How to Read the Dragon Gate Series
If you're looking to jump into the action-packed world of Torvil, the good news is that the reading order is incredibly straightforward. Lindsay Buroker wrote the series as a single, continuous six-book narrative arc. Because the story moves chronologically without any prequels, side novellas, or split-pov spin-offs, the publication order is the only way to experience the adventure. The entire series was published in a rapid-release window between 2021 and 2022, meaning you can binge the entire story from beginning to end without waiting on cliffhangers.
Here is the recommended reading path for the Dragon Gate series:
- Kingdoms at War (2021)
- Art of the Hunt (2021)
- Broken by Magic (2021)
- Chosen for Power (2021)
- Sky on Fire (2022)
- Orbs of Wisdom (2022)
The World and Magic of Torvil
Before diving into the books, it is helpful to understand the unique setting Lindsay Buroker has constructed. The story takes place in a realm called Torvil, which is defined by a steep and oppressive social hierarchy. Magic in Torvil is not a force of wonder open to all; instead, it is a tool of subjugation. The land is ruled by powerful wizard kings who live in luxury aboard massive, floating sky cities, flying high above the clouds in magical airships. Meanwhile, the non-magical human population is forced to live on the surface, enduring hard labor and paying tribute to their sky-dwelling rulers.
The magic system itself is deeply tied to bloodlines and artifacts. The wizard kings guard their secrets fiercely, executing or enslaving any commoner who shows signs of magical talent. This setup creates high-stakes political intrigue, as any spark of rebellion is met with overwhelming force. The discovery of the fabled Dragon Gate—an ancient portal system capable of transporting people across vast distances—threatens to shatter this status quo by bypassing the wizard kings' absolute control over transportation and trade.
Dragon Gate Books in Detail
To give you a sense of what to expect as you progress through Torvil's skies, here is a breakdown of the novels that make up the main saga:
1. Kingdoms at War (2021)
The saga begins with Kingdoms at War, introducing us to Jak, a young cartography student who wishes to map the world, and his mother Jadora, a brilliant archaeologist. While digging in ancient ruins, they unearth the legendary Dragon Gate—a long-lost portal mechanism from a forgotten age. This discovery instantly places them in the crosshairs of the oppressive wizard kings. Faced with immediate execution, Jak and Jadora must flee, triggering a cascade of events that will ignite a world-wide rebellion and force Jak to confront his own latent, forbidden magical abilities.
2. Art of the Hunt (2021)
In the second book, the stakes escalate as the wizard kings deploy their deadliest assets to reclaim the gate. We are introduced to the mercenary captain Ferroki and her tough, talkative crew. As Jak and Jadora navigate complex alliances and desperate escapes, they are forced to hire these mercenaries for protection. The book shifts the series into high gear, blending fast-paced action with Buroker’s signature witty dialogue and snappy banter as the mismatch between the scholarly protagonists and the rough-and-tumble mercenaries provides endless entertainment.
3. Broken by Magic (2021)
The third installment brings a fan-favorite element to the forefront: a playful dragon foundling named Shikari. Found by Jak, the young hatchling adds both lighthearted humor and immense responsibility to the group. Meanwhile, Jak's magical training intensifies as he struggles to control the volatile, dangerous powers he's developing. The rebel group must find a way to stay one step ahead of the relentless zidarr—the elite, magically enhanced assassins serving the wizard kings.
4. Chosen for Power (2021)
In Chosen for Power, the conflict reaches a turning point. The rebellion moves from a desperate struggle for survival to an active resistance against the sky cities. Jak must make difficult moral choices as his magical capacity grows, realizing that the power needed to defeat the wizard kings could potentially corrupt him as well. The relationships within the group deepen, particularly between the grittier mercenaries and the idealistic scholars, as they realize they must work together or face annihilation.
5. Sky on Fire (2022)
The penultimate novel delivers chaotic battles, soaring airship conflicts, and simmering romantic tensions. The wizard kings launch an all-out assault to crush the rebellion once and for all, turning the skies of Torvil into a warzone. The narrative moves at a breakneck pace as the heroes are pushed to their absolute limits, and key characters must decide what they are willing to sacrifice to ensure a free future.
6. Orbs of Wisdom (2022)
The series concludes with Orbs of Wisdom, wrapping up the multi-book war arc. Jak, Jadora, and their allies must unlock the final secrets of the Dragon Gate and the ancient orbs to overthrow the tyrannical mageship fleet. It provides a satisfying, high-stakes resolution to the rebellion, bringing closure to the character arcs of Jak, Jadora, and the complex zidarr Malek.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you dive in, here are a few things to keep in mind to enhance your reading experience:
- Stargate Inspiration: Buroker has noted that the concept of portal-hopping and discovering ancient, advanced gate networks was inspired by her love for the classic sci-fi series Stargate, reimagined through a high-fantasy lens.
- Tone and Style: The series balances dark themes like enslavement, political corruption, and tyrannical rule with lighthearted snark, fast-paced action, and quirky characters. If you enjoy classic fantasy adventures with plenty of humor, this series is right up your alley.
- No Standalones: Because the six books form a single continuous narrative arc, they cannot be read as standalone novels. You will want to read them strictly in order from start to finish.
- Complete Series: The series is fully completed, meaning you won't have to wait for future installments to find out how Jak's journey ends.
Key Characters and Factions
The dynamic cast is one of the strongest reasons to pick up the series. Here are the key players you'll meet:
Jak: The central protagonist, who begins the series as a quiet cartography student dreaming of exploring faraway lands. His discovery of the gate and his subsequent magical awakening thrust him into the unwanted role of a rebel leader.
Jadora: Jak's mother, a brilliant archaeologist, scientist, and herbalist. Far from a passive parental figure, Jadora is active, intelligent, and crucial to decoding the ancient gate technology.
Malek: A zidarr—an elite warrior and assassin bound to the mage-kings. Malek is a complex figure with a dark past who serves as both a primary threat and a character of surprising depth and honor.
Ferroki & Sorath: Ferroki is the sharp-tongued captain of a mercenary group hired by Jak and Jadora. Sorath is an -ex-mercenary with a grumpy exterior and a complicated, sympathetic backstory.
Vinjo: An inventive, slightly scatterbrained engineer and minor mage whose creations are vital to the rebels' survival.
Tonovan: A ruthless commander of the wizard kings' mageship fleet, serving as one of the primary antagonists determined to destroy the rebellion.
Where to Go After Dragon Gate
If you finish the series and find yourself missing Lindsay Buroker's writing style, she has written several other completed series set in different worlds. For a similar blend of magic, ancient gates, and large-scale adventure, she recommends checking out her Star Kingdom series. Alternatively, her classic series The Emperor's Edge or Dragon Blood offer similar humor, snarky dialogue, and memorable ensembles.