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Max Abaddon #2
Max Abaddon and The Purity Law
Twelve months ago, Max was living what one would consider a normal life. That is, until he-learned he was a little more than your average thirty year old. Together with a team of eclectic mages working out of an estate known as the Atheneum, they destroyed the Fountain of Youth and stopped a plot to disrupt the upcoming talks about the magical and Ethereal communities coming out to the normal world, known as ‘The Balance’, but only for the time being.
Since then, things have been quiet. Max has been settling into his new nine to five job with the transitions office, a division of the National Council of Traditional Sciences (N.C.T.S), registering Mages and Ethereals alike in preparation for the inevitable Balance. Unfortunately, things don't remain quiet for long. With his powers starting to finally take shape, the magical community realizes that Max is not your normal run-of-the mill junior mage. Max is faced with new challenges in his training and for that matter, his career, when he is visited by an old acquaintance hell bent on exposing what the transitions office true purpose is. His new job may not be as simple as it seems, as Max decides to rally the team at the Atheneum to investigate why the registration information he is gathering is needed, and even worse, what it's being used for.
Together with his most trusted pixie comrade, Petro at his side, Max realizes the group that they ran into a year ago is back. As he perfects his powers under the leadership of his new sponsor, will Max and the team be able to stop the Thule society and ensure the talks for ‘The Balance’ are carried through? Will he end up learning the true nature of the transitions office? Again most importantly, will Max find time for a drink or two at his favorite bar, the Fallen Angel?
Since then, things have been quiet. Max has been settling into his new nine to five job with the transitions office, a division of the National Council of Traditional Sciences (N.C.T.S), registering Mages and Ethereals alike in preparation for the inevitable Balance. Unfortunately, things don't remain quiet for long. With his powers starting to finally take shape, the magical community realizes that Max is not your normal run-of-the mill junior mage. Max is faced with new challenges in his training and for that matter, his career, when he is visited by an old acquaintance hell bent on exposing what the transitions office true purpose is. His new job may not be as simple as it seems, as Max decides to rally the team at the Atheneum to investigate why the registration information he is gathering is needed, and even worse, what it's being used for.
Together with his most trusted pixie comrade, Petro at his side, Max realizes the group that they ran into a year ago is back. As he perfects his powers under the leadership of his new sponsor, will Max and the team be able to stop the Thule society and ensure the talks for ‘The Balance’ are carried through? Will he end up learning the true nature of the transitions office? Again most importantly, will Max find time for a drink or two at his favorite bar, the Fallen Angel?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2020
100 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 27, 2021
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I had a fantastic time with this book! I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was eager go along with Max on his next adventure. This is the second book in the Max Abaddon series which I would recommend reading in order if at all possible. This was one of those books that I wanted to listen to for hours at a time.
This book picks up shortly after the events in the previous installment. Max and his friends are working the registry when someone new comes in to register. No big deal right? Wrong, it turns out this new registration is a very big deal. Before you know it, all kinds of people are involved and things get very complicated. Max is still figuring out all of his powers and we learn so pretty important information about his family which explains a lot of things. Meanwhile, the magical community is planning to come out to the general population.
I found this book to be really exciting and I loved the thread of humor that runs through the story. Max continues to grow as a character and the supporting characters are very well done. There is quite a bit of action worked into the story which I really appreciated.
Luke Daniels does a fantastic job with this series. I love all of the different voices that he uses for Max and the other supporting characters. He has such a big range and he puts it to good use in this book. I think that he added a lot of excitement to the story and his delivery of the more humorous sections was top-notch. I feel like the narration added to my overall enjoyment of the story.
I would recommend this series to others. I think that this is a very well done series with fantastic characters and a whole lot of excitement. I cannot wait to read more of this wonderful series!
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author.
I had a fantastic time with this book! I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was eager go along with Max on his next adventure. This is the second book in the Max Abaddon series which I would recommend reading in order if at all possible. This was one of those books that I wanted to listen to for hours at a time.
This book picks up shortly after the events in the previous installment. Max and his friends are working the registry when someone new comes in to register. No big deal right? Wrong, it turns out this new registration is a very big deal. Before you know it, all kinds of people are involved and things get very complicated. Max is still figuring out all of his powers and we learn so pretty important information about his family which explains a lot of things. Meanwhile, the magical community is planning to come out to the general population.
I found this book to be really exciting and I loved the thread of humor that runs through the story. Max continues to grow as a character and the supporting characters are very well done. There is quite a bit of action worked into the story which I really appreciated.
Luke Daniels does a fantastic job with this series. I love all of the different voices that he uses for Max and the other supporting characters. He has such a big range and he puts it to good use in this book. I think that he added a lot of excitement to the story and his delivery of the more humorous sections was top-notch. I feel like the narration added to my overall enjoyment of the story.
I would recommend this series to others. I think that this is a very well done series with fantastic characters and a whole lot of excitement. I cannot wait to read more of this wonderful series!
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author.
February 25, 2021
The story picks up about a year after Max Abaddon and the Will ended. Max is working for the transitions office, a division of the National Council of Traditional Sciences (N.C.T.S.), registering Mages and Ethereals to prepare for the Balance. Things get complicated when he registers a demon.
Max lives at the Atheneum, the estate he inherited from his grandfather. He has spent the year working to control his fire magic. Max, Petro, and the others were present. The author introduced a few new characters and we gain more knowledge about the estate, world, council and Max’s abilities.
This novel was stronger than its predecessor, in part because the author laid the groundwork allowing for a faster, smoother pace. This gave way for the further development of key characters and relationships. Speaking of relationships, a certain female has caught Max’s eye and we see the beginnings of something.
It seems the registration is being used for more than just the Balance, and it will be up to Max and his friends to solve the mystery and foil their enemies. If they don’t get him first. I became swept up in the case and enjoyed the nail-biting action scenes and interactions between this motley group.
The author perfectly balances the story with humor, suspense, and the team.
Once again, Luke Daniels narrates. His talents offered creative voices for each character. His tone and pacing enhanced the story and aided in bringing the world Leslie created to life.
The ending opens up a world of possibilities for Max, and I am curious to see what he does next. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Max lives at the Atheneum, the estate he inherited from his grandfather. He has spent the year working to control his fire magic. Max, Petro, and the others were present. The author introduced a few new characters and we gain more knowledge about the estate, world, council and Max’s abilities.
This novel was stronger than its predecessor, in part because the author laid the groundwork allowing for a faster, smoother pace. This gave way for the further development of key characters and relationships. Speaking of relationships, a certain female has caught Max’s eye and we see the beginnings of something.
It seems the registration is being used for more than just the Balance, and it will be up to Max and his friends to solve the mystery and foil their enemies. If they don’t get him first. I became swept up in the case and enjoyed the nail-biting action scenes and interactions between this motley group.
The author perfectly balances the story with humor, suspense, and the team.
Once again, Luke Daniels narrates. His talents offered creative voices for each character. His tone and pacing enhanced the story and aided in bringing the world Leslie created to life.
The ending opens up a world of possibilities for Max, and I am curious to see what he does next. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 18, 2020
Another smart entry into the urban fantasy genre.
Where to start. I just completed book 1 of the Max Abaddon series when book 2 was about to release. Book 2 The Purity Law is even better. No sophmore slump here. I am a little skeptical with new authors early on and it seems Justin is taking this world and the comments of his readers seriously. I even got an updated copy of book 1 after he had it edited again due to some comments he received per his email. It’s awesome when the author actually reaches out to you. He made sure I had the latest copy after I posted a review noting it!
He also just released an urban fantasy short story collection with some other great authors. It has a Max story in it.
This book takes place roughly a year after book 1. We find Max more developed (if you can call him that) working for the transitions office. Like a DMV for magic folks. He soon finds that the office is more trouble than it seems. The ball takes place as per the end of book 1, and from there things go sideways.
The book flows very well, and my favorites are back. Plus a new one! I did notice some characters taking more of a backseat in this book. Not the important ones though, Phil and Petro! Two things stood out to me in this book. There are several more fight scenes, and one lady character really takes a front row seat for I believe the rest of the series.
By the end the balance has occurred. That is what they call the magical community coming out to the regular world.
Overall I have been very surprised by this indie author. He even has Luke Daniels set to do the audiobooks.
February 8, 2021
I'm done at 75%. This was even stupider than the first one. I can't believe I bought them both at the same time. Jeez, between the dumb way Max talked and his constant drunkenness I can't stand anymore.
No romance and no F-bombs.
As for the narration: You can't beat Luck Daniels as a narrator. BUT even he couldn't help this series.
No romance and no F-bombs.
As for the narration: You can't beat Luck Daniels as a narrator. BUT even he couldn't help this series.
March 29, 2021
Nice continuation of Max’s story
Nicely constructed story which continues the growth of Max’s place in the magical world. There’s one twist that I didn’t particularly like but won’t post what it is as it would be a spoiler.
I listened to the audible version and Luke Daniels does his usual exceptional job which makes the story come alive.
Nicely constructed story which continues the growth of Max’s place in the magical world. There’s one twist that I didn’t particularly like but won’t post what it is as it would be a spoiler.
I listened to the audible version and Luke Daniels does his usual exceptional job which makes the story come alive.
February 10, 2021
Very compelling
I couldn't put it down. Great pacing, wonderful characters. Fascinating story. One of my new favorite urban fantasy authors. Can't wait to read more.
I couldn't put it down. Great pacing, wonderful characters. Fascinating story. One of my new favorite urban fantasy authors. Can't wait to read more.
October 28, 2024
This installment is quite a ride! There are many twists and turns and secrets exposed. Max learns that his job at the transitions office is not quite what it seems. Things take a turn for Max when he registers a demon named Bo. The crew is still reeling from the betrayal of Chloe and the fountain of youth adventure but rally around Max and the new challenges facing him. The secrets are huge and life changing. Looking forward to Max’s next steps!
November 6, 2024
"Max Abaddon and The Purity Law" by Justin S. Leslie is book two in the "Max Abaddon" series. This is a great continuation of the series with great character building. My favorite part is when Max always goes to the one place to people watch. I am enjoying Petro and all the action that is happening in this book. I was so absorbed in the story that I didn't realize I was at the end. Had me wanting more, so I went right into the next book after finishing this one.
December 22, 2021
Fun and humorous sequel
About a year has passed since the end of the first book and Max is settling into his new life. They are preparing to have the magical world come out to rest of the mundane world. Part of this is to get all magical creatures registered, much like having a valid driver license. Or that’s what we’re supposed to believe. Things start to happen that casts suspicion on Max. The story continues to build up a network of possible allies and foes. I won’t give away any more spoilers but it’s definitely a fantastic listen. Luke Daniels does an amazing job bringing the story to life.
About a year has passed since the end of the first book and Max is settling into his new life. They are preparing to have the magical world come out to rest of the mundane world. Part of this is to get all magical creatures registered, much like having a valid driver license. Or that’s what we’re supposed to believe. Things start to happen that casts suspicion on Max. The story continues to build up a network of possible allies and foes. I won’t give away any more spoilers but it’s definitely a fantastic listen. Luke Daniels does an amazing job bringing the story to life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2021
Good but disappointed the last book in the series does not have audio book
Don't know if I will continue series since the last book does not have audio book. The narrater Luke Daniels makes the book. bummer
Don't know if I will continue series since the last book does not have audio book. The narrater Luke Daniels makes the book. bummer
August 9, 2023
This is the second book in this thrilling urban fantasy series that captivates with its intricate magical world and dynamic characters. Set in a modern city brimming with supernatural elements, the story follows Max Abaddon as he navigates a world where magic is regulated by strict laws. The concept of the Purity Law adds a unique twist, sparking tension and conflict throughout.
As an audiobook, the narrator adds an extra layer of depth through skilled narration, immersing listeners in Max's adventures. The series opener presented a well-crafted balance of action, mystery, and character development, laying a solid foundation for allowing the reader/listener to engage in the series.
Leslie's writing style seamlessly blends descriptive prose with witty dialogue, making the characters relatable and the fantastical elements believable. Max's enigmatic persona and his interactions with a diverse cast of beings keep the plot engaging and at times, quite humorous.
The book's magical intricacies, combined with its well-conceptualized urban backdrop, make it a compelling read. This series holds the potential to become a must-follow journey for fantasy enthusiasts.
As an audiobook, the narrator adds an extra layer of depth through skilled narration, immersing listeners in Max's adventures. The series opener presented a well-crafted balance of action, mystery, and character development, laying a solid foundation for allowing the reader/listener to engage in the series.
Leslie's writing style seamlessly blends descriptive prose with witty dialogue, making the characters relatable and the fantastical elements believable. Max's enigmatic persona and his interactions with a diverse cast of beings keep the plot engaging and at times, quite humorous.
The book's magical intricacies, combined with its well-conceptualized urban backdrop, make it a compelling read. This series holds the potential to become a must-follow journey for fantasy enthusiasts.
November 6, 2025
Another fun read with some issues. Max and his team are initially oblivious to the blatantly obvious. That the registrations is to track, use and weaponise mages and kill those too powerful. Then ignore the fact that Max is given all that important information early in the book but keeps it secret from the others for no known nor logical reason, drawing out the story more than it would have otherwise. Even when his team repeatedly state how they are missing important pieces, and even knowing mages are being kidnapped and killed due to the registration, Max keeps this knowledge secret. Because it's okay as his local branch has stopped registration so no one local is being kidnapped and killed due to his inaction and pointless secret. Thousands else where probably but not local so it's okay!
Ignoring this it is a good story, the action scenes are well written, and it is extremely enjoyable
Ignoring this it is a good story, the action scenes are well written, and it is extremely enjoyable
September 13, 2024
The second Max Abaddon book is full of nonstop action. As soon as Max gets through one battle another battle begins. Max is a fantastic character. He is full of sarcasm and humor even when his life is in peril. Characters from book one have returned. My favorites are Petro and Phil. They, along with Max, provide just the right amount of comic relief during the tense action scenes. Several big surprises are revealed during the book. It will be interesting how these will affect Max’s life as the story continues. The book does not end in a cliffhanger, but the last scene poses a question that readers will want answered. Be prepared to move directly on to book three! I highly recommend this book and series. The series should be read in order.
I listened to the audiobook. Narrator Luke Daniel’s performance is wonderful. He really brings Max and the other characters to life.
I listened to the audiobook. Narrator Luke Daniel’s performance is wonderful. He really brings Max and the other characters to life.
February 22, 2021
It was ok, and Luke does a fantasy job. BUT everyone should ask while listening or reading this book, Why? Why is Max doing what he is doing, he basically a noob/baby in the mage world and yet he is doing and putting up with crap that someone of his level should not be doing. He has not mastered his powers, he sure as hell not master or even trained in sword use. He most definitely should not being taking on high risk missions because of this. Also, why put up with the council bs, just walk away and tell them to f-off.
March 8, 2025
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June 5, 2025
Fun and enjoyable! Interesting take on current day with magic.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews