Warlock, Book Two

I’ll be honest: *Warlock, Book Two* frustrated me in the best possible way. Kensington has a knack for writing protagonists who are *just* competent enough to stay alive but dumb enough to keep digging their own graves—and I couldn’t stop listening. The story picks up with our (anti?)hero licking their wounds, only to stumble into a conspiracy that’s equal parts political intrigue and supernatural bloodbath. The magic system, already a highlight of the series, gets even more inventive here, with a cost mechanic that had me wincing every time the protagonist pushed their limits. That said, the middle act drags slightly with a subplot involving a mercenary guild that, while atmospheric, feels like it could’ve been tightened by 20 minutes. The narration is where this audiobook *shines*. Lewis Alexander’s performance is all rough edges and dark humor, making even the protagonist’s worst decisions sound like the only logical choice in a world that’s actively trying to kill them. Rozelyn Rader, meanwhile, brings a chilling detachment to the villainous roles—her delivery of a certain monologue in Chapter 12 gave me actual chills. The production quality is flawless, with seamless transitions between narrators and immersive sound design that never overpowers the text. My only real critique? The ending sets up *so* many threads for Book Three that it borders on cruel—but if you’re here for a fantasy series that refuses to coddle its audience, that’s probably why you’ll love it.