“An excellent novel, a gorgeously realized world with a uniquely powerful, vulnerable protagonist. Harry Dresden would like Alex Verus tremendously–and be a little nervous around him. I just added Benedict Jacka to my must-read list.”
- Jim Butcher (#1 New York Times bestselling author)
“Jacka writes a deft thrill-ride of an Urban Fantasy – a stay-up-all-night read. Alex Verus is a very smart man surviving in a very dangerous world.”
- Patricia Briggs (#1 New York Times bestselling author)
“Jacka deftly invents the rules of magic as he goes along, creating an emotionally satisfying story arc and a protagonist who will keep readers coming back.”
– Publishers Weekly
“Believable and well-developed characters, lots of action, enough suspense to keep one up all night and a new twist on magic . . . Few writers have mastered the ability to bring so many different types of characters to life so vividly.”
– SFSite
“London’s hidden wizardly community spell-blast each other entertainingly in this urban fantasy romp. Fated is highly enjoyable.”
– The Sun
“Fated is an excellent example of not just great urban fantasy but also of brilliant story-telling. There is a near perfect mix of everything and it has been masterfully crafted with a meticulous eye for those pieces of humanity that make a great protagonist and a fantastic story.”
- Fantasy Faction
“Jacka follows his urban fantasy debut, Fated, with an even more impressive tale of gunplay and spellcraft in present-day London . . . Jacka keeps the emotional tension high with a series of wakeup calls for Alex regarding his relationship with Luna, his place in London’s magical social circles, and his image of himself. Readers will savor this tasty blend of magic, explosions, and moral complexity.”
– Publishers Weekly
“Fast-moving and energetic”
- The Sunday Telegraph
“One of the most invigorating and engrossing fantasy novels of the decade.”
- SciFi Now
“Jacka’s excellent third urban fantasy thriller starring British freelance diviner Alex Verus features magical dueling with prestige and lives at stake . . . Alex does what he usually does: look after vulnerable people, skeptically evaluate the Light mages’ smug self-righteousness, and keep half a step ahead of violent death. The action is fast and smart, playing with thriller conventions so that while readers get excitement they also are encouraged to think about what magic might mean in human terms. A superb book in an outstanding, provocative series.”
– Publishers Weekly
“With its blend of gritty London streets and magical underworld, Chosen has real cult appeal.”
- The Daily Mail
“The best instalment yet as Alex the seer collides with his dark past and Benedict Jacka matures as a writer.”
- Bookbag
“Each book in this engrossing series outshines the one preceding it…Urban fantasy readers who have not yet made Alex’s acquaintance are advised to do so immediately.”
- Bitten by Books
“Jacka puts other urban fantasists to shame with the fourth Alex Verus novel (after Taken), a stellar blend of thoughtful philosophy and explosive action populated by a stereotype-defying diverse cast . . . The protracted final battle is both dramatically destructive and emotionally brutal, with Jacka never letting any character get away with easy answers to the hard questions of life in a perpetual magical war zone. “
– Publishers Weekly *starred review*
“Whoop-ass excitement from the new master of magical London.”
- Charles Stross (author)