Powers

By: James A. Burton

Narrated by: Steven Roy Grimsley

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Albert Johannson's forgotten more than he remembers about his past, but two things he's sure of: He's lived a long, long time, and he doesn't trust anyone, particularly gods. He's not too fond of demons either, particularly the one that shows up in his kitchen looking for help with a supernatural investigation. Albert's a strangely gifted blacksmith, not a P.I., but crossing a demon can be deadly, so he reluctantly takes the job - which puts him in the path of a prickly arson detective named Melissa el Hajj who has trust issues of her own. Clashing at a crime scene, they uncover an ancient wrought-iron hexagram, a broken relic as old as Solomon. The thing may herald catastrophe unless Albert can mend it - but Albert has yet to grasp just what his special powers really mean....

©2012 James A. Hetley (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Decent plot, dull disjointed style

I managed to get through the whole book. I didn’t really want to, I didn’t enjoy it, and I listened at 2x just to get through faster, but I made it. I think the plot was interesting so I stuck with it, being that I’m between credits right now. The writing style was very pointed, no literary flourishes to give scenes and characters depth. It felt like the majority of the book was written in incomplete, broken sentences. It’s hard to tell of the narration contributed to how flat it was, or if it was just so flat no narrator could have made it good. I would not recommend this one.

Goddess Kali as a Bronx detective ...

This was such an unexpectedly fun ride ... and rather unique in approach to gods and goddesses misbehaving ... I'm somewhat of a collector of gods and goddess novels, and this one pleases me greatly. Everything about it seems to be unique, including the voicing, and the author's overall approach to tempo and narrative.

The story is complex, well written, and includes references to many religions, myths, origin stories, philosophies, and approaches to spirituality and to the gods and goddesses who inhabit them. All the while, there is a danger, deceit, and the search for a stolen relic across parallel universes.

I suggest that you prepare to listen to this one with attention ... this isn't a "playing in the background" novel ... once you settle into it, you'll find you're glued to the story.

why did enjoyable I would like to see a sequel

story about gods and goddesses and very few humans since the accident was among the gods which generally didn't kill people but sometimes there was an so there I guess so let's see what happens in the next book.

Amazing 👏

Loved it. Uniquely eloquent in it's disjointed unraveling. Smooth and easy digestion, spiced with action and drama, finished with sophistication, leaving this reader satiated with no after taste of placation. Would easily injest six more but, have no need of it. Complete in the moment.

strange but good

I've never listened to any of James Burton's books before. It was actually a lot better than I expected. Steven Grimsley did a great job of performing this book. I'm always amazed how wonderful these people that read these books are. Thank you for a great book.

Good story

Good story line, not sure if it was the writing or the reader that made it seem a little tough to follow sometimes but still enjoyable

You are going to have to be a religious nerd to re

it was a great ride but have to have knowledge of a few things before reading. Mainly religious mythology including Christian, Judaism and Islam. Also peppered with Norse and paganism. And a minor on forging and smithing.

I'm so sorry

I just could not get into this book. It had some potential unfortunately it just fell a but short for my taste.

It's your fault

The story isn't poorly written, it's not in need of editing, it's not confusing and the reason you may think these things is because you aren't familiar with the history and cultures that are referenced throughout the work. If you are familiar with the various religions, mythologies and history's of the many cultures that occupy the earth it's likely you will enjoy this story, just because it's fun to hear the various references. If you don't like the mythos of other people, religious fantasy or are insulted by either other cultures or are easily bruised by your own culture being used in a fantasy I'd suggest another book.

Modern Fantasy Fun Journey

Where does Powers rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

My audiobook preference leans toward the Mystery/Thriller genre. But, I was attracted by the cover art and elected to take a listen, be entertained, and learn more about the modern/urban fantasy genre. Very pleasant and sparky, electrical journey.

What other book might you compare Powers to and why?

"The Chosen" by John G. Hartness.

What about Steven Roy Grimsley’s performance did you like?

Grimsley's narration pulled me in. I judge narrators by how well I forget that the book I'm listening to is being narrated. Grimsley was able to remove himself from the telling and become the characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Don't touch the sword. Unlock it!