A review by coris
An Inheritance of Magic by Benedict Jacka

3.75

Set in modern-day London in a world with semi-secret crafting-based magic, all Stephen has is a minimum wage job and a cat.  He's getting by, more or less, since his father disappeared, but happily for the plot of this book, is plunged into mystery, violence and intrigue by the machinations of House Ashford, a super-rich, super-magical family.

This is an extremely introductory book, and nearly doesn't have a plot at all in places.  Stephen spends a lot of time grinding for magical power, money for rent, and information.  Still, he's an interesting character to follow, and yes there is a lot of info to dump but it is spread evenly through the book.  The action sequences are solid and show how his levelling up is going.  

I wish I'd left this book to nearer the release of the second book (?October '24?), because I think it'd be great to get this overview and then crack on straightaway with the plot.  I think this'll work for people who've enjoyed the Alex Verus series, since we (largely,

let us never speak of that awful epilogue novella

) trust the author, but not so sure I'd recommend it to newcomers unless they're in the market for a detailed hard magic system, connecting to land-rights and general richness.  Or a cat called Hobbes.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Violence, Kidnapping

Moderate: Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Alcohol