Chosen

Alex Verus, Book 4

By: Benedict Jacka

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

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...

©2013 Benedict Jacka (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Jacka puts other urban fantasists to shame with the fourth Alex Verus novel, a stellar blend of thoughtful philosophy and explosive action populated by a stereotype-defying diverse cast." ---Publishers Weekly Starred Review

a tale of a true hero with his back to the wall.

loved it as a whole, the signs of a budding relationship with Alex and Ann makes the story very sweet. But when Alex has to face an enemy he doesn't want to fight his values are pushed to the limits. a tale of a no won situation and how Alex must adapt to meet the challenge.

another great book.

The narrorator for these books is amazing. this is a great series and a good holdover until the next Dresden files comes out.

Ever wondered what happened to the Death Eaters?

Benedict Jacka's magical world shows the dark side of a world where magic exists. Love the whole series, this is my second time thru. I bet you'll love it!

Loved it!

Great story hard to put it down ended way too soon. I was never bored.

exciting

I loves it kept rewinding to make sure I hadn't missed a word! great read!

Not authors best but still good

Narration: perfect. Accent interesting. Pace fast enough not to drag but fast enough to maintain interest.

Plot: predictable but done well.

Content: philosophical conclusions provocative, profound. Why fiction often as instructive as nonfiction.

Good Story, Kept Me On The Edge Of My Seat

The author had done a good job with the story line, and though having some consistency issues, you are always cheering on the hero.

Alex Veras never disapoints!

Chosen is my favorite book of the series so far! Mr. Jacka's characters continue to develop and make me want to find out what happens next. Fun urban fantasy series that I can't stop listening to, even if I should be doing something else!!

Finally, some meat to the backstory!

I really enjoyed this one. I like all the others that I’ve read so far (I am about three books beyond this one in the series), but I still think this one might be my favorite.
For one big thing, we get a lot of background to what happened with Rachel and all of Richards apprentices, and Richard himself for that matter, which is detail that I have been eagerly waiting for.
One thing I like least about this one, is Anne’s change in reaction to Alex. Her whole attitude here is very annoying, although I understand it from a character point of view. I like the relationship between her and Alex, I think they’re doing a slow burn attraction thing, and the way this one ends that looks to be over.
Luna is more of a bit player this episode, but she is finally acting her age and getting a bit of a backbone. And her decisions are less stupid than they usually are. For a character that I have strongly dislike or hated since the beginning of the series, I must admit a certain grudging appreciation for her this time.

Excellent addition to wonderful series

Like Harry Dresden? You likely enjoy Alex Verus. It's not exactly the same, different characters of course, and a decidedly English tonality and dry humor in the writing/narration. But that's a good thing, in that I really never like blatant imitations. I look forward to listening to the characters introduced so far develop while facing new challenges, and to meeting whatever new characters inevitably get introduced. That is one other way that this is similar to Dresden, as I always look forward to the same things I his stories. I'm very happy to have discovered this writer and series.