Dark Waters

Elemental, Book 1

Devon Sanders, a private investigator known for his efficiency and discretion, has no interest in getting involved with the paranormal community. Unfortunately for him, the paranormal community does have an interest in him, or at least in his secret. Devon is exceptional in solving cases using his uncanny intuition.

When Devon uncovers a violent murder, he knows it is not a natural crime. In order to solve this case and expose the murderer, he will have to go undercover as a wizard in the paranormal university, Quintessence. He soon discovers that his talent has more to do with supernatural forces than he ever knew.

Magic is elemental.

©2015 Rain Oxford (P)2015 Rain Oxford

Can We Handle Another Magic University?

After reading everything Jim Butcher wrote (especially the Dresden series) and all the contemporary magical school fantasies out there (including Lev Grossman's "The Magicians: A Novel" on Audible--I gave it 4 stars), the last thing I thought I needed was another novel about a misfit PI discovering his magical talents.

"Dark Waters" was a very pleasant surprise! Todd Menesses' deep, sardonic narration gave the work a twist that made the Audible version better than the printed word. The most ordinary statements echoed with subterranean meaning.

The detective plot was a clever framework for all the interesting character development. PI Devon Sanders discovers in his early 30's that he is actually capable of magic...that his best friend in childhood was actually an abused child vampire...and that there is an entire reality he never knew which will reshape his identity, definitions of loyalty and friendship, and make him more powerful than he ever wanted to be. Sharing his growing awareness chapter by chapter is an oddly compelling experience, even once you guess where the plot is heading. I particularly enjoyed Devon's continual questioning of the morality of magic--when is it not abusive to use power over others?

The second book in the series, "Hungry Earth," is not as tightly focused or surprising as "Dark Waters," but I was curious about the characters so read it anyways. I believe the two novels would have been outstanding as a single work extending "Dark Waters" instead of going for the endless serialization of everything. That said, I truly enjoyed my time with Devon and his new friends--well worth a credit.

great book, excellent story

really like the book. took me a few chapters to get used to narrator voice /Todd Menesses/, deep voice and overly dramatic, but guy is brilliant doing at least 5 different voices through the book. Very interesting story. very happy with the purchase.

OMG - Control the Narrator

Let me start this off saying that I thought the book was great. Imagine Harry Potter has a mash-up with the Dresden Files.

I have to admit along with others that the narrator was equally good, but for whatever reason spoke for the main character like a cheesy tool. For him, he was using some kind of voice that combined Castiel from Supernatural, an old-time Private-Eye and the guy who does the action trailer commercials.."In a world..." It was almost enough to stop continuing on with the story. But, the other numerous voices were great, which left me going WTF?

Anyhow, the story was a great pace, great world building and the only downside was getting a little lost in the characters. I think there were close to a dozen that kept rotating a little too quickly. Still, I'll pick up the next copy, just not sure if I'm ready for the audio...

Great story but

I enjoyed the story immensely but the narrator is off putting. His voice for the protagonist was over the top and weird. The plot was great so I was able to overcome the narration. Looking forward to second book

Loved the story line and characters; narrator was dreadful

It was painful to finish the book due specifically to the over-acting of the narrator. I normally would not have chosen a Harry Potter type of story but the reviews we very positive, I thought I'd give it a try. I will remember the narrator's name and try to avoid him.