Conservation of Luck

by Lesley L. Smith

For every good fortune, there's an equal and opposite misfortune.As a brilliant young computer scientist working on her master's degree, Ella Hote doesn't believe in luck. But when bizarre accidents, insane coincidences, and weird encounters with improbably handsome strangers start to happen all around her, even hardheaded Ella has to change her mind.She comes to realize she's inadvertently created a luck generating computer that can make even the longest of long shots pay off.Unfortunately, for every stroke of good luck, someone else pays the price in bad luck.Ultimately, when lives are on the line, how far will she go?

283 pages, Paperback

Published June 8, 2017

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lesley L. Smith's “Conservation of Luck” follows a young computer scientist, Ella Hote, as she discovers that the quantum computer she made for her Master's Degree can have a strange affect on the world around her. For such a quick and easy read, the novel raises some interesting moral questions as Ella grapples with decisions over changing one person's life through a little extra luck at the cost of someone else's good fortune.

“Conservation of Luck” is a pacey little page-turner. While there is a slight lag in the middle section - most likely due to the speed with which you learn about the effects of the quantum computer – the writing and the plot push you forward to see how everything works out. It does feel like there have been some sacrifices to maintain the pace, with many plot points feeling a little too convenient, but the premise of the story works well to cover them. In a lot of ways, these overly convenient moments work to make the story more unpredictable because the average reader has learned to expect the unexpected.

I struggled with the character Ella Hote. From a writing perspective, many things about her are told to you rather than shown, but I also found the overall attitude of the character annoying. She's pretty selfish and self-obsessed, even when supposedly helping others, but every other character just gives her a pass on these things. This was one of the areas where the convenience worked against the story – there were several moments in which Ella should have ended up being kicked out/fired from her accommodation but everything was brushed away like it didn't matter.

Ella's obsession with how hot she apparently was another source of irritation. I couldn't decide if the author was trying to subvert the unattractive/under-confident nerd stereotype or play up to the “hot” nerd idea, but having a character constantly tell you that obviously every guy is into her because she's super hot just doesn't work. While her obsession with gambling fits well within the narrative, the obsession with her own looks and finding a guy – any guy – weakens Ella as a character and makes the novel feel like it's presenting a dated ideal of a woman rather than a successful and rounded female character.

Overall, “Conservation of Luck” is engaging enough to keep its audience pushing through the story but it does have some irritating weak points that let it down.

[Rebekaneongirlyahoo.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about a grad student who simultaneously loses her job and gets kicked out of her mom’s house just as she finishes up her master’s degree. Fortunately, Ella’s professor is looking out for her and he finds her an interview for a new position in a town that's about an hour away. More trouble arises when it turns out that her newly finished quantum computer has the ability to affect Ella's luck for the better by inflicting misfortune on those around her. It’s possible that the device is even responsible for someone’s death. The situation becomes even more complicated when the computer is stolen...

This story seems to have an overabundance of unlikable characters when compared to Ms. Smith's other novels.The protagonist's best friend Crystal had several moments near the beginning that made me wonder just what her problem was. How about letting the guy decide for himself which one of you he wants to date? And if she's truly your best friend and you know she's poor, why on earth would you steal her casino winnings? Ella's parents also behave in a questionable manner. Her mother appears to have made her daughter move out simply to avoid having any witnesses to her fling with a man she just met. Ella's deadbeat dad ups the ante by having her arrested and thrown in jail for no real reason. Can we say bad parenting? Then there's her recent acquaintance Zander.

The protagonist isn’t all that admirable herself. Ella’s addicted to gambling and she keeps spending money that she doesn’t have. As a result, I didn’t have much sympathy for her. She also thinks way too highly of either herself or her appearance. I couldn't decide which, but it was annoying all the same. If Ms. Smith's goal was to create a slightly different protagonist than she's written about in the past, she succeeded. However Ella remains exactly the sort of heroine that readers have come to expect from this author: a twenty-something, female scientist who's working in the quantum mechanics field. While I'm sure Ms. Smith is probably sticking with what she knows, it would still be nice to see a little variety when it comes to her protagonists.

With that said, Conservation of Luck brings up some interesting points. (I found the concept of being able to crowdsource major health problems by spreading the bad luck around an intriguing notion.) It's also a fairly readable tale but it's certainly not Ms. Smith's best work.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Audiobook)

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?
I would almost say it was a mindless listen while I helped prepare for a family & friends reunion. Except I kept rewinding because of the inconsistencies. Like how when she was at her surprise party (oh, she bailed on her 'bff' but failed to call and cancel. Like wtf?) and indicated her new job at KC was an hour away, yet the narrative on the day of the move complained about the long ride and she took a nap during the car ride and they stopped to eat on the way.
I spent too much time on this book.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?
A qualified editor and copy editor could add several layers of depth and charisma.

Which character – as performed by Kathryn Supina – was your favorite?
I liked Katherine as a narrator for this author. I prefer her to the narrator of the other book I listened to for this author in the Quantum series.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?
Even though a screen play drastically changes most books, no. There is way too much humdrum 'I wanna bed him' thoughts. It felt too juvenile for the age range of the characters. Every touching moment involved someone getting misty eyed. Worse than a chic flic.

Any additional comments?
Premise was curious. Characters weren't deep. Plot was interesting. It was too fast paced but without suspense or friction.
The loose ends were like a three year old learning to tie their shoelaces. It wasn't tight enough and had too many loops.
I enjoy the book summaries by this author, but feel slighted by the lack of world building and flow. I still intend to pick up another book from her because I think she is growing into her own and I do enjoy the quantum theories she plays with in her literary works.

[Anita Lock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year is 2030. The day after twenty-four-year-old Ella Hote passes her master’s defense, she moves to Kansas City to her new job at Qubyte, Inc., where she’ll be continuing research on quantum computing and working alongside Dr. Jayden Macuill. Jayden and Ella’s experiments seem to indicate that the q-computations affect luck, which is not new data for Ella; a whole string of mishaps have been occurring ever since her defense. While the two have great chemistry as partners, Ella fears that she’ll hurt him. She decides that the best thing to do is hide her computer at her apartment. But when it gets stolen, circumstances go from bad to worse, especially when her Little Sister develops cancer.

While focusing on another aspect of quantum physics—this time quantum computing, Smith busily develops her primary character who may be a brilliant scientist but she is definitely riddled with frailty. This is, indeed, a key component of her writing style to keep her audience engaged. In fact, some readers may find themselves irritated between the incessant chain of events and Ella’s personal problems. If that’s the case, then Smith has done her job well since Ella is not the most likable character. Twisted, sprinkled heavily with science, and replete with a full cast (supporting and foils), Conservation of Luck is a balanced mix of tension and downright annoyance, but all for good reason.

[Ryan H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice change of pace for me as it differs greatly from what I usually listen to. As the story move forward I found myself liking this one more and more. The premise is great. That coupled with all the background noise and things that were being done made this one very enjoyable. There was lots to like such as a poker playing grad student, baseball games, great beer and also some greasy food. I found myself liking a lot of aspects for this one especially the characters. More often than not the main character. She was a little boy crazy at times but I’m pretty sure it was on par with a lot of women in their 20s, guys as well in their 20s I would assume act like this still LOL. The narration was done very well. Definitely added to the story and fit nicely with our main character. Her voice was very nice and the voices that she used were great as well. You could tell by her tone when it was a thought in the main characters head and when she was speaking out loud within the storyline. I really think the bad luck and good luck things that happened in the story were very creative and I personally would not of been able to think of such creative actions. Overall this was a great book and I enjoyed it as a change of pace from what I usually listen to. I received a free copy of this work in exchange for an honest review via audiobook boom and this in no way affected my opinion of this work.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Oh I really really liked this book! Fun, fun,fun!
First it was so very original! I loved the characters Ella and Jayden. Ella was a riot! I pictured her as Zooey Deschanel - pretty, smary, and very quirky and snarky! Just the way I love my characters.

You would think a fiction book about quantum physics... eehhh not for me - but it was fun, interesting and not so much about physics! LOL right up my alley. The biog question - can you change your
luck? Hmm interesting thought. But I also liked that this was also about Ella's gambling, her MIA father, her friendships and love interests, or lack of. So there were a lot of spider webs in this story.

OK - my favorite part of the story - The narrator (Kathryn Supina)! OMG!!! I loved her! I have a problem with narrators - I don't usually like them. So to finally find one that I love. Oh yay! She totally made the book for me. I loved her voice and the way she read. I could really picture Ella. Great job!

Great story with a great narrator! A win/win!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Kate Tilton Author services and Lesley Smith - Thank You!!

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with all of Lesley L Smith's novels, the scientific premise of this book is original and brilliant. If the blurb doesn't make you want to read on, there is little I can say to persuade you - the concept of someone being left in charge of the distribution (or conservation) of luck is incredibly interesting. What's more, she handles it perfectly.

What let the novel down for me was the obsession with romantic encounters throughout. Don't get me wrong, I love a good bit of romance. I just find it difficult that every conversation must revolve around longing stares and the like - particularly during genuinely serious moments.

The story itself is interesting though, and well worth a read.

[Ditrie Bowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Hote pushes the scientific method to its limit in this entertaining sci-fi book. Some parts of the plot have a mystery feel to them, and there is an adorable romance that gradually unfolds, too. When she makes a breakthrough that can make her quite a bit of money but destroys the people around her, she's caught in a moral dilemma. This is a story about family, friendship, love, and honesty— both with others and with oneself. What I appreciate most about this book is that she reacts realistically to her biggest personal struggle (which is exacerbated by her scientific breakthrough). At times it isn't the reaction her loved ones would like to see, and it's nice to see a story that doesn't fluff the issue over or ignore it.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Graduate student Ella Hote explores luck v chance as she uses her self-built quantum computer to improve her poker winnings. Unfortunately, Ella also learns firsthand that for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction, ie when something good happens for her, something ominous happens to those around her. While the premise of the book is truly interesting, the characters and dialogue do not engage or draw the reader into Ella’s world. Smith is definitely a talented writer, but this book does not showcase that talent.

[Ron Capshaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Smith's tale of a graduate student "gifted" with a computer that enriches the character's gambling addiction and overall luck has its moments. But her characters are so cold and unappealing and the dialogue so robotic that the computer emerges as the more humane and admirable.

[Deedra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible:A college girl has alternating good and bad luck.It was an ok book.Nothing really made it 'pop'.Kathryn SUpina was a good narrator.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smith should focus more on quality before quantity to make truly remarkable stories

Attempting to write about such a revolutionary, challenging topic as quantum computing is a daring move and a risk I fear didn't pan out for this author as well as she would hope. Much of the dialogue was flat and unfeeling, probably unfortunately because Lesley Smith wrote about a concept she is clearly not an expert in and therefore the majority of it felt pulled right out of a text book. In general, I enjoyed this story of a young graduate with a gambling problem who created a quantum computer that can affect luck, but overall it did not have any real heart. I would have liked to see deeper character development and more personality in Smith's writing that would have made the story more unique and with a voice all its own.

[Christine Liwag Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique premise


Graduate student Ella Hote is a brilliant scientist. When she constructs a quantum computer that allows her to enhance her luck, chaos ensues. Already a compelling character, Ella’s gambling addiction adds  of a layer of depth to the story that makes it grippingly realistic. The plot is delightfully original and will keep readers entranced until the last page.

“Conservation of Luck” is not just an engaging science fiction story but also a surprisingly philosophical book which grapples with questions of morality. Does the end ever justify the means? And how far is it acceptable to go to save your loved ones?

[Ruby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the story but found it slow going at times, and some words were pronounced oddly from time to time in the audio version.
I do think the book has some interesting moments but it is not a fast read at all, and honestly feels forced in some places. I mostly enjoyed the moments outside of her computer as they seemed to move smoother then the rest of the book, however, for a bright student Ella can come off as kind of socially slow at times, and I feel she is told what to do more then is normal for a girl her age. I was given this book as a gift for my unbiased review.

[Kate]

What is luck? Is it a tangible commodity affected by hypothetical means, or is it a spiritual or mythological belief? Ella Hote finds herself wondering just that as the qu-computer she built for her Masters project begins to take on a life of its own, at the expense of her own, and others. Is it possible to collectively affect probability to get what you want, and is it ethical to do so? Should such a thing be allowed in the world at large, or should it be conserved for the good of all? All these questions and a lot more plague newly graduated Master Physicist Ella Hote as she begins her first life outside of college, and a bewildering foray into making her own place in the world. The odds might seem to be against her, but she will succeed, in her own way.