Hard Magic

Book I of the Grimnoir Chronicles

By: Larry Correia

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award, Paranormal, 2012

Jake Sullivan is a licensed private eye with a seriously hardboiled attitude. He also possesses raw magical talent and the ability to make objects in his vicinity light as a feather or as heavy as depleted uranium, all with a magical thought. It's no wonder the G-men turn to Jake when they need someone to go after a suspected killer who has been knocking off banks in a magic-enhanced crime spree.

Problems arise when Jake discovers the bad girl behind the robberies is an old friend, and he happens to know her magic is just as powerful as his. And the Feds have plunged Jake into a secret battle between powerful cartels of magic-users - a cartel whose ruthless leaders have decided that Jake is far too dangerous to live.

©2011 Larry Correia (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Super cool, super different!

If you like over the top action, powers, cool carecters, meaningfull story then this book is for you!

If you dislike things like xmen, fantasy or unnatural things... Keep away...

The Larry Correia I was waiting for

I liked the Monster Hunter International series a lot, but felt that Larry Correia could do better. In this book, he proved me right! Yes, he still had to employ "the end of the world" scenario in this book, but that wasn't until near the end, so it wasn't nearly as overdone as every time he did it in the MHI books. Also, the story and characters are much more refined and not as stereotypical, well done!

This book is inventive, a great mix of old/new almost like a fantasy steam punk vibe. It has a great cast of characters with plenty of strong female leads and some sweet casting surprises. As usual, the pacing in the book is excellent and is hard to put down. And finally, the book is topped off by superb narration!

He killed off enough characters to keep it interesting, but not so many as to ruin the story. (That's one of the many things most writers could learn from George R.R. Martin, he's not afraid to kill off his main characters. But, that "not knowing" if your main characters are going to survive the scene, really gives you a reason to keep reading. I dislike reading books about epic battles and fighting where none of the main characters ever take one in the chest.)

I think this is the best book Larry Correia has ever published and I can't wait to start reading the next book in the series that was just released on audio!!

Totally unique

This is an alternate history centered around a magical world. The Grimnoir Society battles the evil of the Imperiam set in the 1920's. The good and bad guys have their on unique magical talents they use to fight it out. The characters are refreshing and they grow on you, as Bronson Pinchot does an excellent job of adding special personality to each.

Excellent

What about Bronson Pinchot’s performance did you like?

His pacing and voice work was perfect for this story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but unfortunately that would take too long. As it is, I found myself listening at lunch, on my drives to and from work, when the kids went to bed...really any time I could.

Any additional comments?

This is a great story with outstanding narration. I liked it so much I bought the other two books before I was 1/3 of the way through this one.

Surprised

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I was not a fan of Larry Correia's Monster Hunter books. Hard Magic was much better in my opinion. After listening to it, I purshased Spell Bound which I also enjoyed very much. If you liked the Monster Hunter books, you'll probably like both of these. If you didn't, you might still like them.

What about Bronson Pinchot’s performance did you like?

I think Bronson Pinchot has improved very much as a narrator. His characters were a bit over the top, but that somehow made sense in the context of the story.

awesome read!

Great oration; the speaker uses several voices and dialects and it really helps keep track of the characters and their varying personalities. this is not some cheap Dresden knock off at all (even though the premise is slightly similar). Really cool magic system that evokes an almost X-Men-esque storyline of "actives" vs "no actives". highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great adventure, well written characters, and magic! Did I mention the accurate descriptions and use of pre WWII firearms!?

Awesome - This book made me laugh and cry

Any additional comments?

I am a big fan of Larry Corriea after reading the Monster Hunter International books and I thought that this book would be similar enough to calm my addition while I wait for the new MHI book. I was so wrong.Yes, his sense of humor, love of guns, magic and magical creatures are very much present in this book but the story it's self could not be more different. It took me a little while to get into the book because of the differences but it was worth the effort.It is your basic good-v-evil story with a magical twist and Larry Corriea makes it fun. I enjoyed his take on the world and historical events altered by magic and his characters are, as always brilliant.The book made me laugh and cry and I now have a new addition, curse you Larry Corria :-)I'm off to get the next book

surprised to find a new series to love

Any additional comments?

I listen to the monster hunter series and liked it alot but put this series off due to the 40s setting. But it was recommended by audible enough i thought ill try it. This was an awesome book. I have a new series to follow. If i was surprised by the book though the reader blew me away. Bronson pinchot has to be one of the best readers i have ever listened too. He has so many voices to use and all of them are amazingly believable. Very happy with.my purchase.

Big Suprise!!!!

Where does Hard Magic rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Hard to say. I am a Outlander fan. Davina Porter is the Queen. Also Roy Dotrice. But this ranks in same sphere for me.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Faye Veira, and Jake Sullivan.

Any additional comments?

This book was a wonderful suprise. I am not a fan of Steampunk. Bought this with a Daily Deal. So Glad I Did!!!!!! Balki shot this out of the park. Glad I took a chance with book.

As good as Dresden ... maybe

I would've said as good as Dresden and the world itself and magic system is brilliant. It's just the narrator for me. He's got a great voice but some of his character voice choices are a bit odd and his inflection is not great at times.