Book description
The thirteenth installment in the Arcane Casebook series, Thicker than Water by Dan Willis, masterfully navigates the intricate interplay between sociolegal constraints and supernatural intrigue within the contemporary urban fantasy genre. Willis constructs a narrative wherein protagonist Alex Lockerby operates under significant narrative tension, his fugitive status-evidenced by ubiquitous wanted posters and media scrutiny-forcing a precarious dance between evading law enforcement and pursuing justice. This dual burden is heightened by the protagonist's obligation to resolve two interconnected mysteries: the unusually brutal homicide presented by a sorcerer from his past and the enigmatic death of his benefactor, Moriarty. The narrative employs a tightly controlled temporal framework, where the escalating desperation of the antagonists creates a palpable sense of urgency, compelling Lockerby to resolve both cases within a constrained timeframe. Willis demonstrates significant narrative skill in layering these investigations, ensuring the sorcerer's case and Moriarty's mystery intersect organically rather than through contrivance. The author's approach to worldbuilding, particularly concerning the integration of magical elements within a recognizable, albeit perilous, human landscape, aligns with established benchmarks of the genre, notably echoing the intricate societal structures and morally ambiguous protagonists found in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. However, Thicker than Water distinguishes itself through its sustained focus on the protagonist's internal conflict-his position as a hunted man grappling with loyalty to those who aided him, versus the relentless pressure of the law. The audiobook format enhances this tension; the narrator's deliberate pacing effectively conveys Lockerby's constant vigilance and the weight of his circumstances, while the nuanced vocal delivery of the sorcerer's dialogue and the subtle shifts in tone during investigative sequences deepen the listener's immersion. The narrative avoids overreliance on overt magical spectacle, instead favoring psychological tension and the complex dynamics of trust within a hidden magical community. Willis successfully leverages the established series framework to explore new thematic territory-particularly the nature of debt and obligation in a world where magic operates as both a resource and a liability. The resolution, while providing necessary closure to the immediate cases, leaves room for the series' broader narrative arc, a technique that satisfies the reader's immediate narrative needs while maintaining long-term engagement. For listeners familiar with the genre's conventions, Thicker than Water offers a compelling evolution of its protagonist and a meticulously plotted case that rewards attentive listening. The audiobook's strengths lie in its atmospheric delivery and the seamless integration of complex plot threads into a cohesive, suspenseful whole, making it a significant contribution to the contemporary urban fantasy canon.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience