Reviews

Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch

mdking's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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

3.75

Solid.

dr_anna_hands's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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

3.75

shragoo's review

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fast-paced

3.75

I liked this book less than the first two, less seemed to happen, and there was far less magic

kimblefairy1989's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed this novel as I have with the previous two installments. The author always involves the reader and keeps them interested throughout the entirety of the book.

opalleaves's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

4.5

littleskittle's review against another edition

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3.0

For me the Rivers of London series so far has been imperfect yet an enjoyable and easy read. I’ve found that Peter Grant, the protagonist, has become more likeable as the books have gone on, and in Whispers Underground, many of the side characters, especially the female characters, are much more well-rounded and fleshed out.

The series is well written, funny and weird (in a good way)! It’s a fun mix of Supernatural and NCIS, with references to Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter throughout. I haven’t read anything like it and am eager to read the fourth story in the series.

I’ve given three stars because, as someone who has never been to London, the constant references to London geography have gone over my head. I don’t care what streets the characters did and didn’t take to get to their destinations unless they are of importance to the plot or contribute to the reader’s ability to map out and connect the story’s landmarks (which for me they didn’t). I found this book was the worst in the series for these unnecessary geographical references so far, and it continuously took me out of the story and ruined my immersion.

Peter Grant’s story is unpredictable and would make a fantastic TV series, but at times it fails to be exciting and gripping. I can’t completely figure out why - maybe it’s the occasional information-dumping, or maybe it’s just too unbelievable at times. The series is enjoyable but as of yet I am still awaiting a moment where I feel I cannot put the book down.

bernatgp's review

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.5

aurora_coyoteluck's review against another edition

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adventurous funny inspiring mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.75

mgouker's review

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5.0

Incredible world-building. Rivers of London has become one of my favorite series, mostly because of the characters but the gritty world that surrounds them is also so compelling. Looking forward to the next installments. Thank you, Ben Aaronovitch, for sharing your story with us!

nigellicus's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious tense

5.0

Yeeah, now I can see why these books caught on. Likeable lead, great supporting cast, and every book is a trip into some new part of London that may or may not exist. In this case, as the title suggests, it's underground, after the discovery of a murdered American art student under Baker Street leads Peter and Co, including a persistent FI agent he has to vainly try to conceal his magic spells from, down to the sewers and tunnels, smelly and wet and getting wetter thanks to meltwater from a city-paralysing snowfall. The narration is fabulous, top-tier, full marks for naiing the South Dublin accent, even narrators who manage decent Irish accents rarely bother with regional variations unless the character is from Ulster