Our heroes have escaped with the ancient dragon gate, but powerful enemies are right behind them.
If they can’t figure out the magic of the mysterious artifact, and find great allies and resources in another world, their hopes of overthrowing their tyrannical wizard rulers will end as surely as their lives.
I’m a fan of many of Ms Buroker’s books, but CRAP, I really want to like this series more! This second installment was the same combo of frustration and intriguing world as the first in the series. I skimmed A LOT, especially Jak (who continues to strike me as a smartass & needy 13 yo instead of almost 19) and Jadora. The snark in general between many characters is just too prevalent and takes this reader out of the depth/danger of the situations. I’m sorry I pre-ordered it instead of reading through Kindle Unlimited. Lesson learned for next book in the series. And I reeeally want a certain king and mages and zindars to get handed their asses.
EDIT: Just finished BROKEN BY MAGIC(Book 3). Going with Kindle Unlimited was the right call. I gave it 2.5⭐️. Jak was much better, but I still skimmed A LOT. Usually because of long inner monologues that repeated same fears/concerns (looking at you Jadora). Also, it just seems more like 1 step forward, 2 steps back for the good guys.
Hmmm, this book is almost the complete opposite of the first book. It starts out with a bang and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, turning those pages and thoroughly enjoying the ride! Well… until the last 15% or so where it slows down a bit. It really is an interesting world, the characters are well fleshed out and the action and intrigue is riveting.
My only complaint is the lack of any romantic threads of any kind for any characters (and there are a lot of characters). I know for many that may be a plus, and I’m not expecting (or even wanting) a full out romance story. But, for me, having at least a secondary thread with a growing relationship makes a book SO much more interesting - and it is usually what keeps me coming back. In this series, at least so far, there is absolutely nothing, nothing, nothing. So, if I continue, I think it will be interspersed with other books, I’ll get bored and give up otherwise.
First of all - I am loving this series and I am impatiently awaiting the next instalment. Lindsay Buroker writes well crafted books, with well developed, memorable characters - for an avid reader of fiction, these are valued traits that are sadly not apparent in many of the works available on Kindle. I recognise that there are some plot and character threads in this series, that are similar to other series written by Lindsay Buroker. It is also apparent that a wide and ranging cast of characters has been introduced early on in the series; whereas characters have been added more gradually in other LB series I have read - I assume that this approach is most appropriate for this storyline and I am quite enjoying the multiple and varied characters and storylines, plus I love all the snark! I would like more information about the origins of an individual's magic on Torvil. I also wondered why there wasn't any doubt that Malik's and Jak's magic would work in another world. If the magic originates within an individual, which is implied in the Zidaar training i.e. Malik being fed magic from artefacts to strengthen his own inherent magic, then that makes more sense than the magic originating from the planet. There is also the hypothesis that Jak's magic has developed because of exposure to the Portal Key. Does the Druid's' magic differ in that it originates from the earth? All good questions and cause for debate, but does fiction have to make complete sense if it is an enjoyable read?
This one was solid, but as many other reviewers have stated, there was too much sarcasm/joking around for so many life and death situations. I understand that the helplessness of the plot might've been too heavy to be enjoyable to most readers. However, the snark overwhelmed the other aspects of this story.
Ok, I admit that I most definitely binged out on both of the latest additions to Lindsay Buroker’s Dragon Gate series, Art of the Hunt (Book 2) and Broken by Magic: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (Book 3) - but I have no shame! This series is, quite frankly, the perfect epic fantasy adventure, and it just gets better with each book. Frankly, if Book 4 had been available I’d still be reading rather than doing this review. Perfect plots that fit into a perfectly addictive over-arching story arc with perfect world-building and perfectly crafted characters. Both of these books are, you guessed it, just perfect, and I am (perfectly) happy to highly recommend them.
I don’t know if I liked this more than the first but I did really enjoy it. I may have skimmed some of the mercenary POVs and anything what seemed repeated, but overall not bad.
I had a difficult time putting this book down, as has been true for most of Buroker’s stories. What’s with the four stars then? Well, the source of the magic for this world is vague and uncertain. It’s limits aren’t defined. My brain kept wondering and thinking that if it was tied to the planet, once they opened the gate and went elsewhere, wouldn’t the mages be afraid the magic wouldn’t work? Also, the number of narrators doubled in this book and it felt like several of them weren’t necessary for furthering the plot. They could be characters that are important in later books, but having too many narrators is one thing I dislike about epic fantasy, so it stole my enjoyment of this book. In truth? I’m ready for the next installment now. One trip through the Dragon Gate is NOT enough.
This isn't your standard sword and sorcery series. There are so many diverse groups of people and beings and so many worlds to be explored, one hopes the series can go on forever! Lots of intelligent, strong, snarky female characters, battles galore, archaeological puzzles, dragons, druids, and so much more!
Wow. The saga continues. There's really too much to gush about and I don't know what to say. I thought this was even better than the first one, as the universe has already pretty much been explained. There are a lot of POV's but it flows well and it's not confusing (IMO).
I've already ordered #3 (out in Sep)!!
I was kinda hoping the dragon world would tie into the Dragon Blood and Heritage of Power universe. Oh well....still great.
As the storyline continues, it unfortunately does not become any less confused than it was is book 1. The time sense for contingent activities is skewed sufficiently to make the story feel disjointed and choppy. While individual protagonists and antagonists are easily delineated, the factions supporting them are less defined and often overlap. While the plot is appealing I’m not sure it is worth the effort to parse the multiple themes and alliances necessary to create cohesion. I remain undecided if the next installment should be read.
I enjoy Lindsey Buroker’s style because I love snark. However, after reading quite a few of her series, I’m beginning to wish she would mix it up a bit. The stories are becoming formulas- strong, smart women; distant or cold man who discovers a heart, and lots of snark.
Book two doesn’t get much further in explaining the whys of the dragon gate, of Jack’s connection, or of how magic is manifested in some but not others. It is a fun read and a good summer escape, but I feel like I know how it ends.
I've read dozens of Lindsay's books and enjoy the world they take us to. In this series the characters seem to face the same issues over and over without moving the story forward. Battles go on and on without advancing anything. This us my least favorite of Lindsay's series.
Not a bad story. Aspects of it are interesting. However, filler to stretch out the story with additional supporting sub-plots takes away from the story. I skipped a lot of the fluff and Stu k to the main plot.
I’ve probably said so many wonderful things about Lindsay Buroker that it’s hard to find something new.
This book is a tad different. The witty-repartee-jacked-up-on-jet-fuel is missing, but there’s still plenty to offer smaller moments to enjoy. In particular is the relationship between a man on the verge of adulthood and his mother, a widow coming into her own. I’ve often found that books containing Mother figures tend of be overblown angst-fests (just my own opinion), and while this one does contain matronly worry, it does so without being the all-consuming centre of the story.
The portal has been stolen freed and is now on its way to where it’s directing Jadora and Jak to take it; deep in the jungles. Here’s the problem with that: the druids who live there emphatically do not want it operational, nor do they want to be part of the inevitable conflict that will happen with it irises open.
With ultra-magical Zidarr chasing them, and druids attempting to stop them, Jak and Jadora have their work cut out for them.
The plot is beginning to unwind a bit as Buroker gets her characters in place. There’s plenty of action and a lot of secondary people to follow. Stories abound!
The story continues with Jadora and Jak aboard a mage ship, with the Dragon Gate, heading for the continent from which it originally came. They are, however, being chased by General Tonovan and Zidarr Yidar, who are more likely to kill them, rather than capture them.
This book continues to build upon the characters' personalities, the events and the general Mythos surrounding the Dragon Gate, which were all started in the previous book, in a logical and natural progression, which keeps you both engaged and entertained as the story unfolds.
The Dragon Gate has many similarities to the Star Gate from the movie and TV series, which I am sure was an inspiration, however, how it is powered, operated, and functions as a gateway, are different, giving it a unique feel.
These novels are slightly different in tone from what Lindsey usually writes, being less light-hearted and more serious and darker, however, there is more banter in this second book, than in the first, which since the characters are more familiar with each other, feels like a natural progression in a relationship.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book and a must-read for any fan of Lindsay's writing.
This was a sequel to the first book and I really enjoyed it. You still switch between the eyes of a few of the main characters but by this time you are familiar with them and they interweave with each other more often. There is quite a bit of fighting in this as the various wizard overlords all try to take the Dragon Portal. Jax and Jadora have realized that the portal can only be used in one place and they and Malek, who is once again in possession of it, take it there. There is some occasional humor among the various characters. They also find out why the portal was taken down, as not everything that came through the portal did so with the best of intentions, and some were quite powerful. In the book I've learned that humans are considered very tasty. If you liked the first book I'd definitely recommend the second. Like the first book this one also ends without any resolution wanting you to read the next one.
3.5 stars rounded up maybe. Might reduce it someday when i check rest of my 4 star crew and if its comparable to them. Gets much better than the previous book but it still has nothing new. Its all the same cliched ,played out a 1000 times troupe. Enjoyed a lot of the book the main plot was achingly familiar and very predictable. Loved the magic system and portal and its interactions with Jak. Loved the dialog between most people but didn't find many as fleshed out as i would like or connect to good books. The characters felt very 1 dimensional and they didn't vary from my expectations after i got introduced to them except from Riven.The pacing of the book also felt a bit forced, every few chapters the book seems to build up from the perspective of different characters and then blows up with the dies falling the way you would expect and then rinse repeat. Maybe it only happened a couple of times but its felt very predictable and similar to he previous book.
The search for the new worlds to be found in the dragon gate continues
As the search for thr dragon gate continues, Malek's confusion towards his feelings for Ladora increases. He's not sire if it is affection, only that it cannot disrupt anything he feels towards his king. Jak's confusion about having magic, what that makes him, what he is going to do about it, and how he is going to help himself & his mother out of this terrible situation is making him grow up quickly. His characters growth, isn't always evident with his terrible sense of juvenile humor, and constant pestering of Tezi. Tezi, as well as th other mercenaries must continue on the path they've set, as the only way out, besides death, is through. Looking forward to more words to explore, more details of them so I can feel like I'm there too, and the rest of the characters evolutions.
Being a huge fan of Lindsay Buroker's books is easy as she never disappoints her readers. The young man, Jak, along with his mom, and a powerful magic user who serves a power hungry monarch embark on a danger filled quest to travel to another world in search of a legendary plant believed to extend life to immortal proportions. The loyal magic user's monarch will use any means to ensure that Jak and his brilliant mom do his bidding and retrieve the plant and perhaps other riches to guarantee his rule over lesser humans remains for eternity. The only downside is book three won't be released until September. So I wait with as much patience as I can muster for the next grand adventure by a master storyteller.
The end of this book requires a bit of a time commitment as it gets rather exciting, and readers may not want to stop to go to bed or do mundane activities. There is a lot of busyness with various parties crossing paths in various battle situations, but the crisis-crossing plot lines keep the pages turning. There is character growth and the acquisition of allies, power, and powerful objects…which makes the story seem like a video game in some ways, or a role-playing quest, or a typical hero adventure, but the story is very enjoyable and is filled with good dramatic tension. The ending is at a good stopping point in the action, but there is a lot more to resolve before the series can end. Wahoo!
Series - 4*, this book 4.5* rounded up. This was my favourite book of the series.
This continues on directly from book 2. Jak and Jadora (and the gate) force the mageship to take them to the southern continent but the other mage kings are in hot pursuit. There is much action once they get to the southern city and as they traverse the jungle to get to the pool.
There is a lot of snarky banter. I liked it but totally understand how it was too much for some people. And Jak was still a petulant teen. He is very young for his age. I decided to chalk that up to growing up in an oppressive dictatorship. Perhaps not the wisest way to rebel but then again its only a book.
Needless to say I read the next book the very next night.
Second installment of the dragon gate series, well written, lots of progression in the book. Picks up right where book 2 left off. Like the word of the day ….we had a word of the book “inimical”, I am not a wordsmith, and had to look up the word, however I think there was a word placement challenge of how many times Lindsay could put inimical in a chapter.
I am starting to feel like Malik is similar to Emperors Edge’s Siciarus. Which is fine loved Emperors Edge series.
Still get the “Stargate” vibe, but it’s not as apparent this installment. Will give warning as there is an attempted rape scene, but the weak human kicked some ass and took an eye.
I have to admit that I am a big fan of Lindsay Buroker's books and stories. When i purchased my Kindle unlimited subscription, I was offered good deals on her books. To my delight being introduced to her writing was worth the kindle unlimited.
Art of the Hunt is the second in this series. I felt the first book started a little slow for me, but I had just finished the Star Kingdom series and had to adjust my head a bit. By the second book, I was completely hooked. I like the innovative world building, this is a strength in all of the Buroker books, but in this story i this the character development is more sophisticated. I am looking forward to book 3.
I have to confess that I have read and have enjoyed every one of Lindsay Buroker’s books as well as reread the majority. I am considered myself a bit of a snob of a reader. I want good grammar,correct spelling ( rein, rain and reign are not the same word), believable plot line and interesting characters. A sense of humor is not required but certainly helps. Ms Buroker has it all! I know that having an effective editor makes a huge impact and Lindsay has a very good working relationship with such an editor. Again I am enjoying this new series. Thank you !
This author is one of those authors that can drive you crazy. Her books are just so darn fun that you can't put them down, and when you do finish you immediately start twitching for the next one! This book has all of her usual hallmarks, great characters, snarky dialog, a ripping good plot, and this time, dragons! As usual, I am ready to dive into the next one. My one wish is that she would stop wasting her time on distractions like eating, sleeping, and just write!
4.5. Stronger overall than book one, the teen prodigy's annoyingness dialed back a bit.
There are structural issues here that I don't get. Jak and Jadora are academics, caught in a web of wizard politics. With Uthari (and Malek, of course) they are in the best situation they could hope for under their circumstances. Their idealistic refusal/reluctance to work for this one particular wizard-king is stupid, as it's not like they have a better choice.
Some movement is made in that regard in this book, so we'll see what happens in the big exploration phase that's upcoming.
Another decent entry in the series sees Jak and Jadora mostly as captives of one king or another. We travel to a new continent where the kings do not rule. Here, the magic wielders are druids, and I wish I could have learned a bit more about them. To sum up, the portal gets placed, a team goes through, it sounds miserable and there is a big bitey dragon. They return to their home world only to find out that something worse than a dragon has come through the portal, so there are issues abundant to be resolved. Parts of the story really drug, but overall I enjoyed this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Was that really just 521 pages? I blazed through it entirely too quickly, and am now bereft. There are so many characters that are multifaceted that you are conflicted about how much you enjoy them because you know that they are not all “good.” The portal itself is becoming a distinct personality, and I can’t wait to see what comes of the last thing its sibling led Jak to. Now I just have to find a way to wait until September to find out what happens next…
I love your books. But you think rape is a joke. Ha ha. No I don't get it. You make out bad guys but you make it a joke it's offensive. Who are you that obviously never have been abused. That you have not been made to feel helpless in the society. You have had protection. If you can make it sexual. It's not sexual. It's abuse of a person's right to be a person. To be valued for who you are male or female. It is not a joke
As before this,author leaves us literally hanging on a cliff edge. Magic giant worms, Dragon eggs and an irrepressible imagination from this author leaves us begging for more. Need the next episode now we need to follow Jak, Jadorda and Malek to the end of this saga. Will they prevail not only against the mythical beasts but also against a tyrant king. Roll on September.