What do you think?
Rate this book
Space Dragons: Luxorian's Crew
Luxorian is a dragon without a rider, and that's a problem.
Since ancient times, dragons and riders have worked together to travel the galaxy, which means Luxorian is out of a job. Their rider abandoned them, leaving them with no void rig, no crew, and a whole lot of bitterness.
When Finder-X239, a bot who constantly talks around the truth, offers them a rig and a suspiciously well-paid materials collection contract, Lux has to accept.
But that means assembling a crew, fast, from desperate folk in their backwater spaceport town, including the humans they turned down as replacement riders. And with no rider to be their voice among the crew, the only person who can run this rig is...well...Lux.
Exploring the galaxy rim, Lux and their crew must face hostile wildlife, dangerous weather, and the vast, rig-eating void horrors that hunt through space.
But harder still, Lux must somehow gain the loyalty of the crew even though they are unwilling to give their trust in return. Not all wounds come by way of a claw or fist...
Since ancient times, dragons and riders have worked together to travel the galaxy, which means Luxorian is out of a job. Their rider abandoned them, leaving them with no void rig, no crew, and a whole lot of bitterness.
When Finder-X239, a bot who constantly talks around the truth, offers them a rig and a suspiciously well-paid materials collection contract, Lux has to accept.
But that means assembling a crew, fast, from desperate folk in their backwater spaceport town, including the humans they turned down as replacement riders. And with no rider to be their voice among the crew, the only person who can run this rig is...well...Lux.
Exploring the galaxy rim, Lux and their crew must face hostile wildlife, dangerous weather, and the vast, rig-eating void horrors that hunt through space.
But harder still, Lux must somehow gain the loyalty of the crew even though they are unwilling to give their trust in return. Not all wounds come by way of a claw or fist...
- GenresDragonsScience Fiction
148 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2024
About the author
Veo Corva
9 books6 followersVeo Corva writes things and reads things and reads things out loud, and sometimes they get paid for that, which is nice because it means they can feed their cat.
They live in Wiltshire with their partner and their furry familiar and as many books as they could fit in their small flat.
They are anxious and autistic and doing just fine.
They live in Wiltshire with their partner and their furry familiar and as many books as they could fit in their small flat.
They are anxious and autistic and doing just fine.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 27, 2024
A pretty good and engaging read, especially given the challenging novella format that can make it difficult to flesh characters enough.
Luxorian is an endearing character, going through some tough personal struggles but never in a self-pitying manner, which could have turned it grim given the backstory they seem to have. The result is a bittersweet but overall optimistic adventure of self-discovery.
The underlying comment on acceptance and diversity is well handled and distillated through Lux's pov, with no feeling of contrived exposure at all.
Showing such things through a dragon's point of view is also a good idea in two ways : vulnerability from a mighty creature comes unexpected, and it is good to see a dragon that twists that expectation of invincibility.
Not that Lux is weak, though. They have strengths but just unbeknownst to them, and it takes the help of willing companions to realize that.
The plot is rather straightforward and does its job, adding a useful element relating to acceptance by others and oneself.
On the world building side, even though it is not in depth, the scifi / fantasy mixed setting works well, exposing just what's relevant for the story yet giving it the solidity it needs.
Note : I see only the paperback and kindle edition on GR so far, but it is also available as ebook on the author's site vicorva.itch.io or on other stores such as smashwords.
Luxorian is an endearing character, going through some tough personal struggles but never in a self-pitying manner, which could have turned it grim given the backstory they seem to have. The result is a bittersweet but overall optimistic adventure of self-discovery.
The underlying comment on acceptance and diversity is well handled and distillated through Lux's pov, with no feeling of contrived exposure at all.
Showing such things through a dragon's point of view is also a good idea in two ways : vulnerability from a mighty creature comes unexpected, and it is good to see a dragon that twists that expectation of invincibility.
Not that Lux is weak, though. They have strengths but just unbeknownst to them, and it takes the help of willing companions to realize that.
The plot is rather straightforward and does its job, adding a useful element relating to acceptance by others and oneself.
On the world building side, even though it is not in depth, the scifi / fantasy mixed setting works well, exposing just what's relevant for the story yet giving it the solidity it needs.
Note : I see only the paperback and kindle edition on GR so far, but it is also available as ebook on the author's site vicorva.itch.io or on other stores such as smashwords.
November 28, 2024
I liked this novella.
It's a short and nice dragon POV story of a character that struggles to fit in. Lux is not comfortable with how dragons are "forced" into a specific role in society and that everything seems to be made for humanoids.
On Lux's journey he discovered another way to tackle things and he makes friends which originally came out of a necessity to have a crew.
The story clearly shows the reader what the goal of this book is. And you can feel what the author wrote on the last page, about how this book came into being. But I don't mind that at all. It was refreshing from all the super polished stuff that you normally get.
So overall I can highly recommend this!
It's a short and nice dragon POV story of a character that struggles to fit in. Lux is not comfortable with how dragons are "forced" into a specific role in society and that everything seems to be made for humanoids.
On Lux's journey he discovered another way to tackle things and he makes friends which originally came out of a necessity to have a crew.
The story clearly shows the reader what the goal of this book is. And you can feel what the author wrote on the last page, about how this book came into being. But I don't mind that at all. It was refreshing from all the super polished stuff that you normally get.
So overall I can highly recommend this!
October 29, 2024
I found the book overall very sweet and hopeful, with a wonderful glimpse of what a world that genuinely accepted and accommodated neurodiversty and disabilities could look like. Based on the description I was worried it'd be a lot darker, and there would be a slog through emotional pain before reaching a comfortable interaction level, but there wasn't.
Luxorian is an autistic dragon who hates the thought of having to rely on humans for anything, due primarily to an emotionally abusive ex-partner. (The abuse isn't detailed, but the results are very recognizable.)
The crew they assemble is full of people who can function in society but, like them, don't quite fit in one way or another. What develops isn't the "I love you" sort of found family, but there's a lot of mutual respect and recognition of differing needs -- and in some cases, recognition of their own needs and the ability of others to help.
And the ending will, I think, be very recognizable and satisfying to anyone who's objected to the "if you don't fit in society, you can't expect society to change to fit you" attitude that's far too common in the cis-gendered, neurotypical, physically able world.
Luxorian is an autistic dragon who hates the thought of having to rely on humans for anything, due primarily to an emotionally abusive ex-partner. (The abuse isn't detailed, but the results are very recognizable.)
The crew they assemble is full of people who can function in society but, like them, don't quite fit in one way or another. What develops isn't the "I love you" sort of found family, but there's a lot of mutual respect and recognition of differing needs -- and in some cases, recognition of their own needs and the ability of others to help.
And the ending will, I think, be very recognizable and satisfying to anyone who's objected to the "if you don't fit in society, you can't expect society to change to fit you" attitude that's far too common in the cis-gendered, neurotypical, physically able world.
October 17, 2024
I enjoyed this book more than I expected. Usually, I do not like novellas as much as novels. They are so short and all, and it often feels not completely complete to me.
This novella by Veo Corva, however, is just as good as their novels!
The first few chapters seemed to confirm my feelings about novellas, but once I really got into the story, once Luxorian and their crew got into space, that feeling changed. When I was finished, I felt like I had read a complete story. It was complete. It was satisfactory. Once again, Veo Corva has written a great story.
Space Dragons: Luxorian's Crew is a story about the search for independence, the struggle against a society that is not made for you.
What I loved about the tale is how fatphobic challenges that people who are "too fat" face in our Western society, are represented in the story. The infrastructure and society in the novella is based on humans, most things are human sized and that what is built for dragons is still very tight/cramped. It is even so that the question comes up whether it is better to resize or reshape a dragon, or to change society...
As with the other stories by Veo Corva, this novella is also about friendships, and there have been times I cried in a positive way. In a joyous way. With a gigantic smile on my face. There is so much warmth in the story. It is perfect.
I am looking forward to possible sequels.
February 4, 2025
Space Dragons: Luxorian’s Crew is a story that, despite featuring a self-contained narrative, feels more like an appetizer, than a main course meal.
It offers a unique spin on the whole dragon-rider trope with dragons being able to traverse the void between worlds on solar winds, which was enough to pique my interest. The characters are convincing and well-written, the dialogue feels fluid and natural, and the main story is simple but effective.
All those things serve to make Space Dragons: Luxorian’s Crew a decent book. However, one can’t help but notice all the themes that the story mentioned and never expanded upon. Which felt like a missed chance for greatness. For example, despite being set in a unique sci-fi world, the story doesn’t tell the reader much about it. Potential conflicts within Lux’s rag-tag crew seemed like a natural fit for the story, yet they went largely unexplored. The problems of dragons living in a human-centric world and Luxorian’s troubled relationship with their past rider display the same lack of detail.
All in all, Space Dragons: Luxorian’s Crew would make for a great first entry to a series, but doesn’t have enough depth to distinguish itself as a stand-alone story. It’s still competently written, so, if the premise sounds like something you might enjoy, I encourage you to give it a read. Just don’t expect to get your socks blown off.
It offers a unique spin on the whole dragon-rider trope with dragons being able to traverse the void between worlds on solar winds, which was enough to pique my interest. The characters are convincing and well-written, the dialogue feels fluid and natural, and the main story is simple but effective.
All those things serve to make Space Dragons: Luxorian’s Crew a decent book. However, one can’t help but notice all the themes that the story mentioned and never expanded upon. Which felt like a missed chance for greatness. For example, despite being set in a unique sci-fi world, the story doesn’t tell the reader much about it. Potential conflicts within Lux’s rag-tag crew seemed like a natural fit for the story, yet they went largely unexplored. The problems of dragons living in a human-centric world and Luxorian’s troubled relationship with their past rider display the same lack of detail.
All in all, Space Dragons: Luxorian’s Crew would make for a great first entry to a series, but doesn’t have enough depth to distinguish itself as a stand-alone story. It’s still competently written, so, if the premise sounds like something you might enjoy, I encourage you to give it a read. Just don’t expect to get your socks blown off.
October 25, 2024
Space Dragons: Luxorian's Crew is first and foremost a novella about space dragons, or at least one particular space dragon.
However, it is also about recovering from abusive relationships, building a family, doing and being more than others believe you can, and thriving in a universe where everything is built for beings of different sizes, shapes, and abilities.
If any of this resonates with you, or even if you're just in the mood for a wonderfully-written, bite-sized space opera, go and read Space Dragons: Luxorian's Crew! Space Dragons!
However, it is also about recovering from abusive relationships, building a family, doing and being more than others believe you can, and thriving in a universe where everything is built for beings of different sizes, shapes, and abilities.
If any of this resonates with you, or even if you're just in the mood for a wonderfully-written, bite-sized space opera, go and read Space Dragons: Luxorian's Crew! Space Dragons!
March 18, 2026
In the words of the author, "I really liked this book!"
In all seriousness, I did really enjoy reading this one. I liked the characters, the settings, the world building. It would be quicker and easier to name just the things I don't like, of which there were very few. The only negative feedback I can think of is disliking how often the word "awkwardly" or "awkward" is used, but the book is written around an autistic dragon, so I'm not too upset.
My biggest problem with the book? Its not long enough qwq
In all seriousness, I did really enjoy reading this one. I liked the characters, the settings, the world building. It would be quicker and easier to name just the things I don't like, of which there were very few. The only negative feedback I can think of is disliking how often the word "awkwardly" or "awkward" is used, but the book is written around an autistic dragon, so I'm not too upset.
My biggest problem with the book? Its not long enough qwq
February 23, 2026
I just finished this and now I need book two.
This was very cute and heart warming and reminded me of "A long way to a small, angry planet" by Becky Chambers.
I want to read more of this and spend more time with all the characters. This was a great read and I can't wait for more!
This was very cute and heart warming and reminded me of "A long way to a small, angry planet" by Becky Chambers.
I want to read more of this and spend more time with all the characters. This was a great read and I can't wait for more!
November 13, 2024
Short, cozy, and neurodivergent? I love it. <3
January 16, 2025
To say a great deal would spoil the best of Luxorian's Crew. What I will say is that the main conflict explored is dauntingly complex, interlocked with matters of society and economics and more, but the author, Veo Corva, writes with an advanced understanding of the topics therewithin.
Near-all my expectations were pleasantly subverted. No one in this book falls under, nor can be reduced to, an archetype or attribute. (An aside: each character name is short and memorable.)
The prose is easy to read and has several beautiful lines. What most stands out, however, is how clearly yet succinctly complex issues are explained without any loss of nuance.
My sole dislike is that the end of act two sags a bit. But be not deterred. Heartwarming interactions, the character moments in those lulls, come in spades to make up for this.
Thoughtful where it could easily be bitter; intelligent where it could easily be crass; and solution-focused where it could easily be navel-gazing—Luxorian's Crew takes the high road in all respects. I trust Veo's ability and skill to make the sequel as nuanced if not more so.
And the space scenes? They are a treat.
Near-all my expectations were pleasantly subverted. No one in this book falls under, nor can be reduced to, an archetype or attribute. (An aside: each character name is short and memorable.)
The prose is easy to read and has several beautiful lines. What most stands out, however, is how clearly yet succinctly complex issues are explained without any loss of nuance.
My sole dislike is that the end of act two sags a bit. But be not deterred. Heartwarming interactions, the character moments in those lulls, come in spades to make up for this.
Thoughtful where it could easily be bitter; intelligent where it could easily be crass; and solution-focused where it could easily be navel-gazing—Luxorian's Crew takes the high road in all respects. I trust Veo's ability and skill to make the sequel as nuanced if not more so.
And the space scenes? They are a treat.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews