“Harry Dresden would like Alex Verus tremendously–and be a little nervous around him.” That’s the blurb by Jim Butcher that adorns both Fated and Cursed, two urban fantasy novels by Benedict Jacka. Alex Verus is a mage who lives in contemporary London. He operates a store that sells magic items and trinkets. But Verus has a very specific power: he can see the Future. Given this premise, Jacka builds a couple of interesting novels combining the treachery of other mages (who have different powers) and Alex Verus’s flaws. In Fated, Verus agrees to work with Light mages to crack the puzzle of a powerful magic item called the fateweaver. But, of course, Dark mages appear to battle them. In Cursed, Verus tangles with mages who discover how to drain magic from magical creatures to enhance their powers. I enjoyed the system of magic that Jacka constructs. It’s logical and clever. If you’re in the mood for a trip into urban fantasy, I’d recommend Benedict Jacka’s works. GRADE: B (for both books}
Can’t say I much care for urban fantasy except for a few novels Sarah Pinborough wrote. Never heard of these but couldn’t finish the o0nly Jim Butcher I tried to read.
Steve, my problem with Jim Butcher books is that they’re long, long, long. But, apparently the market for urban fantasy demands 500+ page books.
Don’t think I ever heard the word “Mage” before.
Patti, a mage is just another word for magician…like magus.
I read the first two or three Butcher books, but as you said, they are way too long. 320 pages is better than 500, and I like London as a setting better than Chicago.
Maybe next time I’m in the mood… .
Jeff, I like the scenes of London that adorn the covers of the “Alex Versus” series. So far, the books in the series have around 300 pages. And they’re quick reads.
I prefer my fantasy in the more traditional settings, not “urban”.
Rick, I more or less prefer my fantasy in ancient settings, too. But, once in a while, these urban fantasies are fun for a change-of-pace.