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mbpartlow's review against another edition
4.0
What a pleasant surprise! If you liked Kate Griffin's Madness of Angels, but want something less deep, this is the book for you. The Probationary Constable who can suddenly see ghosts is one of the most terrific and original characters I've read in a long time. Some of his lines made me laugh out loud.
Not everyone can portray the sudden revelation that yes, magic exists, in a way that is both serious and funny. I can't wait to read more of this!
Not everyone can portray the sudden revelation that yes, magic exists, in a way that is both serious and funny. I can't wait to read more of this!
effaly's review against another edition
1.0
dnf'd at 43%
This could have been a really fun urban fantasy story, if the protagonist wasn't such a creep, who sexualising every female character, and had more than two brain cells. Stupid doesn't equal funny.
This could have been a really fun urban fantasy story, if the protagonist wasn't such a creep, who sexualising every female character, and had more than two brain cells. Stupid doesn't equal funny.
jeannelynne24'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
3.5
ehms's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
timinbc's review against another edition
4.0
Aha, so THIS is where the series started. I read #3 first.
I liked this partly because a lot of the action is in and aronud Covent Garden, where I happen to have been recently.
As with #3, there are considerable similarities to Charlie Stross's Laundry series, but on investigation I find that they are both fine with it and have discussed doing one together. If you like or dislike the Laundry, you may well feel the same about this.
Peter is inexperienced but not stupid, and it's refreshing to see a magic story in which the hero(ine) isn't obviously going to become a Top Wizard if he/she doesn't blow up the world first, or open a door to the Dungeon Dimensions.
The inter-group politics are well done, and the resolution of the "what's going on here?" part of the plot is good.
The ending sorta went "pfffft" so I withhold one star.
I'll read #2, then decide whether to do them all.
I liked this partly because a lot of the action is in and aronud Covent Garden, where I happen to have been recently.
As with #3, there are considerable similarities to Charlie Stross's Laundry series, but on investigation I find that they are both fine with it and have discussed doing one together. If you like or dislike the Laundry, you may well feel the same about this.
Peter is inexperienced but not stupid, and it's refreshing to see a magic story in which the hero(ine) isn't obviously going to become a Top Wizard if he/she doesn't blow up the world first, or open a door to the Dungeon Dimensions.
The inter-group politics are well done, and the resolution of the "what's going on here?" part of the plot is good.
The ending sorta went "pfffft" so I withhold one star.
I'll read #2, then decide whether to do them all.
naturally's review against another edition
liked: interesting characters, descriptions of the city
disliked: the plot really DRAGS. certain comments and jokes about nigerian culture feels overfamiliar and disrespectful, especially factoring in that aaronovitch is a white man...
disliked: the plot really DRAGS. certain comments and jokes about nigerian culture feels overfamiliar and disrespectful, especially factoring in that aaronovitch is a white man...
tregina's review against another edition
3.0
I loved, loved, all of the characters in this book. Loved. The plot, a little less so, and I think the worldbuilding is about halfway there. But it is totally and completely my kind of thing, and I'm excited to move on to the next book.
wirthaa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
testaroscia's review against another edition
4.0
Went into this with lowish expectations, but wanted a short book to tide me over till I embark on Stephenson's latest tome. In reality it fully deserves it's four stars - i really enjoyed it. It has the same atmosphere of American Gods - the juxtaposition of mythical figures in a stark contemporary world but even though it does not have the refinement and lyricism of Gaiman, it makes up for it with humour and great one liners. I think i have time to read book # 2...