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Valkyrie Bestiary #4
Grimalkins Don't Purr
Kyra Greene is out of this world—literally. Jacoby, her fire dervish has been lost in the Nether for weeks. Only Kyra can save him, but not without help from her estranged father. The problem is, Daddy is dead. His spirit now rests in a Life Tree whose roots pierce the veil between worlds.
Join Kyra on a new adventure with her band of misfit creatures. Only this time, to save Jacoby, she won’t be dealing with ghosts from Mason’s past. She have to face the distant dryad branch of her family and maybe a few of her own ghosts.
Join Kyra on a new adventure with her band of misfit creatures. Only this time, to save Jacoby, she won’t be dealing with ghosts from Mason’s past. She have to face the distant dryad branch of her family and maybe a few of her own ghosts.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2021
216 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Kim McDougall
46 books358 followersIf Kim McDougall could have one magical superpower, it would be to talk to animals. Or maybe to shift into animal form. Definitely, fantastical critters and magic often feature in her stories. So until she can change into a Griffin and fly away, she writes dark paranormal action and romance tales. Kim is also passionate about fiber art, photography, children’s literacy, rescue animals, nature, and genre-bending fiction. She also writes for children under pen name Kim Chatel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
March 29, 2022
2.5 stars
I struggled with this entry in the series. Most of the things I love about the books are missing from this one. When I read the first book, I really liked Kyra as a critter wrangler and the dynamic she has with her menagerie at home. Not to mention the crazy things she faces doing her job. This book was very different.
Kyra leaves her world behind to search for Jacoby in the Nether, which should have been pretty interesting, but instead was a little lackluster. I did enjoy getting to see a little more of Kyra's dryad roots, and meeting Grim was fun, but overall, I was a little bored. The pace is slower, made more so by endless detours that really didn't serve a purpose except to draw things out. And I like Mason and Kyra better as individuals than I do as a couple. I don't think they bring the best out of each other at all. I was also disappointed in Kyra's character growth. She throws a lot of temper tantrums in this one, refuses to listen which causes a lot of problems, and is just generally a pain. At one point, she stomps her foot because she's frustrated. I mean, why? My problem isn't with her actions or moods exactly, it's more with the way they were expressed. She came across as rather childish a number of times.
For me, this was a miss, but that opinion may be in the minority.
I struggled with this entry in the series. Most of the things I love about the books are missing from this one. When I read the first book, I really liked Kyra as a critter wrangler and the dynamic she has with her menagerie at home. Not to mention the crazy things she faces doing her job. This book was very different.
Kyra leaves her world behind to search for Jacoby in the Nether, which should have been pretty interesting, but instead was a little lackluster. I did enjoy getting to see a little more of Kyra's dryad roots, and meeting Grim was fun, but overall, I was a little bored. The pace is slower, made more so by endless detours that really didn't serve a purpose except to draw things out. And I like Mason and Kyra better as individuals than I do as a couple. I don't think they bring the best out of each other at all. I was also disappointed in Kyra's character growth. She throws a lot of temper tantrums in this one, refuses to listen which causes a lot of problems, and is just generally a pain. At one point, she stomps her foot because she's frustrated. I mean, why? My problem isn't with her actions or moods exactly, it's more with the way they were expressed. She came across as rather childish a number of times.
For me, this was a miss, but that opinion may be in the minority.
August 3, 2025
The Valkyrie Bestiary series has been fantastic so far, and this story takes Kyra and Mason further in their relationship as they go on a quest to visit her father’s Life Tree. This seems to be the only way they will be able to save Jacoby, the fire dervish that has been lost in the Nether. First they’ll have to travel through the Inbetween, with all of its dangers, to reach the dryads and her paternal grandmother. Along for the journey is Nori, the healer that has been keeping Jacoby alive with her magic, and the unpredictable hellhound, Princess. Kyra finally has a chance to deal with issues regarding her father, and come to grips with the results of her lifting the curse from Mason which made him mortal. During the quest, which involves Kyra, Mason, Princess and their guide, a grimalkin named Grim, they encounter a number of dangerous creatures, risk losing their souls, and maybe their lives, and learn a lot about themselves. This part of the story was not my favorite, I like the interactions with the creatures Kyra wrangles and her chaotic life at home, but it was still a great story with plenty of action and adventure, which I always enjoy.
February 22, 2022
3.5
I love all the different creatures in this series
I love all the different creatures in this series
December 15, 2024
Jacoby, the fire dervish, has been in a coma for weeks. The only help for him is to locate his essence in the Nether. To get to the Nether, Kyra must go to the Tree of Life (her father) and use it to get there.
Accompanied by Mason, Princess, and Nori (whose magic is keeping Jacoby alive), they use the rail line to Manhattan, meeting up with Kester who will accompany them to the Dryads.
This is not an easy, safe trip – there are roadblocks, attacks and surprises.
Once they are allowed into the Nether, they are met by a Grimalkin, a talking cat, who goes by the name of Grim.
There are harpies, sentinels, ghosts, ki stones, danger and frustration. Kyra spends a lot of time worrying about Mason not being invulnerable anymore as he keeps putting himself in danger to protect her. An never-ending circle.
Again, not an easy trip but full of action, humour, more surprises and lots of other things.
This is a fairly easy, quick, entertaining read.
I’m finding this series gets better with each book.
Accompanied by Mason, Princess, and Nori (whose magic is keeping Jacoby alive), they use the rail line to Manhattan, meeting up with Kester who will accompany them to the Dryads.
This is not an easy, safe trip – there are roadblocks, attacks and surprises.
Once they are allowed into the Nether, they are met by a Grimalkin, a talking cat, who goes by the name of Grim.
There are harpies, sentinels, ghosts, ki stones, danger and frustration. Kyra spends a lot of time worrying about Mason not being invulnerable anymore as he keeps putting himself in danger to protect her. An never-ending circle.
Again, not an easy trip but full of action, humour, more surprises and lots of other things.
This is a fairly easy, quick, entertaining read.
I’m finding this series gets better with each book.
April 9, 2024
3.75*
September 28, 2021
Like all the Valkyrie Beastiary books, this one is so good.
I read it in one sitting, pausing only long enough to scarf down dinner.
The way the story is told, and how the author is able to bring her world to life, and still make it feel recognisable as being ours (yet not)- is awesome.
I feel it helps that I live where the main character is currently based, so I have recognized landmarks and descriptions.
This book takes her world a little further. Expanding, enhancing, weaving itself around me the longer I read them.
The blending of lore, magic, myth, and reality make these stories ones I never want to end.
This one made me cry tho. I love when I become so lost in a story that my emotions are no longer my own.
I eagerly await the next book, and hope I dont have long.
I read it in one sitting, pausing only long enough to scarf down dinner.
The way the story is told, and how the author is able to bring her world to life, and still make it feel recognisable as being ours (yet not)- is awesome.
I feel it helps that I live where the main character is currently based, so I have recognized landmarks and descriptions.
This book takes her world a little further. Expanding, enhancing, weaving itself around me the longer I read them.
The blending of lore, magic, myth, and reality make these stories ones I never want to end.
This one made me cry tho. I love when I become so lost in a story that my emotions are no longer my own.
I eagerly await the next book, and hope I dont have long.
September 26, 2021
The worst part of the previous book was the cliffhanger regarding Jacoby. In this book Kyra, Mason & Princess go to the world between worlds to try to find him, meeting a new quirky creature on the journey. While this book is a bit tamer & a bit more about emotional battles than physical (although there is still plenty of fighting to be done), it’s still a must read if you enjoy the series. And there’s plenty of the wry humour that the crazy animals create just by being themselves, which is a huge part of the appeal of these books. Looking forward to the next.
October 19, 2021
Another fun and entertaining installment in the Valkyrie Bestiary Series!
Grimalkins Don't Purr picks up right where the previous novel, Hellhounds Don't Heel, left off. Kyra is still desperate to find a way to bring back her fire dervish friend, Jacoby, who (we learned in the previous book) is trapped in the nether following his "going Nova" in book 2, Dervishes Don't Dance. In order to save Jacoby, Kyra & her newly mortal beau, Mason, as well as other friends, undertake a quest into the Nether to find his spirit & return it to his fading body.
There are so many strengths in this book series, but chief among them is Kyra, who is an awesome badass & ever-evolving protagonist who I love rooting for. This book introduced some of Kyra's family and provided an opportunity for her to connect with her father. Since her feelings about the man who was a great hero but an absentee father have been something she's struggled with in previous books, I found that this was a great chance for growth in her character. It was also great to see she & Mason being able to finally be a couple, and I really liked that instead of just letting them slip into some kind of happy honeymoon phase, the author chose to throw a few bumps into their path.
Mason is having to deal with a newfound weakness in that he is no longer an immortal gargoyle. This is a good thing except that he feels he can't protect Kyra the way he wants to. Of course, we know that Kyra doesn't need protecting, and this becomes a point of contention between them throughout the book. To be honest, Mason's overbearing attitude kind of rubbed me the wrong way, especially when he offered himself to be Kyra's champion during the final pages of the book. Despite my annoyance with him (and Kyra's, too!) I was really pleased by the way the whole thing wrapped up.
Another awesome element of this series is the menagerie of random mythological & magical beasts around Kyra at all times. This book is no exception, bringing back old friends like Jacoby the dervish, Clarence the basilisk who turned out to be a roc (I'll miss you!), Nori the kitsune, & Princess the hellhound, who reminded me of my own faithful hound dog and warmed my heart throughout. There is also the new introduction of Grim the grimalkin, their fully feline guide through the Nether.
Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of this series is the highly original dystopian fantasy world in which Kyra & crew exist. I have never read anything else like it, and I can't get enough of the worldbuilding as the author expands upon this setting. This book was doubly awesome in this area because not only did we get to experience several previously unexplored parts of Terra, but we were treated to the Nether, as well, which was a completely separate spiritual plain with an entirely different set of rules.
One word of caution: the rating and review pop-up in this book appears BEFORE the epilogue, so make sure that you don't just reach that point and stop. There are several situations in this book that are clearly setting up for the next chapter in the series, and if you don't read the epilogue you will miss out on full resolution of this story as well as clues to what may unfold in upcoming books. I LOVE that she gave us these hints and setup but didn't end on a cliffhanger. Cliffhangers always make me feel like the author is forcing you to buy the next book to finish the story, whereas this book wraps completely while organically leading you into a subsequent novel.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Kim McDougall has impressed me with this series and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book!! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, magic, dystopian worlds, fantastic beasts, and a hint of romance. Although if you are new to the series I would absolutely suggest beginning with book 1, Dragons Don't Eat Meat, so as not to be lost when you dive into this one. Hopefully we will be getting more books about Kyra & crew for a long time to come!
Grimalkins Don't Purr picks up right where the previous novel, Hellhounds Don't Heel, left off. Kyra is still desperate to find a way to bring back her fire dervish friend, Jacoby, who (we learned in the previous book) is trapped in the nether following his "going Nova" in book 2, Dervishes Don't Dance. In order to save Jacoby, Kyra & her newly mortal beau, Mason, as well as other friends, undertake a quest into the Nether to find his spirit & return it to his fading body.
There are so many strengths in this book series, but chief among them is Kyra, who is an awesome badass & ever-evolving protagonist who I love rooting for. This book introduced some of Kyra's family and provided an opportunity for her to connect with her father. Since her feelings about the man who was a great hero but an absentee father have been something she's struggled with in previous books, I found that this was a great chance for growth in her character. It was also great to see she & Mason being able to finally be a couple, and I really liked that instead of just letting them slip into some kind of happy honeymoon phase, the author chose to throw a few bumps into their path.
Mason is having to deal with a newfound weakness in that he is no longer an immortal gargoyle. This is a good thing except that he feels he can't protect Kyra the way he wants to. Of course, we know that Kyra doesn't need protecting, and this becomes a point of contention between them throughout the book. To be honest, Mason's overbearing attitude kind of rubbed me the wrong way, especially when he offered himself to be Kyra's champion during the final pages of the book. Despite my annoyance with him (and Kyra's, too!) I was really pleased by the way the whole thing wrapped up.
Another awesome element of this series is the menagerie of random mythological & magical beasts around Kyra at all times. This book is no exception, bringing back old friends like Jacoby the dervish, Clarence the basilisk who turned out to be a roc (I'll miss you!), Nori the kitsune, & Princess the hellhound, who reminded me of my own faithful hound dog and warmed my heart throughout. There is also the new introduction of Grim the grimalkin, their fully feline guide through the Nether.
Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of this series is the highly original dystopian fantasy world in which Kyra & crew exist. I have never read anything else like it, and I can't get enough of the worldbuilding as the author expands upon this setting. This book was doubly awesome in this area because not only did we get to experience several previously unexplored parts of Terra, but we were treated to the Nether, as well, which was a completely separate spiritual plain with an entirely different set of rules.
One word of caution: the rating and review pop-up in this book appears BEFORE the epilogue, so make sure that you don't just reach that point and stop. There are several situations in this book that are clearly setting up for the next chapter in the series, and if you don't read the epilogue you will miss out on full resolution of this story as well as clues to what may unfold in upcoming books. I LOVE that she gave us these hints and setup but didn't end on a cliffhanger. Cliffhangers always make me feel like the author is forcing you to buy the next book to finish the story, whereas this book wraps completely while organically leading you into a subsequent novel.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Kim McDougall has impressed me with this series and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book!! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, magic, dystopian worlds, fantastic beasts, and a hint of romance. Although if you are new to the series I would absolutely suggest beginning with book 1, Dragons Don't Eat Meat, so as not to be lost when you dive into this one. Hopefully we will be getting more books about Kyra & crew for a long time to come!
September 26, 2021
good
**Note** the eBook edition pops up with the review page before the epilogue… so keep reading!
This is part of an ongoing series, and it picks up shortly after Hellhounds Don’t Heel. Although it’s book 4 of the series, there are a couple of prequel novellas that tell a lot of Kyra’s back story.
Kyra and Mason are working at finding a cure for the unconscious fire dervish, Jacoby. This means a trip to see Kyra’s father’s life tree, a tree that spans worlds.
Entering the Nethers, (the world between worlds), they must face many dangers before they can go home.
This was an excellent addition to this wonderful series. Set in a somewhat Post-Apocalyptic future, it features a plethora of magical beings, and the world in which they are struggling to survive. There is an amazing amount of world building and it’s very unusual in design, giving the series an almost steampunk flavour.
The characters are richly realised, and though they might be heroes, they also have flaws.
It all adds up to an enjoyable reading experience, with a plot that flows quickly yet never feels rushed, and enough action and adventure to keep you interested.
There is romance, but intimacy happens off-page, and instead it’s more about building a relationship. Since both Kyra and Mason have had traumatic relationships in their past, it makes sense that their story is more about learning to love and trust!
All in all, the reader can expect a pleasurable couple of hours reading from this book, while visiting a few new worlds in Kyra’s universe and timeline!
Recommended for fantasy and urban fantasy lovers.
**Note** the eBook edition pops up with the review page before the epilogue… so keep reading!
This is part of an ongoing series, and it picks up shortly after Hellhounds Don’t Heel. Although it’s book 4 of the series, there are a couple of prequel novellas that tell a lot of Kyra’s back story.
Kyra and Mason are working at finding a cure for the unconscious fire dervish, Jacoby. This means a trip to see Kyra’s father’s life tree, a tree that spans worlds.
Entering the Nethers, (the world between worlds), they must face many dangers before they can go home.
This was an excellent addition to this wonderful series. Set in a somewhat Post-Apocalyptic future, it features a plethora of magical beings, and the world in which they are struggling to survive. There is an amazing amount of world building and it’s very unusual in design, giving the series an almost steampunk flavour.
The characters are richly realised, and though they might be heroes, they also have flaws.
It all adds up to an enjoyable reading experience, with a plot that flows quickly yet never feels rushed, and enough action and adventure to keep you interested.
There is romance, but intimacy happens off-page, and instead it’s more about building a relationship. Since both Kyra and Mason have had traumatic relationships in their past, it makes sense that their story is more about learning to love and trust!
All in all, the reader can expect a pleasurable couple of hours reading from this book, while visiting a few new worlds in Kyra’s universe and timeline!
Recommended for fantasy and urban fantasy lovers.
November 24, 2023
More Diversionary Than A Continuation To The Series
I took a break from this series, and had a few moments in the beginning where I had to remember what had transpired in recent books. But McDougall brings you back up to speed, without a bunch of fillers and fluff. Just enough to gently remind the reader where they left off, without retelling 3 other books. I appreciate that. She’s done this in other books in the series, so it’s good to see her continue in this vein.
This one definitely has a lot going on with beasts and travel to other worlds. Adventure abounds, and kept me turning pages, long after I should’ve taken a break.
Reading through my previous reviews of the first 3 books reminded me there was a lot happening in the series, yet nothing was really settled in this edition. It’s almost a side trip, if you will, to another adventure for Kyra and Mason, as well as adding to the ever growing brood of her extended family.
I guess I’ll have to read the next one, and see if there’s any resolution, or even progress, to the previous storyline presented in books 1-3.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s a couple of developments to the series that moves it forward, just not necessarily major regarding what’s already going on in the previous 3.
This is the only reason I marked this one as 3, instead of 4 stars. I felt as if the pressure of the publisher, or the author’s own personal deadline, caused this to be released, sooner than maybe it should’ve.
I took a break from this series, and had a few moments in the beginning where I had to remember what had transpired in recent books. But McDougall brings you back up to speed, without a bunch of fillers and fluff. Just enough to gently remind the reader where they left off, without retelling 3 other books. I appreciate that. She’s done this in other books in the series, so it’s good to see her continue in this vein.
This one definitely has a lot going on with beasts and travel to other worlds. Adventure abounds, and kept me turning pages, long after I should’ve taken a break.
Reading through my previous reviews of the first 3 books reminded me there was a lot happening in the series, yet nothing was really settled in this edition. It’s almost a side trip, if you will, to another adventure for Kyra and Mason, as well as adding to the ever growing brood of her extended family.
I guess I’ll have to read the next one, and see if there’s any resolution, or even progress, to the previous storyline presented in books 1-3.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s a couple of developments to the series that moves it forward, just not necessarily major regarding what’s already going on in the previous 3.
This is the only reason I marked this one as 3, instead of 4 stars. I felt as if the pressure of the publisher, or the author’s own personal deadline, caused this to be released, sooner than maybe it should’ve.
September 23, 2021
Grimalkins Don't Purr is the fourth book in the Valkyrie Bestiary series and I just loved it! Kyra is on a mission to help Jacoby, who became lost in the Nether at the conclusion of the previous book. Despite Nori's help, he's quickly fading, and Kyra must travel to her estranged father's Life Tree to get his help on her quest. The Nether is a very strange and hostile place, but she has Mason and Princess at her side and a grimalkin guiding them, so they’re in for quite an adventure.
I truly loved this book! Kyra and Mason are such a great pair, and it was cute to see how they kept fighting to protect each other. Grim was both endearing and infuriating, but I liked how things worked out for him. There’s a lot that happens towards the end of the book and I spent much of the last quarter choked up with happy tears. There's such great closure to a few things in this book that it felt like a series finale, but happily, there are more adventures for Kyra and Mason in the future. If you're reading this series, I highly recommend this book, it is probably my favorite so far! If you haven't started the series, start with the first book, Dragons Don't Eat Meat, you won't be disappointed!
I truly loved this book! Kyra and Mason are such a great pair, and it was cute to see how they kept fighting to protect each other. Grim was both endearing and infuriating, but I liked how things worked out for him. There’s a lot that happens towards the end of the book and I spent much of the last quarter choked up with happy tears. There's such great closure to a few things in this book that it felt like a series finale, but happily, there are more adventures for Kyra and Mason in the future. If you're reading this series, I highly recommend this book, it is probably my favorite so far! If you haven't started the series, start with the first book, Dragons Don't Eat Meat, you won't be disappointed!
February 16, 2023
-5 stars. still loving the world this author creates, and all the beasts and critters in it. the creatures all spring to life in my mind, the author describes their behaviors so well. another reader's review nails it spot on saying "there’s plenty of the wry humor that the crazy animals create just by being themselves, which is a huge part of the appeal of these books."
-one thing i was confused about: i thought Mason was now human, that the stone/gargoyle curse had been broken. but during the fight on the way to manhatten against the blennys on page 34
"a stone arm punched through the pile. i grabbed it and hauled Mason up from the jumble of bodies."
so apparently he still retains his ability to shift to stone at will in the regular world before they reach the nether?
"its a hundred degrees outside, how are your feet cold?"
"it's a talent." [i also have this talent]
"i hate this. i hate making decisions for others."
"you're good at it."
"doesn't mean i don't hate it."
"if you liked it, you wouldn't be good at it."
i picked through my thoughts carefully, trying to parse together a coherent argument that wouldn't put him on the defensive.
"you're being ridiculous."
okay, parsing wasn't my strength.
-one thing i was confused about: i thought Mason was now human, that the stone/gargoyle curse had been broken. but during the fight on the way to manhatten against the blennys on page 34
"a stone arm punched through the pile. i grabbed it and hauled Mason up from the jumble of bodies."
so apparently he still retains his ability to shift to stone at will in the regular world before they reach the nether?
"its a hundred degrees outside, how are your feet cold?"
"it's a talent." [i also have this talent]
"i hate this. i hate making decisions for others."
"you're good at it."
"doesn't mean i don't hate it."
"if you liked it, you wouldn't be good at it."
i picked through my thoughts carefully, trying to parse together a coherent argument that wouldn't put him on the defensive.
"you're being ridiculous."
okay, parsing wasn't my strength.
January 26, 2024
First off, I just have to say, this is so far my favorite audiobook narrator! The different voices of the characters are all so amazing and actually sound like more than just one person!
Now to the review part! This is book 4 of the Valkyrie Bestiary series. In this book, Kyra is finally getting to learn how to help Jacoby. With Norie’s help (audiobook so not sure about spelling), Kyra will be able to travel to the Nether to find him. So Kyra, Mason, Princess, Norie and Clarence travel through the in between to find her dad, the dryad tree. After dealing with dryad family, she must ask her father for help traveling worlds. And of course, nothing in the Nether will be easy, even with a grimalkin for a guide. And it seems finding Jacoby isn’t her task while traveling worlds.
I love all the creatures in these books and this one is no exception. Many creatures new to me and some that I love, like harpies.
With this book though, I did get a little upset with Kyra on behalf of Mason. She thinks she is protecting him not even thinking she may be belittling him. But I do wish Mason would just come out and say how he feels!
And the interaction with Kyra and her dad! All the feels!
I am glad I get her heart “Kyra lady” again and that the menagerie has been reunited and gotten an addition or 2! I can’t wait to see what will happen with Mason after the trials!
Now to the review part! This is book 4 of the Valkyrie Bestiary series. In this book, Kyra is finally getting to learn how to help Jacoby. With Norie’s help (audiobook so not sure about spelling), Kyra will be able to travel to the Nether to find him. So Kyra, Mason, Princess, Norie and Clarence travel through the in between to find her dad, the dryad tree. After dealing with dryad family, she must ask her father for help traveling worlds. And of course, nothing in the Nether will be easy, even with a grimalkin for a guide. And it seems finding Jacoby isn’t her task while traveling worlds.
I love all the creatures in these books and this one is no exception. Many creatures new to me and some that I love, like harpies.
With this book though, I did get a little upset with Kyra on behalf of Mason. She thinks she is protecting him not even thinking she may be belittling him. But I do wish Mason would just come out and say how he feels!
And the interaction with Kyra and her dad! All the feels!
I am glad I get her heart “Kyra lady” again and that the menagerie has been reunited and gotten an addition or 2! I can’t wait to see what will happen with Mason after the trials!
July 20, 2024
I am just so in love with this series. Kyra's character is superb! One of my favorite elements of this series is the menagerie of random mythological & magical beasts around Kyra at all times. This book is no exception, bringing back old friends like Jacoby the dervish, Clarence the basilisk , Nori the kitsune, & Princess the hellhound. There is also the new introduction of Grim the grimalkin, their fully feline guide through the Nether. This series is well written and I have a hard time putting them down once I start one. The phrase Kyra Lady is quickly becoming my favorite words in each book.
Kyra feels very guilty about Jacoby her fire dervish. He has been lost in the Nether for weeks and only Kyra can save him before his soul seperates from his body permanently. To save Jacoby, Kyra will need to travel between worlds with her clan of misfit creatures. This time, she won’t be facing ghosts from Mason’s past. She’ll be going head to head with the distant dryad branch of her family and finally confronting her absentee father. Kyra and her group will face danger and challenges but Kyra won't stop until Jacoby is back.
Kyra feels very guilty about Jacoby her fire dervish. He has been lost in the Nether for weeks and only Kyra can save him before his soul seperates from his body permanently. To save Jacoby, Kyra will need to travel between worlds with her clan of misfit creatures. This time, she won’t be facing ghosts from Mason’s past. She’ll be going head to head with the distant dryad branch of her family and finally confronting her absentee father. Kyra and her group will face danger and challenges but Kyra won't stop until Jacoby is back.
February 20, 2022
jacoby!
3.5 but rounded down because of some errors.
I got invested in this series because of the rescues that Kyra helps out. Mason and the dangers they face and the town in general all come second to me. I wanna love Mason but there’s something off. Whether it’s him or the romance itself, I’m gonna say I have a hard time really feeling any romance. This series is definitely paranormal suspense with Mason thrown in cause he’s a hot good dude for our Kyra.
I do, however, like that all the characters are complicated. Mason doesn’t always have his act together and sometimes can lose it. I like that difference.
This book wasn’t my favorite because Kyra goes on a journal to try Jacoby. Now I love the little guy and I liked some parts of the book, but to be honest, it wasn’t what I was expecting, so I wasn’t exactly gongho to finish it in a single sitting.
The Nether world was interesting. A lot of stuff I wasn’t interested in, though, unless we’re gonna see all of it in the real world.
3.5 but rounded down because of some errors.
I got invested in this series because of the rescues that Kyra helps out. Mason and the dangers they face and the town in general all come second to me. I wanna love Mason but there’s something off. Whether it’s him or the romance itself, I’m gonna say I have a hard time really feeling any romance. This series is definitely paranormal suspense with Mason thrown in cause he’s a hot good dude for our Kyra.
I do, however, like that all the characters are complicated. Mason doesn’t always have his act together and sometimes can lose it. I like that difference.
This book wasn’t my favorite because Kyra goes on a journal to try Jacoby. Now I love the little guy and I liked some parts of the book, but to be honest, it wasn’t what I was expecting, so I wasn’t exactly gongho to finish it in a single sitting.
The Nether world was interesting. A lot of stuff I wasn’t interested in, though, unless we’re gonna see all of it in the real world.
April 26, 2023
Best book by far
This felt one of the most complete stories ever told in this entire series. I personally felt like the author actually took the time to address little nuances like how Kyra came to be in the company of the Dryads and remembered to address the absence and appearance of other characters.
Also I liked how her cousin pointed out that Kyra was still collecting strays and it reinforced that it’s a personal trait and not a byproduct of her profession.
I did have a major gripe that was never addressed at all…. Why is Mason able to change his arm to stone? Originally it was a trait brought upon due to his control over the magic of his curse. However Mason is naturally an alchemist, he shouldn’t have retained the ability. The idea that it’s a side effect of Kyra and her sword is a flimsy excuse at best and at worst we can chalk it up to a change of his magical DNA… which better not be combined with his new “powers” that allowed him to pass the trial to leave the Nether. That’s a little too much.
I’m looking forward to the next installment!
This felt one of the most complete stories ever told in this entire series. I personally felt like the author actually took the time to address little nuances like how Kyra came to be in the company of the Dryads and remembered to address the absence and appearance of other characters.
Also I liked how her cousin pointed out that Kyra was still collecting strays and it reinforced that it’s a personal trait and not a byproduct of her profession.
I did have a major gripe that was never addressed at all…. Why is Mason able to change his arm to stone? Originally it was a trait brought upon due to his control over the magic of his curse. However Mason is naturally an alchemist, he shouldn’t have retained the ability. The idea that it’s a side effect of Kyra and her sword is a flimsy excuse at best and at worst we can chalk it up to a change of his magical DNA… which better not be combined with his new “powers” that allowed him to pass the trial to leave the Nether. That’s a little too much.
I’m looking forward to the next installment!
October 19, 2021
This series is such a guilty pleasure of mine! It's the best kind of escape when you enter this fantasy world of Valkyries, gargoyles, and all of Kyra’s creatures. This is probably my favorite because while they're all entertaining, quick reads this one has depth. Kyra finally facing her father and the abandonment she's felt and how it's the root issues for her always taking in strays - solid gold! Even amidst all the fantasy and romance, this was the best part! I hope others can see and learn from his hidden truth. Of course, I've enjoyed watching Kyra and Mason’s relationship from the beginning. This was a great view as they move into the next phase of their relationship while dealing with what has happened. I'm excited to see what's next and when their little girl will come. I also love how each book just continues so easily into the next. Such a fun series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2022
4.5 stars-Magic, mayhem and lots of beasties
Kira needs to find a way to save her friend Jacoby. His soul has been separated from his body and is lost in the Nether lands. This is a seperate plane from Earth and to retrieve the soul Kira must venture there but first she needs a strong anchor to Earth. Her late father, a dryad sacrificed his life to save Underhill the land of the Fae. He became a soul tree, with roots in Underhill, Earth and the Nether lands. His tree is the ideal anchor but it lies north of Manhattan and to get there from Montreal, Kira must cross wastelands devastated by magic and also face her dryad grandmother, whom she hasn’t seen for a decade. Mason refuses to let her travel alone and so he accompanies her along with Jacoby’s body, the Kitsune Nori, who is keeping him alive and Princess the hellhound.
Kira needs to find a way to save her friend Jacoby. His soul has been separated from his body and is lost in the Nether lands. This is a seperate plane from Earth and to retrieve the soul Kira must venture there but first she needs a strong anchor to Earth. Her late father, a dryad sacrificed his life to save Underhill the land of the Fae. He became a soul tree, with roots in Underhill, Earth and the Nether lands. His tree is the ideal anchor but it lies north of Manhattan and to get there from Montreal, Kira must cross wastelands devastated by magic and also face her dryad grandmother, whom she hasn’t seen for a decade. Mason refuses to let her travel alone and so he accompanies her along with Jacoby’s body, the Kitsune Nori, who is keeping him alive and Princess the hellhound.
July 7, 2023
I have to say I adore the Valkyrie Bestiary. These books are some very fine post apocalyptic UF! They take place in Montreal after Mother Earth rebelled and took back the world.
In Grimalkin which is book 4, Kyra travels into the Nether to rescue her dervish, Jacoby, whose come untethered from his body while saving her.
This is a great tale full of adventure, trials, the strength of found family, and forgiveness. Just a book full of everything. Kim weaves such a fabulous tale with her own take of everything from Dryads to Rocs, to Harpies! If you like a supernatural critter, it will probably show up here!
Also, I adore Grim. He's a cat through and through so you are always wondering if he can be trusted.
Kyra and Mason are also working on their relationship, and it has its ups and downs as we all know!
Just read the series, you won't be disappointed!
In Grimalkin which is book 4, Kyra travels into the Nether to rescue her dervish, Jacoby, whose come untethered from his body while saving her.
This is a great tale full of adventure, trials, the strength of found family, and forgiveness. Just a book full of everything. Kim weaves such a fabulous tale with her own take of everything from Dryads to Rocs, to Harpies! If you like a supernatural critter, it will probably show up here!
Also, I adore Grim. He's a cat through and through so you are always wondering if he can be trusted.
Kyra and Mason are also working on their relationship, and it has its ups and downs as we all know!
Just read the series, you won't be disappointed!
September 26, 2021
Great series keeps getting better
I love the mix of magic and love of animals in these books, as well as the protagonists personality. She's strong, deadly, but vulnerable. She has issues from her last just like the rest of us, and is learning as the books progress to deal with them, and heal. I also personally believe we are on the brink of a world similar to the she has built in these stories. Mother Earth is starting to realize humans are a problem, and through various natural disasters, and more slow long term changes, shaking us off like fleas. After all, even a virus comes from the natural world, not to mention monster storms, flooding, freezing and overheating, plus massive fires.
I love the mix of magic and love of animals in these books, as well as the protagonists personality. She's strong, deadly, but vulnerable. She has issues from her last just like the rest of us, and is learning as the books progress to deal with them, and heal. I also personally believe we are on the brink of a world similar to the she has built in these stories. Mother Earth is starting to realize humans are a problem, and through various natural disasters, and more slow long term changes, shaking us off like fleas. After all, even a virus comes from the natural world, not to mention monster storms, flooding, freezing and overheating, plus massive fires.
August 4, 2022
Missed one
Somehow I skipped over this book in my quest to read the series. The books are adventure upon excitement and very little rest for the weary, HOWEVER Kyra Greene, uses the bathroom.
If you’ve been keeping up then you know that a character is in a state of stasis. And someone has to go in and get him.
Like a video game you have to take on a few side quests to acquire knowledge, skills, and stuff to successfully complete a level. There is no lack of side quests for Kyra. And I’m certain that they will be integral to the overall story arch. So keep your eyes open for those little Easter Eggs because they will hatch in future stories.
You can read this out of order and it doesn’t end in a cliffhanger.
Somehow I skipped over this book in my quest to read the series. The books are adventure upon excitement and very little rest for the weary, HOWEVER Kyra Greene, uses the bathroom.
If you’ve been keeping up then you know that a character is in a state of stasis. And someone has to go in and get him.
Like a video game you have to take on a few side quests to acquire knowledge, skills, and stuff to successfully complete a level. There is no lack of side quests for Kyra. And I’m certain that they will be integral to the overall story arch. So keep your eyes open for those little Easter Eggs because they will hatch in future stories.
You can read this out of order and it doesn’t end in a cliffhanger.
October 2, 2021
Jump In for a Wild Ride!
What a spectacular, fantastical, and imaginative book! Even better than the first in the series! Full of surprising developments, the well-written, fast-paced storyline makes for a very enjoyable read. The cast of engaging well developed characters include a reluctant Valkyrie and a Gargoyle who has lost his immortality. My only complaint is that I could not put the book down once I started it, and was up all night reading!
I definitely will look forward to future adventures…
What a spectacular, fantastical, and imaginative book! Even better than the first in the series! Full of surprising developments, the well-written, fast-paced storyline makes for a very enjoyable read. The cast of engaging well developed characters include a reluctant Valkyrie and a Gargoyle who has lost his immortality. My only complaint is that I could not put the book down once I started it, and was up all night reading!
I definitely will look forward to future adventures…
October 14, 2021
A smooth conclusion to this chapter of the series
It was a fun ride. The overall quest builds on the books that came before, but it's a fairly limited cast. It's definitely a transitional book. The previous big-bad was vanquished. Now we tie up loose ends, and send off a few characters and add new ones. The main relationship moves forward with some short, rocky bursts. Lots of rapid personal growth. It was definitely a fun little read. I look forward to the next books in the series (which the author assures us are coming, in the afterword).
It was a fun ride. The overall quest builds on the books that came before, but it's a fairly limited cast. It's definitely a transitional book. The previous big-bad was vanquished. Now we tie up loose ends, and send off a few characters and add new ones. The main relationship moves forward with some short, rocky bursts. Lots of rapid personal growth. It was definitely a fun little read. I look forward to the next books in the series (which the author assures us are coming, in the afterword).
October 23, 2021
Can’t wait for book five
I love this series. While the heroine is fierce and magical, she isn’t always snarky. As she journeys to understanding, it’s obvious she is unafraid of loving— Mason, the alchemist and former gargoyle. and other characters populating the book, most misfits, or lost or in need of unconditional love and family. This fourth novel, though it spent a lot of time on the journey, had a wonderful and magical pay off as Kyra meets her father and learns his story. (And the growing love between Kyra and Mason isn’t bad, either!)
I love this series. While the heroine is fierce and magical, she isn’t always snarky. As she journeys to understanding, it’s obvious she is unafraid of loving— Mason, the alchemist and former gargoyle. and other characters populating the book, most misfits, or lost or in need of unconditional love and family. This fourth novel, though it spent a lot of time on the journey, had a wonderful and magical pay off as Kyra meets her father and learns his story. (And the growing love between Kyra and Mason isn’t bad, either!)
January 18, 2022
Captivating paranormal suspense
Ok,this is the fourth book and my first review. I actually enjoyed every single one and read them back to back to back over three days. When I finished this book, and looked up, it was 3:30 am! I really fell into this world even though the world is complicated and not everything is black and white. I love how the various creatures get rescued, and the lengths to which the lead character will go to care for and protect them. I'll be waiting for more stories from this universe.
Ok,this is the fourth book and my first review. I actually enjoyed every single one and read them back to back to back over three days. When I finished this book, and looked up, it was 3:30 am! I really fell into this world even though the world is complicated and not everything is black and white. I love how the various creatures get rescued, and the lengths to which the lead character will go to care for and protect them. I'll be waiting for more stories from this universe.
January 20, 2022
I absolutely love the stories about a post apocalyptic magical world where the mundane and fantastical coexist. This series of stories shares the trials of a fallen Valkyrie exterminator who takes more animals home then she exterminates. It’s listed as a paranormal romance but the romance is a slow burn and the intimate scenes are not overdone… Which is a plus in my book as I am in it for the fantasy not the romance. If you love magical creatures and world building I think you would adore these easy to read and fun books.
March 20, 2022
Kyra must travel to another world/realm in order to rescue her fire dervish, Jacoby. She’s accompanied by the newly mortal Mason and her hellhound, Princess. Entry to the Nether is through a Life Tree, which just happens to have been her father, and once inside they gain a guide, a grimalkin named Grim who looks like a fluffy cat. There are numerous dangers and trials to face before the seekers can return home. I love Kyra and Mason’s evolving relationship and the way he has unquestioningly adopted her menagerie as his. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
November 11, 2023
I liked parts of this one, but it's premise definitely wasn't the reason I read the series. Kyra comes across as a spoiled brat about half of the time. She pouts and throws basic temper tantrums all the while saying she is the only one who knows best. Really? I still haven't quite latched on to the romance between her and Mason. Why he puts up with some of her stupidity, I just don't know that either. Glad to have Jacoby back and I think Grim will add to the chaos in later books. I plan to continue the series but won't re-read this one I'm pretty certain.
May 1, 2024
Purrfect Adventure
Before I purr about Kim McDougall's grim and gorgeous novel, I want to hoot and holler a bit about Hollie Jackson's spot on narrator performance. I mean, Grimalkins Don't Purr (normally no reason to purr in the Nether) is spectacular on its own, as twenty-one hundred ratings show, but add the VO of Hollie Jackson and it's a top notch experience, for all listeners!
McDougall's books are literary Life Trees that connect readers to fantastic places, people, and creatures worth getting anchored to.
Iona Park my buht to read more soon!
Before I purr about Kim McDougall's grim and gorgeous novel, I want to hoot and holler a bit about Hollie Jackson's spot on narrator performance. I mean, Grimalkins Don't Purr (normally no reason to purr in the Nether) is spectacular on its own, as twenty-one hundred ratings show, but add the VO of Hollie Jackson and it's a top notch experience, for all listeners!
McDougall's books are literary Life Trees that connect readers to fantastic places, people, and creatures worth getting anchored to.
Iona Park my buht to read more soon!
July 6, 2024
Another less interesting installment unfortunately. I enjoyed getting a look at Kyra's dryad lineage, but not such much her daddy issues. In this book, Kyra and her crew of misfits finally set about saving Jacoby from where his spirit is lost. As usual Kyra doesn't follow rules and get into trouble and pulls everyone along with her. Princess acted as a catalyst for making shit happen a number of times and it got old. Kyra needs to get that damn Hell Hound under control. Other than Princess and Grim we don't get a lot of the creatures that really give this series its charm.
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