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Dragon Gate #3
Broken by Magic
Even before our heroes discovered a portal to other realms, Jak Freedar wanted to seek out powerful allies to help overthrow the tyrannical wizard rulers of his home world. Instead, he chanced across a dragon egg and is now the surrogate father of a hatchling.
Since he found the egg, taking care of the young dragon is his responsibility. Even as King Uthari forces the team to prepare for another mission, Jak must do his best not only to care for the hatchling but to keep it safe from those who want to use it for their own gain.
As he soon learns, it’s not only the wizards of his own world who would love to control a dragon. It turns out that powerful enemies in other realms want a hatchling too. And they’re willing to kill for it.
Since he found the egg, taking care of the young dragon is his responsibility. Even as King Uthari forces the team to prepare for another mission, Jak must do his best not only to care for the hatchling but to keep it safe from those who want to use it for their own gain.
As he soon learns, it’s not only the wizards of his own world who would love to control a dragon. It turns out that powerful enemies in other realms want a hatchling too. And they’re willing to kill for it.
604 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2021
444 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
200 books6,335 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 147 reviews
July 6, 2023
3.5/5.0
Could and probably should have rounded up because the writing is excellent and this specific story’s action and intrigue are interesting. It is in the overall series arc that I’m having trouble… Because there is absolutely NO forward movement in ANY of the plot threads! This is magnified by the fact that each book is well over 500 pages! So, even though we are only three books into the series, we have already read well over 1500 pages! AND WE ARE STILL PRETTY MUCH WHERE WE STARTED!
Let’s look at the individual story threads:
The portals are still a mystery, as are dragons and all the other worlds.
We still haven’t found the plants Uthari is demanding and Jadora is looking for.
No one has discovered how the dragon steel works.
Malik and Jadora are in exactly the same place they were at the end of book 1
All the mercenary storylines are exactly as in book one, as well.
Still nothing is known about the baby dragon Jak acquired.
The list could go on and on in more specifics but you get the gist. So, even though the actual writing is good, the world interesting, the characters intriguing, I was BORED. In fact it took me way too long to even finish the story because I had no real reason to pick the book back up each time I put it down.
Ultimately, those who enjoy epic battles, discovering different worlds and unique people while wandering through portals will absolutely adore this series. I don’t think I’ll continue, though. I much prefer more forward motion and storyline progression, along with more character development and deepening as I read.
Could and probably should have rounded up because the writing is excellent and this specific story’s action and intrigue are interesting. It is in the overall series arc that I’m having trouble… Because there is absolutely NO forward movement in ANY of the plot threads! This is magnified by the fact that each book is well over 500 pages! So, even though we are only three books into the series, we have already read well over 1500 pages! AND WE ARE STILL PRETTY MUCH WHERE WE STARTED!
Let’s look at the individual story threads:
The portals are still a mystery, as are dragons and all the other worlds.
We still haven’t found the plants Uthari is demanding and Jadora is looking for.
No one has discovered how the dragon steel works.
Malik and Jadora are in exactly the same place they were at the end of book 1
All the mercenary storylines are exactly as in book one, as well.
Still nothing is known about the baby dragon Jak acquired.
The list could go on and on in more specifics but you get the gist. So, even though the actual writing is good, the world interesting, the characters intriguing, I was BORED. In fact it took me way too long to even finish the story because I had no real reason to pick the book back up each time I put it down.
Ultimately, those who enjoy epic battles, discovering different worlds and unique people while wandering through portals will absolutely adore this series. I don’t think I’ll continue, though. I much prefer more forward motion and storyline progression, along with more character development and deepening as I read.
August 24, 2021
Epic and Gripping
Great addition to this series. The plot continues to thicken for this cast of humans and mages.
Buroker is a master at making each book in a series have its own problem that is resolved at book end while also building tension and adding complications that will carry over in the next book of the series. Amazing! This is one of the reasons she’s a must-read author for me.
Oh, and her quirky, complex characters are the other thing I adore about her books. I would have liked more time with Jak than I got in this book, but I’m loving the development of most of the others.
Waiting for the next book, on the other hand, will NOT be fun.
Great addition to this series. The plot continues to thicken for this cast of humans and mages.
Buroker is a master at making each book in a series have its own problem that is resolved at book end while also building tension and adding complications that will carry over in the next book of the series. Amazing! This is one of the reasons she’s a must-read author for me.
Oh, and her quirky, complex characters are the other thing I adore about her books. I would have liked more time with Jak than I got in this book, but I’m loving the development of most of the others.
Waiting for the next book, on the other hand, will NOT be fun.
August 5, 2021
Most definitely an epic. This continues the tale with one group of adventures heading through the gate again, this time to a different world. Another group stays back. I'm not sure about the two sides of the story, as the one is much more interesting than the other but I assume it's integral to the overall story that we know what's going on back on Torvil.
This was still an enjoyable read and didn't drag like some big books do and I can't wait for the next installment.
This was still an enjoyable read and didn't drag like some big books do and I can't wait for the next installment.
August 25, 2021
2.5⭐️, but going with Kindle Unlimited option was a good call. Jak was much better and loved Shikari, but I still skimmed A LOT. Usually because of long inner monologues that repeated same fears/concerns (looking at you Jadora). Also, what feels like 1 step forward, 2 steps back for the good guys is stressing me out; maybe I’m just exhausted with those with power being asshats.
August 21, 2021
No hope
I hate book that give no hope to the main characters than being treated cruelly no hope for a life. Even if they win
I hate book that give no hope to the main characters than being treated cruelly no hope for a life. Even if they win
August 24, 2021
Addicted....
I want to pick up a Lindsay Buroker book and read it slowly, not letting it interfere with my day to day life, but I cannot. The sarcasm and humor are just the tip of the iceberg. She manages to pack her stories full of action and character development as well! And there's twists that you don't see coming. Granted, she uses the same type of characters, but they very much resonate with me - geeky, snarky, brave, independent, inquisitive, creative, intelligent, and sometimes unexpected. You won't regret picking any one of her stories, unless you actually have a life with things to accomplish...
I want to pick up a Lindsay Buroker book and read it slowly, not letting it interfere with my day to day life, but I cannot. The sarcasm and humor are just the tip of the iceberg. She manages to pack her stories full of action and character development as well! And there's twists that you don't see coming. Granted, she uses the same type of characters, but they very much resonate with me - geeky, snarky, brave, independent, inquisitive, creative, intelligent, and sometimes unexpected. You won't regret picking any one of her stories, unless you actually have a life with things to accomplish...
December 6, 2021
The only issue I have is that I am reading them faster than they are being released! I love the "new" Lindsay. While I hope she continues writing follow up stories to some of her older stuff, the "Dragon Gate" series is a terrific story. I have said it in previous reviews, but this darker/heavier story is a great change from her other series'. Oh there is still a lot of fun happening, and her typical intercharacter casual banter, but there is more grit in the gears of this story and I am a big fan of LB's having moved in that direction. I just can't believe I have to wait another three weeks for #4!
January 17, 2022
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.
September 1, 2021
I love dragons
Another epic saga with dragons, mages, evil overlords, and charming, witty characters. This one features a dragon hatchling that makes me need to embark on a dangerous adventure to bring one home. I'm sure I could convince my cat and my hubby to let me keep it. Or they could move out. Either way, I am completely enamored by yet another well written, captivating series by one of my favorite authors.
Another epic saga with dragons, mages, evil overlords, and charming, witty characters. This one features a dragon hatchling that makes me need to embark on a dangerous adventure to bring one home. I'm sure I could convince my cat and my hubby to let me keep it. Or they could move out. Either way, I am completely enamored by yet another well written, captivating series by one of my favorite authors.
February 7, 2023
Same comments as for the previous installment. The banter and sarcasm in this book are kind of silly given how many life and death situations the characters are in. Maybe that’s how the author distracts the reader from the hopelessness in every world the protagonists are in. No matter the reason, it’s the reason I can’t fully enjoy the interesting world building and (some) likable characters. It’s still a solid 3, however, since it’s LB.
January 10, 2022
Four and a half stars.
Jac now has a hatched dragon to raise. This book ‘ Broken by Magic’ follows directly on from the previous tomes in the series. This time 3 mercenaries accompany Jac, Jadora and Malek as they enter the portal as well as the mage, Captain Rivlen. The young dragon comes along as well. This new world is more dangerous than the last one as magic abounds and just about everyone is born with mage ability. The populace are human descendants from early explorers but their power is considerably stronger and the visitors are quickly overpowered. The quest now is obtaining their freedom and getting everyone back safely.
Jac now has a hatched dragon to raise. This book ‘ Broken by Magic’ follows directly on from the previous tomes in the series. This time 3 mercenaries accompany Jac, Jadora and Malek as they enter the portal as well as the mage, Captain Rivlen. The young dragon comes along as well. This new world is more dangerous than the last one as magic abounds and just about everyone is born with mage ability. The populace are human descendants from early explorers but their power is considerably stronger and the visitors are quickly overpowered. The quest now is obtaining their freedom and getting everyone back safely.
January 2, 2022
Busy with lots of action
My main complaint with this third book is that some key moments passed too quickly. Seeing Malek in his gladiator outfit, some romantic moments, and a magical extraction scene could’ve been more drawn out. The mercenaries seem to be blown from one job to another, almost literally, as the wind shifts. Not sure why Sorath needed further abuse. Other than these issues, the story moves along with excellent character growth for Jak and a few secondary characters. The romance is building some momentum; there are serious setbacks to build tension, and the source of magic and evil dragons deepens in complexity. There is a lot of bantering and some major fight scenes. Good, but tiring, but in a good way.
My main complaint with this third book is that some key moments passed too quickly. Seeing Malek in his gladiator outfit, some romantic moments, and a magical extraction scene could’ve been more drawn out. The mercenaries seem to be blown from one job to another, almost literally, as the wind shifts. Not sure why Sorath needed further abuse. Other than these issues, the story moves along with excellent character growth for Jak and a few secondary characters. The romance is building some momentum; there are serious setbacks to build tension, and the source of magic and evil dragons deepens in complexity. There is a lot of bantering and some major fight scenes. Good, but tiring, but in a good way.
December 12, 2021
Once again this book ends with the knowledge that more is going to happen in the next book. Not many things are resolved. There is continued character development between the main characters. There is a little bit of romance as well. I was expecting there to be more attachment between Jadora and Malek. What I didn't expect there to be any romance between Jax and Rivelin. The conflict between the difference Mage Warlords takes a back seat in this book, however the Druids play a larger adversary role. This time our explorers go to a different world, this one inhabited by very powerful mages and their leaders are the Etchers, those who can manipulate dragon steel. Unlike the first world in this world there is an abundance of dragon steel. They also employ a different method of distinguishing between the haves and have nots. Just to give you an idea of what I mean in the first world the haves are the ones with magic, and the have nots are the ones without. And like the second book once again our explorers barely make it back. I'm not certain how everything can be resolved in one more book though. If there is a fifth book I'll gladly read that as well.
September 24, 2021
Buroker Delivers Another Great Series
Broken by Magic is book 3 of Burokers “Dragon Gate” series. It continues the story of Jax and his baby dragon as they navigate, and do their best to survive and protect the people they care about, in worlds where magic exists, mages rule, and danger abounds. The author has done a good job developing characters I could emotionally and otherwise relate to. Her “worlds” building is creative, and the storyline remains interesting with plenty of suspense and adventure. I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series and look forward to the release of book 4 in late December.
Broken by Magic is book 3 of Burokers “Dragon Gate” series. It continues the story of Jax and his baby dragon as they navigate, and do their best to survive and protect the people they care about, in worlds where magic exists, mages rule, and danger abounds. The author has done a good job developing characters I could emotionally and otherwise relate to. Her “worlds” building is creative, and the storyline remains interesting with plenty of suspense and adventure. I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series and look forward to the release of book 4 in late December.
January 13, 2022
E-book version.
I felt a bit distress during this book and even now that I have finished it. The series is a lot more serious and darker than most of Lindsay Buroker's other series. A lot of the characters are pushed, by people or circumstances, to work against each other. Also, there is very little hope of things working out for some of them... In her other series, there is a lot more humor and, even in most difficult situations, the tone is lighter.
I really hope someone will kill Uthari in the next book. And Tonovan. But mostly Uthari because he is the source of most of the conflicts for the characters we follow.
I felt a bit distress during this book and even now that I have finished it. The series is a lot more serious and darker than most of Lindsay Buroker's other series. A lot of the characters are pushed, by people or circumstances, to work against each other. Also, there is very little hope of things working out for some of them... In her other series, there is a lot more humor and, even in most difficult situations, the tone is lighter.
I really hope someone will kill Uthari in the next book. And Tonovan. But mostly Uthari because he is the source of most of the conflicts for the characters we follow.
October 20, 2021
Riveting series much her other dragon series
Witty repartee, science facts (I know, not a usual draw for most) and a captivating story are some of my favorite highlights within this series. It will keep a lot of you fully engaged as the author trips us through a magic portal to see new lands with dragons!! I mean if fantasy is your bag baby, this series delivers… my favorite part of Buroker’s writing style is her ability to write multiple story lines and we get to know many different characters throughout. Incredibly good <<3
Witty repartee, science facts (I know, not a usual draw for most) and a captivating story are some of my favorite highlights within this series. It will keep a lot of you fully engaged as the author trips us through a magic portal to see new lands with dragons!! I mean if fantasy is your bag baby, this series delivers… my favorite part of Buroker’s writing style is her ability to write multiple story lines and we get to know many different characters throughout. Incredibly good <<3
August 26, 2021
A lot of bang for the buck!
This is a nice long, but not at all leisurely, novel. There are a lot of interesting characters, interstellar exploration, and tons of challenges for our heroes to overcome. Plus witty banter and the occasional scene that would definitely never happen in your typical fantasy novel! I'm so happy to know that the next book in the series is dropping on Xmas!
This is a nice long, but not at all leisurely, novel. There are a lot of interesting characters, interstellar exploration, and tons of challenges for our heroes to overcome. Plus witty banter and the occasional scene that would definitely never happen in your typical fantasy novel! I'm so happy to know that the next book in the series is dropping on Xmas!
September 1, 2021
WOW!! Her best book yet!!
When I started reading this series I thought it was a darker much more serious book than any of Lindsay's previous books, I've read them all, but this series is also the best I have read to date!! There is so much going on, so many characters that just come to life. I don't want to spoil it for others, so I'm not going to tell you the plot you just have to read for yourself. If you like fantasy you will love this series. Happy Reading!
When I started reading this series I thought it was a darker much more serious book than any of Lindsay's previous books, I've read them all, but this series is also the best I have read to date!! There is so much going on, so many characters that just come to life. I don't want to spoil it for others, so I'm not going to tell you the plot you just have to read for yourself. If you like fantasy you will love this series. Happy Reading!
September 6, 2021
Love this series and eagerly await fourth installment that is released on Xmas day. The relationships between the heroes is a story within the story with twists and surprises much like the main story itself. With magical beasts, waring humans, different worlds and the obligatory heroes and villains of varying levels of bad. With dragons both good and bad this series has everything every fantasy ready craves.
September 27, 2021
Wishing for more
I whole heartedly wanted more, much more, of the authors previous charactors to be written and I still wait for more. An example is her wonderous robotics professor series. She has a talent in creating lovable and most interesting charactors. Lindsay has not failed in creating many more interesting characters in this her newest endeavour. I am hooked and I am excited about much more to come and very soon I hope!
I whole heartedly wanted more, much more, of the authors previous charactors to be written and I still wait for more. An example is her wonderous robotics professor series. She has a talent in creating lovable and most interesting charactors. Lindsay has not failed in creating many more interesting characters in this her newest endeavour. I am hooked and I am excited about much more to come and very soon I hope!
September 28, 2021
Broken by Magic (Dragon Gate Book 3)
I tried to read slowly but I couldn't. Now I have to wait until the next book is released. Oh, this is a disaster, I have not been without a Lindsay Buroker book to read since I discovered her writings. I guess I will have to find something else in keep me busy. I really am enjoying this series. It has surprised me at many turns of events and kept me engrossed. Thanks to Lindsay for sharing her words with me and other readers.
I tried to read slowly but I couldn't. Now I have to wait until the next book is released. Oh, this is a disaster, I have not been without a Lindsay Buroker book to read since I discovered her writings. I guess I will have to find something else in keep me busy. I really am enjoying this series. It has surprised me at many turns of events and kept me engrossed. Thanks to Lindsay for sharing her words with me and other readers.
April 7, 2022
The author really loves the word ‘discombobulate’.
Again I read around 1000 pages and feels like I could summarise it in a paragraph.
Some nice plot points, some odd ones, some ones I didn’t like but overall a good book.
I do sort of wonder at how we’re supposed to think Malek is a good guy and yet he ignores and helps further an incredibly oppressive regime. The amount of rape and murder he just has done nothing to help…
Again I read around 1000 pages and feels like I could summarise it in a paragraph.
Some nice plot points, some odd ones, some ones I didn’t like but overall a good book.
I do sort of wonder at how we’re supposed to think Malek is a good guy and yet he ignores and helps further an incredibly oppressive regime. The amount of rape and murder he just has done nothing to help…
August 23, 2021
It just gets better and better!
Ms. Buroker continues to write fantastic stories that will have you "just one more chapter!"ing.
It's cute, it's funny, it has well developed characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. The twists are a valuable part of the story and not there for the sake of having them.
Can't wait till the next in the series!
Ms. Buroker continues to write fantastic stories that will have you "just one more chapter!"ing.
It's cute, it's funny, it has well developed characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. The twists are a valuable part of the story and not there for the sake of having them.
Can't wait till the next in the series!
August 23, 2021
Broken by Magic
Another good installment in this series. The characters continue to develop, relationships seem to be growing. Very good story line. Plenty of action and suspense. I have never been disappointed with anything I have read by Lindsay Buroker. This is growing into one of my favorite series. Highly recommended.
Another good installment in this series. The characters continue to develop, relationships seem to be growing. Very good story line. Plenty of action and suspense. I have never been disappointed with anything I have read by Lindsay Buroker. This is growing into one of my favorite series. Highly recommended.
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August 23, 2021Heady reading.
For just a few moments, I thought I spotted Ruby Lionsdrake peeking in on one star crossed lovers.
And what a predicament Sorath has gotten himself into!
Tezi is really developing into the warrior she wants to be. And I love the way the relationship between Saskatoon and Venmo is working.
For just a few moments, I thought I spotted Ruby Lionsdrake peeking in on one star crossed lovers.
And what a predicament Sorath has gotten himself into!
Tezi is really developing into the warrior she wants to be. And I love the way the relationship between Saskatoon and Venmo is working.
August 31, 2021
Your books are amazing.
I love all your books they are hard to lay down.they are exciting. I. Learn a hot of things. They are about n my dragons I love dragons are than than any mistic animal there is. I'm a 73 year woman that reads over 100books a year .your books I could read more than once ag still beaver lay y the down.
I love all your books they are hard to lay down.they are exciting. I. Learn a hot of things. They are about n my dragons I love dragons are than than any mistic animal there is. I'm a 73 year woman that reads over 100books a year .your books I could read more than once ag still beaver lay y the down.
September 5, 2021
Great Character Development with A Lot of Action
The characters are growing in complexity, it's not just the physical size of the dragon. A good sense of humor and some passionate scenes accompany a riveting tale. Multiple story lines do not lag, this story really moves along quickly. I can't wait for the next book!
The characters are growing in complexity, it's not just the physical size of the dragon. A good sense of humor and some passionate scenes accompany a riveting tale. Multiple story lines do not lag, this story really moves along quickly. I can't wait for the next book!
January 10, 2025
What a ride this was, incredible!
I read chapter 15 before bedtime and was so distraught that I couldn't get to sleep until I peeked at later chapters to reassure myself that everything, or at least that element of the story, would be ok.
And this is why this book gets five stars and then some. It triggers a host of emotions from joy to "aw, how cute" to utter desperation. And it makes you think.
But I do understand why some people might not enjoy this series so much. I think people need to understand that this is not fantasy, but science-fantasy. And, historically, science fiction was not about big space battles, great adventures, and a fast plot, but about the human condition.
Great science fiction exposes the reader to essential questions of human life, death, society, and political structures but it does it set in a distant future or world (or in this case a magical world) and wrapped in an adventure story to make it more palatable.
And this is what this book series does and why I enjoy it so much even when it causes me sleepless nights. It follows in the tradition of some of the best science fiction out there.
I read chapter 15 before bedtime and was so distraught that I couldn't get to sleep until I peeked at later chapters to reassure myself that everything, or at least that element of the story, would be ok.
And this is why this book gets five stars and then some. It triggers a host of emotions from joy to "aw, how cute" to utter desperation. And it makes you think.
But I do understand why some people might not enjoy this series so much. I think people need to understand that this is not fantasy, but science-fantasy. And, historically, science fiction was not about big space battles, great adventures, and a fast plot, but about the human condition.
Great science fiction exposes the reader to essential questions of human life, death, society, and political structures but it does it set in a distant future or world (or in this case a magical world) and wrapped in an adventure story to make it more palatable.
And this is what this book series does and why I enjoy it so much even when it causes me sleepless nights. It follows in the tradition of some of the best science fiction out there.
March 31, 2024
Honestly I really wanted to enjoy this story, but with prolonged story development and side plots, I just find it boring and I cant take it so i wont read the rest of the series after the conclusion of this book. The tipping point to my frustration in this series is when I read a separate review of how Jak Freedar is NINETEEN, and not 12. Though I remember reading how old he was in the first book I happened to forget and assumed he was much younger. This is because it doesn’t matter how pressing the situation Jak is in, he acts like a child with his immature quips. He seems to be more of a comical comfort character more than a main character. So when I got to chapter 8 and read that he was NINETEEN and not twelve, I started to cringe at every scene he was in. Whether it was flirting with Tezi or practicing with Malek, he has an uncanny ability to act like a 12 year old child in any situation with no grasp on maturity. In all what put me over the edge was how a main character could have been written so poorly and detached from the reality of his actual age.
July 18, 2024
I will never disparage the word count of a Buroker book, especially chonky ones. I might have wished for a bit more variety in the type of action / scenery in this book however; I’m not a fan of wintry locales and this book was nothing but.
In this book, the portal key is decoded and the world in which Jak, Jadora and an increasingly attractive (to Jadora) Malek find themself is hostile. Frozen and deceptive with magic created by hostile dragons, Jak is also assaulted with visions of playful blue dragons frolicking in the waters near the portal. Jadora is forced to do some quick thinking to save Malek’s life, and Jak finds himself the owner of an egg, courtesy of a panicked portal. Other relationships develop among the mercenaries.
Plotting becomes more layered as our original groups start to pick up new people, as relationships grow and as circumstances dictate. We’ve got about three or four groups being juggled.
The world building is incredible.
In this book, the portal key is decoded and the world in which Jak, Jadora and an increasingly attractive (to Jadora) Malek find themself is hostile. Frozen and deceptive with magic created by hostile dragons, Jak is also assaulted with visions of playful blue dragons frolicking in the waters near the portal. Jadora is forced to do some quick thinking to save Malek’s life, and Jak finds himself the owner of an egg, courtesy of a panicked portal. Other relationships develop among the mercenaries.
Plotting becomes more layered as our original groups start to pick up new people, as relationships grow and as circumstances dictate. We’ve got about three or four groups being juggled.
The world building is incredible.
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