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Tracking Trouble #2
Bound by Blood
Magically compelled by bad guys, Arwen Forester shot her half-dragon ally in the thigh. She longs to make amends to him, but she’s busy with a new quest:
Get rid of the tattoo that lets dark elves control her.
Unfortunately, such magical marks aren’t easily removed. When the troll tattoo artist she visits is killed, she’s framed for murder.
Soon, hired guns are after her, and the troll’s clan is trying to get Val Thorvald, the Ruin Bringer, to hunt her down.
Arwen could use the help of a powerful half-dragon, but will Azerdash Starblade forgive her after her previous betrayal?
Get rid of the tattoo that lets dark elves control her.
Unfortunately, such magical marks aren’t easily removed. When the troll tattoo artist she visits is killed, she’s framed for murder.
Soon, hired guns are after her, and the troll’s clan is trying to get Val Thorvald, the Ruin Bringer, to hunt her down.
Arwen could use the help of a powerful half-dragon, but will Azerdash Starblade forgive her after her previous betrayal?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2023
1032 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
191 books6,076 followersI'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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
December 30, 2024
Family ties
A very good continuation of the series. A bit slow at the start, with enough action to keep me interested, but towards the end of the book, I did not want to put it down. It's also great to see cameos for the stars of the previous series. No offence, I want yo see Matti and Sarrlevi back in action more than Val.
Arwen has decided to remove the Dark Elf tattoo on her arm. However, this proves fatal to any magical tattoo artist willing to do the job. Starblade had attracted the attention of another dragon clan. Now, his days on Earth (and in general) might be numbered. Arwen hatches a desperate plan to help him whilst also hunting the Dark Elves. A new enemy has entered the fray, and more interest interested partied in Arwen than she anticipated.
I am enjoying where this story is going, I like Arwen coming out of her shell and building her network, business, and levelling ip her fighting as well. I do prefer Matti, but she has had her story, and Arwen and Starblade are great characters as well.
A very good continuation of the series. A bit slow at the start, with enough action to keep me interested, but towards the end of the book, I did not want to put it down. It's also great to see cameos for the stars of the previous series. No offence, I want yo see Matti and Sarrlevi back in action more than Val.
Arwen has decided to remove the Dark Elf tattoo on her arm. However, this proves fatal to any magical tattoo artist willing to do the job. Starblade had attracted the attention of another dragon clan. Now, his days on Earth (and in general) might be numbered. Arwen hatches a desperate plan to help him whilst also hunting the Dark Elves. A new enemy has entered the fray, and more interest interested partied in Arwen than she anticipated.
I am enjoying where this story is going, I like Arwen coming out of her shell and building her network, business, and levelling ip her fighting as well. I do prefer Matti, but she has had her story, and Arwen and Starblade are great characters as well.
January 4, 2024
I think the big problem with Matti and Arwen's series is that while the FMC changes, the MMC remains mostly the same archetype. Zav's arrogant dissmisals worked well with Val because she was a brusque, unserious lead who could throw his bullshit back at him. With Sarrlevi/Matti and Arwen/Starblade, it ends up feeling pathetic that these women melt over insulting or disinterested men. As Amber mentioned, Arwen IS a simp--and it isn't a great look.
Admittedly, it's less pronounced here than in Matti's series. I like Arwen/Starblade more. Ultimately, though, it's the same relationship dynamic played out a third time, each iteration a ghost of that first series.
Also, I still haven't seen development on the "dark elves can't possibly be an entirely evil race" front, which is probably helpful for a writer but less so a reader looking for realistic conflict. Still holding out hope that this happens in the next few books.
Admittedly, it's less pronounced here than in Matti's series. I like Arwen/Starblade more. Ultimately, though, it's the same relationship dynamic played out a third time, each iteration a ghost of that first series.
Also, I still haven't seen development on the "dark elves can't possibly be an entirely evil race" front, which is probably helpful for a writer but less so a reader looking for realistic conflict. Still holding out hope that this happens in the next few books.
November 10, 2024
Very much enjoyed this second book of the series!
Loving this series a lot! Good humor, along with awesome characters makes for excellent reading! Can't wait to get into book three!!!
Loving this series a lot! Good humor, along with awesome characters makes for excellent reading! Can't wait to get into book three!!!
November 29, 2023
This second installment in the Tracking Trouble series is very much like the first. Arwen is trying to get her troublesome tattoo removed, Starblade is trying to stay away from the dragons and neither are successful. They wander around the problems a LOT but neither get anywhere by the end of the story. The upside is that the humor is fun to read and the world is still interesting.
January 2, 2024
Not bad but I think I need to read the companion series' to fully get it. Enjoying it but a lot of the characters have a back story.
June 22, 2024
I like my first Buroker series. I like that the books are written without a cliffhanger, so I can read the series slowly and not rushed, because I need to know how the cliffhanger is solved and where it leads. I like the FMC and side character. Even though some of the side characters were in her other series, I never fell like I'm missing information.
April 12, 2024
Another fun, easy reading instalment in Arwens story. Great character interactions, interesting story. Good read
March 4, 2024
I am enjoying Starblade as a half dragon half elf. He acts just like Zav and is slowly warming up to having Arwen as a friend. Although kind to her he has the same prejudice against half humans but even worse reaction to half dark elves. Arwen in this second book is branching out as a baking entrepreneur using her magically enhanced fruits and pickled vegetables to assist with her part time tracking and is enjoying work for the government because she has allies and is making friends. Arwen is deeply committed to her father and is not trying to be associated with the dark elves but the tattoo on her wrist is keeping her tied to her mother’s messed up cult following and they keep coming after her as she tries to get the tattoo removed. She truly wants to help find a safe environment for Starblade and his remaining buddy and will keep pulling favors to determine who his family is to get him protection and her a healing pool. Just like the other 2 series, it is a real slow mo on the romance. Both are resistant because he trusts no one and hasn’t gotten over the half dragon elf female who sacrificed herself in the cave in. Arwen has no experience with men and has a desire to be kissed by Starblade. The third book will find them both on Earth with the same issues from book 1 and 2 hence 4 stars rather than 5.
December 3, 2023
It’s so unfair. Not this book, that’s totally wonderful. Not the series as, well, ditto. It’s just they now I have to wait until January for the next installment of Arwen’s adventures, Driven by Destiny. As for Bound by Blood? Well, if you’ve enjoyed the two predecessor series you’re pretty much guaranteed to love new series, and it just (pretty astoundingly) gets better and better with this book 2.
For newcomers, don’t worry: you do not have to know anything about the prior two series to be blown away by this one. The only thing you’ll be missing is effectively the back story for most of the major supporting characters, but that back story is like icing on a totally delicious cake. Really yummy (and I do very much recommend reading those prior series on their own merits), but not needed when the cake itself is so delicious.
For the record, I predicted Arwen and Starblade would develop into a relationship when they had supporting roles on the last series. They’re not truly there yet, but I’m holding to my prediction. In the meantime we have a superbly written adventurous tale with some wonderful snark, and a perfectly plotted out story with fantastic characters. Really, what more could you want out of an urban fantasy?
Bottom line is that this book is superbly easy to highly recommend.
For newcomers, don’t worry: you do not have to know anything about the prior two series to be blown away by this one. The only thing you’ll be missing is effectively the back story for most of the major supporting characters, but that back story is like icing on a totally delicious cake. Really yummy (and I do very much recommend reading those prior series on their own merits), but not needed when the cake itself is so delicious.
For the record, I predicted Arwen and Starblade would develop into a relationship when they had supporting roles on the last series. They’re not truly there yet, but I’m holding to my prediction. In the meantime we have a superbly written adventurous tale with some wonderful snark, and a perfectly plotted out story with fantastic characters. Really, what more could you want out of an urban fantasy?
Bottom line is that this book is superbly easy to highly recommend.
February 29, 2024
4.7 stars.
January 20, 2024
3.5 Stars
I am still enjoying this world, even after reading more than 15 books set in it.
(I just realised that I haven't read the last of the Legacy of magic series, will do that soon)
But most of all I love the character building. And seeing the different characters from the previous series from a different POV is fun.
Arwen and Starblade seem to have a similar slow blossoming enemy to lovers romance as both other series, but frankly I am totally here for it.
Well, besides the action and fun banter.
I am still enjoying this world, even after reading more than 15 books set in it.
(I just realised that I haven't read the last of the Legacy of magic series, will do that soon)
But most of all I love the character building. And seeing the different characters from the previous series from a different POV is fun.
Arwen and Starblade seem to have a similar slow blossoming enemy to lovers romance as both other series, but frankly I am totally here for it.
Well, besides the action and fun banter.
December 8, 2023
I love this universe
I’m loving these stories about Arwen. The characters are totally off the wall, so likeable and interesting. I love Zav, he is so pompous but lovable too. Loved the twist at the end. Hopefully Starblade will open his eyes and realise what he has in Arwen.
I’m loving these stories about Arwen. The characters are totally off the wall, so likeable and interesting. I love Zav, he is so pompous but lovable too. Loved the twist at the end. Hopefully Starblade will open his eyes and realise what he has in Arwen.
December 10, 2023
Love this book
I can't wait for the next book this book is great lots of action and lots of intrigue love all the characters glad lots of my favorites from the last are in this one great humor too enjoy I did quick and easy read😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
I can't wait for the next book this book is great lots of action and lots of intrigue love all the characters glad lots of my favorites from the last are in this one great humor too enjoy I did quick and easy read😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
December 19, 2023
Great fantasy read!
Well developed characters, good story, main characters relatable and interesting.
Not just shallow women bashing men and sweaty sex, but tense sexual tension and well as well rounded women.
Well developed characters, good story, main characters relatable and interesting.
Not just shallow women bashing men and sweaty sex, but tense sexual tension and well as well rounded women.
January 26, 2024
A fun adventure including a kraken.
I have no tattoos but have red hair and sadly am to old for the heroine. But I can dream. Lots and lots of dragons spice up the mix, boy are they hard headed.
I have no tattoos but have red hair and sadly am to old for the heroine. But I can dream. Lots and lots of dragons spice up the mix, boy are they hard headed.
May 8, 2024
In the second story of the Tracking Trouble series, Arwen is still trying to get her magical dark elf tattoo removed, but someone is doing everything they can to stop her. Hoping to get some help from Azerdash Starblade, the half-dragon, she tries to ply him with her fabulous foodstuffs. But Starblade has his own problems, as dragons want to eliminate the abominations that are half-dragons. Arwen has a plan to find out what dragons contributed to his creation, hoping that perhaps those dragons will help someone related to them, but Starblade and everyone else is pretty skeptical, especially since it involves samples of a number of different dragons' blood, and that is extremely hard to acquire. This is another action-filled, fun adventure with characters from the two previous series in this world appearing regularly, especially Val, Zav, and Amber. I’m off to read book three to see what happens next.
February 22, 2024
Bound by Blood was an exciting tale that answered some questions while delivering me more :D. Excited to read the next installment.
April 6, 2024
Great series, entertaining and enjoyable!!!!!
Congratulations to Lindsey Buroker for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
Congratulations to Lindsey Buroker for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
March 28, 2024
Messed Up Family Tree
Well Lindsay, you've wrote another wonderful, entertaining, quirky novel and dragging in old friends and adding new ones. Your books are hard to put down.
Thanks for what you do.
J Hallmark
Well Lindsay, you've wrote another wonderful, entertaining, quirky novel and dragging in old friends and adding new ones. Your books are hard to put down.
Thanks for what you do.
J Hallmark
March 24, 2024
Fun read....
I am really enjoying this book and this new series. The main character Is fun to read about. I like that she's making new friends. And she's coming out of her shell. I also enjoy the fact that A lot of the characters in these Books crossover, Because I already know so many of their back stories.
I am really enjoying this book and this new series. The main character Is fun to read about. I like that she's making new friends. And she's coming out of her shell. I also enjoy the fact that A lot of the characters in these Books crossover, Because I already know so many of their back stories.
March 12, 2024
I just love these books - I enjoy the humor, magic, antics, characters, and romance. And the food. This series has a very similar formula to the previous 2 series, but it is a fabulous formula that delights me every time.
March 6, 2024
Love these crazy characters... A bit confusing at times 😂
Adventure and mystery around every corner. Getting to know all about the cosmetic realm is a whole new experience that I'm mind of liking.
Adventure and mystery around every corner. Getting to know all about the cosmetic realm is a whole new experience that I'm mind of liking.
March 1, 2024
waxky adventures continue
whipping up chaos, havoc, and weaponry.
Another enjoyable entry into the world of the cosmic realms.
when you're onto q good thing, why change?
reliably don't, acerbix and overall fun.
whipping up chaos, havoc, and weaponry.
Another enjoyable entry into the world of the cosmic realms.
when you're onto q good thing, why change?
reliably don't, acerbix and overall fun.
November 27, 2023
Nonstop Action
I really like Arwen because she’s not full-throttle confident about everything, even though she does have plenty of admirable skills.
Along with dodging compelled and dangerous magical beings, the shero pursues a genetic testing device. This subplot which yields some information she prefers not to discover.
I’m not certain how I feel about the entrance of more dragons into the story. Also, the romance is slower than normal, and I’m ready for a kiss, even if it’s with a different half-elf. That might speed things along with Starblade.
I’m thankful Buroker is a fast writer so I can get my hands on the next installment in six to eight weeks.
I really like Arwen because she’s not full-throttle confident about everything, even though she does have plenty of admirable skills.
Along with dodging compelled and dangerous magical beings, the shero pursues a genetic testing device. This subplot which yields some information she prefers not to discover.
I’m not certain how I feel about the entrance of more dragons into the story. Also, the romance is slower than normal, and I’m ready for a kiss, even if it’s with a different half-elf. That might speed things along with Starblade.
I’m thankful Buroker is a fast writer so I can get my hands on the next installment in six to eight weeks.
December 6, 2023
Exceptional fantasy fiction…
Buroker’s books never disappoint. Been finding myself getting sick to my stomach with blatant violence in my novel and streaming collections. Love Bernard Cornwell too but Prime video butchered Nimwue’s strong character in The Winter King and I was sickened by the extended rape scene.
I bring this up because even though there’s occasional sex & violence in these wonderful dragon stories, it is super downplayed compared to the crap writing for tv series and movies. The series is so humorous and light that it lifts me up after a long hard day… simply my favorite everyday stories!
Thank you Lindsay
Buroker’s books never disappoint. Been finding myself getting sick to my stomach with blatant violence in my novel and streaming collections. Love Bernard Cornwell too but Prime video butchered Nimwue’s strong character in The Winter King and I was sickened by the extended rape scene.
I bring this up because even though there’s occasional sex & violence in these wonderful dragon stories, it is super downplayed compared to the crap writing for tv series and movies. The series is so humorous and light that it lifts me up after a long hard day… simply my favorite everyday stories!
Thank you Lindsay
January 9, 2024
this is an enjoyable urban fantasy.
Well written with interesting characters, this continuing Saga follows the developing relationship between two mongrel monsters who appear human. Each facing much rejection from other creatures. There are dragons and elves and Trolls and more. My only problem is that the size and weight of the dragons is highly inconsistent. Often they are described as massive. Yet they land on roofs of houses without crushing them. This is a recommended read.
Well written with interesting characters, this continuing Saga follows the developing relationship between two mongrel monsters who appear human. Each facing much rejection from other creatures. There are dragons and elves and Trolls and more. My only problem is that the size and weight of the dragons is highly inconsistent. Often they are described as massive. Yet they land on roofs of houses without crushing them. This is a recommended read.
January 20, 2024
DNF
I enjoyed Arwen when we met her, same for tall, dark, and brooding. Unfortunately, Arwen was headed towards TSTL territory with her first book, and at Ch 11 I’d had enough. There’s a difference between being shy and endangering the life of everyone who has done nothing but go out of their way to be kind to you, and Arwen is deep into the latter for absolutely no reason at all. In other words, TSTL, and I won’t be finishing this series.
I enjoyed Arwen when we met her, same for tall, dark, and brooding. Unfortunately, Arwen was headed towards TSTL territory with her first book, and at Ch 11 I’d had enough. There’s a difference between being shy and endangering the life of everyone who has done nothing but go out of their way to be kind to you, and Arwen is deep into the latter for absolutely no reason at all. In other words, TSTL, and I won’t be finishing this series.
December 12, 2023
good read
This is an engrossing book, especially for anyone who roots for the underdogs and has a strong sense of justice for those who were betrayed after having done their duty faithfully. The relationship between Arwin and Starblade is in its infancy and I can’t wait to see what happens as he attempts to help Arwin battle the dark elves who would enslave her soul. Enjoy 👍👍👍💜
This is an engrossing book, especially for anyone who roots for the underdogs and has a strong sense of justice for those who were betrayed after having done their duty faithfully. The relationship between Arwin and Starblade is in its infancy and I can’t wait to see what happens as he attempts to help Arwin battle the dark elves who would enslave her soul. Enjoy 👍👍👍💜
December 25, 2023
Another great urban fantasy by Lindsay Buroker. You can read this series as a stand-alone but I recommend starting with Death Before Dragons, so you are familiar with all the characters. Besides, that's a great series, too. I've gotten to the point where I just buy anything this author writes, without even looking at the description. Her books are that good!
January 5, 2024
Dang
Arwen is very awkward but luckily so is everyone else. Willard is the only one that doesn't seem to have an issue saying what she feels. Starblade has more issues but puts his on backburner to help Arwen. Some origin questions are answered and things that need ro happen are happening. Next book please!
Arwen is very awkward but luckily so is everyone else. Willard is the only one that doesn't seem to have an issue saying what she feels. Starblade has more issues but puts his on backburner to help Arwen. Some origin questions are answered and things that need ro happen are happening. Next book please!
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