Step into the snarky, action-packed world of Death Before Dragons, where a half-elf assassin named Val Thorvald takes on magical bad guys with a magical sword, a telepathic tiger, and a hefty dose of wit! This urban fantasy series by Lindsay Buroker blends heart-pounding adventure, humor, and a touch of romance, set in a vibrant Seattle teeming with dragons, werewolves, and otherworldly creatures. Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews or Patricia Briggs, it’s a wild ride you won’t want to miss.
Val, a 40-something government-contracted killer, isn’t your typical heroine. With her sarcastic quips and a complicated personal life—including an ex-husband and a teenage daughter—she navigates a world where magical beings hide from the Dragon Justice Court. Whether battling trolls or bantering with an aloof dragon shifter, Val’s journey hooks readers from page one.
How Death Before Dragons Began
Lindsay Buroker, a prolific indie author known for her fantasy and sci-fi novels, launched Death Before Dragons in 2020 with Sinister Magic. Inspired by her love for strong, relatable heroines and mythical creatures, Buroker crafted a series that balances gritty action with lighthearted humor. Her goal? To create a mature, grounded urban fantasy that stands out in a genre often filled with younger protagonists. Drawing from her Pacific Northwest roots, she set the series in Seattle, infusing it with authentic local flavor.
Buroker’s knack for world-building and character-driven stories stems from her extensive writing career, with over 90 novels to her name. Death Before Dragons quickly gained traction among Kindle Unlimited readers, praised for its fast pace and Val’s relatable struggles, earning Buroker a loyal fanbase eager for more.
The Heart of Death Before Dragons
The series kicks off with Sinister Magic, where Val, a half-elf assassin, hunts magical criminals but crosses paths with Zavryd, an arrogant dragon shifter enforcing Dragon Justice. Their uneasy alliance sparks tension and humor as they tackle dark elves and a poisoned boss. Battle Bond, the second book, deepens their partnership amid a dragon war, while Tangled Truths sends Val to Idaho to protect her family from supernatural threats. Elven Doom, the fourth installment, ramps up the stakes with fae conspiracies and Val’s growing bond with Zav.
Themes of justice, loyalty, and self-discovery weave through the series. Val’s moral code—eliminating threats while protecting the innocent—clashes with the rigid Dragon Justice Court, raising questions about power and morality. The Seattle setting, alive with hidden magical enclaves, grounds the fantastical elements, while Buroker’s first-person narrative delivers Val’s snarky voice with pop culture nods and geeky humor. Romance simmers slowly, particularly between Val and Zav, but action and camaraderie take center stage, appealing to readers who crave story over steamy scenes.
The series’ nine books, completed in 2022, are joined by spinoffs like Legacy of Magic and Tracking Trouble, expanding the universe with new heroes while bringing back fan-favorite characters. Its blend of quirky characters, like Val’s mystical tiger Sindari, and tight plotting keeps readers hooked.
Why Death Before Dragons Resonates
Death Before Dragons has carved a niche in urban fantasy for its refreshing take on a mature heroine. Val’s life experience, family ties, and realistic flaws make her a standout in a genre dominated by invincible protagonists. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon praise the series’ humor, calling it “popcorn fiction” that’s well-crafted and addictive. Its influence lies in its accessibility—available on Kindle Unlimited—and its ability to balance escapist fun with deeper themes of duty and resilience.
The series has also inspired a dedicated community, with readers eagerly awaiting Buroker’s spinoffs and discussing Val’s adventures online. Its impact extends to showing indie authors how to thrive with consistent quality and fan engagement, cementing Buroker’s status as a USA Today bestseller.
- Publication Years: 2020–2022
- Number of Books: 9 main books, plus spinoffs
- Setting: Seattle, Washington
- Author: Lindsay Buroker, indie fantasy novelist
Grab Sinister Magic and dive into Death Before Dragons’ thrilling urban fantasy world! Whether you’re slaying dragons with Val or chuckling at her banter, this series promises a magical adventure you’ll devour in one sitting.