Book Series Review: The Adam Binder Novels by David R. Slayton (White Trash Warlock, Trailer Park Trickster, and Deadbeat Druid)
Genre(s): Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Fantasy
Series Synopsis:
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.
Series Review:
Someone recommended the first book (White Trash Warlock) to me months ago, and I finally got around to reading it while traveling for work this week. And I enjoyed it so much that I read books 2 and 3 in succession. But really, that’s the best way to read this series—all at once.
There is so much going on in the story and so much to love. The plot of all three books are tied so firmly together that it was impossible for me to stop after the first one and move on to something else. I had to know what happened next. The second book (Trailer Park Trickster) ended in much the same way. I know cliffhangers don’t work for everyone, but the third book resolved everything nicely and had a really sweet ending. The books aren’t long, which makes them great for binge-reading.
And they’re packed with great characters and concepts. The series is set in modern times. Adam Binder is the major character to start with; he has a small amount of magic that most of the powerful players deem insignificant at first. But it’s Adam’s character, his actions, that draw their attention, whether he wants it or not. Adam tries to use his magic for good and does some remarkable things simply because they’re the right things to do—even if he suffers for those actions later.
He has a very complicated relationship with his family (and with some of them, he has good reason to be wary.) Many of the Binders also have magic, and as the series progresses, you get to learn more about them and their many secrets. And the more you know, the weirder and more twisted Adam’s family seems.
There are also immortals featured heavily in the books too. The elves were unique, unlike any other elves I’ve ever seen in books. There are leprechauns, spirits, demons, gnomes, reapers, and Death herself. And so many of them want to use Adam and his power for their own agendas.
Beyond uncovering family secrets and surviving the immortals’ schemes, there’s also a love story at the core. I loved Adam and Vic’s relationship, particularly in book three after they got past the angsty pining phase and started to really talk to one another. They were a great pair, and really cute together. (I want to say more, but their story has so many spoilers. I don’t want to ruin it for anyone.)
I also have to mention that I loved some of the Colorado lore featured, particularly in book 1. Lizard people living under DIA, and a certain Denver restaurant with cliff divers and a cave (it wasn’t mentioned by name in the book, but the description is spot-on. If you’re from Colorado, you know what I’m referring to.) I didn’t realize going into this series that the author is from Colorado, and as a lifelong resident, those details made my day.
So if you like urban/paranormal fantasy, a story that will take you to other realms and dimensions, and don’t mind the occasional cliffhanger, check out this series. It was a lot of fun to read.
Book 1: White Trash Warlock
Book 2: Trailer Park Trickster
Book 3: Deadbeat Druid
Author website: davidrslayton.com
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