A fantastic cross between Sam Spade and the X Men

I usually like to read books that mix fantasy with the everyday and a good dollop of humour, like the Inspector Hobbes Series and anything by Heidi Goody and Ian Grant, so I wasn't sure what to expect at first, but the story soon pulled me in and I kept wanting to listen to find out what happened next. The story was an inventive twist on the theme of vampires, werewolves etc, combined with a main character who was more a Sam Spade type. It shouldn't have worked, but it does! The whole set up is entirely believable and the book, while reaching a conclusion of sorts, doesn't go for the nice neat tidy ending but the sort of messy ending you find in everyday life, only with vampires!
And as for the narration, that's superb. I love the contrast between the hard gumshoe American type accent of the main character and the more western accents of the other characters. It could come across as clunky or forced, but it doesn't. It actually skilfully reinforces the otherness of the main character and gives the story an extra vibrancy. I'm currently listening to the second book in the series, and so far I'm enjoying it as much as and possibly even more so than the first.
Highly recommended!

17 people found this helpful

Terrific

Oh what a luscious turn of phrase Mr Arnold has. Perfect scenes evoked with a word sketch.
And my, also a very talented actor/narrator. If not the best, certainly one of the best author narrators I have come across.
An engaging lead character, with his bag of angst and woes, interacts well with other residents of his world. Conversations you believe, that reveal the person and take the story forward.
If I was being super-picky, I would say that during the middle of the story I was a bit muddled. Also, although there were some very droll moments the overall feel was just the teensiest bit, gloomy. I guess that would be all the angsts making their presence felt.
So happy I gave it a shot. I do hope there are more to come.

7 people found this helpful

If you like Dresden you’ll probably like Fetch

Amazing 1st book & intro to a new, flawed hero in a magical world. I enjoyed every minute of this story and the narration by the author was just perfect. So much interwoven, intricate background to set the scene but I never felt as though the essential ‘back story’ stuff took over as it does with many new series.

I’m an avid Dresden fan but this is actually a stronger first novel than in that series. Time will obviously tell if in subsequent books the life journey Fetch goes on will be as amazing, affirming, adventurous, fun and as full of personal growth as Harry’s.

So many intriguing, three dimensional characters and settings were introduced to explain the basics of Fetch’s origin story that the potential for future interactions and story development are quite exciting. The book leaves the reader desperately wanting to know answers to mysteries that were necessarily left hanging. I really like how the protagonist appears to be just as in the dark about many of these mysteries as we are.

My fingers are crossed that 10 Fetch books down the line I will be as invested in him, and his supporting cast of characters, as I am with Dresden’s.

In one book Luke Arnold has created a brilliantly written new potential anti-hero, a fascinating world of myth and magic and a tragic but extremely original back story. There are infinite possibilities. If he can keep the momentum going I’m definitely along for the ride.

6 people found this helpful

excellent and emotive!

I had originally bought the audio to listen to on my commute, but with the pandemic decided to buy the book also - but after one listen to the audio, I couldn't stop because it was just so well read and I was gripped. I just kept making up chores so I could listen to it! A really original and interesting take on the noir world with engaging and likeable leads. Each character was richly developed no matter how short their appearance. really hope this becomes a long series! As for the reading, it's one of the best I've heard so far on audible, Arnold's ability to become so many different people without it being too stark and noticeable is inspired! A definite rec here!

4 people found this helpful

Love the concept and the book

For me if you enjoy Dresden files, Ben aaronoovitch, then this by Luke Arnold stands as well tall. The author even does an incredible job as a narrator. For me a must read.

4 people found this helpful

enjoyed this book

enjoyed it looking forward to hearing more the story was a little strange at first till I got some context from his flashbacks

2 people found this helpful

A new highlight for Science Fiction and Fantasy

The maturity level of the writing in this book far surpasses what I would expect from a debut title. I truly hope there will be more books written in this world from Luke. What a success! Gripping from the first chapter. a new interpretation of familiar concepts. A bold new setting and daring lead character. I am consumed with curiosity to know more!

2 people found this helpful

Raymond Chandler meets the vampires

I nearly missed out on this because generally I don’t listen to books read by the author. I’ve heard and some horrors and if they’re too vain or cheap to hire a professional then I don’t see why I should suffer. After a few minutes confusion at how good he was, I googled and found out the author is also an actor so my theory still holds! Anyway, it would have been a great loss if I hadn’t bought it because this Sam Spade in magicville tale is really great. It has a loser detective on the outs with everyone, vampish women (pun absolutely intended) and a librarian barmaid. Looking forward to more.

1 person found this helpful

Great fantasy detective noir

Loved it. Will definitely listen to the sequel, great story and brilliantly read by the author

1 person found this helpful

Noir Fantasy unlike anything else.

A great noir detective story, not like Dresden or Rivers of London (although fans of both should very much enjoy this).

The world Arnold has created is bruised and battered, but tinged with a tiny bit of hope that keeps pulling it back to it's feet despite the beating it's had.

It's sad and brilliant and fills a wonderful niche alongside the fresh spring of Rivers of London and the cool very lived in pair of boots that is the Dresden Files.