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mineden10's review against another edition
4.0
A very gritty, hard hitting take on the fantasy/crime genre. The action hits you in the face from the word go and before you've even had time to take in the characters, they're already being thrown into a fight.
Durban as a setting, fits the feel of the book as a whole and it's easy to imagine a second skin of spellcraft and magical creatures, both good and bad (mostly bad), existing within the city. It's made even more believable by the detail Crilley puts into giving each creature/side character. Even the characters that aren't focused on within the story still feel as if thought has been put into the 'why' and 'how' they exist in the universe of the story. The archangels are a particular favourite of mine.
Gideon/London is a well fleshed out main protagonist with genuine flaws that fit alongside his positive traits and whilst, at times, he makes decisions that could potentially frustrate the reader, they seem justified and within his character. Despite him fitting the 'hard drinking depressed cop' stereotype, he lacks the ever present gloominess and it only seems to effect him when memories of his past potential failures rise to the surface.
Crilley breathes further life into dispelling the possible stereotypes the book could fall into with his supporting cast. Armitage is a walking broken stereotype and her side arc is also developed well enough you understand her motivations, as well as Gideon's. The dog is kept a little mysterious when it comes to his own back story but it's not something the book lacks for. Conversations between the dog and Gideon are fast paced, witty and never get old.
Poison City does contain it's fair share of gore, violence, and swearing with one scene in particular being a stand out point of this. In my opinion, this fits the universe the book operates within but it may be uncomfortable for some readers.
The ending is intriguing and definitely shows there is a lot of room for sequels and further expansion within the series.
Overall, a really good read and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Durban as a setting, fits the feel of the book as a whole and it's easy to imagine a second skin of spellcraft and magical creatures, both good and bad (mostly bad), existing within the city. It's made even more believable by the detail Crilley puts into giving each creature/side character. Even the characters that aren't focused on within the story still feel as if thought has been put into the 'why' and 'how' they exist in the universe of the story. The archangels are a particular favourite of mine.
Gideon/London is a well fleshed out main protagonist with genuine flaws that fit alongside his positive traits and whilst, at times, he makes decisions that could potentially frustrate the reader, they seem justified and within his character. Despite him fitting the 'hard drinking depressed cop' stereotype, he lacks the ever present gloominess and it only seems to effect him when memories of his past potential failures rise to the surface.
Crilley breathes further life into dispelling the possible stereotypes the book could fall into with his supporting cast. Armitage is a walking broken stereotype and her side arc is also developed well enough you understand her motivations, as well as Gideon's. The dog is kept a little mysterious when it comes to his own back story but it's not something the book lacks for. Conversations between the dog and Gideon are fast paced, witty and never get old.
Poison City does contain it's fair share of gore, violence, and swearing with one scene in particular being a stand out point of this. In my opinion, this fits the universe the book operates within but it may be uncomfortable for some readers.
The ending is intriguing and definitely shows there is a lot of room for sequels and further expansion within the series.
Overall, a really good read and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
tigerlily33's review against another edition
5.0
A Goodreads giveaway win
Poison City by Paul Crilley is a really good read, I enjoyed it a lot. I found it easy to read & get into, I loved the story, it full of action, magic, angels, vampires, it kept me hooked right to the end. There is a lot packed into this book, it doesn't get boring at all. I found that once I had started reading it was difficult to stop as I was compelled to read more. absolutely brilliant book. love it
Poison City by Paul Crilley is a really good read, I enjoyed it a lot. I found it easy to read & get into, I loved the story, it full of action, magic, angels, vampires, it kept me hooked right to the end. There is a lot packed into this book, it doesn't get boring at all. I found that once I had started reading it was difficult to stop as I was compelled to read more. absolutely brilliant book. love it
dakegra's review against another edition
5.0
Fancy, funny, dark and with a brilliant cast of characters. Gideon Tau is one to watch. Imagine Paul Cornell and Ben Aaronovitch got together with Lauren Beukes and you're on the right track.
oczerniecka's review against another edition
4.0
Do you like books that involve:
crime?
mystery?
fantasy?
magic? (+ Harry Potter references in jokes!)
vampires, angels, faeries and all the possible fantasy characters out there?
talking dogs?
bad-ass fighting scenes?
sarcastic sidekicks?
British characters with undeniably British humor?
If you answered 'yes' to any of the questions (or better- to all of them) you are in luck! Because this book has it all and more! I enjoyed it so much that I don't know if I'll be able to write it all down. This book made me stay up late, and I don't do that much those days (Sleeping over reading after 11 pm.).
If there are people out there that answers 'no' to all of the questions - I don't know what I can say to save you. Books with those themes are pretty cool, so reconsider your book preferences, maybe it's time to read something different?
Gideon Tau, whom everyone calls London, lives in Durban (nickname - Poison City), South Africa. He works for the Delphic Division, the occult investigation unit of the police service. He is determined to find his daughter killer - his need for vengeance is the only thing left fueling him. He lives with a dog who loves his tv series and his booze.
The world is full of all the different kinds of fantasy creatures - orishas. There are vampires, werewolf, other were-creatures, gods, goddesses, the God (christian one) and his angels, mythical creatures. Everything you can imagine lives in the Nightside and also can work and live in the Dayside.
The killing of a ramanga - a low-key vampire, starts a huge case of deaths, fights, and secrets. London and his boss Armitage are swept into a world of a huge secret that is kept and secured by the most powerful of the world - not only powerful humans but also orishas. The closer they get to finding out what is the secret, the more in danger they are.
The big secret - it's mindblowing when we find out what is going on. I think that the political aspect of the story is perfect and without the fantasy part is probably true to some extent, and that's scary. Overall the story is amazing, fast-paced and funny, and great to read. Highly recommended.
crime?
mystery?
fantasy?
magic? (+ Harry Potter references in jokes!)
vampires, angels, faeries and all the possible fantasy characters out there?
talking dogs?
bad-ass fighting scenes?
sarcastic sidekicks?
British characters with undeniably British humor?
If you answered 'yes' to any of the questions (or better- to all of them) you are in luck! Because this book has it all and more! I enjoyed it so much that I don't know if I'll be able to write it all down. This book made me stay up late, and I don't do that much those days (Sleeping over reading after 11 pm.).
If there are people out there that answers 'no' to all of the questions - I don't know what I can say to save you. Books with those themes are pretty cool, so reconsider your book preferences, maybe it's time to read something different?
Gideon Tau, whom everyone calls London, lives in Durban (nickname - Poison City), South Africa. He works for the Delphic Division, the occult investigation unit of the police service. He is determined to find his daughter killer - his need for vengeance is the only thing left fueling him. He lives with a dog who loves his tv series and his booze.
I sigh. You know all those cute dogs in the movies you saw as a kid? Jock? Benji? Lassie? Well, the dog is nothing like that.
He’s the complete opposite of that. He’s the dog equivalent of a pervert in a dirty raincoat, sucking methylated spirits through a loaf of bread while watching porn and cackling to himself. He looks a bit like a border terrier, but don’t let that fool you. Cute and friendly he is not.
The world is full of all the different kinds of fantasy creatures - orishas. There are vampires, werewolf, other were-creatures, gods, goddesses, the God (christian one) and his angels, mythical creatures. Everything you can imagine lives in the Nightside and also can work and live in the Dayside.
Here’s the thing. Shinecraft is everywhere. Always has been. Always will be. And there are a thousand different ways to use it. To name a few: binding. Demon summoning. Cursing. Golemancy. Necromancy. Magical sigils. Warding. Divination. Tasseography. Oneiromancy. Scrying. Illusion. Vivimancy. Runes. Heka. Mind reading. Alchemy. And there are more.
The killing of a ramanga - a low-key vampire, starts a huge case of deaths, fights, and secrets. London and his boss Armitage are swept into a world of a huge secret that is kept and secured by the most powerful of the world - not only powerful humans but also orishas. The closer they get to finding out what is the secret, the more in danger they are.
This. This is what we are. This is what we do to each other. Forget the orisha. Forget the monsters under the bed. We’re the fucking monsters under the bed. We’re the ones who do this. Mankind is the bogeyman. The word humanity doesn’t mean kindness, caring. If it represents us as a species then it means evil. Perversion.
The big secret - it's mindblowing when we find out what is going on. I think that the political aspect of the story is perfect and without the fantasy part is probably true to some extent, and that's scary. Overall the story is amazing, fast-paced and funny, and great to read. Highly recommended.
kookykoi's review against another edition
5.0
Because of life, I wasn't able to read this book in one go like I wanted to. Hence why it looks as if it took me three months to get through it. If life hadn't interfered, I would have finished it much quicker!
The story is compelling and its characters are engaging. The descriptions the author utilizes throughout the book are vivid and make use of several senses. There is enough humour to balance with the darkness. The events of the book can and do plunge into the terrible and horrific, making a reader like myself question: who is actually innocent?
I partially liked the events being set mostly in Durban, South Africa. The author's excellent descriptions (see above) painted the city vividly in my mind's eye and it was refreshing to read a story set somewhere else from the usual, like New York or London for example. Not that there is anything wrong with New York or London, but the change of scenery was appreciated.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who like supernatural crime capers that feature talking, alcoholic dogs.
The story is compelling and its characters are engaging. The descriptions the author utilizes throughout the book are vivid and make use of several senses. There is enough humour to balance with the darkness. The events of the book can and do plunge into the terrible and horrific, making a reader like myself question: who is actually innocent?
I partially liked the events being set mostly in Durban, South Africa. The author's excellent descriptions (see above) painted the city vividly in my mind's eye and it was refreshing to read a story set somewhere else from the usual, like New York or London for example. Not that there is anything wrong with New York or London, but the change of scenery was appreciated.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who like supernatural crime capers that feature talking, alcoholic dogs.
bookbint's review against another edition
4.0
supernatural detective Gideon Tau helps the Delphic division keep the Easy African orishas in line, don't even mention the fae.
he has a drunk obnoxious dog for a spirit guide and a boss of Scottish origins.
His daughter was killed 3 years before & his ex-wife has asked him to leave her alone.
Then he gets dragged out to help with a routine murder enquiry & all hell breaks loose!
I loved it, but didn't quite pique my weird strings like Daniel Polansky however, book 1 in what I hope to be a series is definitely worth picking up.
he has a drunk obnoxious dog for a spirit guide and a boss of Scottish origins.
His daughter was killed 3 years before & his ex-wife has asked him to leave her alone.
Then he gets dragged out to help with a routine murder enquiry & all hell breaks loose!
I loved it, but didn't quite pique my weird strings like Daniel Polansky however, book 1 in what I hope to be a series is definitely worth picking up.
squidface's review against another edition
3.0
Fancy your fantasy departed from the usual Euro-centric myths and legends of the supernatural? Look no further than Gideon Tau's investigation into the weird and wonderful world of Durban, aka Poison City.
Full of great action sequences, interesting fantasy references, and an apocalyptic build up to a climax you won't see coming.
Half way through reading this I finally noticed that Becky Chambers (of LWTASAP fame) had actually read/reviewed this book. That didn't exactly put it in high regard in my books, but it did at least push me to finish this novel when it got messy after the first third.
It's a little all over the place and certainly could've done with another edit or two, but Poison City is a good quick read if you need your supernatural fix this month.
Want to read more of why I only give this 3/5 stars? Head over to my full review at https://wordpress.com/post/blytheberesford.com/1022
Full of great action sequences, interesting fantasy references, and an apocalyptic build up to a climax you won't see coming.
Half way through reading this I finally noticed that Becky Chambers (of LWTASAP fame) had actually read/reviewed this book. That didn't exactly put it in high regard in my books, but it did at least push me to finish this novel when it got messy after the first third.
It's a little all over the place and certainly could've done with another edit or two, but Poison City is a good quick read if you need your supernatural fix this month.
Want to read more of why I only give this 3/5 stars? Head over to my full review at https://wordpress.com/post/blytheberesford.com/1022
barrynorton's review against another edition
4.0
Great to have a new voice in South African fiction since Lauren Beukes has moved into the mainstream.
kittyg's review against another edition
2.0
* I was sent this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
This is an urban fantasy book, and let me start out by saying that urban fantasy is often a genre that I don't tend to love as much as high/epic fantasy (hence the slightly lower rating). This book is slightly different from the 'average' urban fantasy in that it's set in South Africa. I liked that it wasn't the typical set up, and there were a few moments in the book where I felt as though I enjoyed seeing that culture come through a bit.
We follow a man called Gideon Tau (a.k.a. London Town) and his side-kick/spirit-animal Dog. Together they investigate crimes (of the magical kind) and get mixed up in all sorts of pretty dark goings-on. It definitely reminded me a LOT of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books, so if you like them you may well like this, but it also had hints of Ben Aaronovitch's style too.
What I did like about this story is that it doesn't take long to get into the action and it was pretty fast-paced the whole way through. When it comes to crime-based books I like it to be quick and easy to read, becuase I find that I get a little bored otherwise, but this one was a fun and fast one.
One element of Urban fantasy that I don't really care for is a lack of character development. As the urban fantasy story is almost always on Earth in normal society, I feel like this leaves more time to develop characters over world, but I so rarely see this. It's not to say that the character's within this are totally flat, but they aren't totally real to me either becuase they didn't fully convince me of their motives and there were times when I felt as though the reasoning was a little thin.
On the whole this is a fun start to (what I assume will be) a series. I think there is potential, and there's a lot going on, but for me Urban fantasy is something I do tend to rate fairly harshly, so bear that in mind. If you do enjoy Urban fantasy books then you'll probably like this more than I do, but even if you haven't tried them before and just want a start point with Urban then this one works for that too. I would give this a 2.5*s overall.
This is an urban fantasy book, and let me start out by saying that urban fantasy is often a genre that I don't tend to love as much as high/epic fantasy (hence the slightly lower rating). This book is slightly different from the 'average' urban fantasy in that it's set in South Africa. I liked that it wasn't the typical set up, and there were a few moments in the book where I felt as though I enjoyed seeing that culture come through a bit.
We follow a man called Gideon Tau (a.k.a. London Town) and his side-kick/spirit-animal Dog. Together they investigate crimes (of the magical kind) and get mixed up in all sorts of pretty dark goings-on. It definitely reminded me a LOT of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books, so if you like them you may well like this, but it also had hints of Ben Aaronovitch's style too.
What I did like about this story is that it doesn't take long to get into the action and it was pretty fast-paced the whole way through. When it comes to crime-based books I like it to be quick and easy to read, becuase I find that I get a little bored otherwise, but this one was a fun and fast one.
One element of Urban fantasy that I don't really care for is a lack of character development. As the urban fantasy story is almost always on Earth in normal society, I feel like this leaves more time to develop characters over world, but I so rarely see this. It's not to say that the character's within this are totally flat, but they aren't totally real to me either becuase they didn't fully convince me of their motives and there were times when I felt as though the reasoning was a little thin.
On the whole this is a fun start to (what I assume will be) a series. I think there is potential, and there's a lot going on, but for me Urban fantasy is something I do tend to rate fairly harshly, so bear that in mind. If you do enjoy Urban fantasy books then you'll probably like this more than I do, but even if you haven't tried them before and just want a start point with Urban then this one works for that too. I would give this a 2.5*s overall.