5 reasons to read this book:
1. It's a unique urban fantasy novel set in London...
2. ...with an instantly likable and magically talented main character.
"My name is Stephen Oakwood, and I'm twenty years old. I was raised by my dad, grew up and went to school here in Plaistow, and...I used to have a pretty normal life. That all changed a few months before my eighteenth birthday, when my dad disappeared."
3. There's cool magic, known as drucraft, and sigls, and wells of power.
"Drucraft didn't make me money, and it definitely didn't make me look like a better employee. If my career was what I cared about, I might as well give it up. But I didn't want to. Ever since I'd first pestered my dad into teaching me drucraft, it had been the one big secret I'd shared with him, the one thing we'd always done together."
4. Lots of family secrets, intrigue, humor, suspense, and action.
5. And an endearing gray and black tabby named Hobbes.
While this well-written and entertaining fantasy novel is entirely different from Jacka's bestselling Alex Verus series, I think I'm going to like it just as much. And that's saying a lot, because I love his Alex Verus books. But I already like Stephen Oakwood and am rooting for him and his cat, Hobbes; and the magic system Jacka's created in this book is interesting and different and fun. The only problem with it is having to wait for the next book to be released...which I hope happens sometime this year.
Happy Reading!
Sounds good regine
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun read. Jacka is a very good writer.
DeleteSounds interesting. Am just beginning to read bits from this genre.
ReplyDeleteUrban fantasy books are a lot of fun! I love Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series and Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus series especially!
DeleteOooh, I like the sound of this, Lark. I think I might've read one from his other series and although it was fine for some reason I didn't continue with it. Will give this one a try sometime though.
ReplyDeleteIt's good. I think you'll like it. Especially his cat, Hobbes. :D
DeleteI just added this to my wishlist. I'm always looking for new and interesting-sounding urban fantasy. :D
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to like about this one. I'm excited to read the next book!
DeleteThis sounds like a fun read! I need to add urban fantasy to my to-read list too. :)
ReplyDeleteUrban fantasy can be a lot of fun!
DeleteI want to read his Alex Versus series for sure! And this one after. :) Do you love it as much as Mercy Thompson, Lark?
ReplyDeleteNot as much...but only because Briggs' Mercy Thompson series is my absolute favorite. But I'd put Alex Verus as a close second. :D
DeleteWell this looks fun! And is London tailor made for urban fantasy or what?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on my title change. :)
London is perfect for urban fantasy! One of my favorite settings. :D
DeleteI really need to read more UF set there.
DeleteThank you for the comment on tunnel Through Time. I had it also growing up and read it CONSTANTLY. It's quite short and naturally the time travel element had me. There's a scene where a brontosaurus (are they even called that nowadays??) stepped on their time machine or something, fizzling it - that always stayed with me
Time travel in books is always so much fun...especially if there are dinosaurs involved. And I think they call brontosauruses apatosauruses now. Something else from my childhood done away with. ;D
DeleteI like Stephen too and I also like the fact that he has a cat Hobbes. When done well these human and cat partnerships as they solve problems together can be so endearing. This series sounds like a winner.
ReplyDeleteI really like this first one...and knowing Jacka, the second one will probably be even better.
DeleteIt has a kitty, too? Sign me up!
ReplyDeleteYou will love Hobbes. :D
DeleteLondon, magic, and a cat? Count me in!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great combination...and you can tell that this first book is setting readers up for a very fun urban fantasy series. :D
DeleteI love this way to go about reviewing a book! This sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteThank you. And this is a great first book in a new magical series. I'm excited to read the next book. :D
DeleteI love how you reviewed this way! I also love that you mix up your reviews. I need to take a page out of your book...although you will not see any haiku reviews on my page, you are better gifted for that than I am :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I started mixing things up with my reviews mostly because I got tired of writing them and needed a way to keep it fun. And also because I'm a little lazy when it comes to summing up plots and thoughts. ;D
DeleteOK! You have convinced me to add this to my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteThen my job here is done. ;D
DeleteThe secrets and mystery sound really good in this one.
ReplyDeleteThere are some complicated and crazy family secrets which added to the fun.
DeleteThis does sound like a fun one. My library is supposed to be coming back to life at the end of the month, but we'll see...
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed it does. I hated when my library was closed down.
DeleteI need to finish the Alex Verus series but I do have this one on my list. I am so glad that you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Alex Verus series and was kind of hoping that this new one would be in that same magical world, but he created something entirely new here...and I liked it a lot. :D
DeleteI don't read much urban fantasy but will definitely have to keep this one in mind for when I'm in the mood.
ReplyDeleteJacka writes really good urban fantasy books. He's worth checking out. :D
DeleteI love the cover and the cat. Sounds like a good series.
ReplyDeleteIt's started off really well! Can't wait to read the next one. :D
DeleteIt's been a while since I've read any fantasy but who can resist the cover! Glad to hear you enjoyed this one and recommend it!
ReplyDeleteIt was very good. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of this series...as soon as he writes it.
DeleteHobbes! I need to meet Hobbes. I can't wait to read this.
ReplyDeleteHobbes is awesome! You will love him. :D
DeleteOh this sounds fun and I love how you did this review. Definitely adding to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteIf you like urban fantasy then you should definitely read Benedict Jacka. He writes it so well. :D
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