Review of “Shadow Born” by Alex Gates (audiobook)
I loved this audiobook and recommend it most highly (if you’re not a fan of audio then get the book – it will also be great)!
The focal character in this story is Joseph Hunter. Hunter, formerly a magic user and monster hunter, originally received his magical powers by being offered, and accepting, a pact with a Nephil, a being with godlike abilities. Hunter lived in Sacramento, CA with his wife Callie until Callie was ruthlessly murdered shortly after the birth of their daughter, Mel. Fearing that Mel was also at risk, Hunter gave her up for adoption by a mundane couple who lived beyond Sacramento and then spent two years trying to track down Callie’s killer(s), but to no avail. After that time he moved away from his old environs to a trailer on a relatively remote plot of land where he was closer to his daughter’s adoptive home. He gave up using his magic and turned to work in building destruction, spending his evenings covertly watching the house of his daughter’s adoptive parents in an attempt to protect Mel and then drinking himself into a stupor in an effort to escape his losses and perceived failures.
One night, he returns home to find that Xander Shells, an old friend that Hunter has not seen in years, has somehow tracked him down and is waiting for him at his trailer. This sets the events that make up the bulk of the story into motion and the tale evolves from there.
I will not provide any further details about the story as I want listeners (or readers) to have the pleasure of experiencing it for themselves. I will state first that this story is sometimes dark and if you want all of your audiobooks/books to end in happily ever afters then this may not be the title for you. However, if you like your fantasy to have rich, immersive world building, a unique and creative magic system, and well drawn and developed characters who, through flawed, are relatable and sympathetic, then you should definitely listen to this audiobook! I was especially drawn to Hunter who, while often reckless, sarcastic, and having a sometimes out of control tongue, prompted empathy and compassion on my part as I followed his battles with his demons and his efforts to protect his precious daughter.
The narrator, Gary Bennett, is excellent and truly breathed life into the narrative and the characters.
“Shadow Born” is the first of four books in the Joseph Hunter series. The second title, “Shadow Hunter” is also available in both audiobook and book formats, as is the third, “Shadow Magic”. Having listened to and thoroughly enjoyed “Shadow Born”, I eagerly anticipate listening to the second audiobook in this series (and to other titles and series by the author)!
Review by Sue Ratner