Caffeinated Reviewer

Twelve months ago, Max was living what one would consider a normal life. That is, until he learned he was a little more than your average 30-year-old. Together with a team of eclectic mages working out of an estate known as the Atheneum, they destroyed the Fountain of Youth and stopped a plot to disrupt the upcoming talks about the magical and Ethereal communities coming out to the normal world, known as "The Balance", but only for the time being.

Since then, things have been quiet. Max has been settling into his new nine to five job with the transitions office, a division of the National Council of Traditional Sciences (N.C.T.S.), registering Mages and Ethereals alike in preparation for the inevitable Balance. Unfortunately, things don't remain quiet for long. With his powers starting to finally take shape, the magical community realizes that Max is not your normal run-of-the mill junior mage. Max is faced with new challenges in his training and for that matter, his career, when he is visited by an old acquaintance hell bent on exposing what the transitions office true purpose is. His new job may not be as simple as it seems, as Max decides to rally the team at the Atheneum to investigate why the registration information he is gathering is needed, and even worse, what it's being used for.

Together with his most trusted pixie comrade, Petro at his side, Max realizes the group that they ran into a year ago is back. As he perfects his powers under the leadership of his new sponsor, will Max and the team be able to stop the Thule society and ensure the talks for "The Balance" are carried through? Will he end up learning the true nature of the transitions office? Again most importantly, will Max find time for a drink or two at his favorite bar, the Fallen Angel?

I was excited to dive into Max Abaddon and The Purity Law by Justin Leslie. This is the second audiobook in the Max Abaddon urban fantasy series narrated by Luke Daniels. Leslie delivered a fantastic sequel with plot twists and plenty of entertainment.

The story picks up about a year after Max Abaddon and the Will ended. Max is working for the transitions office, a division of the National Council of Traditional Sciences (N.C.T.S.), registering Mages and Ethereals to prepare for the Balance. Things get complicated when he registers a demon.

Max lives at the Atheneum, the estate he inherited from his grandfather. He has spent the year working to control his fire magic. Max, Petro, and the others were present. The author introduced a few new characters and we gain more knowledge about the estate, world, council and Max’s abilities.

This novel was stronger than its predecessor, in part because the author laid the groundwork allowing for a faster, smoother pace. This gave way for the further development of key characters and relationships. Speaking of relationships, a certain female has caught Max’s eye and we see the beginnings of something.

It seems the registration is being used for more than just the Balance, and it will be up to Max and his friends to solve the mystery and foil their enemies. If they don’t get him first. I became swept up in the case and enjoyed the nail-biting action scenes and interactions between this motley group.

The author perfectly balances the story with humor, suspense, and the team.

Once again, Luke Daniels narrates. His talents offered creative voices for each character. His tone and pacing enhanced the story and aided in bringing the world Leslie created to life.

The ending opens up a world of possibilities for Max, and I am curious to see what he does next.

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

Related Posts

• By Justin Leslie
• Same Genre