Rivers of London (Rivers of London, #1) in The Folly Irregulars

May 04, 2016 carol. rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: supernatural-mystery, urban-fantasy, represent

Thoughts on the book:
my review.

Thoughts on the audio version:

As many people have noted, Kobna Holbrook Smith is a fabulous reader. Turns out he is an actor and director is well, with a long list of tv credits, which is kind of a bummer because I hope he continues to have time for the Peter Grant series.

Holbrook Smith is clearly a talented voice actor who can understandably convey a range of London accents, from that of an 19th century itenerant to Nightingale's 'posh' early 20th century to curre Thoughts on the book:
my review.

Thoughts on the audio version:

As many people have noted, Kobna Holbrook Smith is a fabulous reader. Turns out he is an actor and director is well, with a long list of tv credits, which is kind of a bummer because I hope he continues to have time for the Peter Grant series.

Holbrook Smith is clearly a talented voice actor who can understandably convey a range of London accents, from that of an 19th century itenerant to Nightingale's 'posh' early 20th century to current police vernacular. I also found his Danish and Jamaican accents amusing. Ever since an unfortunate experience with the Stephanie Plum audio, I'm particularly impressed when actors are able to voice characters of the opposite sex without making it sound fake. Holbrook Smith is able to give Leslie a decent voicing, but it really shines when (view spoiler) I did feel like quite a few bit characters ended up with a Jamaican-sounding accent, which may or may not reflect London demographics.

Interestingly, I noted that I didn't find the audio version quite as funny as I found the paper version. As an American, I wonder if this is an example of the 'dry' British humor, that the pause or infliction I expect is missing. I certainly found phrases snicker-out-loud funny when my inside voice read it. That said, his reading of the following dialogue made me laugh out loud:

“You don’t think she and Nightingale…?” asked Lesley.
“Ew,” said Beverley. “That’s just wrong.”
“I thought you and her were friends?” I asked.
“Yeah, but she’s like a creature of the night,” said Beverley. “And he’s old.”

I will note that there were two moments in later chapters when it sounded as if the recording was taken up weeks or months later. It was still the same reader, but something about the tone of the recording and the closeness of the voice changed. I did love the jazz introduction between chapters.

Overall, a great audio. I'll definitely continue revisiting the series through audio.
...more

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Jan 01, 2017 Lata rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: x2018-read, favourites, x2017-read, sf-f-h, x2016-read, x2021-read, bipoc-actor

2021-07: I needed something that would make me laugh, give me great characters, and long-running arcs, and this series satisfied all these criteria so well. I was reminded on this reread of some of the little details sprinkled throughout this book that lead to incidents in later books, as I was having fun getting reacquainted with Peter, Nightingale, Lesley, members of the Met, and the lovely Rivers. I caught myself laughing out loud while listening, which happens a lot with this series.

2018-01 2021-07: I needed something that would make me laugh, give me great characters, and long-running arcs, and this series satisfied all these criteria so well. I was reminded on this reread of some of the little details sprinkled throughout this book that lead to incidents in later books, as I was having fun getting reacquainted with Peter, Nightingale, Lesley, members of the Met, and the lovely Rivers. I caught myself laughing out loud while listening, which happens a lot with this series.

2018-01: I love this series. And each time I read through each book, I discover new things, and appreciate the way Ben Aaronovitch drops little pieces of the larger story arc into each book. And I love the way PC "distracted" Peter Grant discovers the wider, magical world around him, and slowly learns how to be a wizard from Nightingale. (When are we going to find out what exactly happened at Ettisburg?) There are several things I like about this series, from our biracial main character and his sarcastic musings on many things (e.g., they still teach us to beat people with phonebooks), Nightingale and his dry delivery, the story arc, and the wonderful female characters: Leslie, Mama Thames, Peter's mother (who we meet in later books), Stephanopolous, Beverly, and creepy Molly.

2017-01: This was my second time through this book, and I enjoyed it even more. The first time, I listened to the talented Kobna Holdbrook-Smith introduce me to Peter Grant, Leslie May, Nightingale, and a variety of other characters. This time, I got a chance to carefully read the text through, and really admire Ben Aaronovitch's way with words.
I had a better grasp of the main mystery, and the little details that make bigger appearances in later instalments, too, this reread. (The benefits of reading, versus listening and driving.)
I'm loving the tour through London in this series, with all of Peter's dry commentary on the city. The characters though, are what really convinced me to put this series on my favourites list. Wonderful Leslie May, who's a damned good copper, silent and creepy Molly, DS Stephanopolous, and Mama Thames and her daughters. You do not want to mess with Mama Thames.
I really enjoyed spending time with the cheeky bugger Peter Grant, and look forward to rereading book 2 now.

2016-11: First thoughts: loved the dry humour, sarcasm, and pop culture references. Peter Grant was fun, and liked Lesley a lot, and the way She seemed to be irritated/amused by him often.
Toby was funny, and enjoyed the comments on police work. ...more

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Apr 22, 2015 Wanda Pedersen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: brit-lit, urban-fantasy, read-in-2021, mysteries-thrillers, favourites, public-library, london, read-in-2016, owned, good-dog

2021 Re-Read

***2021 Dog Days of Summer***

It's time for my summer theme and this year I have chosen to read books that include canine companions. It was a marvelous excuse to revisit the Rivers of London series complete with Toby the terrible terrier. I haven't read this first volume since 2016 and I'd forgotten certain details, like exactly how Peter acquired him.

Toby is yappy and curious and determined. He is a strong believer in being fed from the table. He quickly recognizes Molly as the ...more

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Nov 16, 2016 James rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasies, barrels-of-laughs, favourites, 2016-reads

The first book of six (though hopefully more, preferably infinite—please?), Rivers of London is Ben Aaronovitch’s great start to what could be a beautiful relationship between us. The Dresden Files were close, but no cigar (could be its lack of Britishisms, of which Aaronovitch provides plenty). The funny is spot-on (pop-culture references abound, but sparingly enough to be effective, and also to break the tension where needed), yet not such that it preempts the drama, both being well-balanced. ...more

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Jan 07, 2017 Nyssa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, series-book-1, magic, speculative-fiction, urban-fantasy, 2011-2020, format-electronic, fantasy, paranormal-supernatural, weird-fantasy

2nd Review (5/10/17):
Rating: 4.0

Rereading this so closely to the first time dulled the experience a bit. I still liked what I liked, but I also picked up on a few typographical errors that I either missed or ignored the first time around.

****************************************
Original Rating & Review:
Rating: 4.5

I have been looking forward to reading this series for a while, and this first book did not disappoint.

The Pros:
Peter Grant. What I like the most about Peter is that he is ...more

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Jan 13, 2017 Stephen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

VERY fun read. Fast paced, colorful characters, snappy dialogue and a wry sense of humor throughout. A special charm for me was Arronovitch's specific street level placing of events. As a frequent visitor to London, I greatly enjoyed being able to map in my mind the movements of Peter and company around greater London.

Rather than write a lengthy review I'll cheat and reference Carol's review which mirrors my thoughts: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... I'll also reference Nyssa's review ( ...more

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Sep 11, 2014 Hank rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: scifi-challenge-14, owned_audio, scifi-club-read

Starts with a bang! Funny in a gritty British sort of way unlike the farcical humour of Terry Pratchett. I enjoyed the, not in your face, type of tutoring Lord Nightingale supplied. No reasons given for Peter's talents which added to the mysteries strewn through the book. Just enough wrap up to leave me satisfied yet wanting more. Thoroughly enjoyable. ...more

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Dec 13, 2016 Melora rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Really enjoyed this. The only other distinctly "Urban Fantasy" series I've read, as best I remember, is set in Chicago, and despite my early qualms about some similarities this soon proved to be quite distinctive, and I like it better. Not only does London have more allure, for me, than Chicago, but the protagonist here is less... chauvinistic, and the supporting cast is more interesting. Also, there are elements of the "Police Procedural," another new genre for me, which add a nice change of pa ...more

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Feb 14, 2017 Scott Firestone rated it really liked it

Peter Grant is a Probationary Constable, which means he's still waiting to see where, exactly, he'll be assigned once he's a "real policeman." Unfortunately, it looks like he'll be assigned to a unit that mostly deals with mounds of paperwork and details. Hardly the life he envisioned.

But at a murder scene he gets clues to the murder from...a ghost, and it turns his world upside down. He's recruited into a very exclusive arm of the police, charged with investigating crimes involving magic and m Peter Grant is a Probationary Constable, which means he's still waiting to see where, exactly, he'll be assigned once he's a "real policeman." Unfortunately, it looks like he'll be assigned to a unit that mostly deals with mounds of paperwork and details. Hardly the life he envisioned.

But at a murder scene he gets clues to the murder from...a ghost, and it turns his world upside down. He's recruited into a very exclusive arm of the police, charged with investigating crimes involving magic and monsters. As London is gripped by a series of inexplicable murders, Peter must learn to deal with river gods, overcome demon possessions, and throw a proper fireball. All in a day's work for a copper.

Let's rapid-fire examine this book.

* It's very, very British. Incredibly British. There's a crap-ton of British terms, slang, and colloquialisms here, and it's AWESOME. I'm so glad they didn't dumb that down or Americanize it, because it's charming, and adds to the flavor and ambiance.

* Wait, except for the title, which was stupidly changed to Midnight Riot for the US version. Is there a more vague and awful title than Midnight Riot? Probably. But that title still sucks. Rivers of London is evocative, and SUPER integral to the plot (that's not a spoiler). Ugh. American publishers are the worst.

* If you read this book and don't fall in love with the city of London, then I'm not sure we can still be friends. Because Aaronovitch obviously loves London, and by the end you will, too.

* Peter Grant is a terrific character, and his voice is a breath of fresh air. He's smart, witty, complex, self-deprecating, geeky, sarcastic, and so very human.

* I appreciate that as Peter's learning to be a wizard, it doesn't come easily. It should take time. IT'S MAGIC. Harry Potter he ain't, and that's good.

* You can't swing an undead vampire without running into comparisons with Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series. I admit I only read the first Dresden Files book but it SUUUUUUUUUUCKED. Laughably terrible. Not funny. Painful. This is no Dresden Files. This is so good.

* Speaking of funny, why are the English more funny than Americans when it comes to the written word? I don't know, but "funny" American writers usually come across as trying too hard. Pratchett's genuinely made me shoot liquid out of my nose. And while this isn't a "comedy," I found myself chuckling, laughing, and reading with a giant grin on my face, because it's just naturally funny and charming. Nothing forced.

So why "only" four stars, you ask? Because...the main plot wasn't actually compelling. It's convoluted, and I mixed-up characters a couple of times. I think I got it eventually, but it was all kinda..."Huh." But I didn't care, because the characters and the city and Peter's voice were enough to keep me going. And keep me going further into the series. What a wonderful find this is. ...more

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Aug 19, 2014 Holly Booms Walsh rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, urban-fantasy, paranormal-fiction, vampire, magic, ghost, crime, detective, police-procedural, audible

This was the closest to the Harry Dresden books by Jim Butcher that I have come so far. It's a police procedural, with the protagonist being a British constable who discovers that magic is real and that some of the crimes he is investigating are really caused by things that go bump in the night. The book is set in London, by someone that really knows London. It has the feel of London, with the racial diversity, British slang, young Brit way of life (clubs, pubs, kebabs, curries, and flats with l This was the closest to the Harry Dresden books by Jim Butcher that I have come so far. It's a police procedural, with the protagonist being a British constable who discovers that magic is real and that some of the crimes he is investigating are really caused by things that go bump in the night. The book is set in London, by someone that really knows London. It has the feel of London, with the racial diversity, British slang, young Brit way of life (clubs, pubs, kebabs, curries, and flats with laundry on the floor), and a generous dollop of well-researched London history. I very much enjoyed the idea of the Thames and its "daughter" waterways being manifested by human-seeming spirits with distinct personalities and agendas. There is a lot of (dry or earthy) humor and humanity in the writing, which flows very naturally and is easy to get swept up in. It felt rather Dr. Who-esque. Like Dresden, there is an apprentice system for learning magic, and the protagonist is taken under the wing of an Inspector in a special "supernatural" wing of the constabulary.

What was somewhat lackluster: The pacing was odd. The story ran in fits and starts, with lags here and there. The teacher of our constable is injured and out of commission and thus unable to advise our hero for a big chunk of the book. The ending was rather far-fetched, involving a near-death experiment and time travel that seemed to come out of nowhere. After the ending, there is a bizarre episode after the resolution of the actual main plotline, which felt like the preview chapter of the next book. The main character is a likeable fellow mostly, but is quite juvenile sexually - commenting on cleavage and despite budding relationships with two female characters, is seemingly bumblingly teenage in his thoughts about them. The villian of the piece ends up to be re-enacting the old Punch and Judy tale, which is, quite frankly, ridiculous. It lessened the level of tension inherent in the solving of the crime for me. While I appreciated that the magic system was something that anyone could learn and the magical abilities were kept to a relatively conservative level in power and affect, our hero learned way too fast and too easily for the short period of time covered in the book.

3.5 stars, particularly for the easy, almost effortless style of the writing and the wonderful feel of the London setting. The narration was beautifully done, smooth, with all the right pacing, humor, and sarcasm, and excellent accents. ...more

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Oct 20, 2017 Colin Forbes rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: sword-and-laser-picks, team-sword

A very promising series debut. I'll definitely be back for book 2.

You could reasonably ask why I need to read yet another book/series set in the supernatural underworld of London, but PC Peter Grant is a suitably unique lead character with a refreshingly upbeat approach to how he has handled his initiation into the world of magic, ghosts, nature spirits and more.

An enjoyable urban fantasy offering. Deals with dark subject matter (murder, violence, crime) without losing a sense of fun.

= = = = = U ...more

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Dec 10, 2014 Natalie aka Tannat rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, fantasy, fiction, on-shelf, read-in-2015

Although Rivers of London isn't a perfect title, it certainly suits the book better than Midnight Riot. (view spoiler)

Not a perfect book either, but it starts off with a lot of energy and although it slows down as the story progresses, it doesn't completely lose its momentum. Following the ...more

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Jul 10, 2015 Rosey Waters rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: category-fiction, author-male, tag-genre-fantasy, type-full-length, 4-star-reads

This was fun and interesting and amusing. I really like Peter, and am totally starting up the next book as soon as it becomes available at the library.

See Robots Read for a full review.

...more

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