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Valkyrie Bestiary #0·4+0·5+0·6
Before Times: 3 Valkyrie Bestiary Prequels
Before Times, 3 Valkyrie Bestiary Prequels:
The Last Door to Underhill: In the last hours of the Flood Wars, a fae princess makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the human world.
The Girl Who Cried Banshee: Kyra Greene is a pest controller, not an exterminator. She has to be clear about that when the pests can be anything from pixies to dragons. But when her fledgling business teeters on the brink of bankruptcy, Kyra takes on a job that blurs those lines.
Three Half Goats Gruff: Kyra Greene, pest controller of fantastic beasts, takes on a rock troll and meets the man who will haunt her dreams for the next three-hundred and twenty-one nights. Come sing around the campfire with satyrs and discover how Kyra found one little lost cephalopod.
Before Times tells the tales of Kyra Green, pest-controller of extraordinary beasts and Leighna Icewolf, Queen of the Fae—two warriors learning to navigate new roads in a world where magic is the only rule of law. Each story takes place 1 to 50 years before the events of Dragons Don’t Eat Meat, Book 1 of the Valkyrie Bestiary Series.
The Last Door to Underhill: In the last hours of the Flood Wars, a fae princess makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the human world.
The Girl Who Cried Banshee: Kyra Greene is a pest controller, not an exterminator. She has to be clear about that when the pests can be anything from pixies to dragons. But when her fledgling business teeters on the brink of bankruptcy, Kyra takes on a job that blurs those lines.
Three Half Goats Gruff: Kyra Greene, pest controller of fantastic beasts, takes on a rock troll and meets the man who will haunt her dreams for the next three-hundred and twenty-one nights. Come sing around the campfire with satyrs and discover how Kyra found one little lost cephalopod.
Before Times tells the tales of Kyra Green, pest-controller of extraordinary beasts and Leighna Icewolf, Queen of the Fae—two warriors learning to navigate new roads in a world where magic is the only rule of law. Each story takes place 1 to 50 years before the events of Dragons Don’t Eat Meat, Book 1 of the Valkyrie Bestiary Series.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2022
110 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Kim McDougall
51 books362 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 Kim can change into a griffin and fly away, she writes dark and humorous Urban, Epic and Cozy Fantasy from her little farm on the edge of the woods in Quebec, Canada. Kim’s book series include the Valkyrie Bestiary, The Knack, The Fair Folk of Mullarkey and Hidden Coven.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 2, 2023
This volume contains three novellas, set before the main timeline of the series. The first ("Last Door to Underhill"), set in the waning days of the Flood Wars, I just couldn't really connect with. I recognized the importance of the plot, sympathized with the characters and their situation, but it came across (to me) as "and this also happened". Nice to know, but I kept looking for things to connect back to the main series storyline, and I didn't see them.
The second , "The Girl Who Cried Banshee", is set in the early days of Kyra's business. It really showcases her grit and determination. It also sets the stage for her gaining her banshee housemate. It's also surprisingly dark in places. McDougall dips her toe into the thematic pool of bigotry and prejudice, but handles it deftly, and doesn't come across as overtly preachy.
The novella I connected most with was the final entry in the volume, "Three Half Goats Gruff". Kyra is hired to re-home some satyrs (half-human/half-goat hybrid fae, hence the title). The satyrs are more of a nuisance than a threat. The administration of a private school simply doesn't want them giving the students any sexual ideas. (As if young people needed any help along those lines...)
The rock troll that she also encounters turns out to be the real threat, one that almost kills Kyra. She's saved by the intervention of the mysterious Mason, who will come to play such an important part in the series later on. It's a close thing but, in the end, the troll is sealed away again, the satyrs are sent somewhere that they cannot threaten the virtue of young people, and Kyra gets another addition to her growing menagerie of "what do i do with *this*?" critters in the form of a pygmy kraken she names Hunter. I have to confess to having a soft spot for Hunter, he's my second-favorite of the menagerie (the first being Clarence the basilisk [GobbleGobble!]).
To sum up my opinion of this trilogy of novellas: if you're into the series, you'll enjoy them as part of the overall tale. They aren't really all that necessary, however, and missing them won't mess with your ability to enjoy the series.
The second , "The Girl Who Cried Banshee", is set in the early days of Kyra's business. It really showcases her grit and determination. It also sets the stage for her gaining her banshee housemate. It's also surprisingly dark in places. McDougall dips her toe into the thematic pool of bigotry and prejudice, but handles it deftly, and doesn't come across as overtly preachy.
The novella I connected most with was the final entry in the volume, "Three Half Goats Gruff". Kyra is hired to re-home some satyrs (half-human/half-goat hybrid fae, hence the title). The satyrs are more of a nuisance than a threat. The administration of a private school simply doesn't want them giving the students any sexual ideas. (As if young people needed any help along those lines...)
The rock troll that she also encounters turns out to be the real threat, one that almost kills Kyra. She's saved by the intervention of the mysterious Mason, who will come to play such an important part in the series later on. It's a close thing but, in the end, the troll is sealed away again, the satyrs are sent somewhere that they cannot threaten the virtue of young people, and Kyra gets another addition to her growing menagerie of "what do i do with *this*?" critters in the form of a pygmy kraken she names Hunter. I have to confess to having a soft spot for Hunter, he's my second-favorite of the menagerie (the first being Clarence the basilisk [GobbleGobble!]).
To sum up my opinion of this trilogy of novellas: if you're into the series, you'll enjoy them as part of the overall tale. They aren't really all that necessary, however, and missing them won't mess with your ability to enjoy the series.
December 3, 2022
Triple the fun
I have read all the full length stories of Kyra and Mason’s adventures. It was such fun to go into Kyra’s past and read three of the backstories. The first was of Princess Leighna and her quest to close the doors to Underhill to save Terra from a demon feasting on magic. In the second, we hear the story of how Gita came into Kyra’s life, and lastly the story of how three mischievous satyrs brought Krya and Mason together. Love these stories! They are a wonderful escape.
I have read all the full length stories of Kyra and Mason’s adventures. It was such fun to go into Kyra’s past and read three of the backstories. The first was of Princess Leighna and her quest to close the doors to Underhill to save Terra from a demon feasting on magic. In the second, we hear the story of how Gita came into Kyra’s life, and lastly the story of how three mischievous satyrs brought Krya and Mason together. Love these stories! They are a wonderful escape.
February 1, 2023
valkyrie bestiary # 0.4, 0.5, 0.6.
paperback 189 pages.
-5 stars. a collection of prequels giving backstory to the series.
The Last Door to Underhill - how Kyra's father Timberfoot helps save the world with princess Leighna by closing the last door to underhill, trapping the demon inside.
The Girl Who Cried Banshee - Kyra takes on a job where she meets Gita the banshee.
"i'm sorry. awkward small talk is my superpower."
Three Half Goats Gruff - Kyra takes on a job involving satyrs and a rock troll and meets Mason, and finds Hunter the cephalopod.
paperback 189 pages.
-5 stars. a collection of prequels giving backstory to the series.
The Last Door to Underhill - how Kyra's father Timberfoot helps save the world with princess Leighna by closing the last door to underhill, trapping the demon inside.
The Girl Who Cried Banshee - Kyra takes on a job where she meets Gita the banshee.
"i'm sorry. awkward small talk is my superpower."
Three Half Goats Gruff - Kyra takes on a job involving satyrs and a rock troll and meets Mason, and finds Hunter the cephalopod.
October 14, 2023
I love a good story
I had first read Kim McDougall through my new kindle unlimited account. After "Dragon's Don't Eat Meat" in her Valkyrie Bestiary series I immediately purchased the whole series. The stories are entertaining and offer a unique and changed world for her characters to inhabit. Definitely "following" her now!
I had first read Kim McDougall through my new kindle unlimited account. After "Dragon's Don't Eat Meat" in her Valkyrie Bestiary series I immediately purchased the whole series. The stories are entertaining and offer a unique and changed world for her characters to inhabit. Definitely "following" her now!
July 2, 2022
I had a great time reading what happened before! I loved the three stories every one made the other stories I've read more interesting. I still want more, can't wait to read more, I need to hear about the babies,and how the in -law reactions.
July 30, 2022
Always a pleasure to read this author's books
Fast paced, fun, humorous, a pure delight. I can't get enough of the Bestiary series and am so grateful this author is continuing on with it.
Fast paced, fun, humorous, a pure delight. I can't get enough of the Bestiary series and am so grateful this author is continuing on with it.
October 23, 2022
Great fun
I really enjoyed revisiting beloved characters and getting some history on the relationships. Only made me love this series more. Great short stories that stand alone if you haven't read the other books.
I really enjoyed revisiting beloved characters and getting some history on the relationships. Only made me love this series more. Great short stories that stand alone if you haven't read the other books.
October 23, 2022
Valkyrie Bestiary
I am enchanted. I would be happy to work in her office, but no clean up please. Her *prequel* tales are tasty and wonderful mind snacks. Take the time to follow the web links 🤗.
I am enchanted. I would be happy to work in her office, but no clean up please. Her *prequel* tales are tasty and wonderful mind snacks. Take the time to follow the web links 🤗.
November 16, 2022
Very entertaining 🥰🥰
Such good little tidbits of stories, I will definitely read more. the writing style had a good flow and very entertaining I cant wait to read more from this author
Such good little tidbits of stories, I will definitely read more. the writing style had a good flow and very entertaining I cant wait to read more from this author
June 29, 2023
Love the series
Only problem. Didn't realize, all my fault, this is a collection of three prequels which I own and read previously. Still great and we'll worth rereading. Highly recommended, but probably don't need two copies.
Only problem. Didn't realize, all my fault, this is a collection of three prequels which I own and read previously. Still great and we'll worth rereading. Highly recommended, but probably don't need two copies.
October 12, 2023
Fun read!
Really nice to get some stories kn how Kyra met Mason, Gita, and Hunter. Also Leighna's story.
Definitely has more meaning if you've read the series, but probably enjoyable without.
Really nice to get some stories kn how Kyra met Mason, Gita, and Hunter. Also Leighna's story.
Definitely has more meaning if you've read the series, but probably enjoyable without.
July 18, 2024
I enjoyed these, they fill in some gaps, although I have read at least one of them already, but it was nice to read how Timberfoot died, and where the Banshee came from. I really enjoyed the creatures and how Kyra deals with them.
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December 15, 2022Amazing
I have read all the Valkyrie tertiary books. The character's are amazing. I truly enjoyed these books and cannot wait for the next ones.
I have read all the Valkyrie tertiary books. The character's are amazing. I truly enjoyed these books and cannot wait for the next ones.
March 13, 2023
Inborn Magic was a pleasure to read. Leaves you wanting to spend more time with the main characters and get to know them better. Love Kim's sense of humor 😊
November 3, 2023
Excellent addition to the books in the series. Loved learning more about Timberfoot Greenleaf.
October 3, 2025
Delightful tales
Written with true feeling for the story, and empathy for the characters.
I shall be hunting out more tales by this author.
Written with true feeling for the story, and empathy for the characters.
I shall be hunting out more tales by this author.
March 2, 2026
Heartfelt and realistic story telling.
K. M. paints a fantasy world that feels strange yet real and full. Characters you believe in and root for.
K. M. paints a fantasy world that feels strange yet real and full. Characters you believe in and root for.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews