Taken

Alex Verus Series, Book 3

By: Benedict Jacka

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

This time last year, I could go weeks without seeing another mage. In mage society I was an unknown and, all in all, that was how I liked it. It’s hard to say what changed. Whatever it was, I got involved in the magical world again and started getting myself a reputation.

Alex Verus’s insights into the future used to be the best-kept secret in London. Now, with the aid of his apprentice, Luna, his unique investigative talents are all the rage. He just has to be careful about picking his employers, because everyone - even the beautiful woman who practically begs him to run security for a prestigious tournament - has motives that can be hard to predict. And Alex doesn’t do unpredictable.

But his latest gig just might be impossible. Apprentices have been vanishing without a trace - and someone on the Council could be involved. Alex has no evidence, no witnesses, and no suspects. All he knows is that someone is keeping tabs on him. And after assassins target Luna’s classmate, Alex sees that he doesn’t know the half of it - and that he could be the next to disappear.

©2012 Benedict Jacka (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The action is fast and smart, playing with thriller conventions so that while [listeners] get excitement they also are encouraged to think about what magic might mean in human terms. A superb book in an outstanding, provocative series." ( Publishers Weekly)

What is going on with those apprentices?

This was really good! I had never heard of this series until my friend Anne decided to host a read along on her blog, Books of My Heart, this year. Since the pace was set at only one book per month, I decided that I could make enough room in my reading schedule to fit this series in without too much work. That has turned out to be a fantastic decision because I have had a great time with each installment.

I really like both Alex and Luna and I was really happy that this book focused so heavily on Luna and the other apprentices. It was great meeting a few new characters and seeing a little more about how their world works. Luna has now completely committed to her role as an apprentice and is working incredibly hard to meet the demands put on her. I really liked getting to see the relationships between the apprentices.

I never tire of watching Alex in action. His ability to see into the future is so unique in useful as it is used in this story. I love the way he is able to make smart decisions quickly and takes responsibility for his actions. Alex is really just a great guy who is always looking to save the day and take care of those who need his help and he does it quite competently.

I thought that the mystery in this book was very well done. I had no idea what was going on with the disappearing apprentices but I had a blast going along for the ride to find out. There was plenty of action and some completely unexpected antics to keep things really interesting. I love that this story kept me guessing until the very end.

Gildart Jackson does a fantastic job with this series. He is the voice of Alex in my mind and I do think that he really does bring the character to life. I think that he does a great job with all of the character voices and dialogue always flowed nicely. I think he has a very pleasant reading voice and I enjoyed listening to his narration for hours at a time.

I would recommend this series to others. This is the third book in the Alex Verus series which I do think would be best read in order if at all possible. I can't wait to get started on the next book in the series very soon.

Pretty Good Story

It is a pretty good story. Not a hang onto the edge of your seat kind of story but pretty good. Someone compared it to Harry Dresdan but that is a stretch. I would like to know hold old Alex is supposed to be. It insinuated he was rather young, maybe late early 30s but if that is the case, you need a different narrator because he sounds late 50s. If that is not the case, then you have a good narrator.

love it smart intelligent characters

love the story love the characters and the narrator perfect for the story actually involves ones mind not like some others that are frustrating idiotic

Series Hits a Good Pace

This is a really good story and a testament to the power of the second book. I am immediately went out of my way to purchase this title “Taken“ due to the fact that I enjoyed “Cursed“ so much that I didn’t want the story to be over. The story was very interesting and the only criticism I have is that the foreshadowing was laid on a little thick. Other than that, this is a book that you can stay up late and read.

Liking Alex Verus more and more.

Third book in the series so far and eagerly getting ready to devour it.
Don't be afraid to try this series. If you liked Dresden, or Nightside, I think you'll like this series.
Action, humor, good pacing, great character development.
Interesting magic system.

Sure, sounds like Dresden.
But give it a shot. I think you'll like it.
Very original after you get over the similar premise.

Fun Story!

I love this series! The narrator has a neat accent and brings it to life well. This is my 3rd listen and it's still fun!

Another Great Adventure for Alex Verus

I was hesitant about this series at first, but the author really hits his stride in this book. Alex is more involved in world of Mages. This book is action packed and has all of your favorite characters! Definitely worth your time to listen!

Better than the previous book in the series

I like this one better than Cursed. In part because Luna showed some signs of not being a useless twit, and actually having a purpose other than to cause trouble by her incompetency and stupidity. I still don’t like the character, but I disliked her less in this one, then in the previous two books where I absolutely hated her.
Another reason I like this book is Anne. Really both of the new apprentices were well written, and consistent, but she seems to have a lot of potential. I hope she sticks around in further entries in the series. I know it’s all already written so what will be has already been.
Onyx was kind of one dimensional and I thought more could’ve been done there, but I guess you need a bad guy that is just straight up bad sometimes. Well we got a couple of them in this book.
We also got a new non-human character, who is both potentially very dangerous and potentially very useful. Although after the way this ended maybe not so much useful. But you never know…
And Narration was good, up to his usual standards almost, but there were times when he didn’t seem to pay attention to who was talking, and missed placed a voice a little bit. Mainly with Alex and Luna.

Another addictive series

So, I've just binged listened to the first three books in this series. I have them in audio format and now I need to get them in the real world...What a great bunch of characters. The performance is spot on and just begs you to keep listening. The story line is fresh and full of unexpected twists. So much fun.

Each Book Makes Me Love This Series More

I wanted to love the first book but I only liked it enough to give the second book a try. By the end of book 2 I was hooked. Taken, the 3rd book of the series, introduces new characters and even more intrigue, action, and suspense. Alex Verus is a complex human being...like the rest of us with an intriguing ability we only wish we had.