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.

Larry Delivers!

The voices were not what I initially expected, but they grew on me steadily. By the end, I was hooked on both the book and the narration. It was an entertaining ride!

Pure Magic! (But Not a Private Eye Novel)

Any additional comments?

I didn't really enjoy the 1st hour of the book. It was ok, but my mind wandered. I stayed with it & am so glad I did. It soon turned into one of my favorites!

The cover & description made me think this would be a very different type of book...a private eye novel. It wasn't. And frankly, I think the publisher's description does a disservice to what is a fantastic novel which combines:

urban fantasy
+
science fiction
+
alt/historical fiction
+
a dash of steampunk & adventure

The story is wonderful & pure magic. Bronson Pinchot is delightful. Forget the idea of this being a private eye novel, get through the first hour & you'll end up loving this audiobook as much as I did!

great story

at first i thought that it's a dresden rippoff, but it stands on it's own

Better than the title and the cover art

Any additional comments?

It took a LONG time for me to delve into this one, but once I started it was wonderful. The story has no relation to the cover art.

Great alternate universe read

Written in the era of the 40's it's a normal gum shoe story with a twist. Not all is as it seems. Very very good

Interesting & action-packed

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

The variety of voices from the narrator. I really like when everyone sounds distinct and I can tell who is talking immediately. Love the voices for Sullivan and Heinrich, Faye (sp?) gets a bit on my nerves but it works.

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

I liked getting to know the backstory for all the characters. I think Heinrich's affected me the most.

Which scene was your favorite?

the final showdown with the chairman on the airship.

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

no, but I did think about it a lot. There were several humorous and upsetting parts in the story, but it was more akin to watching a good action film.

Any additional comments?

I wasn't sure about this story initially since I thought it sounded more like it was "guy" book and I'm not usually into history, but the magic and characters were very interesting and i actually liked the alternate history. I guess the only "guy" thing that bored me a little was all the gun descriptions since it meant nothing to me, but I am sure gun enthusiasts everywhere loved it and I did appreciate the expertise of the character that made all these weapons. I think the character development was exceptionally good so I am really invested in the story. I can't stop thinking about the characters and I want to know more. I immediately purchased the second book in the series and now I am frustrated because the 3rd isn't out yet. There were a few violent parts and since I can't stand to watch that kind of stuff so if this were a movie I would have "covered" my eyes for several scenes, but for the most part the violence was necessary and fit well with the story. This is a book I would definitely recommend listening to, rather than read, because it is so action-packed and the narration is so good. Second book was great as well, I really hope the third comes out soon! I especially want to know what is going on with Faye.

My New Favorite

This is the first book I've read by Mr. Corrie's and I'm so glad and excited I did! The world Hard Magic takes place in is a very curious alternate history. Since I don't want to put out too many spoilers, I will only say Hitler was killed early on in this timeline and magic lives in the world again.

Mr. Corrie's has created a wonderful array of characters you can love and enjoy disliking!

There is action. There is romance.

Magic came back because of an alien something that's afraid of something else.

I could not wait hardly for quiet time to arrive so I could put on my headphones and listen. It is truly a wonderfully addition to relaxation.

Out of five stars I give Hard Magic a 10!

Just what I needed

A fast paced thrill ride. A popcorn movie in a book, expertly narrated, too much fun to put down. Picked up the next in the series before this was half over. Can't wait to hear what's next

Spellbinding narration

Mr Pinchot's multifaceted performance had me doubting he was the only narrator. Very well done.

good read

I really enjoyed this book. it's got a nice balance of intensity and humor. you can tell the author really likes guns