A Judgement of Powers

By: Benedict Jacka

Narrated by: Will Watt

In a world where magic is controlled by wealthy families and vast corporations, one young man will need all the help he can get in this riveting contemporary fantasy from the author of the Alex Verus novels.

Stephen Oakwood’s ambitions used to be simple. Pay his bills, track down his father, and take care of his cat. Maybe study a little magic after work, if he had time.

Now it’s a year later and he’s got everything he wanted. But it’s come with a price.

The Winged, a mysterious group involved with his father, have noticed Stephen, and they want him to join them or else. His career as a corporate locator has hit a dead end. And his new job as bodyguard to Calhoun Ashford is proving a lot more lethal than expected due to assassination attempts from outside the House, and possibly also from within.

To survive, Stephen’s going to need allies of his own. And along the way, he’s going to have to figure out the secret of his own gift, and what it means. The cults, Houses, and corporations of the magical world are locked in an endless battle for dominance, and Stephen is beginning to realize that he’s going to have to pick a side . . . before someone else picks it for him.


* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF containing the letter and glossary from the book.

Critic reviews

"Jacka’s signature mix of grounded daily life with a thoroughly explored magic system makes it easy to suspend disbelief. This keeps the series going strong."—Publishers Weekly

More Praise for Benedict Jacka and the Inheritance of Magic series
"One of the most satisfying contemporary fantasies I have read in a long time. . . . an enchanting journey into a world where sorcery may be for sale, but agency is beyond price."—Wall Street Journal

"I just added Benedict Jacka to my must-read list."—#1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher

“The new magic system introduced in this series . . . continues to fascinate, and the stories will remind readers of classic urban fantasies (such as the “Dresden Files” series from Jim Butcher), as Stephen’s world gets more dangerous and he powers through each setback by learning bigger and better magic and paying a higher price each and every time.”—Library Journal

"Benedict Jacka gives us a flawed protagonist but ensures we are always on his side. . . . Benedict Jacka is one of my must-reads."—#1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris

"A world of magic usually known only to the rich and powerful is put to the test in the page-turning urban fantasy that launches an intriguing new series. . . . There's lots of promise to this eat-the-rich world. Readers will be eager to see where things go next."—Publishers Weekly

"This is quickly becoming one of my favorite new series, especially in the urban fantasy genre. If you want to explore a new magic system in a world filled with political intrigue, then you should check out this series."—Game Vortex

"Jacka has drawn a potent new world of magic controlled by a privileged few, and Stephen Oakwood is the sigl-wielding rebel we didn’t know we needed."—New York Times bestselling author Chloe Neill

"A captivating, compelling story."—SFX Magazine

Engaging characters and story

The story is interesting and unique.. Performance captivating
Well developed and engaging fleshed out characters.
A different take on magic.
Really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book.

Enjoying the series

I've enjoyed the series very much, really like the author's way of writing. story is getting better as series continues

High tension and superb storytelling

Oncr I started, I couldn't stop listening. The characters are fully realized and the world bulding is effortless.

Huge problem with this series and the author

He writes too damn slow! Both this and his earlier series (Alex Verus) are fantastic but Jacka takes forever to get the books out. I read and listen to a ridiculous amount of science fiction/ fantasy, Jacka"s writing and stories are some of my very favorite. Watt's excellent narration are the perfect fit-cherry on top. I find myself trying to keep from finishing the books and inevitably failing. So Benedict, answer me this, do you like money ? Well stop slacking so we can throw more of it at you.

Enjoyed the series

I really enjoy Benedict Jacka's writing. I also enjoy Will Watts narration. Anxiously awaiting next book