Burned (An Alex Verus Novel)

This is one of the better Alex Verus installments. The story is fairly linear and at most times, a page turner. The ending had a few surprises and unexpected twist. Well worth the money and if you are a fan of the series you'll probably love this latest episode.

I had two negatives. One was the ending felt like a loss. Two, I find it hard to believe that two main characters can spend months together, most often isolated, and not move their relationship forward (or backwards) in anyway apparent to the reader. This seemed like a "look the other way" type of omission on the part of the author.

I have read all the previous books in this series and pre-ordered this one, even though I was ambivalent about the last one due to its somewhat unresolved/negative ending. I think the author is a very good writer, but he seems like to end his books on a darker note, more and more. The protagonist is so predictable and because his opponents have no limits, its a foregone conclusion that he will always lose in the end.

I always liked the fact that while magically "weaker" than most mages, he maneuvers his way to defeat them, but the last couple of books left a sour taste in my mouth. I don't like the way he ended them.

I read for entertainment, I am not looking for the next Hemingway or Melville. I don't find this series entertaining anymore, and I will not be buying any more of his books.

What impressed me most about Burned was the way in which the ramifications and events from the last few books all came rushing back into a single convergence that had to be reckoned with in Burned, thereby leading the series to a new plateau and breaking away from the rut that many writers find themselves stuck in.

In fact, since third the book in the series, Mr. Jacka has advanced his writing and story development by leaps and bounds. In Burned, as I mentioned before, Alex is left dealing with the numerous enemies he has accumulated over the course of the series. The light mages have placed a death verdict on not just him but also all of his allies and it's up to Alex to use all of his tricks and everything remaining up his sleeves to do everything in his power to keep his loved ones safe. If that does grip you as a reader than I don't know what will. Jacka spends a good deal of the book setting up a a series of twists and turns that will leave readers shocked and enthralled. While I don't want to give anything away, I can say that through these twists and surprises leave Alex's allies in hot water often putting them to the test of the extent of their allegiance to Alex.

As for the nonstop action that fans of the series have come to expect, Burned is no exception to this. Burned is full of pulse pounding and exhilarating action and storylines and yet still has time to make significant advancements in the storyline.

All in all, if you can't tell from my gushing review of this book, I like he's Burned. My only regret is that I have to wait for months for the next book. But please be advised that Benedict Jacka is no longer an up and coming talent, he has now clearly arrived and it is everything fans of his series could have hoped for and more.

[...]

This installment of the series goes to a much darker place than previous installments.

Alex has always been one of the few good people in his world, but in this book, ONLY our small band of heroes cares for anyone but themselves. ONLY our small band of heroes has any morals to speak of. ONLY the members of our small band of heroes are anything like real people. The "Light" mages are organized evil, and the "Dark" mages are less-organized evil, and no matter what the rules actually say, the people in power do absolutely anything they want with impunity, and even the people who are sworn to uphold the law roll over and let them.

Early in the book, Alex manages to do something very, very good and to be generally acclaimed as a hero, and in spite of keeping his word and holding up his end of various deals, he's betrayed and abandoned and betrayed and abandoned, because everyone in the world is evil, evil, evil except for our hero and his few friends.

It's ridiculous and unbelievable, so it fails as storytelling, and it's depressing, exhausting, and demoralizing, so it fails as entertainment.

I pre-ordered this book, but I won't be buying any more.

Burned: An Alex Verus Novel by Benedict Jacka
Urban Fantasy –April 5th, 2016
5 stars

Alex Verus is a wanted man. As a mage that can see possible futures he is in high demand but with the wrong types of power. Unfortunately, he is not completely trusted by Dark or Light mages. But they all want to use him. As a former apprentice to the Dark mages he had tried to turn a new leaf and turn from their evil path But as a result, the Light mages are wary of him. When the Council decides to order his execution Alex finds himself scrambling for a reprieve and sanctuary for those that depend on him. As a result, he makes some very dangerous bargains.

This fantastic Urban Fantasy series is sure to be a favorite of Jim Butcher fans. Alex Verus is irreverent, filled with righteous integrity and totally unpredictable. In this story, Alex has a magic shop where he has taken under his wing some very unlikely students. Along the way he has gained new friends and fragile truces. But his content life changes when he is threatened with eminent death. Due to his tendency to rebel against authority, he has not made himself a favorite with either Light or Dark mages. But without anyone powerful to support him he is constantly trying to protect himself and those he cares for. Alex is an exuberantly fun character to read. He is the perpetual, plucky and smart underdog. But his wisecracks and unwillingness to bend his morals makes him unpopular in the realm of mage politics. From the very beginning, Alex's life is already in danger. With the stakes so high and the action so intense, this book is a roller-coaster of a ride. As Alex is desperate to save those he cares for unlikely allegiances are made. The ending is a true shocker and that will excite and terrify fans.

This series can't be beat. A wisecracking hero with a heart of gold and some serious magic mojo make this book a fantastic thrill ride.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love reading urban fantasy, there are times when I will go weeks at at time reading nothing else. At a time when new authors in the genre seem to be emerging every week, it can be a bit hard to sift through the mediocre and find those that really stand out. Luckily I had a friend suggest Benedict Jacka to me a few months ago, because the Alex Verus books really stand out as something special. With them Benedict Jacka has created a complex magical society hidden within our own, and has created some truly believable and compelling characters.

Burned is the newest book in the series, and like every book that has come before it, I have found it to be an exciting and fast-paced story that I was unable to put down. For the last 6 books, Alex Verus has slowly been trying to separate himself from his past as a Dark mages apprentice, while building himself a support structure of friends and political allies. It only takes a single chapter however, to set events in motion that will see that support knocked out from under him and put him — and his closest friends, on the run for their lives.

I think I would have to say my favorite thing about this book are the characters, specifically Alex Verus himself. Alex is one of the more believable characters that I’ve seen. He’s flawed and knows it, and fights against his past and upbringing on a daily basis. It’s always nice to find characters in science fiction and fantasy dealing with some of the same problems we deal with in the real world. Luna, Anne, and Vari are great characters as well, each adding something to the book to make it that much better.

I would rate this up there with my two favorite series, Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, and Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson series, and I think anyone who enjoys either of those would love these books as much as I do. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series, the ending of this one left me shocked, I have to know what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the first 6 books. But with number 7, it is very clear there are no "good" mages - only evil and really evil. The only thing evil needs to gain ascendance is for good men to do nothing. There are mages who consider themselves good but they stand by and let both the Light Council and the Dark Cabals perpetuate evil - they turn a blind eye to the truth. I love the writing and characterization of the players but the plot is one I choose not to invest any more of my time in. I have the same problem with Game of Thrones which I also stopped reading. When nearly everyone in the novel (except the main character) is a rat bastard, its just not enjoyable for me.

**Spoilers**

The series started out great, but now it's just depressing.

I hate stories where the lead character just gets beaten down over & over & never wins & that is exactly what this series has turned into. It was supposed to be about a mage who owns a magic shop in London, but with this last book, Alex has lost his home, his shop, his mist cloak, he's basically become a slave (along with Anne) to his former master Richard, & if he defies him in any way, somebody he knows will die. How is this interesting? The entire book is Alex fighting for his life with various people & ridiculous Light Council politics that make no sense. All the mages are pretty much evil, including the Light mages & they have unlimited power that nobody can do anything about.

I don't find this kind of plot fun to read, what's the next book going to be about, Alex getting tortured for 300 pages?

"Levistus has sentenced you to death. You're to be executed in one week."

And so begins Burned, by far the most nail biting installment of the Alex Verus series to date! I suggest you have all your snacks ready before you start the book as the first minute and forty-five seconds will be the only break you (and Alex) get from the action. This book had me quaking in my boots and fearing for characters that I've come to enjoy as fictional friends. The ending was an emotional roller coaster ride from which I'm still trying to recover!

In short, the events in Burned will turn Alex's world upside down. Jacka kept me guessing right up to the last sentence, ending the book in a way I never would've expected. Let's just say I'm very thankful to know the next book is well underway...*sends healthy muse vibes to Jacka*... as I really need to know what's next for Alex and the gang!

What a fantastic book! If you haven't started this series, get after it. You can't imagine what you're missing!

This book leaves you hunting for the next book like a junky looking for the next hit...but not in the way that will ruin your life...Wow! With the last page, you have a sense that "things just got all FUBAR!" I am really excited to see where this is heading.

Butcher, Hearne, and Jacka. If you are not reading all three you are really missing out. The stories are fast and furious and the writing just gets better with each book. I picked up Jacka, via an online book club recommendation, after finishing all of the Iron Druid and Dresden Files. You will not be disappointed.

“‘There’s no good way to tell you this,’ Talisid said. ‘Levistus has sentenced you to death. You’re to be executed in one week.’”

Upon learning of an order of death for not only himself but also for his dependents, Alex is on a quest to protect his friends and protect himself with only a timeframe of one week until the order is put into action. Before he even has time to register the kill order, Alex is faced with assassination attempts from another source that will cost him dearly. Caught between the Light Mages, Dark Mages, and the Keepers Alex is faced with trying to solve the mystery of who truly wants him dead and why?

Review:

Ready, Set Go!! From the start of this book Alex Verus is under the gun. I love the title of this book, “Burned,” because it does truly sum up the events of the story. He is burned literally, receives a “burn notice,” and is burned through betrayal. The story starts out with a kill order from the Council, ok that’s bad. Let us add on that is going to include his dependents, ouch that hurts. Hmmm, apparently being an independent mage has left him with more enemies than allies and someone wants him eliminated before the Council’s order goes into effect. Deleo and Cinder are back and with a trip into the Elsewhere Shireen’s shade asks the impossible of Alex. To say that Alex was walking on eggshells in an understatement, we find him at times unfocused and unsettled. Desperate to stop the order, Alex tries to “play ball” with Council members who could potentially be an ally. Alex? Council? Play ball?? Right? I know, wow and yikes. The attempts on his life are epic and he is pulling out all the stops in order to stay one step ahead. We get to see Anne, Luna and Veriam taking on different roles with deeper character building. Just when you think that things are going to wrap up all tidy, betrayal! The situation takes a turn, then a turn, then another turn, then oh dear God NO….wait, now the situation just may work. Sigh, we settle…..you think this is the ending…..bam there it is, a puppet master who has been pulling strings all along, leading Verus back to the beginning, back to Richard. This book is truly a compelling read as it has many layers and is a great addition to the Alex Verus series.

I enjoyed it. Verus remains one of my favorite protagonists. His friends and associates are all well developed. While it does get a little heavy in the "Us v Them" category, the story is all the more credible as a result. It's less about things being black and white and more about them being black and lighter black and various shades of gray. So what if I finished this book feeling that the dark mages have more credibility than the lights ones?

Great book! I love this series, and this latest iteration did not disappoint! It just keeps getting better and better. Dresden is still my favorite wizard, but Verus has become a close second. Looking forward to more from Jacka :)