Max Abaddon and The Dark Carnival, by Justin Leslie, is the fourth audiobook in the Max Abaddon urban fantasy series narrated by Luke Daniels. Humor, suspense, magic and vivid characters combined with a fast-paced plot made for an exciting listen.
by Justin Leslie
Series: Max Abaddon #4
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Length: 10 hours and 32 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
After losing two close companions, Max has finally come to terms with his heritage. As his job at the Atheneum continues to fade slowly into the past, his position on the Council is once again tested.
This time The Dark Carnival is coming to town, and with it, an odd collection of Ethereals and Mages. With Planes Drifter headlining the first co-regular/Mage music festival, things, of course, don’t go as planned. At least not for Max and the team.
Max and the rest of the crew are quickly thrown into the middle of a string of vicious unconnected murders. With all the deaths appearing to be at the hands of various magical creatures and beings, it seems to be a clear open and shut case. Or is it...?
Will the team figure out what is going on before the regular government intervenes? Again most importantly, will Max and Kim find time for a drink or two at their favorite bar, the Fallen Angel?
Once again, Max’s position on the council is tested. Strap in for one heck of a ride. The Dark Carnival is in town and the streets are filled with Ethereals and Mages. Planes Drifter is headlining the music festival, but of course nothing goes as planned. When seemly unrelated murders occur, Max and his motley crew of friends and allies find themselves caught up in the middle of it when it looks like supernaturals are involved.
I am loving this series and feel each audiobook is stronger than its predecessor. We are really getting to know Max, his friends, and the world Leslie has created. It’s a pleasant mix of suspense, magic and humor.
Can I just say I love Frank and Petro? All the characters are interesting and well developed with distinct personalities and quirks. The council, like most councils in urban fantasy, are a pain in the arse. Max is continuing to grow. His role as Atheneum is fading as he is pushed more and more into these cases. He also continues to explore and seek answers, and I like that about him. Things are a little cray-cray in the romance department with Kim. Their relationship runs hot and cold.
The investigation was a good one, with plenty of twist and pulse pounding moments that kept me listening into the wee-hours. The added pressure of keeping the government from getting involved kept me on edge as Max and his friends got into some pretty hairy situations.
The world-building blends the familiar with the unique and Leslie does an excellent job of bringing it life in vivid 3-D. I love the magic, gates, creatures and places that are characters themselves like the Fallen Angel.
There are a lot of characters, but keeping them straight in my head is easy, thanks to the clever narration performed by Luke Daniels. I love his many accents and how well he keeps control of all the different character voices throughout the story. He has become Max while adding another layer of enjoyment to this fun tale.
The books are available through Kindle Unlimited, but I recommend upgrading to the audio version. This story translates perfectly for this format and enhances the humor and suspense.
Narrated by Luke Daniels, Max Abaddon and The Dark Carnival by Justin Leslie delivered suspense, action, humor and more in the #urbanfantasy series #MaxAbaddon Share on XAbout Justin Leslie
Justin S. Leslie is a fervent urban fantasy fan, and newly published author.
He is a retired, highly decorated army major who has completed two combat tours in Afghanistan. Justin has focused on building his own magical worlds to share with readers, as well as enjoying ones created by fellow authors. When he isn't playing music or spending time with his wife and two boys, he can be found in his Doctors Inlet home, immersed in the latest urban fantasy, or a well-made old-fashioned.
About Luke Daniels
Luke Daniels has narrated over 250 audiobooks, has been the grateful recipient of thirteen AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has earned three Audie nominations. His background is in classical theater and film. Luke has performed at repertory theaters around the country, but now he resides in the Midwest with his pack.
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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
Anne - B
I really hope I can get to this series sooner than later. Great review!
Kim Brockway
Great review, Kimberly. This sounds like a wonderful urban fantasy series.
DEBBIE HAUPT
I know you love Luke Daniels narration but I don’t remember the other reviews in this series, that shouldn’t surprise someone who can’t remember what she wore yesterday. LOL But it’s definitely caught my fantasy loving soul
Thanks Kim
Sophia Rose
Each time I see your reviews for this series, I get more eager to pick them up and get going. They’re on my KU wish list.
Ailyn Koay
that’s cool cover. I do wonder if it has many army/ soldier type manoeuvres in the story. Seeing how he served, or he’s more like a “i don’t know but here goes” kind of story teller
Melliane
I’m glad you continue to have a good time with this series!