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Alex Verus #11
Forged
Alex Verus faces his dark side in this return to the bestselling urban fantasy series about a London-based mage.
To protect his friends, Mage Alex Verus has had to change--and embrace his dark side. But the life mage Anne has changed too, and made a bond with a dangerous power. She's going after everyone she's got a grudge against--and it's a long list.
In the meantime, Alex has to deal with his arch-enemy, Levistus. The Council's death squads are hunting Alex as well as Anne, and the only way for Alex to stop them is to end his long war with Levistus and the Council, by whatever means necessary. It will take everything Alex has to stay a step ahead of the Council and stop Anne from letting the world burn.
To protect his friends, Mage Alex Verus has had to change--and embrace his dark side. But the life mage Anne has changed too, and made a bond with a dangerous power. She's going after everyone she's got a grudge against--and it's a long list.
In the meantime, Alex has to deal with his arch-enemy, Levistus. The Council's death squads are hunting Alex as well as Anne, and the only way for Alex to stop them is to end his long war with Levistus and the Council, by whatever means necessary. It will take everything Alex has to stay a step ahead of the Council and stop Anne from letting the world burn.
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First published November 24, 2020
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November 13, 2020
Now that we’re close to the end, it finally feels like Alex Verus has found his sense of purpose; in this book his true is self revealed. And it is incredible.
Alex has been faffing around for a while now. Before things started to come together in Book 10, it seemed like either Benedict Jacka or Verus, or both, didn’t really know where they were going. There were some great scenes but overall the stories were more filler than anything else. Placeholders till a decision was made. And let me tell you now, it has been. If Go Big or Go Home was a narrative style, then this book went all in. It is decisiveness and bloodstained resolution from the first page to the last. It is jaw dropping shocks and about bloody times. It is high risk, take a chance choices and electrifying almosts. It is understanding that Drakh was right about Verus all along. But also so very wrong.
If you’ve never read any of these before, under no circumstances start here. The power in this volume is the way it deals with what has come before. To miss that is to miss the heart of what makes this so amazing. Sure, there have been times when I wondered whether the series was going to stick the ending. But Forged = faith restored. And then some.
When you finish a book and wonder how the hell the next one will top it, then you know it’s a phenomenal read. That what follows is the final in this 12 book series only makes the stakes even higher. But after this, I know that whatever Benedict Jacka does for the finale, it’ll be better than I could have imagined. And I cannot wait.
ARC via Netgalley
Alex has been faffing around for a while now. Before things started to come together in Book 10, it seemed like either Benedict Jacka or Verus, or both, didn’t really know where they were going. There were some great scenes but overall the stories were more filler than anything else. Placeholders till a decision was made. And let me tell you now, it has been. If Go Big or Go Home was a narrative style, then this book went all in. It is decisiveness and bloodstained resolution from the first page to the last. It is jaw dropping shocks and about bloody times. It is high risk, take a chance choices and electrifying almosts. It is understanding that Drakh was right about Verus all along. But also so very wrong.
If you’ve never read any of these before, under no circumstances start here. The power in this volume is the way it deals with what has come before. To miss that is to miss the heart of what makes this so amazing. Sure, there have been times when I wondered whether the series was going to stick the ending. But Forged = faith restored. And then some.
When you finish a book and wonder how the hell the next one will top it, then you know it’s a phenomenal read. That what follows is the final in this 12 book series only makes the stakes even higher. But after this, I know that whatever Benedict Jacka does for the finale, it’ll be better than I could have imagined. And I cannot wait.
ARC via Netgalley
December 10, 2020
At last Alex Verus has got over his determination to be the nice guy and is going all out for a win. Over the course of the series he has progressed from amiable, mildly talented shopkeeper to all out extremely talented Mage and I know which one I like best!
In Forged Verus uses every talent he has acquired and takes on the big guys. There are some major battles, some serious skirmishes and plenty of amazing action. I have always enjoyed the way Alex is able to divine the future and by this stage he is practically unbeatable in a fight. By the end of the book he has knocked over a lot of his opposition but there is still work left to do.
I believe the next book is the last and I am very much looking forward to it! Go Verus!!! (and Luna).
In Forged Verus uses every talent he has acquired and takes on the big guys. There are some major battles, some serious skirmishes and plenty of amazing action. I have always enjoyed the way Alex is able to divine the future and by this stage he is practically unbeatable in a fight. By the end of the book he has knocked over a lot of his opposition but there is still work left to do.
I believe the next book is the last and I am very much looking forward to it! Go Verus!!! (and Luna).
November 11, 2022
Re-Read 11/10/22:
I'm almost finished with my full re-read of the entire series and it has still been as fun as ever --some books more than others.
But this one is one of the better ones.
Why? It's about power. Power and pressure and more power.
Sometimes it's the only way to work through your problems. Alex has simply had too many and no one is listening to his request to be left alone.
Satistfying. :)
Original Review:
Ah, to me, these books are pure candy. Having journeyed with Alex Verus for so long, to see him change, even fundamentally, is quite heartbreaking.
Fortunately, I can't fault him at all. He may have been a bit too understanding and accepting and conciliatory with the White Council. Hell, the more I keep reading, the less sure I am about all sides, including the Black Council. Obviously, this is intentional, even from the first book, but to see Verus take his independence this far... with a correspondingly high death-toll... is pretty amazing.
I feel his anger. I understand it. I also reveled in the full import of the decisions he made in this novel. They were visceral and bloody and heartbreaking, though perhaps not as heartbreaking as some of the previous novels.
This is the time to wrap up so much. I can feel it coming. Indeed, after reading through the massive amounts of awesome divination/action magic, fate weaving, and close call after close call, I have to admit this is one of the most cinematic UF's I've read, right up there with Jim Butcher on the close-contact scenes. In some small ways, it might even be better. Suffice to say, it's close.
I frankly can't believe what Jacka pulled off. It's definitely angry and viscerally satisfying, but underneath it was a deep and abiding call for peace.
I wonder if all of us might eventually get it.
I'm almost finished with my full re-read of the entire series and it has still been as fun as ever --some books more than others.
But this one is one of the better ones.
Why? It's about power. Power and pressure and more power.
Sometimes it's the only way to work through your problems. Alex has simply had too many and no one is listening to his request to be left alone.
Satistfying. :)
Original Review:
Ah, to me, these books are pure candy. Having journeyed with Alex Verus for so long, to see him change, even fundamentally, is quite heartbreaking.
Fortunately, I can't fault him at all. He may have been a bit too understanding and accepting and conciliatory with the White Council. Hell, the more I keep reading, the less sure I am about all sides, including the Black Council. Obviously, this is intentional, even from the first book, but to see Verus take his independence this far... with a correspondingly high death-toll... is pretty amazing.
I feel his anger. I understand it. I also reveled in the full import of the decisions he made in this novel. They were visceral and bloody and heartbreaking, though perhaps not as heartbreaking as some of the previous novels.
This is the time to wrap up so much. I can feel it coming. Indeed, after reading through the massive amounts of awesome divination/action magic, fate weaving, and close call after close call, I have to admit this is one of the most cinematic UF's I've read, right up there with Jim Butcher on the close-contact scenes. In some small ways, it might even be better. Suffice to say, it's close.
I frankly can't believe what Jacka pulled off. It's definitely angry and viscerally satisfying, but underneath it was a deep and abiding call for peace.
I wonder if all of us might eventually get it.
January 23, 2021
The Alex Verus series has been an interesting one for me. Alex himself is not always a good guy, he makes choices based on what is happening in his life and sometimes the people he cares for are more important than the ‘rule’ he is supposed to be following. Which is why he is kinda on the outside of everyone and being chased. At the moment Alex has 4 big obstacles and needs to decide in what order he wants to take care of them.
This series has gotten a little dark. Alex has a magical item slowly converting his body. Sure, it has saved his life more than once but it is also killing him. His once girlfriend has a djinn in her body and has gone a little bat shit crazy, plus she is out for revenge on all those that once wronged her. The counsel is searching for Alex since they have put an execution order out on him for a ‘misunderstanding’ and then there is Rachel a former student with Alex who wants him dead. Like I said hands full.
If you’ve read the other books in this series then you know what you are in for and it is a good time. There is a little more fighting and getting away from both the good and bad guys after Alex. He has made some really tough decisions along the way and this book is no different. There is one death that might haunt him more than the others.
Luna has come a long way from the apprentice she once was to Alex and I love her character as the steadying force in Alex’s life. Cinder has also become a complex side character that I like seeing from time to time.
The shit has really hit the fan in this one and with only one book to go we will see how everything plays out. I’m sure there are going to be some big consequences that finally catch up to a few of our characters and I’m excited to see how it all plays out.
This series has gotten a little dark. Alex has a magical item slowly converting his body. Sure, it has saved his life more than once but it is also killing him. His once girlfriend has a djinn in her body and has gone a little bat shit crazy, plus she is out for revenge on all those that once wronged her. The counsel is searching for Alex since they have put an execution order out on him for a ‘misunderstanding’ and then there is Rachel a former student with Alex who wants him dead. Like I said hands full.
If you’ve read the other books in this series then you know what you are in for and it is a good time. There is a little more fighting and getting away from both the good and bad guys after Alex. He has made some really tough decisions along the way and this book is no different. There is one death that might haunt him more than the others.
Luna has come a long way from the apprentice she once was to Alex and I love her character as the steadying force in Alex’s life. Cinder has also become a complex side character that I like seeing from time to time.
The shit has really hit the fan in this one and with only one book to go we will see how everything plays out. I’m sure there are going to be some big consequences that finally catch up to a few of our characters and I’m excited to see how it all plays out.
June 25, 2024
*** 4.67 ***
What a cliffhanger! But goodness gracious, what a great book! I love Alex on the edge and ready to do some justice!!! 😎😎😎👍
What a cliffhanger! But goodness gracious, what a great book! I love Alex on the edge and ready to do some justice!!! 😎😎😎👍
November 11, 2022
The penultimate book in the series and holy shit, this was intense!
Alex has the Fate-Weaver and he's gotten insanely good with it. I looooved seeing his power level here and the magic itself. He's still trying to find Anne - now free but with dark-Anne in control (IF Alex is right) and still in service / merged with a jinn. He has Delio/Rachel on his heels and the Council still want him dead. And yes, these fucking politicians always justify their hypocrisy and schemes while judging others (like Alex) for simply wanting to survive. So they were as infuriating as ever.
But this time is different. Because Alex is no longer gonna be pushed around. In fact, there is A LOT of death in this book and, almost shockingly, a lot of it is dealt out by Alex himself! Not that the people he kills didn't receive ample warnings and ignored them; not that they didn't deserve death in general for what they've done in the past 10 volumes. Still ...
The most rewarding, for me, were , and especially . Self-righteous assholes as well as psychopaths - Alex finally came for them all and I was so here for it. I mean, it's been building for a long time and every time certain people showed up and spewed their bullshit, I grew really aggressive.
The saddest part about these later books is that Arachne is gone and nobody (including Alex) is expecting her back. Yes, we were forewarned but that didn't really make it any better.
In this book particularly, I was surprised to discover that something else managed to tug at my heartstrings: Cinder! I know! Who would have thought?! He was faithful to the very end and didn't deserve being treated the way he was. *sighs*
Perhaps it's this sadness and general darkness of the book that made the humorous moments so great. And boy, were there fantastically hilarious encounter (Cinder and Starbreeze for one). I downright cackled.
There was also the AI. Yep, you read that correctly. And it was ... very human indeed. The snarky exchanges between it and Alex almost had me rolling on the floor.
And then there was the pretty surreal talk with Landis at the end. I really like the old chap. :D
Question of the day: what will happen now? I mean, the ending was relatively specific but I am indeed wondering what kind of ending I'm hoping for for this series. Someting which doesn't happen often.
Not to mention that we still have the actual magical threat to the world: the jinn. I'm looking forward to them rising and dealing out some serious punishment.
Almost at the end of the series now and I am excited. Bring the magic!
Alex has the Fate-Weaver and he's gotten insanely good with it. I looooved seeing his power level here and the magic itself. He's still trying to find Anne - now free but with dark-Anne in control (IF Alex is right) and still in service / merged with a jinn. He has Delio/Rachel on his heels and the Council still want him dead. And yes, these fucking politicians always justify their hypocrisy and schemes while judging others (like Alex) for simply wanting to survive. So they were as infuriating as ever.
But this time is different. Because Alex is no longer gonna be pushed around. In fact, there is A LOT of death in this book and, almost shockingly, a lot of it is dealt out by Alex himself! Not that the people he kills didn't receive ample warnings and ignored them; not that they didn't deserve death in general for what they've done in the past 10 volumes. Still ...
The most rewarding, for me, were , and especially . Self-righteous assholes as well as psychopaths - Alex finally came for them all and I was so here for it. I mean, it's been building for a long time and every time certain people showed up and spewed their bullshit, I grew really aggressive.
The saddest part about these later books is that Arachne is gone and nobody (including Alex) is expecting her back. Yes, we were forewarned but that didn't really make it any better.
In this book particularly, I was surprised to discover that something else managed to tug at my heartstrings: Cinder! I know! Who would have thought?! He was faithful to the very end and didn't deserve being treated the way he was. *sighs*
Perhaps it's this sadness and general darkness of the book that made the humorous moments so great. And boy, were there fantastically hilarious encounter (Cinder and Starbreeze for one). I downright cackled.
There was also the AI. Yep, you read that correctly. And it was ... very human indeed. The snarky exchanges between it and Alex almost had me rolling on the floor.
And then there was the pretty surreal talk with Landis at the end. I really like the old chap. :D
Question of the day: what will happen now? I mean, the ending was relatively specific but I am indeed wondering what kind of ending I'm hoping for for this series. Someting which doesn't happen often.
Not to mention that we still have the actual magical threat to the world: the jinn. I'm looking forward to them rising and dealing out some serious punishment.
Almost at the end of the series now and I am excited. Bring the magic!
December 21, 2020
4,5 stars but rounding up.
Read like 90% of the book in one day. Sat up to 11pm to finish it last night which I greatly suffered for today. But it reminded me when I binge-read book 6-9 in less than a week two years ago. I think I actually read at least one of those from start to finish in one sitting. Those were the times.
I can't believe we're almost at journey's end and that we will have the last book by next year. CRAZY. My boy Alex has grown so much and so have all the other characters as well. Shit was really going down in this book and the finale is going to be wild and I'm scared.
Read like 90% of the book in one day. Sat up to 11pm to finish it last night which I greatly suffered for today. But it reminded me when I binge-read book 6-9 in less than a week two years ago. I think I actually read at least one of those from start to finish in one sitting. Those were the times.
I can't believe we're almost at journey's end and that we will have the last book by next year. CRAZY. My boy Alex has grown so much and so have all the other characters as well. Shit was really going down in this book and the finale is going to be wild and I'm scared.
November 30, 2020
Alex Verus is not what he was. The power that he reached for and acquired in the last book has allowed him to go up against a Light Council member and win has now made him a high priority for them to take down. All of which seems pretty silly when the Djinn possessing Anne is out there running free with its own agenda and Richard Drahk is reaching the culmination of his own plans. But the Light Council has rarely cared about the greater risks when their own power is in question, and pursue Alex they do.
This is the penultimate book in this series, and feels like it, establishing both the ultimate threat and shape of the final conflict as well as dealing with long running less major elements of the story. There was clearly going to be too many elements of Alex's long-running saga to wrap them all up in a single volume, and the process clearly started with the previous book.
Still an excellent urban fantasy series that I highly recommend.
This is the penultimate book in this series, and feels like it, establishing both the ultimate threat and shape of the final conflict as well as dealing with long running less major elements of the story. There was clearly going to be too many elements of Alex's long-running saga to wrap them all up in a single volume, and the process clearly started with the previous book.
Still an excellent urban fantasy series that I highly recommend.
November 6, 2022
Coming hot on the heels of the game-changer that was Fallen, Forged is another strong entry in the Alex Verus Series.
Where Fallen changed the direction of the series into something darker and with more shades of grey, Forged and cemented these changes and expanded on the consequences.
Ratings:-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Where Fallen changed the direction of the series into something darker and with more shades of grey, Forged and cemented these changes and expanded on the consequences.
Ratings:-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 30, 2020
As the penultimate volume in this excellent and long-running series, I'm awfully happy with this entry.
Forged has all of the things that made the earlier books so engaging: the moral and ethical complexities, the fantastic examples of magical power, and the continual evolution of who Alex Verus is as a person and mage.
This book is about control in a lot of ways. Despite being a diviner and having more than a little insight as to what his options and fate might be, Alex has never wanted to truly take control of things. He's been a reactant, using his powers not to decide on what encounters he will have, but to try and set the terms of those encounters. As he's come to understand more about his place in the broader world and accept the fact that his basic power puts him in the world in ways that he might not always like, but has to deal with, he's also accepted the consequences of that, along with the fact that others are also responsible for their own acts.
And now, Alex is taking control of his own life again, stopping reacting and trying to manage the consequences of others decisions, but to make some decisions of his own to get what he wants and needs. His growing sense of control is contrasted nicely by Rachel's continual lack of control and Anne's growing loss of control herself. These are two of the more important people in his life, and their inability to find that level of control (over themselves, over their power, over their environments) in many ways shows Alex that as a person of ability and power he can't simply sit passively back, but instead has to take command of his life in more active ways, even if it means killing people he'd rather leave alone.
He's a more dangerous person now than ever before, but at the same time he's someone who has shown over and over that his word is good, and the people that fail the worst against him are the ones who refuse to accept that. Blinded by emotion, preconceived notions, rules or whatever they fail when they go head to head with him in part because he does keep his word and does what he says he will do. The evolution of his relationship with Cinder is a perfect example of this: by keeping his word, he's turned an implacable enemy into a solid ally. They may never actually like each other, but the respect is there.
The confrontation with Levistus is outstanding, showing just how rotten the Council has gotten and how lost Levistus has become by always allowing the ends to justify the means until the greater good he's supposedly working towards isn't anything resembling good at all. (In game terms, Levistus is a great example of someone who thinks he's Lawful Good, was really Lawful Neutral, and became Lawful Evil and probably never even noticed) Talisid and Caldera are drifting towards the same model, through their respect for hierarchy and loyalty respectively. A shame, as neither is a bad person: they just can't see that their foundation has rotted out from under them.
Of course, the "Dark" side isn't necessarily much better: Richard is still absolutely a total bastard and would throw things into a chaos that would kill and/or enslave countless people. But they're lesser, so it doesn't matter. Morden is a bit more interesting: there's a touch of him that's the other side of Alex's coin, and it's a thin coin indeed. The motives may be different, the moral lines might not be the same...but the end goals aren't all that dissimilar and it's not hard to see his point.
Only disappointment is not getting enough Luna. She's a great character and has evolved beyond being an apprentice to Alex to much more of an equal and friend, and he's better off when he's connecting with her. Plus, I just like her. But damn good stuff.
Looking forward to Book 12. A little sad that is likely the end, but it's been a great ride and after this, the wrap-up should be well-worth the ride.
Forged has all of the things that made the earlier books so engaging: the moral and ethical complexities, the fantastic examples of magical power, and the continual evolution of who Alex Verus is as a person and mage.
This book is about control in a lot of ways. Despite being a diviner and having more than a little insight as to what his options and fate might be, Alex has never wanted to truly take control of things. He's been a reactant, using his powers not to decide on what encounters he will have, but to try and set the terms of those encounters. As he's come to understand more about his place in the broader world and accept the fact that his basic power puts him in the world in ways that he might not always like, but has to deal with, he's also accepted the consequences of that, along with the fact that others are also responsible for their own acts.
And now, Alex is taking control of his own life again, stopping reacting and trying to manage the consequences of others decisions, but to make some decisions of his own to get what he wants and needs. His growing sense of control is contrasted nicely by Rachel's continual lack of control and Anne's growing loss of control herself. These are two of the more important people in his life, and their inability to find that level of control (over themselves, over their power, over their environments) in many ways shows Alex that as a person of ability and power he can't simply sit passively back, but instead has to take command of his life in more active ways, even if it means killing people he'd rather leave alone.
He's a more dangerous person now than ever before, but at the same time he's someone who has shown over and over that his word is good, and the people that fail the worst against him are the ones who refuse to accept that. Blinded by emotion, preconceived notions, rules or whatever they fail when they go head to head with him in part because he does keep his word and does what he says he will do. The evolution of his relationship with Cinder is a perfect example of this: by keeping his word, he's turned an implacable enemy into a solid ally. They may never actually like each other, but the respect is there.
The confrontation with Levistus is outstanding, showing just how rotten the Council has gotten and how lost Levistus has become by always allowing the ends to justify the means until the greater good he's supposedly working towards isn't anything resembling good at all. (In game terms, Levistus is a great example of someone who thinks he's Lawful Good, was really Lawful Neutral, and became Lawful Evil and probably never even noticed) Talisid and Caldera are drifting towards the same model, through their respect for hierarchy and loyalty respectively. A shame, as neither is a bad person: they just can't see that their foundation has rotted out from under them.
Of course, the "Dark" side isn't necessarily much better: Richard is still absolutely a total bastard and would throw things into a chaos that would kill and/or enslave countless people. But they're lesser, so it doesn't matter. Morden is a bit more interesting: there's a touch of him that's the other side of Alex's coin, and it's a thin coin indeed. The motives may be different, the moral lines might not be the same...but the end goals aren't all that dissimilar and it's not hard to see his point.
Only disappointment is not getting enough Luna. She's a great character and has evolved beyond being an apprentice to Alex to much more of an equal and friend, and he's better off when he's connecting with her. Plus, I just like her. But damn good stuff.
Looking forward to Book 12. A little sad that is likely the end, but it's been a great ride and after this, the wrap-up should be well-worth the ride.
March 30, 2025
Re-Read Mar '25: **4.5 stars**
Enjoyed this book a lot more this time around, maybe because I've come to understand the necessity of Alex's actions. He's still himself - a person who protects others, who keeps his word, who loves his friends, who is willing to negotiate with his enemies and find other ways around killing people (like what he did with Sgt. Little, the adepts protecting Levistus and even all the chances he gave Caldera!) - but he's not reactive anymore. He's always been ruthless but instead of waiting to be attacked, he's taking the fight to his enemies and taking his gloves off. If you try to kill him now, he won't try to see your perspective, try to convince you or give you another chance. He'll just kill you, end of story.
His threat to the Council was AWESOME, super hot stuff. Decisive Alex is so freaking hot!!
Also, I forgot to add the principal culprit in the Jinn situation...Anne!! I know the Council, Richard and lastly Alex have part to blame but it wouldn't have been as easy if she had put her big girl panties and addressed her mental issues. (I know that mental problems are difficult to address but her stakes in her case were too big for her not to have taken the chance.)
Now after 3 years of putting the last book on hold, I'll finally finish this series. Wish me luck!!
Original Review Jan '22: What a cliffhanger!!
Funny how Richard is now blaming Alex for the Anne situation when in reality is ALL their fault: definitely Alex but also Richard AND the Council. They all made it happen.
I've read the first 9 books in this series twice (some three times) and this is the first time I started one of the books and then stopped reading for a while. Not because it wasn't entertaining - the action was unbelievable - but because this new Alex is not as appealing. Yes, I've get why he's had to change and stop pulling his punches (if he hadn't, he would be dead.) And I guess is more realistic that people would just get entrenched in their beliefs - like Caldera who thinks she's fighting for a higher cause when instead, she's just the henchman of a bunch of powerful people.
I guess the next book is the last in the series? I don't know...I'm sort of scared of what will happen so not sure when I'll pick it up.
Enjoyed this book a lot more this time around, maybe because I've come to understand the necessity of Alex's actions. He's still himself - a person who protects others, who keeps his word, who loves his friends, who is willing to negotiate with his enemies and find other ways around killing people (like what he did with Sgt. Little, the adepts protecting Levistus and even all the chances he gave Caldera!) - but he's not reactive anymore. He's always been ruthless but instead of waiting to be attacked, he's taking the fight to his enemies and taking his gloves off. If you try to kill him now, he won't try to see your perspective, try to convince you or give you another chance. He'll just kill you, end of story.
His threat to the Council was AWESOME, super hot stuff. Decisive Alex is so freaking hot!!
Also, I forgot to add the principal culprit in the Jinn situation...Anne!! I know the Council, Richard and lastly Alex have part to blame but it wouldn't have been as easy if she had put her big girl panties and addressed her mental issues. (I know that mental problems are difficult to address but her stakes in her case were too big for her not to have taken the chance.)
Now after 3 years of putting the last book on hold, I'll finally finish this series. Wish me luck!!
Original Review Jan '22: What a cliffhanger!!
Funny how Richard is now blaming Alex for the Anne situation when in reality is ALL their fault: definitely Alex but also Richard AND the Council. They all made it happen.
I've read the first 9 books in this series twice (some three times) and this is the first time I started one of the books and then stopped reading for a while. Not because it wasn't entertaining - the action was unbelievable - but because this new Alex is not as appealing. Yes, I've get why he's had to change and stop pulling his punches (if he hadn't, he would be dead.) And I guess is more realistic that people would just get entrenched in their beliefs - like Caldera who thinks she's fighting for a higher cause when instead, she's just the henchman of a bunch of powerful people.
I guess the next book is the last in the series? I don't know...I'm sort of scared of what will happen so not sure when I'll pick it up.
December 1, 2020
Like the rest of this series, this was a fun, light, escapist, fantasy/action/adventure story. Think "Fantasy James Bond" but gone a little evil in this installment. Interpersonal problem? Kill someone. Political problem? Kill someone else. Still a problem? Kill again. It was wearing.
There are actual relationships, but the resolution of them always seems put off to the next book. That's one of the things that keeps me reading, but at book 11, I'm losing faith that they are really going to be resolved, except by killing everyone but Alex and maybe Luna. One of the big open-ended interpersonal relationships was "resolved" by killing the person in this book. It was disappointing and a little gruesome.
Since the first book, this series was basically a Man's World with a few women in it. It's evolved some, but there are still an awful lot of wrongheaded women and level-headed men. Alex, being a diviner, is the male maverick, know-it-all, solver of problems. There is little group effort except when Alex manages everyone.
At one point in this book, Alex executes a woman in cold blood while having a casual conversation with a male frenemy. That's somehow struck me as wrong. Much the way Hannah's maybe-not-rape in the hot tub in Thirteen Reasons Why twinged my senses. The word, "Misogyny" is floating back into my mind for this review when I thought we'd left it behind after book 3.
I enjoyed this, but this series has soured somewhat for me. My faith that it will get better is waning. I'm still reading the next one when my library gets the audio, but my expectations are lower.
There are actual relationships, but the resolution of them always seems put off to the next book. That's one of the things that keeps me reading, but at book 11, I'm losing faith that they are really going to be resolved, except by killing everyone but Alex and maybe Luna. One of the big open-ended interpersonal relationships was "resolved" by killing the person in this book. It was disappointing and a little gruesome.
Since the first book, this series was basically a Man's World with a few women in it. It's evolved some, but there are still an awful lot of wrongheaded women and level-headed men. Alex, being a diviner, is the male maverick, know-it-all, solver of problems. There is little group effort except when Alex manages everyone.
At one point in this book, Alex executes a woman in cold blood while having a casual conversation with a male frenemy. That's somehow struck me as wrong. Much the way Hannah's maybe-not-rape in the hot tub in Thirteen Reasons Why twinged my senses. The word, "Misogyny" is floating back into my mind for this review when I thought we'd left it behind after book 3.
I enjoyed this, but this series has soured somewhat for me. My faith that it will get better is waning. I'm still reading the next one when my library gets the audio, but my expectations are lower.
December 4, 2020
Things come to a head between Alex and the council as we prepare for the final audiobook/book and holy gates this was intense!
We face down the council, grow concerned about Alex’s fate, and get a surprise from Richard. I devoured this tale as threads came together and the action intensified. Alex is formidable, particularly when protecting his friends. His disgust for the greed of both dark and light mages fuels him.
Alex is running out of time and gets help from unexpected corners. This installment was fast-paced and intense. It was filled with magic, screen worthy battles and outmaneuvers. Jacka gives us quiet moments with Alex and his friends and rather intriguing conversations with enemies and allies alike. If you haven’t read the series, I fear you’d be lost even though Jacka provides recaps.
The ending was dramatic and teases of things to come in the last installment. Can Anne be saved? Will Alex survive to see it?
Gildart Jackson has narrated the series and has truly become the voice of these characters. With just a few words, I know exactly who is speaking and I love that. His range of voices and ability to evoke their emotions adds another level of enjoyment to the series. His voice for Alex and the subtle changes as Alex has grown are impressive.
Gads, the wait for the last audiobook will be painful. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
We face down the council, grow concerned about Alex’s fate, and get a surprise from Richard. I devoured this tale as threads came together and the action intensified. Alex is formidable, particularly when protecting his friends. His disgust for the greed of both dark and light mages fuels him.
Alex is running out of time and gets help from unexpected corners. This installment was fast-paced and intense. It was filled with magic, screen worthy battles and outmaneuvers. Jacka gives us quiet moments with Alex and his friends and rather intriguing conversations with enemies and allies alike. If you haven’t read the series, I fear you’d be lost even though Jacka provides recaps.
The ending was dramatic and teases of things to come in the last installment. Can Anne be saved? Will Alex survive to see it?
Gildart Jackson has narrated the series and has truly become the voice of these characters. With just a few words, I know exactly who is speaking and I love that. His range of voices and ability to evoke their emotions adds another level of enjoyment to the series. His voice for Alex and the subtle changes as Alex has grown are impressive.
Gads, the wait for the last audiobook will be painful. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
July 31, 2022
Come to the dark side - we have cookies! Or Jinns. I'm always getting those two mixed up.
Welcome to the second to last installment in the Alex Verus series, where Asked unleashes his inner Darth Vader.
Alex had always been a kind of loner. Now he's taking it way too far.
Alex has become the dark make he never wanted to be. Oh, I'm sure he's not seeing it that way, but the observant reader that I am can't help noticing this. While he might have his reasons, he's going a way the old Alex would not have chosen, I'm sure of it.
That bad attitude is costing a lot of lives, but at this point it seems inevitable that Alex and his former allies are crashing into each other.
Benedict Jacka has done a lot of work to build this world, and now he's bringing it all down. I'm lucky to have already bought the next book, because the cliffhanger is strong with this one.
I would love to write more, but I have a date with a megalomaniac Jinn and a Dark Mage, so if you would excuse me ...
You can find more reviews on my Blog.
Welcome to the second to last installment in the Alex Verus series, where Asked unleashes his inner Darth Vader.
Alex had always been a kind of loner. Now he's taking it way too far.
Alex has become the dark make he never wanted to be. Oh, I'm sure he's not seeing it that way, but the observant reader that I am can't help noticing this. While he might have his reasons, he's going a way the old Alex would not have chosen, I'm sure of it.
That bad attitude is costing a lot of lives, but at this point it seems inevitable that Alex and his former allies are crashing into each other.
Benedict Jacka has done a lot of work to build this world, and now he's bringing it all down. I'm lucky to have already bought the next book, because the cliffhanger is strong with this one.
I would love to write more, but I have a date with a megalomaniac Jinn and a Dark Mage, so if you would excuse me ...
You can find more reviews on my Blog.
September 5, 2020
First off if you’re reading this review and you haven’t read the first ten books in this series you will have no idea what’s going on and why the different characters are after one another. The author’s note on Goodreads for this book says there will be a twelfth and final title in the series and you can see how things are nearly wrapped up. It’s a very fast paced read. I finished this book in a single day and the action is pretty much non-stop throughout the whole book. If you’ve been reading this series this is another satisfying entry! If you haven’t and you like urban fantasy without the heavy romance you find in a lot of urban fantasy this would be a good series to try!
December 10, 2020
12/10/2020 Notes:
4.5 Stars Round Up to 5 Stars
Woah! This installment was great! A side of Alex that we have barely seen. It was really interesting to see him become a man of action vs defensive caution. There's a lot I'll have to think about. =)
Can't wait for the next book to come out!
4.5 Stars Round Up to 5 Stars
Woah! This installment was great! A side of Alex that we have barely seen. It was really interesting to see him become a man of action vs defensive caution. There's a lot I'll have to think about. =)
Can't wait for the next book to come out!
August 23, 2021
3ish stars
I was kind of disappointed with where this one ended up. I liked that Alex was taking action and being more in control of his own fate. I just did not like a lot of his choices. Verus is not a good person by this point. While yes he has been pushed into a corner, many of the reasons he ended up here were still his choices and as a diviner you'd think you would make better decisions more often.
This is a book of lots of violence. There is a ton of bloodshed and much of it is relatively innocent people left without real choices either. The old Alex would have balked at the amount of murder committed but this one no longer really cares. While I agree with some of what was done I didn't love the way of doing it. There's a lot more killing people until someone will listen instead of looking for other solutions.
What I did enjoy was the heist and all the moments with Morden of all people. He is one intriguing character. I wanted more time with Vari and Luna but understood why we couldn't get that.
I was kind of disappointed with where this one ended up. I liked that Alex was taking action and being more in control of his own fate. I just did not like a lot of his choices. Verus is not a good person by this point. While yes he has been pushed into a corner, many of the reasons he ended up here were still his choices and as a diviner you'd think you would make better decisions more often.
This is a book of lots of violence. There is a ton of bloodshed and much of it is relatively innocent people left without real choices either. The old Alex would have balked at the amount of murder committed but this one no longer really cares. While I agree with some of what was done I didn't love the way of doing it. There's a lot more killing people until someone will listen instead of looking for other solutions.
What I did enjoy was the heist and all the moments with Morden of all people. He is one intriguing character. I wanted more time with Vari and Luna but understood why we couldn't get that.
August 28, 2024
This penultimate 11th volume was straight fire. A bunch of the long-simmering conflicts in the series came to a head here in some of the most extended and gripping action set pieces Jacka has written. I found them to be quite cinematic and easy to visualize in the way many of Jim Butcher's big set pieces have felt for me throughout the Dresden Files.
Jacka tied up a few loose threads and now the pieces are in place for an intense and explosive finale. If you're a fan of the series early on I can't imagine the trajectory of these late books disappointing you, and this second half has been a thrilling rollercoaster. I'm so invested in Alex's tale in this moment that I think I have to dive right into the final book and see how it all ends.
Jacka tied up a few loose threads and now the pieces are in place for an intense and explosive finale. If you're a fan of the series early on I can't imagine the trajectory of these late books disappointing you, and this second half has been a thrilling rollercoaster. I'm so invested in Alex's tale in this moment that I think I have to dive right into the final book and see how it all ends.
December 7, 2020
Brilliant...
This series right here did right by me and many others i expect, It filled a void in the urban fantasy genre in the wake of the dresden files drought so I'll forever appreciate it...
In this book mage Verus escalate things by being more ruthless than usual , the action was superb a few long standing character's light get snuffed out, the pace and rhythm of the story was very hurried you rarely get a chance to take a breather , Big picture wise this book was only a sitting stage for what's to come with the tying of a few loose ends .... til the next one i guess
This series right here did right by me and many others i expect, It filled a void in the urban fantasy genre in the wake of the dresden files drought so I'll forever appreciate it...
In this book mage Verus escalate things by being more ruthless than usual , the action was superb a few long standing character's light get snuffed out, the pace and rhythm of the story was very hurried you rarely get a chance to take a breather , Big picture wise this book was only a sitting stage for what's to come with the tying of a few loose ends .... til the next one i guess
December 13, 2020
Phew, what a ride. Once again, Benedict Jacka delivers fast paced, nonstop action from the first to the last page and relentlessly keeps advancing the series towards its final conclusion, which will happen in the next book as I understand it. Considering that he had been beating around the bush and turning in circles for quite some time during the middle of the series, the speed at which things have been happening since the previous novel is almost a bit overwhelming. But what it's certainly not is this: boring! Alex keeps pushing onwards from scheme to scheme and from battle to battle, resolving some core conflicts of the series along the way. There simply isn't any time to get bored.
Nevertheless, the series still has some of the same problems it has been carrying around for a while now. I'll put those in spoilers because...well...there will be spoilers.
At first I gave this 4 stars because it's still a fun ride and the adrenaline rush tends to make one overlook some of the problems. But if I'm honest, many of those problems could have been avoided and some are just too annoying to overlook. After beating around the bush for a couple of books it now seems as if he wants to power through to the end. Let's hope Jacka can bring the series to a somewhat satisfying conclusion.
Nevertheless, the series still has some of the same problems it has been carrying around for a while now. I'll put those in spoilers because...well...there will be spoilers.
At first I gave this 4 stars because it's still a fun ride and the adrenaline rush tends to make one overlook some of the problems. But if I'm honest, many of those problems could have been avoided and some are just too annoying to overlook. After beating around the bush for a couple of books it now seems as if he wants to power through to the end. Let's hope Jacka can bring the series to a somewhat satisfying conclusion.
March 22, 2021
Well, Alex has walked the line between the light/dark mage spectrum for long enough. He's been continuously hunted and threatened; he's done with it and those who just won't leave him be. A lot happened in this installment, much more than most previous it seemed, except for maybe Fallen. I love this series, returning to these characters and I'm sad knowing it's coming to an end. I have a lot of things on my finale wishlist, I wonder what Jacka has planned. No doubt it'll be a doozy.
(Listened to audiobook w/hubby)
(Listened to audiobook w/hubby)
June 6, 2021
High octane darkly exciting instalment in this London based treat of an UF novel! The stakes have been ramped up so high and Verus is only now truly coming into his own self. Every book has ramped up the action - it seems a long way from the first book and the start of it all.. Now Jacka just has to bring this baby home in the grand finale. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
May 9, 2024
There is no other word for this book but awesome.
I don’t use that word lightly when it comes to reviews. This book didn’t just deliver on the promises made in the last book, it absolutely smashed it out of the park. It feels like the author took a look inside my head to find out all the things I wanted to happen in this series, and then systematically started checking off the list in the most spectacular way possible.
After Alex finally levelled up at the end of the last novel, he is now a different man. He has finally been pushed that one step too far and now he is going on the offensive. The punishment this poor man has endured over the course of 10 novels now makes some serious sense because he can now go to some extremes that would otherwise have felt distasteful without the history of this series.
I am going to stop here as I am finding it really hard not to go into spoilers. I have loved nearly every novel in this series, and those few times I wasn’t quite so happy was always because of issues that were dealt with in this book. Be it friends turning in Alex, self righteous characters who hate Alex for defending himself, or Alex’s reluctance to properly fight back, all were addressed in this book in the most satisfying way.
It’s an easy 5 stars and I can’t wait for the next book.
I don’t use that word lightly when it comes to reviews. This book didn’t just deliver on the promises made in the last book, it absolutely smashed it out of the park. It feels like the author took a look inside my head to find out all the things I wanted to happen in this series, and then systematically started checking off the list in the most spectacular way possible.
After Alex finally levelled up at the end of the last novel, he is now a different man. He has finally been pushed that one step too far and now he is going on the offensive. The punishment this poor man has endured over the course of 10 novels now makes some serious sense because he can now go to some extremes that would otherwise have felt distasteful without the history of this series.
I am going to stop here as I am finding it really hard not to go into spoilers. I have loved nearly every novel in this series, and those few times I wasn’t quite so happy was always because of issues that were dealt with in this book. Be it friends turning in Alex, self righteous characters who hate Alex for defending himself, or Alex’s reluctance to properly fight back, all were addressed in this book in the most satisfying way.
It’s an easy 5 stars and I can’t wait for the next book.
December 5, 2020
Yawn. Action-packed but not very interesting.
It’s probably best to re-read book 10 first as there’s no recap at the start; it just goes straight into an extended fight sequence that lasts for pretty much the entire book.
No real plot development other than lots of killing, dressed up as heroic defeat of a few more bad guys.
Meanwhile, Bad Anne pops up numerous times, being generally bad and distracting Verus with her clingy dresses, bare arms and red-brown eyes.
If you like gaming then you’ll probably like this instalment but I preferred it when Jacka told stories.
This merely clears the decks, setting the scene for the final showdown in book 12.
A generous two stars as Gildart’s familiar narration reminded me of the better episodes in the series- although he seems to have forgotten Richard Drakh’s voice.
NB: no idea what the title refers to.
It’s probably best to re-read book 10 first as there’s no recap at the start; it just goes straight into an extended fight sequence that lasts for pretty much the entire book.
No real plot development other than lots of killing, dressed up as heroic defeat of a few more bad guys.
Meanwhile, Bad Anne pops up numerous times, being generally bad and distracting Verus with her clingy dresses, bare arms and red-brown eyes.
If you like gaming then you’ll probably like this instalment but I preferred it when Jacka told stories.
This merely clears the decks, setting the scene for the final showdown in book 12.
A generous two stars as Gildart’s familiar narration reminded me of the better episodes in the series- although he seems to have forgotten Richard Drakh’s voice.
NB: no idea what the title refers to.
December 18, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
It has been a while since the last book. This series has gotten kind of dark in the last couple of books. I am not sure what a happy ending is for Alex anymore. His whole goal in this book was to get his enemies from trying to kill him, and he has a lot of enemies. He isn't holding back anymore though. People have tried to kill him over and over again and he has gone out of his way to try and make peace. Not anymore. While I applaud him for not letting people walk all over him, I don't think what he did is going to make him any happier. I just wish I knew how many books were in the series.
It has been a while since the last book. This series has gotten kind of dark in the last couple of books. I am not sure what a happy ending is for Alex anymore. His whole goal in this book was to get his enemies from trying to kill him, and he has a lot of enemies. He isn't holding back anymore though. People have tried to kill him over and over again and he has gone out of his way to try and make peace. Not anymore. While I applaud him for not letting people walk all over him, I don't think what he did is going to make him any happier. I just wish I knew how many books were in the series.
December 18, 2020
This has become my favorite urban fantasy series. It is sharp, fast-paced and brutal. Verus has become increasingly dark as he is forced to confront enemies from all sides, including those who should be on the side of order, but for various reasons refuse to accept his offers of compromise and truce. The body count in this volume is staggering with lots of long term characters meeting their demise. My only real complaint is that I rip through the thing so fast that I worry I'm missing any subtleties, but that's a great problem to have. And now I have to wait...
January 7, 2022
Reread für Teil 12,das Ende der Reihe. Die Bücher sind genial! Der Plott ist der Wahnsinn!
January 25, 2024
4,5*
Alex muss an mehreren Fronten kämpfen: Sein früherer Mentor, der Schwarzmagier Richard Drakh, arbeitet noch immer an seinen finsteren Plänen, seine Freundin Anne ist in der Gewalt eines Djinn und der Rat der Weißmagier macht Jagd auf ihn. Um zumindest eine Bedrohung auszuschalten, versucht Alex, einen Waffenstillstand mit dem Rat zu verhandeln, doch sein Erzfeind Levistus setzt alles daran, um das zu verhindern. Wenn Alex nicht sterben will, muss er Levistus ausschalten.
Nachdem die Reihe im letzten Band ziemlich düster wurde, behält sie dies hier größtenteils bei. Alex hat gemerkt, dass, wenn er seine Freunde retten möchte, er niemals der Held der Geschichte sein wird und nun tut er alles, was nötig ist, ohne Rücksicht auf Verluste. Ich habe in anderen Rezensionen gelesen, dass Alex plötzlich ein anderer Charakter ist. Dies kann ich definitiv nicht bestätigen, er hat sich nur für einen neuen Weg entschieden, mit allen Konsequenzen, die dies mit sich bringt.
Etwas, das Alex‘ Entscheidung mit sich bringt ist, dass auch die guten Charaktere noch moralisch grauer sind, als dies zuvor schon der Fall war. Immer wieder kann man als Leser*in abwägen, ob Alex‘ Handlungen wirklich die richtigen sind.
Das Buch war wieder gewohnt spannend. Von der ersten Seite an war ich mitten im Geschehen. Es gab richtig viele Actionszenen und wenn Benedict Jacka eins kann, dann diese zu schreiben! Es war wie immer unglaublich schwer, das Buch aus der Hand zu legen.
Negativ aufgefallen ist mir in diesem Buch allerdings, dass der Autor anscheinend nur eine Art von mächtigen Frauen auf der Dunklen Seite schreiben kann. Während ich dies bei Rachel/Deleo zwar klischeehaft, aber in Ordnung fand, hat es mich bei Anne doch sehr gestört. Plötzlich waren ihre einzigen Charakterzüge sexy und eiskalt zu sein. Warum genau ist es bei ihr etwa wichtig zu wissen, was sie anhat (natürlich etwas eher Knappes), wenn dies normalerweise nicht wirklich beschrieben wird?
Fazit:
Wer Action, Spannung und moralisch graue Charaktere mag, kommt bei „Der Jäger von London“ voll auf seine Kosten. Abgesehen von Annes etwas unnötiger Veränderung konnte mich auch dieser Band wieder gut unterhalten und ich bin nun sehr auf das Finale der Reihe gespannt.
Alex muss an mehreren Fronten kämpfen: Sein früherer Mentor, der Schwarzmagier Richard Drakh, arbeitet noch immer an seinen finsteren Plänen, seine Freundin Anne ist in der Gewalt eines Djinn und der Rat der Weißmagier macht Jagd auf ihn. Um zumindest eine Bedrohung auszuschalten, versucht Alex, einen Waffenstillstand mit dem Rat zu verhandeln, doch sein Erzfeind Levistus setzt alles daran, um das zu verhindern. Wenn Alex nicht sterben will, muss er Levistus ausschalten.
Nachdem die Reihe im letzten Band ziemlich düster wurde, behält sie dies hier größtenteils bei. Alex hat gemerkt, dass, wenn er seine Freunde retten möchte, er niemals der Held der Geschichte sein wird und nun tut er alles, was nötig ist, ohne Rücksicht auf Verluste. Ich habe in anderen Rezensionen gelesen, dass Alex plötzlich ein anderer Charakter ist. Dies kann ich definitiv nicht bestätigen, er hat sich nur für einen neuen Weg entschieden, mit allen Konsequenzen, die dies mit sich bringt.
Etwas, das Alex‘ Entscheidung mit sich bringt ist, dass auch die guten Charaktere noch moralisch grauer sind, als dies zuvor schon der Fall war. Immer wieder kann man als Leser*in abwägen, ob Alex‘ Handlungen wirklich die richtigen sind.
Das Buch war wieder gewohnt spannend. Von der ersten Seite an war ich mitten im Geschehen. Es gab richtig viele Actionszenen und wenn Benedict Jacka eins kann, dann diese zu schreiben! Es war wie immer unglaublich schwer, das Buch aus der Hand zu legen.
Negativ aufgefallen ist mir in diesem Buch allerdings, dass der Autor anscheinend nur eine Art von mächtigen Frauen auf der Dunklen Seite schreiben kann. Während ich dies bei Rachel/Deleo zwar klischeehaft, aber in Ordnung fand, hat es mich bei Anne doch sehr gestört. Plötzlich waren ihre einzigen Charakterzüge sexy und eiskalt zu sein. Warum genau ist es bei ihr etwa wichtig zu wissen, was sie anhat (natürlich etwas eher Knappes), wenn dies normalerweise nicht wirklich beschrieben wird?
Fazit:
Wer Action, Spannung und moralisch graue Charaktere mag, kommt bei „Der Jäger von London“ voll auf seine Kosten. Abgesehen von Annes etwas unnötiger Veränderung konnte mich auch dieser Band wieder gut unterhalten und ich bin nun sehr auf das Finale der Reihe gespannt.
January 25, 2024
Ich finde es krass wie düster die Serie geworden ist.
When a good man is gone … zu weit getrieben haben es alle und müssen bitter bezahlen
Aber was passiert hier als Set up für den letzten Band? 😱
When a good man is gone … zu weit getrieben haben es alle und müssen bitter bezahlen
Aber was passiert hier als Set up für den letzten Band? 😱
August 4, 2025
Well this will just follow the same trend as most the previous installments: it’s my new favorite of the series.
How could it not be? It’s action-packed, high stakes, and cinematic. All while not being quite as cheesy as many others within the same sub genre, and effectively exploring what it means to truly follow a “morally grey” protagonist.
Can’t wait for the finale
How could it not be? It’s action-packed, high stakes, and cinematic. All while not being quite as cheesy as many others within the same sub genre, and effectively exploring what it means to truly follow a “morally grey” protagonist.
Can’t wait for the finale
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