Fated by Benedict Jacka
Jun. 4th, 2012 06:07 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sobriqueIt would be impossible to avoid a comparison with Jim Butcher's Dresden files. So I won't. It's a similar sort of a story - it's about a modern day, urban wizard. It's set in London - Camden, specifically - so it resonated a little more clearly with me than Harry Dresden's stomping ground, Chicago.
I think regardless, it stands the comparison quite well - it's less light hearted too - fewer 'comedy' moments, but none the worst for it.
Alex Verus is the lead character, and runs an 'Arcana' shop in Camden. He's not a powerhouse of a mage, but he does have a very useful schtick - that of being a diviner, and able to see the future. I have to say, that sounded like a recipe for disaster for me - after all, whilst the author has perfect foreknowledge, it's a bit dull if the characters do. But it's handled very well, and plausibly so. It's the thing that lets the otherwise not amazingly powerful Alex keep on going.
It's well paced, and a real page turner, and one I think you'll not regret - assuming you like the general premise (or otherwise enjoyed Dresden Files).
Amazon Link.
Certainly one I'll be picking up more of.
I think regardless, it stands the comparison quite well - it's less light hearted too - fewer 'comedy' moments, but none the worst for it.
Alex Verus is the lead character, and runs an 'Arcana' shop in Camden. He's not a powerhouse of a mage, but he does have a very useful schtick - that of being a diviner, and able to see the future. I have to say, that sounded like a recipe for disaster for me - after all, whilst the author has perfect foreknowledge, it's a bit dull if the characters do. But it's handled very well, and plausibly so. It's the thing that lets the otherwise not amazingly powerful Alex keep on going.
It's well paced, and a real page turner, and one I think you'll not regret - assuming you like the general premise (or otherwise enjoyed Dresden Files).
Amazon Link.
Certainly one I'll be picking up more of.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2012-06-05 06:03 pm (UTC)Another good one is Hounded by Kevin Hearne - whilst set in the US the main character is Irish and the author obviously is very good at doing his research into different cultures.
The last which I really must mention if you haven't tried it is A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin, which is again London based but very different in style to the others. The main character is powerful but wonderfully flawed and the stylisation of the magic is excellent.
no subject
Date: 2012-06-05 06:05 pm (UTC)I've got Hounded on the 'to read' list. I haven't seen Madness of Angels, but i'll go check it out. Thanks.