plot that twists and turns. Divided and shifting loyalties for an eclectic cast, and best of all, Buroker's trademark snappy dialogue and warped humour.
A great read.
May 23, 2022
Best book I have read in a while. Fantastic new world with tons of action. Classic Buroker style with enjoyable characters and witty banter.
May 23, 2021
I’m on the fence with this series.
August 24, 2021
Just didn’t like this book
I normally love Lindsay’s books but I just couldn’t get into this book. I hate to say I was really disappointed. Would I recommend this book to others? No
I normally love Lindsay’s books but I just couldn’t get into this book. I hate to say I was really disappointed. Would I recommend this book to others? No
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July 4, 2022This series is much darker than some of her others. The world is very heavy and oppressive with lots of inequality and power differentials. That makes it a much slower read for me as it doesn't feel like her normal escapist fare. It's still a good story just harder to read. It takes me a while to get through the books.
February 5, 2022
This was my first book of Lindsay Buroker work, it was little slow in the beginning, however it gained its paced later on. It has amusing characters and wonderful world building which I really liked. I am happy to have read it and I look forward to the next and how the story proceeds!
June 23, 2021
Lindsay's best so far!
dnf
March 7, 2023I gave up about a third in. I just didn't care enough.
December 27, 2022
This was a good read and had a really interesting plot.
Good action with lots of magic. Kept me interested and waiting to see where it would go.
Good action with lots of magic. Kept me interested and waiting to see where it would go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews