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Max Abaddon #1
MAX ABADDON AND THE WILL: A Max Abaddon Urban Fantasy Novel
The first novel in the thrilling new urban fantasy adventure series Max Abaddon, by Justin S. Leslie.
An unambitious, unemployed bachelor with a penchant for drinking, Max Abaddon inherits an extraordinary gift from his recently deceased grandfather. Now a young hero with new magical powers, Max must embrace his calling and help this hidden world in its war with a murderous darkness.
Suddenly in a position where he’s learning about magical and mythical beings, Max’s third decade of life is starting off in a direction he never would have imagined. Max is discovering a magical new world while it slowly overtakes his old one.
Meanwhile, dark players emerge from the shadows with a plot to disrupt the delicate balance between the natural and the supernatural. To help his new friends, Max must accept his responsibility, get a grip on his new powers, and be careful of who he trusts in this gripping murder mystery set in Florida.
An unambitious, unemployed bachelor with a penchant for drinking, Max Abaddon inherits an extraordinary gift from his recently deceased grandfather. Now a young hero with new magical powers, Max must embrace his calling and help this hidden world in its war with a murderous darkness.
Suddenly in a position where he’s learning about magical and mythical beings, Max’s third decade of life is starting off in a direction he never would have imagined. Max is discovering a magical new world while it slowly overtakes his old one.
Meanwhile, dark players emerge from the shadows with a plot to disrupt the delicate balance between the natural and the supernatural. To help his new friends, Max must accept his responsibility, get a grip on his new powers, and be careful of who he trusts in this gripping murder mystery set in Florida.
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First published December 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 8, 2021
Luke Daniels does a lot of readings on his Facebook/Instagram feeds, and I have discovered some really cool urban fantasy and science fiction series through him.
In Max Abaddon and the Will, we travel to sunny Florida, where we meet Max Abaddon before his thirtieth birthday. Unemployed after leaving the military, Max is hungover and at a crossroads in his life when he receives a call that his grandfather has bequeathed him something.
That something turns out to be a home with unusual secrets and a diary about his thirtieth birthday. Magic and mythical creatures are real, and the world is in danger. From Elven wine to portal stones, this audiobook was fantastic!
The world building was fresh, creative, humorous and suspenseful. The characters from human to not so human had depth, held my interest and have me wanting to know more. The house is magical itself, with hidden chambers, libraries, and spell labs.
The series is available in kindle unlimited and there are currently 3 books released. This is the first audiobook, but the next will be coming in 2021. I plan of grabbing them for audio and recommend you do as well.
Luke Daniels is the perfect narrator to handle these distinct characters and their personalities. From pixies to disengaged vampires, he added another layer of depth to this stellar tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
In Max Abaddon and the Will, we travel to sunny Florida, where we meet Max Abaddon before his thirtieth birthday. Unemployed after leaving the military, Max is hungover and at a crossroads in his life when he receives a call that his grandfather has bequeathed him something.
That something turns out to be a home with unusual secrets and a diary about his thirtieth birthday. Magic and mythical creatures are real, and the world is in danger. From Elven wine to portal stones, this audiobook was fantastic!
The world building was fresh, creative, humorous and suspenseful. The characters from human to not so human had depth, held my interest and have me wanting to know more. The house is magical itself, with hidden chambers, libraries, and spell labs.
The series is available in kindle unlimited and there are currently 3 books released. This is the first audiobook, but the next will be coming in 2021. I plan of grabbing them for audio and recommend you do as well.
Luke Daniels is the perfect narrator to handle these distinct characters and their personalities. From pixies to disengaged vampires, he added another layer of depth to this stellar tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 26, 2025
Max Abaddon and the Will by Justin S Leslie
Max Abaddon series #1. Urban fantasy.
Upon inheriting an extraordinary gift for his recently deceased grandfather, Max Abaddon goes from unemployed and unmotivated Florida barfly to hero with just a few mishaps along the way. Max is discovering a whole new magical world in his 30’s. Apparently this gift doesn’t manifest at puberty or adulthood like in the movies.
Max must save the world now with his new powers and new friends. Balance must be kept.
Full cast of characters with multiple storylines twisting around each other.
Loved the humor and the friendships. And the pixie. Max has a lot to learn and he’s getting started with just a bit of whiskey to celebrate.
🎧 I listened to the audiobook version by Luke Daniels. The performance is fantastic with distinct voices, and clear humor. I had to slow down my playback for one breath Petro. 🤣
Vampires, mages, and Max. Oh my.
Max Abaddon series #1. Urban fantasy.
Upon inheriting an extraordinary gift for his recently deceased grandfather, Max Abaddon goes from unemployed and unmotivated Florida barfly to hero with just a few mishaps along the way. Max is discovering a whole new magical world in his 30’s. Apparently this gift doesn’t manifest at puberty or adulthood like in the movies.
Max must save the world now with his new powers and new friends. Balance must be kept.
Full cast of characters with multiple storylines twisting around each other.
Loved the humor and the friendships. And the pixie. Max has a lot to learn and he’s getting started with just a bit of whiskey to celebrate.
🎧 I listened to the audiobook version by Luke Daniels. The performance is fantastic with distinct voices, and clear humor. I had to slow down my playback for one breath Petro. 🤣
Vampires, mages, and Max. Oh my.
February 17, 2021
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I really enjoyed this audiobook! This book first popped on my radar when a friend reviewed it on her blog and I thought it sounded like something that I would really enjoy. When the opportunity to review a copy of the book myself presented itself, I didn't hesitate for even a moment. I liked this book from the start and found it to be a fun initial installment in a very promising series.
Max is nearing his 30th birthday and he is about to learn that the world is not exactly as he thought. Max's grandfather is recently deceased and he has left Max an unexpected gift. Max suddenly needs to learn how to navigate a world of magical beings he didn't know existed while learning how to use his newfound powers. He is quickly brought into an investigation with his new friends and things get very interesting.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Max handles having his life turned upside down remarkably well. I found him to be very easy to like and enjoyed seeing him adjust to his new reality and just find out what he is capable of doing. The supporting characters were equally well done and varied. I loved the fact that there was a good dose of humor that was worked into many of the character personalities.
Luke Daniels did a fabulous job with the narration. I have listened to his work many times in the past and I think that he was the perfect choice to bring Max and the rest of the characters to life in this story. He used a distinct voice for each character and added a lot of excitement to the story. I believe that his narration added to my overall enjoyment of the story.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a fantastic start to a very exciting and promising series. I cannot wait to read more of this series!
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author.
I really enjoyed this audiobook! This book first popped on my radar when a friend reviewed it on her blog and I thought it sounded like something that I would really enjoy. When the opportunity to review a copy of the book myself presented itself, I didn't hesitate for even a moment. I liked this book from the start and found it to be a fun initial installment in a very promising series.
Max is nearing his 30th birthday and he is about to learn that the world is not exactly as he thought. Max's grandfather is recently deceased and he has left Max an unexpected gift. Max suddenly needs to learn how to navigate a world of magical beings he didn't know existed while learning how to use his newfound powers. He is quickly brought into an investigation with his new friends and things get very interesting.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Max handles having his life turned upside down remarkably well. I found him to be very easy to like and enjoyed seeing him adjust to his new reality and just find out what he is capable of doing. The supporting characters were equally well done and varied. I loved the fact that there was a good dose of humor that was worked into many of the character personalities.
Luke Daniels did a fabulous job with the narration. I have listened to his work many times in the past and I think that he was the perfect choice to bring Max and the rest of the characters to life in this story. He used a distinct voice for each character and added a lot of excitement to the story. I believe that his narration added to my overall enjoyment of the story.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a fantastic start to a very exciting and promising series. I cannot wait to read more of this series!
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author.
December 3, 2021
2.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I had seen two reviews of this novel from blogger friends and since I love urban fantasy, I was happy to go for it, curious to see what the author would offer us. Unfortunately, I think I expected a little too much, because I was disappointed…
Max Abbadon is a young man who seems to have missed his life. However, when his grandfather dies, his life is turned upside down. He discovers that his grandfather was part of a secret organization that runs a supernatural world that Max knew nothing about. And now that he’s gone, his place falls to our dear hero, if he accepts it.
The idea is nice, but unfortunately I couldn’t get hooked on the story or the characters. I found that the story was long and that the characters lacked charisma… Maybe, as I said, because I expected a lot…
Anyway, I think I’ll stop here.
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I had seen two reviews of this novel from blogger friends and since I love urban fantasy, I was happy to go for it, curious to see what the author would offer us. Unfortunately, I think I expected a little too much, because I was disappointed…
Max Abbadon is a young man who seems to have missed his life. However, when his grandfather dies, his life is turned upside down. He discovers that his grandfather was part of a secret organization that runs a supernatural world that Max knew nothing about. And now that he’s gone, his place falls to our dear hero, if he accepts it.
The idea is nice, but unfortunately I couldn’t get hooked on the story or the characters. I found that the story was long and that the characters lacked charisma… Maybe, as I said, because I expected a lot…
Anyway, I think I’ll stop here.
July 3, 2020
FINALLY, A SMART URBAN FANTASY! If he puts out more in this series (more to follow on that as I see book 2 already listed on here) as this is his first, it will be epic!
A few things first. I am giving this book five stars based off what I just read on the authors blog. Or it would be closer to 4-4.5ish…... He is having Luke Daniels narrate this book and with that getting a needed “re-edit”. Luke does the Iron Druid as well as a few others. He is one of the best. My only issue is the slight need to polish the book.
I found this book through Kindle Unlimited after a recommendation it gave me. There is only one book out by this author, but again after checking he is about to release book two and several other projects.
The story is a funny, and smart take on the coming of age arch. This time its with a 30 year old male. I found this much better to digest as it didn’t revolve around a child or teen, so you get a more adult oriented story.
It is obvious this book was written to be the base for a longer series. Justin says as much on his Facebook page. Yes, I creeped on it. I will say the one thing that really took me off guard by this book was how well the characters are built. They could each have their own books. I LOVE PHIL!!!
It is packed with characters and places, all revolving around Florida. I looked the main city up and want to go there.
The story follows Max as he inherits a lot more than money. The plot revolves around a group out to stop what is called the Balance. I think this will be a big part of the series, as it sets it up to tackle what would happen when the magical community came out to the real world. This book is right before that happens.
Fight scenes are fluid, and there are several, and I mean several plot lines going on all at once. I had to re-read a few parts to get it all in. The author had to put a solid amount of time building this story, and world rather than the sexy hero and cut and paste fight scene to save someone. It is much more detailed than a few other books in this genre I recently read.
End of the day this book took me by surprise. If the author does what he says he is, I think this series will do great.
A few things first. I am giving this book five stars based off what I just read on the authors blog. Or it would be closer to 4-4.5ish…... He is having Luke Daniels narrate this book and with that getting a needed “re-edit”. Luke does the Iron Druid as well as a few others. He is one of the best. My only issue is the slight need to polish the book.
I found this book through Kindle Unlimited after a recommendation it gave me. There is only one book out by this author, but again after checking he is about to release book two and several other projects.
The story is a funny, and smart take on the coming of age arch. This time its with a 30 year old male. I found this much better to digest as it didn’t revolve around a child or teen, so you get a more adult oriented story.
It is obvious this book was written to be the base for a longer series. Justin says as much on his Facebook page. Yes, I creeped on it. I will say the one thing that really took me off guard by this book was how well the characters are built. They could each have their own books. I LOVE PHIL!!!
It is packed with characters and places, all revolving around Florida. I looked the main city up and want to go there.
The story follows Max as he inherits a lot more than money. The plot revolves around a group out to stop what is called the Balance. I think this will be a big part of the series, as it sets it up to tackle what would happen when the magical community came out to the real world. This book is right before that happens.
Fight scenes are fluid, and there are several, and I mean several plot lines going on all at once. I had to re-read a few parts to get it all in. The author had to put a solid amount of time building this story, and world rather than the sexy hero and cut and paste fight scene to save someone. It is much more detailed than a few other books in this genre I recently read.
End of the day this book took me by surprise. If the author does what he says he is, I think this series will do great.
September 25, 2020
In this world mages start developing their power at age 30. Max is about a week away from his 30th birthday when he is summoned for a reading of his grandfather's will.
Turns out Max is from a line of mages and is about to come into his own.
Not a bad story overall but in major need of editing. I mean I really don't need to read page long descriptions of every single character that makes an appearance. Also roughly the first half of the book is more detailed than needed descriptions of everything
Turns out Max is from a line of mages and is about to come into his own.
Not a bad story overall but in major need of editing. I mean I really don't need to read page long descriptions of every single character that makes an appearance. Also roughly the first half of the book is more detailed than needed descriptions of everything
January 19, 2021
Max Abaddon gets the mother of all inheritances when he receives the message that his grandfather has died, magic is real, and he's got the chance to become part of something greater than himself but it comes with people trying to kill him. Max is bewildered at the start of his journey but rapidly comes to understand his situation. I really enjoyed the world-building here and Max gradually coming to discover the hidden reality underneath our day to day one. I also enjoyed the unique blend of Florida locales with the supernatural weirdness. I'm definitely going to check out the next book.
November 6, 2024
"Max Abaddon and The Will" is book one in the "Max Abaddon" series by Justin S. Leslie. I don't know why I waited so long to start this series. I read book one and went on to read the next 2.5 books. This book introduces us to Max and how he came about learning about the magical world. It is an excellent start to a series and only read if you are ready to continue reading. I really enjoy Max's character and look forward to seeing what happens next.
February 7, 2021
Jeez, why do authors think it's so great to have a hero drinking all the time? Is it to take up space? Find something else.
This book was kinda' boring and Max was kinda' silly at times. This book was a learning book for him, since he didn't know anything about himself until his 30th re-birthday. The best part of this story was Petro, his friend the pixie.
Even though I didn't like this very much I had already bought books one and two so I'll see what book 2 is about.
No sex and no F-bombs.
As to the narration: Luke Daniels was all that made the book worth listening to. He's awesome!
This book was kinda' boring and Max was kinda' silly at times. This book was a learning book for him, since he didn't know anything about himself until his 30th re-birthday. The best part of this story was Petro, his friend the pixie.
Even though I didn't like this very much I had already bought books one and two so I'll see what book 2 is about.
No sex and no F-bombs.
As to the narration: Luke Daniels was all that made the book worth listening to. He's awesome!
August 5, 2021
Good series and narration
I really liked this book. There is too much detail but I look forward to the next book. I like how its not dark and depressing like some authors are. I stopped reading MC Kenzie Hunter because her books are depressing. The narrated makes the series. I will read any book Luke Daniels narrates. Thank you to the author for Luke Daniels
I really liked this book. There is too much detail but I look forward to the next book. I like how its not dark and depressing like some authors are. I stopped reading MC Kenzie Hunter because her books are depressing. The narrated makes the series. I will read any book Luke Daniels narrates. Thank you to the author for Luke Daniels
May 31, 2022
Well that was a ride. Cool world, fun characters, rad action, but a lot of it seemed just a little under par but possibly on purpose. Kept me wanting more.
I’m pretty good at keeping expectations in check but this one I felt pretty confident about where the story was going but it just never did. Not that there was a blind side or a twist. Just, nothing I thought would come up never really did. But that’s on me.
Looking forward to the next.
I’m pretty good at keeping expectations in check but this one I felt pretty confident about where the story was going but it just never did. Not that there was a blind side or a twist. Just, nothing I thought would come up never really did. But that’s on me.
Looking forward to the next.
December 6, 2020
Just wow
If your a lover of urban fantasy then get your fix right Justin grabs you from the first page and keeps you enthralled all the way through.
A great book and a great author can't wait for more
If your a lover of urban fantasy then get your fix right Justin grabs you from the first page and keeps you enthralled all the way through.
A great book and a great author can't wait for more
June 30, 2025
This is the first in the series.
Max is introduced as he learns that he is magical and starts to learn how to use it.
All the characters are well written and fun.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Max is introduced as he learns that he is magical and starts to learn how to use it.
All the characters are well written and fun.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Want to read
November 19, 2020🎁 Max Abaddon Series (2 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (11/19/2020)! 🎁
December 18, 2020
Enjoyable read. Fantasy with a different twist.
Will definitely look out for the the next one.
Will definitely look out for the the next one.
December 21, 2020
Surprisingly entertaining. Humour sprinkled in liberal amounts. I enjoy this genre of story. I look forward to the next.
March 3, 2021
Nice intro to a new UF series
This story is everything that you’d expect from a UF novel. So on that basis I throughly enjoyed the plot and storyline.
I knocked one star off the review because the author spent a lot of time world building that seemed a bit overkill. It could have been exposed to the reader across the books in the series. This meant the plot was a little slow to start with.
5*S for the audible version. Luke Daniels is a fantastic narrator and really brings the book to life.
This story is everything that you’d expect from a UF novel. So on that basis I throughly enjoyed the plot and storyline.
I knocked one star off the review because the author spent a lot of time world building that seemed a bit overkill. It could have been exposed to the reader across the books in the series. This meant the plot was a little slow to start with.
5*S for the audible version. Luke Daniels is a fantastic narrator and really brings the book to life.
April 30, 2021
MAX ABADDON AND THE WILL BY JUSTIN LESLIE is the first in the Max Abaddon series. Max is an unemployed, almost thirty year old just out of the military with no job, no wife and very little hope left, when he gets notified that his grandfather is possibly dead and his lawyer wants to see Max. Max with nothing to do goes and finds grandfather's will is not what Max could even imagine what it would be,neither is his lawyer.
Max has just found out that when he turns thirty he will inherit magical powers and a position that, yes can be cool can also get him killed.
Fast paced and a good mystery. I fell in love with the characters right away and cant wait to hear more of the series.
Luke Daniels is the narrator for the book and he did an excellent job at the characters, especially, Phil . To me he was spot on with Phil!
I recieved this audiobook free in exchange for an honest review.
Max has just found out that when he turns thirty he will inherit magical powers and a position that, yes can be cool can also get him killed.
Fast paced and a good mystery. I fell in love with the characters right away and cant wait to hear more of the series.
Luke Daniels is the narrator for the book and he did an excellent job at the characters, especially, Phil . To me he was spot on with Phil!
I recieved this audiobook free in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2022
Bland. Charisma lacking in characters. Dull - but the action keeps moving along. Bubble gum for the brain.
November 12, 2022
Marvelous
Simply fantastic read! Definitely left I'm my to be reac for way too long! So glad I bought the first 3 in this series so I can start the next.
Simply fantastic read! Definitely left I'm my to be reac for way too long! So glad I bought the first 3 in this series so I can start the next.
September 27, 2021
Good story very Dresden-ish feel but unique.
March 12, 2025
Quite "nice"
Well, for fans of urban fantasy anyway. A "normal" 29 year old is nearing his birthday. He recently lost his grandfather and is called to learn about some contents of his inheritance. The merriment begins. Max is not quite the definition of a "normal" human. All sorts of fantasy characters - different types and many seemingly only a name from the far past, set in St. Augustine, Florida, made it interesting to me as I've vacationed there and can picture the backgound. Friends reveal hidden secrets, the Fountain of Youth, vampires, pixies, demons, more fantasy characters are almost more than you can imagine. Leaves me ready for the seven more waiting TBR. Highly recommend!
Well, for fans of urban fantasy anyway. A "normal" 29 year old is nearing his birthday. He recently lost his grandfather and is called to learn about some contents of his inheritance. The merriment begins. Max is not quite the definition of a "normal" human. All sorts of fantasy characters - different types and many seemingly only a name from the far past, set in St. Augustine, Florida, made it interesting to me as I've vacationed there and can picture the backgound. Friends reveal hidden secrets, the Fountain of Youth, vampires, pixies, demons, more fantasy characters are almost more than you can imagine. Leaves me ready for the seven more waiting TBR. Highly recommend!
October 26, 2020
A blend of familiar themes
As I read Max Abaddon and the Will it reminded me of Tomb Raider, CSI, and maybe a dash of Harry Potter.
The plot is Max’s grandfather has been missing and is declared dead. Max finds out that magic is real and joins a group that is out to prevent the misuse of magic. Max comes into his powers on his 30th birthday and helps the team stop a powerful artifact from falling into the wrong hands.
The early part of the story, with the missing and presumed dead relative, reminded me of Tomb Raider, especially when Max’s discovers the mansion his grandfather and the team work out of.
Once Max becomes a part of the team and they are investigating two murders, it shifted to a more CSI type of theme. Max learning to use his powers and meeting different elements of the fantastic community he is now apart of and you get a bit of a Harry Potter vibe.
The story was an enjoyable read but the pacing was slightly flawed. The first half of the story was almost strictly world building with little to no conflict for Max. Max doesn’t get out into the field until past the halfway mark in the story. This made the first half of the book drag.
The pacing flipped too far the other way in the last half of the story as action picks up and becomes almost non-stop. There were a few parts in the last half where I wished things slowed down a bit and explained things to the reader a bit more.
As the author has build a richly detailed world with this first book, I look forward to seeing where they will take in the next book.
As I read Max Abaddon and the Will it reminded me of Tomb Raider, CSI, and maybe a dash of Harry Potter.
The plot is Max’s grandfather has been missing and is declared dead. Max finds out that magic is real and joins a group that is out to prevent the misuse of magic. Max comes into his powers on his 30th birthday and helps the team stop a powerful artifact from falling into the wrong hands.
The early part of the story, with the missing and presumed dead relative, reminded me of Tomb Raider, especially when Max’s discovers the mansion his grandfather and the team work out of.
Once Max becomes a part of the team and they are investigating two murders, it shifted to a more CSI type of theme. Max learning to use his powers and meeting different elements of the fantastic community he is now apart of and you get a bit of a Harry Potter vibe.
The story was an enjoyable read but the pacing was slightly flawed. The first half of the story was almost strictly world building with little to no conflict for Max. Max doesn’t get out into the field until past the halfway mark in the story. This made the first half of the book drag.
The pacing flipped too far the other way in the last half of the story as action picks up and becomes almost non-stop. There were a few parts in the last half where I wished things slowed down a bit and explained things to the reader a bit more.
As the author has build a richly detailed world with this first book, I look forward to seeing where they will take in the next book.
November 3, 2020
What I liked: story itself is an interesting one! Something is happening all the time, even in the shower! Lots of interesting characters!
What I didn’t like: conversations! Especially when people started explaining things to Max! Omg! A whole paragraphs of slamming information and then he nods and that is it. Really? Sometimes it took me several reads of the same paragraphs to starry maybe understanding and memorizing all that info. Like- whaaat did he just say? And too much skipping from one topic to another! Basically in one breath characters would be running all over. Yeah, some people do talk like that but it doesn’t mean that I enjoy those conversations!
Further, some things were really really obvious and even me, a reader who doesn’t actively think or nor tries to conclude whodunnit- I was able to figure out the traitor.
So it is a solid 3*, maybe even 3 1/2.
What I didn’t like: conversations! Especially when people started explaining things to Max! Omg! A whole paragraphs of slamming information and then he nods and that is it. Really? Sometimes it took me several reads of the same paragraphs to starry maybe understanding and memorizing all that info. Like- whaaat did he just say? And too much skipping from one topic to another! Basically in one breath characters would be running all over. Yeah, some people do talk like that but it doesn’t mean that I enjoy those conversations!
Further, some things were really really obvious and even me, a reader who doesn’t actively think or nor tries to conclude whodunnit- I was able to figure out the traitor.
So it is a solid 3*, maybe even 3 1/2.
November 6, 2024
Good read
Good characters and story. I liked learning about Max. It was ag good urban fantasy novel, my favorite genre. Can't wait to start the next book.
Good characters and story. I liked learning about Max. It was ag good urban fantasy novel, my favorite genre. Can't wait to start the next book.
December 6, 2021
Good fun first booj
Good fun first book in the Max Abandon series. Can't wait for the 2nd one (I know its out, but I have a rotation of authors I use)
Good fun first book in the Max Abandon series. Can't wait for the 2nd one (I know its out, but I have a rotation of authors I use)
June 27, 2020
Holy Descriptors Batman!
This was an interesting book. The story is a bit like a coming of age type thing (yer a wizard, Harry!) Except the dude is 30. The story is man finds out magic is real, he's magic, shenanigans ensue. First problem is, it needs an editor. Like REALLY needs one. Second, descriptions! All the descriptions. All of them. I think about 50% of this book is descriptions and 50% story, but they seem so out of place. Want to know what the weird room the MC has found himself in, smells like? Or the colour of this new side characters tie? Then this is the book for you. Also, just because it annoys me endlessly, "I could care less" is an annoying and uniquely American saying. English people (and I know, because I am one) always use the correct term "I couldn't care less" (because saying could, changes the meaning of the sentence) and whilst I have come to grudgingly accept American colloquialisms, the character that say it here is English and that just wouldn't happen.
This was an interesting book. The story is a bit like a coming of age type thing (yer a wizard, Harry!) Except the dude is 30. The story is man finds out magic is real, he's magic, shenanigans ensue. First problem is, it needs an editor. Like REALLY needs one. Second, descriptions! All the descriptions. All of them. I think about 50% of this book is descriptions and 50% story, but they seem so out of place. Want to know what the weird room the MC has found himself in, smells like? Or the colour of this new side characters tie? Then this is the book for you. Also, just because it annoys me endlessly, "I could care less" is an annoying and uniquely American saying. English people (and I know, because I am one) always use the correct term "I couldn't care less" (because saying could, changes the meaning of the sentence) and whilst I have come to grudgingly accept American colloquialisms, the character that say it here is English and that just wouldn't happen.
October 11, 2022
Shallow, clichéed, and entirely unoriginal (male) wish-fulfillment.
It's one of these urban fantasies. There are a lot of them out there and very few manage to reach beyond mediocre. This one does not.
It's about a useless guy that didn't know what to do with his life suddenly gaining lots of power, lots of influence, lots of respect, and female interest.
The problem is that he deserves none of it. He literally inherits it all.
And while he is not stupid it doesn't seem like he has to or intends to grow to fit his role. He is just his usual snarky somewhat immature self and everyone can just fuck right off that doesn't like it.
Maybe there eventually will be true growth here but I have read far too many of these to be willing to give it multiple books to maybe eventually (probably never) get there.
It's one of these urban fantasies. There are a lot of them out there and very few manage to reach beyond mediocre. This one does not.
It's about a useless guy that didn't know what to do with his life suddenly gaining lots of power, lots of influence, lots of respect, and female interest.
The problem is that he deserves none of it. He literally inherits it all.
And while he is not stupid it doesn't seem like he has to or intends to grow to fit his role. He is just his usual snarky somewhat immature self and everyone can just fuck right off that doesn't like it.
Maybe there eventually will be true growth here but I have read far too many of these to be willing to give it multiple books to maybe eventually (probably never) get there.
December 22, 2021
Highly entertaining start to a series
This was a well paced and enjoyable urban fantasy. Max is in a bit of a rut when his life takes a turn and he discovers magic and supernaturals are real. Book 1 creates a fantastic world and while it resolves the current mystery, it leaves a lot of unanswered questions. I just hope they get answered in the next book. Luke Daniels is a phenomenal narrator and is always a great listen.
This was a well paced and enjoyable urban fantasy. Max is in a bit of a rut when his life takes a turn and he discovers magic and supernaturals are real. Book 1 creates a fantastic world and while it resolves the current mystery, it leaves a lot of unanswered questions. I just hope they get answered in the next book. Luke Daniels is a phenomenal narrator and is always a great listen.
September 15, 2024
Max is about to turn thirty and thinking about what he should do next. And then his world shifts upside down. Things are really not what they seem. Max gets drawn into the intrigue of at whole new level. I love the blend of action and humor in this book. There is a wonderful and rich cast of characters. This is the first in a series. The main issue for this story get resolved but there is clearly more action to come. #CMCon25
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