I generally like to start off my reviews with a positive, something I really liked, and for me; as good as the story was, the narration by Stifel just shone like a beacon on a dark night. He just embodies the story and characters flawlessly, so that it doesn’t seem as if he is reading it to you, but rather as though he is telling you about an experience that he had. Narrators can break a great story, and make a bad one great. Thankfully, here, the material is top drawer stuff and so we can an amazing meshing of superior talents.
Black magic does start off a little slower than I’d like, but I recognize set up, and realize that you need to get to know the people before you get to the action. Otherwise, who cares what happens to them?
This book does have a feel like it took a page from Stephen King’s book Needful Things. Evil presence, shop, suffering town folks, etc. But the similarities are superficial. I have never been impressed with King’s work. I really think he is overhyped and a mediocre talent. James does a lot better with this kind of material, and you will be impressed with the places he goes. There is a reason this is called “BLACK” magic, as there are some dark moments in this book.
If you like a great creepy bad guy, black souled deeds, and feeling for some poor “innocent” victims then this book is for you. Get it and enjoy it as soon as you can. You won’t regret it.
Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.
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