Book three in the Max Abaddon Urban Fantasy series.
A lot has changed for Max over the past year. He left his job at the Atheneum, opening his own consulting firm. The Balance has occurred. With the Accords in place, the regular world as well as the magical community are getting acclimated to each other. What Max didn’t plan on was his position on the Council keeping him in the middle of current events.
With Tom back and Ned now missing, things are starting to get complicated again. A modified magical drug has hit the streets that can give regular humans a short-term boost of magic; even worse, is it causing the deaths of several people. Max, Phil, Petro, and the rest of the team are again called to help solve the mystery, and for that matter, prevent a possible new enemy from emerging. Or, is it someone they already know?
Will the crew find out who this new enemy is? Again most importantly, will Max and Kim find time for a drink or two at their favorite bar, the Fallen Angel?
Fans of Ben Aaronovitch, Jim Butcher, Ilona Andrews, Benedict Jacka, Kevin Hearne, Richard Kadrey, Shayne Silvers, Patricia Briggs, and BR Kingsolver will not want to miss this latest addition to the urban fantasy scene!
ike most urban fantasy, it is important to listen to this series in the order of its release. For me this third novel had everything clicking into place. Not only do I have a real sense of the characters, tone and the world, but Max and the rest of the motley crew of friends and allies have endeared themselves to me. I slipped in quickly and became completely caught up in the case(s).
Leslie laid the foundation in book one and it paid off as each book has gotten progressively better. Tom is back, Ned is missing and someone is selling a street drug that is affecting humans. Some get a magical boost and others end up dead. Max loves the business he set up and his new digs, but it looks like Council work will throw a wrench in his plans…. especially plans that involve drinks & more time alone with Kim.
Max, Phil, Petro and the others are asked to step in and investigate. We learn more about the room of gates when we learn the drugs are coming from Everwhere, a place filled with trapped souls. Leslie’s imagination and the world he has created are brilliant.
Fans of Jim Butcher and Kevin Hearne will feel right at home here. The author weaves a tight, well-paced story with unique characters. The series storyline has endless possibilities and leaves the listener craving more. It looks like Max and his friends will deal with different gates and cases in each new installment. I for one cannot wait.
I recommend listening to this series. Luke Daniels narrates and his performance is stellar. Daniels has created unique voices for each of the characters capturing their personalities and delivering an award-winning performance. He enhances an already brilliant story through tone, inflection, and pacing. Listening to him narrate is always a pleasure. I feel like he brings the stories to life.
I loved the blend of humor, action and snark that the author weaved into The Gate to Everwhere, along with the politics and dealings with the Accord. The characters, even secondary, have depth and added to the overall story. I cannot wait for the next audio! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Okay. So, where to start. First, it’s clear that the author is building a series. NOT TO MENTION HE HAS LUKE FREAKING DANIELS, AUDIO HALL OF FAME NARRATOR DOING THE BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!
In my opinion, this is the book that truly sets the tone for the rest of the series. I found this author from a free book giveaway he did early in the year and haven’t turned back. This book is full of action, and has a killer ending! Plus, a little love interest finally put to rest. (I was waiting for this)
My only concerns with the first two books has been mostly addressed. Editing and the large number of characters we meet. The way Justin is handling all the people in the first two books works well here.
The story revolves around Max and the crew dealing with a spiked magic drug. I don’t believe I have read a more developed take on this in the magical realm of things. I would be interested to know if so. I almost got a hint of Storm Front (Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher at first, but that was quickly dispelled. The drug is being made in a place called the Everwhere. A place where souls are trapped. The Postern (room of gates) is looked at with more detail in this book, and again is a centerpiece to the storyline. It looks like every book will mean Max figures out a way to open another gate in the room.
End of the day, this is shaping up to be a great traditional Urban Fantasy series.
I got hooked with the story line and the incredible characters. My favorite so far is Phil because he's in your face and brings humor to every occasion. The audiobooks are amazing because it's Luke Daniels of course. Can't wait for the next installment
This was a slow burner but once it got going, it was impossible to set down. Justin continues to find his voice as Max and Co. Continue to fight the good fight.
"Max Abaddon and The Gate to Everywhere" is book three in the "Max Abaddon" series by Justin S. Leslie. This book was very well written and my favorite so far in this series. When a drug is going around, that is killing regular humans who want to be magical for a little bit, Max and the gang step in to see what is happening. I enjoy getting to know the characters more and more with each book. I like Justin's writing style and the way he keeps the reader wanting more. I can't wait to continue on in this series.
Max’s story keeps getting more and more intense. Like the previous books in the series, the action is non-stop. If it weren’t for Max’s great sense of humor laced very liberally with sarcasm, it might become too intense. The cast of characters in long and I admit to looking back at notes from the previous books to keep up at times. The friends/family Max has made continues to play a large part in the series and everyone’s life seems to be at great risk. A bombshell dropped in the epilogue sent me running to start the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes urban fantasy with some humor.
I listened to the audiobook. Luke Daniels’ does an incredible job of bringing Max to life. Justin Leslie’s words and Luke Daniels’ narration are the perfect match.
I love all the references to tv shows, commercials, and Pixie shenanigans! It is difficult to know who to trust in this magical world and keeps the reader on their toes.