Who Would Like This Book:
If you love the magic-laced, wisecracking urban fantasy vibes of The Dresden Files, Fated is right up your alley! Alex Verus is a London-based mage with the power to see the future, which means more brainpower than brawn. Readers praise the clever, creative magic system, fast-paced plot, and the mix of snark and suspense. The world-building is rich, with an undercurrent of danger and intrigue, plus a likeable, underdog protagonist. Perfect for fans who enjoy Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, or the Rivers of London series.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you find yourself craving originality or are sensitive to similarities with other urban fantasy series, you might feel this book treads a little too closely to its inspirations (yes, the Dresden comparisons are real - and frequent). Some readers weren't thrilled with plot holes or convenient magic solutions, found the pacing uneven, or felt the female characters deserved more depth. If you get hung up on internal consistency or want your world-building and prose very polished, Fated might feel a bit rough around the edges.
About:
"Fated" in the "Alex Verus" series by Benedict Jacka is an urban fantasy novel following the protagonist, Alex Verus, a mage with the ability to see into the future. Set in a world where powerful factions of magicians are in conflict, Alex navigates a dangerous path as he becomes entangled in a quest to open an ancient relic containing a powerful weapon. The book explores themes of power, morality, and the consequences of one's choices, all while delivering a fast-paced and action-packed narrative. Written in a style reminiscent of Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files," the story balances world-building with character development, creating an engaging and intriguing urban fantasy setting.
The magic system in "Fated" is both familiar and unique, drawing readers in with its mysterious elements and well-crafted social and political dynamics. The narrative delves into the complexities of living amidst evil forces without succumbing to them, showcasing the growth of the lead character, Alex Verus, and his interactions with a diverse cast of supporting characters. While some aspects of the plot may feel derivative of other urban fantasy works, the book stands out for its engaging hero, intriguing world-building, and the promise of further exploration in subsequent installments of the series.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
From The Publisher:
Enter a "gorgeously realized world"* and meet a mage destined for greatness in the first novel in the national bestselling Alex Verus series.
Alex is part of a world hidden in plain sight, running a magic shop in London that caters to clientele who can do much more than pull rabbits out of hats. And while Alex's own powers aren't as showy as some mages, he does have the advantage of foreseeing the possible future-allowing him to pull off operations that have a million to one chance of success.
But when Alex is approached by multiple factions seeking his skills to crack open a relic from a long-ago mage war, he knows that whatever's inside must be beyond powerful. And thanks to his abilities, Alex can predict that by taking the job, his odds of survival are about to go from slim to none….
Ratings (96)
Incredible (17) | |
Loved It (35) | |
Liked It (25) | |
It Was OK (16) | |
Did Not Like (3) |
Reader Stats (195):
Read It (99) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (59) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (35) |
3 comment(s)
Bored by the romance aspect of the series
https://youtu.be/tl8sZsicbBs
Snarky banter
What can you read after
Fated?
About the Author:
Benedict Jacka is half-Australian, half-Armenian, and grew up in London. He's worked as a teacher, bouncer, and civil servant, and spends his spare time skating and playing tabletop games. He's the author of the Alex Verus series, including Bound, Burned, Veiled, Hidden, and Chosen.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
