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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5
Note: I read/listened to this series while traveling, so I didn't have access to review each individually. So, this is a review for books .5-6.
I’ve read several of Buroker’s books by now and enjoyed them all. The Death Before Dragons series is no exception. I really liked Val and her sarcasm, especially when she bantered with Willard. I loved that she was over 40, even if the fact that she didn’t look it kind of made it only half as satisfying as it would be to have a 40yo heroine who looked her age too. I adored that Val was biologically a mother, but not maternal or raising her child. This is a reality authors very rarely allow female characters, especially ones we’re supposed to like. I appreciate the diversity of the cast. And each of the books wrapped up nicely, which I prefer over an overarching plot where you have to read the whole series to get any conclusive satisfaction. All in all, I would be happy to continue the series.
I did have a few complaints. Some of the humor was over the top silly at times. There was a running joke about the shoes the hero wore and if they made him look gay or not, which trod a little too close to a gay joke for my taste (pun intended). This was somewhat mitigated by a loved and important gay character (who wasn’t cliched). But it shouldn’t be a tit for tat situation. Similarly, Val’s refusal to learn to pronounce the dragons’ names was a sign of rebellion, but it also reminded me a lot of Westerners who can learn to pronounce Dostoevsky but not names from the African continent. Uncomfortably close to a problem, close enough to recognize, but not quite there.
Lastly, I liked Zav and appreciated him as a love interest, but I never truly felt the passion. There was only one sex scene and it was fade to black, so I suppose passion wasn’t the point. But I might have liked to feel the love more strongly.
I stopped at book six because that’s the last the library had. But if I came across book 7 I’d happily read it. But I’m not sad to have a break here either.
Note: I read/listened to this series while traveling, so I didn't have access to review each individually. So, this is a review for books .5-6.
I’ve read several of Buroker’s books by now and enjoyed them all. The Death Before Dragons series is no exception. I really liked Val and her sarcasm, especially when she bantered with Willard. I loved that she was over 40, even if the fact that she didn’t look it kind of made it only half as satisfying as it would be to have a 40yo heroine who looked her age too. I adored that Val was biologically a mother, but not maternal or raising her child. This is a reality authors very rarely allow female characters, especially ones we’re supposed to like. I appreciate the diversity of the cast. And each of the books wrapped up nicely, which I prefer over an overarching plot where you have to read the whole series to get any conclusive satisfaction. All in all, I would be happy to continue the series.
I did have a few complaints. Some of the humor was over the top silly at times. There was a running joke about the shoes the hero wore and if they made him look gay or not, which trod a little too close to a gay joke for my taste (pun intended). This was somewhat mitigated by a loved and important gay character (who wasn’t cliched). But it shouldn’t be a tit for tat situation. Similarly, Val’s refusal to learn to pronounce the dragons’ names was a sign of rebellion, but it also reminded me a lot of Westerners who can learn to pronounce Dostoevsky but not names from the African continent. Uncomfortably close to a problem, close enough to recognize, but not quite there.
Lastly, I liked Zav and appreciated him as a love interest, but I never truly felt the passion. There was only one sex scene and it was fade to black, so I suppose passion wasn’t the point. But I might have liked to feel the love more strongly.
I stopped at book six because that’s the last the library had. But if I came across book 7 I’d happily read it. But I’m not sad to have a break here either.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.75
I really enjoyed the banter in this one! Mostly between the main couple- but I was also enjoying Willard and Val's back and forth too- I don't think I would mind a dragon brother either...
I'm glad that Zav and Val are slowly making a little bit of progress in their relationship- if not the romance, at least they are getting to know each others quirks and motivations better.
Oh, and I have to say- Zav's sister can kick rocks!
Looking forward to the next one and getting to meet more of the mythical creatures on The List!
“Maybe I should get my status as your mate printed on a T-shirt for those without magical senses.” He scrutinized me, probably looking for sarcasm; he must have missed it. “Yes. Do this.”
I really enjoyed the banter in this one! Mostly between the main couple- but I was also enjoying Willard and Val's back and forth too- I don't think I would mind a dragon brother either...
I'm glad that Zav and Val are slowly making a little bit of progress in their relationship- if not the romance, at least they are getting to know each others quirks and motivations better.
Oh, and I have to say- Zav's sister can kick rocks!
Looking forward to the next one and getting to meet more of the mythical creatures on The List!
adventurous
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Elven Doom is the fourth book in the Death Before Dragons series and, as you may have figured out from the title, brings the dark elves to the forefront, and even starts to touch on Val's own eleven heritage. But Val doesn't just have elves to deal with. Dragons keep on meddling in her life. This includes Zav, who has claimed her as his mate, and Zav's super aggro sister, who takes some issue with that.
While I didn't like Elven Doom quite on the same level as Tangled Truths, I still had a lot of fun with it. The strength of the series remains in its lovable characters, quippy dialogue, action scenes, and the strong romance that is continuing to grow between Val and Zav. I am eager to continue the series and see how Val's journey continues.
While I didn't like Elven Doom quite on the same level as Tangled Truths, I still had a lot of fun with it. The strength of the series remains in its lovable characters, quippy dialogue, action scenes, and the strong romance that is continuing to grow between Val and Zav. I am eager to continue the series and see how Val's journey continues.
Man I love these books! Interesting new characters wander in and add to the plot, but Val and Zav remain at the centre, and the tension between the two is huge.
I wish that it wasn't impolite to urge the author to write faster, because I'm desperate to read more!
(I bought via Patreon)
I wish that it wasn't impolite to urge the author to write faster, because I'm desperate to read more!
(I bought via Patreon)
Another exciting read in the series. Poor Val really needs to strengthen her magical talents. The sexual tension is wonderful and I hope the next feeding session for Zav leads to release for he and Val!
Lots of the previous cast slide in and out of the story adding to the general enjoyment.
There’s lots of scope for the next books and I look forward to lots of future enjoyment!
Another winner Ms Buroker!
Lots of the previous cast slide in and out of the story adding to the general enjoyment.
There’s lots of scope for the next books and I look forward to lots of future enjoyment!
Another winner Ms Buroker!