“Slayton makes a splash with this urban fantasy debut starring a broke, gay wizard living in an Oklahoma trailer park…The complex world-building, well-shaded depictions of poverty, emotional nuance, and thrilling action sequences make this stand out. Slayton is sure to win plenty of fans.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Description
Not all magicians go to schools of magic.
Adam Binder has the Sight. It’s a power that runs in his bloodline: the ability to see beyond this world and into another, a realm of magic populated by elves, gnomes, and spirits of every kind. But for much of Adam’s life, that power has been a curse, hindering friendships, worrying his backwoods family, and fueling his abusive father’s rage.
Years after his brother, Bobby, had him committed to a psych ward, Adam is ready to come to grips with who he is, to live his life on his terms, to find love, and maybe even use his magic to do some good. Hoping to track down his missing father, Adam follows a trail of cursed artifacts to Denver, only to discover that an ancient and horrifying spirit has taken possession of Bobby’s wife.
It isn’t long before Adam becomes the spirit’s next target. To survive the confrontation, save his sister-in-law, and learn the truth about his father, Adam will have to risk bargaining with very dangerous beings … including his first love.
Praise
“Slayton makes a splash with this urban fantasy debut starring a broke, gay wizard living in an Oklahoma trailer park…The complex world-building, well-shaded depictions of poverty, emotional nuance, and thrilling action sequences make this stand out. Slayton is sure to win plenty of fans.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Slayton’s debut uses wry humor, alternating viewpoints, and intriguing LGBTQ+ characters that will have readers eager for more of Adam Binder’s escapades.” Booklist
“First of all, I am blown away by this story of all things supernatural and what borders our reality. Couldn’t put it down. The supernatural beings were true to form, while adding a wonderful layer of personality and believable motivations and culture to each race. Not to mention the story held surprises to the last page. Well written, pulls you in, and keeps you guessing.” J. C. Owens, author of the Anrodnes series
“This is a really interesting, smooth ride of a novel. I enjoyed the unique backwater setting, and the exploration of characters we rarely get to see: the titular ‘white trash,’ that is. Adam is adorable and relatable, and I don’t think I’ve seen a protagonist gay dude witch/wizard in a while, or ever. The plot moves pretty quickly, and the fluid writing skillfully moves the reader along. Excited to see where Slayton goes next.” Mya Alexice, contributor for Book Riot
“Slayton’s book gathers up pretty much every modern fantasy trope, turns them upside down, and shakes them…The elves who show up would have Tolkien rolling in his grave, which is my highest endorsement, and the LGBTQIA+ rep is all around outstanding.” BookRiot
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Oct 12, 2020 |
| Release Date | October 13, 2020 |
| Number in Series | 1 |
| Series Display String | The Adam Binder Novels |
| Release Date Machine | 1602547200 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | Literature & Fiction, Humor & Satire, Science Fiction & Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Action & Adventure, Action & Adventure, Humorous, Trending Fantasy, Fiction - All, Fiction - Adult |
Author Bio
David R. Slayton (he/him) grew up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where finding fantasy novels was pretty challenging and finding fantasy novels with diverse characters was downright impossible. Now he lives in Denver, Colorado, and writes the books he always wanted to read. His debut, White Trash Warlock, was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award. In 2015, David founded Trick or Read, an initiative to give out books along with candy to children on Halloween as well as uplift lesser-known authors or those from marginalized backgrounds. David is a regular speaker and panelist at fan cons and writing conferences. Find him online at www.DavidRSlayton.com.
Narrator Bio
Michael David Axtell is a voice talent and audiobook narrator.
Overview
Not all magicians go to schools of magic.
Adam Binder has the Sight. It’s a power that runs in his bloodline: the ability to see beyond this world and into another, a realm of magic populated by elves, gnomes, and spirits of every kind. But for much of Adam’s life, that power has been a curse, hindering friendships, worrying his backwoods family, and fueling his abusive father’s rage.
Years after his brother, Bobby, had him committed to a psych ward, Adam is ready to come to grips with who he is, to live his life on his terms, to find love, and maybe even use his magic to do some good. Hoping to track down his missing father, Adam follows a trail of cursed artifacts to Denver, only to discover that an ancient and horrifying spirit has taken possession of Bobby’s wife.
It isn’t long before Adam becomes the spirit’s next target. To survive the confrontation, save his sister-in-law, and learn the truth about his father, Adam will have to risk bargaining with very dangerous beings … including his first love.
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