Review: Fated by Benedict Jacka

Fated (Alex Verus #1) by Benedict Jacka
Adult Urban Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback, 304 pgs.
Published Feb. 28th, 2012 by Ace
Source: Publisher

Alex Verus is part of a world hidden in plain sight, running a magic shop in London. And while Alex's own powers aren't as showy as some mages, he does have the advantage of foreseeing the possible future--allowing him to pull off operations that have a million-to-one-chance of success.

But when Alex is approached by multiple factions to crack open a relic from a long-ago mage war, he knows that whatever's inside must be beyond powerful. And thanks to his abilities, Alex can predict that by taking the job, his odds of survival are about to go from slim to none...

Fabulous world building, a terrific setting, a complex and unique main character, Fated is the fabulous start to a brand new series.   


On the cover Jim Butcher says that Harry Dresden would like Alex Verus.  I haven't read the Harry Dresden books yet (shame on me!) but have the first seven or so.  I'm quite certain that it's a series I'll adore.  But I can't compare the two.  I do know that Jim Butcher is suppose to be a fabulous author though and his little blurb gave me some confidence in the book.  But I gotta say, this book should be able to stand on it's own without any big time author telling us it's good, cause honestly it's downright fabulous!


Alex Verus has a distinct personality.  I immediately liked him and his ways.  He's a mage with the ability to see into the future and no other magical abilities.  I soon learned that his seer abilities are much more useful then I would have thought.  He can look into the future when fighting an opponent and know which direction he/she will come from, which powers they'll use, etc.  He can take things apart (think: dismantling a bomb) and see what the future outcome would be by snipping this wire, etc.  This ability along with his smarts (and he's very smart!) gives him more power then you would think against mages that can shoot fire,  for example.  He's a very fast thinker (anyone who can be looking into futures while in battle is most definitely a fast thinker) and does quite well when put in tough situations.  He's been through a lot in his past which has given him a healthy fear of the dark mages.  He's quite determined but knows when he has no bargaining chips saving himself from certain disaster time and time again.


Benedict Jacka has created a very unique world.  I love the mages and the history and the abilities.  I love the supernatural creatures that we've seen so far like the air elementals and the ginormous spider that spins the latest fashions.  

The book felt quite fast paced once we really got into it.  In the first quarter or so Alex was sometimes a bit long winded when telling us about things.  Like his abilities (or lack of abilities) and how things worked.  While it got a bit long it did 'fit' his personality and added to that distinct part of his personality.  It was most certainly the way Alex talks and for that reason I can forgive his more lengthy explanations.  The last half was pretty constant action and I felt like the climax went on for quite awhile.  This wasn't a bad thing, but certainly was frustrating when I couldn't keep reading to see what happened.  


Overall this was a fantastic start to a new series.  Alex Verus is quick witted,  kick ass, and has completely stolen my heart.  I'm already eagerly awaiting the second installment in the series, Cursed (expected publication of May 29th, 2012). 

This book may have crossover appeal to older YA readers.  


4/5 stars!


Disclosure: I received this book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.