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Alex Verus #4
Chosen
I don’t publicly advertise that I’m a mage, but I don’t exactly hide it either, and one of the odd things I’ve learnt over the years is just how much you can get away with if you’re blatant enough. Hide something behind smoke and mirrors and make people work to find it, and they’ll tear the place down looking for what’s there.
Alex Verus is a diviner who can see probable futures—a talent that’s gotten him out of many a tough scrape. But this time, he may be in over his head. Alex was once apprenticed to a Dark mage, and in his service he did a lot of things he isn’t proud of.
As rumors swirl that his old master is coming back, Alex comes face to face with his misdeeds in the form of a young adept whose only goal is to get revenge. Alex has changed his life for the better, but he’s afraid of what his friends—including his apprentice, Luna—will think of his past. But if they’re going to put themselves at risk, they need to know exactly what kind of man they’re fighting for...
Alex Verus is a diviner who can see probable futures—a talent that’s gotten him out of many a tough scrape. But this time, he may be in over his head. Alex was once apprenticed to a Dark mage, and in his service he did a lot of things he isn’t proud of.
As rumors swirl that his old master is coming back, Alex comes face to face with his misdeeds in the form of a young adept whose only goal is to get revenge. Alex has changed his life for the better, but he’s afraid of what his friends—including his apprentice, Luna—will think of his past. But if they’re going to put themselves at risk, they need to know exactly what kind of man they’re fighting for...
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
323 people are currently reading
2,895 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 720 reviews
January 28, 2014
As you may have seen, I'm a HUGE fan of this series, set in London with underground mages, and this installment doesn't disappoint. In fact, it smooths over a lot of the worldbuilding and character connections from before. I love the way we learn about the past of Alex Varus, our hero, and explore his "grey" areas, in a world of white and black mages. His powers, though not aggressive and powerful in the traditional sense, make him have to solve problems in more clever ways, which makes for good reading.
This book got a BIT repetitive in the middle, but that is kind of the point, so I didn't fault it much.
Loved the secondary characters as usual, and interesting twists at the end make me want the next one ASAP! Jim Butcher fans will like this series, I promise!!!
This book got a BIT repetitive in the middle, but that is kind of the point, so I didn't fault it much.
Loved the secondary characters as usual, and interesting twists at the end make me want the next one ASAP! Jim Butcher fans will like this series, I promise!!!
April 20, 2022
Re-Read 4/20/22:
Poor Verus. Totally on the run from his past and out of options.
Honestly, I think the series really lifts off from this point. Getting the history and these baddies working together intelligently to take him down is a stroke of really good writing, IMHO.
I'm very happy with this re-read.
Original Review:
This one had a pretty nice flavor and I think I liked it much more than the previous one. Verus is beginning to gather a good handful of friends.
But, alas, this novel brings out all the old skeletons in his closet and tests not only his ideals, but his friendships. Can a dark past truly be overlooked? Is it right to even do so?
The brother of one of his poor victims has brought together a magical assassin squad to seek revenge on all those dark mages involved in his sister's death, and most of the novel is rightly and deliciously focused on reasoning with or narrowly escaping their wrath.
This novel dealt with the hard questions and the hard solutions, and no one came out of it unscathed, including Verus.
I thought this was one of the strongest of the novels, but I do have one complaint. I'm kinda tired of Elsewhere. For a magical realm, it does very little enhance the novels. The fact that it was used again as an information-revelation device made it seem like a kind of cop-out, but that's not to say we didn't need the information. We did. Unfortunately, it kinda dragged around the otherwise well-paced novel.
The popcorn UF is getting a bit meaty, and I have nothing but good things to say about that. :)
Poor Verus. Totally on the run from his past and out of options.
Honestly, I think the series really lifts off from this point. Getting the history and these baddies working together intelligently to take him down is a stroke of really good writing, IMHO.
I'm very happy with this re-read.
Original Review:
This one had a pretty nice flavor and I think I liked it much more than the previous one. Verus is beginning to gather a good handful of friends.
But, alas, this novel brings out all the old skeletons in his closet and tests not only his ideals, but his friendships. Can a dark past truly be overlooked? Is it right to even do so?
The brother of one of his poor victims has brought together a magical assassin squad to seek revenge on all those dark mages involved in his sister's death, and most of the novel is rightly and deliciously focused on reasoning with or narrowly escaping their wrath.
This novel dealt with the hard questions and the hard solutions, and no one came out of it unscathed, including Verus.
I thought this was one of the strongest of the novels, but I do have one complaint. I'm kinda tired of Elsewhere. For a magical realm, it does very little enhance the novels. The fact that it was used again as an information-revelation device made it seem like a kind of cop-out, but that's not to say we didn't need the information. We did. Unfortunately, it kinda dragged around the otherwise well-paced novel.
The popcorn UF is getting a bit meaty, and I have nothing but good things to say about that. :)
April 27, 2019
This is my favorite book of the series so far. One of the best things about this series is it follows a Mage who did some time on the Dark side and is now neutral. He isn't blame free, guilt free or completely innocent. But he seems real in that he made some bad choices and now most of the time he tries to help people but, when push comes to shove he can and will walk on the other side of the line of Good and Bad (it's all perspective really) and do whatever needs to be done to survive.
There seemed to be a lot going on in this and so the story moved by even faster than normal.
� - Alex is working with an entire band of magical misfits now, two of whom are living with him.
� - There is a group of Mages and Adepts called the Nightstalkers actively trying to kill Alex.
� - There was a ton of movement on the Deleo/Rachel history and what happened to make her who she is today. I really liked how Shireen played into that and what it means for Deleo.
� - Alex’s backstory with Richard gets flushed out a lot more and we get to see some of the horrors he survived at Richards hands and how it was a slippery slope of choices that he just barely escaped.
� - Luna is FANTASTIC!!! I love how well she is learning to control her curse and how she always stands up for Alex.
Alex, is Alex and no matter what it is pretty simple for the most part. If it is a choice between him and the people trying to kill him…well he is going to choose him. The way his powers work though make it even more evident that while he might not pull the trigger against someone, when he decides they are better dead he has a thousand tricks up his sleeve.
There are some very dark undertones to this series at times, the Dark Mages and Light Mage to for that matter do terrible things. A lot of it is off page though or hinted at but never really shown. I like and hate that all at the same time. I don’t want to see someone sacrificed or tortured and most of the stuff like that is left to my imagination. I think for this story it works decently but I sometimes wonder why the author doesn’t ‘show� more of these scenes in the writing. At the same time, I’m grateful that while I know someone was raped and brutalized, I also didn’t have to see it. *shrugs* I hope you understand what I mean, there is a fine line between showing enough and being too graphic and I’d like to see just a smidge more in some regards, but not too much more.
There is some big fallout in this and I’m very curious about Anne’s reactions. I like her character for the most part but there is something in her past that is coloring how she reacts in this book and I’m very curious to see what that is.
Arachne as always is fantastic and I love the new suit she made for Alex. I totally wish I had a giant spider seamstress of my own, she makes the best things. I’m a little sad we haven’t seen Starbreeze for a while, I hope she remembers to come visit Alex eventually.
Another book in the series complete and after that end chapter I think the sh*t is really going to hit the fan in the next installment, so it is time to get my popcorn ready.
There seemed to be a lot going on in this and so the story moved by even faster than normal.
� - Alex is working with an entire band of magical misfits now, two of whom are living with him.
� - There is a group of Mages and Adepts called the Nightstalkers actively trying to kill Alex.
“Right, you’re a good guy now.� Will’s voice was sarcastic. “You think you get to walk away? You’ve had enough and now everyone should leave you alone?�
“Yes! I walked out of that life! I’m not asking for anything from anyone, I just want to be left alone! It’s been ten years, isn’t that long enough? Isn’t there some point where you stop being the person you used to be and it stops being right to blame them for what they’ve done?�
� - There was a ton of movement on the Deleo/Rachel history and what happened to make her who she is today. I really liked how Shireen played into that and what it means for Deleo.
� - Alex’s backstory with Richard gets flushed out a lot more and we get to see some of the horrors he survived at Richards hands and how it was a slippery slope of choices that he just barely escaped.
� - Luna is FANTASTIC!!! I love how well she is learning to control her curse and how she always stands up for Alex.
Alex, is Alex and no matter what it is pretty simple for the most part. If it is a choice between him and the people trying to kill him…well he is going to choose him. The way his powers work though make it even more evident that while he might not pull the trigger against someone, when he decides they are better dead he has a thousand tricks up his sleeve.
There are some very dark undertones to this series at times, the Dark Mages and Light Mage to for that matter do terrible things. A lot of it is off page though or hinted at but never really shown. I like and hate that all at the same time. I don’t want to see someone sacrificed or tortured and most of the stuff like that is left to my imagination. I think for this story it works decently but I sometimes wonder why the author doesn’t ‘show� more of these scenes in the writing. At the same time, I’m grateful that while I know someone was raped and brutalized, I also didn’t have to see it. *shrugs* I hope you understand what I mean, there is a fine line between showing enough and being too graphic and I’d like to see just a smidge more in some regards, but not too much more.
There is some big fallout in this and I’m very curious about Anne’s reactions. I like her character for the most part but there is something in her past that is coloring how she reacts in this book and I’m very curious to see what that is.
Arachne as always is fantastic and I love the new suit she made for Alex. I totally wish I had a giant spider seamstress of my own, she makes the best things. I’m a little sad we haven’t seen Starbreeze for a while, I hope she remembers to come visit Alex eventually.
Another book in the series complete and after that end chapter I think the sh*t is really going to hit the fan in the next installment, so it is time to get my popcorn ready.
August 9, 2016
This series just gets better and better. Poor Alex is settling down into enjoying a quiet life with a few friends when his past comes back to haunt him in a major way. There is so much action in this one with people killing other people in so many different magical ways. At the same time we get to know all our main characters better than before especially Alex himself.
This was the first of the series that I listened to rather than reading it myself and if anything that even improved the reading experience. I have a tendency to rush through exciting bits but of course the narrator made me enjoy every word at the same calm pace. I may read the next one on audio as well.
So all in all an exciting, well paced book with plenty of action and clever ideas about this particular magic world. The ending was ominous. The next book should be a cracker!
This was the first of the series that I listened to rather than reading it myself and if anything that even improved the reading experience. I have a tendency to rush through exciting bits but of course the narrator made me enjoy every word at the same calm pace. I may read the next one on audio as well.
So all in all an exciting, well paced book with plenty of action and clever ideas about this particular magic world. The ending was ominous. The next book should be a cracker!
November 13, 2018
I really felt for Verus in this story. Just when life is looking up, his past comes back to haunt him. He is forced to make unpleasant choices while trying to keep his friends safe as well as himself. Arachne proves to be a solid support in his time of trouble. Very good story,ending with the makings of the next story in mind. #seriesgrowingonme
March 27, 2014
When you look at that 5 star rating I want to point something out. I lost this book for like a month and then found it. I picked it up where I'd left off without a hitch. This is an excellent book...maybe the best entry in an excellent series.
I originally picked up Jacka's series while looking for a series "something like" Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series. If you're also a fan of the Dresden books "for my money" this is the closest series/these are the closest books to the "feel" of that series.
Alex Verus is a "diviner" his primary magic is to see future events. It's (for him) a lot like looking down several roads to the future and sometimes he can act to aim down a certain path.
And that's only a quick and dirty idea of what Alex does. He's not really any great shakes in the "combat power" department. No fire balls, no ice shards, no disintegration rays...yet somehow he's always survived. In confrontations (so far) he's always come out on top.
But now his past has come to haunt (hunt) him. When Alex was young he was apprenticed to a Dark Mage and now something he was involved in... something he did may cost him his life. It may even cost his friend their lives.
Alex is a filled out character. I like the flow of these books and I like the characterization. There are some things that will be familiar from other UF books but also some very original parts to the world. The books are well balanced with neither characterization nor plot upstaging the other. Both the books and the characters in the book have grown as we've progressed.
In short I really like these books and pending some rereads they may end up on my favorites shelf, especially this one which (for now) I think is the best of the lot. At least so far that is.
Now my only complaint is the same one I've had for the Butcher books...I have to wait for the next one to come out.
Very highly recommended....but do yourself a favor. If you haven't read the first 3 read them first. Their all great.
I originally picked up Jacka's series while looking for a series "something like" Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series. If you're also a fan of the Dresden books "for my money" this is the closest series/these are the closest books to the "feel" of that series.
Alex Verus is a "diviner" his primary magic is to see future events. It's (for him) a lot like looking down several roads to the future and sometimes he can act to aim down a certain path.
And that's only a quick and dirty idea of what Alex does. He's not really any great shakes in the "combat power" department. No fire balls, no ice shards, no disintegration rays...yet somehow he's always survived. In confrontations (so far) he's always come out on top.
But now his past has come to haunt (hunt) him. When Alex was young he was apprenticed to a Dark Mage and now something he was involved in... something he did may cost him his life. It may even cost his friend their lives.
Alex is a filled out character. I like the flow of these books and I like the characterization. There are some things that will be familiar from other UF books but also some very original parts to the world. The books are well balanced with neither characterization nor plot upstaging the other. Both the books and the characters in the book have grown as we've progressed.
In short I really like these books and pending some rereads they may end up on my favorites shelf, especially this one which (for now) I think is the best of the lot. At least so far that is.
Now my only complaint is the same one I've had for the Butcher books...I have to wait for the next one to come out.
Very highly recommended....but do yourself a favor. If you haven't read the first 3 read them first. Their all great.
May 14, 2019
This review can also be found at .
This was another great installment in the Alex Verus Series. This is a series that really does need to be read in order since each book builds on the previous installments. I think that I am liking each book in the series a little more as I work my way through the series and I get to know Alex and the gang better. I worked my way through this book rather quickly because I was eager to see how everything would work out. It really was a very enjoyable listen.
At the start of this story, Alex is learning to adjust to life with his two new roommates. He is spending a lot of time with the apprentices and running his shop. Alex's past comes into play and has a big impact on his present in this installment. Alex was an apprentice under a dark mage when he was younger. This is a group of adepts that wish to get revenge for Alex's actions while working with the dark mage.
I really liked getting the chance to learn some of Alex's history. I had an idea that life with Richard was less than pleasant but it was very eye-opening to learn how things really were. We actually learn some rather interesting things about several characters that currently play a role in Alex's life. I thought that seeing Alex's past and how he dealt with those seeking revenge really showed what kind of man he has become. Alex wants to do what is right and does not seek to harm anyone but he will do what needs to be done when pushed into it. I really like that Alex is flawed and will cross lines when necessary but tries to be a good guy as much as he can.
Gildart Jackson does a fabulous job with this book. He has become the voice of Alex for me and I am so glad that I decided to work my way through this series in audio. This narrator does a great job with all of the character voices and brings a lot of emotion into the story. He has a very pleasant voice that is easy to listen to for hours at a time.
I would recommend this series to others. This book tells a very exciting story and is filled with an entire cast of fantastic characters. I can't wait to start working on the next book in this wonderful series!
Initial Thoughts
This was another great installment in the series. This book gets into Alex's past quite a bit and I enjoyed getting the chance to see what his life was like when he was younger. Someone is out to take their revenge against Alex for something that happened years ago. Gildart Jackson did a fantastic job with the narration once again.
Book Source: Audible purchase
This was another great installment in the Alex Verus Series. This is a series that really does need to be read in order since each book builds on the previous installments. I think that I am liking each book in the series a little more as I work my way through the series and I get to know Alex and the gang better. I worked my way through this book rather quickly because I was eager to see how everything would work out. It really was a very enjoyable listen.
At the start of this story, Alex is learning to adjust to life with his two new roommates. He is spending a lot of time with the apprentices and running his shop. Alex's past comes into play and has a big impact on his present in this installment. Alex was an apprentice under a dark mage when he was younger. This is a group of adepts that wish to get revenge for Alex's actions while working with the dark mage.
I really liked getting the chance to learn some of Alex's history. I had an idea that life with Richard was less than pleasant but it was very eye-opening to learn how things really were. We actually learn some rather interesting things about several characters that currently play a role in Alex's life. I thought that seeing Alex's past and how he dealt with those seeking revenge really showed what kind of man he has become. Alex wants to do what is right and does not seek to harm anyone but he will do what needs to be done when pushed into it. I really like that Alex is flawed and will cross lines when necessary but tries to be a good guy as much as he can.
Gildart Jackson does a fabulous job with this book. He has become the voice of Alex for me and I am so glad that I decided to work my way through this series in audio. This narrator does a great job with all of the character voices and brings a lot of emotion into the story. He has a very pleasant voice that is easy to listen to for hours at a time.
I would recommend this series to others. This book tells a very exciting story and is filled with an entire cast of fantastic characters. I can't wait to start working on the next book in this wonderful series!
Initial Thoughts
This was another great installment in the series. This book gets into Alex's past quite a bit and I enjoyed getting the chance to see what his life was like when he was younger. Someone is out to take their revenge against Alex for something that happened years ago. Gildart Jackson did a fantastic job with the narration once again.
Book Source: Audible purchase
May 11, 2021
Alex is really struggling at the end of this one. Always a fun cast of characters and I thoroughly enjoy the tales. We got a little more back story in between magical fights, hiding out, running away, etc. Never a dull day with Alex. Wondering if some of the characters are permanently out of the future stories or may return. Regardless. I’ll be reading the next to find out.
December 29, 2015
This series is so much fun. Alex Verus changes and grows. I enjoyed Chosen a lot, but I have to admit there have been a couple of things that annoyed me as hell.
You see, this book reminded me why I dislike adolescent characters. Here you have not one, but a whole group of them after Alex and they ticked most of my pet-peeves regarding YA characters. Only one of those has a valid reason to act the way he does. The rest are like sheep.
This isn't YA series (fortunately) and I loved how Alex dealt with the issue.
On the other hand, Luna (who is also young but definitely not annoying here) is better with each new book and Arachne is one of my favourite characters ever. Luna has come a long way from a scared lonely girl you met in Fated and reckless and annoying one in Cursed. She doesn't even think twice whether she should help Alex or not.
Alex Verus has finally come to the point where he cannot run from his past, from the time when he was Richard's apprentice and when he had to fight for his life without any help from anyone. We get to see what happened to the three other apprentices. As for his present, he will see he is not alone any longer.
I don't like cliffhangers but even I have to admit Chosen has a really good one.
You see, this book reminded me why I dislike adolescent characters. Here you have not one, but a whole group of them after Alex and they ticked most of my pet-peeves regarding YA characters. Only one of those has a valid reason to act the way he does. The rest are like sheep.
This isn't YA series (fortunately) and I loved how Alex dealt with the issue.
On the other hand, Luna (who is also young but definitely not annoying here) is better with each new book and Arachne is one of my favourite characters ever. Luna has come a long way from a scared lonely girl you met in Fated and reckless and annoying one in Cursed. She doesn't even think twice whether she should help Alex or not.
Alex Verus has finally come to the point where he cannot run from his past, from the time when he was Richard's apprentice and when he had to fight for his life without any help from anyone. We get to see what happened to the three other apprentices. As for his present, he will see he is not alone any longer.
I don't like cliffhangers but even I have to admit Chosen has a really good one.
September 25, 2018
4.5 Stars
The best in the series so far, Chosen is full of action from start to finish and takes the Alex Verus series to a new level.
Alex’s life has been going pretty well lately. He has friends, and no one has tried to kill him for a while. Until an event from his past brings a group of adepts to him, looking for revenge. Alex is forced to confront the secrets he’s hidden from everyone, including his friends, as he fights not only to stay alive but to figure out what kind of person he wants to be.
This book was just fun. Benedict Jacka has really hit his stride and delivered a fantastic story. The plot was pretty straightforward, but the pages fly by. The author does a really good job balancing some great action scenes with a number of character moments that really add some depth to Alex and the others. I really enjoyed the development of not just Alex but the rest of the supporting characters, as well as seeing the relationships between each of them develop. There are several new characters throw in as well, and each of them brought something new and interesting to the story.
The book ended in dramatic fashion, and sets things up beautifully for the next book.
The best in the series so far, Chosen is full of action from start to finish and takes the Alex Verus series to a new level.
Alex’s life has been going pretty well lately. He has friends, and no one has tried to kill him for a while. Until an event from his past brings a group of adepts to him, looking for revenge. Alex is forced to confront the secrets he’s hidden from everyone, including his friends, as he fights not only to stay alive but to figure out what kind of person he wants to be.
This book was just fun. Benedict Jacka has really hit his stride and delivered a fantastic story. The plot was pretty straightforward, but the pages fly by. The author does a really good job balancing some great action scenes with a number of character moments that really add some depth to Alex and the others. I really enjoyed the development of not just Alex but the rest of the supporting characters, as well as seeing the relationships between each of them develop. There are several new characters throw in as well, and each of them brought something new and interesting to the story.
The book ended in dramatic fashion, and sets things up beautifully for the next book.
April 20, 2022
In this volume, it's all about Alex's (and Rachel's) past.
We knew that Alex used to be a dark apprentice and that things didn't go well with his former master. We also knew that his former master was an asshole. A monster, even. But just HOW bad Richard was, we only get to see here. Though that is still no excuse for how the other apprentice(s) turned out. I mean, sheesh!
Anyway, a young vigilante gang is coming after Alex for something he did 10-12 years ago. He comes clean to his apprentices and I'm happy to report that they know it's not black-or-white and that they are stick by their master. Considering how bloody useless the light mages are, that is not a matter of course!
Interestingly enough, a light mage (the magical version of a cop, in fact) wants Alex's help about something that has to do with his former master as well.
After learning quite a lot about the different kinds of magic with every person Alex interacts, it was about time we learned why he realized he couldn't stay with Richard, how he managed to escape (alive) and how he met / became so close with Arachne.
Very nice was that we not only learn more about Alex himself but also Rachel.
And once again, I like Alex because he admits that he isn't the strongest - in fact, he acknowledges that he's only still alive at this point thanks to some kick-ass women. Takes a man with integrity to admit that. :)
Other than that, I very much enjoyed the stroll through Otherworld. *shudders*
Just the right mix of characterization, magic and worldbuilding. It's nice to see that the series is still going this strong. The single volumes might be a bit short(er), but they have the perfect length for each individual story within the greater tale. This, for example, can be described as un-put-down-able.
We knew that Alex used to be a dark apprentice and that things didn't go well with his former master. We also knew that his former master was an asshole. A monster, even. But just HOW bad Richard was, we only get to see here. Though that is still no excuse for how the other apprentice(s) turned out. I mean, sheesh!
Anyway, a young vigilante gang is coming after Alex for something he did 10-12 years ago. He comes clean to his apprentices and I'm happy to report that they know it's not black-or-white and that they are stick by their master. Considering how bloody useless the light mages are, that is not a matter of course!
Interestingly enough, a light mage (the magical version of a cop, in fact) wants Alex's help about something that has to do with his former master as well.
After learning quite a lot about the different kinds of magic with every person Alex interacts, it was about time we learned why he realized he couldn't stay with Richard, how he managed to escape (alive) and how he met / became so close with Arachne.
Very nice was that we not only learn more about Alex himself but also Rachel.
And once again, I like Alex because he admits that he isn't the strongest - in fact, he acknowledges that he's only still alive at this point thanks to some kick-ass women. Takes a man with integrity to admit that. :)
Other than that, I very much enjoyed the stroll through Otherworld. *shudders*
Just the right mix of characterization, magic and worldbuilding. It's nice to see that the series is still going this strong. The single volumes might be a bit short(er), but they have the perfect length for each individual story within the greater tale. This, for example, can be described as un-put-down-able.
August 12, 2017
This is the first time this series has risen above three stars for me. It's no coincidence that this is the first book to stir some strong emotions in me. I have very definite feelings about how things turned out and certain choices Alex made. I still think the secondary characters need to be fleshed out better (though I still haven't warmed to Luna) but I'm more invested in Alex's story now whereas before I felt as though I were on cruz control with this series.
March 3, 2014
Another Great Installment - 4 Stars
Having read the first two book in the series, I made the choice to move to the audiobook format for the third book in the series. It turned out to be an excellent idea. Of course I wanted to then listen to the Audio version of Chosen. Fortunately, it was released on February 17, 2014, a couple of days after finishing the previous installment. With this current novel, I believe that Benedict Jacka has firmly entrenched himself with the best of the Urban Fantasy writers. Alex Verus is no Harry Dresden clone and this is not Paranormal in disguise. The author set the series apart with a magic system and social order that is unlike any of its competators. Fans of Jim Butcher, Ben Aaronovitch and Larry Corriea should find something in Benedict Jacka's "Alex Verus" series to interest them.
If you have ever read my reviews, you will know that I believe the first four books in any series tend to follow a patter. The first book is the intro to the series and if the series is popular and continues we move to second book. The second book is usually "more of a good thing". The second in the series often repeats some plot devices and elements that made the first book so popular. The third book is the moment of truth. It often set the tone for the series as a whole. Lesser authors may repeat plot devices and popular elements from the first two books while the long lasting series often change things up for the character and introduce new character and plot elements. The fourth book is often the transition book and Chosen falls into this category. As many of the books that fall into this category, the book portends big changes for the future but occasionally stumbles as the world of the characters is set to change.
Plot summary
After years of living on his own, Alex Verus has fallen into some routines that could almost be considered domestic bliss. He has created a family with his apprentice Luna and the former dark wizard apprentices Anne and Verrium. Of course the calm and happiness will not last. As usual, Verus is forced to face danger on multiple fronts. Bad decisions from his past come back to haunt him as aggrieved family members seek revenge for wrongdoings. His past haunts him further as questions arise regarding the whereabouts of his former master, Richard. These stories collide as Alex is forced to face his past and confront the fears that he has so long avoided.
The Good
So That's What Happened
One of the weakness of the series (in my opinion) has been the lack of character history. Granted, Alex Verus is meant to be a bit of an enigma but it hurts the character development. We are finally presented with a storyline that exposes as small portion of Verus' past. We learn about his former master and the other apprentices with whom he worked. I think many fans of the series have been interested in these details. Most other series would have provided us with some of these details by now but Alex Verus walks his own path.
Oscar for Best Suporting Character Goes To...
The author has done an excellent job of introducing a strong and interesting supporting cast. Verus' has a complicated relationship with another former apprentice of Richard. We learn much more about Rachael, their shared past and her decent into darkness. Luna and Verrium continue to develop as interesting characters but the Oscar goes to.....Anne. The Life Mage and former dark apprentice continues to be the best character introduced the series. She is full of secrets while sharing a similar past to Alex. While Alex develops into an Anti-Hero of sorts, Anne fights to live honestly and with integrity. Here is to hoping she can continue to play a role in the future novels.
The Bad
Give this Guy a Map
The end of this book makes it clear that some new threats are coming and things are going to change for our hero. As the book build toward this transition, the character has to go through the obligatory self doubt and self loathing. While much of this novel moved quickly and the story progressed at high speed, the middle of the novel quickly became bogged down. As Alex lost his way, the story seemed to grind to a halt and the book lost momentum. This is the main reason the book lost a star rating. Fortunately, when Alex gets back on his feet, the story picks up and the stays strong to the end.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was another excellent installment in the series. Hopefully, in future novels, the author continues to reveal the makings of Alex Verus. It is beginning to feel as if the secondary characters are more developed than him. The story seems to have turned a corner and it feels as if Alex will have a true nemesis in future installments.
Audiobook Notes
Again, this is some of the best narrated Urban Fantasy out there. The characterization, the tone and pacing is superb and lets be honest, narrators with a British accent are the best! My only complaint was the length of time for the audio release. While the book was released late August of 2013, the audiobook was not released until February 2014. There seems to be a trend of audio versions being released concurrently with the book. Hopefully the next audio release will follow soon after expected September release of the upcoming Hidden
Content Advisories
It is difficult to find commentary on the sex/violence/language content of book if you are interested. I make an effort to give you the information so you can make an informed decision before reading. *Disclaimer* I do not take note or count the occurrences of adult language as I read. I am simply giving approximations.
Scale 1 - Lowest 5 - Highest
Sex - 1.5
There is some sexual tension between characters but the overall content is suitable for all ages
Language - 3.5
There is a noticeable increase in the use of adult language. There is some minor use of the f-word and moderate use of mild obscenities. As the series has generally used little adult language, it stands out in this novel.
Violence - 3
There is a moderate amount of violence in this installment. There a few confrontations early while the middle of the book seeks to avoid confrontation. There is a final confrontation that is moderately graphic
Having read the first two book in the series, I made the choice to move to the audiobook format for the third book in the series. It turned out to be an excellent idea. Of course I wanted to then listen to the Audio version of Chosen. Fortunately, it was released on February 17, 2014, a couple of days after finishing the previous installment. With this current novel, I believe that Benedict Jacka has firmly entrenched himself with the best of the Urban Fantasy writers. Alex Verus is no Harry Dresden clone and this is not Paranormal in disguise. The author set the series apart with a magic system and social order that is unlike any of its competators. Fans of Jim Butcher, Ben Aaronovitch and Larry Corriea should find something in Benedict Jacka's "Alex Verus" series to interest them.
If you have ever read my reviews, you will know that I believe the first four books in any series tend to follow a patter. The first book is the intro to the series and if the series is popular and continues we move to second book. The second book is usually "more of a good thing". The second in the series often repeats some plot devices and elements that made the first book so popular. The third book is the moment of truth. It often set the tone for the series as a whole. Lesser authors may repeat plot devices and popular elements from the first two books while the long lasting series often change things up for the character and introduce new character and plot elements. The fourth book is often the transition book and Chosen falls into this category. As many of the books that fall into this category, the book portends big changes for the future but occasionally stumbles as the world of the characters is set to change.
Plot summary
After years of living on his own, Alex Verus has fallen into some routines that could almost be considered domestic bliss. He has created a family with his apprentice Luna and the former dark wizard apprentices Anne and Verrium. Of course the calm and happiness will not last. As usual, Verus is forced to face danger on multiple fronts. Bad decisions from his past come back to haunt him as aggrieved family members seek revenge for wrongdoings. His past haunts him further as questions arise regarding the whereabouts of his former master, Richard. These stories collide as Alex is forced to face his past and confront the fears that he has so long avoided.
The Good
So That's What Happened
One of the weakness of the series (in my opinion) has been the lack of character history. Granted, Alex Verus is meant to be a bit of an enigma but it hurts the character development. We are finally presented with a storyline that exposes as small portion of Verus' past. We learn about his former master and the other apprentices with whom he worked. I think many fans of the series have been interested in these details. Most other series would have provided us with some of these details by now but Alex Verus walks his own path.
Oscar for Best Suporting Character Goes To...
The author has done an excellent job of introducing a strong and interesting supporting cast. Verus' has a complicated relationship with another former apprentice of Richard. We learn much more about Rachael, their shared past and her decent into darkness. Luna and Verrium continue to develop as interesting characters but the Oscar goes to.....Anne. The Life Mage and former dark apprentice continues to be the best character introduced the series. She is full of secrets while sharing a similar past to Alex. While Alex develops into an Anti-Hero of sorts, Anne fights to live honestly and with integrity. Here is to hoping she can continue to play a role in the future novels.
The Bad
Give this Guy a Map
The end of this book makes it clear that some new threats are coming and things are going to change for our hero. As the book build toward this transition, the character has to go through the obligatory self doubt and self loathing. While much of this novel moved quickly and the story progressed at high speed, the middle of the novel quickly became bogged down. As Alex lost his way, the story seemed to grind to a halt and the book lost momentum. This is the main reason the book lost a star rating. Fortunately, when Alex gets back on his feet, the story picks up and the stays strong to the end.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was another excellent installment in the series. Hopefully, in future novels, the author continues to reveal the makings of Alex Verus. It is beginning to feel as if the secondary characters are more developed than him. The story seems to have turned a corner and it feels as if Alex will have a true nemesis in future installments.
Audiobook Notes
Again, this is some of the best narrated Urban Fantasy out there. The characterization, the tone and pacing is superb and lets be honest, narrators with a British accent are the best! My only complaint was the length of time for the audio release. While the book was released late August of 2013, the audiobook was not released until February 2014. There seems to be a trend of audio versions being released concurrently with the book. Hopefully the next audio release will follow soon after expected September release of the upcoming Hidden
Content Advisories
It is difficult to find commentary on the sex/violence/language content of book if you are interested. I make an effort to give you the information so you can make an informed decision before reading. *Disclaimer* I do not take note or count the occurrences of adult language as I read. I am simply giving approximations.
Scale 1 - Lowest 5 - Highest
Sex - 1.5
There is some sexual tension between characters but the overall content is suitable for all ages
Language - 3.5
There is a noticeable increase in the use of adult language. There is some minor use of the f-word and moderate use of mild obscenities. As the series has generally used little adult language, it stands out in this novel.
Violence - 3
There is a moderate amount of violence in this installment. There a few confrontations early while the middle of the book seeks to avoid confrontation. There is a final confrontation that is moderately graphic
March 16, 2023
I'm still not sure how this isn't copyright infringement. Is it a UK vs US thing?
If you like Dresden, here we go again with a man failed by society, raised in torture as a dark mage, who is now trying to do something with his life that isn't murder.
He ogles fewer women, but there's lots of awaking to "slender forms" and "soft looks" so I'm not entirely sure that this is less hound-doggy than Dresden?
Also this one has more rape!
Still a romp, I'll keep reading eventually but this one was definitely the yuckiest so far.
CONTENT WARNING:
If you like Dresden, here we go again with a man failed by society, raised in torture as a dark mage, who is now trying to do something with his life that isn't murder.
He ogles fewer women, but there's lots of awaking to "slender forms" and "soft looks" so I'm not entirely sure that this is less hound-doggy than Dresden?
Also this one has more rape!
Still a romp, I'll keep reading eventually but this one was definitely the yuckiest so far.
CONTENT WARNING:
July 9, 2014
When you look at that 5 star rating I want to point something out. I lost this book for like a month and then found it. I picked it up where I'd left off without a hitch. This is an excellent book...maybe the best entry in an excellent series.
I originally picked up Jacka's series while looking for a series "something like" Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series. If you're also a fan of the Dresden books "for my money" this is the closest series/these are the closest books to the "feel" of that series.
Alex Verus is a "diviner" his primary magic is to see future events. It's (for him) a lot like looking down several roads to the future and sometimes he can act to aim down a certain path.
And that's only a quick and dirty idea of what Alex does. He's not really any great shakes in the "combat power" department. No fire balls, no ice shards, no disintegration rays...yet somehow he's always survived. In confrontations (so far) he's always come out on top.
But now his past has come to haunt (hunt) him. When Alex was young he was apprenticed to a Dark Mage and now something he was involved in... something he did may cost him his life. It may even cost his friend their lives.
Alex is a filled out character. I like the flow of these books and I like the characterization. There are some things that will be familiar from other UF books but also some very original parts to the world. The books are well balanced with neither characterization nor plot upstaging the other. Both the books and the characters in the book have grown as we've progressed.
In short I really like these books and pending some rereads they may end up on my favorites shelf, especially this one which (for now) I think is the best of the lot. At least so far that is.
Now my only complaint is the same one I've had for the Butcher books...I have to wait for the next one to come out.
Very highly recommended....but do yourself a favor. If you haven't read the first 3 read them first. Their all great.
I originally picked up Jacka's series while looking for a series "something like" Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series. If you're also a fan of the Dresden books "for my money" this is the closest series/these are the closest books to the "feel" of that series.
Alex Verus is a "diviner" his primary magic is to see future events. It's (for him) a lot like looking down several roads to the future and sometimes he can act to aim down a certain path.
And that's only a quick and dirty idea of what Alex does. He's not really any great shakes in the "combat power" department. No fire balls, no ice shards, no disintegration rays...yet somehow he's always survived. In confrontations (so far) he's always come out on top.
But now his past has come to haunt (hunt) him. When Alex was young he was apprenticed to a Dark Mage and now something he was involved in... something he did may cost him his life. It may even cost his friend their lives.
Alex is a filled out character. I like the flow of these books and I like the characterization. There are some things that will be familiar from other UF books but also some very original parts to the world. The books are well balanced with neither characterization nor plot upstaging the other. Both the books and the characters in the book have grown as we've progressed.
In short I really like these books and pending some rereads they may end up on my favorites shelf, especially this one which (for now) I think is the best of the lot. At least so far that is.
Now my only complaint is the same one I've had for the Butcher books...I have to wait for the next one to come out.
Very highly recommended....but do yourself a favor. If you haven't read the first 3 read them first. Their all great.
October 25, 2022
The Alex Verus series just continues to get better and better. The no win situation that Alex is faced with in this book isn't one that can be solved by his powers or by who he brings in to help but more by what he is willing to do in the end.
We have learned a lot about his character in the previous three books but this is the one that in my opinion really brings him to life off the pages. The decisions Alex makes and the consequences and how he feels about who he has become and who he may become in the future flesh out this character into something more solid and real that he had been before.
Definitely the best one in the series.
Ratings:-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
We have learned a lot about his character in the previous three books but this is the one that in my opinion really brings him to life off the pages. The decisions Alex makes and the consequences and how he feels about who he has become and who he may become in the future flesh out this character into something more solid and real that he had been before.
Definitely the best one in the series.
Ratings:-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
November 21, 2023
Definitely my favourite in the series so far!
May 3, 2020
This is the novel in which the series starts to shine with potential. It's brilliant with a sense of grim and dark foreboding. The story was emotionally gripping, and the action was fantastic with an intense pacing.
When I say this book is grim and dark I mean it. Jacka gives us the backstory of Alex's life under a dark mage, along with his companions. Reading it, I feel that Harry Dresden's past seems like a teen boy caught in some freaky angst. We learn a lot about Rachel/Deleo, and honestly it was fucking dark. Jacka doesn't go into details, but, the subtle hints that he gives leave very little to the imagination.
The plot of the story is similar to that of a Revenge Tragedy. A vigilante group that hates dark mages target Alex for one heinous crime of which he was a part of while being a dark apprentice. And, I was able to sympathise with the group. If I was in that position, I would've done the same, but with a cold-blodded cunning. When Alex reveals about it, his relationship with Sonder and Anne falters. They're unsure. Honestly, when I reached the end, I too am unsure about Alex. He is trying for redemption, but, one can't hide one's demons for long.
The characters again were allowed their space to grow. I fucking despise Rachel/Deleo. I hope she suffers more for her heinous crimes. Luna has developed a lot, regarding her attitude, and controlling her own curse and use it to her own advantage. She also seems to be a lot mature. I'm interested in looking forward to how the relationships develop between these characters. Because, towards the end, Alex somehow crossed a line in my opinion, and sooner or later he's going to slip.
This book has elevated Alex Verus into one of the best urban fantasy series in the market. I enjoyed reading it. There were dramatic moments in the story which gave it an empathetic depth regarding the situation, and the characters. This is one of the best entries in the series. I hope that the later books are as good as this one.
When I say this book is grim and dark I mean it. Jacka gives us the backstory of Alex's life under a dark mage, along with his companions. Reading it, I feel that Harry Dresden's past seems like a teen boy caught in some freaky angst. We learn a lot about Rachel/Deleo, and honestly it was fucking dark. Jacka doesn't go into details, but, the subtle hints that he gives leave very little to the imagination.
The plot of the story is similar to that of a Revenge Tragedy. A vigilante group that hates dark mages target Alex for one heinous crime of which he was a part of while being a dark apprentice. And, I was able to sympathise with the group. If I was in that position, I would've done the same, but with a cold-blodded cunning. When Alex reveals about it, his relationship with Sonder and Anne falters. They're unsure. Honestly, when I reached the end, I too am unsure about Alex. He is trying for redemption, but, one can't hide one's demons for long.
The characters again were allowed their space to grow. I fucking despise Rachel/Deleo. I hope she suffers more for her heinous crimes. Luna has developed a lot, regarding her attitude, and controlling her own curse and use it to her own advantage. She also seems to be a lot mature. I'm interested in looking forward to how the relationships develop between these characters. Because, towards the end, Alex somehow crossed a line in my opinion, and sooner or later he's going to slip.
This book has elevated Alex Verus into one of the best urban fantasy series in the market. I enjoyed reading it. There were dramatic moments in the story which gave it an empathetic depth regarding the situation, and the characters. This is one of the best entries in the series. I hope that the later books are as good as this one.
August 21, 2019
Another excellent installment which ramps up the action to a higher degree, if that was even possible.
Really liked that we got glimpses of the history between Richard's apprentices. Goes a long way to explaining Deleo's actions and also gave some insight to her personality
I continue to love Alex as a narrator and enjoy the fact that when it comes to battle he is almost always at a disadvantage. Makes for some great reading, seeing how he'll get out of a pickle.
Totally saw that end coming but oh boy does it set up the next book!
Really liked that we got glimpses of the history between Richard's apprentices. Goes a long way to explaining Deleo's actions and also gave some insight to her personality
I continue to love Alex as a narrator and enjoy the fact that when it comes to battle he is almost always at a disadvantage. Makes for some great reading, seeing how he'll get out of a pickle.
Totally saw that end coming but oh boy does it set up the next book!
January 10, 2020
We’ve known for a time Alex trained with a Dark Mage named Richard, and that those times were dark but I never imagined how dark. Listeners will discover how dark in Chosen. It was well down, addictive and an eye-opening look into the Mage world.
It seems a group of adepts led by a young man set on revenge is seeking to destroy dark mages and Alex is one of those targets as his past meets his present. This gave the tale an addictive, action-packed pace as we tried to outrun and hide from these clever, determined young characters.
Suspenseful and enlightening Chosen held me captive as we learned about Alex’s past and why this young adept wants Alex dead. The strongest Alex Verus novel to date Jacka truly fleshed out all aspects of Alex and presented his vulnerable side. Alex appears cocky and even arrogant or uncaring in the beginning but with each novel we truly see the depth of this man and I quite like him. The spider is wise. *winks*
If you are looking for a fresh, original urban fantasy series, and enjoy the Dresden Files and Vesik series, add these to your audio-shelf.
It seems a group of adepts led by a young man set on revenge is seeking to destroy dark mages and Alex is one of those targets as his past meets his present. This gave the tale an addictive, action-packed pace as we tried to outrun and hide from these clever, determined young characters.
Suspenseful and enlightening Chosen held me captive as we learned about Alex’s past and why this young adept wants Alex dead. The strongest Alex Verus novel to date Jacka truly fleshed out all aspects of Alex and presented his vulnerable side. Alex appears cocky and even arrogant or uncaring in the beginning but with each novel we truly see the depth of this man and I quite like him. The spider is wise. *winks*
If you are looking for a fresh, original urban fantasy series, and enjoy the Dresden Files and Vesik series, add these to your audio-shelf.
February 26, 2019
4.5/5
Je passe toujours un super moment avec les romans de cette série et j’étais impatiente de me plonger dans ce quatrième tome ! Comment ne pas l’être quand on sait qu’on découvrira un peu plus d’informations sur le passé d’Alex !
Alex se voit rattrapé par son passé quand un groupe de jeunes est bien décidé à le tuer pour quelque chose qui s’est passé il y a plus de 10 ans. Notre héros est prêt à tout pour qu’ils laissent tomber, mais Will, leur chef n’en a rien à faire, et son but ultime est de tuer Alex ! C’est ainsi qu’on se retrouve embarqués dans le passé de notre personnage, à découvrir ce qu’il a subi aux mains de Richards et son évasion. On retrouve aussi bien sûr tous les personnages des tomes précédents, que ce soient Deleo, Cendre, mais surtout Anne, Variam et Luna que j’adore !
Comme je le disais, j’ai passé un super moment une fois encore ! Les livres sont de plus en plus prenants et j’étais impatiente de découvrir ce qui allait se passer. Si je suis triste par certaines décisions des personnages, je suis curieuse de voir ce qu’il se passera ensuite. Alex va devoir affronter un grand nombre de dangers dans ce roman et malheureusement, pour mettre ses amis en sécurité, il devra faire ses propres choix.
De nombreuses choses se profilent et je suis vraiment impatiente de découvrir tout ça ! Je recommande vivement de vous lancer si vous ne connaissez pas !
Je passe toujours un super moment avec les romans de cette série et j’étais impatiente de me plonger dans ce quatrième tome ! Comment ne pas l’être quand on sait qu’on découvrira un peu plus d’informations sur le passé d’Alex !
Alex se voit rattrapé par son passé quand un groupe de jeunes est bien décidé à le tuer pour quelque chose qui s’est passé il y a plus de 10 ans. Notre héros est prêt à tout pour qu’ils laissent tomber, mais Will, leur chef n’en a rien à faire, et son but ultime est de tuer Alex ! C’est ainsi qu’on se retrouve embarqués dans le passé de notre personnage, à découvrir ce qu’il a subi aux mains de Richards et son évasion. On retrouve aussi bien sûr tous les personnages des tomes précédents, que ce soient Deleo, Cendre, mais surtout Anne, Variam et Luna que j’adore !
Comme je le disais, j’ai passé un super moment une fois encore ! Les livres sont de plus en plus prenants et j’étais impatiente de découvrir ce qui allait se passer. Si je suis triste par certaines décisions des personnages, je suis curieuse de voir ce qu’il se passera ensuite. Alex va devoir affronter un grand nombre de dangers dans ce roman et malheureusement, pour mettre ses amis en sécurité, il devra faire ses propres choix.
De nombreuses choses se profilent et je suis vraiment impatiente de découvrir tout ça ! Je recommande vivement de vous lancer si vous ne connaissez pas !
September 12, 2018
The past comes back to hunt Alex in the form of a group of magical adepts, which of whom prove to be more than he can handle when they seem to constantly know his whereabouts. With death around the corner, Alex must contemplate the very way he lives his life, and what lengths he'll go to to see another day.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I was pleasantly surprised, and to be honest I still am, at the complete turnaround in this instalment. I found Chosen had so much improvement, as it moved away from the serious issues I had, and so I thoroughly enjoyed it more than the previous three, but what was so different about it? Well, Alex certainly didn't suffer from invincibility, nor did he have to constantly save poor damsels in distress, in fact, he was the one that needed saving by women on more than one occasion. It was a total breath of fresh air and I almost couldn't put it down. Almost. The overall tone was also a lot darker, exploring Alex's reawakened need for survival and how delving into past instincts affected his newly formed friendships. The events in this one were important, clearly not meant to be mere filler, but instead changing the direction of the series. It's the best one so far, and I can only hope Jacka will continue on this path.
I very much liked the introduction of Anne and Variam in Taken, as they were less irritating (and stupid) than Luna and offered quite different personalities - Variam could be considered detached, even cold at times, whilst Anne is caring and always strives to do the right thing. Thankfully, they remained members of the inner circle and played their own strong, relevant parts with great characterisation. Whether their relationships are solid enough to withstand anything, well, that has yet to be seen even though it was surely tested. I still think that there's a possibility of a romance between Anne and Alex, which would be interesting indeed. Perhaps Luna and Variam as well? Their obvious dislike could be covering up their attraction, who knows? If it's one thing the series is lacking, it's the romance factor, but of course that's not a bad thing. I'm positive it'll crop up at some point, hell even just sex, because Alex is an adult male that has needs.
The more I find out about Alex, the more I become fond of him. Yes, I still find the sheer expanse of his skills a little ridiculous (he still knows how to do everything, from swordplay to gambling to dancing to martial arts, the list goes on), but he has a lot of depth. He may save the day, be a hero, but he's certainly in the grey area. He'll do anything to stay alive, even kill. In this one he questioned himself and had some self-loathing going on, which definitely made him more believable as a character. My most favourite however, is Rachel. She's insane and lethal, but there's so much more going on with her than meets the eye. The dark shadow that entered her is something I really want to know more about.
The plot was quickly paced, apart from the couple of instances it slowed down to retell scenes from the past, but I nevertheless enjoyed as it told more of the mystery that was Rachel and Shireen. The group of teenagers that turned out to be Alex's most challenging foes were seriously unlikeable. I understood their desire for revenge, and what happened to Will's sister was horrible, but they were egotistical brats and I refuse to even type the name they called themselves, it was just too silly. Caldera though, she was one tough woman and it was nice to see a heavier female amongst the thin and beautiful. I hope she returns.
In conclusion: Definitely the strongest so far, with less predictable plot points, and with that ending, I really want to know what happens next. I'm looking forward to it!
Notable Quote:
I know I come off as arrogant sometimes. When you can see the future it's easy to pretend you know everything, and to other people it probably looks like I do. But being able to see the future doesn't make you any smarter or wiser than anyone else, and it doesn't stop you making stupid mistakes. It lets you know what the problem is and how big the problem is but it doesn't give you the power to do anything about it. When it comes down to it, the reason I act all-knowing isn't because I think I know everything. It's because I know I don't and I'm desperately trying to stop my enemies from figuring that out. And if you keep up an act to fool other people, sometimes you end up fooling yourself as well.
© Red Lace 2015
~ ~
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I was pleasantly surprised, and to be honest I still am, at the complete turnaround in this instalment. I found Chosen had so much improvement, as it moved away from the serious issues I had, and so I thoroughly enjoyed it more than the previous three, but what was so different about it? Well, Alex certainly didn't suffer from invincibility, nor did he have to constantly save poor damsels in distress, in fact, he was the one that needed saving by women on more than one occasion. It was a total breath of fresh air and I almost couldn't put it down. Almost. The overall tone was also a lot darker, exploring Alex's reawakened need for survival and how delving into past instincts affected his newly formed friendships. The events in this one were important, clearly not meant to be mere filler, but instead changing the direction of the series. It's the best one so far, and I can only hope Jacka will continue on this path.
I very much liked the introduction of Anne and Variam in Taken, as they were less irritating (and stupid) than Luna and offered quite different personalities - Variam could be considered detached, even cold at times, whilst Anne is caring and always strives to do the right thing. Thankfully, they remained members of the inner circle and played their own strong, relevant parts with great characterisation. Whether their relationships are solid enough to withstand anything, well, that has yet to be seen even though it was surely tested. I still think that there's a possibility of a romance between Anne and Alex, which would be interesting indeed. Perhaps Luna and Variam as well? Their obvious dislike could be covering up their attraction, who knows? If it's one thing the series is lacking, it's the romance factor, but of course that's not a bad thing. I'm positive it'll crop up at some point, hell even just sex, because Alex is an adult male that has needs.
The more I find out about Alex, the more I become fond of him. Yes, I still find the sheer expanse of his skills a little ridiculous (he still knows how to do everything, from swordplay to gambling to dancing to martial arts, the list goes on), but he has a lot of depth. He may save the day, be a hero, but he's certainly in the grey area. He'll do anything to stay alive, even kill. In this one he questioned himself and had some self-loathing going on, which definitely made him more believable as a character. My most favourite however, is Rachel. She's insane and lethal, but there's so much more going on with her than meets the eye. The dark shadow that entered her is something I really want to know more about.
The plot was quickly paced, apart from the couple of instances it slowed down to retell scenes from the past, but I nevertheless enjoyed as it told more of the mystery that was Rachel and Shireen. The group of teenagers that turned out to be Alex's most challenging foes were seriously unlikeable. I understood their desire for revenge, and what happened to Will's sister was horrible, but they were egotistical brats and I refuse to even type the name they called themselves, it was just too silly. Caldera though, she was one tough woman and it was nice to see a heavier female amongst the thin and beautiful. I hope she returns.
In conclusion: Definitely the strongest so far, with less predictable plot points, and with that ending, I really want to know what happens next. I'm looking forward to it!
Notable Quote:
I know I come off as arrogant sometimes. When you can see the future it's easy to pretend you know everything, and to other people it probably looks like I do. But being able to see the future doesn't make you any smarter or wiser than anyone else, and it doesn't stop you making stupid mistakes. It lets you know what the problem is and how big the problem is but it doesn't give you the power to do anything about it. When it comes down to it, the reason I act all-knowing isn't because I think I know everything. It's because I know I don't and I'm desperately trying to stop my enemies from figuring that out. And if you keep up an act to fool other people, sometimes you end up fooling yourself as well.
© Red Lace 2015
~ ~
April 22, 2021
Re-Read: April 2021
I'm lucky. Through a combination of loving parents, character, good upbringing and plain luck, I have no regrets. Not because I haven't made any mistakes or haven't had any challenges, but because I can recognize important forks in my road and I make conscious choices. I don't let myself be led or coerced and I never choose based on fear. I did this when I declined to marry my first serious boyfriend (even though my parents loved him and he was a great guy), when I decided not to have children, or when I accepted my husband's decision to stop his cancer treatment without saying a word.
Alex hasn't been so lucky. An unhappy childhood let him to the path of a dark mage, and 10 years later, the consequences of his past actions came barreling down. And no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't find a way forward that wasn't painted in violence.
This was a very introspective book, with Alex examining his life and trying to live with the consequences. When I first read this book, the saddest part for me was the situation with Anne. This time around, it was seeing Rachel making a terrible choice based on fear.
That said, the ending wasn't as sad as I remember. Loved Arachne clear assessment of the situation and knowing that Alex still has some friends left.
Original Review - October 2017 **4.5 stars**
What a sad, sad book. :(
Just when things are going really well for Alex, mistakes of the past come to haunt him. And no matter how hard he tried, there was no way to end his problem without violence. And he tried - really, really hard but at the end, he ended up losing something important to him. It really broke my heart.
I'm lucky. Through a combination of loving parents, character, good upbringing and plain luck, I have no regrets. Not because I haven't made any mistakes or haven't had any challenges, but because I can recognize important forks in my road and I make conscious choices. I don't let myself be led or coerced and I never choose based on fear. I did this when I declined to marry my first serious boyfriend (even though my parents loved him and he was a great guy), when I decided not to have children, or when I accepted my husband's decision to stop his cancer treatment without saying a word.
Alex hasn't been so lucky. An unhappy childhood let him to the path of a dark mage, and 10 years later, the consequences of his past actions came barreling down. And no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't find a way forward that wasn't painted in violence.
This was a very introspective book, with Alex examining his life and trying to live with the consequences. When I first read this book, the saddest part for me was the situation with Anne. This time around, it was seeing Rachel making a terrible choice based on fear.
That said, the ending wasn't as sad as I remember. Loved Arachne clear assessment of the situation and knowing that Alex still has some friends left.
Original Review - October 2017 **4.5 stars**
What a sad, sad book. :(
Just when things are going really well for Alex, mistakes of the past come to haunt him. And no matter how hard he tried, there was no way to end his problem without violence. And he tried - really, really hard but at the end, he ended up losing something important to him. It really broke my heart.
September 11, 2014
This time Alex has to face parts of his past he'd rather not remember as he's hunted by someone who wants vengeance. Bit of a niggle at the very end - not a cliffie, really, but it was a deliberate tease for the next book. I'm not fond of those.
April 8, 2021
I started off not liking it. Well, ok, that's not fair. I thought it was OK. I spent the first almost half of the book saying this is just like the earlier books. Oh look, he's got friends. Oh look, it's a dream to the Everwhere. Oh look he's using one shot items again. Oh look, it's his pal the spider again. It felt really derivative.
But as the story finally got going it delved into Alexs history especially as an apprentice with Richard Drachk, or however it's spelled. It showed the relationships with the other three apprentices and we finally learn the reason for his feelings about Shireen and Rachel. We learn how he broke away and how he stayed free. It also exposed some of the awful things he did as an apprentice for dark lord guy. Alex had to be bad before he learned to be good, or at least goodish. And it shed a lot of light on why he keeps people at arms length and why he struggles to trust his friends.
The plot revolves around one of these events in his history, catching up to him with consequences that he has to take even if he's trying to be a better person now. The consequences of actions always come back eventually. It was clear that the pending conflict as a result of those actions when he was younger were going to result in deaths. Just who it was going to be was up in the air. I like the moves that Alex took to protect his friends, even though he knows there is a good potential of some or all of his friends rejecting him as his dark history was exposed.
The ending of the story sets up further novels. A major dark lord has returned after a long absence and Deleo nee Rachel is part of the events.
All in all, it finished so satisfyingly that I raised it two stars from two to four stars and will pick up the next one at some point.
But as the story finally got going it delved into Alexs history especially as an apprentice with Richard Drachk, or however it's spelled. It showed the relationships with the other three apprentices and we finally learn the reason for his feelings about Shireen and Rachel. We learn how he broke away and how he stayed free. It also exposed some of the awful things he did as an apprentice for dark lord guy. Alex had to be bad before he learned to be good, or at least goodish. And it shed a lot of light on why he keeps people at arms length and why he struggles to trust his friends.
The plot revolves around one of these events in his history, catching up to him with consequences that he has to take even if he's trying to be a better person now. The consequences of actions always come back eventually. It was clear that the pending conflict as a result of those actions when he was younger were going to result in deaths. Just who it was going to be was up in the air. I like the moves that Alex took to protect his friends, even though he knows there is a good potential of some or all of his friends rejecting him as his dark history was exposed.
The ending of the story sets up further novels. A major dark lord has returned after a long absence and Deleo nee Rachel is part of the events.
All in all, it finished so satisfyingly that I raised it two stars from two to four stars and will pick up the next one at some point.
October 23, 2022
The 4th Alex Verus novel. I wasn‘t entirely sure if I still wanted to read this, but it was really good and I am glad I did. Although I only read #3 in May, I was struggling to remember who everybody was during the first few pages.
The tone of this novel is darker still than the previous ones. Alex has to finally deal with his past and the horrible things he was forced to do back then. He has to face someone wanting revenge for his past actions. The good times of the previous book are gone and he might even loose some of his friends, when they finally realize what he is willing to do to survive.
I really enjoyed the final confrontation and I was stunned how forceful Alex became. He is going through some really good developments as the main character of this series. Which I missed in the series he is compared to quite often, the Dresden Files.
There is a big cliffhanger at the end, obviously. Let‘s see when I will get to the next book in the series, I added to my shelf already.
The tone of this novel is darker still than the previous ones. Alex has to finally deal with his past and the horrible things he was forced to do back then. He has to face someone wanting revenge for his past actions. The good times of the previous book are gone and he might even loose some of his friends, when they finally realize what he is willing to do to survive.
I really enjoyed the final confrontation and I was stunned how forceful Alex became. He is going through some really good developments as the main character of this series. Which I missed in the series he is compared to quite often, the Dresden Files.
There is a big cliffhanger at the end, obviously. Let‘s see when I will get to the next book in the series, I added to my shelf already.
July 10, 2017
Be sure to get your hands on the next book, , before you finish this one. It may save you some angst. If I didn't have easy access to the next one, I would have been stomping around angrily and bouncing off the walls to see what's coming up.
Within the first four books, a clear idea Alex Verus has been drawn by his thoughts, actions, feelings and circle of friends, enemies and network. It's a slow unwinding of Alex's careful life. The predictable, safe world he made for himself once he got away from Richard is coming apart at the seams because what he needs now is different from what he needed over a decade ago. He doesn't want to be alone anymore. He wants to enjoy living life by sharing it with a select handful. It feels good for him to be a part of the action. But caring about others and wanting to do more leaves Alex open to unpredictable loss. As a diviner, Alex is more in control than not. To accept loss of control is hard. It's even harder to leave the safety of the life he had carefully created for one full of unknown.
A simple game night with friends is the start of the hunt. Alex is the latest target of the Nightstalkers, a group of renegade Adepts set to destroy dark mages. It's a fearful, action packed ride running about London. Lives are at stake, the answers are deep in a long buried past and there are no clean solutions.
Just when I thought things were settling into a new stage for Alex, it all gets tossed up into a mess. Alex is really good at running. This time, he had to stop and face the worst of himself or lose what values now.
I love how story elements are connected in this series. That nothing is clearly good or evil. You can hope for the best and end up with something nowhere near what you thought it would be. I like Alex because he is flawed, passionate and he sees the world in a manner that accepts the unusual as normal.
Within the first four books, a clear idea Alex Verus has been drawn by his thoughts, actions, feelings and circle of friends, enemies and network. It's a slow unwinding of Alex's careful life. The predictable, safe world he made for himself once he got away from Richard is coming apart at the seams because what he needs now is different from what he needed over a decade ago. He doesn't want to be alone anymore. He wants to enjoy living life by sharing it with a select handful. It feels good for him to be a part of the action. But caring about others and wanting to do more leaves Alex open to unpredictable loss. As a diviner, Alex is more in control than not. To accept loss of control is hard. It's even harder to leave the safety of the life he had carefully created for one full of unknown.
A simple game night with friends is the start of the hunt. Alex is the latest target of the Nightstalkers, a group of renegade Adepts set to destroy dark mages. It's a fearful, action packed ride running about London. Lives are at stake, the answers are deep in a long buried past and there are no clean solutions.
Just when I thought things were settling into a new stage for Alex, it all gets tossed up into a mess. Alex is really good at running. This time, he had to stop and face the worst of himself or lose what values now.
I love how story elements are connected in this series. That nothing is clearly good or evil. You can hope for the best and end up with something nowhere near what you thought it would be. I like Alex because he is flawed, passionate and he sees the world in a manner that accepts the unusual as normal.
March 10, 2023
Мисля че от тук серията ще върви само нагоре. Определено виждаме кой ще е главния антагонист и накъде се е запътил Верус.
Всичко в живота на Алекс Версус като че ли се нарежда както трябва. Няма търкания със Съвета, обучението на Луна върви както трябва, а приятелството му с Ана, Вариам и Сондер прави живота му почти нормален.
Тогава миналото му се надига. Група адепти търсят отмъщение, за нещо което е направил като чирак преди десет години и не са съгласни на разговор. Алекс ще направи всичко възможно да се разбере с тях, без да се налага да ги убива. Това ще го накара да се спусне надълбоко в болезненото си минало, а скелетите от гардероба може да накарат приятелите му да се отдръпнат от него. Алекс ще трябва да вземе тежко решение.
Серията започва да става вкусно мрачна, усещам как нашето момче се забива в спирала надолу към корените си на черен маг и моралните последствия та това ще му тежат, ако не го и пречупят. Май подобно на Досиетата Дрезден, нещата стават обещаващи чак след 5-6 книги.
Все още има доста трески за дялане и писателско майсторство за усъвършенстване, но Джака крачи доволно бързо в правилната посока.
Всичко в живота на Алекс Версус като че ли се нарежда както трябва. Няма търкания със Съвета, обучението на Луна върви както трябва, а приятелството му с Ана, Вариам и Сондер прави живота му почти нормален.
Тогава миналото му се надига. Група адепти търсят отмъщение, за нещо което е направил като чирак преди десет години и не са съгласни на разговор. Алекс ще направи всичко възможно да се разбере с тях, без да се налага да ги убива. Това ще го накара да се спусне надълбоко в болезненото си минало, а скелетите от гардероба може да накарат приятелите му да се отдръпнат от него. Алекс ще трябва да вземе тежко решение.
Серията започва да става вкусно мрачна, усещам как нашето момче се забива в спирала надолу към корените си на черен маг и моралните последствия та това ще му тежат, ако не го и пречупят. Май подобно на Досиетата Дрезден, нещата стават обещаващи чак след 5-6 книги.
Все още има доста трески за дялане и писателско майсторство за усъвършенстване, но Джака крачи доволно бързо в правилната посока.
February 3, 2017
The great thing about Chosen is that you could believe Jim Butcher wrote this after hitting his head and waking up thinking he was British.
The bad thing about Chosen is that you could believe Jim Butcher wrote this after hitting his head and waking up thinking he was British.
Its a fun engaging story with fun engaging characters but the numerous similarities get to me and detract from my entertainment. I wish there was a 3.5 rating here as that'd be the ideal one.
The bad thing about Chosen is that you could believe Jim Butcher wrote this after hitting his head and waking up thinking he was British.
Its a fun engaging story with fun engaging characters but the numerous similarities get to me and detract from my entertainment. I wish there was a 3.5 rating here as that'd be the ideal one.
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