To celebrate the release of Sinister Magic, Book 1 in my new Death Before Dragons urban fantasy series, I decided to round up one of the characters for an interview.
When I asked who was willing, Val said she was busy avoiding dragons and doesn’t do interviews with the press, and Lord Zavryd glared at me in that frosty I-am-greatly-superior-to-mongrel-humans-like-you way of his.
I’m going to be honest: I also got something of A Look from Sindari, the powerful magical tiger who is Val’s ally, but I told him I’m very experienced with furry creatures and would be willing to rub his ears afterward. He scoffed and informed me that he is a mighty hunter, not a house pet. But he did stick around for a short interview. And here it is! (Note: It’s not very spoil-ery, but if you haven’t read Book 1 yet and care about such things, you may want to hold off.)
Interview with the Tiger Sindari
Greetings, Sindari. Thank you for answering some questions. I’m sure the readers are interested in learning more about you.
They will not give this information to Val’s enemies or mundane humans, will they? Mundane humans do not understand magical beings from other realms, so they cannot be trusted.
They also tend to scream loudly when they see a large silver tiger, even though I am honorable and majestic and should be revered.
It’s possible they’re afraid you’ll eat them. But don’t worry. My readers aren’t mundane.
They have the blood of elves or dwarves or other magical beings in their ancestry?
Of course. They’re also curious about why you’re silver instead of orange like most tigers here on Earth.
I am not from Earth. Much of the foliage on Del’noth is gray, silver, and pale green, and I blend in it with it nicely. It is more difficult to blend in here, but that is what magic is for. When I’m called by the ugnaknor charm to visit this world, I prefer to be inconspicuous until I pounce on my enemies and utterly destroy them.
Yes, I know about that charm. How did Val come to have it?
That is a long story, and she would be the one appropriate to tell it. I will say that the previous owner of that charm was unsavory and made me do ignoble things, so I am glad he is no more.
So you don’t mind working for Val as kind of a sidekick?
A what?!
Did I say sidekick? I meant honorable and majestic ally.
*his green eyes give me a suspicious squint*
I am Sindari Dargoth Chaser the Third, Son of the Chieftain Raul, Feared Stalker and Hunter of the Tangled Tundra Nation on Del’noth. I am not a sidekick.
Of course. I misspoke. Is that all part of an official title? I’m wondering about capitalization.
It is official.
How do you feel about your ally Val?
She is overly sarcastic and not always properly respectful, but she is a good warrior, and she does not use the magic of the charm to compel me to do ignoble things. Thus I prefer her to the one who held the charm previously. I have slain many vile enemies with Val, and we have protected helpless people from certain death.
And how do you feel about your new ally, the dragon Lord Zavryd?
I hardly think of him as an ally, and he barely acknowledges the existence of anyone who isn’t a dragon.
So he’s a touch arrogant?
He is a dragon. That is how they are. Do not speak badly of dragons. They can incinerate you with fire or use their magic to turn you into a slave. Val is unwise to use her sharp tongue on Lord Zavryd. Even a hunter as mighty as myself knows how foolish it is to irk a dragon.
You don’t think he might appreciate someone brave enough to stand up to him?
Standing up to a dragon just puts you in a better position for him to incinerate you.
So you think she should avoid him in the future?
Absolutely.
Do you think she will?
*he sighs*
No.
Well, we’ll follow along with your story to see how that all works out. Hopefully, it won’t end with incineration. It’s hard to keep a series moving along once the main characters are turned to ash.
I will not be incinerated. I am properly respectful of dragons.
Thank you for your time, Sindari!
Readers, if you haven’t checked out Sinister Magic yet, you can read the sample chapters here and meet Sindari in the story. (Also Val and Zavryd.)
More please. Great characters across the board.
Thank you, Dennis!
I have a feeling Sindari might end up being my favorite character in this series. He’s not as smile-inducing as a sentient sword who excels in snark, but he’s a magical cat, so that wins him bonus points from this Crazy Cat Lady In-Training (yes, also an OFFICIAL title).
Cats are way better to pet than swords! Thanks for reading, Sharon! 🙂
I absolutely love your work. I’ll tell you, I’m a new author. You’ve been a great inspiration. I was tempted to refer to you on the dedication page of one of my books as a “great inspiration,” but wasn’t sure you’d appreciate that. Keep writing.
Aw, I’m glad to be an inspiration. Thanks so much for reading, Bob!
Nice! *big grin* I’m watching TBBT and couldn’t help thinking of “Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur”. But somehow that doesn’t work well with “Soft Sindari Dargoth Chaser the Third, Son of the Chieftain Raul, Feared Stalker and Hunter of the Tangled Tundra Nation on Del’noth, warm Sindari Dargoth Chaser the Third, Son of the Chieftain Raul, Feared Stalker and Hunter of the Tangled Tundra Nation on Del’noth, little…”
Maybe “Soft Sindari, warm Sindari, little ball of fur”. But don’t tell him I compared him with a kitty! He’ll probably pounce on me and then utterly destroy me… 😀
It is hard to work a name that long into a song! 😀
Brilliant interview! I confess, I am quite taken with Sindari Dargoth Chaser the Third, Son of the Chieftain Raul, Feared Stalker and Hunter of the Tangled Tundra Nation on Del’noth. Feel free to tell him I said so. *grin*
He’ll be pleased that you remembered his entire name. He might even let you rub his ears!
I’m wondering if Sindara could be won over with an appropriate box? I have a nice new fridge box that’s unused and will be large enough to comfortably hold his magnificence. Also, belly rubs are one of my specialties when it comes to furred companions. I have references available for his reading pleasure.
Haha, I can’t remember if it’s in Book 1 or later, but Val actually teases him a few times about how all cats love boxes. There’s an awesome YouTube video by Big Cat Rescue with big kitties in boxes. 🙂
I just finished book 1, and am thrilled to see more of Sindari. I always choose the magical animal companion in games; it’s fun actually seeing how one works in a story! I think every girl secretly wishes for a giant magical silver tiger to fight alongside her; especially one who can also be a best friend! Please let Sindari know I’ve got my eyes peeled for another of those magical summoning charms…
Thanks, Lisa! Who wouldn’t want a telepathic tiger best friend? 😀
Absolutely love this book! I have already ordered the next book in the series a long with the next Casmir book.
Thanks, Rob!
Just finished book two. Another I can’t put the book down! It was awesome. I think I liked it better than book one. Sindari you are awesome in both books. It’s fun to see the interaction between the smarty mouth Val and the arrogant Zav. I love all the characters. Now I have to wait for the next one. Keep writing!!
Thanks for reading, Connie! It’s good that you realized Sindari is the true star here. He’ll be pleased. 😉
Love the new website and the new dragon stories. They are awesome. I love the interaction between all of the characters. The dialog is very well done. I couldn’t put either of them down. Up past 1 a.m. each time. ‘Course that happens with all your books. Can’t wait for Book 3.
Thanks, Natli! I’m glad you’re enjoying the new series!
A great new series, and just in time – it had been weeks, weeks I tell you, since I had read any of your work, and I was going through serious withdrawal. What great news to hear that you have three of this new series lined up to go out! Love your work, and I left a glowing review on Amazon. 🙂
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Andy!
Thank you interesting compelling read and laugh out loud. Looking forward to more adventures with Val and entourage.
I love this series! And Emperor’s Edge…And Star Nomad…And Chains of Honor…And Dragon Blood…and…
Seriously, though, Thank you for writing something new and fun to help us all escape for a few hours from the crazy our world has become. I have enjoyed all your series I have read and this one came along just at the right time.
I love the Death Before Dragon series and read each book at least twice. Val, Sindari, and Lord Zav are terrific characters and their interaction is wonderful. Love Val’s snark. Please make this a long series.
I absolutely love the first three books. Full of laughs and adventure. I’ve already sent the series to my sister to read. I’m looking forward to more!
“Standing up to a dragon just puts you in a better position for him to incinerate you.”
LOVE IT!
I’ve read the first three books and I’m hooked
Most of my D&D characters have Elven and/or Dragon blood
And have a significant aura of Snark
Snark is extremely important. Thanks for reading, Auroroa!
I’ve finished all 4 books, most of your others and I’m ready to read more! I love that Val is a female Army veteran. Not many authors write about those types of characters. That probably leaves most of us feeling a little left out. I’m looking forward to what she gets into next. I love the other fantasy books too (I haven’t started reading the sci-fi books yet) and look forward to more exploration of those characters.
Hi Lindsay, I love all of your books. I just finished the story in your email and loved it too, now I just have go download the books and read all night! That is my favorite pastime
Thanks for reading, Barbara!
Thank you for sharing your interview with the noble Sindari. I would love him to chew the feet off a couple of nefarious and annoying people I know, as well as having the honour of giving his ears a pleasurable rub.
I will always order your fantasy books in as complete set as possible. Firstly, I know I will enjoy them (so difficult to put down) and secondly, I like to continue the storyline for as long as possible without having to intercede with another author or story. You have never disappointed me with any of your stories. Thank you so much.
You’re very welcome, Peter. Thank you for reading!
I really love your interviews with the characters, please keep them coming, maybe Val’s mum next, that would answer a few questions about her father and how they met. I enjoy your books so very much. Stay safe Lindsay.
Such snark! Perfect and thank you for your creativity!
Please more! I’ve read all of your books & have never been disappointed. I am currently waiting for the next Hero Code. More of everything would be greatly appreciated.
And yes I do love Sindari
Thanks for following along with the books, Margie! I’m glad you’re having fun with them. 🙂
This interview was very enjoyable and true to form and very in character.
Thank you for Death Before Dragons. Please don’t stop! There is much more to come for those two and I can’t wait to read about it!
Thanks for reading, Linda. I’m glad you’ve been enjoying the DBD stories! 🙂