Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
13 March 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Ben Aaronovitch, Rivers of London
Rivers of London is a cross between a crime story and an urban fantasy novel. The story is narrated by Peter Grant who is a constable with the Met Police. At the start of the story Peter, and is fellow PC Leslie, are set to protecting a crime scene where a murder has taken place and things start to develop in a strange way when Peter takes a witness statement from a ghost. Following this Peter comes to the attention of Inspector Nightingale, the only wizard in England, who takes Peter on as is apprentice. Between them they form a unit who ‘police’ the fantasy creatures included in the story – such as vampires, ghosts and trolls. A bit like The Men in Black, if you will, but for supernaturals not aliens (and without all the gadgets but with the addition of a bit of magic). The cover of the book describes this novel as a grown up Harry Potter although I’m not sure this is the best comparison. Yes, there is magic involved but it takes a comparatively small role and the supernaturals almost blend in – or at least don’t leave you feeling overwhelmed or disbelieving. I think this is due to the narrator’s voice which is very matter of fact and not given to flowery writing. He makes it feel normal that ghosts are skulking in corners or trolls are sleeping under bridges (nothing strange there after all!!)
This is a very interesting and, for me, unique read. The story is set in London and there is a wealth of local detail together with a sprinkling of folklore and history (but not told in a lecturing way). I liked the inclusion of the water spirits, Father and Mother Thames – and all their children – such as Lady Tyburn.
The main plot follows a series of growing and grisly murders which start to become more frequent as tempers rise and the malevolent spirit behind it all creates chaos and riots in the streets of London. This is certainly a page turner and is gripping from the very start. The action quickly builds and the introduction of a sub-plot in the form of a turf war between the water spirits adds a different element to the story. I will however point out that although this book is a fantasy novel it isn’t suitable for a younger audience. The murders are a bit grisly and there is also the inclusion of some strong language.
In terms of criticisms I would say that sometimes I had to make a bit of a leap of faith to understand some of the conclusions reached (although this could be because I’m just not smart enough!). And, also I wouldn’t have minded a bit more explanation about certain elements – for example, Peter becomes an apprentice and starts to learn magic – could anybody learn magic or did he have some sort of natural proclivity, similarly with his ghost seeing abilities – can anybody see ghosts. And, what exactly is Molly??
On the whole though I think the author has done an excellent job with this novel. The setting is perfect and the characters are written in a way that makes you care for them. The author includes some good one liners which help to alleviate some of the tension and balance out the creepy feel of the story and he succeeds in alternating between sleuthing, fantasy, crime, horror and humour which isn’t an easy task after all.
I do recommend this book and I will definitely read the next one.
Rating A
Rivers of London
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
11 March 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Kiersten White, Paranormalcy
Paranormalcy is the story of Evie. Evie was abandoned at a young age and following a number of foster placements has finally been picked up by the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPAC). As it sounds IPAC is responsible for searching and detaining paranormals and, keeping them restricted or imprisoned, using them for active duties. Evie, although she thinks she is normal, is able to see past the glamours that paranormals use to blend in with regular people. So, is Evie as normal as she thinks?? When paranormals start to die under mysterious circumstances Evie becomes entangled in a dangerous search for answers.
I thought this was an excellent debut novel from Kiersten White with some interesting concepts and although the paranormals included vampires and werewolves that wasn’t all that was involved. Fey, gnomes, mermaids and a few others joined in.
What I enjoyed about this book was the way it makes you think. For example IPAC – why was it okay for them to go out and contain paranormals and keep them imprisoned, or to trick the fey into working unquestioningly for them – not to mention a few other underhand tricks that IPAC got up to! I mean it basically comes down to the fear of things that aren’t like you. I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t be afraid of these paranormals and clearly there are some (hags) that are incredibly dangerous – but IPAC never tried any other methods – just simply, bag, tag and detain, just imagine an immortal life in captivity! I actually ended up feeling sorry for the paranormals. Also, I thought to a certain degree that there was a message in there about looking beneath the surface to what lies underneath, you can’t always judge people by their appearances. The Fey, for example, are so beautiful they’re almost impossible to look at but they are either evil (seely) or very evil (unseely). (Actually, I must admit, that thanks to authors such as Holly Black and Melissa Marr I do really enjoy books about fey!)
I found the start of this book very entertaining and quite fast paced but for me personally I found Evie a bit ‘young’. It’s totally understandable that she is this way having lived most of her life in containment with nothing other than tv to keep her in touch with ‘normal’ teenage behaviour and I suppose it is refreshing to have this innocent or naive heroine in this role – one who doesn’t stomp around in DMs kicking everyone’s butt – but, I did want her to stand up for herself a little bit.
To be honest, I will read the next book because I think it was well done and I’d like to see how Evie develops – but, I think my daughter and her friends will love this so much more and be more in touch – what with all the girly stuff, boots, pink taisers and floaty dresses. There is a really nice romance building up with Lend (and by the way I do like that name) and then of course we have the ‘bad’ male character in Reth (who I actually liked – how odd?)
I would recommend this book to readers of the paranormal although I think this really is suited to a younger audience (and yes, I know, these are YA books – but I read YA as well as a range of other genres and find them entertaining).
Rating B
Paranormalcy
Blameless by Gail Carriger
So, just finished reading book 3 in the Parasol Protectorate series. As in my last review I will try not to give away any spoilers in this one.
Book 3 sees the ever so stubborn Alexia set out on a mission to prove herself right and, more to the point, her husband wrong (not really much of a challenge for Alexia methinks). The latest book sees Alexia travelling with Floote and Madame Lefoux and passing through France into Italy meeting a couple of interesting characters along the way and deftly handling a couple of skirmishes (with the assistance of a mysterious little helper).
Alexia is under constant threat in this book be it either from over zealous scientists, supernaturals or bug shaped gadgets and this helps to maintain a stream of constant action. And, added to this, we have the introduction of the Templars into the story.
What can I say about this book! I loved it. This whole series is, for me, just so unique, tongue in cheek and witty. In the third book I loved the further development of the characters, in fact, personally, I think the characters by far outweigh any plot. This story starts to see the real pulling together of friendships and loyalty. These are no longer just people loosely written about as supporting characters but people who are looking after each other and who are beginning to come alive in terms of their own backgrounds and personalities. None of Alexia’s true friends or pack ever doubted her integrity and as soon as her thick skulled husband stopped wallowing around in self pity (not to mention pickled specimens) he also came to the rapid conclusion that he was a nitwit!!
All the previous characters again star in this story (although given that there are by now a few favourites some of these obviously play a more diminished role).
There is, also, a little bit of everything going on in this sleuth like story, adventure, paranormal romance (although be warned Conall and Alexia have very little time together in this story), mystery, steam punk, history, gadgets, chases, (shall I go on??) I guess if you’re expecting a lot more of the biting (literally) relationship between Alexia and Conall – then you might be disappointed although I didn’t find that to be the case. I think Alexia is a great character who is totally capable of carrying the story. Obviously I like the romantic elements but I did worry about this becoming the main focus for the story and also that Alexia and Conall would relax into some sort of comfortable married relationship and I’m pleased that this has not proved to be the case. I must confess that I’m intrigued to see how GC will handle the next developments in this relationship.
Anyway, I don’t suppose I can be any more eloquent about my feelings for this series than reading all three books within the space of a week. Actually I’m a little distraught now because I have a bit of a wait for the next one – shot myself in the foot a bit there with my hasty reading but I simply couldn’t resist so I guess I’ll now have to find out for myself if patience really is a virtue.
Criticisms – don’t really have any – I guess Alexia was pretty quickly forgiving of Conall but I can get over this – they’re in love after all and they’re going to have an up and down relationship – he’s a werewolf after all!
I even love the little gargoyle chap on the front cover.
Enough gushing. If you’re looking for a great combination of action, adventure and paranormalcy wittingly told with genuine laugh out loud moments then I have no hesitation in recommending this series (but must stress again the ‘tongue in cheekness’ of this series).
Rating A+
Blameless (Parasol Protectorate)
Changeless by Gail Carriger
Just finished reading the second book in the Parasol Protectorate series. It’s difficult to review the second book in a series without giving away spoilers for anyone who hasn’t yet read the first book. So, to quote the book jacket:
“Her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, is yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears – leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts and an angry Queen Victoria. But Alexia is armed with her trusy parasol, the latest fashions and an arsenal of biting civility. Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared – upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can. She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.”
Again, I really enjoyed Changeless although to be perfectly honest I probably didn’t find this quite as amusing as the first book which seemed to have a lot more lol moments but I still think the writing is brilliant and witty.
Alexia and her entourage find themselves in Scotland with Alexia trying to uncover the mystery surrounding the humanisation of the supernaturals – a phenomenon which seems to have travelled north at the same time as Lord Maccon.
This story brings us the same characters as the first book with the introduction of a new character in Madame Lefoux, an inventor, who puts me in mind of a female ‘M’ from the Bond movies and is a novel way of providing Alexia with the latest gadgets.
I’m not going to write a great deal more in this review – primarily for selfish reasons as I have book three waiting to be read and given the nature of the ending in book 2 I’m quite keen to see what happens next.
I’ve read a few of the reviews for Changeless and I can sympathise with the readers who aren’t overly fond of this type of ‘cliffhanger’ ending and perhaps I’m a bit more complacent because I already have book 3 in my possession (grins broadly!) but I really didn’t find the ending annoying at all and think it adds a new twist to Alexia and Connall’s relationship which should keep it from sliding into dull complacency.
On the whole highly enjoyable and I have no hesitation in picking up book three.
I suppose the only real criticisms for this book would be – not enough Lord Maccon (but I suppose that helps to keep you interested) and I suppose I found Ivy a bit too scatty in this book.
That being said, review over, must read Blameless….
Rating A.
Changeless, The Parasol Protectorate
Soulless by Gail Carriger
2 March 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Gail Carriger, Soulless
Before I begin to review this book I have to say I loved it! It really is an insane mix up. There’s history, romance, comedy, paranormal activity and apparently something called steam punk (I must say I was inclined to like it already with that description alone!)
Soulless brings to us a new heroine in the figure of Alexia Tarabotti and a rather delicious piece of eye candy in the form of Lord Maccon. The story is set in Victorian England but it isn’t the Victorian England we know – this is an alternate England where werewolves, vampires and ghosts are accepted and where weird and wonderful contraptions are as common as bonnets and bustles! Alexia is the eldest daughter in a rather well to do family. She is however, at the age of 26, doomed to be a spinster. Not only is Alexia half Italian (how shocking!), rather well endowed in an otherwise world of petite women, outspoken (when females with brains were not particularly valued) but she also lacks a soul. She is in fact a preternatural and the very opposite of the supernaturals – and her uncanny soullessness means that any supernatural she comes into physical contact with is immediately rendered powerless (for the duration of the contact that is). Fortunately not many people are aware of Alexia’s ability until, that is, she unwittingly kills a vampire whilst attending a social gathering. The plot then unfolds from this point with the involvement of Lord Maccon sent to investigate and the discovery that vampires and werewolves are disappearing and somebody or something is intent on abducting Alexia.
I won’t go on too much about the plot. I don’t want to spoil anything and also, to be honest, I wouldn’t say the plot is particularly deep or meaningful. So, if you’re looking for some hidden or profound message you’ll probably be disappointed.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book was the humour and the fact that it is packed full of quotable quotes! I would love to remember some of the lines but I know I’m going to forget them! Plus it made me laugh out loud (on the bus – which drew some strange looks!) I think Alexia is great. She’s outspoken, well read (yay), has a healthy appetite (which I must applaud – no lettuce leaves thank you), loves a bit of adventure and isn’t afraid to be in a tight spot (no swooning or smelling salts).
I also really enjoyed that the romantic interest was a werewolf – I do like vampire stories – but this made a nice refreshing change. And, let’s face it Lord Maccon is a bit gorgeous (woof). I will say at this point that this novel can be a little bit more explicit than some YA books – so bear that in mind!
The other great part of this book are the other characters. Alexia’s family are like something out of Pride and Prejudice – her mother IS Mrs Bennett. Her sisters live to shop and buy dresses and accessories and attend balls in search of a match. The butler is this wonderful, calm, all knowing, typical British butler who seems to appear when most needed, Miss Hiselpenny is Alexia’s unco-ordinated best friend and the fantastically foppish Lord Akeldama is her eccentric vampire friend. What more could you ask for really??
To be honest I don’t know a great deal about steam punk so I don’t know just how ‘punkish’ this novel is (although it definitely delivers a bit of steam!) so couldn’t say whether people who like that genre will be disappointed or not. But, I read this book with absolutely no pre-conceptions and thought it was a brilliant read. Witty and clever. Pride and Prejudice meets Trueblood (not sure if that’s exactly what I’m thinking – it’s just so very proper and yet at the same time so very not). And the beauty of coming to this series so late in the day is I can now proceed to read books two and three without an extended wait!
Criticisms: don’t really have any – not overly fond of the covers but it’s what’s in between them that really counts and frankly you could bind this in crinkled brown paper and it would still be a highly entertaining read.
Rating A+
Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate)
