The Arcane Houses of London

by Naomi Kuttner

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Mystery

236 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2024

About the author

Naomi 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.

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michele Poulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this author. I’ve read books from 3 different series and liked them all. This one draws on love both lost and found as well as death and the pain from grief that abides in you. I liked that family is not just blood, and the (light) religious element tied in nicely. I’m looking forward to reading the next in this series. I’m also waiting for the next one in the Retired Assassins series!

It appears that The Arcane Houses of London is a stand alone in the Shadow Kingdom series. I had unknowingly already read book 1: River of Night. Enjoyable but definitely YA and I didn’t read the other 2. Hopefully she comes out with subsequent volumes following the Arcane Houses. It definitely seemed like there would be more.

[Rex Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer Lewy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Thomas Guaraldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Mark Folse · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rachel Bourneuf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Naomi Kuttner’s books and this is no exception

Perhaps what I like best about Kuttner’s work is her ability to write about pain and suffering and still retain the story. Nothing is gratuitous or unnecessary. I don’t have to skim over whole sections or pages as I’ve done with other writers. The story is good, with an interesting ending, sympathetic characters, good pacing, and excellent writing. Really well done. Looking forward to book #2 in this series.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[gladys aran-cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kristi Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lisa Secrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sutton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5