louisi98's review against another edition
5.0
I adore Ben Aaronovitch. His book have this pull, where I could probably read all of them in like two days and be totally happy about it. And he always manages to leave you with an open end, that makes you excited for the new book without being afraid or anxious for the characters. Somehow it is all together quite wholesome and I am so excited for the next one.
ameliareadsstuff's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
5.0
Amongst Our Weapons reminded me why Rivers of London is my favourite urban fantasy series.
After I bounced off the last one and its detour from the usual premise, Book 9 (not including the quickly growing list of spin-off novellas I need to read) is right back to what I love about the series. Perfectly realised, and, after so many books, it's exciting to see how Aaronovitch is slowly but steadily expanding the world.
Could I nitpick the plot a bit? I could, but I didn't mind that this entry was a bit traditional for two reasons: 1) my aforementioned break when I skipped Book 8; and 2) the set-up for next book promises a real evolution for the series. As always, I'm very keen to see where things go next.
As an aside, this is the first RoL I've listened to as an audiobook, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as narrator definitely lived up to the hype.
After I bounced off the last one and its detour from the usual premise, Book 9 (not including the quickly growing list of spin-off novellas I need to read) is right back to what I love about the series. Perfectly realised, and, after so many books, it's exciting to see how Aaronovitch is slowly but steadily expanding the world.
Could I nitpick the plot a bit? I could, but I didn't mind that this entry was a bit traditional for two reasons: 1) my aforementioned break when I skipped Book 8; and 2) the set-up for next book promises a real evolution for the series. As always, I'm very keen to see where things go next.
As an aside, this is the first RoL I've listened to as an audiobook, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as narrator definitely lived up to the hype.
dubiousreader's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pavedwithbookss's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
deaconist's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
torquenator's review against another edition
5.0
Another excellent entry in the Rivers of London series. I am not a normal Audio book fan but this series on audio are excellent. The writing style and narrator work very well in this format definitely recommend the audio version but the text are good as well I have read both.
torquenator's review against another edition
5.0
Another great entry into the rivers of London series. I have been enamored with the the audio books and that is how I have read most of the later volumes in this series becuase the narration is excellent and I think the writing style lends itself to audio.
charlie_h_1984's review against another edition
5.0
Well, I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition, but that's what I got.
A return to form again for Ben Aaronovitch.
He uses his weapons of fear, surprise and an almost fanatical devotion to the English language to weave this story.
I suggest you torture yourself with a comfy chair and confess how much you like this book!
A return to form again for Ben Aaronovitch.
He uses his weapons of fear, surprise and an almost fanatical devotion to the English language to weave this story.
I suggest you torture yourself with a comfy chair and confess how much you like this book!
booksorbones's review
4.0
"Sometimes Peter, you quite terrify me"
⭐ 4
Look I am a Nightingale fan first and a human second so this review may be a bit biased when I say I liked this book more than the previous one. This book certainly is not my favourite by any means but it is a good reminder of why I fell in love with the series, the characters and the world itself are both familiar at this point in the story and it is lovely to some of the character's stories get expanded upon.
I did find myself struggling to follow or even be invested in the plot, I do feel as if this book would benefit from a reread. I have never seen Monty Python, though I can imagine this book is delightful if you are a fan.
The return of Lesley was one I was incredibly excited by, though I hope she gets used well within the following books and not just used to mess with Peter. I do feel as if the next books will focus much more on international magic as suggested by Peter and while I think Lesley's time in the US could help with that (as could Agent Renolds), the charm that London brings is a reason I love this series and I don't know if I would be as invested if this series were to take place on the west coast.
Beverly and Peter's relationship was never one I was totally happy with, nor one I was particularly invested in so the arrival of the twins is not necessarily one I am thrilled by. It feels very forced and seems like it exists solely to force Peter to "grow up" and be less reckless which may be something that is needed if he is to take care of The Folly, but it's not a change I am thrilled by.
This book also serves as one of the best insights into Nightingale we have had so far as well as the difference in how he views Peter and how Peter views him. Davdid Melbeney also gets mentioned much more frequently within this book and we get some more hints to his and Nightingale's relationship/friendship (What do you mean he was developing spells so Nightingale could "clean up his messes?) but maybe I have been reading too many fanfics. Nightingale's retirement was hinted at in previous books and is not something I would be able to deal with. Aaronovitch is an author who adores his tropes, not a bad thing by any means it works well for this series, but if Nightingale dies I don't think I would pick up the next book.
Another insight into how others view Nightingale is a scene between Peter and his mother which is the heartbreaking quote:
"Let someone else do it. Let Thomas kill this woman. What would one more killing be in his life?"
The last straw maybe I thought, but Nightingale was not Mums concern
Overall this is a decent installment to the series, and one I think I will have to reread to truly appreciate but I am very interested in seeing how this series continues.
⭐ 4
Look I am a Nightingale fan first and a human second so this review may be a bit biased when I say I liked this book more than the previous one. This book certainly is not my favourite by any means but it is a good reminder of why I fell in love with the series, the characters and the world itself are both familiar at this point in the story and it is lovely to some of the character's stories get expanded upon.
I did find myself struggling to follow or even be invested in the plot, I do feel as if this book would benefit from a reread. I have never seen Monty Python, though I can imagine this book is delightful if you are a fan.
Beverly and Peter's relationship was never one I was totally happy with, nor one I was particularly invested in so the arrival of the twins is not necessarily one I am thrilled by. It feels very forced and seems like it exists solely to force Peter to "grow up" and be less reckless which may be something that is needed if he is to take care of The Folly, but it's not a change I am thrilled by.
This book also serves as one of the best insights into Nightingale we have had so far as well as the difference in how he views Peter and how Peter views him. Davdid Melbeney also gets mentioned much more frequently within this book and we get some more hints to his and Nightingale's relationship/friendship (What do you mean he was developing spells so Nightingale could "clean up his messes?) but maybe I have been reading too many fanfics. Nightingale's retirement was hinted at in previous books and is not something I would be able to deal with. Aaronovitch is an author who adores his tropes, not a bad thing by any means it works well for this series, but if Nightingale dies I don't think I would pick up the next book.
Another insight into how others view Nightingale is a scene between Peter and his mother which is the heartbreaking quote:
"Let someone else do it. Let Thomas kill this woman. What would one more killing be in his life?"
The last straw maybe I thought, but Nightingale was not Mums concern
Overall this is a decent installment to the series, and one I think I will have to reread to truly appreciate but I am very interested in seeing how this series continues.