Fated cover art

Fated

Alex Verus, Book 1

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Fated

By: Benedict Jacka
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
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About this listen

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.

Fated is the first book in a major new series starring probability mage Alex Verus, for fans of Jim Butcher and Ben Aaronovitch.

©2012 Benedict Jacka (P)2013 Tantor Media Inc. Classics Fantasy Scary

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Critic reviews

"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)
All stars
Most relevant  

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

Interesting concepts, good story, engaging characters, top notch narration. The story flows well and draws you in to the world. Naturally there are some bumps in the road of the plot, but this is fantasy after all. This series promises to be a great respite from my real world that is really quite a long way from the London in the story. Just what is required when I can grab a few minutes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fated?

As a paid up arachnophobe I really felt quite drawn to this character, which was surprising. I will say no more.

What about Gildart Jackson’s performance did you like?

Good pace and characterisations. The female characters were identifiable as such but the voices were not a pastiche.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Just when you thought it was safe!

Oh dear, another series I MUST follow

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Well written, wonderfully performed and, oddly, believable story! A happy way to while away a few hours, here and there! I will certainly download the next one!

Very enjoyable!

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very britsh urban fantasy, was not sure to start, but by the end was awesome.

Hooked by the end

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

Yes, great characters and world building.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fated?

Every time Verus used his powers . They were well thought out and interesting.

Which character – as performed by Gilbert Jackson – was your favourite?

Can't single out one. Every character was performed well and had a distinct voice.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for the next one!

Fast paced, entertaining with a great narrator

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I enjoyed the books I've personally read up to books 6 and enjoyed every second some reader have said the characters are basicly written and to a degree I will agree in the first books the characters are somewhat basic however during the course of these books the main characters develops the first book very much feels like the first 3 paragraphs of a much larger boom (which is what I expect for book1 of a series) and I feel a few of the poor reviews are possible from people who have forgotten that this is just book 1

my cup of tea

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I liked the story - it ticked along and kept me interested even if somewhat predictable - but the narrator was a little jarring. Ideally you don’t even notice them because you’re immersed in the story, but he sounded too old for the character. It kept drawing my attention.

Good story but narrator sounds too old

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I have just finished listening to the PC Peter Grant series by Ben Aranovitch which I thought was great and was looking around for something new. This is quite different to what I would normally listen to but the characters grew on me quickly, the narration was excellent and I found myself really looking forward to finding out what happened next. Will definitely be buying the next in the series.

Good Starter to the series

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Would you try another book written by Benedict Jacka or narrated by Gilbert Jackson?

I have all the Benedict Jacka books and they get better as the series progresses. The narrator is terrible and I would be put off purchasing any audio book that Gilbert Jackson narrates.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fated?

The description of the dance and how to waltz when you have a curse that enfolds others in its tendrells

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The characterisations were appalling with narration going up and down and inconsistent accents. When you have the calibre of those such as Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (he reads the Ben Aaronovitch books) Gilbert Jackson is truly dismissal.

Could you see Fated being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

They would only ruin it ...

Any additional comments?

This really is a case of read the book and forget the audio version and hope that they don't use the same narrator for the next books in the series

Great story - dreadful narrator

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Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. The Book is well written and the characters interesting

Great Book

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Great story, not 100% sure the narrator's voice matched the voice in my head from reading the books, but got past that. Looking forward to the next in the series.

Well worth a listen

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