Long Past Dues by James J. Butcher is the second audiobook in the Unorthodox Chronicles narrated by James Patrick Cronin. Grimsby, is now the newest Auditor in the magical Department of Unorthodox Affairs. Turns out it isn’t at all like he expected. Unique cases and an awkward hero await you.
by James J. Butcher
Series: The Unorthodox Chronicles #2
Narrator: James Patrick Cronin
Length: 11 hours and 15 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
Grimsby, the newest Auditor in the magical Department of Unorthodox Affairs, finds himself in hot water when he intercepts a friend’s case in this fast-paced and thrilling urban fantasy.
Against all odds, Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby has become an Auditor, enforcing laws about magic for Boston’s Department of Unorthodox Affairs. But Grimsby soon realizes the daily grind of his job is far removed from the glamour he imagined. Overlooked for every exciting case, Grimsby tires of being told to handle mundane magical troubles, and appropriates a case file intended for a friend.
Alongside Leslie Mayflower, the temporarily unretired Huntsman, Grimsby aims to crack the case and discover the origin of a strange, unfinished ritual—one that seems to imitate the handiwork of a foe Mayflower put down twenty years ago.
Together, they’ll have to deal with escaped werewolves, a cursed artifact, and a perilous journey to the mysterious subterranean city below Boston, all to uncover the shocking truth. At any cost, Grimsby must stop this ritual from finally being completed. Yet the cost may be paid not by himself but by his friends. . . .
Grimsby has become the newest Auditor at the magical Department of Unorthodox Affairs in Boston. This has been his dream, but sometimes dreams are more exciting than reality. And in reality his job as an Auditor is boring. His partner, Leslie Mayflower, a retired/unretired Huntsman, hasn’t come into the office. Without a partner, he has been stuck knocking on doors and checking magical permits.
Grimsby takes matters into his own hands, by switching case assignments, and convinces Mayflower to help him. The tale that unfolds had twists and plenty of action. Grimsby must have a lucky rabbit’s foot, because I am not sure how he survived. He is a complete noob, but a noble knight with good intentions and utterly untested. I like Grimsby. He is clever, but needs resources, backup, and an engaged partner. Mayflower is skilled but seemed as lost as Grimsby. He has his own personal demons to address.
I am hoping to see the stories and flow tighten a little as the series progresses. Butcher has done a stellar job of building his characters. Although Grimsby had little growth in this second novel. However, the story and world are intriguing. The flow is still choppy and the inner dialogue hinders the climatic scenes, slowing them down. Despite that, I had a blast listening and look forward to more.
The story miraculously wrapped up with our protagonist still with us. Mayflower will partner with him going forward.
James Patrick Cronin narrates and did a delightful job. His pacing, voices and tone all lend perfectly to the series. I hope he continues to narrate them.
Long Past Due by James J. Butcher, narrated by James Patrick Cronin delivered a fun tale with an awkward protagonist. #UnorthodoxChronicles #urbanfantasy #audiobook #NewRelease Share on XAbout James J. Butcher
JAMES J. BUTCHER spends most of his time in places that don’t exist, some of which he even made himself. What little time he has left is usually spent writing or exercising. He is the son of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher, who introduced him to books, movies, and games. James lives in Denver and is working on his next novel.
About James Patrick Cronin
James Patrick Cronin began his audiobook career at twelve years of age opposite Christopher Lloyd in the book-on-tape of The Pagemaster. A classically trained stage actor with an MFA from the University of Louisville and a degree in philosophy, James has spent his years since college performing as an actor and a comedian on stages all over the world. He has performed everything from the classics to original material in Ireland, Scotland, Serbia, and Israel, as well as throughout the US. He has recorded over 100 audiobooks across an extensive range of genres.
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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 - Books of My Heart
yes great review. I felt like there was a pacing issue perhaps because a few parts dragged a bit for me. I like the characters though. I was surprised Mayflower doesn’t know more.
Kimberly
I think Mayflower is stuck in his own tormented head and hope the two help each other. I think the inner dialogue affected the pacing Anne.
Sophia Rose
The world building and plot idea does sound great. Hopefully, it will smooth out as the series gets rolling.
Kimberly
Yes, a lot of series I love began rough.
DEBBIE HAUPT
I know how much you like this author and It sounds like this series is hitting the mark for you Kimberly. I’m going to check it out.
Kimberly
This is a new author, I absolutely love his father’s books (Jim Butcher) However, I am super excited to see what the son does.
DEBBIE HAUPT
Oh wow I didn’t realize this was the son. Thanks Kimberly for setting me straight 😉
Kimberly
A lot of people make that mistake. I highly recommend both.
ailyn koay
The thing with newbies, they can only improve from there! Plus they make mistakes which are worthy of “back in my day” stories
Kimberly
Exactly..lol