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

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

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

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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Mar 13, 2017 Stephan rated it really liked it

This book has magic in it! Yes, I know this is urban fantasy - I mean in the words. It's a combination of the british copper lingo and a sweet balance between a detective story, a guide into the spirit(s) of London and it's magical history and a pleasant british humour.

I was sucked right into the book from the very first pages, which was very pleasant after a little bit of literary resistance I had been encountering in my late choices.

Freshly baked Constable Peter Grant is on duty watching a mu ...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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Nov 26, 2016 Arlene♡ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, library-finds

Update 4 stars.

I was really surprised when it came to this book, not going to lie, the cover is what drove me to reading it. But once I began, it was really hard to put it down.

I stand by what I said before, in that it's like The Dresden Files, but way better. Peter is a newbie copper ( in London) who just happens to talk to ghost, and then he learns that he is indeed a Wizard. And honestly it just goes on from there. Mythical creatures that he once thought were just myths are indeed real, and ...more

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Sep 02, 2018 John rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, supernatural, detective, magic, urban-fantasy

Fun story. I think I knew in the first two pages that I was going to enjoy Ben Aaronovitch's writing when quoting Peter's father, "Who knows why the fuck anything happens?" From there the wit and sarcasm just kept coming.

Aaronovitch has an amazing grasp of London and London history and I have a feeling he poured a little bit of himself into the character of Peter Grant. I imagine that he too likes to get sidetracked by the historical plaques erected all over the city of London and loves those l ...more

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Dec 24, 2017 April Andruszko rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2025, 2017, books-read-more-than-once, 5-star-books, 2018, 2022, 2024

A really enjoyable read that is a clever mix of police procedural/crime novel and fantasy. I will look forward to reading the others in the series.

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Jun 14, 2018 Caitlin Davies rated it it was amazing

Truly unique take on fantasy novel. Was recommended as adult Harry Potter but in truth reminded me more of an updated politically correct Brightonomicon. Which in my opinion is not a bad thing. It’s subtle comedy and Social commentary underpins a discovery of self/ murder mystery novel. Strange mix but makes for a very good read with some great characters.
Go on dip your toe in the river, you won’t regret it.

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Jan 30, 2018 Corey Nelson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: challenge-2018

Just found this on a fluke recommendation while browsing. Didn’t know the author and I don’t like stories with ghosts or vampires. I really enjoyed this book due to the clever writing and excellent narration! Often like fun comments cutely, not obnoxiously, discovered throughout out. Heading on to the next in the series. The characters are unique enough with different personalities. I really like the protagonist, Peter Grant. He is smart if inexperienced and keeps his head about him.

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Apr 15, 2017 Armina rated it liked it

I thought I would like this a whole lot more but I didn't really warm up to Peter so I found it hard to get into it.

Good story though so I will keep reading the series. ...more

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