Cicero James, Miracle Worker


Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
452 Pages
Reviewed on 01/22/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite

Cicero James, Miracle Worker by Hal Emerson is a cracking read. Cicero James is a Worker – someone who, through some horrible tragic event in his life, awakened the ability to fight creatures from the space between spaces. He has a Mentor, an older doctor who took Cicero in after his mother passed. Cicero does mundane things, the daily grind at his uneventful job, but in his free time, he does Works, meaning he takes contracts from the Worker higher-ups and then sends the beasties back to where they belong. Unfortunately, his last beastie killed him. At least that was what should have happened. When Cicero wakes up in the morgue with no deadly wound to his chest, let’s just say things get complicated. Cicero has to escape an unknown threat and prove to Marlowe’s associates that he is to be trusted while coming to terms with his apparent immortality.

Hal Emerson has written an exciting and action-packed urban fantasy and Cicero James reminds me of Harry Dresden and Harley Merlin. The narrative is first-person driven and immediately drew me in, as the author uses age-related language, style, and register. Cicero relates what happens to him in colloquial language, revealing his emotions and making him seem like a typical young man of the 2020s. The book transports the reader into an urban fantasy world that has been well thought out. The allusions to modern-day television and entertainment and references to current world affairs give credence to the characters and plot. The narrative is written as Cicero’s first-hand account of what happened and therefore comes across as authentic and believable. The main theme is the power play between good and evil. There are also themes of trauma and its effects and of trust and deceit. I have not read such a gripping and exciting urban fantasy in a while and I recommend this to anyone who loves gritty urban wizardry.

Alma Boucher

Cicero James, Miracle Worker by Hal Emerson tells the story of an extraordinary individual in a unique situation. Cicero James possesses the remarkable gift of altering his environment using magical objects like a special watch and enchanted tattoos. Cicero’s mission is to expel a terrifying entity through a portal to the Eternal. Unfortunately, Cicero's journey ends tragically when the Terror's claw pierces his chest. He later finds himself resurrected on an autopsy table in the morgue, mysteriously brought back to life. Following this event, Cicero’s life spirals into chaos. His resurrection captures the attention of the Workers of the West, the ruling organization of his kind, who suspect him of engaging in illicit activities related to his resurrection. Now on the run, Cicero must evade his pursuers while solving the mystery surrounding his resurrection and the forces plotting against him.

The plot of Cicero James, Miracle Worker by Hal Emerson was original and fascinating. The writing style was compelling and kept me engrossed from beginning to end. The blend of the supernatural with daily life felt seamless and natural. The event descriptions were so vivid that I easily immersed myself in Cicero's world. All the unexpected developments kept me thrilled and engaged. I found it hard to put the book down, eagerly flipping through the pages as fast as I could. The characters were genuine, and despite the magical elements, the story felt realistic. Cicero often displayed a sharp wit, and I appreciated his exchanges with the other characters. This story is skillfully crafted and contains all the components for remarkable success.

Ronél Steyn

Hal Emerson brings us urban fantasy on an entirely new level in Cicero James, Miracle Worker. There is a Space between Spaces where monsters creep out and enter the real world. Workers like Cicero James are one of many whose job is to force those monsters back to where they come from. There are rules for the Workers, just as for any other society. The one thing, however, that is very important and very much out of the ordinary, is that Cicero James died last Thursday. There are rules against that sort of thing and Raising is prohibited. What is going on? Who did this? And most importantly, who can he trust with his secret?

Author Hal Emerson has created a world saturated in sensory stimulation. This is an intense read that will drive you forward from start to finish. The first-person narrative from the perspective of our protagonist makes all the difference. Trust me when I say you can’t help liking this character. The plot is fantastic which helps the pace move along perfectly, keeping you on the edge of your seat most of the time. You will laugh, cry, and feel every bodily sensation as described by our leading character. I loved the concept of this story and enjoyed the unraveling of the lore. A strong theme of hope and belief permeates the pages, which is why Cicero James, Miracle Worker is a must-read. Please take note that there is some strong language, but it only enhances the depth of the story.

Sadiyah Bhamjee

Cicero James, Miracle Worker is a story about a man who keeps dying and coming back. While Cicero James might be doing magical work in the evenings, all he wants is a peaceful, stable life. Dying and waking up in a morgue is not his idea of peace, especially when it leads to him having to run from Enforcers (magical cops). Hal Emerson creates an action-packed story that follows Cicero James as he tries to resolve his resurrection problem. He will need to use his magic to its limits if he wants to survive.

The best part about Cicero James, Miracle Worker is the way that it is told. The first-person narration brings Cicero James to life and I felt like he was sitting right in front of me as he told his story. I could not help but want to hear more of his story. Hal Emerson told it through language that felt more like a conversation than traditional novels. Through this use of language, the character of Cicero James also felt relatable and real from the beginning and I loved seeing how he would react to all the intriguing situations he encounters. The theme of belief that runs through Cicero James, Miracle Worker is a beautiful mirror to society. Using belief in the power of magic and terrors to highlight the good and bad in the world is what makes Hal Emerson’s novel more than just an epic adventure, but also a chance to look at our society and beliefs.

K.C. Finn

Cicero James, Miracle Worker by Hal Emerson takes readers on an extraordinary journey into an urban fantasy where death is just the beginning. Through a witty first-person narration, we follow Cicero as he grapples with his unexpected resurrection and the mysterious forces that brought him back to life. As he investigates the truth behind his return, the story evolves into a captivating exploration of fate, free will, and supernatural intervention. The novel masterfully balances philosophical questions about life's purpose with elements of mystery and fantasy, all while maintaining a darkly humorous tone that keeps readers engaged. Emerson creates a world where the extraordinary exists alongside the ordinary, challenging readers to question their assumptions about life, death, and everything in between.

Author Hal Emerson's distinctive narrative voice pulls readers into Cicero's bizarre new reality with confidence and energy evident from the first moments right through to the satisfying conclusion. Emerson's approach to urban fantasy is fresh and engaging thanks to this witty and atmospheric style. I was completely absorbed by Cicero's sardonic perspective on his supernatural circumstances. The way Emerson builds this world makes even the most fantastic elements feel believable, grounding extraordinary events in relatable human experiences for an emotional punch. The pacing maintains tension, but moments of space for deeper philosophical contemplation are also well-placed to create a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying. The characters feel alive and complex, with relationships that evolve naturally despite their supernatural context. I was also really moved by the profound questions about existence and purpose woven into a compelling narrative that doesn't ever sacrifice the momentum or sense of fun. Overall, Cicero James, Miracle Worker is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thoughtful urban fantasy that challenges conventional genre boundaries, and I would certainly recommend it.