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.

Writing & Narration *****

The best novels are those where the narrator and author come together and give you a story worth your time to listen. This is one of them!

Prof Croft is a Wizard and Professor whose two jobs keep him busy with the latter suffering for the late nights and demon chasing. He is under orders from The Order (no pun intended) to pursue and check out any hints of Dark Magic being used. He also has a hope of love with his fellow Prof Caroline, although this is a minor side to the story it plays out perfectly with all the rest.

He really fights evil on his own until he begins to see patterns and increases in the dark magic calls he has to take care of. Also in the mix is an evil vampire who wants him dead, a Prof Snodgrass who wants him fired from his teaching job and the criminal cases mundane assistance of a police detective.

There is truly a lot going on in the story. It really spreads out all the different clues and action along to make this a really great beginning to a series.

I am looking forward to more from Prof Croft.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author, publisher, or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review

Loved it.

For fans of the Dresden files, this book is for you. Fun, funny, and serious you don't want to put it down. I received this audio book for free at my request and voluntarily reviewed.

Slow to start

The book does start fairly slow, but is fairly interesting by the end. I will probably listen to the next one before deciding if a whole series is worth the time. If the next one can have better pacing I will probably get hooked.

Good book!

Good book, ready for the rest of the series!


"This book was provided at no cost for an unbiased 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