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Fated (Probability Mage Novel) [Mass Market Paperback]

Benedict Jacka
3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)

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Mass Market Paperback, 28 Feb 2012 --  
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Book Description

28 Feb 2012 Probability Mage Novel (Book 1)

Camden, North London. A tangled, mangled junction of train lines, roads and waterways. Where minor celebrities hang out with minor criminals and where tourists and moody teenagers mingle.

In the heart of Camden, where rail meets road meets leyline, you might find the Arcana Emporium, run by one Alex Verus. He won't sell you a wand or mix you a potion, but if you know what you're looking for, he might just be able to help. That's if he's not too busy avoiding his would-be apprentice, foiling the Dark, outwitting the Light, and investigating a mysterious relic that has just turned up at the British Museum.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.


Product details

  • Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Ace Books; Original edition (28 Feb 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 9781937007294
  • ISBN-13: 978-1937007294
  • ASIN: 1937007294
  • Product Dimensions: 17.2 x 10.8 x 2.1 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,236,054 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Review

Harry Dresden would like Alex Verus tremendously - and be a little nervous around him. I just added Benedict Jacka to my must-read list. FATED is an excellent novel, a gorgeously realized world with a uniquely powerful, vulnerable protagonist. Books this good remind me why I got into the storytelling business in the first place (Jim Butcher )

Filled with tense and compelling writing (SFX )

Jacka writes a deft thrill-ride of an urban fantasy - a stay-up-all-night read. Alex Verus is a very smart man surviving in a very dangerous world. (Patricia Briggs )

London's hidden wizardly community spell-blast each other entertainingly in this urban fantasy romp. Fated is highly enjoyable (Sun )

Fated is an excellent example of not just great urban fantasy but also of brilliant story-telling. There is a near perfect mix of everything and it has been masterfully crafted with a meticulous eye for those pieces of humanity that make a great protagonist and a fantastic story (FANTASY FACTION )

A novel with a very good plotline, and fascinating characters (BOOKCHICKCITY ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Book Description

A compelling new urban fantasy series based in Camden, featuring Alex Verus - a mage with a dark past who can see the future . . . --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Good start to a series 28 Sep 2012
By D. Harris TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
I enjoyed this introductory volume to what looks set to be a lengthy series (three volumes out now, September 2012). It's an action packed, none too cerebral, introduction to the Magical World of Alex Verus: shops selling magical paraphernalia, a Curse, elementals, good mages and bad, an ineffectual Council that won't stand up to the villains - and a climax that reads a bit like a Dungeons and Dragons scenario.

Yes, it may all sound a bit like Harry Potter grown up - especially that sub-plot about how the Dark mages are getting a foothold because the authorities prefer to look the other way - but I'm inclined to the view that's simply because both worlds are well grounded in human nature and the realities of politics. It's a good read and a promising start, generally well written, with only one flaw from my perspective - the continual use of "gotten" and "it fit" (rather than "fitted") by a British character. POssibly that reflects a target market in the US, but it still grates.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Enjoyable - London and "Magical Realism". 9 May 2012
By Bruce TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
This is a very easy and enjoyable read - it zips past and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, throughout. The book is sold by a large quote on the front cover, from Jim Butcher and his The Dresden Files are the most obvious influence.

However, what makes this book distinctive is its grounding in a very real London. Places like Camden Market and the British Museum, make the settings come to life and anybody who has lived or worked in London will recognise all the locations that are mentioned. Having been a frequent visitor to the British Museum, helps enormously in visualising the main action of this first book.

So whereas Harry Dresden is a typical American living in Chicago - Alex Verus, is a Londoner who runs a "magic" shop in Camden. Alex is not a typical "wizard" either and he can only see potential futures - which is of course very helpful, but he relies on others to protect him - like a friendly air elemental, who wants shiny stuff.

Anybody who likes "urban fantasy" will love this book, but I think that Benedict Jacka's writing takes this above the usual run of the mill. His humour, style of writing and attention to detail, combine to make this all much more interesting. I also liked the idea/concept of potential probabilities that runs throughout the book - that what is more important, isn't power as such, but knowing what the potential outcomes of actions/events might be.

I am looking forward to reading more and hope that future instalments will be as entertaining as this first book.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Start 5 Mar 2012
Format:Kindle Edition
I bought this book on recommendation from a Jim Butcher interview. I was not disappointed, the story is good, the characters interesting and everything flows along really nicely. Those who know of Jim Butchers work will see some similarity with the early chapters of this book and the Dresden Files, there is even a rather nice reference to Harry, but things move away from these quite quickly. Those worried about a rehash should not be as I think while this is in the same vein of The Dresden Files, the story and its characters are distinct and well done.

I was a bit confused by the ending (I can't mention any more without giving away plot which I think would be a shame - though for a disclaimer it was more to do with the technical aspects of what the author defines as Magic within the book rather than any plot holes etc), but that was easily forgiven but the enjoyment of the book as a whole. I hope this author continues to improve upon this delightful series.

Highly Recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as the hype
I was hoping for something as good as Ben Aaronovitch's London series - but was disappointed. It's okay, and I would probably have rated it more highly had I not read Aaronovich... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Martha
1.0 out of 5 stars Hmm...
I am an avid reader, making my way through a book in two days on average, but I can honestly say I was really, really disapointed with this one - so much so that I felt compelled... Read more
Published 2 months ago by BookWorm81
4.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed this
Great book, well written and good story line. A book that I stayed up to read, I'll be getting the sequels.
Published 2 months ago by Katy May
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting and kept you on your toes. I dont normally read fantasy fiction but I found this really good, that I am currently reading the... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lucy
2.0 out of 5 stars A Dresden Files rip off but still a good book.
I read this book because of the Jim Butcher recommendation. I love the Dresden files but for me, Fated was just too similar and as a result felt a touch trite. Read more
Published 3 months ago by S. Davies
1.0 out of 5 stars Didn't enjoy it
I really liked the idea of this book. I am a HUGE fan of supernatural stories and I loved Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series and was told to read this because if I enjoyed the... Read more
Published 4 months ago by E. Siney
5.0 out of 5 stars Go For It
I stumbled on Benedict Jacka and couldn't get enough. Great characters, great action. Love the North London ambiance. Highly, highly recommended for all fans of urban fantasy.
Published 5 months ago by Chuck Dixon
5.0 out of 5 stars well written
the story is well thought out and entertaining with the odd whitty quip thrown in for good measure. I hope many more tales will follow.
Published 5 months ago by Mrs. M. Burfield
3.0 out of 5 stars I like Alex Versus. He's a nice guy.
I read this because it was promoted as Urban Fantasy, and alleged to be similar to the Rivers of London series, with which I'm a bit obsessed.([... Read more
Published 5 months ago by AnnieCoral
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent urban fantasy series with a nice twist
After reading all three of the Alex Verus series, I waiting in eager anticipation for the fourth one. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Dr. Stephen Culshaw
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