Time-Marked Warlock

The Chronos Chronicles, Book 1

By: Shami Stovall

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

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Cool detective story with time-loop powers

I finished it in one sitting, and kept me hooked all the way. Had fun and interesting side characters, narration was solid as always with Soundbooth. I enjoyed the main character, and this book really sets as a solid first introductory arc for what is to come. Looking forward to the next one

Occult Groundhogs Day meets PI buddy cop drama.

Interesting take on the genre. While I typically dont enjoy crime series, I found this one having enough of the things I do enjoy to keep me listening and engaged.

Would be interested in future episodes.

Note: i did receive this audio book for free, but this does not impact my rating.

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

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.

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!

One of the best books I've listened to.

This is a fast paced, urban fantasy thriller that also pulls at the heartstrings. It's up there with Dresden Files and the Mercedes Thompson books. I'm eager for more.

I am really picky with time travel books, but this one is a master class in how to do it right and keep the stakes high.

The performance is also top tier. I'm gushing, but there's nothing wrong with that when it is warrented.

interesting take

limited time magic is a fun way to make time magic viable with making it over shadowingly powerful.

the plot is at it's core a simple who done it, but the twists and quality of writing keeps you engaged and interested throughout

SBT does great work as always voicing everything

Amazing Audiobook

I very much enjoyed listening to Time-Marked Warlock. The author Shami Stovall has written an excellent, fun and intriguing fantasy book. The interactions between the warlock Adair and his young half apprentice Bree are really funny. 5/5 stars