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Prof Croft #5
Black Luck
’Cause sometimes luck ain’t enough
In the year since the Whisperer’s attack, I’ve been busting my hump to become my best wizard, like my father. Now I’m ready for a test.
When a dark mage starts planting infernal bags around New York City, I get my wish. Like time bombs, the bags detonate without warning, spawning demonic beings that rip the souls of innocents from their bodies. And the attacks are accelerating.
Meanwhile, a new wizard has come to town. A recent addition to the Order, Pierce is everything I’m not: refined, self-assured, and adept at magic. He even has Detective Vega blushing. If riling my resentment wasn’t enough, he’s trying to shoulder me out of my own case, stoking my suspicions.
With the race to stop the dark mage growing more desperate by the minute, I need to prove that I’m the wizard to get it done—not Pierce. And without relying on my luck quotient.
That saying about being careful what you wish for?
It’s there for a reason.
In the year since the Whisperer’s attack, I’ve been busting my hump to become my best wizard, like my father. Now I’m ready for a test.
When a dark mage starts planting infernal bags around New York City, I get my wish. Like time bombs, the bags detonate without warning, spawning demonic beings that rip the souls of innocents from their bodies. And the attacks are accelerating.
Meanwhile, a new wizard has come to town. A recent addition to the Order, Pierce is everything I’m not: refined, self-assured, and adept at magic. He even has Detective Vega blushing. If riling my resentment wasn’t enough, he’s trying to shoulder me out of my own case, stoking my suspicions.
With the race to stop the dark mage growing more desperate by the minute, I need to prove that I’m the wizard to get it done—not Pierce. And without relying on my luck quotient.
That saying about being careful what you wish for?
It’s there for a reason.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2018
628 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Brad Magnarella
50 books379 followersBrad Magnarella writes urban fantasy for the same reason most read it – to explore worlds where magic crackles from fingertips, vampires and shifters walk city streets, cats talk (some excessively), and good prevails against all odds. It’s shamelessly fun.
His three main series, Prof Croft, Blue Wolf, and Maddy Deeds, make up the growing Croftverse, with nearly a half-million books sold to date and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination.
Hopelessly nomadic, Brad can be found in a rented room overseas or hiking America's backcountry.
To learn more about the Croftverse, and download two free prequel novellas, visit his website at bradmagnarella.com
His three main series, Prof Croft, Blue Wolf, and Maddy Deeds, make up the growing Croftverse, with nearly a half-million books sold to date and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination.
Hopelessly nomadic, Brad can be found in a rented room overseas or hiking America's backcountry.
To learn more about the Croftverse, and download two free prequel novellas, visit his website at bradmagnarella.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 22, 2018
I am very glad, Brad Magnarella decided Professor Croft has more stories to tell because from book 1 to book 4 Croft had developed into a very likable and complex character and it would be a shame to let him fade away. He needed to be used and abused some more.
In Black Luck, Croft has spent the calmer days since taking down the Death Mage working on his magic skills and answering the occasional alarms when minor demons entered his jurisdiction. Nothing too complicated or difficult to handle has happened, until now. Life throws him a curve beginning with #1; his relationship with Ricki Vega, followed by #2; a very powerful demon is killing people, #3; a very good looking and much more powerful wizard awakens his jealousy beast, #4; The Order sends him a very unique magic teacher.
There are 2 new characters introduced, the magic teacher being one, which spice up Croft's personal life and I hope they have much more page time in future stories.
I do not give 5 star ratings lightly. Nor do I give them to books, simply because I beta/edit/ARC read the books for the authors. I give 5 stars to Black Luck because Brad Magnarella has steadily improved his writing and story telling skills with each book he writes and with Black Luck, he has proven he can put it all together, plotting, pacing, characterization and story telling to create a fantastic book.
In Black Luck, Croft has spent the calmer days since taking down the Death Mage working on his magic skills and answering the occasional alarms when minor demons entered his jurisdiction. Nothing too complicated or difficult to handle has happened, until now. Life throws him a curve beginning with #1; his relationship with Ricki Vega, followed by #2; a very powerful demon is killing people, #3; a very good looking and much more powerful wizard awakens his jealousy beast, #4; The Order sends him a very unique magic teacher.
There are 2 new characters introduced, the magic teacher being one, which spice up Croft's personal life and I hope they have much more page time in future stories.
I do not give 5 star ratings lightly. Nor do I give them to books, simply because I beta/edit/ARC read the books for the authors. I give 5 stars to Black Luck because Brad Magnarella has steadily improved his writing and story telling skills with each book he writes and with Black Luck, he has proven he can put it all together, plotting, pacing, characterization and story telling to create a fantastic book.
September 1, 2021
Croft is a lazy petulant man child involved with things way above his head and only manages to stumble through on sheer dumb luck. It’s so bad the author had to right in “dumb luck” as an actual thing in the series and then based this book off it.
March 18, 2020
Also noted in earlier book(s) - the expression is "put through the wringer," not ringer. (Petty, I know)
My memory being what it is, I was going to object to his sword being referred to as being given to him by his father. Then I remembered he'd relinquished the one that he'd acquired from his grandfather. Supposedly it was too powerful to be left in his hands even though he'd been wielding it for years. But, was he blooded to this second sword? Was this necessary only because his grandfather's was being bequeathed to him and the second was made for him? Am I the only one that hopes perhaps his father will make a miraculous comeback?
He meets Mae, an unlikely new member to his posse. She proves vital to the success of vanquishing the current threat against New York. I like her a lot. He also meets the wizard who replaced James Wesson. Said wizard brings out immature jealousy in Croft due to his apparent superior skills and handsome appearance. Then there's his new mentor, a woman who spends significant time in the fae realm. She disrupts his household and even Tabitha relinquishes her favorite spot in order to avoid her.
When Croft awakens after being attacked he takes a shower at Vega's home. Since the clothes he had been wearing were pretty much destroyed, her babysitter provides him with an outfit from the 70s. He returns home not long after that and speaks to Vega, indicating one of the first things he will do is change clothes. He then proceeds to take another shower and apparently dons the disco apparel again since it is referenced several times further on in the story.
Nit picking aside, I do enjoy this series. The ending to this book has a very interesting development.
My memory being what it is, I was going to object to his sword being referred to as being given to him by his father. Then I remembered he'd relinquished the one that he'd acquired from his grandfather. Supposedly it was too powerful to be left in his hands even though he'd been wielding it for years. But, was he blooded to this second sword? Was this necessary only because his grandfather's was being bequeathed to him and the second was made for him? Am I the only one that hopes perhaps his father will make a miraculous comeback?
He meets Mae, an unlikely new member to his posse. She proves vital to the success of vanquishing the current threat against New York. I like her a lot. He also meets the wizard who replaced James Wesson. Said wizard brings out immature jealousy in Croft due to his apparent superior skills and handsome appearance. Then there's his new mentor, a woman who spends significant time in the fae realm. She disrupts his household and even Tabitha relinquishes her favorite spot in order to avoid her.
When Croft awakens after being attacked he takes a shower at Vega's home. Since the clothes he had been wearing were pretty much destroyed, her babysitter provides him with an outfit from the 70s. He returns home not long after that and speaks to Vega, indicating one of the first things he will do is change clothes. He then proceeds to take another shower and apparently dons the disco apparel again since it is referenced several times further on in the story.
Nit picking aside, I do enjoy this series. The ending to this book has a very interesting development.
September 18, 2018
Wow, this was another amazing Prof Croft adventure. Author Brad Magnarella reminds me of a Star Wars author, Drew Karpyshyn. He puts his characters through hell and they still find a way to save the day. A story doesn't work unless you are invested in the characters, and Brad does this so well. I found myself cringing every time Croft suffered the adverse effects of Black luck. I haven't felt so bad for someone since Theron Shan allowed himself to be beaten up in Annihilation. Croft seemed to have everything going so wrong, yet his heart and valor still shine. I was on the fence about the other wizard motives and did not see several curves thrown that took the story in a completely different direction. I absolutely adored Mae and Buster, two possible new allies and grossed out by his new "mentor." An amazing adventure filled with heart and soul. Croft remains the wonderful nice guy who does the right thing against all odds. I'm beginning to think he needs a nice Jedi girl friend instead of that detective! Brad Magnarella's literary talents keep growing. I hope Del Rey books will notice, he would make a fantastic author of a Star Wars book. I read this book using immersion reading, while listening to the audiobook and the wonderful James Patrick Cronin's wonderful performance. He is Croft, I hear his voice even when reading without the audio. A fantastic, heartbreaking, enjoyable read.
September 23, 2024
Croft is on a magical me new person bent - and the new magic user in town dents his ego in the worst way - how dare he be so English, tall, and competent…
and what is wrong with the wards? they are letting all kinds of things through without warning him.
His new mentor, sent from the council, is fae touched and worse has taken over his bedroom and upset his cat.
look, calling the only thing you have from your mother, an emo ball - it just doesn’t work for me - it feels derisive and disrespectful? like a mood ring? IDK - I am explaining this badly.
part way through this I got the impression it was very much like Montague & Strong series that I gave up on at book 2; I thought it might be the same narrator, but no… and then the MC mentions that series in this world. blinks. eyes narrow… penname? writing buddy?
3 stars
and what is wrong with the wards? they are letting all kinds of things through without warning him.
His new mentor, sent from the council, is fae touched and worse has taken over his bedroom and upset his cat.
look, calling the only thing you have from your mother, an emo ball - it just doesn’t work for me - it feels derisive and disrespectful? like a mood ring? IDK - I am explaining this badly.
part way through this I got the impression it was very much like Montague & Strong series that I gave up on at book 2; I thought it might be the same narrator, but no… and then the MC mentions that series in this world. blinks. eyes narrow… penname? writing buddy?
3 stars
September 8, 2019
Starting the next book
This installment was SO cringeworthy. Probably more than half of the book was written that way.. Craft's character is ALREADY a hot mess half the time , anyway. We don't need anything more to make him look more bungling.. And I say that w/ love for the character.
SPOILERS!!!!! SPOILERS!!!! IF U HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK OR CAN'T STAND SPOILERS STOP RIGHT HERE!!!!!
I'm glad the new wizard, Pierce died. Get somewhere w/ that!! If I wanna read a paranormal mystery duo, I'll go read that. This is Prof. Croft. I love Mae Johnson and her Clawdaddy.. I hope Croft and Vega work out. And I was SO tickled at Snodgrass and his wife. Probably my 2nd favorite part of the entire book. Snodgrass acts like he's the clock of the walk @ work, b/ c he's emasculated at home. I LOVED IT!!!
This installment was SO cringeworthy. Probably more than half of the book was written that way.. Craft's character is ALREADY a hot mess half the time , anyway. We don't need anything more to make him look more bungling.. And I say that w/ love for the character.
SPOILERS!!!!! SPOILERS!!!! IF U HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK OR CAN'T STAND SPOILERS STOP RIGHT HERE!!!!!
I'm glad the new wizard, Pierce died. Get somewhere w/ that!! If I wanna read a paranormal mystery duo, I'll go read that. This is Prof. Croft. I love Mae Johnson and her Clawdaddy.. I hope Croft and Vega work out. And I was SO tickled at Snodgrass and his wife. Probably my 2nd favorite part of the entire book. Snodgrass acts like he's the clock of the walk @ work, b/ c he's emasculated at home. I LOVED IT!!!
May 25, 2018
Prof. Croft is embroiled in another magic battle with an enemy that is clever and evil, sucking the souls out of their victims. Also fighting to improve his skills as a magician and improve himself as a person, he is following the rules set down in his favorite self help book. He also is struggling to find time with his girlfriend, Ricki and failing miserably. Hope is on the way as he is given a new teacher that takes him to task. Among all these struggles is a new magician in town who is handsome and makes himself a bright and shining star in NYC. Jealous much? We are led on another excellent adventure again with this author doing his best to keeps us entertained and I must say I was entertained. Another excellent read from this author.
September 1, 2022
Yet another wild adventure in Everson's life, and this one was twisted in all the best ways. There's bad luck, there's unfortunate luck, and then there's everything Croft had to go through in this book. Every time he turned around, it was like something was going wrong, even when he tried his best to avoid it. This book built on previous events and basically turned them on their head, and gave us an even more twisted bad guy to deal with. Magnarella did a great job keeping me on my toes, even when I thought I knew what the cause of his bad luck was or who that bad guy was or even why he and Veronica sometimes just can't seem to get their sh*t together. Makes me wanna smash their heads together at multiple times and on multiple surfaces simultaneously!
March 21, 2020
Well worth your time
Black Luck Prof Croft 5
Re-reading a series can sometimes spoil the mystery of favorite characters or storylines for me. This is not the case with Brad Magnarella’s Prof Croft series because revisiting these novels became like talking to an old friend. A refresher worth taking during such dark times encourages optimism and reinforces that humans are resilient and resourceful with our capacity for love.
Book 5 made me laugh out loud at some old and new characters as Everson Croft battles yet another crisis in post apocalyptic New York City. It is well worth your time to read this series.
Black Luck Prof Croft 5
Re-reading a series can sometimes spoil the mystery of favorite characters or storylines for me. This is not the case with Brad Magnarella’s Prof Croft series because revisiting these novels became like talking to an old friend. A refresher worth taking during such dark times encourages optimism and reinforces that humans are resilient and resourceful with our capacity for love.
Book 5 made me laugh out loud at some old and new characters as Everson Croft battles yet another crisis in post apocalyptic New York City. It is well worth your time to read this series.
June 1, 2021
Action packed
Croft finally has a mentor but is she more help or a hindrance? A new magic user has arrived in town to resume the cowboy’s duties. His magic derived from him it’s paintings. Hi polished manners and impecable magic threaten Crofts confidence in his own abilities. Vega asks for more of a commitment and there’s demon magic threatening New York not only that but Croft must reverse a curse. This is action packed as usual and the introduction of Mae as a creature-whisperer is fun.
Croft finally has a mentor but is she more help or a hindrance? A new magic user has arrived in town to resume the cowboy’s duties. His magic derived from him it’s paintings. Hi polished manners and impecable magic threaten Crofts confidence in his own abilities. Vega asks for more of a commitment and there’s demon magic threatening New York not only that but Croft must reverse a curse. This is action packed as usual and the introduction of Mae as a creature-whisperer is fun.
August 2, 2021
Just keeps getting better!
First, I'll say I really liked this book and I'm looking forward to the next. My only dilemma was that there are two other spin offs that happen just before this one and I didn't know if I should read those first. In the end I decided I wasn't ready to invest in different characters and kept it right here. If you liked #4 you won't be disappointed. I'll just have to hit the other books after I finish this series. It will give me something to look forward to once I'm done with the adventures of Prof. Croft.
First, I'll say I really liked this book and I'm looking forward to the next. My only dilemma was that there are two other spin offs that happen just before this one and I didn't know if I should read those first. In the end I decided I wasn't ready to invest in different characters and kept it right here. If you liked #4 you won't be disappointed. I'll just have to hit the other books after I finish this series. It will give me something to look forward to once I'm done with the adventures of Prof. Croft.
May 28, 2018
Fast paced and full of suspense! The souls of NYC are threatened by a dark mage, Croft gets an interesting teacher, there's a new wizard in town, and Croft keeps bumbling like never before. There's lots of scary stuff, nerve wracking suspense, and incredible situational humor, just the kind of thing Magnarella does so very well. If you haven't read other Prof Croft books you will still love this one, but you'll feel compelled to read the ones that you've missed!
June 20, 2018
A fun read.
The best part about reading a series of books from a “new” author is being able to observe how their skill in writing grows with each installment. This one is easily the finest of the bunch thus far; quickly paced and completely unpredictable. I highly recommend you do what I did. Start with book one and read nothing else till you’ve finished them all. You’re welcome.
The best part about reading a series of books from a “new” author is being able to observe how their skill in writing grows with each installment. This one is easily the finest of the bunch thus far; quickly paced and completely unpredictable. I highly recommend you do what I did. Start with book one and read nothing else till you’ve finished them all. You’re welcome.
July 7, 2018
Another Great Installment
This series had me hooked after the first novel. Five books in, and it's still got me wanting more. The audio books are wonderful as well. This particular novel really put Prof Croft to the test. We finally have an lgbt character in this one, and I hope to see another at some point. It was incidental to the character, not its main focus, which is how it should be. Nice to see. I'm looking forward to book six!
This series had me hooked after the first novel. Five books in, and it's still got me wanting more. The audio books are wonderful as well. This particular novel really put Prof Croft to the test. We finally have an lgbt character in this one, and I hope to see another at some point. It was incidental to the character, not its main focus, which is how it should be. Nice to see. I'm looking forward to book six!
February 19, 2019
Victoria Palmer's Review.
Another awesome adventure with my favorite beleaguered Down but not out underdog with a hero hidden inside, Prof. Croft. An entertaining tale filled with magic, mayhem, and facing one's own struggle with inadequacy while trying to establish your place amid those who doubt and try to push you aside, it's about loyalties and betrayals. Grab this read while you can and find a new obsession.
Another awesome adventure with my favorite beleaguered Down but not out underdog with a hero hidden inside, Prof. Croft. An entertaining tale filled with magic, mayhem, and facing one's own struggle with inadequacy while trying to establish your place amid those who doubt and try to push you aside, it's about loyalties and betrayals. Grab this read while you can and find a new obsession.
July 29, 2020
I really enjoyed the black luck aspect, it was fun and whimsical. I also love the characters Gretchen and Mae. The rivalry with Pierce was also enjoyable.
June 7, 2018
Great read
Doesn’t go where you think it will another hard to put down and can’t wait till the next book. Everton gets tested in more than one way he finds out he is “good” friends with prof snodgrass . He even finds out that you should be careful what ask for because you just may get it
Doesn’t go where you think it will another hard to put down and can’t wait till the next book. Everton gets tested in more than one way he finds out he is “good” friends with prof snodgrass . He even finds out that you should be careful what ask for because you just may get it
August 27, 2019
Black Luck was a solid adventure and kept my interest throughout, but I was disappointed that so much of the action took place off screen. For example, we are told by another character that Pierce, the suave new wizard introduced in the book, is killed off in an explosion along with the villain from the beginning of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2020
Croft's got a lot on his plate. A new mage in town, relationship struggles, a new instructor and to top it off a demon sucking the souls from folks.
He goes on the hunt for the demon and somehow gets stuck with some black luck. Anything that can go wrong pretty much does. Yet he needs to foil the demon. Croft does what he does and goes after it
He goes on the hunt for the demon and somehow gets stuck with some black luck. Anything that can go wrong pretty much does. Yet he needs to foil the demon. Croft does what he does and goes after it
December 11, 2023
Trouble's coming
The author let's us see what it's like to lose your ability to easily get things done. We also watch as the new team is forming, person by person and what it takes to use that team member to the best of their ability. We also are reminded to always prepare as though something is coming.
The author let's us see what it's like to lose your ability to easily get things done. We also watch as the new team is forming, person by person and what it takes to use that team member to the best of their ability. We also are reminded to always prepare as though something is coming.
July 17, 2025
“I’m not surprised,” Tabitha said. “I’ve never seen someone eat that many pancakes in one sitting. You should have seen the stack. It was like something out of a cartoon. I’m surprised she didn’t fall into a diabetic coma. Or maybe she did.” Tabitha lowered her head back down, unconcerned either way.
When bad things happen to exciting people 🥹
When bad things happen to exciting people 🥹
June 1, 2018
Finally !!
Seems like I waited forever for this one ,well worth the wait ,professor croft back to his best with tabitha providing the snark ..great cast of characters & a new mentor. ..things are looking up ,loved the m&s reference too 👍
Seems like I waited forever for this one ,well worth the wait ,professor croft back to his best with tabitha providing the snark ..great cast of characters & a new mentor. ..things are looking up ,loved the m&s reference too 👍
July 19, 2018
Good
Had this downloaded for quite awhile before I actually read it, after finally opening it up i quickly realized how much I like the series, and read it through to the end in one sitting.
Had this downloaded for quite awhile before I actually read it, after finally opening it up i quickly realized how much I like the series, and read it through to the end in one sitting.
August 25, 2018
Very interesting book vampires,demons old ladies as heroes and a love story to
Very good need more prof books . a fast read and very entertaining. Shows real personalities of heroes and villains with great surprises not your normal fiction story.
Very good need more prof books . a fast read and very entertaining. Shows real personalities of heroes and villains with great surprises not your normal fiction story.
September 27, 2018
Another great one!
I love prof croft, he's one of my favorite characters. This book is just as great as all the others, it's just a great series. I hope they keep coming and wait in anticipation for the next. Now I'm off to read the third blue wolf book! !!
I love prof croft, he's one of my favorite characters. This book is just as great as all the others, it's just a great series. I hope they keep coming and wait in anticipation for the next. Now I'm off to read the third blue wolf book! !!
February 8, 2019
Fantastic!
Just when I thought these books couldn't get any better. Brilliant storyline, so well written I felt like I was there, watching it happen.
Love Mae, and Buster!
Loved the shout-out to Monty and Simon
Just when I thought these books couldn't get any better. Brilliant storyline, so well written I felt like I was there, watching it happen.
Love Mae, and Buster!
Loved the shout-out to Monty and Simon
March 23, 2020
Excellent story
With each new book the life of Everson Drift is brought to life. The side story of his love story with Vega is getting better i just hope there is very little stupid drama like some other stories. But so far it is excellent
With each new book the life of Everson Drift is brought to life. The side story of his love story with Vega is getting better i just hope there is very little stupid drama like some other stories. But so far it is excellent
January 15, 2021
This series is gripping me with its complexity of story which unfolds a piece at a time. I liked the character Mae who was introduced in this book and her pet Buster the clawdad. Funny, frustrating to read at times but worth it once you get to the end. Another excellent novel in the series.
July 6, 2021
Entertaining
Black Luck was entertaining but my least favorite. I got tired of how insecure and weak Pro Croft was behaving. For a wizard it was annoying. I hope he grows more in next book. Also why was Pierce killed off. He added to the story.
Black Luck was entertaining but my least favorite. I got tired of how insecure and weak Pro Croft was behaving. For a wizard it was annoying. I hope he grows more in next book. Also why was Pierce killed off. He added to the story.
August 14, 2021
Solid entry in the series
It's good to know that Everson has feelings too. He can feel awkward and jealous. This book was really insightful into Everson's insecurities and foibles. I like him even more now.
It's good to know that Everson has feelings too. He can feel awkward and jealous. This book was really insightful into Everson's insecurities and foibles. I like him even more now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews