Alex Charles: Dreams In Time (Series Volume #2) (Alex Charles Series)
Multiple storyline parallel cleanly and converge with clarity. Overall the story is no longer a weakness as the author has shown significant growth as this series has progressed. Speaking of Growth It is not only the author that has shown growth as the series has progressed. If you have read the first two novels you will know that compared to most similar stories, the Mages in Alex Verus' world have a limited scope to their magical abilities. While at the outset of the series, I had the impression that a mage who main ability was to see into future, would quickly become boring.
While the powers of Alex Verus have not seemingly grown, the sheer variety of mages have. Mind magic, life magic, time magic, space magic and elemental magic are all skill sets that are discussed and developed. This has kept the characters and story world from feeling stale. The Bad This time around, it appears I have very little criticism. There are multiple incidents where the author is prone to info dump. At times, Alex Verus is prone to the monologue but it does not, in my opinion, reflect poorly on the book.
Final Thoughts I believe the third book of a series is the most important for an ongoing series. At this point, patterns are established and reader learns if the author has chosen to write with a strict formula or if they are seeking write dynamic stories. Taken is a prime example of how to do it right. Audiobook Notes This is the first of the series in which I listened to the audio. Any minor deficiencies were covered by the narrators wonderful narration and tempo. An easy 5 star performance. I make an effort to give you the information so you can make an informed decision before reading.
I am simply giving approximations. Scale 1 - Lowest 5 - Highest Sex - 1.
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There are a few instance where characters were revealing clothing and several instances where characters insinuate that there may be a romantic or sexual relationship between parties. A few instances of the f-word. Much of the story occurs during an apprentice dueling tournament.
This involves fighting but little direct violence. There are several gruesome injuries. One from a magical attack, one a gun and one instance of a character having their throat cut. While moderately graphic, the scenes are short. Also reviewed at The Literary Lawyer I love how Luna is developing - Learning how she can use her curse to her advantage. Alex Verus is a pretty cool dude. Apr 01, Mike the Paladin rated it it was amazing Shelves: I've had this on my currently reading list for a while, thought I ought to get around to reviewing it.
These are joining my favorites list. I burned through the ones that were already published then and have snapped up each as it's been released since. Mostly I've been disappointed. I find that a huge percentage of what gets labeled urban f I've had this on my currently reading list for a while, thought I ought to get around to reviewing it. I find that a huge percentage of what gets labeled urban fantasy turns out to be paranormal romance PNR Till I found these. If you've followed the series up to this point you've gotten to know Alex and he's sort of building a reputation that he'd often rather not have with the magic community.
As a diviner he isn't any great shakes in combat type magic.
See a Problem?
Things like blowing stuff up, setting stuff on fire, smashing stuff with force, these just aren't Alex's forte'. Still, he keeps going up against these types, completely out of his league, yet he's the one who comes through alive and walks away Now, apprentices are coming up missing. They're vanishing without a trace and even the best mages can't find a sign, so the powers that be "sort of" call Alex. Like an idiot he accepts.
What follows it an exciting well crafted story that holds the interest in my case this time in spite of my having to put the book down and read other things before I could get back to it. Both the characters and the story are pretty original. Okay I mean there are only so many places to go and most ideas have been touched on and if you really want to you can spot a few places where that's so here.
That doesn't hurt the books however as it's all handled so well. You're not running on friendly, romantic vampires here Some magic creatures here are friendly and have to dodge notice as they've been largely killed off. Others hunt humans and seem to find us So, another in an enjoyable and well crafted brain-candy series. I think the series has held up. I've read all that are in print and look forward to the next which is due out soon. I can recommend these. Sep 25, Bradley rated it really liked it Shelves: Solid read that's building on the precognition premise, this time revolving around missing mage apprentices from both the light and dark camps.
All are taken without a trace. What can go wrong? Well, for starters, Alex can pick up a few stragglers who might just want to go just as independent as he, for one. And we can do it all in the middle of a mage tournament he would never have considered attending, if he hadn't been forced to do it for the investigation. Oh, and Luna is getting beast. Gotta Solid read that's building on the precognition premise, this time revolving around missing mage apprentices from both the light and dark camps. Gotta love girls with bullwhips. I think I'm gonna like these new characters.
Or at least, I'm going to like Ms. Quite a few beasts in the book. I'm looking forward to the kinds of plots twists this is going to bring us. Jacka knows how to set them up and knock them down. Quick and enjoyable reads, all of them. May 23, Felicia rated it really liked it Shelves: Urban Fantasy at its best, so great to see that by book three I'm still dying to know more about the main character, the world, and everything. I guess the relationship between Alex and Anne is a BIT odd, like someone gave the author a note about what direction it should be, but other than that, love this series!
I had so much fun reading this book that I don't even care if there are any. The main premise is simple enough: As this is the third book in the series, it's not surprising that nothing is that simple when Alex Verus gets involved. There isn't a single boring or even slower moment here. There are so many surprises 4. There are so many surprises throughout the book that it will keep you on your toes until the end. From his unexpected reactions to different situations and challenges or job offers from various parties to Luna finding her true strength to getting help from unexpected places to running and fighting, Taken has been more than fun.
As for the villains, you'll hate them. Let's just say that I was even liking Onyx who has a not very small role here, by the way more than them. Sep 06, Eric rated it really liked it Shelves: Once again, Alex is pulled in to help the Council on a job. The pattern seems to be that Alex takes a job he reluctantly agrees to take, different factions attempt to pull him in different directions, and we explore a little bit more of the various 4 Stars Another solid entry in the ongoing Alex Verus series.
The pattern seems to be that Alex takes a job he reluctantly agrees to take, different factions attempt to pull him in different directions, and we explore a little bit more of the various aspects of the mage world, with a few fun action sequences thrown in. Taken was another hit for me. There were some exciting actions scenes too, including one memorable one that involved some teleporting bad guys.
Aug 20, Scott rated it it was amazing Shelves: I feel one of the best compliments I can give an author is that their work continuously gets better, and that is definitely true of Jacka. He writes a wonderfully tight story, with great pacing, and lots of interesting characters. This is most certainly becoming a favorite, and after the end of this book, I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
Jan 22, Mark rated it really liked it. These just keep getting better, just the right amount of tension and ending on a high. View all 3 comments. Jul 12, Veronica rated it liked it Shelves: This series is okay but there are too many things that bug me about it for it to ever rise above three stars IMO. The way Mage society is run makes no sense.
It seems terribly inefficient and just dumb. It's hard to buy that Alex always has little tricks and spells to negate or lessen the impact of the powers of more powerful mages but none of those other mages ever seem to have anything to counteract Alex's powers. We're now three books in and none of the secondary characters have been fl This series is okay but there are too many things that bug me about it for it to ever rise above three stars IMO.
We're now three books in and none of the secondary characters have been fleshed out in any meaningful way. I'm a visual person and I still have no clear mental picture of what Alex looks like. A little more desciptors would be welcomed. The action scenes are good but, really, I need more meat on these bones. Feb 07, Red Wolf rated it it was amazing.
Alex Sarll
I have trouble praising books, I much prefer to criticize them cause it's easier. So that is what I will do. I have seen many reviews about books that say, " I couldn't put it down", "I read all night", etc. That is my complaint with this book. I have typically books on my currently reading list. Some are very good others are ok. I have books on my phone, tablet, computer, and actual books in the bathrooms. The book I have in the second bathroom gets the least attention. The last time I read I have trouble praising books, I much prefer to criticize them cause it's easier.
The last time I read it, it was getting interesting. Then I started this novel, and I left all others behind, to sit and wait till I granted them an audience. I hat3e this book. Because its over in such a short time. I am used to reading and leaving and returning to a book which gives me a lot of time to enjoy them. Read it get it done then what. Some one suggested these books as something to read till the next Dresden comes out.
Well it's not out. Read these books get to know Mr. You will be glad and pissed off at the same time, because you will read them tooo fast and you won't see your second bathroom book for way too long. There's just something really addictive about this series and I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Yet again, a super enjoyable book in the series and I'm excited to see what Alex gets up to in future adventures. Third in the Alex Verus urban fantasy revolving around an independent well, he's trying not to belong to a faction mage in Camden Town.
My Take I find Alex Verus' world fascinating. And, sad to say, sadly realistic with mages who are more interested in self-advancement, revenge, and power than doing the right thing. Alex, naturally, is one of the few good guys, interested in good and protecting others, and I love how Jacka easily lets us know how very powerful Alex is even as he balances it with Third in the Alex Verus urban fantasy revolving around an independent well, he's trying not to belong to a faction mage in Camden Town. Alex, naturally, is one of the few good guys, interested in good and protecting others, and I love how Jacka easily lets us know how very powerful Alex is even as he balances it with Alex's difficulties.
Whew, there are currents within currents in this story. Jacka tosses in so many questions that you won't be able to stop reading as you pursue those answers. It's not that the characters pull you in, but the way in which Jacka can take a basic plot and twist it all up according to the rules of this world he has created.
Viper's School for Super Villains series where our "accepted" beliefs in right and wrong are turned on their heads in these individual worlds. Hooie, Jagadev's club is practically bursting at the seams with the variety of people one can meet there. It's enough to make you want to sleep under the bedafter you've checked it for monsters! Alex has been telling Luna how dangerous it is to get involved in the mage world, and she's finally starting to get it. The Story The White Stone tournament is coming up, and people just love to show-off. Mages aren't any different from regular humans in this regard.
When Crystal tenders an offer to Alex to be in charge of tournament security, she's shocked at his response. Although, it seems he'll be there with another purpose in mind: One that will have a huge impact on Alex's and others' lives, for apprentices are going missing.
The Characters Alex Verus is a diviner, able to see thousands of possible futures at a time, who just happens to run a magic shop in Camden Town. After events in the last two books, he's becoming the go-to guy for the Council. After events in Cursed , 2, Luna Mancuso is now formally Alex's apprentice, mostly so she can learn to control her curse. Since Jacka now refers to Luna as an Adept, I'm guessing she's moved up in power levels. Arachne is a ten-foot-tall spider who both weaves and designs beautiful clothes. David Sonder is a time mage who is more than a little interested in Luna.
Some of Luna's fellow apprentices include the very polite Anne Walker , a Life mage; the vicious, tale-telling Natasha ; Charles ; and, the extremely suspicious Variam Singh , a fire mage. Talisid , who looks more like an accountant than a mage, is involved with one faction of the Council. Lyle Trahelis is, well, more of a former friend of Alex's who is more interested in his own promotions, and he's teaching some of the apprentice classes. I'm curious as to what's in it for him as his only interest is in "status, advancement, prestige, and a position in the Council bureaucracy".
Onyx is the enemy, a very deadly battle mage, from Fated , 1, the Chosen of Morden , who is himself one of the most powerful Dark mages. Sagash is a Dark mage who kidnapped Anne; Ebber is a Light mage who claimed he could help rescue her. Vitus Aubuchon was the mage who owned Fountain Reach previously.
Hobson was a servant at Fountain Reach before Vitus disappeared.
On a cold winter's evening in Raleigh, North Carolina, Alex Charles left and Alex Charles: Dreams In Time (Series Volume #2) and millions of other. I truly hope these books will make you wonder if time travel is actually possible." Alex Charles: Dreams In Time (Series Volume #2) (Alex Charles Series. $
Crystal is a mind mage, and she's offered up her country home, Fountain Reach, for the White Stone tournament, an event at which mages and their apprentices do mock battle, sort of an Olympics of magic. The Council is the ruling body of Light Mages. Remember, "light" is just a term, as Alex puts it, at least the Dark mages are honest. The basic premise between magesLight or Darkis if you're not their tool, you're their enemy.
Avenor and Travis are Council Keepers ; think police. Sensitives are a step up from normals. They can "feel the presence of magic". Next up are the adepts who can "actually channel magic in a subtle way". Then there are the mages. Arrogant, self-absorbed, if they see something they want, they take it. The Cover The cover is an electric pink-purple with an eyeview through bullet-cracked glass of the Thames overlooking the water traffic and London.
The title sums it all up, for the apprentices are Taken. I began Taken with a pinch of salt: Handy, really, since Benedict Jacka commented on his blog earlier today about just this. Cursed was a boring, predictable flop for me, especially having had a few months to ruminate more over the whole thing. Well-plotted and intriguing, the third Verus book just raised the bar for the series.
That doesn't hurt the books however as it's all handled so well. Everything is awful for everyone. For me it felt like This my first C W Lamb book and my first transmigration novel I have read in a long time that has not been in a light novel format. Kindle Edition , pages. He's still friends with Marie but there is a certain tension between the two. It arrived yesterday when I was in work and I read and finished it today, on my day off. Exciting and thrilling, the third Alex Verus book sealed me as a firm reader and a fan of the series.
Alex Verus is a fate mage—a diviner, a seer—and given his activities of late, his services have been in increasingly higher demand. Naturally, with his own history with Richard and his dealings as a runaway apprentice, Alex knows nothing is ever quite as it seems. Never mind the fact that every which way he turns, someone is pointing him towards Fountain Reach as the key clue as to the disappearances of the apprentices: Furthermore, the host of the White Stone, the current owner of Fountain Reach comes to Alex, trying to hire him as part of the security detail.
When all things point to Fountain Reach, Verus finds himself with little choice other than to go. With Luna as his excuse and with his apprentice eager to learn to use her talents and to start fitting into the mage world on another level, Alex heads for the mansion in the country in hopes of unravelling the mystery once and for all. Now he must investigate the disappearances, investigate the mansion and get to the bottom of the recurring threats centred around Anne and Variam, all whilst avoiding Onyx and his superior magic.
Gripping and pacy, Taken is everything urban fantasy should be: Exciting and thrilling, the third Alex Verus book sealed me as a firm reader and a fan of the series. An urban fantasy mystery, with character and depth.
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Dec 28, Slategrey rated it really liked it Shelves: This was probably my favorite of the Verus books so far - the writing seems to be developing a sparseness that appeals to me, and the world-building aspects were definitely kicked up a notch this time. I'm also finding the characters more sympathetic and relatable with each book, which is slowly making this one of my favorite series.
Unfortunately, the ending was rather spoiled for me since the final setting, villain, and several scenes were extremely similar to those of the manga "Ghost Hunt", p This was probably my favorite of the Verus books so far - the writing seems to be developing a sparseness that appeals to me, and the world-building aspects were definitely kicked up a notch this time. Unfortunately, the ending was rather spoiled for me since the final setting, villain, and several scenes were extremely similar to those of the manga "Ghost Hunt", published around It probably wouldn't have been so noticable if the original source wasn't one of the all-time creepiest things that I've ever read, so the similarities actually enhanced my reading experience since I kept picturing the terrifying manga images.
I'm hoping the similarities were unintentional, but they were oddly specific: I honestly can't handle child crimes. But then when the verdict came. So, on June 10th, I turned Not a birthday that I was "looking forward to", I must admit. But then my mom Mom's say these kinds of things said, "You don't look 40 honey" and I did feel a minute or two of comfort until my dad quipped back with, "Well, she is getting a few more wrinkles I thought I saw a few when we were outside earlier. I shrugged knowing he was telling the truth. Popularity Popularity Featured Price: Low to High Price: High to Low Avg.
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