Fated by Benedict Jacka

July 15th, 2019 Kimberly Review 15 Comments

15th Jul
Fated by Benedict Jacka
Fated
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
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
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…

urban magical well written fantasy

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 Click To Tweet
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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

15 Responses to “Fated by Benedict Jacka”

  1. 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!

    Ethan recently posted: The Body Lies by Jo Baker
  2. 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!