Soulbinder
by Sebastien de Castell (Hot Key, 2018)
audiobook read by Joe Jameson (Hot Key, 2018)
Sebastien de Castell raises the stakes in this fourth instalment, introducing new characters while confronting Kellen with ever-more-knotty imperilments to untangle. Reichis’s absence is a blow but the emotional moments feel genuine and Kellen continues to mature, boding well for the series.
Charmcaster
by Sebastien de Castell (Hot Key, 2018); audiobook read by Joe Jameson (Bonnier, 2018)
A coming-of-age story for Kellen, who matures in important ways and continues to prove highly resourceful, yet remains vexingly (at times unbearably) slow on the uptake. Joe Jameson’s audiobook reading is again a highlight, as are the plethora of strong female characters.
Shadowblack
by Sebastien de Castell (Hot Key, 2017); audiobook read by Joe Jameson (Bolinda, 2017)
A decent sequel, its impact diminished not by the necessary lessening of stakes but by a resetting of Kellen’s maturity, robbing him of the gains made in the first book. Magical highlight: Joe Jameson’s portrayal of Reichis, the pocket desperado squirrel cat.
Spellslinger
by Sebastien de Castell (Hot Key Books, 2017); audiobook read by Joe Jameson (Bolinda, 2017)
Sebastien de Castell delivers a fully realised magical world with perils and pitfalls aplenty, an unobtrusive moral, and a quick-thinking young protagonist. Joe Jameson’s audiobook reading gives excellent voice to the characters. With all due respect, this leaves Harry Potter for dead.