Warlock for Hire

Everything ties together neatly at the end

Warlock for Hire by Sean Stone is the first book in a series called Arcane Inc. Eddie Lancaster is a warlock for hire and he is a self-professed and unapologetic rude and annoying guy. Unlike most with magical abilities, he sells his skills as a warlock to anyone willing to pay him. He doesn’t ask questions. However, when an attractive woman, Ashley Sheridan, comes to him with a request, he is intrigued. When she comes back, he clearly sees that she’s in trouble and he loves to solve mysteries. And so, despite her insistence that he not get involved, Eddie falls hard into the dangerous mystery and suddenly his, Ashley’s, and other peoples’ lives are at risk.  He must figure out how to protect himself, Ashley and the people they love before his actions lead them to destruction.

This is generally a light and ultimately fun urban fantasy story. The characters are flat and Eddie is an immature guy, who is, as he himself professes, annoying and rude. But despite all of his failings, it is easy to root for his success even while rolling eyes at his behavior. Unfortunately, the main female character is generally a damsel in distress, which is frustrating. However, hints about the next books suggest that there will be other strong female characters as the series continues. The story is generally engaging as Eddie stumbles from one situation to the next and is balanced with action and his absurd inner monologue describing the world around him and explaining things through the fourth wall. Everything ties together neatly at the end of the story and leads into the next novel without a cliffhanger.

The narration by Hannibal Hills might well be why this book is so engaging. Without Hills' characterization of Eddie, Eddie may have easily just been too irritating and immature for me, personally. And so, I highly recommend choosing to listen to the audiobook over reading the written text, unless the reader typically enjoys characters like Eddie. The production quality was good. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a light and fast-paced urban fantasy novels.

Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog.

[If this review helped, please press YES. Thanks!]

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Finally, a new Dresden-like series

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Ok, so I REALLY enjoyed this one and will definitely seek out more in this series. The main character is definitely a long-lost brother to Harry Dresden! I liked the British take on Jim Butcher's world of wizards and mayhem. Well worth a listen.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great start to a hilarious series.

This was great. The main character was funny and honest about who he was. The story was well paced and structured. I found myself checking for the second book about an hour into this one. Listened in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. For fans of The Tome of Bill series and The Iron Druid Chronicles.

Can't wait for book two Audio.

The Narrator was great. He brought a good vibe and enthusiasm to the characters. I especially liked the landlady's voice. The scenes where he Eddie is home and dealing with his landlady and her son reminded me of the show How Not To Live Your Life.

I requested a free review copy of this book and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

❤️

Will definitely remind you of The Dresden Files so not exactly original. Still it’s enjoyable and worth a read. I’ll keep up with the series. Sarcastic humor is something I always enjoy.

The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Smart A__ for Hire

First off, this is definitely a Dresdenesque novel, only set in Great Britain. The main character and the story is funny, entertaining, and worth the time if you like urban fantasy.

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Lots of fun!

A warlock who sells his services for a small fee. In this story he's met his match. Ashley comes to him with a huge problem. A certain someone wants something from her because he saw it in a vision. She doesn't have the ability alone to make it happen.

It's a combination of mystery and silly and kept me entertained throughout. The story is told as if he's telling you the story one on one. I wasn't so sure about that at first but it grew on me quickly and I completely enjoyed the story. It has a strong plot, moves smoothly from one chapter to the next and has enough humor it kept me in stitches.

Great story!

I recieved this free for an honest review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Urban Fantasy with Personality

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.


Warlock for Hire is the first in an Urban Fantasy series by Sean Stone. It's short by the standards of the genre but it does pack quite a bit into its brief run time.

The voice of the first person narrator was full of personality, asides and even some meta humor. The narrator Hannibal Hills did an amazing job bringing the voice to life and his delightful accent only made it more enjoyable. this cannot be stated enough - Hannibal did an excellent job and I would be eager to hear other books he narrates.


The main character while interesting did little to make the audience sympathize with him. He is greedy, petty, a bit of a bully, randy and rude. This is offset by his humor but if there is anything that could have used more polishing it would have been doing a little more to humanize him. He is the protagonist because the book is from his POV. He might be at the beginning of a redemptive arc - but that is not evident with this volume.

It was interesting and entertaining with the ending promising to delve more into his past as well as making the stakes much more personal in the sequel.

Disclaimer: He is also very foul mouthed. If that's not a deal breaker for you then I'd give it a try. It was enough to detract from my enjoyment

Eddie Eddie Eddie

Eddie Lancaster is a Natural Warlock who sells his magical services. He’s everything we don’t expect in the hero. He’s egotistical, pretentious, self centered and unapologetic and I freaking love him!!! Hannibal Hills was born to be Eddie Lancaster and Eddie Lancaster was created for Hannibal Hills. The story itself is awesome! It’s creative and different. Selling his services gets him in a bit of trouble - no spoilers here and Ashley has him so captivated he gets himself in to a life or death situation to help her. The writing style of Eddie telling his own story adds so. I have to the story and Hannibal Hills narration on bringing Eddie to life is incredible. I just loved it when he went on a rant speaking directly to me and then remembered he was tell no his story coming back with oh where was I now. Love love love. Can’t wait for the next book

Excellent Story!

The writing and narration are both impeccable in this sometimes humorous tale. Any lover of fantasy will thoroughly enjoy this one.

A good book to begin the series!

This book was pretty awesome! Has mystery, comedy, and just something that’s a little out of the norm! Absolutely worth the read in my openion. Looking forward to finishing the series!