Last night some of the Orbit team enjoyed a fun evening with various authors, readers, reviewers and publishing folk at Goldsboro Books in London. ‘Magic in the Court’ featured bestselling author Deborah Harkness and a number of other notable urban fantasists, including Orbit’s very own Benedict Jacka, who was celebrating the release of his new Alex Verus novel TAKEN [UK | ANZ].

Speeches were made by David Headley (Director and owner of Goldsboro Books) and Deborah Harkness, drinks were consumed and a fine time was had by all. Many thanks to Headline and to Goldsboro owners David and Daniel for a wonderful evening. 

TAKEN is the third novel featuring probability mage Alex Verus – a seer who runs a magic shop in North London when he isn’t busy fighting scheming otherworldly forces – and is out now (signed copies are available at Goldsboro Books).

Welcome to Fountain Reach
Ancient seat of the Aubuchon dynasty
Majestic setting of the White Stone tournament

Alex Verus’s (not necessarily reliable) reputation attracts all sorts. Most are plain bonkers. Yet there’s one invitation he just can’t refuse.

At Fountain Reach, Alex is perfectly placed among the noted and notorious to figure out why apprentices have been vanishing. But the tournament is a minefield of ancient grudges and new threats, and Alex can’t afford to miss a trick as his elusive adversary stays one step ahead in this most dangerous of games.

The first two Alex Verus books, FATED [UK | ANZ] and CURSED [UK | ANZ] have already caused a serious buzz amongst urban fantasy fans. 

FATED is an excellent example of not just great urban fantasy but also of brilliant story telling. There is a near perfect mix of everything and it has been masterfully crafted with a meticulous eye for those pieces of humanity that make a great protagonist and a fantastic story” – FANTASY FACTION

“Jacka follows his urban fantasy debut, FATED, with an even more impressive tale of gunplay and spellcraft in present-day London . . . Readers will savor this tasty blend of magic, explosions, and moral complexity” – PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY (starred review)

TAKEN has already earned similar praise:

Alex Verus is back in his best adventure to date. Author Benedict Jacka has found his feet and delivers a ripping, action packed novel that’s an indulgent treat for urban fantasy fans” – BOOKBAG

There’s no chance of a face-off between Alex Verus and Harry Dresden though, as Jim Butcher has confirmed he’s a huge fan:

Harry Dresden would like Alex Verus tremendously – and be a little nervous around him.  I just added Benedict Jacka to my must-read list. FATED is an excellent novel, a gorgeously-realized world with a uniquely powerful, vulnerable protagonist.  Books this good remind me why I got into the storytelling business in the first place.

Benedict Jacka can be found on the internet both at his website and on Twitter. You can read an extract from FATED here, while the fascinating discussion that Benedict had recently with Jim Butcher can be found here. 

Benedict will be attending Fantasycon at the end of September, so do come and find him to say hello! Benedict’s schedule is as follows:

Friday 28th September – (2pm-3pm, FITZHERBERT ROOM) – ‘Blurring the Genre Boundaries’.

Saturday 29th September (10am-11am, RUSSELL ROOM) – ‘Fantasy Fiction: Keeping it Real?’, plus a reading at 8 pm.

Benedict will also be involved in the Portsmouth Literary Festival on 30th October, as part of a panel discussion entitled ‘Urban Fantasy and the City Setting’, with fellow Orbit authors Jon Courtenay Grimwood and Kate Griffin, as well as Ben Aaronovitch.