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teipu's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
jenallmighty's review against another edition
3.0
It's not a bad book but I found it a bit hard to keep track of where Peter Grant was and what he was doing. Not much of Nightingale in this book either.
charles__'s review against another edition
3.0
I've burned my way right through #5 of Ben Aaronovitch's "Rivers of London" series. I *like* these books.
Urban fantasy is my shame. I won't admit to reading it in public. I used to read only cyber-punk. Now, I mitigate my addiction with the mantra, "Any technology significantly advanced enough is indistinguishable from magic."
If you're an American, you're going to need to be a bit of an Anglophile to 'get' this story. There's a lot of vernacular from both past and present. Being an avid fan of BBC America Brit police procedurals would like wise be helpful. One thing that catches me up is the author's fascination with cars. I know "sod all" about them.
Mercifully for fans of the series, Aaronovitch spares very few words on explaining the backstory. Readers new to the series really need to start at the beginning and read their way through. Although, be prepared. The author weaves current events into the stories, and the first book was published in 2011.
Personally, I thought it was brilliant to take Peter Grant out of London in this book. The change of scenery and lack of continuing characters, rested them for me. If I have any criticism about the story, it was the almost abrupt ending. Given the almost leisurely pace of the preceding chapters, this wrap-up almost gave me whiplash.
If you're into a hip, English urban fantasy/police procedural X-over with some wry humor, I recommend this series.
Urban fantasy is my shame. I won't admit to reading it in public. I used to read only cyber-punk. Now, I mitigate my addiction with the mantra, "Any technology significantly advanced enough is indistinguishable from magic."
If you're an American, you're going to need to be a bit of an Anglophile to 'get' this story. There's a lot of vernacular from both past and present. Being an avid fan of BBC America Brit police procedurals would like wise be helpful. One thing that catches me up is the author's fascination with cars. I know "sod all" about them.
Mercifully for fans of the series, Aaronovitch spares very few words on explaining the backstory. Readers new to the series really need to start at the beginning and read their way through. Although, be prepared. The author weaves current events into the stories, and the first book was published in 2011.
Personally, I thought it was brilliant to take Peter Grant out of London in this book. The change of scenery and lack of continuing characters, rested them for me. If I have any criticism about the story, it was the almost abrupt ending. Given the almost leisurely pace of the preceding chapters, this wrap-up almost gave me whiplash.
If you're into a hip, English urban fantasy/police procedural X-over with some wry humor, I recommend this series.
sashaknits's review against another edition
5.0
It was refreshing to see Peter outside his geographical comfort zone and we learned about a whole load of new things: . It was also cool to see Peter really coming in to his own with his magic skills, casting under pressure and even some very successful combat. I can't wait to see his skills expand even more.
Plus very interesting
Is it time for book 6 yet??
Spoiler
bees, unicorns, fae, changelings, magic detectors, a bit more about the Rivers.Plus very interesting
Spoiler
to hear from Lesley, I wonder what's going on there. Is Nightingale right and she's having regrets? I kind of hope so!Is it time for book 6 yet??
caomhghin's review against another edition
5.0
Something of an idyll for Peter and Beverley. Charming story, suitably nasty fairyland and a mixed bunch of locals and yokels.
lady_annaavocado's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kathy123123's review against another edition
5.0
This was my favourite of the Peter Grant stories so far. Where previous books had dragged in pace or lost clarity of plot, this one was paced beautifully with an interesting and engaging mystery, fun new characters, and a nice change from the mysterious Faceless Man who has dominated the last few books. This book also helped bring together a number of elements of world building, including more on Ettersburg and the connections of the Rivers and broader magical world. Thoroughly enjoyed and worth sticking around for.
b_evil_c's review against another edition
5.0
Another cracking read in a brilliant series...highly recommended.