by Benedict Jacka
Series: Alex Verus #5
Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Length: 10 hours and 54 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
With his talent for divining the future, Alex Verus should have foreseen his friends' reactions to the revelations about his previous life. Anne Walker no longer trusts him - and has also cut all ties with the mage community after getting kicked out of the apprentice program. As a favor to Luna, Alex's own apprentice and Anne's best friend, he checks in on her only to be told to leave her alone. Then Anne gets kidnapped. The Council Keepers of the Order of the Star believe that Dark mages from her past may be involved. Working with the Keepers, Alex and Luna discover that Anne has been taken into the shadow realm of Sagash, her former Dark mage mentor, and they must find a way to rescue her. But another shadow from the past has resurfaced - Alex's former master may be back in London, and Alex has no idea what his agenda is....
I am so glad I listened to blogging friends and began the Alex Verus series on audio. Hidden by Benedict Jacka is the fifth Alex Verus audiobook narrated by Gildart Jackson, and it was brilliant, addictive and enlightening.
Alex is now living alone, and has repaired the upstairs apartments. Luna is concerned about Anne. In fact, she wants Alex to offer for her to move back in. He visits her, but it doesn’t go well. However, when Luna arrives upset that no one can reach Anne, he reluctantly goes in search of her and discovers someone has kidnapped her from her apartments. The Council Keepers of the Order of the Star are on the case, and Alex finds himself working with Sonder. Yippie! ?
It seems Anne is trapped in the shadow realm belonging to Sagash, her former Dark mage mentor. So of course, Alex goes to rescue her. It also seems someone else from his past has emerged, and I fear for what that means.
I loved this story. It delivered an intense tale, shed light on dark mages, Anne, Alex and presented us with some difficult moral questions to ponder. Jacka did this all while entertaining us in this clever game where Alex must outwit opponents who are sometimes stronger than him.
I found I didn’t want to stop listening, and while the tale wrapped up nicely, Jacka presented questions that left me wondering what is next for Alex and the motley crew of friends and allies he has gathered. Oh, and um, it appears Alex may have a pet.
Gildart Jackson narrates and is positively brilliant. From character voices to pacing, he brings this series to life.
This series is perfect for fans of the Dresden Files, the Iron Druids, and the Vesik series.
Hidden by Benedict Jacka was a suspenseful tale as Alex confronts his past and sets off to save Anne. #urbanfantasy #audiobook #AlexVerus 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
Olivia Roach
The cover makes it seem like it won’t be an urban fantasy but your review quickly corrected me. Blogging friends always have the best recommendations 😉 I am glad this could be another edition in a series you enjoy and love, and it sounds like a good job balancing the characters and plot!
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
This story sounds wonderful and the narrator sounds amazing! I love a story that makes me question and ponder moral questions. Lovely Review Kim 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
Nice review, Kimba. Glad you enjoyed it.
sjhigbee
Ahh… I think I may have a go at listening to Marked on Audible – thank you for the recommendation. This is one of those series I have absolutely loved, but somehow lost track of. I need to finish it this year:)).
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I read one urban fantasy last year and absolutely loved it. And then of course haven’t revisited the genre. This series sounds really good!
Mary Kirkland
It’s great to find a good book or series you can really get into.
sherry fundin
sounds like a good one and you have me curious about the pet. 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
Yay! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series and couldn’t be happier that I listened to the first on audio and decided to make it my read-along last year. It’s a risky thing. I mean what if the first one was pretty good and the rest were meh. But I try to do a series I haven’t read every other year.
I am so thrilled you are enjoying it as much as I did and it’s great to read your excellent reviews to keep those fond memories. I worry so for Alex because it feels like everyone wants something and they are stronger and he can’t hardly catch a break. (Frankly, it’s like Dems and Repubs they are mostly all corrupt) They need a better system and help for the Apprentices.
Anika
I’m intrigued! I haven’t read anything from the Alex Verses series but I like the idea of the suspense.
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Ailyn Koay
poor guy, you know Harry Dresden had at least the skull headed friend
Nadene
The series seems to be getting stronger. Glad to see you are enjoying it.
Debbie S Haupt
You know I reviewed book one way back in 2011 for RT and I really liked it, maybe I’ll pick up the whole series on audio sounds like the way to go. Thanks Kim