• Hard Magic

  • Book I of the Grimnoir Chronicles
  • By: Larry Correia
  • Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
  • Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (13,889 ratings)

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Hard Magic  By  cover art

Hard Magic

By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
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Editorial reviews

Larry Correia has already made a name for himself in the sci-fi/fantasy world with his Monster Hunter books, but now he's written the first in new series that takes place in New York in the 1930s, filled with dubious federal agents, hardboiled detectives, and dames with a whole lotta chutzpah. Except this isn't quite the New York you might expect, but an alternate universe where zeppelins moor at the top of the Empire State Building, the Titanic never sank, and mad scientist Nikola Tesla has created a devastating weapon called the Geo-Tel. Oh, and people have magical powers. They are known as Actives. It's become commonplace for some people to defy gravity, teleport, manipulate animals, and heal by touch. The hero here is Jake Sullivan, a detective and ex-con who is set free by the FBI to track criminal Actives, which J. Edgar Hoover (yeah, he's still around) would like to eradicate.

Actor Bronson Pinchot has become a regular go-to for audiobooks and the reason is obvious - the guy knows how to bring a story to life. Far from his manic days as Balki on Perfect Strangers, Pinchot is a warm, imminently listenable narrator. He's obviously having a ball with Hard Magic, gruffing up his voice for the hardboiled Jake and the various G-men and employing a countrified voice for Faye, a young farm girl who can teleport across great distances and becomes vital to saving the world from destruction by the Geo-Tel. Pinchot gives each character a different voice, so it's easy to keep up with the big cast. Correia writes long, colorful descriptions of his characters and their situations, but those passages never become boring and never get in the way of the action, thanks to Pinchot.

Steampunk lovers will find much to love about Hard Magic, but listeners who love big guns and explosions will be in hog heaven. There are epic, cinematic battles including one over-the-top of a dirigible that is audaciously impossible. Hard Magic almost defies categorization, because Correia has no problem blending science fiction with more fanciful fantasy, even managing to slip in double-headed dragons and imps. The second book in the Grimnoir Chronicles, Spellbound, is coming and let's hope Pinchot has signed on for the audio version. (Collin Kelley)

Publisher's summary

Audie Award, Paranormal, 2012

Jake Sullivan is a licensed private eye with a seriously hardboiled attitude. He also possesses raw magical talent and the ability to make objects in his vicinity light as a feather or as heavy as depleted uranium, all with a magical thought. It's no wonder the G-men turn to Jake when they need someone to go after a suspected killer who has been knocking off banks in a magic-enhanced crime spree.

Problems arise when Jake discovers the bad girl behind the robberies is an old friend, and he happens to know her magic is just as powerful as his. And the Feds have plunged Jake into a secret battle between powerful cartels of magic-users - a cartel whose ruthless leaders have decided that Jake is far too dangerous to live.

©2011 Larry Correia (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Hard Magic

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    8,784
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Performance
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Story
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
    964
  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Narration so good -- I am now in a new genre.

After a few great books were somewhat ruined for me by less-than-stellar narration, I had to take a chance on the fun character I remembered as Balki. Though I never heard that character once. Wow! Bronson was able to bring alive each character without falter. I wasn't even a fan of this genre, but I am continuing the series because such great narration immerged me into this story. I connected with the characters. I have to follow them on their journey. Thank you so much for your talent, Mr. Pinchot.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Noir Alternate History Science Fiction

Jake Sullivan is the lead role Raymond Chandler wrote about "The Simple Art of Murder." There would be the need for no other man on your side in a fight or a debate. The setting is as well put together as a Rolls-Royce and as comfortable to ride along in as such. Repeated listens still hold my attention as firmly as the first time. An excellent addition to your library.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Sleeper hit, Probably my favorite Correia book

Riveting, enjoyable Plot with teasers for sequels to come. Fun play on historical figures and quotes. Folks who enjoy Alternative History plots will enjoy this book. I enjoyed the in depth detail on "The Power" and its workings, with out feeling like I learned too much too early. The Narrator's voice as a great fit for this novel and it really seemed true to the period in which it was written. 10/10 would recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous story! Fabulous narration!

A great story with great characters. This is my third time through and I'm positive it won't be my last. Pinchot's narration is wonderful. He doesn't just read a book, he brings the characters to life. Now I'm off to listen to book 2 & 3!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Seamless Brilliance Between Author And Reader

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

The book is brilliant. In this alternate universe, seeing how the alternate course changes the most notorious people and their mark in history is just one of the intriguing, thought-provoking bits of whimsy and aspects of this superb book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hard Magic?

One of the most memorable moments of this book was when a protagonist's near death experience creates an understandable rubric of the link between magic and physics into logical and workable laws.

What about Bronson Pinchot’s performance did you like?

Bronson, (my new best friend) captures the slyness of the rich dialogue, allowing us to delight in each character's depth and subtleness. Bronson's performance is like ....
dark chocolate combined with a full-bodied cabernet. It transports you.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book had us laughing and thoughtful in turns.

Any additional comments?

Oh, we need more. We crave more. This combination of book and performance was addictive on all levels. Physically, emotionally, and intellectually.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A lot of fun.

Enjoyed it all the way through and felt satisfied at the end. Recommend this to fantasy/sci-fi lovers. Nice coupling of historic woven into the story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Good listen

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

Its a good listen but not in my top 5

Would you be willing to try another book from Larry Correia? Why or why not?

I love the monster hunter series, Some of the reviews i read said this book was better but i dont agree with that.

What does Bronson Pinchot bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

the voices that help u keep characters apart in your head

Any additional comments?

good book but its no monster hunter....

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Who knew Bronson Pinchot would be so good?

What did you love best about Hard Magic?

Pinchot's performance is a gem. He does many different voices perfectly. The hero sounds like a folksy version of Tom Hanks hit man in "Road to Perdition."

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hard Magic?

I live how the protagonist kicks ass.

Have you listened to any of Bronson Pinchot’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

My first Pinchot book. Won't be my last.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I don't want to be a spoiler.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great Story Line and Awesome Series

What made the experience of listening to Hard Magic the most enjoyable?

I like the era in which the story was set.

What other book might you compare Hard Magic to and why?

Any of the others in the series

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

If you could sum up Hard Magic in three words, what would they be?

Mind-blowing historical fiction

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hard Magic?

The battle scenes are truly remarkable, His fantasy and and story telling are not only insightful but they make you feel like your there.

What does Bronson Pinchot bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His truly brilliant command of his voice, to create the characters in this book, is applied with craftsmanship beyond compare

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

It doesn't hide under the bed

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