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The Attempted Vampirism #3
Attempted Rescuing
Never trust a dragon – even Jonathan knows that.
With his peaceful life as a scholar far behind him and his ever-growing mountain of debt to the Department of Taxation hanging over him, Jonathan can’t afford to play it safe. If he wants to get his castle back, he’ll need to take a few risks. At least he’s not facing danger alone.
Whether it’s his faithful butler, a former paladin, a shapeshifter who might have gotten stuck, a land-loving merman, a wandering werewolf, a huntress in disguise, or a raccoon who can remodel the landscape, Jonathan will have plenty of company as he runs (or is dragged) headlong into danger. And he’ll need every bit of help he can get if he wants to make it through their next mission alive.
For once, Jonathan isn’t the one being rescued. Nope. He and the others have been asked to brave the perils of a legendary dragon’s labyrinth to help another vampire prove that love really does conquer all. Or maybe it doesn’t when the ‘all’ includes elementals, zombies, and only the gods know what else. After all, nothing says probable death like a dragon with a smile.
Oh well. Jonathan might not be a fan of probable death… but he’ll take it over certain death any day of the week.
With his peaceful life as a scholar far behind him and his ever-growing mountain of debt to the Department of Taxation hanging over him, Jonathan can’t afford to play it safe. If he wants to get his castle back, he’ll need to take a few risks. At least he’s not facing danger alone.
Whether it’s his faithful butler, a former paladin, a shapeshifter who might have gotten stuck, a land-loving merman, a wandering werewolf, a huntress in disguise, or a raccoon who can remodel the landscape, Jonathan will have plenty of company as he runs (or is dragged) headlong into danger. And he’ll need every bit of help he can get if he wants to make it through their next mission alive.
For once, Jonathan isn’t the one being rescued. Nope. He and the others have been asked to brave the perils of a legendary dragon’s labyrinth to help another vampire prove that love really does conquer all. Or maybe it doesn’t when the ‘all’ includes elementals, zombies, and only the gods know what else. After all, nothing says probable death like a dragon with a smile.
Oh well. Jonathan might not be a fan of probable death… but he’ll take it over certain death any day of the week.
501 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2023
143 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
L.G. Estrella
35 books498 followersI'm a reader and writer with a keen interest in psychology, history, physics, and economics. I'm especially interested in the intersection of these different areas (e.g., the psychology behind the sub-prime mortgage collapse).
In terms of fiction, I enjoy reading horror, fantasy, science fiction, Westerns, and thrillers. I believe that every genre has its good points, and I want to be able to incorporate all of these strengths into my own writing.
I currently live in Australia. When I'm not writing, I'm busy trying to fend off all of the deadly wildlife.
If you're interested in my fiction, you can find it on Amazon here.
In terms of fiction, I enjoy reading horror, fantasy, science fiction, Westerns, and thrillers. I believe that every genre has its good points, and I want to be able to incorporate all of these strengths into my own writing.
I currently live in Australia. When I'm not writing, I'm busy trying to fend off all of the deadly wildlife.
If you're interested in my fiction, you can find it on Amazon here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 24, 2025
Entertaining fantasy listening 🎶
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 3 of 3
A interesting fantasy world 🌐 about friends relationship adventures as they travel about the world 🌐. Each adventure is different with interesting characters lots action, misdirection, and violence leading to each conclusion. 🏰
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌐 adventures family and friends relationships novels 😁🌜 2025 😏😊
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 3 of 3
A interesting fantasy world 🌐 about friends relationship adventures as they travel about the world 🌐. Each adventure is different with interesting characters lots action, misdirection, and violence leading to each conclusion. 🏰
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌐 adventures family and friends relationships novels 😁🌜 2025 😏😊
February 8, 2023
Very Good
I've grown to like this series almost as much as the Unconventional Heroes series. The characters are likeable and the plots are interesting. I love the world building the author has been able to do.
I am curious as to the length of the series the author has in mind. Personally, I would like the series to be 5ish books. However, I'm not sure it is progressing quickly enough for that.
I really enjoy the characters, but if I'm honest, I never really feel like they are in actual danger. I mean, I know they are, but it never seems like any of them would die or be injured in a permanent way. That's alright by me, but with that lack of tension and lack of overall story progression (Blood Emperor, I'm looking at you), I'm afraid it will peter out and I'll lose interest.
Regardless of what happens in the future, I don't regret the time I've spent on this series!
I've grown to like this series almost as much as the Unconventional Heroes series. The characters are likeable and the plots are interesting. I love the world building the author has been able to do.
I am curious as to the length of the series the author has in mind. Personally, I would like the series to be 5ish books. However, I'm not sure it is progressing quickly enough for that.
I really enjoy the characters, but if I'm honest, I never really feel like they are in actual danger. I mean, I know they are, but it never seems like any of them would die or be injured in a permanent way. That's alright by me, but with that lack of tension and lack of overall story progression (Blood Emperor, I'm looking at you), I'm afraid it will peter out and I'll lose interest.
Regardless of what happens in the future, I don't regret the time I've spent on this series!
March 23, 2024
Three books, three side quests with a drip fed nugget of larger story-telling right at the end to keep interest alive in this series. In the words of Ian Fleming, "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action."
This series has definitely established a formula now and it's not one that suits my tastes in stories. This sort of storytelling is like old school American TV that takes a 20+ episode season to tell a 6 episode story. Most of the show is meaningless, stand alone filler, but there's just enough good about it to make you come back next week. I'm more of a fan of the more modern style of TV show that gives you a more focused 8-10 episode season that gets to the point and cuts out the fluff. It delivers what I'm looking for in a more concentrated dose which I find much more rewarding.
However, I completely understand this is a question of taste, which is why I was going to give this book a 4 star review then move on to different books.
Where I felt compelled to lower the score is a story direction at the end of the novel that was played off as doing something for the sake of the story but was actually an excuse to maintain the comfortable status quo. This specific story point was why the team were on this adventure in the first place, and not following through with it at the end made me feel like I had just wasted my time reading this novel as it ultimately accomplished remarkably little.
This is where me and this series part ways. If you enjoy the first 2 books and don't mind the side quest method of story telling, then I'm sure your experience with this book will be far different than mine.
This series has definitely established a formula now and it's not one that suits my tastes in stories. This sort of storytelling is like old school American TV that takes a 20+ episode season to tell a 6 episode story. Most of the show is meaningless, stand alone filler, but there's just enough good about it to make you come back next week. I'm more of a fan of the more modern style of TV show that gives you a more focused 8-10 episode season that gets to the point and cuts out the fluff. It delivers what I'm looking for in a more concentrated dose which I find much more rewarding.
However, I completely understand this is a question of taste, which is why I was going to give this book a 4 star review then move on to different books.
Where I felt compelled to lower the score is a story direction at the end of the novel that was played off as doing something for the sake of the story but was actually an excuse to maintain the comfortable status quo. This specific story point was why the team were on this adventure in the first place, and not following through with it at the end made me feel like I had just wasted my time reading this novel as it ultimately accomplished remarkably little.
This is where me and this series part ways. If you enjoy the first 2 books and don't mind the side quest method of story telling, then I'm sure your experience with this book will be far different than mine.
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January 30, 2024Audiobook
September 22, 2023
A wonderful tale of friendship & big adventures
I hope Mr Estella continues the story of Jonathon & his disparate groups of friends. Many of us could learn a thing or 2 about looking beyond our differences, having a curiosity about our world & marvel at what we can achieve together
I hope Mr Estella continues the story of Jonathon & his disparate groups of friends. Many of us could learn a thing or 2 about looking beyond our differences, having a curiosity about our world & marvel at what we can achieve together
February 4, 2024
The Paradox Labyrinth is legendary. A handful of my ancestors have been in there before. I believe they mentioned flying squids with eye beams.
If this were an episode of FRIENDS, it might be called "The One With the Dragons". You know, because of reasons and my own lack of excessive originality. There are quite a lot of bits though with dragons, that much is true. Then again, some of you might be tempted to call it "Introducing the West Coast Fantasy Avengers" or something along those lines, especially if you've read my previous reviews. But no, I think that L.G.Estrella was right to call this "Attempted Rescuing" which in the grand scheme of things was the intention. Hm, but how to acknowledge that we got in just about every other creature we could think of along the way AND went to the fair, too. Hm, indeed.
The dragon accepted the cookie and very, very gently reached down to pat the little boy on the head.
We're back this time with Jonathan the Bunny Slipper-Wearing, Studious Vampire and Co. in another fantastic tale of adventuring, exploring, and general shenanigans. And perhaps more than the two previous books combined, author Estrella has delivered what I imagine to those in the know will be a DnD player's wet dream. Yes, we still have the slight hint of LitRPG bounding about in the form of everyone's [Words] not to mention the occasional spells that get tossed about like rice at a wedding. But let's face it: with the tasks and targets and bending of reality going on, it really all does more resemble a board game than anything else! Even if you're like me and have never played any kind of RPG (or computer game or… you get the picture), it won't escape you that while our group(s) are trying their best to, well, escape that their luck truly does seem to pivot on the roll of the dice so to speak. Pun intended. Or was that a metaphor? I dunno…
Did I stutter? I want to see the vampire fight.
Estrella also sticks to the formula that has worked so well in the initial two books of this trilogy, binding together the main action sequences with insightful and often quite moving interludes. The unique tone of the writing also continues, where I can't help but feeling like we're witnessing a movie that would be R-rated only for its content except it's written in barely PG-rated dialogue. Time to cut down an army of zombies or put a lich warlord to death? Golly. How about destroying a flock of rampaging fire drakes or lava serpents? Neat! Killing other cursed swamp denizens by any means necessary as long as they involve plenty of pain, viscera, and exploding gore? Swell!
What can I say? There’s something about a woman who can rip my throat out that I find appealing.
Along those lines, there is also that ever-present feeling of "nice" that pops up continually and it does leave at least this reader wondering exactly why that seems to be such a key part of these stories. Again, for example, we have Blue Scales visiting a dilapidated "temple" of sorts that is a place of worship for the gods of the Deep (yes, still so far away from the ocean, too). His visit, donation and even sharing of his magic are so… nice! And Jonathan, despite having apparently nearly no experience to call upon doles out quite the wise words for making a loving relationship succeed despite all indications to the contrary. So… nice! Why just how everyone gets along so perfectly and form almost immediate bonds despite some of their historical or even genetic differences, be they elves, paladins, squirrels, raccoons or even dragons just looking for a place to call home. It was just so awesomely and totally… all together now please… nice!
Why should dragons be the only creatures to live without friends?
Alas, this means that the trilogy - or perhaps wishfully said, these initial three books - has come to an end. This final chapter was certainly a worthy addition to the collection even if its… girth? length? (please don't ban me!) was more than noticeable! Yes, we get away from focusing in large part on Jonathan, but the stories and elements his old and new friends bring to the table more than make up for that! But like I've been hinting at now for several paragraphs, if the idea of adding elves, orcs, magical squirrels, witches turned into banshees, lizards of all ilk including lizard wizards (yeppers), steampunk-esque flying ships and giant mechs (true story!), and dragons that can control time, space, and essentially all of reality sounds like fun - and this on top of the myriad of friends and foes that have come before - then this is a great read for you! And I can only confirm that I'll be checking out other titles by Estrella in the near future! Ciao!
If this were an episode of FRIENDS, it might be called "The One With the Dragons". You know, because of reasons and my own lack of excessive originality. There are quite a lot of bits though with dragons, that much is true. Then again, some of you might be tempted to call it "Introducing the West Coast Fantasy Avengers" or something along those lines, especially if you've read my previous reviews. But no, I think that L.G.Estrella was right to call this "Attempted Rescuing" which in the grand scheme of things was the intention. Hm, but how to acknowledge that we got in just about every other creature we could think of along the way AND went to the fair, too. Hm, indeed.
The dragon accepted the cookie and very, very gently reached down to pat the little boy on the head.
We're back this time with Jonathan the Bunny Slipper-Wearing, Studious Vampire and Co. in another fantastic tale of adventuring, exploring, and general shenanigans. And perhaps more than the two previous books combined, author Estrella has delivered what I imagine to those in the know will be a DnD player's wet dream. Yes, we still have the slight hint of LitRPG bounding about in the form of everyone's [Words] not to mention the occasional spells that get tossed about like rice at a wedding. But let's face it: with the tasks and targets and bending of reality going on, it really all does more resemble a board game than anything else! Even if you're like me and have never played any kind of RPG (or computer game or… you get the picture), it won't escape you that while our group(s) are trying their best to, well, escape that their luck truly does seem to pivot on the roll of the dice so to speak. Pun intended. Or was that a metaphor? I dunno…
Did I stutter? I want to see the vampire fight.
Estrella also sticks to the formula that has worked so well in the initial two books of this trilogy, binding together the main action sequences with insightful and often quite moving interludes. The unique tone of the writing also continues, where I can't help but feeling like we're witnessing a movie that would be R-rated only for its content except it's written in barely PG-rated dialogue. Time to cut down an army of zombies or put a lich warlord to death? Golly. How about destroying a flock of rampaging fire drakes or lava serpents? Neat! Killing other cursed swamp denizens by any means necessary as long as they involve plenty of pain, viscera, and exploding gore? Swell!
What can I say? There’s something about a woman who can rip my throat out that I find appealing.
Along those lines, there is also that ever-present feeling of "nice" that pops up continually and it does leave at least this reader wondering exactly why that seems to be such a key part of these stories. Again, for example, we have Blue Scales visiting a dilapidated "temple" of sorts that is a place of worship for the gods of the Deep (yes, still so far away from the ocean, too). His visit, donation and even sharing of his magic are so… nice! And Jonathan, despite having apparently nearly no experience to call upon doles out quite the wise words for making a loving relationship succeed despite all indications to the contrary. So… nice! Why just how everyone gets along so perfectly and form almost immediate bonds despite some of their historical or even genetic differences, be they elves, paladins, squirrels, raccoons or even dragons just looking for a place to call home. It was just so awesomely and totally… all together now please… nice!
Why should dragons be the only creatures to live without friends?
Alas, this means that the trilogy - or perhaps wishfully said, these initial three books - has come to an end. This final chapter was certainly a worthy addition to the collection even if its… girth? length? (please don't ban me!) was more than noticeable! Yes, we get away from focusing in large part on Jonathan, but the stories and elements his old and new friends bring to the table more than make up for that! But like I've been hinting at now for several paragraphs, if the idea of adding elves, orcs, magical squirrels, witches turned into banshees, lizards of all ilk including lizard wizards (yeppers), steampunk-esque flying ships and giant mechs (true story!), and dragons that can control time, space, and essentially all of reality sounds like fun - and this on top of the myriad of friends and foes that have come before - then this is a great read for you! And I can only confirm that I'll be checking out other titles by Estrella in the near future! Ciao!
May 3, 2023
Low stakes Adventure
This one is interesting. There is a lot of lore dropped in this book. The main quest is pretty straightforward, enter the dragon lord's labyrinth and help the vampire nobles quest to cure his love. It's fun and simple. The only problem I have is that everyone is too nice and well adjusted. There is no conflict between the main cast. They all have interesting personalities and pasts, but it never seems to effect the overall plot. It's nice to see teamwork this flawless, but it makes reading this a bit harder to digest. I'd like something a bit more romantic! Not like lovey-dovey romance, but like original Star Wars or Raiders romance adventure. Hopefully the next entry we encounter a demon or something that gives this group some greater motivations. Happy endings are nice, but sometimes you need some stakes to make reading fun.
This one is interesting. There is a lot of lore dropped in this book. The main quest is pretty straightforward, enter the dragon lord's labyrinth and help the vampire nobles quest to cure his love. It's fun and simple. The only problem I have is that everyone is too nice and well adjusted. There is no conflict between the main cast. They all have interesting personalities and pasts, but it never seems to effect the overall plot. It's nice to see teamwork this flawless, but it makes reading this a bit harder to digest. I'd like something a bit more romantic! Not like lovey-dovey romance, but like original Star Wars or Raiders romance adventure. Hopefully the next entry we encounter a demon or something that gives this group some greater motivations. Happy endings are nice, but sometimes you need some stakes to make reading fun.
December 24, 2023
I have loved this whole series, but this one is my favorite so far.
The chapter with the background with Roger and Stan absolutely wrecked me, and if it had been a full-length novel by itself, I would've read the hell out of it. I bought the first audiobooks on a whim because I knew I liked the narrator Joel Froomkin from another series I own, but I absolutely love how he characterizes everyone and hope there's several more books planned because this has become my go-to recommendation for those that love a comedy high fantasy or d&d. Thank you for writing this and sharing with us!
The chapter with the background with Roger and Stan absolutely wrecked me, and if it had been a full-length novel by itself, I would've read the hell out of it. I bought the first audiobooks on a whim because I knew I liked the narrator Joel Froomkin from another series I own, but I absolutely love how he characterizes everyone and hope there's several more books planned because this has become my go-to recommendation for those that love a comedy high fantasy or d&d. Thank you for writing this and sharing with us!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
I love these books
When I first started this series, I was rather sad that it did not seem to be part of the necromancers series. But after the slow start with Jonathan losing his castle. It became so much more enjoyable as Jonathan started to come out of his awkward shell. The characters became real.
I love L. G. Estrella's writing style and his characters have become friends. I want to know !
When I first started this series, I was rather sad that it did not seem to be part of the necromancers series. But after the slow start with Jonathan losing his castle. It became so much more enjoyable as Jonathan started to come out of his awkward shell. The characters became real.
I love L. G. Estrella's writing style and his characters have become friends. I want to know !
February 26, 2023
This one made me cry and still able to laugh!
I hope that you will enjoy it as I did. Thank you L.G.Estrella for writing this book and series. I'm hoping to read more this year 2023. A fan!
I hope that you will enjoy it as I did. Thank you L.G.Estrella for writing this book and series. I'm hoping to read more this year 2023. A fan!
March 11, 2023
Excellent
From start to finish this is an excellent book, a superb continuation of the series with epic characters ang good world building. The end alsi hints at even better things to come.
From start to finish this is an excellent book, a superb continuation of the series with epic characters ang good world building. The end alsi hints at even better things to come.
May 24, 2023
The newest quest
I can't imagine that anyone who has played D&D or other RPG systems not enjoying this series. Fun classes and species, a well designed world with history and legends and everything an adventuring group can enjoy. I hope the series continues.
I can't imagine that anyone who has played D&D or other RPG systems not enjoying this series. Fun classes and species, a well designed world with history and legends and everything an adventuring group can enjoy. I hope the series continues.
December 7, 2023
this book is about 1000 minutes three parts of it are intermissions perspective shifts on the story as i was read it ,it got long in the tooth but its good and we meet a older version of one of her other characters not from this story plus it got me multiple times so read it it good one
March 10, 2024
I found listening to this book quite tedious. Every character is extremely nice to each other. There is no fun banter at all. I am quite partial to feel-good (male) camaraderie, but this was too sappy.
January 20, 2025
A fun, very unserious adventure about a motley group of fantasy classes and races battling their way to rescue someone and to find a cure for a member of their party. I'd recommend this series to anyway and I wish there were more books.
March 4, 2025
Read as an audiobook. Adored the story, loved the characters, great narration.
I read these after the Necromancer series, and I thought the Vampirism books were even better. A fun, kick-back and just enjoy kinda read.
I read these after the Necromancer series, and I thought the Vampirism books were even better. A fun, kick-back and just enjoy kinda read.
November 4, 2025
So good and even heartwarming. Thought I might cry, every good comedy can make you cry because they make you care about the characters. This book series has both the LOR's vibe, misfits, and comedy. Each book feels like its own adventure and I love that. Cant wait for the next one.
February 11, 2023
More of what I have come to expect.
There really is nothing more to say about it. It is just what I want, and just as fun as it has always been.
There really is nothing more to say about it. It is just what I want, and just as fun as it has always been.
February 22, 2023
Always a fun read
This was another great addition to the series. Nice to see that a familiar dragon from your other series was in this one.
This was another great addition to the series. Nice to see that a familiar dragon from your other series was in this one.
March 3, 2023
excellent
This was the beat installment yet! I loved this tale with all the dragons in it. Wonderful. And to see a certain dragon in particular!
This was the beat installment yet! I loved this tale with all the dragons in it. Wonderful. And to see a certain dragon in particular!
March 4, 2023
Well worth the wait. Now awaiting the audio!
May 11, 2023
didn't know this existed until just a few days ago when I deliberately checked to see if the author had anything new and interesting.
December 22, 2023
I live this author. I’m glad I found them
December 30, 2023
Who doesn't love some pure D&D fun and that's definitely what this book is.
January 13, 2024
This book made me ugly cry. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
March 13, 2024
This darn book made me cry with its beautifully written feelings and softly spoken hard truths. I love the characters and the audio book reader (Joel Froomkin) is phenomenal.
March 19, 2024
Loved it! There are dragons in this one guys! And maybe one you'd recognize from another series...
Can't wait for the next one!
Can't wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
Lovely adventure as always, love the growth seen in the characters and the back history given along the way. Can not wait for another book, hopefully another one comes, because i need more.
May 17, 2024
Exposition heavy and missing a sense of humor, but I still enjoyed it. I think the author is good, but I want to see them get better because they're so close to great.
June 5, 2024
A fun unusual fantasy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews