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Dogtown Shuffle: A Short Story From the Geotek Universe
In the near-future sprawl of Dogtown, Santa Monica, survival is a trade-and everyone's selling something. Scavenger Nix tries to unload a stash of black-market, military tech, with the help of his skate-rat compatriot, a street kid named Kick, and a crew of Mercado hustlers, who know the price of every secret. What starts as a simple score becomes a collision between human grit and corporate control in a world where mistakes are expensive and life is cheap.
35 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 14, 2025
Imagine a future where humanity faces challenges with advanced technology, where survival is daily struggle.
This was an enjoyable read! If you enjoy SciFi/Cyberpunk that’s fun, thrilling, action packed , fast paced thats sprinkle with a little of humor that feels realistic, this is the book to read.
The author did an excellent job capturing the emotions of each of the characters. The world building was so detailed and descriptive that made it easy to imagine and understand; you could almost feel the tension and emotion as if you were in it.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.
This was an enjoyable read! If you enjoy SciFi/Cyberpunk that’s fun, thrilling, action packed , fast paced thats sprinkle with a little of humor that feels realistic, this is the book to read.
The author did an excellent job capturing the emotions of each of the characters. The world building was so detailed and descriptive that made it easy to imagine and understand; you could almost feel the tension and emotion as if you were in it.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.
January 20, 2026
Dogtown Shuffle:A Short Story From the Geotek Universe
By
Jeffrey La Grua
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉This book delivers a sharp, street-level vision of a near-future Santa Monica where survival depends on knowing who to trust—and when to walk away. Jeffrey La Grua builds a world that feels tense and lived-in, where commerce replaces community and every interaction carries risk. The story opens with momentum and never slows down, immediately pulling the reader into a gritty environment shaped by desperation, ambition, and constant negotiation.
👉Nix, the story’s central character, is a compelling protagonist because he feels grounded in reality rather than elevated above it. He isn’t chasing glory or ideology—he’s chasing survival. His attempt to sell black-market military tech sets the plot in motion, but it’s his internal calculations, doubts, and adaptability that make the narrative engaging. The mistakes he makes feel natural, not forced, and when consequences arrive, they hit hard. This realism adds weight to every decision he makes.
👉The supporting characters bring texture and energy to the story. Kick, the young skate-rat, injects urgency and unpredictability, serving as both an asset and a liability in tense moments. The Mercado crew, meanwhile, represents a different kind of danger—calculated, informed, and always watching the angles. These characters are not exaggerated or simplified; they behave like people shaped by a harsh system where trust is temporary and leverage is everything.
👉What stands out most is how the story explores control without making it the center of attention. Corporate power exists mostly in the background, yet its influence is unmistakable. The streets of Dogtown are crowded with people struggling to survive beneath systems they cannot see or challenge directly. La Grua allows these themes to emerge through action and consequence rather than exposition, making the world feel authentic and unsettling.
👉Despite being a short story, Dogtown Shuffle leaves a strong and lasting impression. It balances action, atmosphere, and character with impressive precision, offering a complete experience without overstaying its welcome.
By
Jeffrey La Grua
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉This book delivers a sharp, street-level vision of a near-future Santa Monica where survival depends on knowing who to trust—and when to walk away. Jeffrey La Grua builds a world that feels tense and lived-in, where commerce replaces community and every interaction carries risk. The story opens with momentum and never slows down, immediately pulling the reader into a gritty environment shaped by desperation, ambition, and constant negotiation.
👉Nix, the story’s central character, is a compelling protagonist because he feels grounded in reality rather than elevated above it. He isn’t chasing glory or ideology—he’s chasing survival. His attempt to sell black-market military tech sets the plot in motion, but it’s his internal calculations, doubts, and adaptability that make the narrative engaging. The mistakes he makes feel natural, not forced, and when consequences arrive, they hit hard. This realism adds weight to every decision he makes.
👉The supporting characters bring texture and energy to the story. Kick, the young skate-rat, injects urgency and unpredictability, serving as both an asset and a liability in tense moments. The Mercado crew, meanwhile, represents a different kind of danger—calculated, informed, and always watching the angles. These characters are not exaggerated or simplified; they behave like people shaped by a harsh system where trust is temporary and leverage is everything.
👉What stands out most is how the story explores control without making it the center of attention. Corporate power exists mostly in the background, yet its influence is unmistakable. The streets of Dogtown are crowded with people struggling to survive beneath systems they cannot see or challenge directly. La Grua allows these themes to emerge through action and consequence rather than exposition, making the world feel authentic and unsettling.
👉Despite being a short story, Dogtown Shuffle leaves a strong and lasting impression. It balances action, atmosphere, and character with impressive precision, offering a complete experience without overstaying its welcome.
January 13, 2026
From the very first chapter, this book pulled me into a grimy, electric version of Dogtown where everything feels bartered, borrowed, or stolen. The setting alone is vivid enough to smell the salt air mixed with ozone and rust, but what really hooked me was how lived-in the world feels. Nothing is explained at length or spoon-fed—you’re dropped right into the hustle, and you either keep up or get left behind. That choice makes the reading experience feel immersive, like you’re skating alongside the characters rather than watching them from a safe distance.
Nix is the kind of protagonist I enjoy most: capable, flawed, and constantly improvising. His attempt to move illicit military hardware seems straightforward at first, but it’s clear early on that “simple jobs” don’t exist in this world. I appreciated how his instincts and miscalculations both matter; when things go wrong, it never feels forced or convenient. Kick, in particular, stood out to me—not just as comic relief or a sidekick, but as a sharp, street-smart presence whose loyalty and recklessness add real tension to every scene.
The supporting cast, especially the Mercado crew, adds another layer of grit and unpredictability. They’re not painted as heroes or villains, just people who understand the value of information and leverage better than anyone else. Every interaction feels transactional, and that constant negotiation—of money, trust, and survival—keeps the stakes high. I liked that alliances here are practical rather than sentimental, which fits perfectly with the tone of the story.
What really elevates the book is its quiet commentary on power and control. Corporate forces loom over the narrative like an invisible hand, shaping outcomes even when they’re not directly on the page. The contrast between people scraping by on the street and the distant entities pulling the strings is handled subtly, without heavy-handed speeches. The story lets the consequences speak for themselves, especially when small mistakes spiral into brutal outcomes.
Nix is the kind of protagonist I enjoy most: capable, flawed, and constantly improvising. His attempt to move illicit military hardware seems straightforward at first, but it’s clear early on that “simple jobs” don’t exist in this world. I appreciated how his instincts and miscalculations both matter; when things go wrong, it never feels forced or convenient. Kick, in particular, stood out to me—not just as comic relief or a sidekick, but as a sharp, street-smart presence whose loyalty and recklessness add real tension to every scene.
The supporting cast, especially the Mercado crew, adds another layer of grit and unpredictability. They’re not painted as heroes or villains, just people who understand the value of information and leverage better than anyone else. Every interaction feels transactional, and that constant negotiation—of money, trust, and survival—keeps the stakes high. I liked that alliances here are practical rather than sentimental, which fits perfectly with the tone of the story.
What really elevates the book is its quiet commentary on power and control. Corporate forces loom over the narrative like an invisible hand, shaping outcomes even when they’re not directly on the page. The contrast between people scraping by on the street and the distant entities pulling the strings is handled subtly, without heavy-handed speeches. The story lets the consequences speak for themselves, especially when small mistakes spiral into brutal outcomes.
January 20, 2026
Dogtown Shuffle is an engaging story set in a rough future version of Santa Monica where survival depends on street deals and smart thinking. The story follows Nix, a scavenger trying to sell illegal military tech in Dogtown’s busy market. What starts as a normal sale slowly turns dangerous as secrets, power, and control begin to clash. The tension builds naturally, keeping the reader interested from start to finish.
Instead of focusing only on action, the story spends time showing how Dogtown works. We see crowded stalls, damaged tech, street kids watching for opportunities, and people struggling with addiction and hunger. These scenes help explain the world through everyday moments, making Dogtown feel real and alive. The market setting especially stands out, showing how business and survival are tightly connected.
The characters are written in a very believable way. Nix comes across as experienced, cautious, and shaped by the streets he lives on. Characters like Kick and Torch add emotional weight to the story, showing loyalty, desperation, and hard truths. Their conversations feel natural and help the reader understand the cost of living in such a harsh place.
I would recommend Dogtown Shuffle to readers who enjoy realistic science fiction with strong atmosphere and character focus. It is a quick read, but it tells a complete story and leaves a strong impression. If you enjoy future worlds that feel close to reality and stories driven by people and choices, this book is worth reading.
Instead of focusing only on action, the story spends time showing how Dogtown works. We see crowded stalls, damaged tech, street kids watching for opportunities, and people struggling with addiction and hunger. These scenes help explain the world through everyday moments, making Dogtown feel real and alive. The market setting especially stands out, showing how business and survival are tightly connected.
The characters are written in a very believable way. Nix comes across as experienced, cautious, and shaped by the streets he lives on. Characters like Kick and Torch add emotional weight to the story, showing loyalty, desperation, and hard truths. Their conversations feel natural and help the reader understand the cost of living in such a harsh place.
I would recommend Dogtown Shuffle to readers who enjoy realistic science fiction with strong atmosphere and character focus. It is a quick read, but it tells a complete story and leaves a strong impression. If you enjoy future worlds that feel close to reality and stories driven by people and choices, this book is worth reading.
January 6, 2026
Dogtown Shuffle is a strong and engaging short story that pulls the reader into a harsh but believable future world. Jeffrey La Grua presents Dogtown, Santa Monica, as a place where survival depends on skill, street sense, and smart choices. The setting feels real and alive, especially the street markets and back-alley deals, which make the story easy to imagine and follow.
The characters are one of the best parts of this book. Nix, the main character, feels real and grounded. He is clever, tired, and shaped by the life he lives. Supporting characters like Kick and Torch add depth to the story and show different sides of life in Dogtown. Their interactions feel natural and honest, which makes the emotional moments stronger.
What I personally liked about this book is how it focuses on people more than technology. Even though the story includes advanced tech and black-market gear, the heart of the story is about human struggle, trust, and survival. While reading, I felt connected to the characters because their problems felt close to real life, just set in a future world.
I would happily recommend Dogtown Shuffle to readers who enjoy gritty science fiction with strong characters. It is easy to read, well-paced, and leaves a lasting impression despite being a short story. If you are looking for a realistic, street-level sci-fi story that feels honest and thoughtful, this book is a great choice.
The characters are one of the best parts of this book. Nix, the main character, feels real and grounded. He is clever, tired, and shaped by the life he lives. Supporting characters like Kick and Torch add depth to the story and show different sides of life in Dogtown. Their interactions feel natural and honest, which makes the emotional moments stronger.
What I personally liked about this book is how it focuses on people more than technology. Even though the story includes advanced tech and black-market gear, the heart of the story is about human struggle, trust, and survival. While reading, I felt connected to the characters because their problems felt close to real life, just set in a future world.
I would happily recommend Dogtown Shuffle to readers who enjoy gritty science fiction with strong characters. It is easy to read, well-paced, and leaves a lasting impression despite being a short story. If you are looking for a realistic, street-level sci-fi story that feels honest and thoughtful, this book is a great choice.
January 29, 2026
Dogtown Shuffle drops the reader straight into a gritty, street-level future where survival is currency and trust is rare. Jeffrey La Grua’s version of Santa Monica feels raw and lived-in, not polished or futuristic for show. The setting is dense with atmosphere—markets buzzing with desperation, technology traded like contraband, and characters always watching their backs.
Nix is a compelling lead because he feels real rather than heroic. His decisions are shaped by experience, not optimism, and every move he makes carries weight. Kick, meanwhile, adds tension and unpredictability, serving as both ally and liability. Their dynamic gives the story emotional grounding amid the chaos.
What stands out most is how much story La Grua fits into a short format. There’s action, tension, and quiet commentary on power without ever slowing the pace. This is a strong, focused sci-fi short that delivers impact without overstaying its welcome.
February 6, 2026
Get ready to shred through the gritty, high-stakes underworld of Dogtown, Santa Monica. This near-future thriller is a wild ride with Nix, a scavenger with a stash of hot military tech, and his crew of Mercado hustlers.
What starts as a simple score quickly spirals into a fight for survival against corporate control. The streets are mean, life is cheap, and mistakes are expensive - you'll be on the edge of your seat as Nix and co. navigate this treacherous landscape.
The world-building is immersive, with a palpable sense of tension and desperation that'll leave you feeling like you're right there on the streets of Dogtown. With its fast-paced action and gritty characters, this book is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and cyberpunk.
The tension is real, the stakes are high, and the characters will get you hooked! If you love dystopian fiction with a dash of cyberpunk flair, you'll devour this book.
What starts as a simple score quickly spirals into a fight for survival against corporate control. The streets are mean, life is cheap, and mistakes are expensive - you'll be on the edge of your seat as Nix and co. navigate this treacherous landscape.
The world-building is immersive, with a palpable sense of tension and desperation that'll leave you feeling like you're right there on the streets of Dogtown. With its fast-paced action and gritty characters, this book is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and cyberpunk.
The tension is real, the stakes are high, and the characters will get you hooked! If you love dystopian fiction with a dash of cyberpunk flair, you'll devour this book.
January 29, 2026
This story excels at making its world feel authentic. Dogtown isn’t explained—it’s experienced. Readers are thrown into the middle of deals, danger, and survival, forced to learn the rules as the characters do. That approach makes the setting feel immediate and immersive.
The characters drive the narrative more than the technology. Nix’s careful calculations and moral gray areas feel believable, while Kick brings energy and risk into every scene. The Mercado crew adds another layer, showing how information is just another commodity.
Rather than relying on spectacle, the story builds tension through consequences. Small mistakes snowball, and nothing feels safe or guaranteed. Dogtown Shuffle is a sharp, character-focused sci-fi story that rewards attention and leaves a strong impression.
January 29, 2026
Dogtown Shuffle paints a future that feels uncomfortably close to our own. The markets, deals, and desperation echo modern realities, just amplified through black-market tech and corporate dominance. The story’s tone is gritty without being exaggerated.
Nix stands out as a protagonist because he survives through instinct and experience, not luck. He isn’t invincible, and that vulnerability makes every decision feel tense. Kick’s presence adds emotional friction, pushing situations toward both loyalty and disaster.
The story’s real strength is its restraint. It never lectures or overexplains, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about power and control. For a short story, it feels complete and thoughtfully constructed.
January 29, 2026
From its opening pages, Dogtown Shuffle establishes a sharp, dangerous rhythm. The prose is tight and purposeful, mirroring the hustle-or-die mentality of Dogtown itself. Every scene feels like it matters.
The characters are layered without being overcomplicated. Nix is practical and cautious, shaped by years of scraping by. Kick injects urgency and unpredictability, while the Mercado players blur the line between allies and threats.
This is sci-fi that trusts its audience. It doesn’t slow down to explain the world, yet everything makes sense through action and dialogue. It’s a fast, engaging read that lingers longer than expected.
The characters are layered without being overcomplicated. Nix is practical and cautious, shaped by years of scraping by. Kick injects urgency and unpredictability, while the Mercado players blur the line between allies and threats.
This is sci-fi that trusts its audience. It doesn’t slow down to explain the world, yet everything makes sense through action and dialogue. It’s a fast, engaging read that lingers longer than expected.
January 29, 2026
What makes Dogtown Shuffle compelling is how grounded it feels. Despite its futuristic setting, the story revolves around familiar struggles—money, trust, and survival. The technology never overshadows the people using it.
Nix’s attempt to sell military hardware drives the plot, but it’s the interactions that hold attention. Conversations feel natural, tense, and often transactional. Kick’s presence adds humanity and risk in equal measure.
This short story succeeds by focusing on consequences. Actions ripple outward, and no one escapes unscathed. It’s a gritty, well-paced narrative that delivers depth without excess.
Nix’s attempt to sell military hardware drives the plot, but it’s the interactions that hold attention. Conversations feel natural, tense, and often transactional. Kick’s presence adds humanity and risk in equal measure.
This short story succeeds by focusing on consequences. Actions ripple outward, and no one escapes unscathed. It’s a gritty, well-paced narrative that delivers depth without excess.
January 29, 2026
La Grua’s Dogtown is chaotic, loud, and unforgiving, yet strangely believable. The story captures the feeling of a place where everyone is hustling, watching, and waiting for an advantage. The market scenes are especially vivid.
The characters feel shaped by their environment rather than written to fit a plot. Nix’s caution contrasts with Kick’s recklessness, creating constant tension. The supporting cast adds texture without stealing focus.
This is a smartly written sci-fi short that values atmosphere and character over flashy concepts. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy grounded future worlds with real emotional stakes.
January 29, 2026
Dogtown Shuffle thrives on momentum. Once the story starts moving, it never fully slows down. The pacing mirrors the urgency of street deals where hesitation can be fatal.
Nix’s perspective keeps the narrative grounded. His awareness of risk and cost gives weight to even small choices. Kick’s loyalty, while admirable, often complicates matters and heightens suspense.
The story avoids clear heroes or villains, which makes it feel honest. Everyone is operating within a broken system, doing what they must to survive. That realism makes the ending especially impactful.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews