What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragons #2
Dragons Luck
New York Times bestselling author Robert Asprin scales new heights in his series of Big Easy-dwelling dragons… Griffen McCandles is adjusting well to running his gambling operation in the French Quarter of New Orleans and to his newfound status as head dragon. But he still doesn’t know much about dragon protocol—or what he’s really capable of. Other dragons are getting a whiff of his reputation, though, and they’re not happy about it. Which is why there’s suddenly a hit out on Griffen. And, just in time for Halloween, the ghost of a voodoo queen wants Griffen to moderate a supernatural conclave. And though the strange goings-on will barely be noticed in a city used to drunken conventioneers and wild revelers, it’s Griffen’s chance to spread his wings—or crash and burn…
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2009
26 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Robert Lynn Asprin
224 books1,067 followersRobert (Lynn) Asprin was born in 1946. While he wrote some stand alone novels such as The Cold Cash War, Tambu, and The Bug Wars and also the Duncan & Mallory Illustrated stories, Bob is best known for his series fantasy, such as the Myth Adventures of Aahz and Skeeve, the Phule's Company novels, and the Time Scout novels written with Linda Evans. He also edited the groundbreaking Thieves' World anthology series with Lynn Abbey. Other collaborations include License Invoked (set in the French Quarter of New Orleans) and several Myth Adventures novels, all written with Jody Lynn Nye.
Bob's final solo work was a contemporary fantasy series called Dragons, again set in New Orleans.
Bob passed away suddenly on May 22, 2008. He is survived by his daughter and son, his mother and his sister.
Bob's final solo work was a contemporary fantasy series called Dragons, again set in New Orleans.
Bob passed away suddenly on May 22, 2008. He is survived by his daughter and son, his mother and his sister.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 16, 2017
Had fun reading this - certainly went through it fast... Better constructed than the first one.
Sometimes felt too much like an exposition of a parallel society.
All and all, a good traveling book, easy to read and interest catching.
Sometimes felt too much like an exposition of a parallel society.
All and all, a good traveling book, easy to read and interest catching.
January 9, 2018
Griffen is a great name for a “dragon” protagonist in a modern fantasy. Dragons Luck continues the story of Griffen, a near pure-blood dragon running a gambling empire, and his sister, Valerie. The conflict(s) in the stories (at least, in the first two novels) are built around the idea that dragons always seek more power and dragons who are just hearing of the two near pure-blood dragons feel the need to test the power of the siblings and reveal their intentions. In Dragons Wild, the test came in the form of the paid assassin, “The George” (as in St. George), and demonstrates that Griffen is just coming into his “powers” and not planning to expand (at least, immediately).
Dragons Luck begins with “The George” confronting the individual who took out the contract on Griffen. What kind of powerbase does this antagonist operate? A Hollywood talent agency. He is a “fixer” and he attempts to “fix” matters so that Griffen will have to reveal how powerful he is and what his intent might be. Of course, if one has read the first book, one knows that Griffen does a better job of establishing alliances than manipulating others. Indeed, part of the solution in the first novel is the result of assistance from a character who is very much not a dragon (but supernatural). In fact, much of the plot in Dragons Luck involves Griffen developing relationships among supernatural beings who don’t usually trust each other.
Since one of the strengths of a series of novels is that the cast of characters keeps expanding without losing some of the supporting characters one has enjoyed in a previous work or works. I really enjoyed the fact that Asprin wasn’t afraid to bring in events and characters related to actions Griffen and Valerie took in the first book (vendetta?) and that he wasn’t afraid to kill off at least one of the supporting cast. Indeed, though Griffen regularly relies on the counsel of others to solve problems, he is denied the counsel of one major supporting character in this book so that he can grow as a character.
Dragons Luck is a lark. Matters unravel faster than the reader can guess what is going on. There is a call-back from the previous book which is both ominous and entertaining. There is growth in the Valerie character. There is a trust challenge within Griffen’s own operation. In spite of the fantastic creatures, the impossible situations, and the hilarious hijinx, Dragons Luck is an incredibly human book, as intimate as it is funny. Color it, “Very Satisfying!”
Dragons Luck begins with “The George” confronting the individual who took out the contract on Griffen. What kind of powerbase does this antagonist operate? A Hollywood talent agency. He is a “fixer” and he attempts to “fix” matters so that Griffen will have to reveal how powerful he is and what his intent might be. Of course, if one has read the first book, one knows that Griffen does a better job of establishing alliances than manipulating others. Indeed, part of the solution in the first novel is the result of assistance from a character who is very much not a dragon (but supernatural). In fact, much of the plot in Dragons Luck involves Griffen developing relationships among supernatural beings who don’t usually trust each other.
Since one of the strengths of a series of novels is that the cast of characters keeps expanding without losing some of the supporting characters one has enjoyed in a previous work or works. I really enjoyed the fact that Asprin wasn’t afraid to bring in events and characters related to actions Griffen and Valerie took in the first book (vendetta?) and that he wasn’t afraid to kill off at least one of the supporting cast. Indeed, though Griffen regularly relies on the counsel of others to solve problems, he is denied the counsel of one major supporting character in this book so that he can grow as a character.
Dragons Luck is a lark. Matters unravel faster than the reader can guess what is going on. There is a call-back from the previous book which is both ominous and entertaining. There is growth in the Valerie character. There is a trust challenge within Griffen’s own operation. In spite of the fantastic creatures, the impossible situations, and the hilarious hijinx, Dragons Luck is an incredibly human book, as intimate as it is funny. Color it, “Very Satisfying!”
March 22, 2020
2020 bk 105: In this second of the series, Griffin is asked to be moderator of a convention of paranormals. If you have ever, and I mean ever, been to New Orleans for a conference or convention, you might find yourself here. There are changelings, vampires, shape shifters, ghosts, and a few other creatures of the day and night. Behind the scene, there are all sorts of power plays at work, not the least being the power play that Griffin's sister, Valerie finds herself a part of. Hang on to your hats!
August 22, 2022
A young dragon offers to serve as moderator for a supernatural conclave in New Orleans. What could possibly go wrong? Heh, heh. This series is a treat. There are only four books in the series; do your imagination a favor and read them!
May 4, 2011
This is another great volume in a great series. It is too bad that Asprin has died. I am doubtful that any of his co-authors could successfully carry the series forward. The series artfully blends reality and fiction in the mystique of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Asprin took a fascinating and original view of dragons, chimeras, vampires, werewolves, and of course, Faeries. The story does carry on from the first book, so readers should be familiar with it. The second book contains more elements of fantasy than the first book, but I suspect that Asprin was drawing in fantastic creatures so he could add puns (faeries dressed in drag), jokes, and complexity.
The prime drawback to this book was an unclear motivation for the main villain. Asprin brings it up several times in the book, but it is difficult to understand. The return of George the Chimera also convoluted the entire storyline. In the first book, George was a lot like Bobba Fett from Star Wars - dangerous, mysterious, and really cool. Now, he seems more like a nerd with super powers. Asprin probably was setting up the storyline for future volumes. Anyhow, this book focused on the side characters rather than the main characters.
The prime drawback to this book was an unclear motivation for the main villain. Asprin brings it up several times in the book, but it is difficult to understand. The return of George the Chimera also convoluted the entire storyline. In the first book, George was a lot like Bobba Fett from Star Wars - dangerous, mysterious, and really cool. Now, he seems more like a nerd with super powers. Asprin probably was setting up the storyline for future volumes. Anyhow, this book focused on the side characters rather than the main characters.
July 14, 2017
I can't say why I didn't enjoy this book as much as Dragon's Wild. It was still a decent read, and it was fun learning more about the weird and random creatures that make up this world. I especially liked the reappearance of George and his unexpected role in the story.
Unfortunately the humor, while still very much present, wasn't as frequent or as laugh-out-loud as the first in the series and Griffin was a lot less of an engaging character. Honestly I spent large portions of the book wanting to slap some sense into him.
I still enjoyed it enough to start reading the third book in the series as soon as I finished this one, but not going to be on any of my favorites lists.
Unfortunately the humor, while still very much present, wasn't as frequent or as laugh-out-loud as the first in the series and Griffin was a lot less of an engaging character. Honestly I spent large portions of the book wanting to slap some sense into him.
I still enjoyed it enough to start reading the third book in the series as soon as I finished this one, but not going to be on any of my favorites lists.
June 30, 2017
Next requested!
January 12, 2018
Can't wait to jump into book 3!
May 6, 2009
A surprisingly cute second book in the series, it picks up immediately where Dragons' Wild left off. Griffen is immersed in New Orleans, trying to maintain his hold on his empire there, when he is approach by the (dead) voodoo queen to moderate a conference - of course, nothing is as it seems, and its a conclave of all sorts of supernatural beasties who seem to be there as much to see a dragon as they are to be attending the conference.
The best part is when he takes them all to go get their fortunes read. *snerk*
His sister has problems of her own, dealing with a big secret, and being stalked by a psychotic dragon.
Oh, and George, the dragon killer, is still in town. But he isn't on a contract anymore.
Its a fast series, that is fun read. The second book manages to keep the tone quite well of the first book, so I give big kudos to the writer (Jodi Lynn Nye, perhaps?)
The best part is when he takes them all to go get their fortunes read. *snerk*
His sister has problems of her own, dealing with a big secret, and being stalked by a psychotic dragon.
Oh, and George, the dragon killer, is still in town. But he isn't on a contract anymore.
Its a fast series, that is fun read. The second book manages to keep the tone quite well of the first book, so I give big kudos to the writer (Jodi Lynn Nye, perhaps?)
July 6, 2009
Griffen McCandles picks up where he leaves off: owner/operator of a gambling ring based in New Orleans. Griffen is still trying to learn some of his Dragon skills, and now gets faced with a challenge he never would have anticipated: moderator for a convention of "lesser" magical creatures. The conference participants are wary not only of themselves, but each other. Can Griffen break the ice and make it through the conference without eating one of them?
To top it off, a beyond-insane dragon is after Griffen's sister, the dragon that ordered a "hit" on Griffen is in town trying to give him advice and the once-hitman is hitting on his sister!
All in all, I didn't think this one was as good as the first one. The ending is anti-climactic, but it is set up very well for another book. The first book intrigued me with the advancement in Griffen's character, and this one was more story, which probably contributed to my slight disappointment.
To top it off, a beyond-insane dragon is after Griffen's sister, the dragon that ordered a "hit" on Griffen is in town trying to give him advice and the once-hitman is hitting on his sister!
All in all, I didn't think this one was as good as the first one. The ending is anti-climactic, but it is set up very well for another book. The first book intrigued me with the advancement in Griffen's character, and this one was more story, which probably contributed to my slight disappointment.
April 1, 2016
I really enjoyed this 2nd chapter (and final as it was published posthumously) of this series.
Griffin gets asked to be a moderator of the supernatural conclave being held in New Orleans this year (his home ground) and he accepts. Not realizing that historically, dragons don't attend at all let alone moderate.
But people in the conclave are curious about Griffin who isn't developing like other dragons and Griffin's sense of honor doesn't allow him to back out.
The story meanders at times but I really liked that because when reading an enjoyable book about different supernatural creatures in a setting like New Orleans French Quarter, when the author takes time to tell you little stories along the way it's like "stopping to smell the flowers" instead of rushing on through to the end.
If Asprin left behind any notes/outlines about future books, I hope someone attempts to ghostwrite them for him!
Griffin gets asked to be a moderator of the supernatural conclave being held in New Orleans this year (his home ground) and he accepts. Not realizing that historically, dragons don't attend at all let alone moderate.
But people in the conclave are curious about Griffin who isn't developing like other dragons and Griffin's sense of honor doesn't allow him to back out.
The story meanders at times but I really liked that because when reading an enjoyable book about different supernatural creatures in a setting like New Orleans French Quarter, when the author takes time to tell you little stories along the way it's like "stopping to smell the flowers" instead of rushing on through to the end.
If Asprin left behind any notes/outlines about future books, I hope someone attempts to ghostwrite them for him!
July 20, 2009
Griffen McCandles is still learning the ins and outs of being a dragon while adapting to his role as the chief in New Orleans and running a well established gambling organization. He depends on advice from his mentor, Mose and his right-hand man, Jerome but ultimately responsibility rests with Griffen himself. Things are going along relatively smoothly until Griffen agrees to do a favor for a voodoo queen and moderate a convention. The problem is that the voodoo queen is a ghost and the attendees are all supernatural beings with their own ingrained prejudices and the meeting is being held on Halloween weekend. Add an assassination attempt upon Griffen, an unplanned pregnancy for Griffen's sister and the unexpected appearance of an insane female dragon and the sparks really begin to fly. An entertaining tale from the late Robert Asprin.
December 29, 2011
I was highly annoyed that whoever edited it (after Asprin died) botched the job so badly -- there's a whole (vampire) scene that occurs after everybody reacts to it.
If books are food for the mind, this duology is Jolly Ranchers. It's a transparent fantasy for 14-year-old boys. Everybody admires and wants a piece of Griff. He has 2 smokin' girlfriends who play together, he has so much money he doesn't bother to pay attention to it, and he has unlimited (undefined) magical powers. Griff is the best gambler around, although that's not really part of this second story. 'Men' want to be him and 'women' want to be with him. It's fun but annoyingly obvious.
If books are food for the mind, this duology is Jolly Ranchers. It's a transparent fantasy for 14-year-old boys. Everybody admires and wants a piece of Griff. He has 2 smokin' girlfriends who play together, he has so much money he doesn't bother to pay attention to it, and he has unlimited (undefined) magical powers. Griff is the best gambler around, although that's not really part of this second story. 'Men' want to be him and 'women' want to be with him. It's fun but annoyingly obvious.
April 11, 2016
An enjoyable romp through New Orleans' Quarter, with all sorts of mythical and mystical creatures around, including fairies, vampires and ghosts, and of course dragons. I liked the buildup with a main character that seems like a leader, but is still unsure of himself. It was a pity the way he deferred to older males and never turned to a female for assistance, which made it less of a win, but it was still well done.
I also tacked a little off the perfect score because of the confusing sentence structure in some places (which I won't list in the event I am the only complainer).
Overall a really good read.
I also tacked a little off the perfect score because of the confusing sentence structure in some places (which I won't list in the event I am the only complainer).
Overall a really good read.
June 7, 2011
It's pretty obvious by the middle of the book, that Asprin had died before completing the manuscript. The writing style takes a marked nose dive somewhere between half and two thirds of the way leaving the final 50 pages or so to be written by a barely literate fangirl on a break from her hot Twilight fanfic.
The first part of the book was filled with colorful people but by the Masquerade, I was sick to death of color and wanted a few drab drinking buddies to hang out with.
The first part of the book was filled with colorful people but by the Masquerade, I was sick to death of color and wanted a few drab drinking buddies to hang out with.
November 9, 2011
Comic book soap opera comes to mind. It is an entertaining read, and certainly an easy one. I'll probably read the last in the series too, but it's no comparison to the Myth Adventures or Thieves World. But maybe that was Asprin's point...this may have just been a relaxing story to write.
Sadly I found out that Robert Asprin passed a while ago...one more great gone on to the next chapter.
Sadly I found out that Robert Asprin passed a while ago...one more great gone on to the next chapter.
December 23, 2013
Another fun Book from Aspirin. What happens when a convention of assorted magical creatures descend upon New Orleans....the week of Halloween? And what happens when they choose a dragon to act as moderator? A dragon who is still trying to come to grips with the fact that he is indeed a dragon and learn the limits of his own powers.... And there is a "George" in town. And the dragon's sister just found out that she is pregnant. Can you imagine?? Aspirin did and chose to share with us! Enjoy!
November 21, 2014
Another story of supernatural creatures hiding in plain site. Dragons, werewolves, fairies, vampires, they're all here. A convention of them, in fact. Toss in a murder, dragon hunters, and a crazy dragon and you've got a pretty good read. The characters are fairly well written and pretty likable. There's some open plot points that I'm wondering how they'll wrapped up if sequels, so I'll be looking forward to reading more.
February 21, 2013
I enjoyed the book. About half way through the book I decided that Griffen is almost exactly the same person as Skeeve (Main character of the Myth adventures series for those you not familiar with Asprins other books) Griffen is more self confident but their personalities and the way they deal with people seem to me to be almost identical. I wonder if that was intentional...
July 27, 2009
Somewhat disappointing. It was the last book Mr. Asprin completed before he passed away. Could be he wasn't finished after all. The book rambles and wasn't easy to finish. Probably could have used a couple of passes through the manuscript to tighten the action.
August 2, 2009
I loved the book and felt that Robert Asprin had found a new series that really had teeth. Unfortunately with his death and no writing partner for this series, this second book thin the Dragon series is now dead. It's too bad, I really wanted to see where it could go.
January 9, 2010
I,personally, find this book refreshing. I am younger than most of you, and I think this book is perfect for my level of maturity. Parents: skim this book before your child reads it. I, however, did not explode when I read certain "scenes".
March 14, 2011
I really like the books this author has written. The story always has a main character that you find yourself really liking and wanting the best for. I also like the humor that Mr. Asprin brings to all of his stories.
July 9, 2009
Too choppy. I thought he would develop the characters a bit more. Sadly R. Aspirin had died and there will not be a chance to go on with the series...
January 10, 2010
It disappoints me to know that this was his last book, even more so that now someone is going to "ghost-write" the third.
Read
November 10, 2009A little slow
Currently reading
February 20, 2010Rest in peace Robert. We will miss you.
September 3, 2010
Another super fun book.
March 16, 2011
A good second. I really hate to see this series close. I will wait until someone finished the third book. hope they can do as well as Asprin did.
June 3, 2011
A nice summer read. Didn't really enthrall me like his Myth series, but I hot a couple of chuckles out of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews