Uncanny Collateral

Valkyrie Collections, Book 1

By: Brian McClellan

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Alek Fitz is a reaper, a collection agent who works for the supernatural elements of the world, tracking down debtors and solving problems for clients as diverse as the Lords of Hell, vampires, Haitian loa, and goblins. He’s even worked for the Tooth Fairy on occasion. Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, Alek is the best in the game. As a literal slave to his job, he doesn’t have a choice.

When Death comes looking for someone to track down a thief, Alek is flung into a mess of vengeful undead, supernatural bureaucracy, and a fledgling imp war. As the consequences of failure become dire, he has few leads, and the clock is ticking. Only with the help of his friend Maggie - an ancient djinn with a complex past - can he hope to recover the stolen property, save the world, and just maybe wring a favor out of the Great Constant himself.

It’s a hell of a job, but somebody’s got to do it...

©2019 Brian McClellan (P)2019 Brian McClellan

Looking forward to more

Brian McClellan’s addition to urban fantasy that incorporates common myths & legends is an enjoyable listen.
-Avoids trying to be too clever with the plot
-Embraces tropes instead of wild deviations in a vain attempt to stroke the author’s ego.
-Different than Powdermage demonstrating Mr. McClellan has a little range.
-Entertaining well paced story that would be better if there were already half a dozen or so in the series to listen to back to back.
-Luke Daniels does a fine job, he would slide towards sounding like Atticus occasionally which it’s hard not to think of with the sub genre-narrator combo.

a quick listen but interesting

It was good but short. The reader had a good voice for the character. Will check out book 2 soon.

Really Good Story...

This story turned out to be a new favorite of mine.

Luke Daniels, Once again, is the MAN!!! His voice... just makes the characters feel realistic and a live!

The two main characters worked great together and how they both have Shady passes, which helps in their character builds.
I also liked the the writer just writes! He tells his story without try to be a Word Smith!!
The story line flowed perfectly. I found myself not wanting to put the book down!!!
Now I can not wait until the next one is out!!

Worth a listen if you've got an extra credit

Being a Cleveland native, I got a good chuckle when I saw that this book is set in my hometown. That coupled with the synopsis including the words "fledgling imp war' meant I had to give it a listen. Overall, I enjoyed it. In a genre where all the protagonists are private detectives and bounty hunters, I thought Alec being a supernatural collection agent was an interesting take; although he still does the work of a detective, just with a different job title. It may be because I'm from there, but the fact that it's set in Cleveland is barely a factor in the story, beyond name dropping a few towns in the great Cleveland area. The Dresden Files takes place in Chicago and Jim Butcher really uses the history and design of the city as part of the story. This book really could've taken place in any generic city and it wouldn't have changed anything.

All that being said, I did like this book (although it was a bit short). I liked that Alec isn't a wizard or a demon or a druid or some other kind of super magical entity. I love his partnership with Meg. On the whole I'd say this own is worth checking out if you're a fan of the Dresden Files or Iron Druid series

great book!

only gave it 4 stars because it was a great book but did not pull me into the story. I have high standards for a 5 star. I love character development in book series hoping the next book is as good if not better and the characters pull me into the story to where I don't want to stop listening.

A most excellent listen

love it! Luke Daniels is a fantastic narrator and the story is fun, engaging and exciting. I'm definitely blowing my last credit on book 2!

Great story!

This was my first time listening to the book. Previously I had enjoyed reading the book. I’m getting ready to start the sequel so decide to listen this time. Great reader! Great voices! Really enjoyed the story again. I’ve not read many urban fantasies but this was great. I loved the characters, especially Alex and his djinn. Looking forward to starting book 2.

Another Home Run IMHO Opinion by Luke Daniels

While this may not be The Iron Druid Chronicles or a Kevin Hearne book in general, Luke Daniels is able to bring his character whether it be Siodhachain 'O Sullivan or Alek Fitz, they seem to have just the right amount of attitude to keep them interesting. Here's hoping for book 2

Gran libro, excelente narración

Si estás buscando magia y aventura en un entorno urbano contemporáneo, este es el libro para vos.

Short but good

I bought this book on sale for $5. I would say it was a good book and worth the $5, but I wouldn't pay full price due to the short duration of the book. I really enjoyed Luke Daniels narration of the book.