Scan barcode
rollforlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Damn, that was a good read. There has been some fantastic dark modern fantasy coming out of South Africa in the last few years. Do recommend.
amybraunauthor's review
5.0
I went into this novel fairly blind, buying it on a whim while on vacation. The cover looked striking and the premise interested me, so I figured it would be a fun urban fantasy romp. And it is, but it is also so much more.
This is one of the best urban fantasy books I've read in a long time. The world building and voice are striking, the monsters are horrific, the plot is dark and engaging, the action is visceral, and there are more twists than I knew what to do with. I could not stop reading it.
London is a wonderfully broken character. His damaged emotional state and cynicism can be rough, but I found him to be quite compelling. He is easy to understand and relate to, and way stronger than I could ever imagine. I loved Parker and Armitage, though I did find the dog to be a bit too abrasive for my taste.
Every creature and monster was the epitome of terror. I truly cringed at some moments, especially since I literally had no idea where the story would go next. But it was all so expertly crafted that I just had to keep going.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes next. It's a hard find for anyone in North America, but I highly recommend Book Depository readers seek it out and add it to their list, especially if dark urban fantasy is what you love!
This is one of the best urban fantasy books I've read in a long time. The world building and voice are striking, the monsters are horrific, the plot is dark and engaging, the action is visceral, and there are more twists than I knew what to do with. I could not stop reading it.
London is a wonderfully broken character. His damaged emotional state and cynicism can be rough, but I found him to be quite compelling. He is easy to understand and relate to, and way stronger than I could ever imagine. I loved Parker and Armitage, though I did find the dog to be a bit too abrasive for my taste.
Every creature and monster was the epitome of terror. I truly cringed at some moments, especially since I literally had no idea where the story would go next. But it was all so expertly crafted that I just had to keep going.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes next. It's a hard find for anyone in North America, but I highly recommend Book Depository readers seek it out and add it to their list, especially if dark urban fantasy is what you love!
morganlee98's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun and fast-paced read. Being from Durban myself, it had an extra special charm.
hgvam's review against another edition
4.0
Quick and fun magic cop novel. Liked the setting, liked the magic system. Could see it being a good TV series.
We all need a friend like the dog.
We all need a friend like the dog.
siriuschico's review against another edition
3.0
Poison city is a fine fantasy detective story. The book was exiting on the beginning as we are introduced to the fantasy police force in Africa. The author has fascinating ideas about the use of magic, and some of the mythical creatures are very interesting. But soon I was bored by constant regrets and sorrow of the main hero about all the bad stuff in the world. So for me, it is more like 2,5 stars. An okayish fantasy detective novel, but there are much better ones out there (cough Nightside), so I will most probably pass on the second book.
stephanimichelle's review against another edition
4.0
London Tau is a detective with the Delphic Division; he investigates supernatural crimes with the help of The Dog, a spirit guide in the form of, well, a dog. Dog is supposed to help London perform magic so that he can catch bad guys and survive, but in reality is only concerned with binge watching TV and downing sherry. Oh and lovingly referring to London as “dipshit”.
London started working for the Delphic Division after his daughter Cally was murdered and his relationship with Cally’s mother ended as a result of the loss.
London gets called to a case where a type of vampire has been murdered, and accidentally stumbles onto a much bigger problem. The war between the Night (supernatural) people and Day (human) people is about to resume. The treaty is over and all hell is about to break loose.
This book is so much fun. It really reminds me of Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse novels (True Blood). It took me a while to figure out what was going on, but once I did I was hooked. There is a lot of information about the world and the characters thrown at you in the first 50 pages, but just let it wash over you. The important stuff is recapped as and when needed.
London started working for the Delphic Division after his daughter Cally was murdered and his relationship with Cally’s mother ended as a result of the loss.
London gets called to a case where a type of vampire has been murdered, and accidentally stumbles onto a much bigger problem. The war between the Night (supernatural) people and Day (human) people is about to resume. The treaty is over and all hell is about to break loose.
This book is so much fun. It really reminds me of Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse novels (True Blood). It took me a while to figure out what was going on, but once I did I was hooked. There is a lot of information about the world and the characters thrown at you in the first 50 pages, but just let it wash over you. The important stuff is recapped as and when needed.
cobra778's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nonsocialreader's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the concept of this book. The characters were great and it was a quick read. It however felt to me like was reading a middle grade book but with adult content. I do intend to continue with this series as there's so many stories here that need to be told. I need more from Gideon, dog & Armitage.
gabyk_lib's review against another edition
3.0
This is in sure a book many would enjoy with it's sarcastic grumpy lead and pop culture references but I just didn't enjoy it. Perhaps it just felt too grim, perhaps it was one sad and lonely detective too far or perhaps had it been on tv I might have found it more appealing. I'm not sure. I was also somewhat unsure about the use of Orisha as mythological magical beings. They are part of an existing religious belief system that is marginalised and subject to discrimination, it felt a bit appropriate from a white author, even one living in South Africa for many years.
nini_f's review against another edition
4.0
I saw this book as part of a giveaway on goodreads. Sadly I didn't win but I did make a note and when I had the opportunity to read this I jumped at it.
I found this book to be enjoyable and interesting. There were plenty of surprises and action to keep me entertained all the way through as well as the back story of the main character to get to grips with.
I found this book to be enjoyable and interesting. There were plenty of surprises and action to keep me entertained all the way through as well as the back story of the main character to get to grips with.