This is exactly the kind of urban fantasy I’ve been missing. It’s got all the familiar trappings: private investigator magic-user, supernatural politics, and snarky banter. UF is a bit of a comfort read for me and I’ve stopped reading two of the authors in the genre that I grew up with, so this was sorely needed.
Adair Finch is retired and wallowing in guilt after a case gone wrong cost him his brother. His attempt to shut himself off from the world doesn’t last long because a determined twelve-year-old witch named Bree knocks on his door in the middle of the night, dragging him back into the messy world of magical crime.
This book had so many things I love: the grizzled, too-old-for-this-shit warlock with a secretly soft center; the precocious, whip-smart kid who worms her way into his heart; and a balance of humor, heart, and high-stakes magic. It hits emotional beats hard, but also uses time magic to its advantage. Even so, those scenes made an impact and made for great character moments.
What stood out most to me, though, was how fun this was. Finch has the broody, sad-boy energy of a Dresden-type character but without the baked-in misogyny that plagues a lot of older urban fantasy. The magic system is inventive, the mystery is genuinely compelling, and the supporting cast (especially Bree and Kull) absolutely stole the show.
It reminded me most of Seanan McGuire’s October Daye series in how it balances magic, emotion, and mystery. That’s high praise, because October is one of my all-time favorites. Add in an audiobook that’s exceptionally well done, and this became one of those stories I didn’t want to put down.
Just as an FYI: there is one brief HP reference in here, which was frustrating to stumble across given JKR’s views. I really wish authors would stop referencing that person. It’s such an unnecessary reminder when there are so many other cultural touchstones available.
Bottom line: if you’re looking for urban fantasy with sharp humor, clever time-magic, and characters who will stick with you, Time-Marked Warlock is a fantastic start to a series I’m already eager to continue! As always, I love Indie Fantasy Addicts and its ability to show me authors I hadn’t heard about.