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Luckless #1
Luckless
Evan Luck is a dragon rider with no dragon. Five years ago, his dragon gave her life defending the monster-ridden remnants of Marble, and ever since, his ability to connect empathically to another dragon had been as broken as his heart. Now he spends his days dodging his disappointed mayor, crafting arrows, fighting off the not-as-legendary-as-they-should-be beasts that’ve overrun America, and just trying to get by in the city of Forge.
But when he meets newcomer Lee Caldwell, Evan thinks his lonely luck might be changing. Lee is the only person in the city who doesn’t blame Evan for his dragon’s death, and he welcomes Evan into his own little family. There’s more to Lee than meets the eye, though, and between his refusal to talk about himself, pressure from the mayor to split them up, and a monster attacking the city’s foundations, Evan isn’t sure he’ll live long enough to learn the truth.
But not learning the truth will almost certainly be fatal, both to Evan and Lee’s budding relationship, and to the entire city.
But when he meets newcomer Lee Caldwell, Evan thinks his lonely luck might be changing. Lee is the only person in the city who doesn’t blame Evan for his dragon’s death, and he welcomes Evan into his own little family. There’s more to Lee than meets the eye, though, and between his refusal to talk about himself, pressure from the mayor to split them up, and a monster attacking the city’s foundations, Evan isn’t sure he’ll live long enough to learn the truth.
But not learning the truth will almost certainly be fatal, both to Evan and Lee’s budding relationship, and to the entire city.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2020
87 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
136 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 127 reviews
June 19, 2021
4.5 Stars!!
If only this was longer!!
As per the blurb, our future has slowly been decimated by creatures that shouldn’t exist. What also shouldn’t exist are dragons who have become our one ally in the fight against such horrible beings.
Evan is that rare person who can empathically bond with a dragon, and when she dies saving his life, he’s been a shell of a man ever since. That doesn't prevent Evan from surviving, from eking out a living and trying to do the right thing always in honor of her memory. When mysterious newcomer Lee and his son Jason arrive at the fortified city, Evan doesn’t quite comprehend that they want him to teach Jason all that he knows from his years of being a dragon rider. Slowly, these three form a bond and the beginnings of what just might be a family, but before things can be fully realized, the city comes under attack by a new monstrous enemy. Of course, Evan is just the guy to make a grand sacrifice since he has no real ties, since he’s forever broken. Silly man.
When novellas work, it’s always a frustrating situation when you wish it was another couple hundred pages more. Filled with bursts of intense action amongst a bleak post apocalyptic setting where constant vigilance and training is a must, the fight for survival is always at the forefront. I was surprised by the reveal as several scenarios played out in my brain, all of which were wrong. Through it all though, Evan’s quest for purpose and a new start was very emotional and so well deserved.
Despite being just a tad bit rough around the edges, this was a gripping 90 minute read that I won’t soon forget! Plus, dragons!!!!
Once again, Ms. Z enchants, and though I suspect my plea for a sequel will go unanswered, I’ll still officially say “more please”!
If only this was longer!!
As per the blurb, our future has slowly been decimated by creatures that shouldn’t exist. What also shouldn’t exist are dragons who have become our one ally in the fight against such horrible beings.
Evan is that rare person who can empathically bond with a dragon, and when she dies saving his life, he’s been a shell of a man ever since. That doesn't prevent Evan from surviving, from eking out a living and trying to do the right thing always in honor of her memory. When mysterious newcomer Lee and his son Jason arrive at the fortified city, Evan doesn’t quite comprehend that they want him to teach Jason all that he knows from his years of being a dragon rider. Slowly, these three form a bond and the beginnings of what just might be a family, but before things can be fully realized, the city comes under attack by a new monstrous enemy. Of course, Evan is just the guy to make a grand sacrifice since he has no real ties, since he’s forever broken. Silly man.
When novellas work, it’s always a frustrating situation when you wish it was another couple hundred pages more. Filled with bursts of intense action amongst a bleak post apocalyptic setting where constant vigilance and training is a must, the fight for survival is always at the forefront. I was surprised by the reveal as several scenarios played out in my brain, all of which were wrong. Through it all though, Evan’s quest for purpose and a new start was very emotional and so well deserved.
Despite being just a tad bit rough around the edges, this was a gripping 90 minute read that I won’t soon forget! Plus, dragons!!!!
Once again, Ms. Z enchants, and though I suspect my plea for a sequel will go unanswered, I’ll still officially say “more please”!
May 2, 2023
“What do you say, Evan Luck? Save us all now, or die with us later?”
Re-read because I love this kind of old-school fantasy storytelling. This is a short intro into this world, with two additional books in the series.
********
I'm not really sure how to categorize this story.
Here's all you need to know:
✔️Dragons and dragon riders
✔️Monsters
✔️Post-apocalyptic world
✔️MM romance
Evan stood beneath one of the goalposts of what had once been Denver’s football stadium, now Forge’s dragons’ den...
I want to write a long winded, review filled with detailed information of all the reasons why this tiny book was such a powerful punch to my emotions, but that would be rude of me to ruin the story for you.
This is a super unique novella. Ends with a Hfn. Highly recommended for fans of monster romances, dragons and second chances.
Re-read because I love this kind of old-school fantasy storytelling. This is a short intro into this world, with two additional books in the series.
********
I'm not really sure how to categorize this story.
Here's all you need to know:
✔️Dragons and dragon riders
✔️Monsters
✔️Post-apocalyptic world
✔️MM romance
Evan stood beneath one of the goalposts of what had once been Denver’s football stadium, now Forge’s dragons’ den...
I want to write a long winded, review filled with detailed information of all the reasons why this tiny book was such a powerful punch to my emotions, but that would be rude of me to ruin the story for you.
This is a super unique novella. Ends with a Hfn. Highly recommended for fans of monster romances, dragons and second chances.
October 9, 2023
4 Stars
For such a compact fantasy story, this was fairly spectacular.
Set in a dystopian future where the world is ravaged by monsters from other dimensions, where dragons are human allies and defenders of the soul survivors in remaining city fortresses, Luckless follows one dragonless rider, Evan Luck, as he finds the chance to fly again and the love of his life, when he meets mysterious newcomer Lee, and his young son Jason.
This story kicked off with an epic bang and pretty much kept an enthralling pace until the turn of the final page. The story and the characters felt fuller and more complex than the 73-page count would suggest, but great writing goes a long-arse way, as fans of Cari Z. will already know.
I loved Evan and his resilience and badassery under pressure. I loved the vivid world-building and the overall unique (and slightly terrifying) dystopian landscape. I relished the dragon presence and the empathic bond they shared with their chosen human riders. And I adored Evan’s new place of worship and respect with Lee and his sweet son Jason.
I’m so bloody happy that this is not a standalone, as a sequel is so damn necessary to my reader happiness.
This was a great read, and one MM fantasy lovers should not miss.
For such a compact fantasy story, this was fairly spectacular.
Set in a dystopian future where the world is ravaged by monsters from other dimensions, where dragons are human allies and defenders of the soul survivors in remaining city fortresses, Luckless follows one dragonless rider, Evan Luck, as he finds the chance to fly again and the love of his life, when he meets mysterious newcomer Lee, and his young son Jason.
This story kicked off with an epic bang and pretty much kept an enthralling pace until the turn of the final page. The story and the characters felt fuller and more complex than the 73-page count would suggest, but great writing goes a long-arse way, as fans of Cari Z. will already know.
I loved Evan and his resilience and badassery under pressure. I loved the vivid world-building and the overall unique (and slightly terrifying) dystopian landscape. I relished the dragon presence and the empathic bond they shared with their chosen human riders. And I adored Evan’s new place of worship and respect with Lee and his sweet son Jason.
I’m so bloody happy that this is not a standalone, as a sequel is so damn necessary to my reader happiness.
This was a great read, and one MM fantasy lovers should not miss.
June 22, 2023
Dragons!!! and their riders ... Mating with your favorite dragon-shifter!!!
The whole thing embedded in a dystopian earth, which is overrun by monsters of all kinds.
Is the story perfect? No, there are things missing, like a bit more sexual interactivity or generally a bit more romance between Lee and Evan.
I still give it 5 stars, simply because the story is unique. I don't know of a comparable book.
I love how Evan's vulnerability shines through even though he is such a good fighter. I hate the people of this town, stupid people!!! I love how tentative Lee is about Evan.
“You and I both know that a rider would do anything to save his dragon,” Lee said, his eyes strangely bright and intense on Evan’s face. “But the same can be said of a dragon for their rider. If you’re still here, still alive, it’s because your dragon did their best to ensure you would be. They loved you enough to place your safety over all else. That’s all the recommendation I need, really.“ 😍😍😍
The whole thing embedded in a dystopian earth, which is overrun by monsters of all kinds.
Is the story perfect? No, there are things missing, like a bit more sexual interactivity or generally a bit more romance between Lee and Evan.
I still give it 5 stars, simply because the story is unique. I don't know of a comparable book.
I love how Evan's vulnerability shines through even though he is such a good fighter. I hate the people of this town, stupid people!!! I love how tentative Lee is about Evan.
“You and I both know that a rider would do anything to save his dragon,” Lee said, his eyes strangely bright and intense on Evan’s face. “But the same can be said of a dragon for their rider. If you’re still here, still alive, it’s because your dragon did their best to ensure you would be. They loved you enough to place your safety over all else. That’s all the recommendation I need, really.“ 😍😍😍
September 10, 2021
Wow! This story is pure perfection! And with dragons!
I am so incredibly happy that there will be more stories in this series! The author has done an incredible amount of world building in just 80 pages and she has created some wonderful characters as well! This is one of the top five stories I have read this year!
I am so incredibly happy that there will be more stories in this series! The author has done an incredible amount of world building in just 80 pages and she has created some wonderful characters as well! This is one of the top five stories I have read this year!
June 14, 2020
Never enough dragonrider books.
Post-apocalyptic Denver after the rifts in dimensional space have let in monsters of myth and nightmare. Luckless is a sole survivor, an outcast in his new community as they live under siege.
I like Luckless, tenacious and gets things done, perhaps with a side of reckless, but I totally get that. I like the dragon twist in this story. I wish it were longer, or maybe the first of a series?
3.5 stars rounding up because... Dragons!
Cari, this isn't it, is it?
Post-apocalyptic Denver after the rifts in dimensional space have let in monsters of myth and nightmare. Luckless is a sole survivor, an outcast in his new community as they live under siege.
I like Luckless, tenacious and gets things done, perhaps with a side of reckless, but I totally get that. I like the dragon twist in this story. I wish it were longer, or maybe the first of a series?
3.5 stars rounding up because... Dragons!
Cari, this isn't it, is it?
September 22, 2021
Didn't know that my mind was set for a little dystopia until I started to read Luckless but seeing that my original plan was to just have a look into the book after lunch and then going for a run … suddenly it was late afternoon and because the next book came out recently … so I never made that run.
We find ourselves sometime in a distant future. Mankind was decimated and barricaded themselves into the remaining parts of the bigger cities. The space between is populated by various types of monster with insatiable hunger for meat. Rumor has it there were rifts in space and those nightmares got to earth from other dimensions. Seems the rifts are closed but the damage is done.
However that history is only mentioned by the way and not really necessary for the people defending the city of Forge and the surrounding ruins of Denver. Cari Z throws us right into a battle on the city walls to introduce Evan, showing his pariah status, his lingering depression as well as his unbroken will to get through. All of it because there is one type of monster which doesn't necessarily sees humans as prey: dragons. Some rare humans are able to connect with them on a psychic level, communicate on a certain level with their chosen one and of course ride them. Evan was one of those riders but lost his dragon, his protector, best friend and center of his world in a battle against a manticore. It's survivors guilt and the people around him won't let him forget that he should have died together with the dragon.
It's heart-breaking watching Evan make it through the day. Doesn't matter that he comes out as a hero. Who ever wants to be shown up by the pariah anyway. He even has to attend one of the choosing while it's pretty obvious that no available dragon cares about a guy with a broken bond but it's on that choosing when he meets a stranger and his young son. It's slow that those 2 get together and that Evan allows himself to feel again.
I loved the world building. I always like when an author doesn't drown me with information and trusts me to create the bigger picture in my own mind with the pieces he/she offers. It's all about the vibes, the atmosphere, the feeling that makes it an enjoyable experience. The short battles and a scheming governor surely helped quite a bit. The slow-burn between Evan and Lee was nice but could have been more – this surely is the downside of this being such a short story. I'm sure the characters asked the author for more space, for more time for their story and I can't imagine why she didn't allowed it.
We find ourselves sometime in a distant future. Mankind was decimated and barricaded themselves into the remaining parts of the bigger cities. The space between is populated by various types of monster with insatiable hunger for meat. Rumor has it there were rifts in space and those nightmares got to earth from other dimensions. Seems the rifts are closed but the damage is done.
However that history is only mentioned by the way and not really necessary for the people defending the city of Forge and the surrounding ruins of Denver. Cari Z throws us right into a battle on the city walls to introduce Evan, showing his pariah status, his lingering depression as well as his unbroken will to get through. All of it because there is one type of monster which doesn't necessarily sees humans as prey: dragons. Some rare humans are able to connect with them on a psychic level, communicate on a certain level with their chosen one and of course ride them. Evan was one of those riders but lost his dragon, his protector, best friend and center of his world in a battle against a manticore. It's survivors guilt and the people around him won't let him forget that he should have died together with the dragon.
It's heart-breaking watching Evan make it through the day. Doesn't matter that he comes out as a hero. Who ever wants to be shown up by the pariah anyway. He even has to attend one of the choosing while it's pretty obvious that no available dragon cares about a guy with a broken bond but it's on that choosing when he meets a stranger and his young son. It's slow that those 2 get together and that Evan allows himself to feel again.
I loved the world building. I always like when an author doesn't drown me with information and trusts me to create the bigger picture in my own mind with the pieces he/she offers. It's all about the vibes, the atmosphere, the feeling that makes it an enjoyable experience. The short battles and a scheming governor surely helped quite a bit. The slow-burn between Evan and Lee was nice but could have been more – this surely is the downside of this being such a short story. I'm sure the characters asked the author for more space, for more time for their story and I can't imagine why she didn't allowed it.
January 13, 2023
Third read January 13, 2023
After a shitshow of a day, I needed a reliable comfort read. Since I haven’t read the 3rd book in this series yet and I love Cari Z’s worlds, I figured Luckless was a good choice as a safe, comforting refresher before rereading Dauntless and then moving on to Reckless. Worked like a charm.
4.5 stars
Unread books on my kindle: 83
ETA
I mention this in the comments but will add it here too: Luckless is a relatively short story that’s relatively light on the romance and overt relationship building between the 2 adult MCs. What there is though of romance and relationship building touched my heart gently but deeply. Plus, because of Cari’s strong world building and the post apocalyptic/dystopian setting, I don’t feel deprived or shorted by the fact that its what dominates the story. It’s a harsh world but the sweet, tender bonds between Evan, Lee and Lee’s son, Jason are a great combo for me.
After a shitshow of a day, I needed a reliable comfort read. Since I haven’t read the 3rd book in this series yet and I love Cari Z’s worlds, I figured Luckless was a good choice as a safe, comforting refresher before rereading Dauntless and then moving on to Reckless. Worked like a charm.
4.5 stars
Unread books on my kindle: 83
ETA
I mention this in the comments but will add it here too: Luckless is a relatively short story that’s relatively light on the romance and overt relationship building between the 2 adult MCs. What there is though of romance and relationship building touched my heart gently but deeply. Plus, because of Cari’s strong world building and the post apocalyptic/dystopian setting, I don’t feel deprived or shorted by the fact that its what dominates the story. It’s a harsh world but the sweet, tender bonds between Evan, Lee and Lee’s son, Jason are a great combo for me.
June 11, 2020
Not my favorite from Cari Z. This is kind of a post-apocalyptic read with dragons and monsters. The worldbuilding was lacking for me and the romance was non-existent. :/
June 8, 2023
The monsters in this remind me of the creepy ass things from MGS and 💀😂
June 1, 2020
Evan Luck is dubbed "Luckless" by the citizens of Forge after he lost his dragon in a deadly battle. The bond between dragons and their riders is strong, that Evan feels broken and loses his empathy after no longer has his dragon. Evan's dreams mainly consists of his last fight with his dragon. But then a mysterious new man, Lee, asks Evan to teach his son, Jason, the things dragon riders need to learn. And Evan starts to have different dreams...
When Cari Z. announced on her social media that she had an upcoming story with dragons, I waited (im)patiently for it. I love her works so far and I will always appreciate a new story from Cari Z. I was rather bummed that Luckless turned out to be only novella length. I WANT A FULL NOVEL 😭
Even so, this one was still wonderful!! I thought Cari Z was able to describe the universe well, full of monsters, and people fighting them alongside their dragons. Of course, it being a novella, the relationship with Lee "suffered".
I thought Evan had more connection with six-year-old Jason as he taught the boy archery and other skills. Lee was kept mostly away from Evan and he has his own mystery. They did have several dinners together and story exchange about their lives.
The twist in the end was rather expected but great nonetheless... It was a good read. I still wish it was a novel 😬
When Cari Z. announced on her social media that she had an upcoming story with dragons, I waited (im)patiently for it. I love her works so far and I will always appreciate a new story from Cari Z. I was rather bummed that Luckless turned out to be only novella length. I WANT A FULL NOVEL 😭
Even so, this one was still wonderful!! I thought Cari Z was able to describe the universe well, full of monsters, and people fighting them alongside their dragons. Of course, it being a novella, the relationship with Lee "suffered".
I thought Evan had more connection with six-year-old Jason as he taught the boy archery and other skills. Lee was kept mostly away from Evan and he has his own mystery. They did have several dinners together and story exchange about their lives.
The twist in the end was rather expected but great nonetheless... It was a good read. I still wish it was a novel 😬
November 19, 2022
two months and SIXTEEN books later, i've finally found my next five-star read!
i've read some excellent short stories and novellas in my time, so i know what the format is capable of, but i've been disillusioned by most of the ones i've read lately. not this one - the pacing, the characters and their relationships, the worldbuilding: everything was so well-done, and fit so perfectly into the small format. i love the characters, so i want more - but i don't need more, because this book was so self-contained with a satisfying conclusion. so often i feel bereft after a novella, as if the author's rushed through the last third, but not with luckless.
i've read some excellent short stories and novellas in my time, so i know what the format is capable of, but i've been disillusioned by most of the ones i've read lately. not this one - the pacing, the characters and their relationships, the worldbuilding: everything was so well-done, and fit so perfectly into the small format. i love the characters, so i want more - but i don't need more, because this book was so self-contained with a satisfying conclusion. so often i feel bereft after a novella, as if the author's rushed through the last third, but not with luckless.
July 15, 2020
This was a short quick read that I liked. Evan's last name is Luck but everyone calls him Luckless after he has lost his Dragon. She has been with his father and grandfather Dragon before him. Losing her was the worst experience of his life and he is still not over it. He is broken. His emphatic ability the one that enabled him to bond with a dragon in the first place has shattered after her death. Lee Caldwell and his son show up in town and hire Evan to teach his son what he needs to know to be a Dragon rider. Evan doesn't intend to care for Lee and his son but he does and when a new threat come he will risk his life to protect the ones he loves. This was a good short read. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
June 2, 2020
This book could have been so GOOD. Like 5 stars good.
But it is so short that its missing key things that could have contributed to the story. This world sounds amazing and interesting but the author doesn’t go into details. The whole dragon and their riders sounds interesting but the author doesn’t go into details.
The two main characters sound interesting but the author doesn’t flesh them out enough. We get teased to an either hot as hell or beautiful sex scene which we don’t get. We get dry humping and kisses. Lame.
This plot and world are deserving of a long, well thought out book. It’s wasted on such a short book.
But it is so short that its missing key things that could have contributed to the story. This world sounds amazing and interesting but the author doesn’t go into details. The whole dragon and their riders sounds interesting but the author doesn’t go into details.
The two main characters sound interesting but the author doesn’t flesh them out enough. We get teased to an either hot as hell or beautiful sex scene which we don’t get. We get dry humping and kisses. Lame.
This plot and world are deserving of a long, well thought out book. It’s wasted on such a short book.
June 13, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Luckless is the first book in the Luckless series, involving Evan Luck and his eventual lover, Lee Caldwell. These are novellas that read very quickly and tend to focus on the big picture rather than getting too detailed.
Evan and Lee are both compelling, though Lee is definitely more of a mystery for most of the book. The reasons for this are made clear towards the end of Luckless, but there are times Lee reads as more of an enigma than a fully developed character.
The first three fourths of Luckless is well paced and engaging. The last bit certainly held my interest, but reads as rushed and a tad haphazard. I think part of that involves Lee’s revelation and how it’s handled, which is awkwardly. But also I just feel this section of the story is too unbalanced when compared to the rest of the plot.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Luckless is the first book in the Luckless series, involving Evan Luck and his eventual lover, Lee Caldwell. These are novellas that read very quickly and tend to focus on the big picture rather than getting too detailed.
Evan and Lee are both compelling, though Lee is definitely more of a mystery for most of the book. The reasons for this are made clear towards the end of Luckless, but there are times Lee reads as more of an enigma than a fully developed character.
The first three fourths of Luckless is well paced and engaging. The last bit certainly held my interest, but reads as rushed and a tad haphazard. I think part of that involves Lee’s revelation and how it’s handled, which is awkwardly. But also I just feel this section of the story is too unbalanced when compared to the rest of the plot.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
June 8, 2021
Yay! Dragons!
Would have loved reading more about Evan and Lee!
Would have loved reading more about Evan and Lee!
September 25, 2021
WHAAAAAAST??? THAT'S IT? I want more!
---
Re-read confirmed this is an amazing book whose only problem but also what makes it probably so good is being really short.
Recomend.
---
Re-read confirmed this is an amazing book whose only problem but also what makes it probably so good is being really short.
Recomend.
Read
June 15, 2024Listened to the audio book, narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo.
What a great fantasy romance. Kept me guessing until the right moment where I figured it out. And the narration, as always by MF, was superb. Very much want to read the next book.
I should note that I know the author and have worked with the narrator on my own novels.
What a great fantasy romance. Kept me guessing until the right moment where I figured it out. And the narration, as always by MF, was superb. Very much want to read the next book.
I should note that I know the author and have worked with the narrator on my own novels.
June 1, 2022
3.5 Stars
May 15, 2023
I feel like I read half a book? With the latter half smushed into the final chapter.
September 29, 2021
Simply put, if you’re a fan of high or post-apocalyptic fantasy M/M, you can’t not read this book. It made me stay up until 2am and later multiple nights because I literally couldn’t put it down. Readers who especially dig solid and totally unique worldbuilding and characters who actually do stuff, not just have a ton of internal monologue going on for the duration of the book, will also probably love this. Seriously, just read it – it’s great stuff.
July 12, 2022
Quite entertaining. Took me by surprise to learn that Somehow, I was left with the impression that Evan would find another dragon to bond with, despite the heartbreaking death of his former dragon, which had left him unable to connect empathically to another dragon. I was actually beginning to wonder what had I remembered from the blurb.
There was plenty of action. A sprinkle of romance at the end. I wish there had been more to the book. The world building was top notch, so much so that I definitely want to read more of our heroes fighting whatever hellish creatures would turn up. I want to see Jason all grown up and bonding with a dragon .
Evan befits his name. It's a shame not to expand on his adventures.
There was plenty of action. A sprinkle of romance at the end. I wish there had been more to the book. The world building was top notch, so much so that I definitely want to read more of our heroes fighting whatever hellish creatures would turn up. I want to see Jason all grown up and bonding with a dragon .
Evan befits his name. It's a shame not to expand on his adventures.
June 6, 2020
Luckless was a story that kept me 100% interested from the first few pages to the very last one.
The author does such a good job making you FEEL the connection, the bond between a dragon and rider.
I felt like every word was capitalized on. There was no unnecessary fluff or crazy descriptions that never end, every word felt perfectly placed.
I became so invested in the characters in such a short period of time, and this short story brought out a lot of emotions while I was reading it.
It was just such a joy to read Luckless and I’m so glad I found it. A true hidden gem. I’m honestly a bit devastated that I’m done reading it.. I want more from these characters and this world.. but even with it being short, it was completely worth reading and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this if it sounds at all interesting, I’m sure you’ll love it, my expectations were definitely surpassed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The author does such a good job making you FEEL the connection, the bond between a dragon and rider.
I felt like every word was capitalized on. There was no unnecessary fluff or crazy descriptions that never end, every word felt perfectly placed.
I became so invested in the characters in such a short period of time, and this short story brought out a lot of emotions while I was reading it.
It was just such a joy to read Luckless and I’m so glad I found it. A true hidden gem. I’m honestly a bit devastated that I’m done reading it.. I want more from these characters and this world.. but even with it being short, it was completely worth reading and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this if it sounds at all interesting, I’m sure you’ll love it, my expectations were definitely surpassed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 24, 2022
This was a solid “ok”, 2.5*. It’s essentially a post apocalyptic Dragonriders of Pern, but with less worldbuilding.
Stuff I liked:
- post apocalyptic setting, with the monster attacks and the city fortifications. The details were left fairly vague, which given the short length makes sense.
- short length
- psychic dragon riders
- some of the monsters. The leeches were gross and very monstery.
Stuff that didn’t work for me:
- the romance. Didn’t feel the chemistry, didn’t really feel the tension. Minimal flirting. First kiss happened at 75%.
- Lee’s big secret reveal. It felt underwhelming and also too much from a “can fix everything” perspective. Too powerful, too many questions unanswered.
- the mix of made up monsters and fairy tale monsters. Harpies? Really?
Stuff I liked:
- post apocalyptic setting, with the monster attacks and the city fortifications. The details were left fairly vague, which given the short length makes sense.
- short length
- psychic dragon riders
- some of the monsters. The leeches were gross and very monstery.
Stuff that didn’t work for me:
- the romance. Didn’t feel the chemistry, didn’t really feel the tension. Minimal flirting. First kiss happened at 75%.
- Lee’s big secret reveal. It felt underwhelming and also too much from a “can fix everything” perspective. Too powerful, too many questions unanswered.
- the mix of made up monsters and fairy tale monsters. Harpies? Really?
July 14, 2020
Dragons. What more do I need?
Oh, maybe a totally cool story, which I got. Evan Luck is a former Dragon rider whose Dragon was lost in battle. Now he's defending what used to be Denver from hungry monsters, humiliated and grieving. When the mysterious, handsome Lee Caldwell and his son show up in town, Lee hires Evan to teach his son what he needs to know to be a Dragon rider. Evan doesn't intend to care for Lee and his son, but when a new horror threatens, he will risk everything to protect the ones he loves. And so will Lee...
Oh, maybe a totally cool story, which I got. Evan Luck is a former Dragon rider whose Dragon was lost in battle. Now he's defending what used to be Denver from hungry monsters, humiliated and grieving. When the mysterious, handsome Lee Caldwell and his son show up in town, Lee hires Evan to teach his son what he needs to know to be a Dragon rider. Evan doesn't intend to care for Lee and his son, but when a new horror threatens, he will risk everything to protect the ones he loves. And so will Lee...
June 3, 2020
This is a short little guy, but I liked the premise. I wish it were a lot longer and fleshed out because there is so much you could do with this setting and these characters. I think that was the disappointment: there isn't enough here to really dig into (which is why I usually avoid novellas, and yes, I did that thing again where I don't realize I've picked up a novella). All that being said, I enjoyed this little romp and am glad I read it.
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August 31, 2022Dragons and dragonshifters, tickle me pink 🥰🥰
It's so short, yet I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, Michael Ferraiuolo's narration is as always top notch *insert lots of hearts*
Reread #1
Still an enjoyable quick read, on to the next!
It's so short, yet I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, Michael Ferraiuolo's narration is as always top notch *insert lots of hearts*
Reread #1
Still an enjoyable quick read, on to the next!
October 12, 2021
This book was a great read and super fun! I loved the characters, the story, the action scenes are to die for, the battles terrifying and the monsters the stuff of nightmares. The author has a great story here with fantastic worldbuilding. It’s so immersive!
However, I was somewhat disappointed with the length as it was a bit short for my tastes. As such, the build-up between the two love interests Evan and Lee, falls a little flat for me, though the twist and reveal towards the end of the book was terrific and jaw-dropping. I did not see it coming, which, of course, made it so much better. But I honestly didn’t feel as much of a connection between these two, especially with the big reveal as I would have liked. But that is my only quibble about a book I thoroughly enjoyed. And since I anticipate the following books building on Evan and Lee’s love story Luckless probably works more like an origin story for them which makes sense in the long run. I understand the build-up and wait even if I wanted more of them and their growing connection now, not later, but that’s probably more due to my lack of patience and less to do with this author’s ability to tell a phenomenal story.
On a personal note, I also have difficulty becoming engaged in romances with only one-half of the couple’s POV. While this is a somewhat obvious choice with this particular story, it also made it hard to connect with both characters fully. I’m hoping that Lee has more of a voice in the following books.
But what I especially loved was the main character, Evan Luck, is fabulous. He’s strong and brave but also achingly human, and vulnerable, and deeply emotionally wounded, all of which make him a fascinating and relatable character even though his world itself is a fantastical one, none of us could imagine. But, again, the author does a beautiful job of making him achingly real, and he’s the absolute stand-out of the book.
The other characters are delegated more to the sidelines, but even secondary characters like Charlie are fun additions to the story and highly enjoyable. If you love fantasy/dystopian worldbuilding, m/m romance, and wonderful characters, you’ll love this book. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the books in the series.
However, I was somewhat disappointed with the length as it was a bit short for my tastes. As such, the build-up between the two love interests Evan and Lee, falls a little flat for me, though the twist and reveal towards the end of the book was terrific and jaw-dropping. I did not see it coming, which, of course, made it so much better. But I honestly didn’t feel as much of a connection between these two, especially with the big reveal as I would have liked. But that is my only quibble about a book I thoroughly enjoyed. And since I anticipate the following books building on Evan and Lee’s love story Luckless probably works more like an origin story for them which makes sense in the long run. I understand the build-up and wait even if I wanted more of them and their growing connection now, not later, but that’s probably more due to my lack of patience and less to do with this author’s ability to tell a phenomenal story.
On a personal note, I also have difficulty becoming engaged in romances with only one-half of the couple’s POV. While this is a somewhat obvious choice with this particular story, it also made it hard to connect with both characters fully. I’m hoping that Lee has more of a voice in the following books.
But what I especially loved was the main character, Evan Luck, is fabulous. He’s strong and brave but also achingly human, and vulnerable, and deeply emotionally wounded, all of which make him a fascinating and relatable character even though his world itself is a fantastical one, none of us could imagine. But, again, the author does a beautiful job of making him achingly real, and he’s the absolute stand-out of the book.
The other characters are delegated more to the sidelines, but even secondary characters like Charlie are fun additions to the story and highly enjoyable. If you love fantasy/dystopian worldbuilding, m/m romance, and wonderful characters, you’ll love this book. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the books in the series.
April 30, 2022
3.5, and really struggling to decide whether to round up or down...
I really enjoyed this, but it was simply too short to really work. I hope more books come out, because this was more of a novella than anything else, and it really needed more time and pages to have the emotional impact that it could have. I liked the main character, but his relationship with the LI was insanely rushed and did not work. I enjoyed the world building and how the author opted for a show-don't tell approach, but there was simply not enough to show for it to be truly effective. I hope Cari Z. continues this series! I really liked what I got! I just wish I had gotten more.
I really enjoyed this, but it was simply too short to really work. I hope more books come out, because this was more of a novella than anything else, and it really needed more time and pages to have the emotional impact that it could have. I liked the main character, but his relationship with the LI was insanely rushed and did not work. I enjoyed the world building and how the author opted for a show-don't tell approach, but there was simply not enough to show for it to be truly effective. I hope Cari Z. continues this series! I really liked what I got! I just wish I had gotten more.
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