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 action series

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

Plenty of inventive fights

What did you like best about this story?

Each characters "magic" and the techniques they employ it in fight scenarios.

Any additional comments?

If you tried Monster Hunters International and found the action good but the storey a bit weak you might find this much more entertaining as well as more interesting characters.

Surprisingly Amazing!

I bought this book on sale and wow am I glad I took a chance on it. This book is so different and interesting. I love the character development and the twists in historical events while still taking place in its own world. This writer/reader combo has fast become one of my favorites ever, I can't wait to listen to the next book!

Excellent blend of noir and fantasy

The world in this book is fantastic, and the story is superbly paced. Every chapter drives the story forward.

The narrator does an excellent job of giving distinct voices.

Absolutely brilliant!

Would you listen to Hard Magic again? Why?

I would absolutely listen to Hard Magic again. In fact, I'm getting the next book - just got online to see if there was one, and so happy that that's the case!!! The storyline is a fantastic alternate history, colorfully woven and (to me) utterley believable. And Bronson Pinchot vocally creates such depth, with amazing voice characterizations and inflection. Best audiobook performance I've ever heard.

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

I can't say - too many, and I'd give plot points away!!!

What does Bronson Pinchot bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This story wouldn't be the same without him. He is amazing with his craft - each and every character has their own voice, own manner of speaking, so much so that it's hard to believe it's only one actor reading. It's flawless. I just love Faye and Sullivan... and when I looked closely at the cover art (which I rarely give a second thought), I realized that the charaters were imaged exactly as I had imagined them based on Pinchot's voice characterization. Wow.

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

I cried a couple times. And laughed. And wondered, and sighed, and cheered..

Amazing Read

What did you love best about Hard Magic?

The various abilities placed into the alternative 1930's setting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love the main character, Jake Sullivan.

What about Bronson Pinchot’s performance did you like?

The way Bronson Pinchot voices him, he sounds like a mean Sheriff Andy Taylor.

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

Can't spoil it.

Any additional comments?

Buy it, you will not be disappointed.

An excellent story

The story was great. I only had a few moments of confusion, as the characters made bad decisions. This could be attributed to stress within the story and/or character flaws.

Average super hero plot. Great fight scenes.

What did you love best about Hard Magic?

The descriptions in all of the fight scenes were easily the best part of the book. The author describes the utter chaos of fights involving multiple powers with great skill. Abstract concepts like gravity manipulation or a duel involving teleportation seem well thought out.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Ending fight scenes were great and because of an interesting twist the story's conclusion has a bittersweet vibe to it.

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

Heinrick's accent was well done and Jake's slow drawl seems to fit the character's attitude very well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Things are about to get heavy.

Any additional comments?

It's a fun book...but aside from a 1920s setting and involving fight sequences, the plot is very simplistic when all is said and done. A team of misfit superheroes fight a supervillain and his evil henchmen to save the world.

A delight!

Really loved the voice acting, each character felt so distinct and were brought to life!

Amazing!

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

I selected this book because it sounded interesting, and I also really do enjoy Bronson Pinchot as a narrator. The story has a great pace and pulls you in.

What about Bronson Pinchot’s performance did you like?

Absolutely everything.

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

Yes and no. I Didn't want it to end, so I spread it out over several days. But it was very hard to put down.

Any additional comments?

If you are at all intrigued by the description, you should listen to this book.

Do yourself a favor and listen to this series

Honestly, I looked at this book multiple times before actually purchasing it because I was always put off by the title, cover and summary. Don't be.
The Grimnoir Chronicles are amazing. Best books I have ever read/listened to in a long time. The story is amazing and really doesn't have any loose ends, the magic system is really interesting and all three books are really funny. Bronson Pinchot also does a great job with the narration and all the different American accents (as far I my limited expertise can allow me to tell) so much so, that I got a lot more out of listening to the story than reading it. All three books in the series are highly recommended.