Taken by Benedict Jacka

October 3rd, 2019 Kimberly Review 9 Comments

3rd Oct
Taken by Benedict Jacka
Taken
by Benedict Jacka
Series: Alex Verus #3
Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Length: 10 hours and 6 minutes
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.3x

This time last year, I could go weeks without seeing another mage. In mage society I was an unknown and, all in all, that was how I liked it. It's hard to say what changed. Whatever it was, I got involved in the magical world again and started getting myself a reputation.

Alex Verus's insights into the future used to be the best-kept secret in London. Now, with the aid of his apprentice, Luna, his unique investigative talents are all the rage. He just has to be careful about picking his employers, because everyone - even the beautiful woman who practically begs him to run security for a prestigious tournament - has motives that can be hard to predict. And Alex doesn't do unpredictable.

But his latest gig just might be impossible. Apprentices have been vanishing without a trace - and someone on the Council could be involved. Alex has no evidence, no witnesses, and no suspects. All he knows is that someone is keeping tabs on him. And after assassins target Luna's classmate, Alex sees that he doesn't know the half of it - and that he could be the next to disappear.

urban magical mystery friends

Taken in the third audiobook in the Alex Verus series by Benedict Jacka. Narrated by Gildart Jackson, Taken was an addictive, action-packed tale as Alex and young Mage apprentices try to solve a rather cunning mystery.

Alex is approached to run security for a prestigious tournament and declines that is until young apprentices go missing. Then of course he and Luna, his own Mage apprentice are in the thick of things. There will be challenges, death and displays of clever wit.

Jacka gives us more time with Luna, and it was fun seeing her amongst the other young apprentices. We learned more about the world, while getting to know her. We meet new characters, explore new places and work our way through suspects, including those on the council. It was loads of fun.

Alex was brilliant, funny, and handled multiple issues including a personal challenge involving a duel at sunrise. He’s a reluctant hero, but all around good guy and I liked seeing him in the role of mentor, leader and teacher. He is true to his own moral compass and I love that.

Listening to this series is a blast, and Gildart Jackson does a splendid job bringing the characters to life through tone, and emotional inflections. For me, he has become the voice of Alex, Luna, and others.

There are currently ten audiobooks in the series, and I am excited to dive into Chosen, book four in the next month.

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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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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9 Responses to “Taken by Benedict Jacka”

  3. sjhigbee

    I’m glad this is such a good audiobook series, as I think I got to Book 5 and then lost track – perhaps I’ll finish off listening to it:)). Great review, Kimberly.

  5. Anne

    I am loving this series. I’m glad you are liking it also. I can’t remember now how I happened to read the first one but what a great choice it has been for me. I have been reading them as it’s easier to pick out quotes , etc but I really, really love the audio version.

    Anne – Books of My Heart

  7. Lindsi

    You and your spooky books! I love October and fall, but I try to avoid anything that will make my skin crawl, haha. I do love reading people’s reviews about scary books, but that’s about as far as I’ll go. 😉 I’m happy this one was enjoyable!!

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?

    Lindsi recently posted: 2nd Blogoversary!