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Luckless #2
Dauntless
Evan Luck is a dragon rider who, after years of thinking he'd never bond with another one, now has a dragon again. His empathic connection with the powerful silver dragon Ladon, known in his human form as Lee Caldwell, has made them the most valuable defenders of the city of Forge against monstrous invaders. The fact that they love each other and dote on Lee's ten-year-old son, Jason? Those are blessings Evan never saw coming. He knows life is good...even as he realizes that the world is becoming more dangerous by the day.
With monsters leaving the mountains of the Front Range to roam the plains for food and the influx of refugees to Forge increasing by the day, Evan has his hands more than full defending the city and training new recruits to fight. When Jason, desperate to bond with a dragon of his own but continually refused by the dragons of Forge, begins to lose control of himself, Evan and Lee make plans to do the unthinkable: leave Forge to fend for itself and take their son to Chicago, the nearest human and dragon stronghold to their own city.
But Chicago has its own terrors to deal with, and their last hope for Jason's future might be lost before they can save it.
With monsters leaving the mountains of the Front Range to roam the plains for food and the influx of refugees to Forge increasing by the day, Evan has his hands more than full defending the city and training new recruits to fight. When Jason, desperate to bond with a dragon of his own but continually refused by the dragons of Forge, begins to lose control of himself, Evan and Lee make plans to do the unthinkable: leave Forge to fend for itself and take their son to Chicago, the nearest human and dragon stronghold to their own city.
But Chicago has its own terrors to deal with, and their last hope for Jason's future might be lost before they can save it.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2021
37 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
133 books538 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 10, 2021
Another 4.5 Stars!
I’m kicking myself in the ass for attacking this so quickly after release date, because now I have to wait for what will seem like forever to get to the conclusion because who knows when that will be! Aarrrgggghhh!
Regardless, this was just as good as the first installment. I love Evan and Lee and how strong their bond and connection are. I love they’re a formidable fighting pair, so much so that they’ve made leaps and bounds in strengthening the Denver stronghold. And I love their son Jason who’s so earnest and adorable and heart wrenching in his absolute painful desperation in wanting to find a dragon to bond with.
Despite Evan and Lee’s wins, the world is not changing for the better, and the monsters that dominate are getting more fearless and deadly. This sets up the dangerous grim task that is waiting for our heroes, as we will have to see how Ms. Z brings a winning conclusion for this world’s dire situation.
Brutal post apocalyptic setting with fearsome monsters and the dragons (and their bonded riders) who fight the good fight, all with heart stopping action and swoony romance with great family/kid dynamics. If you haven't read Luckless and you need a dragon fix, go now especially those who have KU!
I’m kicking myself in the ass for attacking this so quickly after release date, because now I have to wait for what will seem like forever to get to the conclusion because who knows when that will be! Aarrrgggghhh!
Regardless, this was just as good as the first installment. I love Evan and Lee and how strong their bond and connection are. I love they’re a formidable fighting pair, so much so that they’ve made leaps and bounds in strengthening the Denver stronghold. And I love their son Jason who’s so earnest and adorable and heart wrenching in his absolute painful desperation in wanting to find a dragon to bond with.
Despite Evan and Lee’s wins, the world is not changing for the better, and the monsters that dominate are getting more fearless and deadly. This sets up the dangerous grim task that is waiting for our heroes, as we will have to see how Ms. Z brings a winning conclusion for this world’s dire situation.
Brutal post apocalyptic setting with fearsome monsters and the dragons (and their bonded riders) who fight the good fight, all with heart stopping action and swoony romance with great family/kid dynamics. If you haven't read Luckless and you need a dragon fix, go now especially those who have KU!
June 25, 2023
The second installment in the Luckless series is just as exceptionally wonderful as the first. From the dystopian world, the richness of the plot and the unique relationships of the characters, it's just incredibly beautiful.
It's such a shame that these books are this short. There is so much potential here for an entire epic. Alas ... I'll settle for the crumbs.
Evan and Lee ... my darlings. The romance is kept pretty short, you only ever get a few small glimpses with the two of them, but the love between them is in almost every word of the story.
“I want you to be yourself, always.” Just a few words, none of them typical words of love, and Evan’s heart melted in his chest every damn time. Would he ever get used to this man? Ever stop appreciating his love, ever start taking it for granted? God, he hoped not. 😍😍😍
It's such a shame that these books are this short. There is so much potential here for an entire epic. Alas ... I'll settle for the crumbs.
Evan and Lee ... my darlings. The romance is kept pretty short, you only ever get a few small glimpses with the two of them, but the love between them is in almost every word of the story.
“I want you to be yourself, always.” Just a few words, none of them typical words of love, and Evan’s heart melted in his chest every damn time. Would he ever get used to this man? Ever stop appreciating his love, ever start taking it for granted? God, he hoped not. 😍😍😍
September 23, 2021
Mind blowing Romance and Adventure!
Luckless was incredible.... Dauntless is that and so much more! So much heart, danger and love. Absolutely adored this book! Awesome world building filled with people that truly come to life!
Luckless was incredible.... Dauntless is that and so much more! So much heart, danger and love. Absolutely adored this book! Awesome world building filled with people that truly come to life!
July 16, 2022
Evan and Lee's relationship grows stronger in this second in the series, and the bond between Jason and Evan was heartmelting. I really love this found family.
A reminder of the content:
✔️Dragons and dragon riders
✔️Monsters
✔️Apocalyptic world
✔️MM romance
*Spoilers below from book one!*
There is a dark change in the air. Monsters never seen in the area appear, battles are harder to win, and a stranger arrives with something special from Chicago.
I wished there was more explanation regarding Lee's deceased wife. I'm not a big fan of this trope, but to never talk about her? I really needed more backstory on everyone.
Why do dragons bond with only a particular human?
How many shifter dragons are out there?
Who were Lee/Landon's parents?
What exactly happened in Chicago, how long did Lee live there?
Maybe book three will answer these questions.
*A heads up that the book ends at 90%. The last 10% is an excerpt from book one. Which makes zero sense to put at the end of book two.
A reminder of the content:
✔️Dragons and dragon riders
✔️Monsters
✔️Apocalyptic world
✔️MM romance
*Spoilers below from book one!*
There is a dark change in the air. Monsters never seen in the area appear, battles are harder to win, and a stranger arrives with something special from Chicago.
I wished there was more explanation regarding Lee's deceased wife. I'm not a big fan of this trope, but to never talk about her? I really needed more backstory on everyone.
Why do dragons bond with only a particular human?
How many shifter dragons are out there?
Who were Lee/Landon's parents?
What exactly happened in Chicago, how long did Lee live there?
Maybe book three will answer these questions.
*A heads up that the book ends at 90%. The last 10% is an excerpt from book one. Which makes zero sense to put at the end of book two.
May 5, 2023
3.5 stars
the adventures of this fantasy/dystopian world is a ride and i am living for it. i want to be a dragon rider haha.
I think that a dual POV would have made this book/previous book way better, but even without that it is very entertaining.
can't wait to see what happens in the final book.
the adventures of this fantasy/dystopian world is a ride and i am living for it. i want to be a dragon rider haha.
I think that a dual POV would have made this book/previous book way better, but even without that it is very entertaining.
can't wait to see what happens in the final book.
September 22, 2021
3.5
Book 2 shows Evan and Lee as an established couple, valuable for the city of Forge and it's defense against the monster hordes. Have to admit that I read both books in one go, so I might have slight issues to remember where the one ended and the other starts. What I remember is that while book 1 was about the world building, introducing Evan and get him together with Evan, book 2 is focusing about their being a family now. So if you're looking for a hot romance or epic battles or a grander world picture you might be disappointed. There is romance and there are nice battles but it's more about Evan finding his place in his new family and cope with his status upgrade due to him being the bond mate of the most powerful dragon in the Denver area.
While it's a bit longer than the first part, it's still too short for everything that is told. I miss the voice of the supporting characters. Seemed to me Cari Z had some great characters in mind but she didn't give them enough space to shine and without such a support the world building is lacking a bit and is not on par with book 1.
Still: I read both books in one go and would have read the next one afterwards right away if it would have been already available. That world and Evan make an inevitable draw for me, even while I can't shake off some niggling feelings after finishing Dauntless. So I decided to round it up into 4 for the overall appeal.
Book 2 shows Evan and Lee as an established couple, valuable for the city of Forge and it's defense against the monster hordes. Have to admit that I read both books in one go, so I might have slight issues to remember where the one ended and the other starts. What I remember is that while book 1 was about the world building, introducing Evan and get him together with Evan, book 2 is focusing about their being a family now. So if you're looking for a hot romance or epic battles or a grander world picture you might be disappointed. There is romance and there are nice battles but it's more about Evan finding his place in his new family and cope with his status upgrade due to him being the bond mate of the most powerful dragon in the Denver area.
While it's a bit longer than the first part, it's still too short for everything that is told. I miss the voice of the supporting characters. Seemed to me Cari Z had some great characters in mind but she didn't give them enough space to shine and without such a support the world building is lacking a bit and is not on par with book 1.
Still: I read both books in one go and would have read the next one afterwards right away if it would have been already available. That world and Evan make an inevitable draw for me, even while I can't shake off some niggling feelings after finishing Dauntless. So I decided to round it up into 4 for the overall appeal.
January 14, 2023
Reread January 13, 2023
I’d forgotten how much I loved this one. Like, I get why some reviewers are a little less enchanted than I since, once again, the romance isn’t the focus of the story, but when the story and world are this compelling and the bond between the MCs this powerful, I don’t mind at all. And I was so, so into Lee and Evan’s son’s character development and trajectory.
Dragons having empathic bonds with their riders ✔️
Post-apocalyptic setting ✔️
Monster invasions ✔️
Badass archery skills ✔️
Great communication between MCs ✔️
What’s not to love!?!
4.5 stars
So excited to start the final (‘for now’ according to Cari Z) installment of this series.
KU but bought outright.
Unread books on my kindle: still 83
I’d forgotten how much I loved this one. Like, I get why some reviewers are a little less enchanted than I since, once again, the romance isn’t the focus of the story, but when the story and world are this compelling and the bond between the MCs this powerful, I don’t mind at all. And I was so, so into Lee and Evan’s son’s character development and trajectory.
Dragons having empathic bonds with their riders ✔️
Post-apocalyptic setting ✔️
Monster invasions ✔️
Badass archery skills ✔️
Great communication between MCs ✔️
What’s not to love!?!
4.5 stars
So excited to start the final (‘for now’ according to Cari Z) installment of this series.
KU but bought outright.
Unread books on my kindle: still 83
January 2, 2023
I'm just a little bit addicted to this series. I don't normally read/listen to books in a series one after the other, I usually need a bit of refresher space in between. Not here, I've jumped from book to book!
This is high action, character driven post apocalyptic fantasy. Although it is quite low heat/steam, the romance is strong.
Michael Ferraiuolo has done a wonderful job weaving it altogether lending a sense of urgency to the action, but never forgetting the beautiful characters involved in those scenes.
Highly Recommended!
September 23, 2021
SPOILERS EVERYWHERE
3.5 stars
While the adventure is excellent - dragons! other fantasy creatures! fights in the air! - and I LOVE Evan for being so fierce when it comes to Jason (he is Lee's son, but Evan loves the ten year old like he's his own) but I am a bit disappointed with the ending.
Clearly it is meant to be another book to follow, since Evan and Lee are planning to leave Forge and headed to Chicago (and leave Jason behind because Jason just discovers his own baby dragon) to find the answer on why suddenly the monsters are getting restless and nowhere they should be. I'm not very happy with that. I know it's not exactly a cliff-hanger, but it also feels unfinished for now. I guess I'm not in the mood for that kind of ending right now.
3.5 stars
While the adventure is excellent - dragons! other fantasy creatures! fights in the air! - and I LOVE Evan for being so fierce when it comes to Jason (he is Lee's son, but Evan loves the ten year old like he's his own) but I am a bit disappointed with the ending.
Clearly it is meant to be another book to follow, since Evan and Lee are planning to leave Forge and headed to Chicago (and leave Jason behind because Jason just discovers his own baby dragon) to find the answer on why suddenly the monsters are getting restless and nowhere they should be. I'm not very happy with that. I know it's not exactly a cliff-hanger, but it also feels unfinished for now. I guess I'm not in the mood for that kind of ending right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2022
Quite interesting. Great world building. Loved to see how strong the connection is between Evan and Lee/Ladon. Loved their battles. I felt for Jason as he was desperately seeking to bond to a dragon. Hope we'll learn more about him and Rayan. Curious what will happen in Chicago and what is driving the monsters to leave their usual hunting grounds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 21, 2024Really enjoying the audio book of this! Michael F. is a great narrator. And the story is wonderful, too. Great worldbuilding.
June 27, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Dauntless is the second book in the Luckless series and these must be read in order. The first book, Luckless, establishes Lee and Evan’s relationship and offers a general overview of the world in which they are living. Dauntless is a decent follow up and continues to build out the bond between Lee and Evan.
Since becoming both partners and lovers, Evan and Lee are happy. Life at the Forge is good and they have a life to call their own. We see their love for one another and for Jason and how it dictates their decisions at all levels. They are a family first and defenders second and this devotion to one another comes through in a big way. Jason’s struggles are heartbreaking and the fact Evan is willing to toss aside everything to save the boy shows how much he’s come to care for him. This couple is sweet without being saccharine and, while not every aspect of their relationship is on display, the author does a good job of alluding to the depth of love they share.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Dauntless is the second book in the Luckless series and these must be read in order. The first book, Luckless, establishes Lee and Evan’s relationship and offers a general overview of the world in which they are living. Dauntless is a decent follow up and continues to build out the bond between Lee and Evan.
Since becoming both partners and lovers, Evan and Lee are happy. Life at the Forge is good and they have a life to call their own. We see their love for one another and for Jason and how it dictates their decisions at all levels. They are a family first and defenders second and this devotion to one another comes through in a big way. Jason’s struggles are heartbreaking and the fact Evan is willing to toss aside everything to save the boy shows how much he’s come to care for him. This couple is sweet without being saccharine and, while not every aspect of their relationship is on display, the author does a good job of alluding to the depth of love they share.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
September 22, 2021
Exciting return to the world
Cari Z returns to the world of Evan Luckless and it’s non stop action from beginning to end.
Lee and Evan’s relationship is strong and I was engaged as they worked together as dragon pair and as a parental pair. Their communication with each other was a delight to read.
I love Cari’s writing style as she weaves a story and I can’t wait for more books.
Cari Z returns to the world of Evan Luckless and it’s non stop action from beginning to end.
Lee and Evan’s relationship is strong and I was engaged as they worked together as dragon pair and as a parental pair. Their communication with each other was a delight to read.
I love Cari’s writing style as she weaves a story and I can’t wait for more books.
September 23, 2021
Loved book 2 and hoping for many more. I love fantasy book and mm books and this one brings both together. I'm a fan of Anne MacCaffrey Dragons of Pern books and I must admit that Cari Z Luckless, and Dauntless have a great world building, interesting characters and species, an the relationship between the riders and their dragons.
January 10, 2023
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
January 22, 2024
Another great installment. I love this series and there is so much room in this world to play that I wish these were longer.
November 28, 2021
Great second book.
I really love the importance of “family” in this story. Really love Lee and Evan, the dialogue, the world/setting. This is just such a great little series.
Only thing I have to say is that in the second sex scene, the author accidentally uses Jason’s name twice, instead of Evan.. which was kinda awkward.
I really love the importance of “family” in this story. Really love Lee and Evan, the dialogue, the world/setting. This is just such a great little series.
Only thing I have to say is that in the second sex scene, the author accidentally uses Jason’s name twice, instead of Evan.. which was kinda awkward.
April 30, 2022
Dystopian novella.
Really good follow up to first story.
Continues the adventures of Even and his bonded dragon shifter mate Lee/Ladon. The fight to survive against all the nasty creatures showing up has intensified. Lee's son Jason is not thriving, seeming to become more and more fragile as he approaches puberty. Lee and Evan are desperate to help him have a chance to bond with his own dragon which Lee thinks needs to happen soon.
And then!! Baby dragon, who doesn't love a baby dragon.
Very good world building for such a short story.
I am in love with these two short stories. We are left on a cliffhanger and I noted it was over a year between the last and first stories, hopefully the wait won't be that long. Good reading.
ReRead for next book.
Really good follow up to first story.
Continues the adventures of Even and his bonded dragon shifter mate Lee/Ladon. The fight to survive against all the nasty creatures showing up has intensified. Lee's son Jason is not thriving, seeming to become more and more fragile as he approaches puberty. Lee and Evan are desperate to help him have a chance to bond with his own dragon which Lee thinks needs to happen soon.
And then!! Baby dragon, who doesn't love a baby dragon.
Very good world building for such a short story.
I am in love with these two short stories. We are left on a cliffhanger and I noted it was over a year between the last and first stories, hopefully the wait won't be that long. Good reading.
ReRead for next book.
January 7, 2024
I enjoyed seeing where their relationship was going and also seeing what is happening in the world. It's also interesting to see what is happening with their son. I would have liked more focus on them together, and slightly less on the world, but it made sense for taking the story forward. I did immediately buy the next book in the series.
Audio: loving Ferraiuolo as usual.
Audio: loving Ferraiuolo as usual.
October 30, 2021
I've got say this wasn't my favorite. In general it felt like an interlude and not a whole story even if in a way we got what I was missing in the previous one "Luckless" (also novella length) - seeing Evan and Lee / Ladon as a formed couple and how they manage life in Forge together with Lee's son Jason.
In the previous installment we've met Evan Luck, or as he was referred to - Luckless - for losing his dragon. The same dragon his father and grandfather rode. When he came to Forge it was expected he would find a dragon to bond with, but until that happened, he was basically shunned. When he met Lee Caldwell he didn't know half of it..
As I was writing the previous installment I didn't want to spoiler so I didn't mention Lee's big secret - he is actually a shape shifting dragon who goes by the name Ladon. After his human companion (and pervious rider) had died he was left with their son Jason. It isn't clear what would happen to Jason, if he would grow into a rider or a shape shifting dragon but in the meanwhile, at the age of 10, he is miserable he can't find a dragon to bond with. Both Evan and Lee are frustrated as they realize it might actually be dangerous for him to stay "unbonded" for much longer.
There was A LOT of Jason in this one and though he might be considered a sweet kid, I didn't "come here" for kid drama, I came for the romance and the action or drama of this dystopian world. What we do get is a bit of "politics" and why staying in Forge might end up being problematic, as well as why they need to look for what's going on in Chicago. The story closes with a promise of an adventure, around Chicago but also the change they see in the monsters appearance. I'm actually interested in seeing where Cari will take this one.
More Reviews HERE
In the previous installment we've met Evan Luck, or as he was referred to - Luckless - for losing his dragon. The same dragon his father and grandfather rode. When he came to Forge it was expected he would find a dragon to bond with, but until that happened, he was basically shunned. When he met Lee Caldwell he didn't know half of it..
As I was writing the previous installment I didn't want to spoiler so I didn't mention Lee's big secret - he is actually a shape shifting dragon who goes by the name Ladon. After his human companion (and pervious rider) had died he was left with their son Jason. It isn't clear what would happen to Jason, if he would grow into a rider or a shape shifting dragon but in the meanwhile, at the age of 10, he is miserable he can't find a dragon to bond with. Both Evan and Lee are frustrated as they realize it might actually be dangerous for him to stay "unbonded" for much longer.
There was A LOT of Jason in this one and though he might be considered a sweet kid, I didn't "come here" for kid drama, I came for the romance and the action or drama of this dystopian world. What we do get is a bit of "politics" and why staying in Forge might end up being problematic, as well as why they need to look for what's going on in Chicago. The story closes with a promise of an adventure, around Chicago but also the change they see in the monsters appearance. I'm actually interested in seeing where Cari will take this one.
More Reviews HERE
January 23, 2025
simply outstanding
Rating: 5🌈
The second book in Cari Z’s excellent fantasy series, Luckless, about dragon rider Evan Luck , his mate/dragon Lee Caldwell, known in his dragon form as Ladon and his son Jason.
Dauntless builds on the foundation that the first novel laid out, but now the author has relationships and a mystery to explore further. There’s also Jason’s unique physiology that’s a major dramatic element here, for his family and the story. It’s superb as the boy’s struggles and deep pain for acceptance is relayed by the author’s scenes so beautifully.
There’s new monsters to fight and the action sequences are suspenseful and compelling. All the while, the Fortress City of Forge, formerly Denver, Co, the location for books 1 and 2, is a bigger presence. The author gives us more details, including possible dragon politics to how the very structures of the Forge, making it more a reality.
By the ending, a family struggles become a wider story, new insights into the world are added, new characters introduced and a mission launched. I’m even more invested than ever before.
What an amazing story and series. Highly recommended!
Cover Art by Vivid Covers
Luckless series:
Luckless #1
Dauntless #2
Reckless #3
Rating: 5🌈
The second book in Cari Z’s excellent fantasy series, Luckless, about dragon rider Evan Luck , his mate/dragon Lee Caldwell, known in his dragon form as Ladon and his son Jason.
Dauntless builds on the foundation that the first novel laid out, but now the author has relationships and a mystery to explore further. There’s also Jason’s unique physiology that’s a major dramatic element here, for his family and the story. It’s superb as the boy’s struggles and deep pain for acceptance is relayed by the author’s scenes so beautifully.
There’s new monsters to fight and the action sequences are suspenseful and compelling. All the while, the Fortress City of Forge, formerly Denver, Co, the location for books 1 and 2, is a bigger presence. The author gives us more details, including possible dragon politics to how the very structures of the Forge, making it more a reality.
By the ending, a family struggles become a wider story, new insights into the world are added, new characters introduced and a mission launched. I’m even more invested than ever before.
What an amazing story and series. Highly recommended!
Cover Art by Vivid Covers
Luckless series:
Luckless #1
Dauntless #2
Reckless #3
October 14, 2021
The Evil is Spreading . . .
I am thoroughly enjoying this story line of dragon rider Evan Luck and his bonded silver dragon shifter mate Lee Caldwell/Ladon as they defend the city of Forge against monster invaders. The world keeps getting more dangerous every day. Something isn’t right.
Lee's ten-year-old son, Jason, isn’t adjusting well since he seems desperate to bond with a dragon of his own. The dragons of Forge refuse him and something needs to be done quickly. Evan and Lee decide to leave Forge and take Jason to Chicago, the nearest human and dragon stronghold to their own city, to try to find a dragon for him. But then the egg holding beautiful baby Rayan hatched. They would leave Jason behind with Rayan and go to Chicago. They had to find the evil causing the increase in all the horrible things that were happening, monsters acting strangely, dragons dying too early and too easily, something making the monsters more aggressive, driving them to kill and die without reason and taking human settlements down with them. It was spreading and would soon get to Forge. Would they be successful? Would they survive Chicago?
I am thoroughly enjoying this story line of dragon rider Evan Luck and his bonded silver dragon shifter mate Lee Caldwell/Ladon as they defend the city of Forge against monster invaders. The world keeps getting more dangerous every day. Something isn’t right.
Lee's ten-year-old son, Jason, isn’t adjusting well since he seems desperate to bond with a dragon of his own. The dragons of Forge refuse him and something needs to be done quickly. Evan and Lee decide to leave Forge and take Jason to Chicago, the nearest human and dragon stronghold to their own city, to try to find a dragon for him. But then the egg holding beautiful baby Rayan hatched. They would leave Jason behind with Rayan and go to Chicago. They had to find the evil causing the increase in all the horrible things that were happening, monsters acting strangely, dragons dying too early and too easily, something making the monsters more aggressive, driving them to kill and die without reason and taking human settlements down with them. It was spreading and would soon get to Forge. Would they be successful? Would they survive Chicago?
October 14, 2021
This series got off to a terrific start with the beginning of Evan and Lee’s relationship and learning about what has happened to earth to get to this terrible future. In this book their relationship deepens as does Evan’s with Lee’s son Jason but along with that politics becomes more of a problem. It’s funny really, but probably true, that even in drastic situations like those portrayed in this book someone will always be out to make the situation about them. One of the intriguing storylines is that of Jason who is the only known half human half dragon. No one knows what to expect from him or how he is going to develop. This book brings even more richness into this dystopian world that Cari Z has thought up. I am loving this series and hope that it goes on for many more books. If you like mm fantasy romance then I recommend this series highly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2023
“He needs you because he’s your dragon and I need you because you’re my dad, and you almost died.”
A caravan from Cheyenne is pouring into Forge, aka Former Denver. We casually learn that…two years have passed since book one.
Ladon/Lee and Evan are the ones responsible for the city of Forge to not just subsist, but to thrive. This creates a good deal of resentment for all involved.
The world-building is a bit more thorough in this installment.
The author’s prose is subtly effective. The way she breaks off to insert dialogue is both technically sound and competent.
The governor is such an asshole. The guys’ witty banter with him is well written.
The action is…cursory—not exactly a steamy series.
Jason is more apprehensive as he nears another Choosing, as well as his own adolescence. So Winona, The Egg, and Rayan are welcome revelations.
Evan and Lee (and Jason) are still treated as outsiders. Basically everyone except their small clique sucks.
Evan and Lee are off to Chicago in search of answers.
“We’ll be all right.”
“As long as we’re together.”
“Exactly.”
A caravan from Cheyenne is pouring into Forge, aka Former Denver. We casually learn that…two years have passed since book one.
Ladon/Lee and Evan are the ones responsible for the city of Forge to not just subsist, but to thrive. This creates a good deal of resentment for all involved.
The world-building is a bit more thorough in this installment.
The author’s prose is subtly effective. The way she breaks off to insert dialogue is both technically sound and competent.
The governor is such an asshole. The guys’ witty banter with him is well written.
The action is…cursory—not exactly a steamy series.
Jason is more apprehensive as he nears another Choosing, as well as his own adolescence. So Winona, The Egg, and Rayan are welcome revelations.
Evan and Lee (and Jason) are still treated as outsiders. Basically everyone except their small clique sucks.
Evan and Lee are off to Chicago in search of answers.
“We’ll be all right.”
“As long as we’re together.”
“Exactly.”
October 17, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a bit of bridge between Luckless (the first book in the series) and whatever is coming next. Yes, you really should read the first book before this one.
I like Evan. He's still trying to find his footing as part of the family he is building with Lee and Jason, but it is clear how much he loves them both. We got to see a bit more of Forge's other dragons and their riders in this story. I like the world-building in this series, but the shortness means there isn't a lot of story to the book.
This book is a bit of bridge between Luckless (the first book in the series) and whatever is coming next. Yes, you really should read the first book before this one.
I like Evan. He's still trying to find his footing as part of the family he is building with Lee and Jason, but it is clear how much he loves them both. We got to see a bit more of Forge's other dragons and their riders in this story. I like the world-building in this series, but the shortness means there isn't a lot of story to the book.
September 29, 2021
Great!
This book and the previous one: Luckless have all of the tropes I love just packed into them. We’ve got dragons, dragon bonding, Hurt/comfort, action, romance with a little smut but it doesn’t drag on for pages and pages. The main character is a likable guy, the ML is also good and doesn’t fall into any of the possessive or creepy categories that a lot of romance books try to pass off as acceptable. I usually hate kids and even the kid is fine. Highly recommend both this one and the previous and this book has set up for a book 3 and I will definitely get that when it’s out.
This book and the previous one: Luckless have all of the tropes I love just packed into them. We’ve got dragons, dragon bonding, Hurt/comfort, action, romance with a little smut but it doesn’t drag on for pages and pages. The main character is a likable guy, the ML is also good and doesn’t fall into any of the possessive or creepy categories that a lot of romance books try to pass off as acceptable. I usually hate kids and even the kid is fine. Highly recommend both this one and the previous and this book has set up for a book 3 and I will definitely get that when it’s out.
August 10, 2022
3.5 ⭐ s for an enjoyable ride.
I like this series a lot. I didn't like this one as much as I liked the first, but it was still really good.
We see more of Lee, Evan and Jason. I liked reading about their domestication and watching them grow closer as a family unit.
There wasn't much angst, certainly no drama in the relationship, which was good for an established couple trying to survive in the midst of Armageddon with everything else exploding around them and creatures trying to eat them.
I'm looking forward to the next one, and also learning more about Jason.
Overall... enjoyable.
I like this series a lot. I didn't like this one as much as I liked the first, but it was still really good.
We see more of Lee, Evan and Jason. I liked reading about their domestication and watching them grow closer as a family unit.
There wasn't much angst, certainly no drama in the relationship, which was good for an established couple trying to survive in the midst of Armageddon with everything else exploding around them and creatures trying to eat them.
I'm looking forward to the next one, and also learning more about Jason.
Overall... enjoyable.
January 1, 2025
What I liked: it was really intriguing seeing more of thr post-apocalyptic world. After 3 years, Evan and Lee are working well and raising Jason together. I was intrigued by Jason's struggles, since he is hald dragon, and enjoyed the new characters introduced.
What I didn't like: I feel like I missed the bonding time in between the first and second books. Rather than skipping it, I would have liked to have seen it on page.
Summary: another short foray into post-apocalyptic dragon riders, leaving me wanting more!
What I didn't like: I feel like I missed the bonding time in between the first and second books. Rather than skipping it, I would have liked to have seen it on page.
Summary: another short foray into post-apocalyptic dragon riders, leaving me wanting more!
September 23, 2021
The world building is great and intriguing, lee and Evan are settling in as mated pair. My only complaint is that the book is too short, I would love to read more about their fights and more on how this new world works. I was actually looking forward to Lee fighting with his magical powers but unfortunately we don’t get to see much other than the lightning.
Can’t wait to read the next one, I really want to know what’s going on in Florida.
Can’t wait to read the next one, I really want to know what’s going on in Florida.
August 2, 2022
Not the tear jerker that the first book was, but still a solid action adventure where Lee and Evan are heading the dragon troops at Forge. Cheyenne has merged with Forge, monsters are behaving bizarrely, and Jason is a major cause of concern. Once again, fast to the point that I wish it were a longer novel, but still enjoyable.
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