However, when a number of different magical factions seek out Alex’s help in unlocking an ancient artifact, he knows that he’s being thrust into the middle of something much bigger than he is prepared to handle. And since he can see the future, he’s the only one who might be able to solve the mystery.

Of course, he can also see what will happen if he should fail.

In Alex Verus, Jacka has managed to create a hero who is both extremely powerful and extremely vulnerable. His magical ability is incredible, but the ghosts of his past and the circumstances of his present combine to lend him an air of sympathy; his sadness is even greater than his talent. And the characters that surround Alex are richly realized as well – it’s a supporting cast with whom readers will look forward to spending more time.

Jacka’s London is a meticulously rendered place, filled with the sort of interesting, yet unobtrusive details that breathe life into the background. The world through which Alex walks is made real through that attention.

And of course, there’s the storytelling. Jacka’s voice is polished and warm; we’re let inside Alex Verus’s head. His style is high-energy in all the best ways, bringing forth the richness of his descriptions and the reality of his world. And despite the fact that our hero can see the future, we’re still carried along by mystery; undeniably impressive.

“Fated” looks like the beginning of something special. This is a wonderful addition to the urban fantasy canon and something that any fan of the genre would do well to check out. And with the second book “Cursed” set to come out in June, there won’t be long to wait to find out what happens next.