Secrets of the Sword I

Death Before Dragons #7

by Lindsay Buroker

After helping my steady dragon Zav with his family problems, I thought life would get back to normal. As normal as it can be when you’re a hit woman responsible for hunting down bad guys.

That was before a strange artifact showed up in a bog and turned my ancient dwarven sword into a magical beacon. Now my enemies can sense it from hundreds of miles away. More than that, every club-toting, over-muscled orc, ogre, and troll who would like a magic sword can sense it.

Usually, fighting off opportunists wouldn’t be a problem (they don’t call me Ruin Bringer without reason), but even I can only handle so many attacks at a time. And Zav isn’t as much help as you’d think, since he’s busy on a quest for a ring.

No, it’s not a Lord of the Rings kind of quest. My boss put it in Zav's head that since we’re mated in the dragon way, we should also be married in the human way. Now, he’s off to find the perfect engagement ring. Given his taste in human footwear, I may be in trouble for more reasons than my marked sword.

Not only is there no chance of my life getting back to normal any time soon, but if I can’t figure out how to fix my sword, I’ll be dead long before I can get married.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Dragons, Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Vampires

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2020

About the author

I'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.

Reviews

[Ronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhh this took me a while to get into compared to previous books... I think I need to give this series a bit of a breather before continuing!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid installment, but I'm still really frustrated at how slowly the heroine is learning about her own abilities and her sword's. Hopefully, Val starts getting smarter/more training/something so that she doesn't stay as relatively weak and vulnerable to the elves, fae, and dragons that are constantly out to get her.

Zav was lovely in this book, but the teenage daughter was a brat. It's actually a little uncomfortable how Val allowed herself to be manipulated by her. Paying your daughter in order to get her to spend time with you? That's just messed up.

I do appreciate how clean this was. Closed bedroom scenes are the best. LOL. I also like how the heroine wasn't struggling financially any more. That's pretty great given how she struggled with finances for nearly all the previous books. I'm hoping that her fortunes don't reverse in the next book. Honestly, the blurb for that book makes me nervous. Val needs to have things go easily for once. :)

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of the Sword I is book seven in the Death Before Dragons series by Lindsay Buroker

It’s another thrilling read in the series that takes us on a journey with Val to learn about her sword. I really enjoyed this new plot. It’s engaging and kept my attention.

Things are settled with the dragons, but Val has a new problem. Her sword is giving off a beacon to all who can feel it. The plot brings us new situations, powers and secrets on Val’s sword plus interactions with the Fae we haven’t seen in previous installments.

Val and Zav’s relationship is solid. They work together as a team and they have great banter. Zav shows his dedication to Val and helps her out with her problems.

The familiar side characters are present. We see Val spending more time with her daughter Amber and we get more of Nin and Dimitri who are friends of Val.

We’re treated too lots of laugh, action, adventure, fun characters, and more. I enjoy returning to this world and look forward to seeing what’s next.

Rated: 4 Stars

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story didn’t seem to know where it wanted to go. It rambled around for the first half, then progressed to a climax and ending but none really forwarded the overall plot-line of the series. The banter was fun, as usual, and the action good… But there are just so many avenues that could have been pursued right out of the gate. Yet this story felt like it wasn’t sure which one to follow until the very, very end of the book. And even then, there were points that just didn’t seem to fit. Zav letting someone who was trying to murder Val go… AND paying him rather than annihilating him? Or not even addressing the fact that another creature was in cahoots to destroy Val and Zav didn’t do a thing - just ignored her? Hmmm…. Very out of character for a dragon who has been written to be so incredibly fierce, who is stronger than all others and who is honor bound to protect Val.

Val FINALLY decides at the end of the book that she needs to learn about her sword and its powers - but why she hasn’t come to that conclusion in the previous SIX books is something that has flummoxed me throughout. WHY did it take her this long to decide?!? Aw well. I’ll still keep reading because these books are still a great escape and enjoyable to read.

[Monadh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever mix of episodic and sequential storytelling elements

Due to a ton of favorable reviews by readers and getting besieged by fans of Val, Zav and the gang (myself included) to write more stories in this world, Lindsay Buroker announced some months back she would write three more stories, a trilogy focusing on the secrets of Val’s magical, dwarven-forged blade.

Although book 6 of the Death Before Dragon series, Storm Forged had sort of concluded the story arc by getting the dragon conflict resolved and Zav finally moving in with Val, the series was kind of open ended and I, like many people wanted to know how life would be now that the two main characters had found there HEA. Secrets of the Sword seemlessly picks up the story a few months later. I feel this is possible because of the clever way Buroker structures her books, by having just the right mix of episodic and sequential story telling elements. Each installment is a self-contained story, usually a job Val takes on as government contractor, while in the background we have this tapestry of quirky and endearing supporting characters that are associated with Val, personal growth/character development of the main protagonists (with the help of a therapist) and an overarching story. Also, Buroker never resorts to the trick that so many authors employ these days of having her books end on a cliffhanger; each episode concludes in a way that we get at least some closure and aren’t left hanging.

This installment starts in the expected way with Val accepting a contract from her military liaison and boss/friend Colonel Willard. It seems pretty easy: investigate and deal with a magical artifact that is poisoning the local wildlife in a cranberry field. Only when Val tries to destroy the sinister artifact with her sword, the blade gets contaminated and henceforth acts as a beacon for all magical creatures. She soon is beset by all kinds of riff-raff from the magical world as well as by a dangerous assassin who taxes her not inconsiderable skills.

On the personal front things seem to be looking up; she is developing a relationship with her daughter and happily co-habiting with her dragon. But Zav realizes that although he has marked Val as his mate only those with magic can see the bond, which excludes all humans without a trace of magic. So he takes it into his head that he wants to make their bond obvious to humans, too, and learns that in order to do that he needs to put a ring on her finger (but where to find a ring suitable for the mate of a mighty dragon such as himself?) Once again, things turn out a bit different than Val plans (as far as we can call Val’s spur-of-the-moment schemes plans), but the journey there is as always exciting and entertaining…

[Che is Slowly Getting Back to Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think my fav part of the book is Zav in yellow crocs lol

[Shawnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last 25% of the book was so worth the slow start. Excellent battle scene and heart-warming character progression.

[Dallass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me more 🥰

Secrets of the sword? More like engagement protocols 101 for Zav. Don’t get me wrong, this book starts off with the sword being messed with, but that seems to be overridden by Zav and his one track mission to slip a ring on Val’s finger 😁

Regarding the mystery of who is after Val, it was teased throughout and well executed when we finally get to the big reveal and fight. We learn a teeny bit more about the sword (and I also could have sworn that Val’s power got a bit of a boost), and it seems that Val’s fae side might be more dominant than thought as her asthma sounds very similar to her sisters problem. Only down side was Amber and Thad. Her jealousy of Nin, or anyone who wants to date her dad, just got on my nerves. Liked the story/books better when they were just a footnote instead of an active part of the plot.

Can’t wait to see what Val gets up to in her next adventure.

4 stars ⭐️

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsay Buroker's latest series continues on in a grand manner. Lots of clever dialogue, evils to be bested and jokes to be made. While this is part 1 of 2, it doesn't end as a cliff hanger, rather it has a very satisfactory ending while still being a good launch point for the next book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this series, i recommend that you start with Mist and Magic which is book 0.5 and read through in order
A very slow burn romance
The worlds are intriguing
I look forward to reading about the therapy sessions for the Half Elf assassin
The secondary characters are so interesting and fun

[Zen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another far assasin

I don't know why, this one more so than others, that it took me a little while to get into, but once I did, I couldn't put it down.

[Alix]

Sigh…only 1 or 2 left…already looking forward to the reread in a couple of years

[Stormie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are seriously good and fun to read. Val is such a likeable character and Zav is hilarious/powerful/ridiculous/sweet.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh what fun it is to be back in the world of Death Before Dragons. I really missed Val and Zav but thanks to “Secrets of the Swords” we are able to see the immense progress made between these two characters.

This time Val is out on a job where her sword became contaminated and now serves as a beacon for other creatures to not only locate her but want to take it from her. As she attempts to fend off attacks from creature after creature she is also tasked with finding out how to use eliminate the taint on her blade. To make matters worse, Val’s father has been poisoned and her half sister Freysa has been called back to her home world.

During all of this drama Val and her daughter Amber are maneuvering through a strange phase in their relationship. Additionally it seems that Val’s ex and Amber’s father has grown quite close to Val’s friend Nin. Amber is none too pleased.

On the home front Zav is tired of human males flirting with Val and he wants to send a clear signal to every male in every world that Val is his. Therefore he wants a human wedding and is in search of the perfect ring.

This is as a really entertaining read in the series. I loved all of the craziness going on, the jealousy, relationship forging and romance. My only complaint is that I wanted a little more Val and Zav time. Hopefully, we will get that in spades as well as learn more about his family in the next upcoming installment. Nonetheless, this series rocks and should definitely be placed on your to read list.

[Tiffany (Bluestocking) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to the series. Still filled with laugh out loud humor, blood pumping action, snarky banters, loads of sarcasm and sweet romance.

I really loved Zav in this one. His character growth was most evident with how affectionate and protective he was of Val. His romantic gestures were also cute and swoony😍 Though he did display those traits in previous books, it was more pronounced in this one and he was so charming and sweet but still incredibly haughty😆. He strikes the perfect balance 👌🏽

I liked that we get more backstory on Val’s sword, Chopper, and see her become more adept at using it. My only disappointment is that I wished she would figure out her powers/magic abilities quicker. I’m dying to see what she can really do. Although in the interim, she can still kick butt and vex Zav’s enemies satisfactorily.

Hope to see more of Willard & her hunky Australian doctor too. They always crack me up. I definitely can’t wait for the wedding so I’m on to the next one.

CONTENT
Romance: Chaste, Kissing, Implied intimacy (closed door)
Violence: Moderate
Language: Mild

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title tells, Val's special dragon slaying sword is in focus of this book. It becomes tainted with fae magic that makes it shine like a beacon to all who can sense magic. It makes it difficult for her to do her job (can't really sneak up to bad guys when they can see you coming), on top of which it turns out there's an assassin after her. So, basically, she has to stay home behind barriers of protective magic for her safety. Which she doesn't do. Mayhem ensues, obviously.

This is a slightly slower book than the earlier ones because Val isn't hunting bad guys and constantly travelling or fighting. It has room for relationships (mother-daughter, mostly, in all generations and iterations) and romance. Zav's single-minded focus on marriage grates her, but in the end, he manages to make everything perfect. All in all, a great book, like always.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons, vampires, gnomes, oh boy does Lindsay Buroker’s Death Before Dragons have it all. I love Val’s story and watching her evolve over the course of the series, along with her dragon lover Zavryd’nokquetal (but she gets to call him Zav) and friend / business partner, Dimitri. Somehow I missed the release of the most recent three volumes, False Security, Storm Forged and Secrets of the Sword 1, but now in one might binge-read (hey, I couldn’t help it, they were too addictively great), I’ve made it up. These stories are easy to summarize: perfect urban fantasy adventure. Super imaginative plots that are perfectly written and star just the sort of kick-a** heroine I adore. Add in a superbly crafted supporting cast and you get a fantastic three additions to an ideal series.

[ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must be Magic

I'm a romantic. And as much as I wish it wasn't so, when the guy gets the girl in a series I tend to loose interest. I can't help it. That lovely tension that brews in my heart, the butterflies that beat themselves on the walls of my stomach, the zing of sexual tension zipping along my nerves is All so addictive. But here's the thing.... I have not lost interest. Yes the guy already got the girl. But I am anxious for the next book and just as invested in this story as ever. Must be magic.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Series

It took me a chapter or 2 to really get into this one, but once I did I loved it. I can’t help it—I love the snark. The weakest point is her daughter. Teenagers are difficult and trying to get that into the story and keep interest is also difficult. The romance is progressing beautifully and it’s fun to see Zav and Val working together. His footwear is always entertaining.

[Denisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so, this book (and the next 2) are a bit of a filler at the end of the series. The real plot ended with book 6.

This works if you wanna see more of the characters; it didn't really work for me, but it's worth a try, if you got to this point, it's worth trying this book as well.

[Nunya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: a review of the book and the series so far SPOILERS

This book was disappointing and impacted my view of the series overall. I feel like I was fooled for 7 books (Series rating 3.5). I was drawn to it because of Hammered (Legacy of Magic series) and how it was written was unusual from what I expect from this genre (which is what I try to look for) and learned that it was part of the same universe of the Death Before Dragons Series. It was very compelling and drew me in. If I read any reviews that implies things improve or change I may continue but for now I'm pretty sure I know how it's going to pan out and I'd rather stick with the Legacy of Magic series. First what I liked and appreciated about it.

Pros:
- Time moved and the world did not completely revolve around the MC. There was an organic realistic feel to the character development in terms of their relationships and how they interacted with one another. Val did not only just have one thing going on. Like life, there's plenty of juggling, prioritizing, dealing with unexpected situations, and considering how her actions impacted her relationships with family, friends, co-workers, etc. Activity was not just packed into a single or few days; weeks or months went by within the same book and/or across the series. Her friends, family, and co-workers had their own shit going on and it did not just stop because Val came on the scene or had some issue to deal with.

- The MC wasn't all knowing and stuck on her self. Her thought processes were realistic and she had no problem reaching out to and leaning on friends to check her or to run things by. There was no Chosen One vibe. Side characters had their own voices and personalities for the most part and didn't just blindly agree and support the MC because she's oh so special

- No insta luv and there was pushback against typical genre male. Val & Zav's relationship grew over time (but trust there is plenty wrong with their relationship) and they were thrown together as an official couple in an attempt to save Val from Dragon justice. Again Val's thought process was realistic, acknowledging where the attraction came from (physical, his character/morals, how he carried himself, acknowledging how he was basically somewhat of the oddball for his kind in his dealings with "lesser beings") but she also pushed back and challenged his perceptions and expectations not just when it came to her, but "lesser beings" in general. Other characters also called out the "relationship" expressing concern about how it looked and sounded all kinds of unhealthy which is unusual in this genre and checking to see if she was really ok, if what she really wanted, etc.They didn't just immediately roll with and accept it.

- Really enjoyed how the different relationships were portrayed. The relationship between herself and her mom and learning how it was essentially generational that gets a little bit better with each new one. Trying to reconnect with a family she abandoned for their safety, trying to establish a blended family of sorts, and dealing with the family she chose. Her time serving, the lack of respect she gets and not getting paid enough for the vital work she does while being very unappreciated and often attacked by the community she's serving, her therapist sessions, etc

- I usually have a lot of scoffing, eye rolling, and "Oh come on" moments with this genre, like ALOT , but not really here. The writing is actually mature. I also really liked that the MC was in her 40s (of course she looked younger than her age) but it was refreshing. Even more so because her behavior matched her age and experience level. A good break from "adults" with the mentality and behavior of children or teenagers

- If there was no romance with Zav or anyone else for that matter it would still be an interesting read

- Spin on the whole mythical creatures living along humanity. Also them actually being from other planets. No one is necessarily hiding. There's just been no official stance from the government and it's just a matter of humanity coming into contact with magical beings and believing what they're seeing and experiencing or just flat out being in denial. I've never come across this before. It's usually humanity has forgotten the real history of the world and the other beings or they hid intentionally for reasons, everything's a secret, strict rules, or an open integrated society but it's definitely a laid back feel. Like Eh you believe it or you don't. If you want to ignore that there's a dragon in the sky or trolls/goblins/etc fighting and that masses of people are clearly running from something you can't see that's your prerogative. If you deal with one insurance agent and tell them a dragon destroyed your Jeep claim denied because you MUST be lying and not even well at that, but talk to another and it goes through? I mean wtf lol That's a new and interesting take for me

- Loved that Val & Zav's relationship was not mentioned as being interracial and that accusations of racism or being racist weren't thrown around when it came to non-human beings or vampires. I CANNOT STAND that trope

- Kissing & sex was further down the line for Val & Zav

Cons

- Although there wasn't actually insta love it was essentially undermined when Val agreed to marriage after plenty of acknowledgement that they didn't really know one another, it was a short period of time, there was no actual dating (except maybe a 1st real one I think?) wooing/courtship. Willard and other would make jokes abt marriage but after a certain point it stopped being a joke when it would get brought up or pushed onto Zav as something to seriously pursue. It was even uncomfortable before then when it was being used as a way to tease Val. Like she just met this guy and her circle are seriously pushing him to propose? At first it seemed like things were heading in the direction of ok, there's going to be a serious conversation between the two of what it means due to cultural differences, how they're not there yet, how it's been a short time, how although the two may be compared (declaring a mate & marriage) its not necessarily the same especially considering the circumstances. It seemed at some point the joke would be explained but it kept getting pushed to the side because of more pressing matters and of course trying to manage his reaction, but nope she agreed to getting married.

The bar is low in this genre when it comes this so yeah points given for them not declaring their undying love for one another after essentially saying "Hi, my name is..." but I'm sick of the trope of lust/attraction and adrenaline driven emergency situations replacing or being portrayed as an actual relationship or dating. Also the fact the main and only reason that he wanted to propose was to keep others away from her and he initially balked at the idea of being hers and claimed in any way. It was explained later to a certain extent but it's still problematic as her concerns was brushed to the side as they'll have plenty of time to learn one another and he really just wanted everything sped up and rushed so other ppl wouldn't hit on her. When Willard was pushing this I really hoped that Val would react with anger at her and say or hint that she was really overstepping or going too far because it would put her in a difficult spot trying to explain why she's not ok with marriage even though their mated. Everything up to that point kind of hinted that a reaction like that would make sense but of course not. I was really hoping there would at least be a long engagement, that it would be explained that she has a chance and can say No to the proposal and that it wasn't set it stone; basically that more would be explained to him and not even marriage would be necessary to get the desired result, but it looks like that's not happening. I would looooove if there was a therapy session where the therapist kind of pushed Val to really think abt this and pump the brakes.


- Val's willingness to ignore that she's in a relationship with a prejudiced bigot who decided to make her the exception to his rule. When I read Hammered I was curious abt Val and Zav's relationship as it made it seem that they've been together for some time and that there was some sort of inside joke or knowledge that was missing because reading how her husband talked abt her and everyone else just gave me thoughts of how could she POSSIBLY be and STAY with someone like that.

Reading this series it became clear that he literally means what he's saying, that he partly admires and adores Val because she overcame the weaknesses of her human heritage. This is further explained later on privately to a certain degree that one of the weaknesses he refers to is the fragility (physical) of humans. He clearly elevates her Elven heritage and he constantly and consistently refers to humanity and any one else (who aren't elves any way) as being vile, vermin, etc and her human heritage as a handicap. O_O It's not in an even teasing "Oh I used to think or believe this now I don't and can you believe I used to be that sort of dragon/person" or "Look at how far I've come" sort of way. He MEANS what he is saying.

I was really hoping at some point based on the books so far and Val's personality that she would address it. If not her at least someone else would ask the question if she was 100% human would he even bother with her? I didn't like that this was setup as to be some sort of cute quirky thing. If this was asked it could have led to a whole discussion about how problematic the Dragons' culture is and how it contributed to their political problems. It would have added to their relationship by introducing controversial and uncomfortable conversations that would either make or break them as a couple and give them some legitimacy as a unit. She went from wanting to show what humanity and other beings have to offer and how his thinking or attitude is wrong to just going with it.

- Abuse glossed over and ignored. In this series we learn that the dragons have a matriarchy because females are bigger, stronger, and more powerful. Its no surprise that corruption, abuse, assault occurs. Sexual and mental assault is normalized and shrugged off with a sort of "That's just the way it is" attitude. It may not say it out right but it is really implied. It does not matter what males want. It does not matter what non-dragons want. Any male dragon can be compelled/forced/pressured to be with a female dragon due to their strength of their power (mental compulsion and freeze beings in their place) and size. The same for non-dragons. Val's daughter Amber was violated mentally. I gave points that it was called rape in a non related conversation but was overall disappointed about how it was handled. Again this could have been a great opportunity to discuss issues with Dragons' culture, to let Amber know Val was there for her and that she understood, and more. Instead Val thought she would just wait to see if Amber wanted to talk about it. She didn't bring it up with Zav about messed up that practice is or what his thoughts were, how it's often used outside of its intended purpose, and how the norm seems to be for them to abuse their powers. I would think if she would talk about it with anyone besides Amber it would be Zav and she would have been more distressed.

I think it (the practice in general re: their abilties) may have been brought up briefly of trying to get Zav or another? to empathize with being completely helpless and at someone else's mercy but it was just shrugged off as that just being the way. I think this is where it came up with the same being done to males and it being normalized. All of this was just glossed over and down played which unfortunately is typical

- There have been comments/thoughts by Val that were borderline or outright concerning. In some cases I understood because it goes back to the relationships and thought processes being organic and believable whether I liked or agreed with them. It was also where it could be seen in different ways and on the fence but there was a comment that took me over the edge along with other things that brought my usual rating down to a 2.

I didn't care for the running joke that Val was incapable of pronouncing something that was more than 1 syllable but then again maybe that was the point. I liked to look at it as poking fun at those kinds of ppl especially when she kept trying to play it off as some alien thing when obviously there are plenty of human cultures that have "complicated" names including her own human background and it was shown through other people not having an issue whatsoever.

I thought the joke with the shoes went too far and was hoping she would explain that the guy was obviously insecure, intimidated, & trying to save face and explain to Zav that his footwear didn't really matter or imply that he was not masculine for a variety of reasons. Plenty of explanations to choose from and they still could have did something where it allowed for him to experiment with human footwear or clothes in general. The whole "Ppl must not think I'm gay! This must be fixed at once!" thing was just ugh. Also again plenty of human cultures wear outfits similar to his and not just females so it was just, yeah.

For a while I felt like Dimitri and Clark? (not sure if his sexuality was confirmed) were there as inclusive checkmarks but this book kind of sealed it for me with her conversation with her daughter where she was using her 14/15yo as virgin bait O_O for fae. Amber is kind of irritated or upset that her mother just assumed she was a virgin (which she shouldn't have done, I don't care what her social feed looked like it's a stupid assumption to make) and says to Val what if she liked girls and Val essentially says the plan is still good because it wouldn't count O_O (no further inner thoughts about it or convo or dialogue, just ugh. I feel like I could on a tangent abt how messed up this is but I'm just going to leave it there)

- Val uses her 14 or 15 yo old daughter as virgin bait HUGE PARENTING FAIL!!! I mean while reading this it seemed like she knew how horrible this was but she was shoving it deep down and basically doing mental gymnastics so she can do what she wanted. I mean I liked that she called someone else to check her behavior and thought process but Willard basically shrugged and was like it was up to her O_O I'm sorry but wtf?!

I wanted her to really get her ass chewed out. Thad should have been FURIOUS at Val. Hell her mom and friends too for that matter. Visiting, parenting privileges revoked, a custody battle, or something. It would have kept in line with the book's and series' realistic reactions and how the characters interacted, but nope. Nothing happened. I mean another opportunity was missed for some good character development. She could have gotten checked on what it meant to be a mother and a parent, that her daughter is a barely trained young civilian (and no not mature for age either). That Amber is NOT her. She literally gambled with her daughters life, her physical and mental well being and on top of that didn't even tell her what she was really agreeing to. Her daughter who was mentally violated and rightfully shaken up and disturbed, but then she placed her in a similar situation where anything could happen? Anything could go wrong? She could have gotten a soldier/agent for this or hired an adult who knew the risks. There were options besides Amber, there was no reason to use her, not really. Her actions showed she knew what she was doing was wrong and because it happed to work out it was all swept under the rug.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this 7th book in the Death Before Dragons series. It's a solid installment in this series and I like how there's more of all the elements I've come to expect from this series as well as new plot arc that focuses on Val's sword.

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was engaging and kept my attention and I liked seeing how things played out. Things with the dragons are settled, but Val has a new problem after destroying an artifact her sword gives off a beacon. This book has several different plot points that neatly tie together as the plot progresses and I liked seeing how Val dealt with the situation. It was interesting how this book deals with the fae as they weren't in earlier books. And this new plot arc that's all about the powers and secrets of Val's sword is off to a great start. I look forward to seeing what more she'll learn in future books.

I like val and Zav's relationship now that they're together. They really work as a team and I liked their banter and the way they interact. I felt their romance deepened more in this book and I liked seeing this. Zav really shows his dedication to Val and helps her out with her problems. They really feel like a couple now and I like them together.

There's more of all the familiar side characters and I like how there are things going on with them. Val's ex is now dating Nin and we see how that goes. There's more of Val interacting with her daughter Amber and I liked seeing how their relationship progressed in this book. There's more of Nin and Dimitri, who are Val's friends. And ofcourse Sindari, the silver tiger who fights alongside Val.

I like listening to this series as the narrator is such a good match for the series and I like how she does all the different voices.

To summarize: I really liked this book. It kept my attention and I was interested in this new story arc surrounding Val's sword. This book starts this new story arc off well and I liked seeing how the plot progressed. It was interesting to see a bit about the fae, who weren't part of the previous books. There's more of Val and her friends and I liked how they all have things going on and things changing. There are plenty of fun scenes with them interacting together and some relationship development too. I liked how Val and Zav's relationship deepened in this book and how they work together as a team. The narrator is awesome and I like listening to this series.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zav me aburre, la machacona repetición de lo poco que realmente les une a él y a Val me aburre, y la deriva estúpida de la protagonista es de lo más irritante (su espada se convierte en una alarma que avisa a cualquiera con sensibilidad a la magia de donde está y hace que quieran robarsela, los fey son los seres más poderosos tras los dragones, y ella decide irse al medio de la nada con su hija de 14 años como cebo para poder acceder a su mundo cuando Zav no está, con el riesgo de que les ataquen como ha ocurrido en varias ocasiones anteriores de las que se ha salvado por los pelos, violen a su hija -los Fey tienen un fetiche con la virginidad que ella decide explotar-... y solo después de que sus vidas corran peligro se le ocurre que igual no tendría que haberlo hecho. Casi abandono el libro tras escucharlo).

En lo positivo, la trama con asesino a sueldo a la caza de Val es muy entretenida.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I accidentally started this series on book 7, but I was able to understand what was happening pretty quickly so the world building isn't too complex. I do feel like the plot is pretty basic but it's done well enough to be entertaining. A human (or in this case half-human) woman with a big weapon kills supernatural monsters that plague her town/city and some hot warrior falls for her and they have adventures etc etc. It's been done a thousand times but I still enjoy it. My only real complaint is that the Hot Warrior seems dumb, but maybe he'll be better in other books? I'm interested enough to go back to book 1.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy all of the series by Lindsay Buroker, however this one just may be my favourite. This book continues on the Death Before Dragons Series (it’s not the first book, just the first in this ‘add-on’ to the series). The author shows us more of the Cosmic Realm and we get to see her working with her sword to unlock its potential. Her humour is again on display here and she brings back all the characters from the series and expands them also. It’s a fun read.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there were still a lot of battles in this one, there were a bunch of funny moments. Like Zav's new shoes, his quest for wedding rings and all things wedding, how Val used candy as a bargaining tool and how well it worked. But the best was Val learning that all the paranormal weirdos at the coffee shop have been invited to her wedding, the chaos at this event will be great and I can't wait to see it.

[Marien · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 Stars
Val and Zav are definitely one of my favorite PNR couples. I'm actually a bit sad that the series is coming to an end. I hope the author continues with a sequel in the same world (there's a hint regarding Val's boss with the Australian doctor), although I know the sequels don't always work as well. For sure I'll be reading whatever comes next from this author.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

This is fun, intense and exciting - a well crafted world that keeps it fresh, while building on the foundation created in previous installments.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I am so loving this fantasy series of audiobooks. Terrific characters. Great narration. Plenty of ‘laugh out loud’ moments.

[Susan1566 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per normal, I loved this book. Interesting magical problem, interesting characters, and a dragon in crocs😀. What’s not to like