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Max Abaddon #4
Max Abaddon and The Dark Carnival: A Max Abaddon Urban Fantasy Novel
After losing two close companions, Max has finally come to terms with his heritage. As his job at the Atheneum continues to fade slowly into the past, his position on the Council is once again tested.
This time The Dark Carnival is coming to town, and with it, an odd collection of Ethereals and Mages. With Planes Drifter headlining the first co-regular/Mage music festival, things, of course, don’t go as planned. At least not for Max and the team.
Max and the rest of the crew are quickly thrown into the middle of a string of vicious unconnected murders. With all the deaths appearing to be at the hands of various magical creatures and beings, it seems to be a clear open and shut case. Or is it...?
Will the team figure out what is going on before the regular government intervenes? 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!
This time The Dark Carnival is coming to town, and with it, an odd collection of Ethereals and Mages. With Planes Drifter headlining the first co-regular/Mage music festival, things, of course, don’t go as planned. At least not for Max and the team.
Max and the rest of the crew are quickly thrown into the middle of a string of vicious unconnected murders. With all the deaths appearing to be at the hands of various magical creatures and beings, it seems to be a clear open and shut case. Or is it...?
Will the team figure out what is going on before the regular government intervenes? 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!
- GenresFantasy
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
43 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 14, 2021
Once again, Max’s position on the council is tested. Strap in for one heck of a ride. The Dark Carnival is in town and the streets are filled with Ethereals and Mages. Planes Drifter is headlining the music festival, but of course nothing goes as planned. When seemly unrelated murders occur, Max and his motley crew of friends and allies find themselves caught up in the middle of it when it looks like supernaturals are involved.
I am loving this series and feel each audiobook is stronger than its predecessor. We are really getting to know Max, his friends, and the world Leslie has created. It’s a pleasant mix of suspense, magic and humor.
Can I just say I love Frank and Petro? All the characters are interesting and well developed with distinct personalities and quirks. The council, like most councils in urban fantasy, are a pain in the arse. Max is continuing to grow. His role as Atheneum is fading as he is pushed more and more into these cases. He also continues to explore and seek answers, and I like that about him. Things are a little cray-cray in the romance department with Kim. Their relationship runs hot and cold.
The investigation was a good one, with plenty of twist and pulse pounding moments that kept me listening into the wee-hours. The added pressure of keeping the government from getting involved kept me on edge as Max and his friends got into some pretty hairy situations.
The world-building blends the familiar with the unique and Leslie does an excellent job of bringing it life in vivid 3-D. I love the magic, gates, creatures and places that are characters themselves like the Fallen Angel.
There are a lot of characters, but keeping them straight in my head is easy, thanks to the clever narration performed by Luke Daniels. I love his many accents and how well he keeps control of all the different character voices throughout the story. He has become Max while adding another layer of enjoyment to this fun tale.
The books are available through Kindle Unlimited, but I recommend upgrading to the audio version. This story translates perfectly for this format and enhances the humor and suspense. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
I am loving this series and feel each audiobook is stronger than its predecessor. We are really getting to know Max, his friends, and the world Leslie has created. It’s a pleasant mix of suspense, magic and humor.
Can I just say I love Frank and Petro? All the characters are interesting and well developed with distinct personalities and quirks. The council, like most councils in urban fantasy, are a pain in the arse. Max is continuing to grow. His role as Atheneum is fading as he is pushed more and more into these cases. He also continues to explore and seek answers, and I like that about him. Things are a little cray-cray in the romance department with Kim. Their relationship runs hot and cold.
The investigation was a good one, with plenty of twist and pulse pounding moments that kept me listening into the wee-hours. The added pressure of keeping the government from getting involved kept me on edge as Max and his friends got into some pretty hairy situations.
The world-building blends the familiar with the unique and Leslie does an excellent job of bringing it life in vivid 3-D. I love the magic, gates, creatures and places that are characters themselves like the Fallen Angel.
There are a lot of characters, but keeping them straight in my head is easy, thanks to the clever narration performed by Luke Daniels. I love his many accents and how well he keeps control of all the different character voices throughout the story. He has become Max while adding another layer of enjoyment to this fun tale.
The books are available through Kindle Unlimited, but I recommend upgrading to the audio version. This story translates perfectly for this format and enhances the humor and suspense. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
July 22, 2021
Another great story of Max and friends
Wow this book has so many twists and turns, leaving me constantly wondering what comes next. Justin writes a perfect story that is far from predictable and full of action suspense and humour.
Wow this book has so many twists and turns, leaving me constantly wondering what comes next. Justin writes a perfect story that is far from predictable and full of action suspense and humour.
July 21, 2021
Great
Justin Leslie once again proves he is an excellent author! Max continues his journey into becoming something , I am not even sure he is aware of.
Justin Leslie once again proves he is an excellent author! Max continues his journey into becoming something , I am not even sure he is aware of.
September 26, 2025
"Max Abaddon and The Dark Carnival" is book four in the "Max Abaddon" series. This was a great addition to the series and an enjoyable read. There is a ton of action and humor, just the right amount that makes it worth reading. I couldn't help but chuckle when Max asked Phil where he got the popcorn from in the one scene. I will most definitely be reading book five sometime soon to see where the story goes next.
October 25, 2024
Poor Max can’t catch a break. All he wants is a date with Kim and to see his favorite band Planes Drifter in concert. If only supernatural mayhem didn’t always ensue just as he is about to get his wish. This book is action-packed and bloody. Max and Petro have started a new business but of course Max never hesitates to jump into the fray when council business calls. Events in the previous book are the catalyst for the main conflict in this storyline. I enjoy the structure of this series. The main conflict in each book is resolved by the end but there is an underlying storyline that continues throughout the series. For that reason, you must read the series in order. The secondary characters are fantastic and they really add to the story. I love Max, Petro, and Phil. There are major revelations in the epilogue that are sure to send fans of the series straight to the retailer of their choice to get the next book!
I listened to the audiobook and I’m running out of ways to say that Luke Daniel’s narration is fantastic. I know that even if I read the printed book, I will hear his voice in my head.
I listened to the audiobook and I’m running out of ways to say that Luke Daniel’s narration is fantastic. I know that even if I read the printed book, I will hear his voice in my head.
May 26, 2022
Good but confusing
The main reason I've stuck with this series is because Luke Daniels is the narrater. The stories seem redundant and confusing but I will stick with the series to the end
The main reason I've stuck with this series is because Luke Daniels is the narrater. The stories seem redundant and confusing but I will stick with the series to the end
July 2, 2022
pretty good
A few oddly worded sentences. Extra words, wrong words or oddly worded sentences were a bit distracting. Okay for the most part.
A few oddly worded sentences. Extra words, wrong words or oddly worded sentences were a bit distracting. Okay for the most part.
January 11, 2025
Allies and enemies revealed
There are so many twists in this storyline. You read oh no that is happening. Then it shoots off in another direction!
There are so many twists in this storyline. You read oh no that is happening. Then it shoots off in another direction!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews