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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
The first book in a Urban Fantasy/Mystery series. I liked Lydia very much and the UF world built by Painter is unique. A terrific beginning.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Night Raven is an urban detective fantasy. Think Ben Aaronovitch without the police procedural. And nowhere near the quality.
This could have been good. Lydia is the niece of a London 'family' - brought up in the suburbs, away from the criminal element of her family she grows up with stories of their legend and history - a history of magic and a truce which maintains the peace between the four feuding magical families of London. After a professional problem has her running away from her job in Aberdeen, Lydia finds herself looking for help from the very family she needs to stay away from.
Sound great, yeah? And it really could have been. The Crowes, Foxes, Silvers and Pearls are the families - literally ripe for cool fantasy storylines. Shame we see almost nothing of any of them.
These magic powers they all have? On the wane, so we don't see any of that either apart from some ghost whispering, and a bit of persuasive speech.
But, really strong FMC to carry it all yeah? Ah... No. Lydia is a 27 year old dimwit. For a PI the woman has absolutely no curiosity at all. She can see ghosts, but couldn't be less bothered about understanding why or how to use it. She is a total brat, really rude all the time for no reason and just kind of unpleasant.
The plot was slow and focused on the most boring things - I don't really care what happened to Maddie.
Possibly this is all going to be developed as I see this is a full series. But I am struggling to understand how Lydia Crowe could possibly carry the weight of an entire series of novels.
Really liked the idea of this, but could tell from the outset that it was the execution that would let it down. The main character is irritatingly gullible and essentially uninspired and does nothing that isn't painful in its predictability and, frankly, stupidity. The most interesting aspect, the urban fantasy, is woefully under explored and overall I was disappointed by all but a few elements of the book.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This feels like the start of a cosy paranormal urban fantasy mystery series to me, that just serves on all the levels that make it a satisfying read for me, and the story ain't over yet for yet couple of books.
medium-paced
Book source ~ Purchased at Chirp
Lydia is powerless in a power filled family. Or is she? By the end of the book I was having doubts that she truly had no power. She has something. Exactly what is still unknown.
This is an entertaining read. Lydia’s investigative path is fun to follow. There are great characters and weird happenings as well as danger and mystery. I don’t particularly care for how Lydia treats the ghost in her temporary lodgings. Honestly, why be such a bitch? Especially since he’s been so helpful. At least she thaws towards the end. Otherwise I might not want to continue despite being intrigued about her power, the families, and DCI Fleet.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes