Published: 2011 by Gollancz
Source: Purchased
Genre: Mystery, Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 22.5cm x 14.5cm x 3.5cm
Weight: 1 lb 2 oz
I first stumbled across this novel while browsing the New Titles section of Waterstones Bookstore. Despite all of the cliches regarding books, covers, and not judging by them, it was the cover that caught my eye and led to my inevitable purchase. Safely stowed in my handbag, I dragged this book along my rather harried journey from bookseller to cafe to train station to park bench to airport terminal lobby to another country across the pond. Although the novel, as the title suggests, is set in contemporary London, England, Rivers of London took me on a far-reaching adventure, creating a world within the one we already know.
Rivers of London wastes no time in setting the mood, opening with a chilling winter's evening and an even more chilling case of murder. Constable Peter Grant is called to keep watch over the scene, but while minding his post, Grant discovers something far stranger than skulking drunks or hen parties gone wild. He encounters the primary witness...a ghost, who says he saw everything! After reporting the incident to his superior officers, Grant is placed under the command of the Economic and Specialist Crime department's Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale...a wizard, who claims Grant has a gift for the supernatural. Under Nightingale's tutelage, Grant embarks upon his career as a wizard copper, confronting everything from ghouls and vampires to water nymphs and trolls. But with a murderer on the loose, and the bodies piling up, Grant doesn't have much time to learn the art of magic before the forces of chaos tear London apart.
When I first began reading Rivers of London, I experienced a moment where I literally grimaced. There was this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that said, "Really? A ghost shows up, turns out magic is real, and all the characters pretty much accept it without a fuss?" In order to move on with the narrative, the reader has to accept magic as a reality just as readily as the characters do. However, considering the fact that most of the characters are associated with the Metropolitan Police Service or are supernatural creatures themselves, perhaps their acceptance of magic is not that far fetched. Officers of the law witness some of the most bizarre occurrences on a daily basis, so it is possible that discovering the existence of ghosts and goblins is just another case of "it comes with the territory".
There were also points in the plot where I felt that an action-packed climax was reaching its crescendo...only to fall flat; like swinging a tennis racket and not following through or stopping mid-swing, either way you miss the ball. Not to say that the book lacks exciting climaxes or moments of suspense; it has those in spades. But there were times when I wanted the action to be pushed a bit further.
What Rivers of London really mastered was creating a sense of history and character depth beyond the main plot of the book. Aaronovitch seamlessly weaves the history of London into the narrative through Grant's investigations and with every supernatural encounter, you are left with the feeling that there was something else lurking in London's shadows; something more. As I read, I became increasingly concerned that the book would end without explaining the more and leave me awake at night wondering, "Does every bridge have a troll? How many magic spells are there? What the heck was she?"
It was only on the last page that I was able to heave a sigh of relief upon seeing that a sequel is already in the works.
At the end of every review, I close by answering the most important question: Will I ever read this book again? The answer: Yes! Despite having to suspend my disbelief at the existence of magic, experiencing a few abrupt halts in the action sequences, and being left wondering at the history behind it all, Rivers of London saved itself by promising more. The reader is literally left wanting more of Constable Grant, Inspector Nightingale, and the city of London. This reader is eagerly awaiting the sequel!
4 Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
The Handbag
Rivers of London would fit perfectly into this ''Dazzle Handbag" by Puma, which is also available in purple. It offers 2 to 3 inches of extra room around the book, with plenty of space for phone, wallet and other essentials!
No comments:
Post a Comment