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The Disillusionists #3.5
Devil's Luck
A standalone novella from the Disillusionists world (32K words)
In time order, it would be 3.5, but you can read it alone, because it is about side characters.
THERE’S A THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND DOOM.
No wager is too outrageous for Simon Fitzgerald, the most reckless of the Disillusionists. His dark secrets drive him to take increasingly extreme risks, but he’s never lived so quite so dangerously as when he hooks up with Midcity’s most powerful prognosticator.
Fawna Brady is tormented by the destinies she sees for those around her. To Fawna, knowledge of the future is a cage she’d do anything to escape. She’s stunned to discover a taste of the freedom for which she yearns at the side of Simon, the one person in the world who despises everything she is, everything she stands for.
Simon’s defiant attitude toward destiny captivates Fawna, but will her love destroy him? And will Simon rush headlong into the delicious doom she offers?
In time order, it would be 3.5, but you can read it alone, because it is about side characters.
THERE’S A THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND DOOM.
No wager is too outrageous for Simon Fitzgerald, the most reckless of the Disillusionists. His dark secrets drive him to take increasingly extreme risks, but he’s never lived so quite so dangerously as when he hooks up with Midcity’s most powerful prognosticator.
Fawna Brady is tormented by the destinies she sees for those around her. To Fawna, knowledge of the future is a cage she’d do anything to escape. She’s stunned to discover a taste of the freedom for which she yearns at the side of Simon, the one person in the world who despises everything she is, everything she stands for.
Simon’s defiant attitude toward destiny captivates Fawna, but will her love destroy him? And will Simon rush headlong into the delicious doom she offers?
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2012
3 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Crane
25 books1,162 followersAfter spending her youth thoroughly obsessed with Nancy Drew and Harriet the Spy and convinced that her suburban neighborhood was awash in dangerous secrets, Carolyn Crane grew up to become a RITA-nominated author of romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and other tales of adventure and love; she also writes erotic romance about bank robbers as Annika Martin.
Her books have been published by Random House and Samhain; these days, this perfectionistic control-freak of an author likes to indie publish. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two cats and works a straight job as a freelance marketing writer. During rare moments when she’s not at her computer, she can be found reading in bed, running, or helping animals.
Her books have been published by Random House and Samhain; these days, this perfectionistic control-freak of an author likes to indie publish. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two cats and works a straight job as a freelance marketing writer. During rare moments when she’s not at her computer, she can be found reading in bed, running, or helping animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 6, 2015
Simon is a mess. He is a complete and utter disaster who seems to always do the thing that will get him into the most trouble or the most hurt. He was one of the most interesting characters of the disillusionists series so I was excited to get to know him a little better.
I can say that I know him better now and understand his obsession with recklessness. Simon has an interesting back story that I didn’t see coming, it was an interesting twist. I didn’t initially see he and Fawna hitting it off so well but they go from frenemies to lovers in 2.5 seconds. It was super fast but it seems that Carolyn Crane does have a tendency to escalate things quickly.
Fawna was perhaps as interesting as Simon. She is a prisoner to her predictions and he was able to bring her out of that and show her how to spit in the eye of fate so to speak so that she wasn’t trapped by her gift.
They are a pretty good fit overall and maybe if the story was longer they would have had a slower building relationship but as is it goes really quickly.
Simon is who he is and I’m glad he wasn’t ‘cured’ or changed at the end of the story. It wouldn’t have felt true to me if that had happened…he fell in love and it ‘fixed’ him. I like that he fell in love and did something even more reckless…because that IS Simon.
This is definitely not a much read. It is a little uncomfortable in Simon’s head but if he was one of your favorite characters from the series it is fun to see where he ended up.
“Do you ever win?” she asked.
“I hold my own.”
When there’s no chance in hell. That was a kind of winning.
“Do you zing them with your recklessness? Dump it into them and make them go wild? Is that your edge?”
“Hell, no. I keep it all for myself.”
She snorted. “So that’s your special talent? Huge amounts of recklessness?”
I can say that I know him better now and understand his obsession with recklessness. Simon has an interesting back story that I didn’t see coming, it was an interesting twist. I didn’t initially see he and Fawna hitting it off so well but they go from frenemies to lovers in 2.5 seconds. It was super fast but it seems that Carolyn Crane does have a tendency to escalate things quickly.
Fawna was perhaps as interesting as Simon. She is a prisoner to her predictions and he was able to bring her out of that and show her how to spit in the eye of fate so to speak so that she wasn’t trapped by her gift.
It wasn’t just her—almost any time she told someone good news about his or her future, there’d always be that ‘but what about this…’ moment. Everyone kicked the tires. Happily-ever-afters belonged to people who couldn’t know the future.
They are a pretty good fit overall and maybe if the story was longer they would have had a slower building relationship but as is it goes really quickly.
Simon is who he is and I’m glad he wasn’t ‘cured’ or changed at the end of the story. It wouldn’t have felt true to me if that had happened…he fell in love and it ‘fixed’ him. I like that he fell in love and did something even more reckless…because that IS Simon.
This is definitely not a much read. It is a little uncomfortable in Simon’s head but if he was one of your favorite characters from the series it is fun to see where he ended up.
March 15, 2013
ETA 3/15/13 ~ CC decided to write an epilogue...you can find it here: http://authorcarolyncrane.com/books/b...
We finally get Simon's story and I have to say that I was shocked, SHOCKED at who CC put him with! I was in no way expecting that but they fit together so perfectly and I loved every minute of their recklessness.
That's Simon's thing...recklessness. He throws caution to the wind and gambles everything. Of course, Simon knew who Fawna was but he stayed away from her because in no way did he want to know anything about his future.
Fawna can't help herself from looking into people's futures, in fact, she's actually in therapy for it. She had already looked into Simon's but everything he does fascinates her and even though she can't help herself from telling him what will happen, she is shocked that he doesn't listen. She realizes that maybe the future isn't locked in and she can be free.
I really loved these two together even though they were a bit scary in their recklessness. I was taken back and saddened by what's going on with Simon but I'm glad he has Fawna. It killed me when they both were talking about how they don't want to be alone anymore!
I was a little disappointed to not get more of the other Disillusionists. We do get a bit of Packard but it would have been nice to have some of him and Justine.
The big drama was minimal due to this being a novella but I did like the twist it took. I also enjoyed it even though it didn't really have anything to do with disillusioning anyone. So much so that it would have been great to have more!
If you're wanting more Simon, don't miss out on this novella.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I didn’t understand,” she whispered, tracing the fierce head of one of his dragons, “that you have to breathe fire in order to live.”
♥ “This is enough,” she said. “I can let it be just this—I really, really can.” It was like a revelation. “I can let it be just this.”
We finally get Simon's story and I have to say that I was shocked, SHOCKED at who CC put him with! I was in no way expecting that but they fit together so perfectly and I loved every minute of their recklessness.
That's Simon's thing...recklessness. He throws caution to the wind and gambles everything. Of course, Simon knew who Fawna was but he stayed away from her because in no way did he want to know anything about his future.
Fawna can't help herself from looking into people's futures, in fact, she's actually in therapy for it. She had already looked into Simon's but everything he does fascinates her and even though she can't help herself from telling him what will happen, she is shocked that he doesn't listen. She realizes that maybe the future isn't locked in and she can be free.
I really loved these two together even though they were a bit scary in their recklessness. I was taken back and saddened by what's going on with Simon but I'm glad he has Fawna. It killed me when they both were talking about how they don't want to be alone anymore!
I was a little disappointed to not get more of the other Disillusionists. We do get a bit of Packard but it would have been nice to have some of him and Justine.
The big drama was minimal due to this being a novella but I did like the twist it took. I also enjoyed it even though it didn't really have anything to do with disillusioning anyone. So much so that it would have been great to have more!
If you're wanting more Simon, don't miss out on this novella.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I didn’t understand,” she whispered, tracing the fierce head of one of his dragons, “that you have to breathe fire in order to live.”
♥ “This is enough,” she said. “I can let it be just this—I really, really can.” It was like a revelation. “I can let it be just this.”
July 11, 2015
3.5 stars
Simon was one of my favourite characters throughout the Disillusionists trilogy so I was really excited to find out that Carolyn Crane had given him his own story. When I first saw he was being paired up with Fawna I wasn't convinced though, the two of them are so different that I wasn't sure what they would really see in each other but I actually think that's what made them work so well.
We already know how reckless Simon is, he is constantly taking risks and putting himself in harm's way but we never really understood why so it was great to get a bit of his back story. I'm not going to go into details but it was surprisingly emotional. Fawna is a character we didn't know much about and to be honest I'd still like to learn more about where she spent her missing years but I found myself really liking her in this story. She tries so hard not to use her gift of seeing the future but it's not easy to resist and it was interesting to see her fighting herself not to check the fate of people she encountered.
Simon and Fawna start as enemies, Simon has a very good reason for not wanting to know the future and Fawna is unable to stop looking at it so they're more natural enemies than lovers. Their differences actually work for them though, they have such a completely different outlook on things and Simon was great at teaching Fawna to live in the present and just enjoy life rather than worry about what fate might be about to throw at her later. Things move fairly quickly between then and as much as I would have loved a longer story with them spending more time getting to know each other I still really enjoyed this novella.
Devil's Luck was a nice addition to the Disillusionists trilogy & I liked it much more than the first novella starring Sophia. There are actually a few other characters who I would love to read stories about so it would be great if Carolyn Crane decided to give us a story about Shelby, Carter or any of the others but it's been such a long time since this was published that I think it's unlikely. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for her future publications though.
Simon was one of my favourite characters throughout the Disillusionists trilogy so I was really excited to find out that Carolyn Crane had given him his own story. When I first saw he was being paired up with Fawna I wasn't convinced though, the two of them are so different that I wasn't sure what they would really see in each other but I actually think that's what made them work so well.
We already know how reckless Simon is, he is constantly taking risks and putting himself in harm's way but we never really understood why so it was great to get a bit of his back story. I'm not going to go into details but it was surprisingly emotional. Fawna is a character we didn't know much about and to be honest I'd still like to learn more about where she spent her missing years but I found myself really liking her in this story. She tries so hard not to use her gift of seeing the future but it's not easy to resist and it was interesting to see her fighting herself not to check the fate of people she encountered.
Simon and Fawna start as enemies, Simon has a very good reason for not wanting to know the future and Fawna is unable to stop looking at it so they're more natural enemies than lovers. Their differences actually work for them though, they have such a completely different outlook on things and Simon was great at teaching Fawna to live in the present and just enjoy life rather than worry about what fate might be about to throw at her later. Things move fairly quickly between then and as much as I would have loved a longer story with them spending more time getting to know each other I still really enjoyed this novella.
Devil's Luck was a nice addition to the Disillusionists trilogy & I liked it much more than the first novella starring Sophia. There are actually a few other characters who I would love to read stories about so it would be great if Carolyn Crane decided to give us a story about Shelby, Carter or any of the others but it's been such a long time since this was published that I think it's unlikely. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for her future publications though.
January 4, 2015
Fawna is a long-term prognosticator. She can look into the future of a person or object and see what awaits. It's her greatest curse. As a child she was kidnapped and brutalised by a gambler who wanted her foresight. Now she has escaped and found protection in Packard's band of Disillusionists and this has brought her into Simon's circle.
Simon is the worst type of person for Fawna. His particular skill is a wild and self destructive recklessness. He is often in the path of danger, he is courting death and his future holds any number of possible deaths –– and Fawna has seen them. When Simon tears off on a particularly fool-hardy venture, Fawna follows, desperate to thwart fate and save his life.
Devil's Luck is a fairly short (105 page) novella that follows on from Carolyn Crane's Disillusionists trilogy. It focuses on Simon, who was a minor player in the series and Fawna who was only a memory from Packard's childhood. Novella's are tough. It's not easy to offer a full, well developed story in only 100 pages, but Carolyn Crane is a great writer and she somehow pulls it off.
A great way to kill and afternoon.
Simon is the worst type of person for Fawna. His particular skill is a wild and self destructive recklessness. He is often in the path of danger, he is courting death and his future holds any number of possible deaths –– and Fawna has seen them. When Simon tears off on a particularly fool-hardy venture, Fawna follows, desperate to thwart fate and save his life.
Devil's Luck is a fairly short (105 page) novella that follows on from Carolyn Crane's Disillusionists trilogy. It focuses on Simon, who was a minor player in the series and Fawna who was only a memory from Packard's childhood. Novella's are tough. It's not easy to offer a full, well developed story in only 100 pages, but Carolyn Crane is a great writer and she somehow pulls it off.
A great way to kill and afternoon.
September 11, 2012
“I didn’t understand,” she whispered, tracing the fierce head of one of his dragons, “that you have to breathe fire in order to live.”
So really, what's not to love about simon. He is an exhilarating character. I wasn't sure about a quick one shot cookie cutter romance for him, especially in a novella. Crane has done a great job and she's done it without conforming the character into the boring old standard. Bravo!
So really, what's not to love about simon. He is an exhilarating character. I wasn't sure about a quick one shot cookie cutter romance for him, especially in a novella. Crane has done a great job and she's done it without conforming the character into the boring old standard. Bravo!
February 24, 2012
Solid novella. There's a reason for Simon's recklessness. Fawna's time in the labs and as Bobby Barrington's caged prognosticator are touched upon. It's nothing overly grim.
Fawna and Simon had chemistry and complimented each other. The story ended was over too soon for me, but that is often the case with novellas. I look forward to future Carolyn Crane books/novellas.
Grade: B
Fawna and Simon had chemistry and complimented each other. The story ended was over too soon for me, but that is often the case with novellas. I look forward to future Carolyn Crane books/novellas.
Grade: B
February 29, 2012
One look at Simon and you know he is a wild man. With dragon tattoos, flamboyant (yet sexy masculine) clothing, and a “who cares” attitude, he is the definition of a bad boy. Having spent years working for Packard and his disillusionist team, now that Packard is free and the villains are taken care of (somewhat), Simon is off on his own. An addicted gambler, he can take his reckless attitude and “zing” it into anyone – causing them to then have the reckless feeling for a short amount of time.
Fawna was a childhood friend of Packard’s, only to be kidnapped and kept as a slave for her gift. Her gift is that of a long-term prognosticator. She can see into the future, many years ahead and often can see how someone is going to die, or what the scores of big sports games will be. This has made her existence a prison. She was kidnapped by a scientific lab, only to be kidnapped again, to be used as Bobby Barrington, (a murderous gambler) prognosticator slave. Making him rich and feeding his gambling addiction, while exploiting Fawna. After many years, and conceiving a complicated plan, Fawna fakes her death, and is now free. Or as free as she can be. She is addicted to looking into people’s future. There is this burning urge within in her to just take a peek at the near future, which then always pushes it for her to find out when exactly they will die.
She knows Simon, and sees him again at a carnival where he is playing a ring-toss game. And this is where their chemistry and unique relationship starts to jump off the pages. Simon could care less what the future holds. There is a wonderful explanation as to why he has this reckless ,live for the day attitude, which I don’t want to give away in this review. But I loved it and once you learn this piece of information, as the reader you say – aha. This makes so much sense. Fawna can’t stand that Simon doesn’t give a care in the world about any of her predictions. But at the same time she is in awe. She realizes she could be free like him. It is a very big revelation for her.
For a novella, this really packs a punch. I think it really helps that I had read the trilogy, since Simon and Fawna and the world were both introduced previously. But I can also see people enjoying this one who are new to the world. We really get an in-depth look at these two, and their spirit, and attitudes portrayed are so well done. Fawna has looked into Simon’s future and seen that he dies under a poker table. She never paid much thought to it until she becomes his friend. Until she realizes she doesn’t want anything to happen to him. When Simon first brushes her predictions off, she is offended. This is what I love about Fawna. Because she was imprisoned and used for so many years, she is somewhat naive to the world. She doesn’t want to be used for her gifts, yet she gets mad when Simon won’t pay attention to them. On the other hand, Simon hates fate, thinking that once you know the details of your own fate, you are already dead to living. Yet at the same time, they find this fiery passion between them. Fawna finds a release, a reckless abandonment that she craves. And Simon realizes Fawna would never stop him from doing anything. If I have to think of something I didn’t’ like about this book it is that I would have liked a little bit longer ending. A little more closure between them.
So fascinating these two. I could have read an entire full-length book about them. I’m so glad Carolyn Crane wrote their story.
Fawna was a childhood friend of Packard’s, only to be kidnapped and kept as a slave for her gift. Her gift is that of a long-term prognosticator. She can see into the future, many years ahead and often can see how someone is going to die, or what the scores of big sports games will be. This has made her existence a prison. She was kidnapped by a scientific lab, only to be kidnapped again, to be used as Bobby Barrington, (a murderous gambler) prognosticator slave. Making him rich and feeding his gambling addiction, while exploiting Fawna. After many years, and conceiving a complicated plan, Fawna fakes her death, and is now free. Or as free as she can be. She is addicted to looking into people’s future. There is this burning urge within in her to just take a peek at the near future, which then always pushes it for her to find out when exactly they will die.
She knows Simon, and sees him again at a carnival where he is playing a ring-toss game. And this is where their chemistry and unique relationship starts to jump off the pages. Simon could care less what the future holds. There is a wonderful explanation as to why he has this reckless ,live for the day attitude, which I don’t want to give away in this review. But I loved it and once you learn this piece of information, as the reader you say – aha. This makes so much sense. Fawna can’t stand that Simon doesn’t give a care in the world about any of her predictions. But at the same time she is in awe. She realizes she could be free like him. It is a very big revelation for her.
For a novella, this really packs a punch. I think it really helps that I had read the trilogy, since Simon and Fawna and the world were both introduced previously. But I can also see people enjoying this one who are new to the world. We really get an in-depth look at these two, and their spirit, and attitudes portrayed are so well done. Fawna has looked into Simon’s future and seen that he dies under a poker table. She never paid much thought to it until she becomes his friend. Until she realizes she doesn’t want anything to happen to him. When Simon first brushes her predictions off, she is offended. This is what I love about Fawna. Because she was imprisoned and used for so many years, she is somewhat naive to the world. She doesn’t want to be used for her gifts, yet she gets mad when Simon won’t pay attention to them. On the other hand, Simon hates fate, thinking that once you know the details of your own fate, you are already dead to living. Yet at the same time, they find this fiery passion between them. Fawna finds a release, a reckless abandonment that she craves. And Simon realizes Fawna would never stop him from doing anything. If I have to think of something I didn’t’ like about this book it is that I would have liked a little bit longer ending. A little more closure between them.
So fascinating these two. I could have read an entire full-length book about them. I’m so glad Carolyn Crane wrote their story.
February 14, 2017
Re-Read Review:
First Read: 28 Feb 2012 Rating: ✮✮✮✮☆
Re-Read: 12 May 2013 Rating: ✮✮✮✮½
Re-Read Review: 12 May 2013: Re-read short + epilogue added by Carolyn Crane @ 2013 ~ Carolyn Crane's recent newsletter included the eBook with the addition of an epilogue. I enjoyed this short as much the second time around as I did the first. And, I appreciated the addition of the epilogue. This is such a fun series, I recommend it to those looking for something new.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First Read Review: Feb 27-28, 2012
I was crazy thrilled when I learned that Carolyn had written a short about Simon Fitzgerald. He was a side character that fascinated me throughout her Disillusionists Trilogy. I couldn't wait to learn more about him and I was not disappointed.
Devil's Luck is the perfect title for a book about Simon because he is always lucky enough to survive his adventures. He can "zing" and corrupt people with his recklessness, but no matter how reckless he always appeared to be he seemed to have more going on than just being reckless for the fun of it.
In this why-couldn't-it-be-longer short, Carolyn tells the story of not only the why of Simon's behavior, but also that of Fawna Brady. Fawna was a member of Packard's young rat-pack, then imprisoned by the B-2 lab of Maxxon Scientic, and then held by Bobby Barrington, a nasty gambler who used her ability of see the future. Simon hates fate and destiny and most of all, he hates prognosticators. His future is his to write. Conversely, Fawna cannot keep herself from peeking into someone's future. She does so not only to find out what will happen to them, but she's, according to her therapist, unable to "let it be just this." "Whenever Fawna saw good news, she would kick the tires of fortune and see what else transpired. If she looked far enough down the pike, she always found sadness and agony." She believes that "happily-ever-afters belonged to people who couldn't know the future."
Fawna describes Simon as having "a masculine beauty of the dark-haired, pale-skinned type; his appearance called to mind a doomed and dangerous hero from a silent movie." And, who can forget his dragon tattoos? Fawna is self-described as "a twenty-something girl wearing a jacket laden with colorful scraps of fabric and ribbons and shiny objects, like a profusion of war decorations from a strange land. She'd braided little items into her hair and even within the fringes of her boots." Though these two appear to have nothing in common, their random meeting and subsequent time together proves that sometimes opposites do attract and, on rare occasions, the two are not as opposite as they may seem.
If you are a fan of this series, this short is a must read! I hope Carolyn treats us to even more Disillusionist shorts in the future. But, if this is to be the only one I am happy it was about Simon.
Thank you to Carolyn for making the short story available to recipients of her fan newsletter prior to its sale! You ROCK! Fans, if you aren't yet receiving her newsletter, sign up here.
First Read: 28 Feb 2012 Rating: ✮✮✮✮☆
Re-Read: 12 May 2013 Rating: ✮✮✮✮½
Re-Read Review: 12 May 2013: Re-read short + epilogue added by Carolyn Crane @ 2013 ~ Carolyn Crane's recent newsletter included the eBook with the addition of an epilogue. I enjoyed this short as much the second time around as I did the first. And, I appreciated the addition of the epilogue. This is such a fun series, I recommend it to those looking for something new.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First Read Review: Feb 27-28, 2012
I was crazy thrilled when I learned that Carolyn had written a short about Simon Fitzgerald. He was a side character that fascinated me throughout her Disillusionists Trilogy. I couldn't wait to learn more about him and I was not disappointed.
Devil's Luck is the perfect title for a book about Simon because he is always lucky enough to survive his adventures. He can "zing" and corrupt people with his recklessness, but no matter how reckless he always appeared to be he seemed to have more going on than just being reckless for the fun of it.
In this why-couldn't-it-be-longer short, Carolyn tells the story of not only the why of Simon's behavior, but also that of Fawna Brady. Fawna was a member of Packard's young rat-pack, then imprisoned by the B-2 lab of Maxxon Scientic, and then held by Bobby Barrington, a nasty gambler who used her ability of see the future. Simon hates fate and destiny and most of all, he hates prognosticators. His future is his to write. Conversely, Fawna cannot keep herself from peeking into someone's future. She does so not only to find out what will happen to them, but she's, according to her therapist, unable to "let it be just this." "Whenever Fawna saw good news, she would kick the tires of fortune and see what else transpired. If she looked far enough down the pike, she always found sadness and agony." She believes that "happily-ever-afters belonged to people who couldn't know the future."
Fawna describes Simon as having "a masculine beauty of the dark-haired, pale-skinned type; his appearance called to mind a doomed and dangerous hero from a silent movie." And, who can forget his dragon tattoos? Fawna is self-described as "a twenty-something girl wearing a jacket laden with colorful scraps of fabric and ribbons and shiny objects, like a profusion of war decorations from a strange land. She'd braided little items into her hair and even within the fringes of her boots." Though these two appear to have nothing in common, their random meeting and subsequent time together proves that sometimes opposites do attract and, on rare occasions, the two are not as opposite as they may seem.
If you are a fan of this series, this short is a must read! I hope Carolyn treats us to even more Disillusionist shorts in the future. But, if this is to be the only one I am happy it was about Simon.
Thank you to Carolyn for making the short story available to recipients of her fan newsletter prior to its sale! You ROCK! Fans, if you aren't yet receiving her newsletter, sign up here.
March 5, 2012
I picked up Mind Games, the first book in Carolyn Crane’s Disillusionists series, on a whim a few years ago. Little did I know that I had inadvertently found one of the most creative, unique, and unpredictable urban fantasy series to date. It’s been a long wait for the third book in this trilogy to be released, made even longer by the fact that the print release date is still months away. Yet while I haven’t yet finished reading Justine’s story (which, having ended on a brutal cliffhanger after Double Cross, has made the waiting torturous), it’s Simon that I’ve yearned to revisit the most. Ever since his first barbed exchange with Justine, Simon’s sass and swagger have won me over more so than any other character in the series, and most in the genre. Thus, while I could force myself to put off reading Head Rush until it’s available in hard copy, there was no way that I could deny myself Simon’s story. And I don’t regret my eagerness one bit.
Though Simon has masqueraded as an enigma throughout the series, one thing that I knew for certain was that his seemingly uncaring facade was carefully crafted to hide something much more complex from prying eyes. Devil’s Luck lets us behind those walls he’s constructed without knocking them down. Simon stays true to himself throughout, yet the insight we get into the evolution of his character and his development over the few days in which the story takes place seem so very right. We might not have come close to guessing the reasons he acts as he does, but once we find out, the knowledge nestles so perfectly within the mold he has created that he transforms from a complex character into a person.
Many authors struggle to craft love interests to match already established characters, yet Crane has managed to provide Simon with a true equal in Fawna, and she only took sixty pages to do it. Fawna is a delightful magpie of a character, her idiosyncrasies and compulsions layering just heavily enough to allow her to stand on her own two feet without making her a cartoon. Fawna is pushed to the limit of believability, yet she never falls over the edge into caricature, and it’s this exuberant excess that makes her so perfectly matched for Simon.
I won’t say much more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice it to say that Crane has given Disillusionists fans a taste of where this series could go in the future if she wished to explore her world for a bit longer. I’ll be first in line (well, perhaps second after Simon) to implore her to take that risk.
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Though Simon has masqueraded as an enigma throughout the series, one thing that I knew for certain was that his seemingly uncaring facade was carefully crafted to hide something much more complex from prying eyes. Devil’s Luck lets us behind those walls he’s constructed without knocking them down. Simon stays true to himself throughout, yet the insight we get into the evolution of his character and his development over the few days in which the story takes place seem so very right. We might not have come close to guessing the reasons he acts as he does, but once we find out, the knowledge nestles so perfectly within the mold he has created that he transforms from a complex character into a person.
Many authors struggle to craft love interests to match already established characters, yet Crane has managed to provide Simon with a true equal in Fawna, and she only took sixty pages to do it. Fawna is a delightful magpie of a character, her idiosyncrasies and compulsions layering just heavily enough to allow her to stand on her own two feet without making her a cartoon. Fawna is pushed to the limit of believability, yet she never falls over the edge into caricature, and it’s this exuberant excess that makes her so perfectly matched for Simon.
I won’t say much more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice it to say that Crane has given Disillusionists fans a taste of where this series could go in the future if she wished to explore her world for a bit longer. I’ll be first in line (well, perhaps second after Simon) to implore her to take that risk.
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February 27, 2012
First I have to say that I've never been more glad that I have the Kindle Fire than I was when I saw the cover of this book in all it's color glory on my screen. So yummy.
Carolyn Crane's Disillusionist trilogy is one of my favorite series ever. The series is filled with everything I truly enjoy: imperfect characters, romance, intrigue, crazy cliffhangers, highs and lows that make my chest hurt. I can’t get enough of these books, so when I read that Carolyn was going to write a novella for Simon, I was really excited. Aside from Packard (who I adore) and Justine, Simon was my favorite of the characters in the series. I always wanted to know more about him and why he was the way he was. Devil’s Luck gives us all of that and more.
After reading Devil’s Luck, Simon has now seriously given Packard a run for his money as my favorite and I now have a new appreciation for Fawna that I didn’t have at the end of Head Rush. Simon and Fawna are amazing together. I love how they make each other look at themselves and the things they’ve always held as constants (Simon’s recklessness and Fawna’s farsight) differently. I hope we continue to get, even if they are brief, looks at the lives of the Disillusionists and the highcaps that they love, but no matter what Carolyn Crane has a lifelong fan in me.
Carolyn Crane's Disillusionist trilogy is one of my favorite series ever. The series is filled with everything I truly enjoy: imperfect characters, romance, intrigue, crazy cliffhangers, highs and lows that make my chest hurt. I can’t get enough of these books, so when I read that Carolyn was going to write a novella for Simon, I was really excited. Aside from Packard (who I adore) and Justine, Simon was my favorite of the characters in the series. I always wanted to know more about him and why he was the way he was. Devil’s Luck gives us all of that and more.
After reading Devil’s Luck, Simon has now seriously given Packard a run for his money as my favorite and I now have a new appreciation for Fawna that I didn’t have at the end of Head Rush. Simon and Fawna are amazing together. I love how they make each other look at themselves and the things they’ve always held as constants (Simon’s recklessness and Fawna’s farsight) differently. I hope we continue to get, even if they are brief, looks at the lives of the Disillusionists and the highcaps that they love, but no matter what Carolyn Crane has a lifelong fan in me.
October 12, 2015
"Sometimes having nothing to loose is something to loose"
A drag-race through cannibal infested Tanglelands?! With a most reckless driver in the world and Johnny Cash full volume??! Against a telepath, telekinetic who hurls things at you and short term prognosticator???!
- Sure! If Simon is driving - sign me up! :D
A drag-race through cannibal infested Tanglelands?! With a most reckless driver in the world and Johnny Cash full volume??! Against a telepath, telekinetic who hurls things at you and short term prognosticator???!
- Sure! If Simon is driving - sign me up! :D
Want to read
April 1, 2012Simon! $2.99 on Nook
March 8, 2012
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
There really isn’t another series that I can compare The Disillusionists to. It’s wonderfully weird and off in the way all truly fascinating things are. Unlike the previous three full length novels, DEVIL’S LUCK is much more a paranormal romance than urban fantasy. We get the his and her POVs, and the romance is the driving force behind the story.
Carolyn Crane is simply an excellent writer, really a step (or two) above most of the authors in this genre. She conveys emotion and intimacy in beautiful flowing prose that still feels raw and gritty, a must for this genre. In terms of writing, it’s the best thing yet from Carolyn. And the character development, the depth, the fullness of the story is just unheard of in a novella length story.
If you’ve read the other Disillusionists books (and you don’t need to in order to enjoy this story), you know who Simon is: the reckless gambler who lives on adrenaline, but wow is there so much more to him…shockingly good stuff. Fawna is a bit character in the series too, but honestly, I didn’t remember her. I won’t be forgetting her any time soon after reading DEVIL’S LUCK though. She is real. I believed every bizarre thing about her from her appearance to her fears and the way she was drawn to Simon in a way that frightens and exhilarates her. He lives completely in the moment. She can’t help seeing the future. Their relationship is volatile, combustible, and thrilling.
I’m so glad the Carolyn is fully committed to this series and that she keeps finding ways to bring more stories to us. I don’t care who publishes them, if they are long or short, or what format they are in. I just want more. More of this unique world, more of these endearingly messed up characters, and more of this staggeringly good writing. What’s next Ms. Crane? I already want it.
Sexual Content:
Scene of sensuality. One brief, non graphic sex scene
There really isn’t another series that I can compare The Disillusionists to. It’s wonderfully weird and off in the way all truly fascinating things are. Unlike the previous three full length novels, DEVIL’S LUCK is much more a paranormal romance than urban fantasy. We get the his and her POVs, and the romance is the driving force behind the story.
Carolyn Crane is simply an excellent writer, really a step (or two) above most of the authors in this genre. She conveys emotion and intimacy in beautiful flowing prose that still feels raw and gritty, a must for this genre. In terms of writing, it’s the best thing yet from Carolyn. And the character development, the depth, the fullness of the story is just unheard of in a novella length story.
If you’ve read the other Disillusionists books (and you don’t need to in order to enjoy this story), you know who Simon is: the reckless gambler who lives on adrenaline, but wow is there so much more to him…shockingly good stuff. Fawna is a bit character in the series too, but honestly, I didn’t remember her. I won’t be forgetting her any time soon after reading DEVIL’S LUCK though. She is real. I believed every bizarre thing about her from her appearance to her fears and the way she was drawn to Simon in a way that frightens and exhilarates her. He lives completely in the moment. She can’t help seeing the future. Their relationship is volatile, combustible, and thrilling.
I’m so glad the Carolyn is fully committed to this series and that she keeps finding ways to bring more stories to us. I don’t care who publishes them, if they are long or short, or what format they are in. I just want more. More of this unique world, more of these endearingly messed up characters, and more of this staggeringly good writing. What’s next Ms. Crane? I already want it.
Sexual Content:
Scene of sensuality. One brief, non graphic sex scene
March 1, 2012
It's amazing how much heart Carolyn Crane can shove in to such a small number of pages. I didn't care much for Simon in the Disillusionist novels. He wasn't always very nice to Justine; and he had an enormous chip on his shoulder. But with this novella, we learn why he is the way he is. It makes him all the more compelling and it humanizes him in a way that was desperately needed.
Simon's unlikely love interest in the story is Fawna, a prognosticator who can't allow herself to live in the moment. She is a slave to her visions, allowing them to cage her as effectively as those who kept her prisoner most of her life. She's never liked Simon and the feeling has always been mutual, though it's really been more of a dislike for the other's gift: Simon's disdain for future-telling and Fawna's rejection of the way he lives with reckless abandon.
But all that changes with the events of one day. Fawna catches a glimpse of the freedom Simon gains with his rejection of fate. And she somehow becomes a partner in his lifestyle, someone who he could really share himself with. But the thing is, when all is said and done, Fawna still is who she is --and growing to care for Simon only makes it harder for her to let go of the future she has seen for him.
The characters were very engaging and the writing was so good, I just wanted there to be more. I loved seeing Packard again and the way Crane weaves in the backstory from the previous books. I loved Simon's secret and how much that reveals about him. I loved Fawna's coat and the fearlessness she found with Simon. The only thing I didn't love was the ending. We have to take the future on faith and knowing what we know, that's a scary thing. I understand why it fleshed out the way it did, but deep down, I wanted the author to promise me it was all gonna be alright.
Still, I really enjoyed the story. I hope Crane decides to revisit the Disillusionist world again. She's created something really good. 4 stars.
Simon's unlikely love interest in the story is Fawna, a prognosticator who can't allow herself to live in the moment. She is a slave to her visions, allowing them to cage her as effectively as those who kept her prisoner most of her life. She's never liked Simon and the feeling has always been mutual, though it's really been more of a dislike for the other's gift: Simon's disdain for future-telling and Fawna's rejection of the way he lives with reckless abandon.
But all that changes with the events of one day. Fawna catches a glimpse of the freedom Simon gains with his rejection of fate. And she somehow becomes a partner in his lifestyle, someone who he could really share himself with. But the thing is, when all is said and done, Fawna still is who she is --and growing to care for Simon only makes it harder for her to let go of the future she has seen for him.
The characters were very engaging and the writing was so good, I just wanted there to be more. I loved seeing Packard again and the way Crane weaves in the backstory from the previous books. I loved Simon's secret and how much that reveals about him. I loved Fawna's coat and the fearlessness she found with Simon. The only thing I didn't love was the ending. We have to take the future on faith and knowing what we know, that's a scary thing. I understand why it fleshed out the way it did, but deep down, I wanted the author to promise me it was all gonna be alright.
Still, I really enjoyed the story. I hope Crane decides to revisit the Disillusionist world again. She's created something really good. 4 stars.
February 25, 2012
It's fabulous to be back in the very cerebral world of Carolyn Crane's
Disillusionist series
. This is the gorgeous and reckless Simon's story. In it we see how his gift developed when, as a young man, he developed a heart condition and was given only three months to live. His love interest is Fawna, the prognosticator, who lives in a cage of always knowing what is to come. Her addiction to knowing is humorously portrayed in the first chapter as she makes a desperate phone call to her therapist to stop herself from seeing into the future of a sword-swallowing carnival worker.
These two should be each other's worst nightmare but you can't fight chemistry and gradually Fawna is infected with Simon's devil-may-care attitude, and Simon is given a reason to hope for the future. Like all novellas everything happens way too quick but it was still great fun. I was lucky enough to be a subscriber to the author's newsletter and received a free ecopy ahead of its commercial release.
These two should be each other's worst nightmare but you can't fight chemistry and gradually Fawna is infected with Simon's devil-may-care attitude, and Simon is given a reason to hope for the future. Like all novellas everything happens way too quick but it was still great fun. I was lucky enough to be a subscriber to the author's newsletter and received a free ecopy ahead of its commercial release.
May 4, 2012
If you are a Disillusionist series fan, like me Simon is not a stranger to you. For me Simon Fitzgerald's flamboyant attitude has always been attractive. I was dying to read more about him ever since Miss Crane first introduced him in her books.
In this novella, Devil's Luck we find out more about Simon and Fawna. Simon, who has no care in the world attitude has a depth that I never imagined. He pretty much doesn't give a shit about whatever is in his future. He is more determined to change his fate more than anything. Fawna in other hand has hard time giving up seeing everyone's fate. Even though she doesn't want them to happen, there is no going around it. So when Simon's denial to accept his future infuriates her, it also makes her curious. Maybe there is a loop hole and there is hope.
Even though it's like 30k or something, I loved reading this short bits of Simon and Fawna's life. Before reading this book you must read The Disillusionists series first.
In this novella, Devil's Luck we find out more about Simon and Fawna. Simon, who has no care in the world attitude has a depth that I never imagined. He pretty much doesn't give a shit about whatever is in his future. He is more determined to change his fate more than anything. Fawna in other hand has hard time giving up seeing everyone's fate. Even though she doesn't want them to happen, there is no going around it. So when Simon's denial to accept his future infuriates her, it also makes her curious. Maybe there is a loop hole and there is hope.
Even though it's like 30k or something, I loved reading this short bits of Simon and Fawna's life. Before reading this book you must read The Disillusionists series first.
September 28, 2013
Always loved Simon... so this was such a treat. so much simoness and fawna added the weird cute element as well.
funny how much one can find out about a character in a novella!
seriously a must read of lovers of the series.
BUT this leaves me with nothing more to read of the Disillusionists! such a sad moment!
Morning the END of a good series. one of those few ones exhilaratingly sad moments: still on the thrill of having read every last tidbit thats out there having loved every moment and now its OVER.
guess there is always the days when I re-read them?
and thankfully Crane has already started some new material...
funny how much one can find out about a character in a novella!
seriously a must read of lovers of the series.
BUT this leaves me with nothing more to read of the Disillusionists! such a sad moment!
Morning the END of a good series. one of those few ones exhilaratingly sad moments: still on the thrill of having read every last tidbit thats out there having loved every moment and now its OVER.
guess there is always the days when I re-read them?
and thankfully Crane has already started some new material...
November 10, 2012
This is why I do not like writing review of novellas. They are so short, what can I say?
So Fawna (yes I do feel you have to read the trilogy first) and Simon meet at a fair. Yes they know each other from before of course. She is weird and wounded and he is reckless (ha, well duh ;) There is no love between them but there is something.
She needs to let go, and he needs to live.
A short story, I do prefer the longer books as we see the world more clearly then.
So Fawna (yes I do feel you have to read the trilogy first) and Simon meet at a fair. Yes they know each other from before of course. She is weird and wounded and he is reckless (ha, well duh ;) There is no love between them but there is something.
She needs to let go, and he needs to live.
A short story, I do prefer the longer books as we see the world more clearly then.
July 23, 2012
Love, love, love this. I hope there will be more Disillusionist stories.
May 4, 2012
Reckless Simon. Now I know.
Not a bad short story.
Not a bad short story.
February 5, 2013
A begrudging 3 stars because I only give the truly horrible less. I was expecting...something else.
July 27, 2015
Still not sure how to tag these books. Hmm.
March 18, 2014
“May the targets never see you coming.”
The Disillusionists Trilogy, Mind Games, Double Cross, Head Rush and the spin off novellas, Kitten-Tiger & The Monk (Wild & Steamy) and Devil’s Luck by Carolyn Crane are books filled with elements of adult urban fantasy and supernatural abilities. Dystopia lingers in these books as well. Reading this enticing group of books were like no other and my thoughts were constantly slammed by 'oh shits' with all the mind bending goodness. For reelz y’all, I never said “oh shit” so much while reading a book. I was a complete dirty mouth, LOL. Maybe I should invest in Orbit?
The books in the Disillusionists Trilogy were perfectly titled. Mind Games because book 1 totally toys with your head. Book 2, Double Cross because yeah, there’s definitely some betrayal, and Head Rush- book 3, because your mentality is thrown into a frenzy. But all is wrapped up in a perfectly packaged ending. After reading, my head was still twirling but my heart was all gooey and happy and I smiled for hours. This series was downright righteous!
Carolyn Crane possesses clever writing that glues your eyes and attention to every single page. She takes you on a whirlwind of a ride. You might find yourself getting bitch-slapped – I mean that as a compliment. ;)
Midcity is a town where people walk around with helmets on their heads, or in special suits, or wears gloves, or wears glasses in fear of psycho highcaps- mutated humans with super powers- i.e. dream invaders, precogs, revisionists, telepaths, telekinetics, etc. (Have no fear, there are good highcaps too.) To protect the civilians of Midcity, there is a B.A. group of crime fighters that have special abilities and they zing the shit out of their own disturbed emotion into these highcap criminals to rid them of their illegal ways. The Disillusionists are a psychological hit squad. The author nailed it when she used that term to describe them. Sounds pretty interesting, right? And get this… reading this series was a carnival of angsty fun! I mean, it was like strapping yourself in the Tilt-A-Whirl ride. Spinning, spinning, SPINNING… Weeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Seriously, I’m glad Karen (@teamsheltie) from For What It’s Worth told me to grab myself a pack of Depends!
Not only were the plots, twists and discoveries utterly fantastic- sending you through a reading vortex, but in my opinion, every single one of the characters was filled with mystery and an extra side of awesome sauce. There are characters you love; some piss you off, but you still love them and the ones you didn’t think you’d care for, you grow to love. There was a powerful love triangle that had me questioning its slopes. While I felt stronger for one of the male characters, I didn’t choose between them even though one of them had negative motives. And they both did the main character wrong at some point.
Mind Games, Double Cross, and Head Rush were written in Justine’s POV. Justine suffered from fear and anxiety. On top of that, she was a basket case of hypochondria and obsessed over her believed disease of Vein Star Syndrome. She waited for her brain to rupture, causing her death. But when she met Packard, he made her an offer she couldn’t refuse; to join his elite team of disillusionists and eliminate her fear using it as a weapon to fight rogue high caps and humans in a city full of crime. You could cut the passionate tension between Justine and Packard throughout the entire series with a fricking butter knife. The connection they shared was electrifying- literally! Justine was such an interesting MC and I enjoyed getting to know her; her fears, her strength, her trust. Her character was noble and pretty empathetic considering all she’s been through. She fought for her beliefs, to survive, and to save the ones she loved. With her fear came strength and courage.
Two words. Sterling Packard. A name really, and a very desirable character that sends you into over drive. The beau stood behind his name and was quite ‘packin’. He allures you with his confidence and intensity. He manipulates you, and as a reader you don’t mind it because you are so intrigued by him. He makes arrogance look good. Excitement runs through your thoughts as you read about him. His secrets were mind-blowing. It’s on my bucket list to eat at a Mongolian restaurant and pig out on kebabs. And let me tell you. I wanted to break out my guns, *kisses right and left biceps* (put em’ up, put em’ up) at Packard’s nemesis. When I found out who it was, I seriously crapped myself.
Otto will leave you breathless. He had a purpose that he truly believed in but you as a reader will definitely question it. He was quite charming and the love Otto had for Justine was pure adoration and I couldn’t help but respect it, even though… well, you’ll have to read for yourself.
Shelby was one of my top favorite characters in the series. She was a wonderful, sympathetic friend and offered inspiring words to Justine when she needed it most. Shelby made a great supporting character and was very enchanting.
Carter was full of exuberance and quirkiness when he wasn’t filled with rage. That guy needs to keep zinging, are else you may want to stay clear of him. I totally wouldn’t mind hiring him as a pool boy.
We get introduced to the mischievously, reckless Simon; a clicking time bomb and a total edge of your seat type character. The dude is quite delectable and the best frenemy to have. And I want him, like right now.
I really got to know Fawna towards the end of the series and she ended up having quite an important role. It wasn’t until Devil’s Luck, a companion novella, that I understood her and got to see her spunky side and appreciated her. She had a fun, eclectic nature.
My friend Karen wasn’t lying when she said reading this series was one big, amazing mind fu- [inserts bleep]. I was a very dramatic reader in reading this series- in a physical way. I’d pound my fist against something, or grunt, or do some neurotic tweeting to Karen (@teamsheltie) and Janette (@jderucki). Get to reading these books y’all. Get wigged out and get zinged! Many of “glory hours” was experienced while reading these books.
The disillusionists are so spectacularly, kick-ass and if they truly existed, this world would be a better place. Thank you so very much Karen for lending me the first book Mind Games, and introducing to me to Carolyn Crane and her disillusionary, vivid world and I look forward to seeing/meeting both of you at AAD in NOLA!
and P.S.- I have a new fond love for Gumby.
The Disillusionists Trilogy, Mind Games, Double Cross, Head Rush and the spin off novellas, Kitten-Tiger & The Monk (Wild & Steamy) and Devil’s Luck by Carolyn Crane are books filled with elements of adult urban fantasy and supernatural abilities. Dystopia lingers in these books as well. Reading this enticing group of books were like no other and my thoughts were constantly slammed by 'oh shits' with all the mind bending goodness. For reelz y’all, I never said “oh shit” so much while reading a book. I was a complete dirty mouth, LOL. Maybe I should invest in Orbit?
The books in the Disillusionists Trilogy were perfectly titled. Mind Games because book 1 totally toys with your head. Book 2, Double Cross because yeah, there’s definitely some betrayal, and Head Rush- book 3, because your mentality is thrown into a frenzy. But all is wrapped up in a perfectly packaged ending. After reading, my head was still twirling but my heart was all gooey and happy and I smiled for hours. This series was downright righteous!
Carolyn Crane possesses clever writing that glues your eyes and attention to every single page. She takes you on a whirlwind of a ride. You might find yourself getting bitch-slapped – I mean that as a compliment. ;)
Midcity is a town where people walk around with helmets on their heads, or in special suits, or wears gloves, or wears glasses in fear of psycho highcaps- mutated humans with super powers- i.e. dream invaders, precogs, revisionists, telepaths, telekinetics, etc. (Have no fear, there are good highcaps too.) To protect the civilians of Midcity, there is a B.A. group of crime fighters that have special abilities and they zing the shit out of their own disturbed emotion into these highcap criminals to rid them of their illegal ways. The Disillusionists are a psychological hit squad. The author nailed it when she used that term to describe them. Sounds pretty interesting, right? And get this… reading this series was a carnival of angsty fun! I mean, it was like strapping yourself in the Tilt-A-Whirl ride. Spinning, spinning, SPINNING… Weeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Seriously, I’m glad Karen (@teamsheltie) from For What It’s Worth told me to grab myself a pack of Depends!
Not only were the plots, twists and discoveries utterly fantastic- sending you through a reading vortex, but in my opinion, every single one of the characters was filled with mystery and an extra side of awesome sauce. There are characters you love; some piss you off, but you still love them and the ones you didn’t think you’d care for, you grow to love. There was a powerful love triangle that had me questioning its slopes. While I felt stronger for one of the male characters, I didn’t choose between them even though one of them had negative motives. And they both did the main character wrong at some point.
Mind Games, Double Cross, and Head Rush were written in Justine’s POV. Justine suffered from fear and anxiety. On top of that, she was a basket case of hypochondria and obsessed over her believed disease of Vein Star Syndrome. She waited for her brain to rupture, causing her death. But when she met Packard, he made her an offer she couldn’t refuse; to join his elite team of disillusionists and eliminate her fear using it as a weapon to fight rogue high caps and humans in a city full of crime. You could cut the passionate tension between Justine and Packard throughout the entire series with a fricking butter knife. The connection they shared was electrifying- literally! Justine was such an interesting MC and I enjoyed getting to know her; her fears, her strength, her trust. Her character was noble and pretty empathetic considering all she’s been through. She fought for her beliefs, to survive, and to save the ones she loved. With her fear came strength and courage.
Two words. Sterling Packard. A name really, and a very desirable character that sends you into over drive. The beau stood behind his name and was quite ‘packin’. He allures you with his confidence and intensity. He manipulates you, and as a reader you don’t mind it because you are so intrigued by him. He makes arrogance look good. Excitement runs through your thoughts as you read about him. His secrets were mind-blowing. It’s on my bucket list to eat at a Mongolian restaurant and pig out on kebabs. And let me tell you. I wanted to break out my guns, *kisses right and left biceps* (put em’ up, put em’ up) at Packard’s nemesis. When I found out who it was, I seriously crapped myself.
Otto will leave you breathless. He had a purpose that he truly believed in but you as a reader will definitely question it. He was quite charming and the love Otto had for Justine was pure adoration and I couldn’t help but respect it, even though… well, you’ll have to read for yourself.
Shelby was one of my top favorite characters in the series. She was a wonderful, sympathetic friend and offered inspiring words to Justine when she needed it most. Shelby made a great supporting character and was very enchanting.
Carter was full of exuberance and quirkiness when he wasn’t filled with rage. That guy needs to keep zinging, are else you may want to stay clear of him. I totally wouldn’t mind hiring him as a pool boy.
We get introduced to the mischievously, reckless Simon; a clicking time bomb and a total edge of your seat type character. The dude is quite delectable and the best frenemy to have. And I want him, like right now.
I really got to know Fawna towards the end of the series and she ended up having quite an important role. It wasn’t until Devil’s Luck, a companion novella, that I understood her and got to see her spunky side and appreciated her. She had a fun, eclectic nature.
My friend Karen wasn’t lying when she said reading this series was one big, amazing mind fu- [inserts bleep]. I was a very dramatic reader in reading this series- in a physical way. I’d pound my fist against something, or grunt, or do some neurotic tweeting to Karen (@teamsheltie) and Janette (@jderucki). Get to reading these books y’all. Get wigged out and get zinged! Many of “glory hours” was experienced while reading these books.
The disillusionists are so spectacularly, kick-ass and if they truly existed, this world would be a better place. Thank you so very much Karen for lending me the first book Mind Games, and introducing to me to Carolyn Crane and her disillusionary, vivid world and I look forward to seeing/meeting both of you at AAD in NOLA!
and P.S.- I have a new fond love for Gumby.
October 10, 2021
Decent novella, but it had the potential to be so much richer. Length isn't everything, but I wanted more. (Strangely, not a line in the book.)
Simon's backstory is touched on for a bit, but I would have loved to unpack some of his memories.
It's a novella, so I'm adding another book to my reading challenge to make up for the brevity.
Simon's backstory is touched on for a bit, but I would have loved to unpack some of his memories.
It's a novella, so I'm adding another book to my reading challenge to make up for the brevity.
March 13, 2012
Simon Fitzgerald is living on borrowed time – and that’s just the way he likes it. He has recklessness in the blood and defies fate at every turn. So his natural enemies are prognosticators – harbingers of death and future. And Simon’s number one frenemy of late is Fawna Brady – Otto and Packard’s old farsighted friend from their days as gang kids, and the best prognosticator in Midcity.
As a child, Fawna was stolen away from Midcity and taken to a lab for a few years. . . before being ‘rescued’ by Bobby Barrington – and made to hedge his bets and get him big gambling wins. Fawna didn’t get a childhood, but now she’s making up for that. She wears a coat with a collection of memories stuck to it – a doll’s head for what she was denied, a gold coin from Barrington’s casino. . . and in trying to live her life to the fullest, Fawna is trying desperately to cut back on her visions and peeking into the future.
Simon is a reckless spirit, too beautiful to ignore. He and Fawna are natural enemies – one is ruled by fate, the other defies it at every turn. But when Fawna’s foresight sees Simon in grave danger, she has to do everything in her power to help him. . .
‘Devil’s Luck’ is a Disillusionists novella from Carolyn Crane.
The ‘Disillusionists’ trilogy is done and dusted, but fans are clearly still lusting after a few beloved characters . . . like reckless maniac Simon, and elusive Fawna. I have been seeing reviews for ‘Devil’s Luck’ popping up all over the place. And with a cover model who reminds me a little of Michael Fassbender, I just couldn’t resist revisiting Midcity one more time!
At 32k words, ‘Devil’s Luck’ is short but packs a punch. Carolyn Crane does a masterful job at getting to the crux of these two very complicated characters. Simon’s recklessness is explained with surprising clarity, and even though ‘recklessness’ always seemed like the most insubstantial of zinging powers, Crane gives us a peek into just how this wild and rash thinking has been Simon’s saviour for many years.
On the other side we have Fawna – who peeks into people’s futures against her psychiatrist’s orders. Fawna is addicted to her own foresight – particularly as it affirms her ‘doom or gloom’ predictions of love, life and humanity in general.
Simon and Fawna are natural enemies for their clashing ideals, and their push-and-pull gives readers some delicious tension early on;
Fawna was a mix of vulnerable and vicious: easily wounded, quick to taunt. Hot and a little bit crazy.
Yeah, she had her charms.
But none of that mattered. She was a long-term prognosticator, and long-term prognosticators were a type of killer. They killed you before you were dead. They poisoned your time.
Simon and Fawna are a delectable couple. Opposites do indeed attract; Simon and Fawna fall into an unlikely but heated connection after a drag race goes wrong. . . and with his feelings, Simon experiences a new sort of recklessness. He is utterly charming and endearing in his sudden, blazing feelings for Fawna, and what he wants to do for her;
He would put something good on her coat.
The Disillusionists trilogy is over, and I can’t wait for Ms Crane to release her new ‘paranormal romance spy series’ and ‘urban fantasy adventure series’. But as reception to ‘Devil’s Luck’ illustrates, fans are still enamored of Crane’s debut series. . . Simon and Fawna are certainly scratching a collective itch we all still seem to have for those neurotic superheroes.
As a child, Fawna was stolen away from Midcity and taken to a lab for a few years. . . before being ‘rescued’ by Bobby Barrington – and made to hedge his bets and get him big gambling wins. Fawna didn’t get a childhood, but now she’s making up for that. She wears a coat with a collection of memories stuck to it – a doll’s head for what she was denied, a gold coin from Barrington’s casino. . . and in trying to live her life to the fullest, Fawna is trying desperately to cut back on her visions and peeking into the future.
Simon is a reckless spirit, too beautiful to ignore. He and Fawna are natural enemies – one is ruled by fate, the other defies it at every turn. But when Fawna’s foresight sees Simon in grave danger, she has to do everything in her power to help him. . .
‘Devil’s Luck’ is a Disillusionists novella from Carolyn Crane.
The ‘Disillusionists’ trilogy is done and dusted, but fans are clearly still lusting after a few beloved characters . . . like reckless maniac Simon, and elusive Fawna. I have been seeing reviews for ‘Devil’s Luck’ popping up all over the place. And with a cover model who reminds me a little of Michael Fassbender, I just couldn’t resist revisiting Midcity one more time!
At 32k words, ‘Devil’s Luck’ is short but packs a punch. Carolyn Crane does a masterful job at getting to the crux of these two very complicated characters. Simon’s recklessness is explained with surprising clarity, and even though ‘recklessness’ always seemed like the most insubstantial of zinging powers, Crane gives us a peek into just how this wild and rash thinking has been Simon’s saviour for many years.
On the other side we have Fawna – who peeks into people’s futures against her psychiatrist’s orders. Fawna is addicted to her own foresight – particularly as it affirms her ‘doom or gloom’ predictions of love, life and humanity in general.
Simon and Fawna are natural enemies for their clashing ideals, and their push-and-pull gives readers some delicious tension early on;
Fawna was a mix of vulnerable and vicious: easily wounded, quick to taunt. Hot and a little bit crazy.
Yeah, she had her charms.
But none of that mattered. She was a long-term prognosticator, and long-term prognosticators were a type of killer. They killed you before you were dead. They poisoned your time.
Simon and Fawna are a delectable couple. Opposites do indeed attract; Simon and Fawna fall into an unlikely but heated connection after a drag race goes wrong. . . and with his feelings, Simon experiences a new sort of recklessness. He is utterly charming and endearing in his sudden, blazing feelings for Fawna, and what he wants to do for her;
He would put something good on her coat.
The Disillusionists trilogy is over, and I can’t wait for Ms Crane to release her new ‘paranormal romance spy series’ and ‘urban fantasy adventure series’. But as reception to ‘Devil’s Luck’ illustrates, fans are still enamored of Crane’s debut series. . . Simon and Fawna are certainly scratching a collective itch we all still seem to have for those neurotic superheroes.
March 23, 2012
Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks
*sigh* Simon. I love Simon. And we finally know what makes him tick!
Readers of Carolyn Crane’s Disillusionists series have been following and loving Simon since book one was released in 2010. His character is larger than life and he is very hard to ignore when he appears on the page. He’s one of those guys you think you should be annoyed by but you can’t help but like. And in Devil’s Luck, we finally get to know what makes him tick and we are also lucky enough to witness how his world is turned upside down by a little lady. And for Simon, that is a huge accomplishment on Fawna’s part.
I definitely recommend reading the full series before diving into Devil’s Luck. The way this novella is written, it would help you a lot. This story just jumps right in. You start off by being at Fawna’s side as she uses her gift (it’s a great scene that really helps us understand her and what she goes through on a daily basis) then we are quickly brought beside Simon and watch him do what he does best: try to beat the odds. Right away, you are in the story – no lead in and no long drawn out descriptions of past events – and I loved that.
And yes, we learn why Simon is as reckless as he is and I can’t believe I never thought much about the ‘why’ behind it before! He is reckless for a reason and once you learn why, not only will you kick yourself for not thinking of the why before but it totally makes sense! And even though the reason is sort of sad, his attitude is so awesome you can’t help but not feel sorry for him. He is amazing.
And yes ladies and gentlemen we finally find out what’s with all the bobbles that are stuck, tacked, sewed and placed on Fawna’s coat. Buttons, casino chips, doll heads…you name it, she has it on her coat. And the reason is great. Almost equal parts cool, creepy and sad, but great. Again her story is gripping and her bravery is amazing. I really enjoyed reading her and I find that she and Simon make a great match. They ‘get’ each other completely and it’s actually sort of adorable to watch them together. Adorable in a slightly twisted way. *g*
I really like how Carolyn writes her novellas. You don’t feel as though you are missing pieces and you don’t feel like the story is rushed. Well paced and well told, Devil’s Luck is not only a solid read but also a must-read for fans of the Disillusionists series.
4 stars
*sigh* Simon. I love Simon. And we finally know what makes him tick!
Readers of Carolyn Crane’s Disillusionists series have been following and loving Simon since book one was released in 2010. His character is larger than life and he is very hard to ignore when he appears on the page. He’s one of those guys you think you should be annoyed by but you can’t help but like. And in Devil’s Luck, we finally get to know what makes him tick and we are also lucky enough to witness how his world is turned upside down by a little lady. And for Simon, that is a huge accomplishment on Fawna’s part.
I definitely recommend reading the full series before diving into Devil’s Luck. The way this novella is written, it would help you a lot. This story just jumps right in. You start off by being at Fawna’s side as she uses her gift (it’s a great scene that really helps us understand her and what she goes through on a daily basis) then we are quickly brought beside Simon and watch him do what he does best: try to beat the odds. Right away, you are in the story – no lead in and no long drawn out descriptions of past events – and I loved that.
And yes, we learn why Simon is as reckless as he is and I can’t believe I never thought much about the ‘why’ behind it before! He is reckless for a reason and once you learn why, not only will you kick yourself for not thinking of the why before but it totally makes sense! And even though the reason is sort of sad, his attitude is so awesome you can’t help but not feel sorry for him. He is amazing.
And yes ladies and gentlemen we finally find out what’s with all the bobbles that are stuck, tacked, sewed and placed on Fawna’s coat. Buttons, casino chips, doll heads…you name it, she has it on her coat. And the reason is great. Almost equal parts cool, creepy and sad, but great. Again her story is gripping and her bravery is amazing. I really enjoyed reading her and I find that she and Simon make a great match. They ‘get’ each other completely and it’s actually sort of adorable to watch them together. Adorable in a slightly twisted way. *g*
I really like how Carolyn writes her novellas. You don’t feel as though you are missing pieces and you don’t feel like the story is rushed. Well paced and well told, Devil’s Luck is not only a solid read but also a must-read for fans of the Disillusionists series.
4 stars
March 4, 2012
So much feeling and emotion in this novella! I didn't want it to end, and now I want more of Simon, and Fawna too! Tell Carolyn to keep writing this world!
****Full Review****
Fawna is at the fair wondering on the man swallowing flaming knives ~ What kind of future would he have? Fawna is fighting the urge of looking into his future. This is her addiction, she needs to look, and keep looking for the sad part she knows is there. She's working with her therapist on the issue, but it's hard to fight what she's done all her life. As Fawna walks to the gaming tent, she sees Simon, whom she is not fond of for his ability with recklessness. These two opposites, might be able to teach each other something about themselves and what fate has in store for anyone... if they will let it happen, and not fight it.
Oh, I just loved reading this novella! Carolyn has done a wonderful job of pulling Simon to the front lines, along with Fawna. Even thought I had "heard" of Fawna in the first two books of the trilogy, we didn't physically meet her until the third book. I didn't really know much about her going into this read, but I love her now. We learn of Fawna's past, where she had been, what she did as a captive, and why she doesn't like Simon, feeling someone needs to keep an eye on him. Fawna finds she wants to be proven wrong for what she sees as the future, but doesn't feel it's possible....but maybe there's something more Fawna doesn't realize.
Then we have Simon! Oh.... I love Simon now. Oh do we learn so much of Simon! Why he's the way he is, with Simon being true to his form. Simon always seems to find trouble, and enjoys it! He is the one who takes us on the adventures we follow, being he does live a little on the dangerous side.
Did I mention a romance buds here? Well, our resident bad boy just might find some love along the way.
Carolyn does a wonderful job of doing different chapters from each view, which gives us the full rounded story of our two characters. This novella takes two who are complete opposites and possibly, if they let each other, could help and teach each other something in the end.
So much feeling and emotion in this novella! I didn't want it to end, and now I want more of Simon, and Fawna too!
****Full Review****
Fawna is at the fair wondering on the man swallowing flaming knives ~ What kind of future would he have? Fawna is fighting the urge of looking into his future. This is her addiction, she needs to look, and keep looking for the sad part she knows is there. She's working with her therapist on the issue, but it's hard to fight what she's done all her life. As Fawna walks to the gaming tent, she sees Simon, whom she is not fond of for his ability with recklessness. These two opposites, might be able to teach each other something about themselves and what fate has in store for anyone... if they will let it happen, and not fight it.
Oh, I just loved reading this novella! Carolyn has done a wonderful job of pulling Simon to the front lines, along with Fawna. Even thought I had "heard" of Fawna in the first two books of the trilogy, we didn't physically meet her until the third book. I didn't really know much about her going into this read, but I love her now. We learn of Fawna's past, where she had been, what she did as a captive, and why she doesn't like Simon, feeling someone needs to keep an eye on him. Fawna finds she wants to be proven wrong for what she sees as the future, but doesn't feel it's possible....but maybe there's something more Fawna doesn't realize.
Then we have Simon! Oh.... I love Simon now. Oh do we learn so much of Simon! Why he's the way he is, with Simon being true to his form. Simon always seems to find trouble, and enjoys it! He is the one who takes us on the adventures we follow, being he does live a little on the dangerous side.
Did I mention a romance buds here? Well, our resident bad boy just might find some love along the way.
Carolyn does a wonderful job of doing different chapters from each view, which gives us the full rounded story of our two characters. This novella takes two who are complete opposites and possibly, if they let each other, could help and teach each other something in the end.
So much feeling and emotion in this novella! I didn't want it to end, and now I want more of Simon, and Fawna too!
March 2, 2012
Loved loved loved this book! Except it was too short and now it's over...
I am not sure how to objectively review this book, because it felt so incredibly personal to me. The main characters, Simon and Fawna (from the Disillusionists trilogy), experience feelings and revelations, a connection of sorts, that just rings so true to me. I really doubt that it rings true for everyone who would read the book. But I was totally swept away - my heart actually raced! - by the intensity of the revelations they had.
I probably can't say much without giving away the plot of this short e-book, so I suppose this may be spoilery - read at your own risk! When Fawna came to the realization that even though she could see the future!, that she could still control her own choices, that fate is never locked in, that there is power and freedom in choice - this is so powerful and so true to me. I was very moved by this short book for that reason. Crane drew me in so quickly to the white hot intensity of feeling these two people experienced, I am unable to distance myself enough from that feeling to consider this book objectively. I just... loved it.
Yes, there is a romance here - it is a short work and there is not a lot of room for more than the story of these two people and how they become connected. But somehow, this is more than a romance, it's a beautiful story about two people who are on incredible journeys of their own, and who happen to find each other along the way. It's the very best kind of love story. I recommend this - it stands on its own, but would probably be more enjoyable if you had read the Disillusionists trilogy first, as these characters have a little history there.
I subscribed to Carolyn Crane's newsletter and she actually sent subscribers a link to download this e-book free, before it was available for purchase, which is just all kinds of awesome. I am such a fan now of Carolyn Crane - and I CAN'T WAIT for what she publishes next!
I am not sure how to objectively review this book, because it felt so incredibly personal to me. The main characters, Simon and Fawna (from the Disillusionists trilogy), experience feelings and revelations, a connection of sorts, that just rings so true to me. I really doubt that it rings true for everyone who would read the book. But I was totally swept away - my heart actually raced! - by the intensity of the revelations they had.
I probably can't say much without giving away the plot of this short e-book, so I suppose this may be spoilery - read at your own risk! When Fawna came to the realization that even though she could see the future!, that she could still control her own choices, that fate is never locked in, that there is power and freedom in choice - this is so powerful and so true to me. I was very moved by this short book for that reason. Crane drew me in so quickly to the white hot intensity of feeling these two people experienced, I am unable to distance myself enough from that feeling to consider this book objectively. I just... loved it.
Yes, there is a romance here - it is a short work and there is not a lot of room for more than the story of these two people and how they become connected. But somehow, this is more than a romance, it's a beautiful story about two people who are on incredible journeys of their own, and who happen to find each other along the way. It's the very best kind of love story. I recommend this - it stands on its own, but would probably be more enjoyable if you had read the Disillusionists trilogy first, as these characters have a little history there.
I subscribed to Carolyn Crane's newsletter and she actually sent subscribers a link to download this e-book free, before it was available for purchase, which is just all kinds of awesome. I am such a fan now of Carolyn Crane - and I CAN'T WAIT for what she publishes next!
March 5, 2012
Simon's crazy recklessness is what made him a Disillusionist, no gamble is too small for him, no risk to big to take, all in his effort to defy fate, a fate that would have had him die 13 years earlier. Fawna is caged with her knowledge of the future and Simon's devil-may-care fuck you attitude to fate both fascinates and repels her, she longs to be free of her cage as Simon seems to be free of his. But Fawna has seen the death that awaits in Simon's future is desparate to stop it.
The Disillusionist Trilogy was one of my favourite series last year, they were original and fun with an array of quirky characters. None quirkier then Simon, he isn't your typical hero, his reckless headlong stumbling from high to low, to having lots and losing everything, his irresponsiblity isn't normally a trait attributed to our heroes. But his charisma pours off the pages and I am so glad he got a novella of his own! Fawna was also another quirky one, she is weird and wacky but wonderful and although alot of heroines with a nasty past such as hers would be down with the brooding, she has decided to embrace her new life.
As with the Disillusionist Ttrilogy the writing is fantastic, it draws you in, it is very emotive making you feel like you are right their experiencing everything with the characters. Although this is a fairly short novella, a lot is packed in without it feeling rushed and it leaves me despatrately waiting to see what Carolyn Crane will write next!
Favourite Quotes:
No doubt he chose those jeans specifically for their butt-hugging abilities. He probably practiced that hug-promoting movement in the mirror.
***
"Maybe it's my magic wong. Does wonders for the ladies."
***
"Sometimes," Packard said, "having nothing to lose is something to lose"
The Disillusionist Trilogy was one of my favourite series last year, they were original and fun with an array of quirky characters. None quirkier then Simon, he isn't your typical hero, his reckless headlong stumbling from high to low, to having lots and losing everything, his irresponsiblity isn't normally a trait attributed to our heroes. But his charisma pours off the pages and I am so glad he got a novella of his own! Fawna was also another quirky one, she is weird and wacky but wonderful and although alot of heroines with a nasty past such as hers would be down with the brooding, she has decided to embrace her new life.
As with the Disillusionist Ttrilogy the writing is fantastic, it draws you in, it is very emotive making you feel like you are right their experiencing everything with the characters. Although this is a fairly short novella, a lot is packed in without it feeling rushed and it leaves me despatrately waiting to see what Carolyn Crane will write next!
Favourite Quotes:
No doubt he chose those jeans specifically for their butt-hugging abilities. He probably practiced that hug-promoting movement in the mirror.
***
"Maybe it's my magic wong. Does wonders for the ladies."
***
"Sometimes," Packard said, "having nothing to lose is something to lose"
March 21, 2012
A Disillusionists novella about Simon and Fawna. In Head Rush, Simon and Fawna shared an intense dislike for one another. Simon is a reckless gambler, who likes to live in the moment. He's not interested in fate, the future or Fawna who is the embodiment of everything he's against. Fawna is the mad, eccentric prognosticator, who has always been compelled to look into the future of those around her. After escaping years of imprisonment and servitude, Fawna wants to be free of the future and experience the thrill of the unknown. She is disgusted yet intrigued by Simon's carefree attitude and in a bid to escape her past and powers, she latches onto Simon. Together, Simon and Fawna are even more crazy and desperate but they're also more caring, sweet and funny. I particualrly enjoyed the scene Simon asks Fawna about all the trinkets sewn on her coat. Their chemistry is amazing and they have some memorable moments and mini-adventures together. It was adorable to see Simon get all protective of Fawna and decide to take action against her captors.
I would have preferred if this was a full length novel. Simon and Fawna's relationship changes from antagonists to lovers literally over a day. The speed of their relationship was unrealistic but because it's a novella it was necessary. Their relationship was more potentially layered and complicated than that of Justine and Packard's, it needed and deserved more time and exploration. Ideally I would have liked if their relationship had taken weeks to months to develop but I'll take what I can get.
I would have preferred if this was a full length novel. Simon and Fawna's relationship changes from antagonists to lovers literally over a day. The speed of their relationship was unrealistic but because it's a novella it was necessary. Their relationship was more potentially layered and complicated than that of Justine and Packard's, it needed and deserved more time and exploration. Ideally I would have liked if their relationship had taken weeks to months to develop but I'll take what I can get.
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