Time-Marked Warlock

The Chronos Chronicles, Book 1

By: Shami Stovall

Narrated by: Annie Ellicott, Jeff Hays, Justin Thomas James

Adair Finch is the most powerful warlock in the world, and one of the best private investigators for hire.

He has dealt with corporate vampires, murderous werewolves, and even fae royalty. Everything was perfect until he lost one case—the case where he also lost his brother.

So Finch retired. From magic. From PI work. From everything.

Bree Blackstone, a twelve-year-old witch, doesn’t know or care about any of that except Finch’s reputation. In the middle of the night, she bangs on Finch’s door. Her mother has been murdered, and now the assassin is after Bree as well.

Reluctantly, Finch agrees to help, only to discover something sinister has been brewing in town while he ignored the world… He’ll need to dust off all his old skills and magic before it’s too late.

©2024 Capital Station Books (P)2024 Soundbooth Theater

Critic reviews

"Fans of the Dresden Files and the Iron Druid Chronicles will definitely enjoy Stovall's creation."—Jason Cordova, national bestselling author

Can't wait for more

A great start to a new series! Is there any thing shami can't write? The worst part of any of her books is having to wait for another or a series ends, I can't wait to find out more of the back lore. I am very happy with how the time magic works. While worrying it might be op you find out it's not very quickly. the main cast and have great chemistry together and I can't wait to see more of them

Fantastic who done it with a fantasy twist.

Well done all around - well written, incredible performance, and well worth the time and money. (I’d say more, but I don’t want to spoil the story for you!)

Already wanting more Team Finch

I had a long driving trip ahead of me, and I thought I would try something different. I am a fan of Dresdon, and thought I will give this a shot... I am so glad I did. This first book lays out so much story that Shami can continue while giving us a really cool magic system for Finch and.... spoilers.
I think even better was how organic the main characters synch together. This was a treat to listen to, and I am already excited for her next book! Bring on the Chronos Chronicles.

Okay story

This low key urban fantasy is enjoyable for the most part. At about the half way mark I was getting a bit bored with it but it does pickup the pace at the ending chapters. There seemed to be some unevenness to the young girl’s conversation and behaviour. One minute she says she would torture and kill her mom’s murderer and the next she wants to save people who contributed to her mom’s death. She comes across as too adult at times. I won’t be reading anything else from this author.

Great Book, Even Better Audiobook

As a Patreon perk, I got to experience the pleasure of this book all over again listening to Jeff Hayes as Adair Finch and Annie Ellicott as the bright and determined 12-year-old Bree Blackstone and the faintly snarky adult narrator (which reminds me of Emma Thompson's performance in Stranger Than Fiction). I didn't know both voices were the same actress until I looked up their names for this review.

I consider this book to be among Shami Stovall's best, if not the best she has ever written. The audio performance, particularly the scene at the long stoplight, matches that high bar.

For me, the key to this amazing story is the chemistry between Bree and Adair, something Jeff and Annie capture very well. She's determined, a naturally pleasant person, and Adair sees a lot of his brother in her. Everything isn't sunshine and roses – they are both grieving in their individual ways – but Adair helping Bree helps himself even more.

not my cup of tea

Overall a well put together story just not much a fantasy crime mystery personn. Great narration.

Dresden on the light side

The storytelling is light, even though the topic isn’t. I got definite shades of Dresden in the internal dialogue and sidekick antics.
This was a fun ride! Engaging story, action, some good twists…a nice read!

Groundhog Day Meets Dresden Files –A Magical Start

I didn’t know what to expect when I found Time-Marked Warlock on Audible, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. As the first book in The Chronos Chronicles, it does a fantastic job of building the world while keeping the story fast-paced and engaging.

The protagonist’s sarcastic humor is right up my alley—he’s sharp, witty, and wonderfully flawed, which makes him feel all the more real. Watching him navigate time loops, magic, and some questionable choices had me hooked from start to finish.

The audiobook performance is top-notch. The voice acting brought the characters to life, and the subtle effects added just enough depth without being distracting.

This was such a strong start to the series, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book. If you enjoy time loops, magic, and a hero who’s a little rough around the edges, this one’s for you.

Enjoyable Good Series Launch

Definitely want to go to book 2 but it’s not on audio yet. Clean ending on this one so I can wait.

Loved it

Fantastically unique storyline with interesting and likable characters! I can’t wait to purchase the next one! The audio cast was fantastic, and I truly am so happy to have found this one!