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Fated

Book 1 in the series:Alex Verus

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"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.

Characters:

Characters are engaging, with Alex standing out as a witty and intelligent protagonist amidst a diverse supporting cast.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward and world-building is integrated into the narrative, although it sometimes relies on infodumps.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features Alex Verus, a diviner mage facing pressures from conflicting factions, forcing him to use his foresight to survive while protecting his friends.

Setting:

The setting merges the contemporary world with a concealed magical society in London.

Pacing:

Pacing varies, with a slow build initially, but it gains momentum with fast-paced action and intrigue.
There were only two customers in the shop. One was a student with scraggly hair and a nervous way of glancing over his shoulder. He was standing by the herb and powder rack and had decided what to buy...

Notes:

Fated is the first book in the Alex Verus series by Benedict Jacka.
Alex Verus is a professional wizard who runs a magic shop in London.
Alex has the ability to see possible futures, making him a diviner.
He has a dark past involving an abusive mentor and serious trauma.
The story features various mages, both good and evil, who want to use Alex's powers.
The character has similarities to Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden, leading to a comparison with the Dresden Files series.
Alex’s world includes a secret magical society where not everyone is what they seem.
The series has a mix of humor, action, and political intrigue.
Luna, a character in the book, is cursed in a way that brings bad luck to those around her.
The author acknowledges his inspiration from the Dresden Files but aims to create a unique world.
The protagonist's interactions often involve a patronizing tone towards female characters, which has sparked discussions about sexism in the book.
The book has received mixed reviews, with some praising its creativity and others criticizing it for predictability and clichés.

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 (63)

Incredible (14)
Loved It (20)
Liked It (17)
It Was OK (11)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (131):

Read It (66)
Want To Read (43)
Not Interested (22)

3 comment(s)

It Was OK
10 months

Bored by the romance aspect of the series

 
It Was OK
10 months

https://youtu.be/tl8sZsicbBs

 
Loved It
1 year

Snarky banter

 

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.

 
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