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Wings and Wounds
Doc thought treating grumpy house cats was challenging — until her latest patients torched everything she thought she knew.
When Dr. Jordyn Blackstone stumbles upon an injured dragon, she can’t resist helping the creature. Before long, dragons from far and wide seek her expertise, and they’re not exactly the kind to sit still for shots.
With dragons suddenly very real and no dragon-care textbook in sight, Doc can’t help but question her sanity while she develops dragon medicine on the fly. Amidst dodging horrid dragon breath and fiery sneezes, Doc discovers that the dragons trust her with not only their own lives, but the survival of their entire species. No pressure.
Doc rises to the challenge, even though the work is tough, messy, and dangerous. But dealing with disgusting dragon snot is the least of her worries. To protect her extraordinary patients from being hunted to extinction, Doc must keep them secret — or risk not only their safety, but also her career, reputation, and clinic going up in smoke.
Dragon enthusiasts and fans of House in the Cerulean Sea, Legends and Lattes, and The Lady Trent Memoirs will be enchanted by Wings and Wounds, Book 1 of The Dragon Doc Tales!
“Combining the caring veterinary themes found in All Creatures Great and Small and other books by James Herriot with well-constructed farce and fantasy, this pleasant tale is a rare treat… an absolutely wonderful book that readers are sure to enjoy.” — The U.S. Review
“The Dragon Doc’s Wings and Wounds takes the reader on a fantastical journey through the trials and tribulations of veterinary medicine for the most magnificent of beasts. Dr. S. K. Burkman wields a fiery sense of humor that leaves the reader in stitches while also tugging at the heartstrings. Be prepared for a wild flight… and don’t forget to pack the burn salve.” — N. J. Gallegos, Author of The Broken Heart
When Dr. Jordyn Blackstone stumbles upon an injured dragon, she can’t resist helping the creature. Before long, dragons from far and wide seek her expertise, and they’re not exactly the kind to sit still for shots.
With dragons suddenly very real and no dragon-care textbook in sight, Doc can’t help but question her sanity while she develops dragon medicine on the fly. Amidst dodging horrid dragon breath and fiery sneezes, Doc discovers that the dragons trust her with not only their own lives, but the survival of their entire species. No pressure.
Doc rises to the challenge, even though the work is tough, messy, and dangerous. But dealing with disgusting dragon snot is the least of her worries. To protect her extraordinary patients from being hunted to extinction, Doc must keep them secret — or risk not only their safety, but also her career, reputation, and clinic going up in smoke.
Dragon enthusiasts and fans of House in the Cerulean Sea, Legends and Lattes, and The Lady Trent Memoirs will be enchanted by Wings and Wounds, Book 1 of The Dragon Doc Tales!
“Combining the caring veterinary themes found in All Creatures Great and Small and other books by James Herriot with well-constructed farce and fantasy, this pleasant tale is a rare treat… an absolutely wonderful book that readers are sure to enjoy.” — The U.S. Review
“The Dragon Doc’s Wings and Wounds takes the reader on a fantastical journey through the trials and tribulations of veterinary medicine for the most magnificent of beasts. Dr. S. K. Burkman wields a fiery sense of humor that leaves the reader in stitches while also tugging at the heartstrings. Be prepared for a wild flight… and don’t forget to pack the burn salve.” — N. J. Gallegos, Author of The Broken Heart
- GenresFantasy
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2022
47 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Burkman
2 books16 followersOn a summer day long ago, Dr. S. K. Burkman climbed a mountain, got sick, and hallucinated a dragon. Thus began a lifelong fascination with dragons, and many exhaustion-fueled musings on what they might be like as patients.
Originally from Colorado and British Columbia, Dr. Burkman earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine at Colorado State University. As a busy veterinarian, Dr. Burkman keeps her sanity by writing about dragons. Many of her own adventures and misadventures are woven into her novels.
Outside of work and writing, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, kayaking, travel, cake baking and decorating, and looking for dragons. She has been married to Joshua for over twenty years, and they have one child. Dr. Burkman and her family reside in Idaho with their motley assortment of pets, and maybe, just maybe, a dragon or two.
Originally from Colorado and British Columbia, Dr. Burkman earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine at Colorado State University. As a busy veterinarian, Dr. Burkman keeps her sanity by writing about dragons. Many of her own adventures and misadventures are woven into her novels.
Outside of work and writing, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, kayaking, travel, cake baking and decorating, and looking for dragons. She has been married to Joshua for over twenty years, and they have one child. Dr. Burkman and her family reside in Idaho with their motley assortment of pets, and maybe, just maybe, a dragon or two.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 24, 2022
Super adorable and funny take on modern-day dragons! I've truly never read a book like this, and I'm very excited for more tales of the dragon doc. Great humor, and the exploration of dragon medical theory was very cool (and also not so technical that it was beyond me). I especially loved the unique challenges and questions of treating a mythical species. But don't just trust me, go read it, and I'll be here, waiting for the next one.
August 8, 2023
Delightful
Very entertaining and seemingly realistic stories of being a "dragon vet". The imagination shown in the writing is incredible. Highly recommend and look forward to reading its recently released sequel.
Very entertaining and seemingly realistic stories of being a "dragon vet". The imagination shown in the writing is incredible. Highly recommend and look forward to reading its recently released sequel.
January 9, 2023
I adored this book. The perfect blend of humor, fantasy, and medicine. I would let The Dragon Doc care for any and all of my dragons. Pick this one up if you enjoy smiling and laughing.
January 1, 2023
What a fantastic story that kept me drawn in the entire time! I love how it originated from a true life event and evolved into this wonderful fantasy tale. I’m looking forward to reading the next book ❤️
September 9, 2025
Wings and Wounds had such a fun premise - a vet for dragons sounded like something quirky, cozy, and adventurous all at once. Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t work for me.
The story starts out promising with Dr. Jordyn Blackstone stumbling upon an injured dragon, but from there the pacing felt uneven and often dragged. Instead of getting swept up in the wonder and danger of treating mythical creatures, I found myself pulled out of the story by repetitive descriptions and a lack of depth in the worldbuilding. For a book with dragons front and center, I expected to feel more awe, tension, or at least some emotional pull, but it often read flat.
I also struggled to connect with the main character. While I liked the concept of a practical, science-minded vet trying to adapt her skills for dragons, her personality never fully came alive for me. The humor and “grumpy cat” comparisons wore thin pretty quickly, and I wanted more layers to her character than just sarcastic quips and constant exasperation.
That said, I can see why others might enjoy it... it’s light, imaginative, and has a certain whimsical charm. But for me, the uneven pacing, thin character development, and lack of immersion kept it from being the cozy dragon adventure I hoped it would be
The story starts out promising with Dr. Jordyn Blackstone stumbling upon an injured dragon, but from there the pacing felt uneven and often dragged. Instead of getting swept up in the wonder and danger of treating mythical creatures, I found myself pulled out of the story by repetitive descriptions and a lack of depth in the worldbuilding. For a book with dragons front and center, I expected to feel more awe, tension, or at least some emotional pull, but it often read flat.
I also struggled to connect with the main character. While I liked the concept of a practical, science-minded vet trying to adapt her skills for dragons, her personality never fully came alive for me. The humor and “grumpy cat” comparisons wore thin pretty quickly, and I wanted more layers to her character than just sarcastic quips and constant exasperation.
That said, I can see why others might enjoy it... it’s light, imaginative, and has a certain whimsical charm. But for me, the uneven pacing, thin character development, and lack of immersion kept it from being the cozy dragon adventure I hoped it would be
July 5, 2023
Lovely tale of dragons as a patient for a vet. Great imagination in the details, injuries and potential solutions for the draco in need. But I gotta say, I’d never take my animal to this vet - not because of her unusual clientele but because she isn’t good at seeing consequences of her actions. For all her talk of hiking experience (and we never actually hear about going out but twice but we do hear how busy she is to not finish clinic chores, to not have days off, to not see her family…..) so for all her imagined prowess, the two times she’s out hiking are almost fatal experiences because she didn’t think things through or recognize symptoms. She doesn’t recognize the difficulties her practice can cause others (patients, staff, neighbors). She rarely thinks things through to her own chagrin. I need a more focused, more aware, and more alert vet looking after my basilisk and phoenix.
June 24, 2025
The premise is a lot of fun. The execution was…well, slow, boring, and the ‘Dragon Doc’ is an irritating person. I liked her husband and applauded his patience with her and her terminal narcissism. It’s all about her and the dragons- his fears, concerns and comfort mean nothing to her. The safety of her own child is secondary to the specialness she gets from being the ‘Dragon Doc’.
I struggled through this to make sure I wasn’t going g to be one of those blow-hards who reads a chapter and then flames the author’s hard work. The editing is awesome- grammar and syntax and (for the most part) narrative are all there and decently rendered. But I don’t recommend this for anyone looking for a fun fantasy about a veterinarian to dragons.
I struggled through this to make sure I wasn’t going g to be one of those blow-hards who reads a chapter and then flames the author’s hard work. The editing is awesome- grammar and syntax and (for the most part) narrative are all there and decently rendered. But I don’t recommend this for anyone looking for a fun fantasy about a veterinarian to dragons.
January 29, 2024
Dragons need doctors, too!
A thoroughly charming account of a courageous and capable veterinarian's fantastic experience in treating ill and injured dragons alongside her more traditional patients amid the mundane events of everyday life. Well-written in an engaging style with attention to all the details I find most interesting about dragons and doesn't portray them as ... well, monsters. Even though this tale is quite different from the fantasy I normally read - this more slice of life or cozy - there's never a dull moment for the Dragon Doc.
I must say, if more memoirs were written like this, then I would be reading more memoirs!
Looking forward to the next installment.
A thoroughly charming account of a courageous and capable veterinarian's fantastic experience in treating ill and injured dragons alongside her more traditional patients amid the mundane events of everyday life. Well-written in an engaging style with attention to all the details I find most interesting about dragons and doesn't portray them as ... well, monsters. Even though this tale is quite different from the fantasy I normally read - this more slice of life or cozy - there's never a dull moment for the Dragon Doc.
I must say, if more memoirs were written like this, then I would be reading more memoirs!
Looking forward to the next installment.
September 5, 2023
Did you ever imagine how difficult it is to be a vet? Come along on this ride to find out! Of course it's even more difficult if you do pro bono work for unknown, endangered species.
It's even more interesting as we learn a lot we never knew about dragons. How many vet schools teach medicine for dragons? That leaves a lot of room for discovery as the need for treatment increases.
This really was an enjoyable read that allows the reader to put their everyday troubles behind them while experiencing troubles they will never have.
It's even more interesting as we learn a lot we never knew about dragons. How many vet schools teach medicine for dragons? That leaves a lot of room for discovery as the need for treatment increases.
This really was an enjoyable read that allows the reader to put their everyday troubles behind them while experiencing troubles they will never have.
December 10, 2023
A fantastic story
Having read the sequel to this book first, I couldn't wait to read this one. The author, Dr. S K Hickman has written a delightful story for anyone or any age. You'll learn how to treat dragons and how to avoid cuts and burns. I especially enjoyed reading how a dragon can make popcorn. But remember for every action there is always a reaction. I can't wait until another book comes out. Enjoy this book and its sequel.
Having read the sequel to this book first, I couldn't wait to read this one. The author, Dr. S K Hickman has written a delightful story for anyone or any age. You'll learn how to treat dragons and how to avoid cuts and burns. I especially enjoyed reading how a dragon can make popcorn. But remember for every action there is always a reaction. I can't wait until another book comes out. Enjoy this book and its sequel.
June 25, 2023
This book was a lot of fun. I really hope that S.K. Burkman keeps writing more of these.
She brings a veterinary background to these stories and so they seem realistic. Her main character in these stories deals with the problems of being a small business owner and encountering something that's really cool--living, breathing dragons. It's an interesting, multifaceted problem.
She brings a veterinary background to these stories and so they seem realistic. Her main character in these stories deals with the problems of being a small business owner and encountering something that's really cool--living, breathing dragons. It's an interesting, multifaceted problem.
August 27, 2023
A fantastic book.
Dr. Burkman has woven an extraordinary tale combining veterinary medicine with the treatment of dragons. The characters are well thought out and realistic. The story truly shows the love the vet has for animals. This is a dragon lovers dream. I wish the dragons truly existed and highly recommend this book, can't wait to read the next book.
Dr. Burkman has woven an extraordinary tale combining veterinary medicine with the treatment of dragons. The characters are well thought out and realistic. The story truly shows the love the vet has for animals. This is a dragon lovers dream. I wish the dragons truly existed and highly recommend this book, can't wait to read the next book.
August 18, 2024
The initial setup for this is great, and I love that it was inspired by an experience the author really had. It just fell a bit flat for me with the writing and time jumps. I think it would have almost been better to have it formatted as short stories with a connecting throughline, rather than a novel.
January 18, 2025
A vet practices medicine that includes dragons!
She thought she dreamed of emerald! Her dragon part of her clinic got her started with dragons! This is a secret! Hope she has another book soon! We who love to read need authors who love to write! Dr. Berkman to have a book signing at Barnes and Nobel in Idaho in February!
She thought she dreamed of emerald! Her dragon part of her clinic got her started with dragons! This is a secret! Hope she has another book soon! We who love to read need authors who love to write! Dr. Berkman to have a book signing at Barnes and Nobel in Idaho in February!
October 11, 2023
Awesomeness
This was such an entertaining and funny book that made you believe in dragons. I always wanted to believe they were real and now I do. Can't wait for the next book to hear more of how she takes care of these amazing creatures.
This was such an entertaining and funny book that made you believe in dragons. I always wanted to believe they were real and now I do. Can't wait for the next book to hear more of how she takes care of these amazing creatures.
December 17, 2023
A Fun and Amusing Tale
I really love the MC in this book and all she does and goes through to help the various Dragons she helps. Some of the different stories she tells of the incounters and quite funny or nerve racking depending on the particular Dragons she was treating.
I really love the MC in this book and all she does and goes through to help the various Dragons she helps. Some of the different stories she tells of the incounters and quite funny or nerve racking depending on the particular Dragons she was treating.
March 3, 2024
A new to me author
I started reading this book and couldn't put it down until I finished. I love the dragons and I can't wait to see where the story goes next. I will be following this author on Amazon & in Goodreads.
I started reading this book and couldn't put it down until I finished. I love the dragons and I can't wait to see where the story goes next. I will be following this author on Amazon & in Goodreads.
February 2, 2025
A Veterinarian finds herself treating dragon's after helping one she stumbled across in the forest. I wanted to love it, and it definitely was something out of the ordinary, but it just didn't wow me.
November 10, 2025
Love this story
A tail of doctoring dragons in secret, and the complications that can lead to. The Dragon Doc builds a practice that cares for dragons on the side. Hope there are more soon.
A tail of doctoring dragons in secret, and the complications that can lead to. The Dragon Doc builds a practice that cares for dragons on the side. Hope there are more soon.
March 22, 2024
Amazing
This is most assuredly one of the best stories I've ever read, I really hope that there is more to come.
This is most assuredly one of the best stories I've ever read, I really hope that there is more to come.
May 10, 2024
Dragons are so cool
I liked the story until the end. The doc got lost. The way it was written was not clear that the dragon helped her.
I liked the story until the end. The doc got lost. The way it was written was not clear that the dragon helped her.
June 11, 2024
Delightful reading
What a wonderful tale and a very descriptive and entertaining story! Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
What a wonderful tale and a very descriptive and entertaining story! Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
July 20, 2025
Wonderful book
This book was such a joy to read. The mix of fantasy and real showed true skill as an Author. I truly am looking forward to the next chapter in this series.
This book was such a joy to read. The mix of fantasy and real showed true skill as an Author. I truly am looking forward to the next chapter in this series.
December 29, 2025
This was a fascinating read!
I saw the author for a book-signing at a Barnes & Noble. The moment I learned what the book was about, I knew I had to read it. For fans of A Natural History of Dragons, this book actually feels like an autobiography of a Dragon Veterinarian. It was very well written and portrayed in a way that feels like it really happened in Arizona and Idaho. Different from your dragon-riding and dragon-shifting books; this one is about dragon-caring!
I saw the author for a book-signing at a Barnes & Noble. The moment I learned what the book was about, I knew I had to read it. For fans of A Natural History of Dragons, this book actually feels like an autobiography of a Dragon Veterinarian. It was very well written and portrayed in a way that feels like it really happened in Arizona and Idaho. Different from your dragon-riding and dragon-shifting books; this one is about dragon-caring!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews