The Alex Verus Series by Benedict Jacka

[The Bluestocking]

I've raced through books 1 to 4 of Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus series (with thanks to fellow Chrons member Juliana for recommending them) and found that they are exactly my cup of tea.

Many people compare the series and protagonist with Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden and for good reason as there are similarities on the surface. However, I find Alex Verus far more relatable and likeable as a character.

I was discussing the series with a friend who also loves them and she observed that - among her circles at least - it seems that more men than women prefer Harry Dresden, while more women than men prefer Alex Verus.

Thoughts?

 

[Silver Owl]

I've raced through books 1 to 4 of Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus series (with thanks to fellow Chrons member Juliana for recommending them) and found that they are exactly my cup of tea.

Many people compare the series and protagonist with Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden and for good reason as there are similarities on the surface. However, I find Alex Verus far more relatable and likeable as a character.

I was discussing the series with a friend who also loves them and she observed that - among her circles at least - it seems that more men than women prefer Harry Dresden, while more women than men prefer Alex Verus.

Thoughts?

I've read the blurbs and they sound interesting. How are characterisations that's the main thing I look for in a series?

 

[The Bluestocking]

I've read the blurbs and they sound interesting. How are characterisations that's the main thing I look for in a series?

I think Benedict Jacka has created a whole host of likeable characters and villains you love to hate.

The main protagonist (Alex Verus) is interesting because his main power is that of seeing probable futures and therefore, knowledge. Otherwise, he is just about outclassed by every other mage around him, especially those that come after him. The books are written in the first person from his point of view and the future-seeing ability is very nicely presented. So is his occasionally understated yet snarky sense of humour. He also relies on his brains rather than sheer power and that always keeps things interesting.

Each member of his "Scooby Gang" as it were, are well sketched out characters and a real mix of abilities and personalities.

The characters grow and develop in every book, especially Verus and his apprentice, Luna. Luna grows in confidence as a young magic-user in training and Alex just keeps getting more complicated and interesting. He has a number of choices to make as he tries to do the right thing and be a good person in the light of his past and that is what keeps the drama flowing.

Harry Dresden's character also grows through the series but I find him unlikeable, especially his attitude towards women. Alex, on the other hand, seems to treat women as equal human beings. That's what makes him appealing to me as a reader.

 

[Munch]

Having fully intending to but not yet got round to reading any of the Dresden books (book one is kicking around somewhere in one of the piles of books that occupy my bedroom) I cannot compare the series but I LOVE the Alex Verus books!

There is a real mish mash of personalities present amongst the main cast of characters and they all seem to grow and develop book to book. Especially Alex and Luna. I'm really looking forward to finding out how Anne copes with the events of the last book and the revelations about Alex's past.

Only 54 days until Hidden is released.... I can be patient..... Grr! No! I need it now!!!

 

[The Bluestocking]

Only 54 days until Hidden is released.... I can be patient..... Grr! No! I need it now!!!

There's a bunch of us doing the same "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" routine while waiting for Hidden to be released, so you're not alone!

On an aside - for some reason, I get the impression that Alex Verus looks like a young Rupert Everett.

 

[Silver Owl]

Just so you know my wallet is very angry with you

I've gone and bought the first book and we all know what a slippery slope buying book 1 of a series is.

 

[The Bluestocking]

Just so you know my wallet is very angry with you

I've gone and bought the first book and we all know what a slippery slope buying book 1 of a series is.

Hehe! Well, your wallet may be angry but your imagination may well thank me for introducing you to Alex Verus.

Hope he passes the 'New Reader' acid test with you

 

[Juliana]

I love both series equally. I do like the Harry Dresden books a lot, but what I most find appealing about Alex is, as Bluestocking mentioned, the fact that Alex has absolutely no 'blasting power' as a mage, having to rely on brains and a very cool and non-combative magical ability. And the utter lack of shame at having to make the more than occasional 'tactical retreat'.

And Luna is awesome!

 

[The Bluestocking]

And the utter lack of shame at having to make the more than occasional 'tactical retreat'.

That is what makes Alex so human and relatable for me - he is not invincible like some of the more powerful mages are (or think they are) and he knows it.