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The Arcane Houses of London: Historical Urban Fantasy
The year is 1945, and David, a young man with a mysterious past, has escaped war-torn Europe. When he arrives in London, David is quickly pulled into the world of the Arcane Houses.
He could have joined House Artifice, who craft magical objects, or House Vigile, who oversee law and order. Instead, he's taken in by Thorne House, home of thieves and knaves.
Under the protection of the enigmatic Master Thorne, David has at last found sanctuary. But not all is as it seems.
Something dark is stirring in the magical Borderlands of London, and David will need all his wits and courage to survive the coming storm.
He could have joined House Artifice, who craft magical objects, or House Vigile, who oversee law and order. Instead, he's taken in by Thorne House, home of thieves and knaves.
Under the protection of the enigmatic Master Thorne, David has at last found sanctuary. But not all is as it seems.
Something dark is stirring in the magical Borderlands of London, and David will need all his wits and courage to survive the coming storm.
- GenresFantasyHistoricalMystery
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2024
89 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Kuttner
17 books132 followersNaomi Kuttner writes urban fantasy and cozy mysteries.
Living in New Zealand, Naomi spends her free time (ha!) raising her twin son and daughter, writing, taking the dog to the beach, and getting out on the water whenever possible.
Living in New Zealand, Naomi spends her free time (ha!) raising her twin son and daughter, writing, taking the dog to the beach, and getting out on the water whenever possible.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 20, 2025
Delightful prequel
As I wait impatiently for the next in Kuttner’s Retired Assassin series, this London storyline is a great escape. I read this as I was reading book two of the London trilogy and it was illuminating.
As I wait impatiently for the next in Kuttner’s Retired Assassin series, this London storyline is a great escape. I read this as I was reading book two of the London trilogy and it was illuminating.
February 2, 2026
I didn’t realize at the time I started reading this book that it was a prequel to one of Naomi Kuttner’s series. As such, my view of this book is very standalone in perspective, so here you go: Actually really good. Not great, mind you, but much better than just average. The story starts out slow and somewhat confusing as many of the core details don’t come to light about our protagonist, David, or what the Arcane Houses are all about. The intro to Thorne House is a bit light and does not give much weight to what the entire house is about. Kuttner does a solid job in playing out the relationships between the main characters, but goes light on how extensive a presence Thorne House itself is in London. Just had the feeling there was more about the extent of its thieving practice and the supernatural personality of the house itself that could have come to light. Gideon Thorne is an interesting character whose full story does develop in somewhat of an expected manner, e.g., he is the head of the House, he is a bit snarky and a solid planner, but has his weaknesses.
The climax of the story, though somewhat predictable, did a nice job of tying up some loose ends, especially around David’s family. I got kind of lost with the ‘battle’ that raged around him, but as a means to an end, it all worked.
Not sure where in Kuttner’s development as an author this book falls, but you definitely hear her voice (which is more prevalent in the Assassin books), so her writing is progressing. So, overall, a nice diversion.
The climax of the story, though somewhat predictable, did a nice job of tying up some loose ends, especially around David’s family. I got kind of lost with the ‘battle’ that raged around him, but as a means to an end, it all worked.
Not sure where in Kuttner’s development as an author this book falls, but you definitely hear her voice (which is more prevalent in the Assassin books), so her writing is progressing. So, overall, a nice diversion.
August 30, 2024
Naomi Kuttner's "The Arcane Houses of London" offers a fresh take on historical urban fantasy, blending a gritty post-WWII London with a delicious magical underbelly.
Set in 1945, the novel follows David, a war refugee with a shadowy past, as he's drawn into the clandestine world of the Arcane Houses. Kuttner's worldbuilding shines as she unveils a London where magic thrives in the shadows of a war-torn city.
What truly elevates this novel is its cast of flawed, multidimensional characters. David's struggles with his past and his place in this new magical realm resonate deeply, driving the narrative forward with authentic emotion.
Kuttner's prose is punchy and vivid, brimming with historical detail and fantastical elements. "The Arcane Houses of London" is a must-read for fans of nuanced magical systems and character-driven fantasy set against a carefully crafted historical backdrop.
Set in 1945, the novel follows David, a war refugee with a shadowy past, as he's drawn into the clandestine world of the Arcane Houses. Kuttner's worldbuilding shines as she unveils a London where magic thrives in the shadows of a war-torn city.
What truly elevates this novel is its cast of flawed, multidimensional characters. David's struggles with his past and his place in this new magical realm resonate deeply, driving the narrative forward with authentic emotion.
Kuttner's prose is punchy and vivid, brimming with historical detail and fantastical elements. "The Arcane Houses of London" is a must-read for fans of nuanced magical systems and character-driven fantasy set against a carefully crafted historical backdrop.
April 24, 2024
Amazingly Good Story!!
Having read the entire Shadow Kingdom Books, and waiting Impatiently for more! I consumed this book in just a few hours and found it Great! The bond is Quickly formed with all the lead characters and their assortment of personal quirks. The dialog is lively and descriptive. The author does a wonderful job at reminding the reader of the history of evil that changed our world in the time the story is placed. I love this series and the way this author has brought this vision to life and look forward to more. Enjoy this read!
Having read the entire Shadow Kingdom Books, and waiting Impatiently for more! I consumed this book in just a few hours and found it Great! The bond is Quickly formed with all the lead characters and their assortment of personal quirks. The dialog is lively and descriptive. The author does a wonderful job at reminding the reader of the history of evil that changed our world in the time the story is placed. I love this series and the way this author has brought this vision to life and look forward to more. Enjoy this read!
July 30, 2025
A delightful Urban Fantasy
This charming book will delight fans of the Rivers of London series. YAish with its young hero and heroine, but never cartoonish, it would be a great introduction to urban fantasy for younger readers.
As an older reader of Urban fantasy there is a deft construction of a parallel world with well-rounded and sympathetic characters.
I can't wait to continue this series.
This charming book will delight fans of the Rivers of London series. YAish with its young hero and heroine, but never cartoonish, it would be a great introduction to urban fantasy for younger readers.
As an older reader of Urban fantasy there is a deft construction of a parallel world with well-rounded and sympathetic characters.
I can't wait to continue this series.
March 24, 2024
Unpredictable
Naomi Kuttner has written another suspenseful and imaginative tale that carries you away and thoroughly entertains. Her characters are complex, descriptions delicious and plot lines unpredictable. She just keeps getting better and better. If you liked her trilogy, you’ll love The Arcane Houses of London.
Naomi Kuttner has written another suspenseful and imaginative tale that carries you away and thoroughly entertains. Her characters are complex, descriptions delicious and plot lines unpredictable. She just keeps getting better and better. If you liked her trilogy, you’ll love The Arcane Houses of London.
January 2, 2026
shadow kingdom
Wonderful story about loss and healing. Finding family and friends where you don’t expect it. Lots of adventures along the way to growth.
Looking forward to more from this author.
Wonderful story about loss and healing. Finding family and friends where you don’t expect it. Lots of adventures along the way to growth.
Looking forward to more from this author.
August 2, 2024
I loved this book. It had a tight well written plot, engaging characters and left me wanting more, so much so that I’m currently re-reading the Shadow Kingdom Trilogy.
September 12, 2025
Such a good story
What a great young adult story. Grief and Magic combine to make a well told tale and I look forward to more of these
What a great young adult story. Grief and Magic combine to make a well told tale and I look forward to more of these
September 22, 2025
DNF @ 20%
I don't think this author is for me sadly, I DNF'd assasins guide at like 60% also and I just am not engaged enough. I don't care for the writing or plot etc. It's not working for me.
I don't think this author is for me sadly, I DNF'd assasins guide at like 60% also and I just am not engaged enough. I don't care for the writing or plot etc. It's not working for me.
December 29, 2025
2025 bk 175. I love Kuttner's mystery series and thought I would try out her urban fantasy. I think I might have started at the wrong end, but enjoyed the book nontheless. The story of a WWII orphan finding his way to a safe house in London, only to learn more of the family's purpose in that city is a timeless look at orphans, dreams, and what home means. There were some plot devises that were very obvious, but necessary to the telling. By and large a very enjoyable fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews