July 10, 2023
A world of magic usually known only to the rich and powerful is put to the test in the page-turning urban fantasy that launches an intriguing new series from Jacka (the Alex Verus series). Twenty-year-old Stephen Oakwood ekes out a life in modern-day London by working low-wage jobs and renting a room in his aunt’s house. The only thing that really matters to him is fulfilling the promise he made to his father just before the man disappeared two years ago: namely, to keep practicing his drucraft, or magic. Stephen’s growing skill draws the wrong kind of attention, however. When people start trying to murder him—and very nearly kill his cat in a scene that will be tough to handle for animal lovers—Stephen realizes he’s got much more to learn about the elite world of drucraft, its internal power struggles, and what his family has to do with all of it. Jacka provides immense detail about the ins and outs of drucraft, which will please fans of hard magic systems but occasionally slows down the story. Still, there’s lots of promise to this eat-the-rich world. Readers will be eager to see where things go next. Agent: Sophie Hicks, Sophie Hicks Agency.
September 1, 2023
Jacka's latest marks a new urban fantasy series after the Alex Verus series (beginning with Fated, 2012). Set in a modern-day London, young adult Stephen Oakwood is an untrained and isolated magic user. His magical mother and father left him without explaining how the magical world works. It turns out it is run by the families that have the most money and talent. Stephen's mom has a connection to one of the families and succession is a part of how the families operate--so he becomes pulled into the politics of the world. But as an untrained magic user, it quickly becomes clear that he is out of his league. Stephen is not deterred by this, and instead funnels his energy into learning and surviving. It is also worth mentioning that Stephen has a cat, Hobbes, who plays an important part in the story. Fans of urban fantasy will enjoy the new take on London and the plucky character of Stephen is endearing. Readers will quickly imprint on Stephen and want him to succeed and rule the magical world.
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September 1, 2023
Stephen Oakwood seems to be drifting into adulthood when his family's past reaches out from the shadows and sucks him into its powerful grasp, placing him as a pawn on their chessboard of greed, manipulation, and magic. But Stephen has inherited the same gifts as they have. All he has to do is dodge their machinations until he catches up in the only way he can--through the power of magic. While he trains, he only has his wits, his friends, and his cat to see him through. Stephen knows it will be enough in the long run--if he can just manage to survive whatever his scheming relatives throw at him along the way. This first entry in Jacka's (Risen) new urban fantasy series combines a coming-of-age and coming-into-power story with a fresh new take on magic. Stephen is a character at a crossroads, and watching him figure out which way to turn and how to amass enough power to make it happen will power the series. VERDICT Readers looking for a new take on urban fantasy, those who enjoy coming-of-age or training stories, and anyone who likes watching the rich fall will be delighted.--Marlene Harris
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