Book 4

Great as usual although a lot darker than the last books. you get to know more about Alex's history.
sets you up for the next book :)

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Another great read

I have enjoyed this series so far but not comfortable with the Tobruk situation.
Did we have to have the level of torture towards Rachel?
Tried to be diplomatic with my words.

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Better and better, with every book

This series has become utterly compulsive listening for me, pushing aside all other audiobooks waiting for my attention, in my library. So much so that I have, tonight, purchased the next two audiobooks, so desperate am I to continue the story!

You know that sense of satisfaction, when you find a great author, who has a decent enough back catalogue to keep you occupied for a time?

And then the sense of quiet sadness, as you realise that at the rate you are compulsively listening, you’ll burn through the entire lot in another week or less, and then have to find another - and that’s not easy these days!

The UF genre is flooded, awash with cheap Dresden imitations.

Benedict Jacka has hit exactly the right balance with his wonderful, imaginative and compelling stories, of a man of magic who is both selfless and yet flawed; whose greatest strength - and weakness - is not his talent, but that he knows he is flawed and has come to accept it.

Verus is so refreshing, it’s wonderful.

This book adds more to the layers and background of the main character and his previous co-stars - and enemies - and leaves you wondering what is coming next. The denouement is as stunning as it is disturbing, and I can’t help but feel with the cinematic quality of the prose, this would make a bloody wonderful Netflix series!

Still, I’m willing to stick with Gildart and his narration - I wasn’t sure about him, when I first started listening. Four books in and I’m a big fan! He delineates and defines each character effortlessly and entire conversations can take place, between multiple characters, without any real need for the narrator to explain, “he said” or “Verus said” (although he does, because it’s that way in the book, obviously!).

It’s a great fusion of great story and great storytelling and I’m not willing to wait any longer, to delay starting the next story, “Hidden”, so I’m sorry, but that’s pretty much it for me.

Buy it. Listen. You won’t regret it. If you do, there is no magic in your soul. ;)

Just.... write faster, for pity’s sake, Mr Jacka?! Faster, I tell you!!

Deservedly, this is a no-brained, straight-up, five star experience, on every level.

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A series worth getting into

I am really enjoying this series. Good story lines and great narration. Benedict Jacka or Ben Aaronovitch - difficult choice for number one.

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Another super Alex Veras story.

I’ve really enjoyed all the books in this series and Chosen is no exception.
The story line and characters hold your attention. I would advise listening to the earlier books first as you will be aware of the back story, however Chosen does hold its own as a stand alone novel.
Alex and his friends and associates have umpteen battles and there are casualties. Life won’t be the same again for any of them.
Besides Alex himself, my favourite character is Arachni, a giant magical spider and dressmaker, who lives in her lair under Hampstead Heath. She is probably Alex’s best friend and confidante.
Chosen, is the tale of a struggle between good and evil, but with a magical twist......in fact, many twists, both expected and surprising.
I don’t like spoilers, so I’ll just say that good wins the battle, but not necessarily the war. The story ends with a cliffhanger, so I’ll just have to listen to the next book.
If you like magical fantasy, you’ll enjoy Chosen. It is not boring or predictable, and the author’s power of description is amazing. The narrator does a top class job too.

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Excellent!

First class series that doesn’t lose momentum.
Brilliant description and first class narration!
Just bought the next in series!

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The is a formidable series!!

Well Mr Jacka, I am hooked on these books. Each story picks up where the last one ends. There are such scary battles, wonderful friendships, emotional behaviours and clever storylines. Lots of memorable places in London and the use of magic, plus common sense and great twists and turns. I just could not stop listening and this book in 2 days. The thought of having a large spider as a friend scares me as I am really afraid of spiders, so this add to the appeal. Downloading the next in the series tomorrow.

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Excellent as usual!

I really enjoyed seeing the slightly darker side of Alex. Another great instalment, and now onto the next!

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This is where the series gets going

I've not been the greatest fan of the Alex Versus series. When asked for an opinion I've only managed to muster a 'okay to tide you over until the next Dresden files is out (insert your own favourite urban fantasy title here...double points if it's Rivers of London!), however with this installment it feels as though Jacka really got the series going with a sense of an over arching series narrative, a more fleshed out if a bit cliche protagonist, and something (perhaps somewhat contradicting my previous point) a bit different to the usual good guys beat bad guys trope.

I've had to dock a couple of points for performance because as well delivered as it is by the narrator, the constant juxtaposition of what sounds like an old man in his 60s Vs an all action hero hanging around, fighting with, and at times seemingly flirting with 18-20 something year olds spoils any hope of really losing yourself in the main character.

4 stars for a big step up in terms a story the previous books have been crying out for.

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Great

Living these books. Once I start to listen I can't put them down till the end. The narrative is a very good story te!ler

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