Demon Moon

Prof Croft, Book 1

By: Brad Magnarella

Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Everson Croft here, professor of mythology and behind-the-scenes wizard.

Show me an amateur conjurer, and I'll stop him before he gets himself killed.

That's the idea, anyway. But New York City isn't what it used to be, and I don't mean the recent crash.

Amateur casters are calling up creatures they shouldn't be able to. And there's been a murder at the city's most hallowed cathedral, a message in blood on the victim's back the NYPD wants me to interpret, like yesterday.

Something tells me I'm in over my head. And that's not just Chinatown's newest mob boss, a scary-powerful vampire, or my possessed cat talking.

No matter how much magic I hurl, worse keeps chasing bad, and I'm amassing enemies like they're aluminum cans.

Did I mention the end of the world might be nigh?

Damn. Maybe I'm the amateur here.

©2016 Brad Magnarella (P)2016 Brad Magnarella

Awesome book!

I really enjoyed it, a great supplement for the Dresden files. Fast phased and engaging. James Patrick Cronin does an exceptional job.

Fast Paced Magical Thrill Ride

Demon Moon is fast paced and filled with magic. Everson Croft is just trying to do the right thing with all the odds stacked aginst him. This is a basic Good vs Evil tale told with great world building and character development. James Patrick Cronin did a great narration with easy to understand and distinguishable characters. I look forward to more in this series, from this Author & Narrator.

An entertaining story

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Every reader / listener is different, but I personally would like more time spent giving a bit of background information about the setting and the characters.

I found myself wondering what exactly the nature of "The Crash" was as this was never really explained despite how much it was referenced, only what the current effects of it are. When and how did it happen? I would also like to know more in general about how the Magic of this world works. Croft utilizes a mental casting prism to channel his magic, but beyond the mention that it's something he has to focus to create, we know nothing about it.

I also find myself questioning what kind of people any of the characters we have been introduced are like. Everson Croft is a wise-ass wizard but beyond this archetype and how strong his moral compass is, we know very little about him.

As the title stands I feel we are given a story without any real dimension added.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I think the least interesting aspect of the story was explained in the previous bit.

The most interesting aspect of the story is, funny enough, the setting as well. Despite the lack of depth I still find myself intrigued by what the world has to offer. There's plenty that has been introduced via reference or mention that can be further expanded upon, especially considering how different branches of magic are touched upon. I want to know more about these things.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I feel that the performance was even and very well paced, if a little slow at certain parts due to how the narrator chose to deliver the lines of particular characters. His voice was clear and easy to understand.

What I disliked however was a particular lack of impact. I feel that the even pace of the narration ended up causing areas in the story in which conflict is occurring to suffer as there was a sort of lack of tension to the situation, as though despite the drama being delivered in the words, the narration didn't have the energy to match it. This was particularly distracting to me personally in any battle scene in which Croft uttered a spell. The casting word was always delivered in something of a monotone voice despite Croft running around or trying to ignore personal injury.

Was Demon Moon worth the listening time?

I feel that Demon moon was worth the listening time. I had the audiobook loaded into my phone and enjoyed it over the course of a few long walks.

Deamon moon

If you like The Dresden Files, give this fun witty and sarcastic character a try.

Fantastic!!

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

Yes, loved the story and the narrator was excellent.

Any additional comments?

Loved the story and characters! I received a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

One of my favorite

I love this book it one of my favorite. My only issue is how short it is . Can't wait for book two on audible. Keep up the good work

Dresdenesque

Any additional comments?

Fresh take on a popular genre. Main character is young, snarky and kind of left out on his own. Story line brings together likable and interesting characters. Does this story borrow from Dresden..... most certainly. However, the author has a fresh take on the characters. The narrator is a little disjointed at times, but overall does really well with all the different characters. Overall this was a great 1st book in a series. I know I will be getting the next one as soon as it's narrated.

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

Narrator lack luster

I enjoyed this book, but I found myself so annoyed with the lack luster performance! If you're reading that someone screamed something, scream it! If they whispered something, whisper it! Don't just monotone it all the way through. It was so unpleasant, I think I will just pysically read the next book as my imagination may do a better job.

Magic in New York

Fantastic Urban fantasy in the background of one of world's best known cities. Recommend for fans of Dresden Files and MHI

Great start to a series

Any additional comments?

Great start to a series. This is the first book by Brad Magnarella that I have read. I have been missing out.

Very entertaining, engaging and enjoyable story. It's one of those stories that pulls you right in, but at the same time it builds slowly while keeping your full attention and as soon as it's over you want the next book.

Great cast of interesting and enjoyable characters. Professor Croft was a great character. Many times the MC is unlikable or is just flat. That kills a story fast. That is not the case here. Creatures of all kinds including vampires, ghouls, wizards, demons, demon hunters and more.

Reminded me in some ways of the Quincy Harker/Dresden books. That's not a bad thing. Yes, there are similarities that can be made to several other series, but then again you can say that about just about any book out there. It's more in the way that the main character interacts with people, his sense of humor and his ability to get himself into situations.

Some people are just magnets for trouble no matter what. This is the case for Professor Croft. The situations he gets into by trying to protect the city he lives in from demons just makes for a fun and very entertaining story.

This is a series I will definitely be continuing with, really looking forward to the next installment. Curious to know where the author takes the story from here.

James Patrick Cronin di a fantastic job with the narration. Nice voice. Easy to listen to for long periods of time. Perfect for narrating audiobooks. Clearly spoken with a smooth even pace. Great character voices, all of them. The characters & story came to life through his narration. Great delivery of the humor and sarcasm. Very enjoyable.

I was given this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.