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The Wizard's Brew
Ghoul War veteran Zane Vrexon is struggling to make ends meet as a private detective when he gets a cryptic note from an old friend, Dennis, who says his wife is in danger. Then Dennis turns up dead in his own potion shop and his widow, Vana, is the main suspect.
Zane has enough problems - including an addiction to healing elixir and a voice in his head with nothing but bad ideas - but he agrees to investigate with help from Dennis's gnome assistant and a professor from The Institute. But as they dig into the mysterious death, Zane and company discover Dennis had ties to the goblin mob. Meanwhile, Vana is being hunted by a being thought either mythical or long extinct.
And now they're all in the crosshairs with her.
Zane has enough problems - including an addiction to healing elixir and a voice in his head with nothing but bad ideas - but he agrees to investigate with help from Dennis's gnome assistant and a professor from The Institute. But as they dig into the mysterious death, Zane and company discover Dennis had ties to the goblin mob. Meanwhile, Vana is being hunted by a being thought either mythical or long extinct.
And now they're all in the crosshairs with her.
- GenresFantasy
310 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 10, 2022
I loved how it jumps right into the action from the first page, and how it keeps you guessing all the way up till the end! The world building is so creative and immersive, it really takes you away to the smoggy, magic filled streets of Alviun. You'll fall in love with the complex characters and enjoy unravelling the mystery together.
May 22, 2022
The story itself was good. It was written like a noir detective story and I enjoyed it enough to finish it. However, the writing was VERY rough and the organization wasn't great. Overall I think this story COULD have been a 3 or even a 4 star if it had been gone over a couple more times.
March 7, 2022
An alchemist is murdered, and his old friend Detective Zane is tasked to solve the mystery in this magical world. He partners with Alyssa, a mage, to explore the darker side of the city and the secrets of a family’s legacy.
Unfortunately, this book did really did not work for me. Each character sounded the same (except for the gnomes, with an annoying tic to complete each others’ sentences). Zane especially came across robotic, with ham-fisted dialogue that tries to incorporate world detail pulled from prior knowledge.
Throughout the dialogue (of which there is a lot - we get little 3rd person narration to describe the world, which would have kept these back-and-forths lighter), I kept wanting commas to blend more naturally. This book is terse sentences, all the time. This style *could* feel appropriate for a grizzled gumshoe’s point of view, but it only added to the stilted tone when it was everywhere..
To illustrate the unnatural dialogue: so many interactions start “Welcome, my name is [x]. I do [y].” “Hello, I am [z], and I need you to do [y].” These interactions also do not flow in prose and the characters show little reactions to each other’s words. If any reaction is shown, it is done repetitively. Example: [“I will fix your door.” “Thank you for fixing my door” As Zane left, he felt guilty that she was going to fix his door.]
To the story itself, I found Zane incompetent with no good instincts or hunches throughout the investigation. Multiple times, he rejects obvious evidence in front of him. For example, he is surprised that the murder weapon, a dagger enchanted for assassination and made by a clan of assassins was made with the intention to murder someone. Also, after a magical DNA analysis shows that the murderer is more-than-human, he thinks “I don’t see how that fits, let’s think about it later.”
Zane also doesn’t have a good approach to his job - doggedly asking questions without tact and without gauging others’ reactions. I don’t know if this was fully purposefully, and it was frustrating to follow a protagonist so frequently avoiding the direction the plot pushed them in,
Unfortunately, this book did really did not work for me. Each character sounded the same (except for the gnomes, with an annoying tic to complete each others’ sentences). Zane especially came across robotic, with ham-fisted dialogue that tries to incorporate world detail pulled from prior knowledge.
Throughout the dialogue (of which there is a lot - we get little 3rd person narration to describe the world, which would have kept these back-and-forths lighter), I kept wanting commas to blend more naturally. This book is terse sentences, all the time. This style *could* feel appropriate for a grizzled gumshoe’s point of view, but it only added to the stilted tone when it was everywhere..
To illustrate the unnatural dialogue: so many interactions start “Welcome, my name is [x]. I do [y].” “Hello, I am [z], and I need you to do [y].” These interactions also do not flow in prose and the characters show little reactions to each other’s words. If any reaction is shown, it is done repetitively. Example: [“I will fix your door.” “Thank you for fixing my door” As Zane left, he felt guilty that she was going to fix his door.]
To the story itself, I found Zane incompetent with no good instincts or hunches throughout the investigation. Multiple times, he rejects obvious evidence in front of him. For example, he is surprised that the murder weapon, a dagger enchanted for assassination and made by a clan of assassins was made with the intention to murder someone. Also, after a magical DNA analysis shows that the murderer is more-than-human, he thinks “I don’t see how that fits, let’s think about it later.”
Zane also doesn’t have a good approach to his job - doggedly asking questions without tact and without gauging others’ reactions. I don’t know if this was fully purposefully, and it was frustrating to follow a protagonist so frequently avoiding the direction the plot pushed them in,
April 21, 2022
More than just a generic murder mystery. I loved the magical aspect of the world and how well the author made it mesh with the hard boiled detective feel.
My favorite character was Fex, and I really enjoyed his plot arc of combating against racism, yet also choosing loyalty over personal gain. The characters were well done and intriguing, definitely enjoyed the imperfect protagonist, and the plot makes you use your brain and keep working to figure out the mystery all the way up to the reveal.
Definitely hoping for a sequel!
My favorite character was Fex, and I really enjoyed his plot arc of combating against racism, yet also choosing loyalty over personal gain. The characters were well done and intriguing, definitely enjoyed the imperfect protagonist, and the plot makes you use your brain and keep working to figure out the mystery all the way up to the reveal.
Definitely hoping for a sequel!
May 17, 2022
First fiction book I've made it through in 40 years. What I like best about the book is that the author doesn't use a thousand words to describe what he can do in 2, he gets to the point paints the story and it goes at a pace that I can enjoy
May 30, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Wizard's Brew is a rollicking fantasy PI murder mystery by Jordan Reed. Released 24th May 2022, it's 312 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is fantasy noir aimed at the folks who enjoyed the Garrett Files (Glen Cook) and Kevin Anderson's oeuvre. There's a mean streets vibe with a battle worn veteran protagonist sidelining as a PI who gets drawn into a deeply unpleasant magical murder and corruption plot trying to get to the bottom of his friend's death. Main character Kane's an imperfect anti-hero in the classic mold. He's addicted to painkiller potions/drink, has PTSD leftover from the Ghoul Wars, and he's sort of possessed by a sultry voice who lives rent free in his head and provides the sarcastic Greek chorus to his thoughts.
I found more appeal and a stronger rapport with the book's secondary characters, Kane's ally Alyssa and the goblin alchemist Fex than with the main character. The dialogue is rough, and the writing is choppy and disjointed, staccato really. The whole book would benefit from a couple rounds of editing. Still, the bones of a good story are there and I enjoyed the read overall. I have a special soft spot for PI noir and especially fantasy PI noir and I will definitely pick up and read any follow-ups to the series.
Three and a half stars rounded up for the good story. I'm looking forward to what comes next.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
The Wizard's Brew is a rollicking fantasy PI murder mystery by Jordan Reed. Released 24th May 2022, it's 312 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is fantasy noir aimed at the folks who enjoyed the Garrett Files (Glen Cook) and Kevin Anderson's oeuvre. There's a mean streets vibe with a battle worn veteran protagonist sidelining as a PI who gets drawn into a deeply unpleasant magical murder and corruption plot trying to get to the bottom of his friend's death. Main character Kane's an imperfect anti-hero in the classic mold. He's addicted to painkiller potions/drink, has PTSD leftover from the Ghoul Wars, and he's sort of possessed by a sultry voice who lives rent free in his head and provides the sarcastic Greek chorus to his thoughts.
I found more appeal and a stronger rapport with the book's secondary characters, Kane's ally Alyssa and the goblin alchemist Fex than with the main character. The dialogue is rough, and the writing is choppy and disjointed, staccato really. The whole book would benefit from a couple rounds of editing. Still, the bones of a good story are there and I enjoyed the read overall. I have a special soft spot for PI noir and especially fantasy PI noir and I will definitely pick up and read any follow-ups to the series.
Three and a half stars rounded up for the good story. I'm looking forward to what comes next.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
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June 24, 2022The Wizard's Brew caught my attention from the first page and kept it right up to the last! I found myself completely immersed in Detective Vrexen's world. This was a quick, witty, read and I'm so excited to find out that there will be another book. I had never read a magical detective book before, but this book opened my eyes to a whole new subgenre! I definitely recommend to anyone-kids and grown ups alike!
May 21, 2022
I impulsively requested this book without reading very closely at the blurb and immediately started reading it. I am not fond of the noir style of writing which this book does have in a way. However, it didn’t take me long to get used to it and enjoy the book with its interesting mash-up of genres. I liked that we got to see what was happening from several points of view, and while Zane is probably my least favorite character, I did like him, and I especially liked his assistant Alyssa. This was an original universe, and I will read the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
June 3, 2022
I think this could have been a higher rating as it's a highly entertaining and gripping mix of urban fantasy and noir. It kept me hooked and entertained till the last page and I had a lot of fun.
The world building and the characters are interesting and the plot is fast paced.
I struggled a bit with the style of writing at the beginning of the book and I think that some editing would help.
There's a lot of potential and this could become a very interesting series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The world building and the characters are interesting and the plot is fast paced.
I struggled a bit with the style of writing at the beginning of the book and I think that some editing would help.
There's a lot of potential and this could become a very interesting series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 22, 2022
I received a free epub copy of this book from NetGalley.
I enjoyed this book. The story was engaging. The world and magic weren't hard to comprehend. I was able to easily get sucked in and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed this book. The story was engaging. The world and magic weren't hard to comprehend. I was able to easily get sucked in and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Read
May 27, 2022Read this if you like the Dresden Files. I enjoyed this book, and it was a fun mystery to try and solve. The world was pretty classic, but still interesting. I liked the characters, but would've liked more development of them. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2022
Great read, really enjoyed it!
May 20, 2022
Great book. His hero Zane is relatable and his actions are realistic to what normal people do. His character change and evolve through the book
May 27, 2022
This is a detective noir fantasy novel set in a city filled with different races and magic. And with any city there are crimes, prejudices, and beings with problems. Zane, the detective, has been hired by an old army bubby to look after his wife. When he is killed and his wife charged with the crime, Zane is determined to find out what really happened. However, Zane is also burdened with an addiction to a drug because of his experiences of being tortured as a prisoner of war and he has a mind companion who might be trying to possess him. The pov jumps between him, Fex, a gnome employed by his dead friend, and a mage Alyssa. Their paths are entwined as the investigation into the death proceeds, the bodies begin to pile up and the case become convoluted.
I enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and there was good world-building. This is a city with all the normal problems a city has and also has different species living together, which presents its own set of issues. I like that things aren’t simple. The characters have flaws and baggage.
I would read another book in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and there was good world-building. This is a city with all the normal problems a city has and also has different species living together, which presents its own set of issues. I like that things aren’t simple. The characters have flaws and baggage.
I would read another book in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2023
Excellent book, especially considering this is the author's debut novel. So many high fantasy books just try to repackage Harry Potter, but this book is actually unique and isn't like that. It is a very entertaining read which includes mages, potions, gnomes, goblins, magical artifacts, skin shifters, and an ancient dark spirit. The murder mystery is really intriguing, and the answers are not revealed until the very end. Several plot twists happen to keep you guessing. Action starts on page one and there is never a dull moment in this fast-paced novel. But the story doesn't feel rushed even though it is fast-paced. There is also a romance subplot which is well done. The author set himself up perfectly to write a sequel if he chooses to, but still wrapped things up sufficiently enough that there is closure if the story never continues. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy and/or murder mysteries. I read this book, my mom read this book, and I gave it to my mother-in-law who likes to read for a Christmas present. I look forward to reading other books from this author if he chooses to continue writing!
August 25, 2026
I really enjoyed The Night Murders: A Scipio Mystery. The story kept me engaged with its intriguing mystery, suspense, and steady sense of tension. I especially enjoyed following the twists and trying to piece together what was really happening before the answers were revealed. The pacing kept the story moving, while the characters and atmosphere made the mystery even more compelling. A great choice for readers who enjoy crime, suspense, and mysteries that keep you guessing until the end.
July 10, 2023
This is a gritty fantasy mystery with the story starting from page 1 and featuring plenty of action. The story is more telling than showing and the use of names over pronouns makes the story a lot easier to read and follow.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2026
Great read
The author did a great job portraying the main characters struggle with his trauma and addiction. A great read I would definitely recommend.
The author did a great job portraying the main characters struggle with his trauma and addiction. A great read I would definitely recommend.
January 11, 2024
Fantastic and engaging read! I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews