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.

Great storyline and Narration

I very much enjoyed this audiobook. The narrator does a remarkable good job of bringing the story and characters to life.

Original story, great performance!

The first thing I'm going to do after submitting this review, is download the sequel. Yeah, it was just that good. Can't wait to hear more!

A Pleasant Surprise in Both Story & Narration

What made the experience of listening to Hard Magic the most enjoyable?

The narrator was a great choice for this book. For me, the right narrator can make a mediocre book or ruin a good audio book. The synopsis of the story interested me and the price got me to buy it. The narrator kept me listening and the story line has now looking forward to the next in the series.

What other book might you compare Hard Magic to and why?

The universe of Hard Magic stands on its own, not directly comparable to any other series. I think that Dresden Files fans would like Hard Magic. The modern, fantasy noire backdrop, like Dresden Files, is what drew my interest.

Which character – as performed by Bronson Pinchot – was your favorite?

Bronson did a commendable job of differentiating the voices of the various main characters. I especially enjoyed both Faye and Jake.

Any additional comments?

At first, Bronson's narration, being different than what I expected, took me aback. Once I gave it a chapter it not only felt right, but the perfect narrator for this story. While I've picked up a number of audio books that I won't be picking up the second in the series of, I highly recommend Hard Magic and will be continuing to read this series.

excellent writing made even better

Bronson Pinchot does an amazing performance reading Correia's superb story. The characters all exploded to life in what is the most harebrained, swashbuckling, and all out entertaining adventure I've read in a long time. I laughed, I cried, and I'm ready for more.

Correia is a genius.

Larry Correia is my favorite author when I just want to chill out and listen to a great story. He keeps his stories engaging and the characters he creates always have depth and you root for them. His stuff is just fun!

grew on me

Started out kinda like Phillip Marlow on magic. A bizarre world, creative history rewrites, most interesting imperfect characters who all think they are working for the long term greater good but are at serious odds with each other in small and large ways. Think I will give book 2 a try though I could leave it alone at the end of this one.

Started slow ended good

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

It's in the upper half.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Fay. At first I didn't like her but she really grows on you.

Which character – as performed by Bronson Pinchot – was your favorite?

He was great as the main character

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Some laughing

Great story, and superb narration!

This is my first reading of a Larry Correia book, so I did not know what to expect. He is a good writer! It didn't take long for the story catch my attention. However I must say that had the narration been performed by a less gifted reader, I might not have taken a liking to it quite as quickly. Bronson Pinchot is very talented and added a great deal of enjoyment to the story. I will definitely be pursuing other books by this author and narrator.

Coming to a Theater Near You!!!

What did you love best about Hard Magic?

I really enjoyed the little differences and explanations concerning various historical events and quotes in this alternate reality.

Which character – as performed by Bronson Pinchot – was your favorite?

Bronson Pinchot's performance was excellent! His portrayal of each character was distinctive. I couldn't possibly choose just one favorite!

Any additional comments?

This book needs to be on film! It's destined to become a big budget blockbuster!

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen sort of.

What made the experience of listening to Hard Magic the most enjoyable?

The characters are easy to take a liking to!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hard Magic?

Most of Faye's experiences.

What about Bronson Pinchot’s performance did you like?

I like readers who can create and keep up with a variety of voices. He is one of the best.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It kept me moving the whole way through.

Any additional comments?

I did not think I was going to like this particular genre but now I am a fan.