Hard Magic

Book I of the Grimnoir Chronicles

By: Larry Correia

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award, Paranormal, 2012

Jake Sullivan is a licensed private eye with a seriously hardboiled attitude. He also possesses raw magical talent and the ability to make objects in his vicinity light as a feather or as heavy as depleted uranium, all with a magical thought. It's no wonder the G-men turn to Jake when they need someone to go after a suspected killer who has been knocking off banks in a magic-enhanced crime spree.

Problems arise when Jake discovers the bad girl behind the robberies is an old friend, and he happens to know her magic is just as powerful as his. And the Feds have plunged Jake into a secret battle between powerful cartels of magic-users - a cartel whose ruthless leaders have decided that Jake is far too dangerous to live.

©2011 Larry Correia (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Great listen

Would you listen to Hard Magic again? Why?

Yes, because there are little things that you miss until you know how things turn out. I'll wait until I finish the trilogy before rereading it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The loss of Delilah was bitter sweet.

Any additional comments?

This book has a lot of historical references in it that I missed. It really makes me want to read more history.

The story concept is interesting I liked this book

Would you try another book from Larry Correia and/or Bronson Pinchot?

Before I read this book I finished reading the Monster Hunter International Series (or as much as of it that is written) it was great by the way. Back to Grimnoir Chronicals, I purchased this book looking for another series as engaging as MHI.

The story line and character development were good. The book is definitely entertaining, I would recommend it but save your credits and try to purchase it when they have a sale. For me it just wasn't one of those books I couldn't put down.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting aspect of the story are the "powers" that the characters exhibit, this was something that was new for me.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator was good however the voice he chose for the main character (Sullivan) was a slow witted high sounding drawl that I found annoying. I really liked this character, knew he was intelligent but the voice took away from the character.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I would have to see the previews to see if it went cartoonish or serious.

Correia's best series yet!

This is a fun, fast-paced magical thriller, with likeable characters that are not too far-fetched, and a interesting, complex universe.

What sets this apart from Correia's other work (which is quite similar in terms of plots) are the characters. They're all sympathetic, substantive, and real, even the bad guys. Stereotypes are well done, conversation is punchy and enjoyable, but still realistic, and character development doesn't seem far-fetched.

The performance is just spectacular. Might take a bit of getting used to at first, but the gruff, almost gritty narration fits into the overall feel of the story really well, and the different characters are easily distinguishable.

This isn't exactly canonical literature, but it's a fun story, and good company on long drives or at the gym. Definitely recommended for a light-hearted yet engaging listen.

Fantastic narrator

Narration was fantastic, with a distinct voice for each character. I think the story was made even better by the narrator.

Fantastic

I was dubious as I love noir fiction but this was brilliant and the narration perfect. One of my favourites in recent months.

Excellent overall

As someone else said, a bit heavy on the "gun love" but a lot of fun overall. Excellent understatement of humor, best "steampunk" approach I've "read" so far, but admittedly not my favorite genre. Ready to buy the next story now.

First book I've heard narrated by Mr Pincho, and am really impressed by his talent.

It's Dick Tracy/Mike Hammer meets Doctor Strange!

What made the experience of listening to Hard Magic the most enjoyable?

The pace was generally quick, and had 1930 mobster kind of feel. It was over the top (Indiana Jones Style) and the ride was enjoyable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hard Magic?

The final scene between Jake and Matty. (sp?)

What about Bronson Pinchot’s performance did you like?

The narrator was excellent! He had a number of voices and did them well. The voice for Jake "Heavy" Sullivan bothered me at first, "heavy" on the hayseed, but after a while, I really liked his portrayal of the character.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Magic and Mobsters and Guns... Oh My!

Any additional comments?

While I was hesitant to purchase this book in the beginning, now I'll be longing for #3!! Hurry up Larry Correia!!

Fun all the way

Great performance of interesting chats. A fun blend of old fashioned noir, spy and magic

Fabulous

Hard Magic is fabulous! This is a well written, complex, and incredibly fun book. I haven't enjoyed a book so much in a long time. I've read many works by Mr. Correia and I have enjoyed all of them, but this, in my opinion, is probably the best. I've only read the first book, but I have no concern that the others will be just as good. The various "historical" references are wonderful and provide another level of interest and enjoyment for those that know their history.

Narration was excellent! Buy the book and then buckle up for the adventure!!

A Phenomenal Good Time!

I dislike WW stories, period pieces and noir type novels, and I absolutely LOVED this book!! I picked it up because of a recommendation from a good friend and it took me a couple chapters to get into it but once I was in I couldn't turn it off! Such a fun/unique take on super powers. The character development is great, the story is satisfying. I can't say enough good things. Do yourself a favor, if you like magic or super powers or adventures. Pick this up. You're welcome!!