Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Dauntless 
SERIES: Luckless
AUTHOR: Cari Z
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Cari Z
LENGTH: 3 hours and 37 minutes
RELEASE DATE: July 13, 2022
BLURB:
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 10-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.
REVIEW:
Note: This is the second story in this series and it is recommended to have read the first book, Luckless for context and the beginning of Lee and Evan’s relationship.
Dauntless begins about a year after the end of Luckless and picks up with Evan and Lee solidly in their relationship. Evan and Ladon, Lee’s dragon form, work very well together. Evan continues training the new riders and fighters. Jason, Lee’s son, is desperate to bond with his own dragon, but so far no takers. Without a dragon of his own, Jason is growing despondent. He’s losing weight and he’s struggling.
Forge is also struggling with increased influx of people as other cities are migrating away from cities that are being overrun with monsters. Forge doesn’t have enough experience dragons and riders to take on defending all these refugees who are on their way and bringing the monsters with them. There new and deadly monsters to contend with.
When Evan has trouble with a new dragon rider who is critical of Jason, things go off the tracks. Evan and Lee must rescue the rogue rider and his dragon – but Lee is injured. This is a blow to Evan, Jason and Forge. It’s clear that things are getting worse outside of Forge and it’s signaling some sort of change as there are new a even more menacing monsters outside the walls. Just when Evan and Lee are about to leave, there is a ruckus as someone is approaching Forge and bringing along far too much danger. In order to save the new arrivals and someone even closer, Lee and Evan must both try to get to the newcomers before it’s too late. If they can save the day, there are still so many unanswered questions and they will need to reevaluate their plans as there are now other considerations.
Well I’m loving this series! It’s amazing what Cari Z can fit into just a few pages/hours of audio! What is already a really story is superbly enhanced by Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration and original music. I was completely absorbed into this story from the start. Lee and Evan are completely bonded and they, along with Jason, are a family. Jason’s struggle is impacting their future though. They can’t let him devolve into potential madness. I don’t want to be spoilery, but the answer to Jason’s prayers is completely unexpected and spectacular 🙂 Lee and Evan really do work as a team and they know that they have a lot on their shoulders. They have to make tough decisions and put themselves in danger repeatedly. Please note that the story does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but hopefully the audio of Book 3 will be out soon!
I loved the narration in this one even more than the first. The voice distortion for Ladon is just perfect! He is definitely the dragon form of Lee. Jason is still a child – but he’s rapidly becoming an adult and Michael’s voice choice work very well for this boy on the cusp of young adulthood. There are a number of characters in this story and they are all distinct in voice. The love between Jason and Lee is palpable. The adoration of Evan by Jason is completely believable and spot on. I just loved the performance here. Then there is the theme music! Once again Mr. Ferraiuolo’s performance raises what is already a very good story to another level. I cannot wait for book 3! Highly recommended especially for fans of dystopian world building and fantasy stories.
RATING: 
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