The Naming of the Beasts

I had bought this book in paperback a couple of years ago but never read it even though I enjoyed listening to the prior books in the series. I did loan it out to a couple of friends who just couldn't wait. I was holding out for audible to pick up this and the previous volume. Frankly, when I begin a story in audible format I hate to change in the middle. I also have to compliment the audio publisher for coming up with a narrator, Damian Lynch, who sounds very much like the narrator of the first three.

The first three were published in audiobook form by Tantor, the last two by Audible,ltd, which I suspect has something to do with Audible.co.UK. Whoever is responsible, thank you for making all of these books available. Please do not read these books out of order. I don't often say this, but this is one series where each book is (mostly) complete it itself but contributes to a story arc.

Fans will know that Felix Castor is an exorcist in an England where the dead, undead, and never born consort with the living. His job at the beginning was to get rid of ghosts that inconvenienced the living. He also worked as a party clown for children's birthday parties which lead to his first adventure-- The Devil You Know. He is a darkly comic character who develops through the series as more is revealed about the characters and the world he lives in.

I really hope that there are going to be future books. There are enough hooks for another story arc.

Recommended

Felix is witty, sarcastic with a soft streak at least sometimes. I really enjoyed the series. I hope Mike Carey writes another book. The characters are well developed and unusual. The reader is good once you get used to him. Im not a big fan of English readers so if you like them you'll love the reader.

The final tale in the Castor series is probably the most well-written, in my opinion. No characters are left out, and the characters' personalities are done great justice. The climax of the novel is painted in the reader's mind fantastically.

I was not disappointed one bit. I do wish that publishers could somehow manage to keep the same readers for their novels from book one to the end, but I guess that is just a sacrifice that had to be made.

A great wrap up.

Great story...crackling characters...delightful plotting.

This is the best entry in a wonderful series. Castor is sharper, faster and more fun than in any other book in the whole series. You won't be disappointed.

Perfect narration, outstanding plot.

So...where's Number Six, HUH?

I love the little world created by Mike Carey in just five novels. His keen, sarcastic sense of humor kept me coming back for each installment. I'm just sorry it's over!

I have to say that I prefer the reader of the first book. I think it may be solely because I'm American and Lynch's rapid-fire delivery of Brit-isms with his accent lost me a few times! Overall, he has a "fun" and quirky style that does seem to match the personality of the character. No real complaints other than my personal preference.