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Maxim Jakubowski's view...
A Maxim Jakubowski Best Science Fiction selection.
Shortlisted for the Galaxy UK New Writer of the Year Award 2011.
A new series by a Doctor Who writer (the second volume MOON OVER SOHO is out now) this is an engaging mix that reads a little like a more adult version of Harry Potter and will appeal to both adult and younger readers. Peter Grant is a young probationary constable seconded to Inspector Nightingale, who also happens to be the last wizard in England. Their adventures in an exquisitely-drawn London full of grotesques and untold horror uncover the city's fantastic underbelly and the two characters prove wonderfully endearing. Magic and police procedural make for successful bedmates.
Comparison: Tad Williams
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Who is Maxim Jakubowski ? |
Synopsis
Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
My name is Peter Grant and until January I was just probationary constable in that mighty army for justice known to all right-thinking people as the Metropolitan Police Service (and as the Filth to everybody else). My only concerns in life were how to avoid a transfer to the Case Progression Unit - we do paperwork so real coppers don't have to - and finding a way to climb into the panties of the outrageously perky WPC Leslie May. Then one night, in pursuance of a murder inquiry, I tried to take a witness statement from someone who was dead but disturbingly voluable, and that brought me to the attention of Inspector Nightingale, the last wizard in England. Now I'm a Detective Constable and a trainee wizard, the first apprentice in fifty years, and my world has become somewhat more complicated: nests of vampires in Purley, negotiating a truce between the warring god and goddess of the Thames, and digging up graves in Covent Garden ...and there's something festering at the heart of the city I love, a malicious vengeful spirit that takes ordinary Londoners and twists them into grotesque mannequins to act out its drama of violence and despair. The spirit of riot and rebellion has awakened in the city, and it's falling to me to bring order out of chaos - or die trying.
Reviews
Witty, well plotted, vividly written and addictively readable. -- Lisa Tuttle THE TIMES An engaging mix of magic and police procedural, this is a great kick off to a very promising series as well as the most satisfying fantasy thriller to hit bookshelves in quite some time. Witty, imaginative and gripping. -- Saxon Bullock SFX Rivers of London is highly recommended for anyone looking for some urban fantasy fun with a real life spin, the sights and smells of London just ooze out from between the pages. This book should be essential reading for anyone who has ever seen anything inexplicable or strange on the streets of London - which would be just about everybody who's ever been there, really. LOVEVAMPIRES.COM Anyone who has enjoyed Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere, Kate Griffin's Matthew Swift novels, Mike Carey's Felix Castor series - anyone in those shoes will adore Rivers of London. Assured, witty and great fun to read. -- Amanda Rutter FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKS Rivers of London comfortably fills out its engaging premise. -- Sophia McDougall Ben Aaronovitch has put together an enjoyable and exciting story that is easy to read.
BOOK MONKEYS This is a terrific urban fantasy police procedural in which the two cops make the unbelievable believable; especially the inexperienced Grant. The fast-paced yet meandering story line is loaded with action from the onset as the mentor and mentee work a challenging investigation in which an ancient has arisen to stir the troubled waters. Sub-genre fans will enjoy Ben Aaronovitch's view of London in this witty well written riot. ALTERNATIVE-WORLDS Aaronovitch gives us a glimpse of a fascinating and fantastical underbelly to the capital that feels entirely believable. Those familiar with the city will enjoy picturing the chaotic events unfold, while those less familiar will receive an accurate and entertaining geography lesson. Magical, mysterious and mesmerising, Rivers of London will have you spellbound. -- Alice Wybrew TOTAL SCI FI This is a fun book, with enough wry humour without descending into slapstick. Recommended. British Fantasy Society
About the Author
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Ben Aaronovitch was born and raised in London and all his work has reflected his abiding fascination and love for what he modestly likes to refer to as the 'Capital of the World'. He works as a bookseller when he is not writing novels and TV scripts.
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Crime / Who-dunit
