Review: Fated by Benedict Jacka

Fated is the first book in the Alex Verus series by Benedict Jacka and an ACE Fantasy.


Blurb:


Alex Verus is part of a world hidden in plain sight, running a magic shop in London. And while Alex's own powers aren't as showy as some mages, he does have the advantage of foreseeing the possible future--allowing him to pull off operations that have a million-to-one-chance of success. 


But when Alex is approached by multiple factions to crack open a relic from a long-ago mage war, he knows that whatever's inside must be beyond powerful. And thanks to his abilities, Alex can predict that by taking the job, his odds of survival are about to go from slim to none...


My thoughts:


Alex Verus is a mage - a diviner to be exact.  He can see the multiple possible outcomes of any event he focuses his ability on.  A very handy ability to have - especially when running from an enemy.


And Alex does have enemies.  Ten years ago, apprenticed to Dark Mage Richard Drakh, Alex realized that the Council and their Concord was not in place to help those in need - but to keep peace between the Light and Dark Mages - anyone caught in the crossfire was on their own.


Alex has turned his back on the Council as much as they have turned their back on him - but now, they need his help.


An ancient and supposed powerful relic has surfaced and the Council wants it.  They’ve already lost people trying to force it open and they feel that with a diviner on their team - they have a better chance of opening it without losing anyone else.


But there is a problem - the Council is not the only group interested in this relic - and Alex is on diviner speed dial.


Fated is an enjoyable read and I look forward to more of Alex’s adventures.


I give Fated 3 out of 5 stars.


Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Ace (February 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937007294
ISBN-13: 978-1937007294