An Inheritance of Magic

Book 1 in a new dark fantasy series by the author of the million-copy-selling Alex Verus novels

By: Benedict Jacka

Narrated by: Will Watt

Book one in a new fantasy series of super rich magical dynasties and warring heirs - from the author of the million-copy-selling Alex Verus series. For readers of progression fantasy who enjoy the methods and magicians of dark academia . . .

*buy a copy in hardback to receive a beautiful, limited foiled edition*

ANYONE CAN USE MAGIC - IF THEY CAN AFFORD THE PRICE . . .

In a world where everything magical is bought up and controlled by the super rich - Stephen Oakwood has inherited a natural talent for magic. Plunged by his father's disappearance into a glittering world of scheming dynasties, warring patriarchs and vicious scions, Stephen must navigate magical high society and learn to control his gifts.

Dangerous enemies await the Oakwood heir, and even more dangerous allies: if Stephen cannot master his magic quickly and learn to distinguish friend from foe, his name may end up on the missing persons list, just like his father.

Critic reviews

Jacka has drawn a potent new world of magic controlled by a privileged few, and Stephen Oakwood is the sigl-wielding rebel we didn't know we needed (New York Times bestselling author Chloe Neill)

Captivating, compelling (SFX)

Happily surprised by the reader

After really enjoying the Alex Verus series I was a bit hesitant to start this one. Gildart Jackson did such a good job in bringing the Alex Verus characters to life, I was afraid it couldn't be at the same level. But it is!
Although this book is mostly a way to acquaint the reader with this different version of a magical world, it still is gripping, exciting and fun. I really felt for Stephen, both in his mishaps and in his successes. And I love Hobbes!

Great universe and main character

Pros:
- Stephen is really well developed
- the magic concept and world building is great!
- the narrator is amazing!


Cons:
- It kind of feels like the author is either not poor or hasn't been in a long time. There's just some odd gaps - like why doesn't Stephen ever consider Jobseekers allowance when he's doing his budgets? Or job stack with door-to-door sales or deliveroo? It feels like he sometimes does a bit of a Walter White - straight to the most extreme option.
- Some of the background characters motivations seem a bit flat

exceeded expectations

after finishing the alex verus series I didn't think this new series would be able to hold to the same quality, however I've been thoroughly surprised extremely excited to listen to the rest of the series.

Realistic though it’s supposed to be fantasy

Hard to believe it’s an urban fantasy but choosing London as backdrop helped a lot made it real. The author did a great job of getting into the mind of the MC (reminded me of MCs of S.E. Hinton’s).