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Valkyrie Bestiary #3
Hell Hounds Don't Heel
Critter wrangler rule #7: Some monsters just have to die.
Someone is plotting to put all gargoyles in jail…or six feet in the ground.
For decades gargoyles have patrolled the night in Montreal Ward. They are dubbed Guardians by the humans and fae who live on the fringes of society, those who survive in neighborhoods the police don't care about. But when a Guardian is accused of murder, their reputation blackens—from vigilante heroes to underhanded criminals.
Mason promised to return from France with the one weapon capable of killing the formidable witch who was reborn from the bloodstone, but no one has heard from him in months. Now Polina gathers forces, and Kyra has no backup as she tries to solve a murder and face off against new and terrifying monsters…all while caring for her growing menagerie of extraordinary critters.
A new adventure in the Inbetween, where magic is the only rule of law. Hell Hounds Don’t Heel is the third book in the Valkyrie Bestiary Series.
Someone is plotting to put all gargoyles in jail…or six feet in the ground.
For decades gargoyles have patrolled the night in Montreal Ward. They are dubbed Guardians by the humans and fae who live on the fringes of society, those who survive in neighborhoods the police don't care about. But when a Guardian is accused of murder, their reputation blackens—from vigilante heroes to underhanded criminals.
Mason promised to return from France with the one weapon capable of killing the formidable witch who was reborn from the bloodstone, but no one has heard from him in months. Now Polina gathers forces, and Kyra has no backup as she tries to solve a murder and face off against new and terrifying monsters…all while caring for her growing menagerie of extraordinary critters.
A new adventure in the Inbetween, where magic is the only rule of law. Hell Hounds Don’t Heel is the third book in the Valkyrie Bestiary Series.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2021
601 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Kim McDougall
50 books361 followersIf Kim McDougall could have one magical superpower, it would be to talk to animals. Or maybe to shift into animal form. Definitely, fantastical critters and magic often feature in her stories. So until Kim can change into a griffin and fly away, she writes dark and humorous Urban, Epic and Cozy Fantasy from her little farm on the edge of the woods in Quebec, Canada. Kim’s book series include the Valkyrie Bestiary, The Knack, The Fair Folk of Mullarkey and Hidden Coven.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
March 4, 2021
Ooof.
The characters were shockingly TSTL in this book. They wandered face-first into trap after trap after trap, like blissful idiots.
And it didn't matter. Things always worked out for them.
Characters died, and I didn't even bat an eye, because they were all so TSTL that I was nearly rooting for the villain.
I wanted to like it a lot more than I did. In the end, the only thing I really liked was the bestiary. That's the only reason I'd consider picking the next book up - the magical creatures are pretty awesome and fun.
But oof.
It could get better from here, given that all Mason's plot threads are wrapped up. I'm just not sure if that will make these characters smarter.
The characters were shockingly TSTL in this book. They wandered face-first into trap after trap after trap, like blissful idiots.
And it didn't matter. Things always worked out for them.
Characters died, and I didn't even bat an eye, because they were all so TSTL that I was nearly rooting for the villain.
I wanted to like it a lot more than I did. In the end, the only thing I really liked was the bestiary. That's the only reason I'd consider picking the next book up - the magical creatures are pretty awesome and fun.
But oof.
It could get better from here, given that all Mason's plot threads are wrapped up. I'm just not sure if that will make these characters smarter.
February 17, 2021
Hoping for an adventure
This book is still well written. I feel like I should have enjoyed it more than I actually did. Maybe it’s me I’ve been reading a lot lately. It also feels familiar and it nags at me even though I know these books are to new for me to have already read them. The romance is getting in the way of the adventure I hoped this story would be. Sure I’ve read and enjoyed many books that were strongly a love story but that’s not what I was looking forward to here, it’s not this story’s strength. (That’s a compliment) this stories strength is world building. You have many characters with stuff going on here to flesh and spend story time on. Don’t let fear of story length stop you from spending time with these characters and world building! An interesting cast of characters that can bring mayhem,laughter, and love on their own. Maybe spoilers ahead:
I love the critters but I’ve read to much so the cryptic problems and ultimate solutions for Clarence and Jacobie held no surprise for me. I am excited to see what clarences change and the quest to save J add to this story. Or if they add? What a relief the sword is back! I expected more growth from her green magic side in its absence than we got. Honestly I feel like the author created a character stronger than her imagination is putting to good use.
This book is still well written. I feel like I should have enjoyed it more than I actually did. Maybe it’s me I’ve been reading a lot lately. It also feels familiar and it nags at me even though I know these books are to new for me to have already read them. The romance is getting in the way of the adventure I hoped this story would be. Sure I’ve read and enjoyed many books that were strongly a love story but that’s not what I was looking forward to here, it’s not this story’s strength. (That’s a compliment) this stories strength is world building. You have many characters with stuff going on here to flesh and spend story time on. Don’t let fear of story length stop you from spending time with these characters and world building! An interesting cast of characters that can bring mayhem,laughter, and love on their own. Maybe spoilers ahead:
I love the critters but I’ve read to much so the cryptic problems and ultimate solutions for Clarence and Jacobie held no surprise for me. I am excited to see what clarences change and the quest to save J add to this story. Or if they add? What a relief the sword is back! I expected more growth from her green magic side in its absence than we got. Honestly I feel like the author created a character stronger than her imagination is putting to good use.
April 17, 2021
Fan-Valkyrie-Tastic!
I was chomping at the bit to dig into the 3rd installment of the series but had to wait for my husband to buy me the book as a gift. Every spare minute I could scrape together from my overly-packed schedule was devoted to reading Hell Hounds Don't Heel.
I love how Kyra's creature friends are integral to the storyline in each book. It really brings her character full-circle with a depth and forethought missing from a lot books these days. The adventure, as always, drew me immediately and I had just as much fun reading about Kyra's pest control exploits as I did the main plot.
I can't wait for book 4! Give me more, more, more <3
I was chomping at the bit to dig into the 3rd installment of the series but had to wait for my husband to buy me the book as a gift. Every spare minute I could scrape together from my overly-packed schedule was devoted to reading Hell Hounds Don't Heel.
I love how Kyra's creature friends are integral to the storyline in each book. It really brings her character full-circle with a depth and forethought missing from a lot books these days. The adventure, as always, drew me immediately and I had just as much fun reading about Kyra's pest control exploits as I did the main plot.
I can't wait for book 4! Give me more, more, more <3
February 5, 2022
Great read!
Hell Hounds Don't Heel is an excellent paranormal suspense (with a touch of humor) installment of the Valkyrie Bestiary series. The characters are well described and most have worked their way into my heart (some are just nasty). The world is very easy to visualize. The action kept me on edge and turning pages as quickly as I could read them! I highly recommend it and the entire series.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Hell Hounds Don't Heel is an excellent paranormal suspense (with a touch of humor) installment of the Valkyrie Bestiary series. The characters are well described and most have worked their way into my heart (some are just nasty). The world is very easy to visualize. The action kept me on edge and turning pages as quickly as I could read them! I highly recommend it and the entire series.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
January 27, 2026
Good urban fantasy
But the book is very dark, and multiple good characters die. The creatures are still amazing and sometimes creepy. Emil, Gita, and Hunter have definitely become favorites. Princess will be a great addition to the family.
But the book is very dark, and multiple good characters die. The creatures are still amazing and sometimes creepy. Emil, Gita, and Hunter have definitely become favorites. Princess will be a great addition to the family.
January 20, 2022
loved it
I’m truly enjoying this series ! Fast paced action packed though this one a little darker and bloodier it’s still absolutely awesome
I’m truly enjoying this series ! Fast paced action packed though this one a little darker and bloodier it’s still absolutely awesome
May 23, 2021
Great moves for this character.
The series stays as a focus on Kyra and her love of animals. I was on with her exploring her dryaid roots, but am glad she doesn't become this super over powered character. She is good enough just ass she is. It is her connection to animals that saves her.
The series stays as a focus on Kyra and her love of animals. I was on with her exploring her dryaid roots, but am glad she doesn't become this super over powered character. She is good enough just ass she is. It is her connection to animals that saves her.
February 17, 2021
An enjoyable ride
You never know where one of these books are going to go! I’ll be looking for the next one 😁
You never know where one of these books are going to go! I’ll be looking for the next one 😁
November 2, 2024
This is Princess' story 💗 love everything about this series
February 18, 2021
Good continuation of the series
I liked this book. I liked the action and the ending of certain arcs. Warning, there are some deaths in this book that will make you cry. I hate fade to black scenes and I'm not happy that this book hyped this relationship and then just faded to black. I also didn't like that she continues to deny who she is and basically stunt herself.
I liked this book. I liked the action and the ending of certain arcs. Warning, there are some deaths in this book that will make you cry. I hate fade to black scenes and I'm not happy that this book hyped this relationship and then just faded to black. I also didn't like that she continues to deny who she is and basically stunt herself.
March 6, 2021
What a disaster. The ending of the previous book left me worried that the characters were going to develop "to stupid to live" syndrome. A most fatal (for the book) malady wherein the victim makes terrible decision after terrible decision, ad nauseam, while the universe warps around them to keep the plot moving.
We've spent two books getting to know the characters: their strengths and weaknesses, their abilities both magical and mundane, their skill sets, their principals, hopes and dreams. Does any of that matter? Not in the slightest. None of the characters truly utilize their abilities, or their skills, or I would argue more than a third of their brain.
Evil witch hell-bent on world domination? She's sorta undead, so we're going to need a weapon that's excellent at killing things, like really, really fantastically deadly. Like, so deadly it might have caused people problems because of just how awesomely deadly it is. Pity we don't know anyone with such a weapon... Oh, and that really powerful, political ally they've relied on throughout the series? Yeah, she's got TSTL syndrome as well. So does her aide.
And don't get me started on the number of times our plucky heroes are trapped/captured/kidnapped/frozen.
There is no character growth in this book. Not one character gets stronger, or learns a new ability (with one rather dubious exception), or comes to understand something important. It's implied that the time between this and the last book was spent training. I don't see any evidence of this but again, none of the characters use any of their abilities, so maybe they have got stronger, and we just didn't get to see it.
I kept waiting for somebody to make some damn sense. For somebody, anybody, to make a rational decision. I was sorely disappointed.
I'll check out the next book because I like the setting and I feel it has a lot of potential, but unless the characters improve fairly drastically I won't be continuing beyond that.
We've spent two books getting to know the characters: their strengths and weaknesses, their abilities both magical and mundane, their skill sets, their principals, hopes and dreams. Does any of that matter? Not in the slightest. None of the characters truly utilize their abilities, or their skills, or I would argue more than a third of their brain.
Evil witch hell-bent on world domination? She's sorta undead, so we're going to need a weapon that's excellent at killing things, like really, really fantastically deadly. Like, so deadly it might have caused people problems because of just how awesomely deadly it is. Pity we don't know anyone with such a weapon... Oh, and that really powerful, political ally they've relied on throughout the series? Yeah, she's got TSTL syndrome as well. So does her aide.
And don't get me started on the number of times our plucky heroes are trapped/captured/kidnapped/frozen.
There is no character growth in this book. Not one character gets stronger, or learns a new ability (with one rather dubious exception), or comes to understand something important. It's implied that the time between this and the last book was spent training. I don't see any evidence of this but again, none of the characters use any of their abilities, so maybe they have got stronger, and we just didn't get to see it.
I kept waiting for somebody to make some damn sense. For somebody, anybody, to make a rational decision. I was sorely disappointed.
I'll check out the next book because I like the setting and I feel it has a lot of potential, but unless the characters improve fairly drastically I won't be continuing beyond that.
March 1, 2021
Fantastical made real
I rarely ever write reviews on books and the majority of them are usually bad. This one isn't.
These books take many fantasy and myths and pull it into one glorious world that is the aftermath of a fallen earth.
The characters are made real, or gets your imagination going. The only reason I Wieland finish one of these books in a day is because I stop right in the middle of the paragraph to let my imagination run on what could be next. There are minor errors, none even close to what a lot of other books on KU might have.
The chapters are seamless and run on prefect. Excellent writing. Excellent reading material.
I rarely ever write reviews on books and the majority of them are usually bad. This one isn't.
These books take many fantasy and myths and pull it into one glorious world that is the aftermath of a fallen earth.
The characters are made real, or gets your imagination going. The only reason I Wieland finish one of these books in a day is because I stop right in the middle of the paragraph to let my imagination run on what could be next. There are minor errors, none even close to what a lot of other books on KU might have.
The chapters are seamless and run on prefect. Excellent writing. Excellent reading material.
April 29, 2021
Someone is plotting to have all of the gargoyles either put in jail or dead and six feet under. They might have patrolled the Montreal Ward for decades (learning the name Guardians) but when one of them is accused of murder their reputation is immediately blackened from heroes to criminals. Gargoyle Mason promised to return from his trip to France with the only weapon capable of killing formidable witch Polina but no one has heard from him in months and she is gathering forces. This isolated Kyra as it means that she has no backup as she tries to solve a murder and take on some new and terrifying monsters while at the same time looking after her growing menagerie of supernatural creatures. Can they defeat Polina before it is too late while avoiding everything that she is throwing at them?
This was a very dramatic story as the twists and turns came one after the other mixed in with complications that were almost dizzying as Kyra did everything that she could to stay alive as well as save everyone that she considered as her family. It was also a delight to see that the relationship between Kyra and Mason developed nicely and it was great to see how much they were able to respect each other and handle their differences (even though I know Mason wasn't keen on her being in danger and alone while it was daylight). Well written and easy to read and understand. If only there were more stories in this series as I have loved the way it has developed.
This was a very dramatic story as the twists and turns came one after the other mixed in with complications that were almost dizzying as Kyra did everything that she could to stay alive as well as save everyone that she considered as her family. It was also a delight to see that the relationship between Kyra and Mason developed nicely and it was great to see how much they were able to respect each other and handle their differences (even though I know Mason wasn't keen on her being in danger and alone while it was daylight). Well written and easy to read and understand. If only there were more stories in this series as I have loved the way it has developed.
February 19, 2022
I love Krya’s creature family
I told myself I’d write down all the things that bothered me and I didn’t, so here we go:
I love the feel of the writing. If I had more patience this week, I’d happily laze about reading everything Kyra does for the pests she’s called upon to tend to. I love her job, her chosen life, and the family she makes out of these creatures who need help. It’s so beautiful to me.
There’s a lot of monologue going on when she’s not talking to others, and there was less of that here, thank goodness, but the way the story went with the frustration levels of dealing with bad guys was an approaching limit for me. There’s only so much I can take before I start wishing for bloodthirsty heroines who refuse to let anyone get away with anything. Kyra’s a nurturing soul and I won’t fault her for that, but dang, man. Dang.
Story wise, it was pretty good. The author surprised me with the risks she took on some characters. Made them all feel less… protected. By this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kyra was the only one left from the original cast of Valkyrie Bestiary.
The magical creatures do it for me. The romance is nice but the whole thing seems awkward. Not TOO awkward, but enough to be noticeable. But her family! I love them so much. They’re so cute.
I told myself I’d write down all the things that bothered me and I didn’t, so here we go:
I love the feel of the writing. If I had more patience this week, I’d happily laze about reading everything Kyra does for the pests she’s called upon to tend to. I love her job, her chosen life, and the family she makes out of these creatures who need help. It’s so beautiful to me.
There’s a lot of monologue going on when she’s not talking to others, and there was less of that here, thank goodness, but the way the story went with the frustration levels of dealing with bad guys was an approaching limit for me. There’s only so much I can take before I start wishing for bloodthirsty heroines who refuse to let anyone get away with anything. Kyra’s a nurturing soul and I won’t fault her for that, but dang, man. Dang.
Story wise, it was pretty good. The author surprised me with the risks she took on some characters. Made them all feel less… protected. By this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kyra was the only one left from the original cast of Valkyrie Bestiary.
The magical creatures do it for me. The romance is nice but the whole thing seems awkward. Not TOO awkward, but enough to be noticeable. But her family! I love them so much. They’re so cute.
January 6, 2024
This is the 3rd book in the Valkyrie Bestiary series. This one picks up months after the previous book. Polina is targeting the gargoyles and anyone associated with Mason. Angus is arrested for a murder and Kyra is kidnapped and taken on board a boat. With no idea who to trust, she ends up pushed off the boat in the in between. After being rescued, it’s non stop again when they find out what Gerard and Polina have planned.
There are mor critters introduced in this book and previous critters going through changes. I love how loyal all the critters are to Kyra. She is so good to them, that they follow without hesitation. (As do her friends who come to her rescue!) I’m excited to see where Clarence goes with his changes!! And the hellhound is a wonderful new addition to her family.
We get to see a more in depth look into Gabe’s life and family background in this book as well. It’s interesting to hear his back story and also so sad. New characters are introduced and sad to say some are lost as well. At the end of the book, I found myself saying “No, no more. If we lose this character I’m putting this book in a timeout!”
This story line is now wrapped up, so I am excited to see where Kyra, Mason, Gabe and the critters go from here. I’m crossing my fingers that Jacoby will finally return to us!
There are mor critters introduced in this book and previous critters going through changes. I love how loyal all the critters are to Kyra. She is so good to them, that they follow without hesitation. (As do her friends who come to her rescue!) I’m excited to see where Clarence goes with his changes!! And the hellhound is a wonderful new addition to her family.
We get to see a more in depth look into Gabe’s life and family background in this book as well. It’s interesting to hear his back story and also so sad. New characters are introduced and sad to say some are lost as well. At the end of the book, I found myself saying “No, no more. If we lose this character I’m putting this book in a timeout!”
This story line is now wrapped up, so I am excited to see where Kyra, Mason, Gabe and the critters go from here. I’m crossing my fingers that Jacoby will finally return to us!
July 17, 2024
This is the 3rd book in the Valkyrie Bestiary series and I am really loving it. Kyra is such a great character and I love how she keeps taking the critters home. She has quite a collection going now.
This one picks up months after the previous book. Polina is targeting the gargoyles and anyone associated with Mason. Angus is arrested for a murder and Kyra is kidnapped and taken on board a boat. With no idea who to trust, she ends up pushed off the boat in the in between. After being rescued, it’s non stop again when they find out what Gerard and Polina have planned. Polina is Mason's ex-wife and he had locked her in a blood stone because she was so evil but now she is out and she has an evil plan. But Kyra & Mason are on her trail. This is where we meet Princess. She is Polina's hellhound. They are suppose to be fierce but Kyra has been working on befriending the hound and it's a good thing because princess ends up saving the day & yes you guessed it. Now Kyra has to figure out how to fit a hellhound in her apartment.
There are more critters introduced in this book and previous critters going through changes. I love how loyal all the critters are to Kyra. She is so good to them, that they follow without hesitation. I’m excited to see where Clarence goes with his changes. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This one picks up months after the previous book. Polina is targeting the gargoyles and anyone associated with Mason. Angus is arrested for a murder and Kyra is kidnapped and taken on board a boat. With no idea who to trust, she ends up pushed off the boat in the in between. After being rescued, it’s non stop again when they find out what Gerard and Polina have planned. Polina is Mason's ex-wife and he had locked her in a blood stone because she was so evil but now she is out and she has an evil plan. But Kyra & Mason are on her trail. This is where we meet Princess. She is Polina's hellhound. They are suppose to be fierce but Kyra has been working on befriending the hound and it's a good thing because princess ends up saving the day & yes you guessed it. Now Kyra has to figure out how to fit a hellhound in her apartment.
There are more critters introduced in this book and previous critters going through changes. I love how loyal all the critters are to Kyra. She is so good to them, that they follow without hesitation. I’m excited to see where Clarence goes with his changes. I can't wait to see what happens next.
July 17, 2025
FMC TSTL. It's like she can't decide if she's a powerful warrior or not. She starts out the series as a Valkyrie with a powerful magic sword, but then sort of gets tired of it and puts it in "stasis" and leaves it in the umbrella stand. So this whole book, you never know if she has her sword or not during a scene until she tells us halfway through.
She keeps getting kidnapped. They can't seem to make a plan to save their lives. They keep walking into traps that a second grader could predict. Look at that, I went to the gala and then got alone with the uber-evil witch and she said we tried to kill her and they arrested us. Go figure. I mean, it's already been established that the big evil is a ghost with a great glamour; wouldn't you just get something that busts glamours or how about the will-o-wisps which eat spirits that are sitting in a basket on your shelf?
She's in love with this guy cursed to be a stone gargoyle all day, but then he says something that implies that he was a gargoyle before the curse. Maybe some of the space given to repeatedly repeatedly telling us about her feelings and how tired she is could go into some character development?
Also, the romance is really contrived. No chemistry. Fade to black sex (thankfully) is cringingly perfunctory.
She keeps getting kidnapped. They can't seem to make a plan to save their lives. They keep walking into traps that a second grader could predict. Look at that, I went to the gala and then got alone with the uber-evil witch and she said we tried to kill her and they arrested us. Go figure. I mean, it's already been established that the big evil is a ghost with a great glamour; wouldn't you just get something that busts glamours or how about the will-o-wisps which eat spirits that are sitting in a basket on your shelf?
She's in love with this guy cursed to be a stone gargoyle all day, but then he says something that implies that he was a gargoyle before the curse. Maybe some of the space given to repeatedly repeatedly telling us about her feelings and how tired she is could go into some character development?
Also, the romance is really contrived. No chemistry. Fade to black sex (thankfully) is cringingly perfunctory.
February 12, 2021
Excellent
This third book in an excellent series, starts approximately five months after the second book ends.
Mason, the cursed gargoyle alchemist, has gone off on a dangerous mission to Europe, leaving Kyra behind in Montreal.
Kyra knows that the witch Polina and her confederate, the former prime minister, still have plots brewing, but she isn’t sure what.
With one of her friends acting oddly, another being arrested for a murder he didn’t commit, and problems with several of her rescues, Kyra has her hands full...
This book ultimately leads to a showdown, a few sad losses, and some big magics, but the book ends at a quiet spot with lots of hope for the future!
This is a lovely urban fantasy series, featuring a part-Valkyrie heroine with a great collection of Nordic-themed sayings. The mythological creatures she manages to collect are fantastic, and provide endless entertainment. If there is a part of me that would love to have a Pygmy kraken, I’m sure other readers will understand 😉. There is just a touch of romance in the series, but it’s not the focus of the book.
Highly recommended for urban fantasy lovers, and paranormal romance fans.
This third book in an excellent series, starts approximately five months after the second book ends.
Mason, the cursed gargoyle alchemist, has gone off on a dangerous mission to Europe, leaving Kyra behind in Montreal.
Kyra knows that the witch Polina and her confederate, the former prime minister, still have plots brewing, but she isn’t sure what.
With one of her friends acting oddly, another being arrested for a murder he didn’t commit, and problems with several of her rescues, Kyra has her hands full...
This book ultimately leads to a showdown, a few sad losses, and some big magics, but the book ends at a quiet spot with lots of hope for the future!
This is a lovely urban fantasy series, featuring a part-Valkyrie heroine with a great collection of Nordic-themed sayings. The mythological creatures she manages to collect are fantastic, and provide endless entertainment. If there is a part of me that would love to have a Pygmy kraken, I’m sure other readers will understand 😉. There is just a touch of romance in the series, but it’s not the focus of the book.
Highly recommended for urban fantasy lovers, and paranormal romance fans.
February 17, 2021
Amazing!
I have become absolutely enamored with this series. It’s a little bit of everything rolled into one package of blissful goodness. Kyra has an amazing souls that she’s always trying to do the right thing for everyone else. She rescues weird critters that crack me up and yet they’re her family. Mason has completely won me over- as I wasn’t a complete fan in the first book but have grown to adore him! And the side kick characters are top notch!!! Each a little different and with their own wonderfulness. There’s some dark times in this book. It’s been coming for a while and I’m both thrilled and heartbroken to see a good bit of it play out. And it’s not the end which I’m THRILLED about. I was worried that this would stop the series but oh no, it’s not done and I can only cheer ridiculously loud about that! I can’t wait for more. And if you haven’t started this series- do yourself a favor a grab book 1. Don’t rush into this one because you really need to start at the beginning. And then do what I do- reread them again until the next book comes out lol! Excellent!!!!
I have become absolutely enamored with this series. It’s a little bit of everything rolled into one package of blissful goodness. Kyra has an amazing souls that she’s always trying to do the right thing for everyone else. She rescues weird critters that crack me up and yet they’re her family. Mason has completely won me over- as I wasn’t a complete fan in the first book but have grown to adore him! And the side kick characters are top notch!!! Each a little different and with their own wonderfulness. There’s some dark times in this book. It’s been coming for a while and I’m both thrilled and heartbroken to see a good bit of it play out. And it’s not the end which I’m THRILLED about. I was worried that this would stop the series but oh no, it’s not done and I can only cheer ridiculously loud about that! I can’t wait for more. And if you haven’t started this series- do yourself a favor a grab book 1. Don’t rush into this one because you really need to start at the beginning. And then do what I do- reread them again until the next book comes out lol! Excellent!!!!
September 14, 2021
Another fun entry in the Valkyrie Bestiary Series!
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
There is a lot going on in this fast paced book, which is full of action & surprises for main character Kyra Greene. Hellhounds Don't Heel picks up a few months after Dervishes Don't Dance, and the characters are still dealing with the disastrous fallout from the events of that book.
Kim McDougal's highly unique dystopian fantasy world is always interesting, and I adore the new creatures that pop up in each installment. In this book there are some major changes to basilisk Clarence, who is one of the more prominent creatures in Kyra's menagerie. I was very invested in his story & I loved the hellhound, Princess. There were a couple of heartbreaking deaths in this one as well as some beautiful moments in Kyra & Mason's slow-burn romance.
I really enjoyed this book & I'm super excited that book 4 is being released at the end of this month. This series will be a winner for anyone who likes dystopian fiction, fantasy fiction (in this case, the combination of the two makes for a truly original world that I just can't speak highly enough of), action packed drama, magic & fantastic beasties of all shapes & sizes!
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
There is a lot going on in this fast paced book, which is full of action & surprises for main character Kyra Greene. Hellhounds Don't Heel picks up a few months after Dervishes Don't Dance, and the characters are still dealing with the disastrous fallout from the events of that book.
Kim McDougal's highly unique dystopian fantasy world is always interesting, and I adore the new creatures that pop up in each installment. In this book there are some major changes to basilisk Clarence, who is one of the more prominent creatures in Kyra's menagerie. I was very invested in his story & I loved the hellhound, Princess. There were a couple of heartbreaking deaths in this one as well as some beautiful moments in Kyra & Mason's slow-burn romance.
I really enjoyed this book & I'm super excited that book 4 is being released at the end of this month. This series will be a winner for anyone who likes dystopian fiction, fantasy fiction (in this case, the combination of the two makes for a truly original world that I just can't speak highly enough of), action packed drama, magic & fantastic beasties of all shapes & sizes!
August 22, 2022
Maybe it's a quirk, but most of the time towards the climax of this, all I could think about was the collateral damage.
It was still a good book, but
At some point it stops being escapist and just gets overwhelming. I don't seem to have the ability to filter out the background characters into being background noise. I feel all of the deaths, and it means I can't care about the victory, can't feel relief in it. I just feel tired.
It was still a good book, but
At some point it stops being escapist and just gets overwhelming. I don't seem to have the ability to filter out the background characters into being background noise. I feel all of the deaths, and it means I can't care about the victory, can't feel relief in it. I just feel tired.
July 4, 2023
Decent Read
This was another good read in the series, but I must say, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first 2.
It just seemed it was one of those necessary evils in the spinning of the ongoing saga. Although I knew there was some type of a “war” breeding, as a consequence of it coming to a head, I didn’t care for the way it dragged on toward the end of the book. Just when I’d think they’d gotten out and were home bound, another subplot would twist up, leading them back into danger.
Although it’s titled throughout the series as a “Dark And Humorous…Adventure,” there was definitely more dark than humorous then there was in the first 2.
All that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. There’s simply a lot of moving parts happening at once, which will eventually need to come to some sort of resolution. This one added more with the future of the triumvirate, and the safety of the part of the world the main characters occupy and live in.
Here’s hoping book 4 begins to settle down some of those unanswered parts of the overall equation of the main story.
This was another good read in the series, but I must say, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first 2.
It just seemed it was one of those necessary evils in the spinning of the ongoing saga. Although I knew there was some type of a “war” breeding, as a consequence of it coming to a head, I didn’t care for the way it dragged on toward the end of the book. Just when I’d think they’d gotten out and were home bound, another subplot would twist up, leading them back into danger.
Although it’s titled throughout the series as a “Dark And Humorous…Adventure,” there was definitely more dark than humorous then there was in the first 2.
All that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. There’s simply a lot of moving parts happening at once, which will eventually need to come to some sort of resolution. This one added more with the future of the triumvirate, and the safety of the part of the world the main characters occupy and live in.
Here’s hoping book 4 begins to settle down some of those unanswered parts of the overall equation of the main story.
August 18, 2024
Well my favorite little dervish is still out of commission, which is super sad. Mason is back from France, and I like him so much better this book. He’s less wishy-washy with Kyra this time around, and even swoops in to save her a few times. (Yes, Kyra is the sort of FMC who needs rescuing because she walks into traps KNOWING they’re traps and having absolutely no plan, which was infuriating after several traps were blundered into.)
However, the new characters from France are a good addition to the story, I love Angus and Naomi, and there’s a Very Good Girl in this story - the titular Hell Hound. I loved this description of hell hounds, with the half-skull face. It made me think of Cubone and everyone knows he’s one of the cuter pokemon, therefore hell hounds must be cute.
This book does wrap up Polina/Mason’s arc and sets up a whole new slew of issues for Montreal, including new management. And I really really hope Jacoby comes back soon.
However, the new characters from France are a good addition to the story, I love Angus and Naomi, and there’s a Very Good Girl in this story - the titular Hell Hound. I loved this description of hell hounds, with the half-skull face. It made me think of Cubone and everyone knows he’s one of the cuter pokemon, therefore hell hounds must be cute.
This book does wrap up Polina/Mason’s arc and sets up a whole new slew of issues for Montreal, including new management. And I really really hope Jacoby comes back soon.
December 12, 2024
Things are not going well for Kyra – Mason has been gone for months on his trip to France, Jacoby is still in a coma, something is wrong with Clarence, Gabe is depressed and moody, Angus is being charged with murder and the rest of the gargoyles are being framed for riots.
Mason returns just in time to clear up an accusation that the gargoyles poisoned some wedding guests. While trying to sort everything out, things are getting worse. Mason’s ex wife is planning something and it has to do with the railway connecting to Manhattan.
There are kidnappings, deaths, magic, new deadly beings outside the ward, hellhounds and Canadian Geese – according to Kyra, she’d rather fight a pack of wolves than a flock of Canada geese, perfectly understandable.
This book has action and violence, suspense, humour, great characters, a bit of everything.
This was not as an easy read as the previous books but still good.
Mason returns just in time to clear up an accusation that the gargoyles poisoned some wedding guests. While trying to sort everything out, things are getting worse. Mason’s ex wife is planning something and it has to do with the railway connecting to Manhattan.
There are kidnappings, deaths, magic, new deadly beings outside the ward, hellhounds and Canadian Geese – according to Kyra, she’d rather fight a pack of wolves than a flock of Canada geese, perfectly understandable.
This book has action and violence, suspense, humour, great characters, a bit of everything.
This was not as an easy read as the previous books but still good.
February 18, 2021
Well, after waiting impatiently for this title to be released, it didn’t disappoint; another fantastic entry into Kyra and co’s adventures. I loved the ending, which while more bittersweet than HEA was hope-filled.
It was great discovering a little of Gabe’s history, hopefully his delightfully sassy sister will visit again in future stories.
And Clarence, wow!
There are so many places and storyline’s for future titles to explore, I can’t wait. But, I will, 1) because I have to, and 2) Jacoby, dear, sweet, lovable Jacoby.
Thank you to the author for this fantastic read - I’ll be pre-ordering the next title as soon as it’s possible to do so.
*** I would recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment, as there is a story arc. Look on it as an investment in your satisfaction and reading enjoyment. 😉***
It was great discovering a little of Gabe’s history, hopefully his delightfully sassy sister will visit again in future stories.
And Clarence, wow!
There are so many places and storyline’s for future titles to explore, I can’t wait. But, I will, 1) because I have to, and 2) Jacoby, dear, sweet, lovable Jacoby.
Thank you to the author for this fantastic read - I’ll be pre-ordering the next title as soon as it’s possible to do so.
*** I would recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment, as there is a story arc. Look on it as an investment in your satisfaction and reading enjoyment. 😉***
April 9, 2023
More uneven story telling
Eh.
I didn’t not like this. It started out very decently and picked up action and steam rather quickly. Then it just waned.
It’s like why bother telling us anything about Gabe if you weren’t going to commit to the story?
Wasn’t a fan of her breaking the spell the way she did. When the idea of the stasis spell was first introduced I pictured true love’s kiss… but it actually involved the blade. Now that Kyra saved the day and Mason has a new role, I’m actually not looking forward to their new relationship. Obviously, there’s nothing holding him back from being in politics now so, they’ll still have a complication. Also, why would the guardians still want to be lead by him?
I just didn’t see the point in this new plot device.
Although, now we have a new pet shouldn’t Kyra invest in a bigger home or buy out her neighbor?
Eh.
I didn’t not like this. It started out very decently and picked up action and steam rather quickly. Then it just waned.
It’s like why bother telling us anything about Gabe if you weren’t going to commit to the story?
Wasn’t a fan of her breaking the spell the way she did. When the idea of the stasis spell was first introduced I pictured true love’s kiss… but it actually involved the blade. Now that Kyra saved the day and Mason has a new role, I’m actually not looking forward to their new relationship. Obviously, there’s nothing holding him back from being in politics now so, they’ll still have a complication. Also, why would the guardians still want to be lead by him?
I just didn’t see the point in this new plot device.
Although, now we have a new pet shouldn’t Kyra invest in a bigger home or buy out her neighbor?
February 23, 2021
Great series. I always get annoyed when Kindle suggests new authors as I have way too many authors now. However, when a new author includes an intriguing cover, (Yes, I judge books by their covers. Have for years.) I am usually swept up with excitement. That was true with the first book in this series - Dragons Don't Eat Meat. Read that in a couple of days, Dervishes Don't Dance came next, then a couple of days later, Hell Hounds Don't Heel came into play. Great characters, intriguing plots, and an apocalyptic world. What more could you want? Oh yeah, there's murder and romance as well. Give the series a try. PS There's now a prequel in play as well - Three Half Goats Gruff - waiting for me to finish this review and to get started.
March 10, 2021
Fun read, and I do love hellhounds.
I recently read a series about warriors and battle and was discussing why I chose those books with my grandkids. They couldn't understand the lure of the genre. My reply was that I have Catholic tastes and so read all types of books, even books with hell hounds. The kids booed me so I looked up hell hounds at the book store, found a couple I had already consumed and "hip hip hurray" found this missive. Read it right through and read some of the parts over the phone to my grands. Very enjoyable, good plot, enough detail to be interesting and not getting bogged down. Good pace. Recommend highly. Going back to book store to get 1st 2 books in series.
Enjoy the trip. Dragonbogle
I recently read a series about warriors and battle and was discussing why I chose those books with my grandkids. They couldn't understand the lure of the genre. My reply was that I have Catholic tastes and so read all types of books, even books with hell hounds. The kids booed me so I looked up hell hounds at the book store, found a couple I had already consumed and "hip hip hurray" found this missive. Read it right through and read some of the parts over the phone to my grands. Very enjoyable, good plot, enough detail to be interesting and not getting bogged down. Good pace. Recommend highly. Going back to book store to get 1st 2 books in series.
Enjoy the trip. Dragonbogle
March 18, 2021
Fun, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Steampunk, Dystopia....
This book and series checks all the boxes for a good read. It is set I. A fantastically created North America of the future- where magic (and creatures of magic & other realms) have exploded into the world as we know it. This dystopian world combines characters we think we know about with the unexpected. It builds on the first two books, and like them has mystery, adventure, strange creatures, and romance. It is suited for readers 15+ due to descriptions of violence and romance. I’m bummed that the whole series isn’t done, because I’ve devoured the first 3 books and want to see more of this world! Highly recommend for a fun read.
This book and series checks all the boxes for a good read. It is set I. A fantastically created North America of the future- where magic (and creatures of magic & other realms) have exploded into the world as we know it. This dystopian world combines characters we think we know about with the unexpected. It builds on the first two books, and like them has mystery, adventure, strange creatures, and romance. It is suited for readers 15+ due to descriptions of violence and romance. I’m bummed that the whole series isn’t done, because I’ve devoured the first 3 books and want to see more of this world! Highly recommend for a fun read.
February 13, 2022
Another grand adventure
Ooohhhhh.....another critter to consider as an addition to the family. Lots of them here in this world both to love and dislike. A hellhound? Might have to carry a towel around all the time, make a small attempt at presentable, but with Kyra and her lifestyle she will fit right in. What's a little blood cast off between friends lol. Angus was pretty funny and I enjoyed his part in the story. Can't wait to see how he works out the situation with Niaomi.
I just love this world so far, although, this one had its share of loss which affected me more than I would have thought. I need more back stories on a few more characters now. Hoping there will be more to come.
Luckily the next adventure is already waiting for me to join.
Ooohhhhh.....another critter to consider as an addition to the family. Lots of them here in this world both to love and dislike. A hellhound? Might have to carry a towel around all the time, make a small attempt at presentable, but with Kyra and her lifestyle she will fit right in. What's a little blood cast off between friends lol. Angus was pretty funny and I enjoyed his part in the story. Can't wait to see how he works out the situation with Niaomi.
I just love this world so far, although, this one had its share of loss which affected me more than I would have thought. I need more back stories on a few more characters now. Hoping there will be more to come.
Luckily the next adventure is already waiting for me to join.
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