Taken: An Alex Verus Novel from the New Master of Magical London (Alex Verus, #3)

by Benedict Jacka

Welcome to Fountain Reach
Ancient seat of the Aubuchon dynasty
Majestic setting of the White Stone tournament

Alex Verus's (not necessarily reliable) reputation attracts all sorts. Most are plain bonkers. Yet there's one invitation he just can't refuse.

At Fountain Reach, Alex is perfectly placed among the noted and notorious to figure out why apprentices have been vanishing. But the tournament is a minefield of ancient grudges and new threats, and Alex can't afford to miss a trick as his elusive adversary stays one step ahead in this most dangerous of games.

• ISBN10: 0748124934
• ISBN13: 9780748124930
• Publish Date: 6 September 2012 (first published 1 August 2012)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Orbit
• Edition: Digital original
• Format: eBook (EPUB)
• Pages: 304
• Language: English

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

Alex is approached to run security for a prestigious tournament and declines that is until young apprentices go missing. Then of course he and Luna, his own Mage apprentice are in the thick of things. There will be challenges, death and displays of clever wit.

Jacka gives us more time with Luna, and it was fun seeing her amongst the other young apprentices. We learned more about the world, while getting to know her. We meet new characters, explore new places and work our way through suspects, including those on the council. It was loads of fun.

Alex was brilliant, funny, and handled multiple issues including a personal challenge involving a duel at sunrise. He’s a reluctant hero, but all around good guy and I liked seeing him in the role of mentor, leader and teacher. He is true to his own moral compass and I love that.

Listening to this series is a blast, and Gildart Jackson does a splendid job bringing the characters to life through tone, and emotional inflections. For me, he has become the voice of Alex, Luna, and others. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer