by Benedict Jacka
Series: Alex Verus #1
Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Length: 10 hours and 33 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.1x
Alex Verus is part of a world hidden in plain sight, running a magic shop in London. And while Alex's own powers aren't as showy as some mages, he does have the advantage of foreseeing the possible future-allowing him to pull off operations that have a million-to-one-chance of success.
But when Alex is approached by multiple factions to crack open a relic from a long-ago mage war, he knows that whatever's inside must be beyond powerful. And thanks to his abilities, Alex can predict that by taking the job, his odds of survival are about to go from slim to none…
Fated by Benedict Jacka is the first audio in the urban fantasy series, Alex Verus set in modern day London featuring a Dark Mage who runs a magic shop and has been blacklisted from the council. An engaging start to what looks to be an addictive urban fantasy series.
I’ve had Fated in my Audible account for over a year despite rave reviews from fellow bloggers and finally listened on a road trip with my husband.
We’ve got modern-day mages, magic-users and other paranormal communities. There are portals, rules, and magical devices. This is good versus evil where the lines are blurred with political maneuvers and plots for power.
All Mages have power but each is different. Alex is a Diviner. He can see into the future shifting through possible outcomes. So say, for example, he wants you to choose the red hat, because he wants the blue one. He can shift through all the scenarios that could unfold until he finds the one in which you choose the red one. Then he need only follow it back to see what led you to that choice and select that path! Cool right? I liked Alex, although my husband felt the narrator made him sound arrogant. I thought he sounded confident, British and more matter of fact. More brain than brawn.
When Luna, his young friend, a woman inflicted with a terrible curse brings him a strange object trouble follows. It seems someone wants a rare artifact unlocked and they need a Diviner to do it. Soon Alex and Luna find themselves in great danger. They will need to outwit not only the council but rogue mages.
This was a brilliant start to the series and I found the world Jacka created to be refreshing, complex and developed. We meet a lot of secondary characters, explore myths and play with some pretty cool magical devices.
Gildart Jackson narrates, and I thought he did a fine job with both Alex and Luna’s characters. Sometimes the secondary characters’ voices ran together a little and my husband didn’t feel he matched Alex’s character but on this he and I shall disagree. I am looking forward to continuing the series on audio. I have purchased the next four audiobooks, and have nearly finished book two. Look for my review in late August, early September.
While I think this story is wholly unique, I do think fans of The Dresden Files and the Iron Druid Chronicles will enjoy meeting Alex Verus.
Fated by Benedict Jacka #urbanfantasy #AlexVerus was an intense, original, and captivating listen. #loveaudiobooks Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Stefanie
I do like some good magic. I will have to check this book out further.
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I’ve been on the lookout for some good Urban Fantasies, and this sounds like the start of a promising new series! Thanks for sharing Kim!
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
Reading your review I was thinking this sounded a lot like something Dresden readers would like. I still haven’t gotten to those either but one day!
Flora
I like the sound of this one, Kimberly. I’ve added the series to my Amazon wish list.
Lorna
This sounds pretty fascinating. Glad you finally got the chance to listen. The hero sounds good but there’s no hint of romance?
Ethan
Coming off of my recent visit across the pond, I’m especially interested in novels set in London. This one checks off several of the boxes I use when looking for a great listen!
Nadene @totallyaddictedtoreading
I have heard good things about this series. I have seen reviews that says its similar to the Harry Dresden series
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I haven’t heard of this author/book but it sounds good! How great that it lived up to your expectations and
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Whoops! Hit submit too early. it’s so crazy when I find a book I really enjoy that has just been sitting on my shelf for far too long!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I am so glad you are reading the series we are doing for the Read-Along and that you like it! I am really enjoying the series.
kindlemom1
I love that you called this addictive (or at least think it will be). Nothing wrong with that at all! And can I just say the cover whore in me loves that cover? So pretty with the lights! I will have to try this one Kim!
Melliane
I’m having a really nice time with this book
Jenea's Book Obsession
Oooh, this sounds really good and it is a new one to me. Thanks for putting it on my radar.
Ailyn Koay
if you have to pick, would it be Alex or Harry? he seems nice and in a better luck??
Angela @ Simply Angela
I’ve been getting into these types lately and this one sounds great. I’m glad you enjoyed it!