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Rivers of London #7
Lies Sleeping
The seventh book of the bestselling Rivers of London series returns to the adventures of Peter Grant, detective and apprentice wizard, as he solves magical crimes in the city of London.
The Faceless Man, wanted for multiple counts of murder, fraud, and crimes against humanity, has been unmasked and is on the run. Peter Grant, Detective Constable and apprentice wizard, now plays a key role in an unprecedented joint operation to bring him to justice.
But even as the unwieldy might of the Metropolitan Police bears down on its foe, Peter uncovers clues that the Faceless Man, far from being finished, is executing the final stages of a long term plan. A plan that has its roots in London's two thousand bloody years of history, and could literally bring the city to its knees.
To save his beloved city Peter's going to need help from his former best friend and colleague--Lesley May--who brutally betrayed him and everything he thought she believed in. And, far worse, he might even have to come to terms with the malevolent supernatural killer and agent of chaos known as Mr Punch....
The Faceless Man, wanted for multiple counts of murder, fraud, and crimes against humanity, has been unmasked and is on the run. Peter Grant, Detective Constable and apprentice wizard, now plays a key role in an unprecedented joint operation to bring him to justice.
But even as the unwieldy might of the Metropolitan Police bears down on its foe, Peter uncovers clues that the Faceless Man, far from being finished, is executing the final stages of a long term plan. A plan that has its roots in London's two thousand bloody years of history, and could literally bring the city to its knees.
To save his beloved city Peter's going to need help from his former best friend and colleague--Lesley May--who brutally betrayed him and everything he thought she believed in. And, far worse, he might even have to come to terms with the malevolent supernatural killer and agent of chaos known as Mr Punch....
322 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 13, 2018
1705 people are currently reading
10781 people want to read
About the author
Ben Aaronovitch
157 books13.4k followersBen Aaronovitch's career started with a bang writing for Doctor Who, subsided in the middle and then, as is traditional, a third act resurgence with the bestselling Rivers of London series.
Born and raised in London he says that he'll leave his home when they prise his city out of his cold dead fingers.
Born and raised in London he says that he'll leave his home when they prise his city out of his cold dead fingers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,170 reviews
August 26, 2022
The Post in Which I Muse on Audio Versions of Books
Stop reading the paper copy and give listening a go. You will likely not believe me; you will tell me that you hate audio books, that you lose track, fall asleep, and are 100% unable to pay attention. I believe you; until this series, you could have counted my attempts at audio books on one hand, as I suffered many of the same complaints. When I listened to Harry Potter while driving, I found myself getting sleepy. If I listened while cooking, I lost track of either my numbers or the plot (and that's no good when it comes to spices, let me tell you). But then came Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, the reader for Aaronovitch's books. As much as I enjoy the written version of Peter Grant, the audio is superb.
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is a deity among readers. Trained as a theater actor, I suspect his versatility shows in his voices; from the Welsh pathologist, to Nightingale's upper-class 'posh,' to the saucy junior apprentice Abigail, to the breathy, Cockney accent of a new character, to the semi-insane voice of a returning one. Aaronovitch writes in a multicultural London and uses it all, and I'd say Kobna's only shortcomings are in the American (awkward) and Vietnamese accents (comes off similar to his Sierra Leone).
I did something I've never done with Lies Sleeping: I alternated between paper and audio for the duration of the book. I mean, except for that tiny part where I jumped ahead to the last paper chapter to see how it ended, and except for that other tiny part when I skimmed just a tad to see how we got to that part, but other than that, I was totally faithful about alternating between the two and not getting too far ahead. Since I save audio books for the car, this was no doubt a surprise to any friends who witnessed a month-long reading adventure.
Anyway, it was a pleasure having Kobna's voice echo in my head as I read. Aaronovitch's writing is clever, full of references, Britishisms, Latin words, and all sorts of things where looking at the format of the word is nice. But he loves architecture to the detriment of other aspects of writing, and if you pay attention to his dialogue, it mostly consists of 'said.' Witness:
"'Burnt...,' said Dr. Walid. 'We were just about to excise it...'
'You can watch if you like,' said Dr. Vaughn.
I barely heard her because I'd just recognized the shape of the tattoo...
'G for Gandalf,' I said....
'And I suppose you're fluent in Elvish?' said Dr. Vaughn, by way of retaliation.
'No,' I said, 'but G is what Gandalf stamps on his fireworks...'"
On the one hand, it is a relief to be spared the adverbs of the beginning writer, who 'laughingly, retorts, whispers, utters, and bemoans' their way through entire scenes. On the other, the opportunity for character enhancement is missed. Solution:
Leave it to Kobna.
"Here's a comforting thought for you, Peter,' he said. 'However long you may live, the world will never lose its ability to surprise you with its beauty.'"
Technically, it's four-and-a-half stars for me. See, not a total fan-girl.
Stop reading here if you don't want any spoilers. Silly goose; it's the seventh book in a series.
Other thoughts:
There is some humor in it, but not as much as earlier books. Peter feels more grown up, which was both nice, and a little sad. It happens to us all, but those earlier days of innocence are kind of fun.
There are a lot of references to earlier books and the graphics, but the mentions feel kind of gratuitous and not integral, and Ben did another one of those things where I think he mentioned something he hadn't written yet. Freakin' authors.
2022: Re-listening to most of the series. Because I'm driving miles again, and I was curious. I do absolutely adore Kobna's performance. At this point, I find it hard to tell that it's not different people playing different characters.
Stop reading the paper copy and give listening a go. You will likely not believe me; you will tell me that you hate audio books, that you lose track, fall asleep, and are 100% unable to pay attention. I believe you; until this series, you could have counted my attempts at audio books on one hand, as I suffered many of the same complaints. When I listened to Harry Potter while driving, I found myself getting sleepy. If I listened while cooking, I lost track of either my numbers or the plot (and that's no good when it comes to spices, let me tell you). But then came Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, the reader for Aaronovitch's books. As much as I enjoy the written version of Peter Grant, the audio is superb.
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is a deity among readers. Trained as a theater actor, I suspect his versatility shows in his voices; from the Welsh pathologist, to Nightingale's upper-class 'posh,' to the saucy junior apprentice Abigail, to the breathy, Cockney accent of a new character, to the semi-insane voice of a returning one. Aaronovitch writes in a multicultural London and uses it all, and I'd say Kobna's only shortcomings are in the American (awkward) and Vietnamese accents (comes off similar to his Sierra Leone).
I did something I've never done with Lies Sleeping: I alternated between paper and audio for the duration of the book. I mean, except for that tiny part where I jumped ahead to the last paper chapter to see how it ended, and except for that other tiny part when I skimmed just a tad to see how we got to that part, but other than that, I was totally faithful about alternating between the two and not getting too far ahead. Since I save audio books for the car, this was no doubt a surprise to any friends who witnessed a month-long reading adventure.
Anyway, it was a pleasure having Kobna's voice echo in my head as I read. Aaronovitch's writing is clever, full of references, Britishisms, Latin words, and all sorts of things where looking at the format of the word is nice. But he loves architecture to the detriment of other aspects of writing, and if you pay attention to his dialogue, it mostly consists of 'said.' Witness:
"'Burnt...,' said Dr. Walid. 'We were just about to excise it...'
'You can watch if you like,' said Dr. Vaughn.
I barely heard her because I'd just recognized the shape of the tattoo...
'G for Gandalf,' I said....
'And I suppose you're fluent in Elvish?' said Dr. Vaughn, by way of retaliation.
'No,' I said, 'but G is what Gandalf stamps on his fireworks...'"
On the one hand, it is a relief to be spared the adverbs of the beginning writer, who 'laughingly, retorts, whispers, utters, and bemoans' their way through entire scenes. On the other, the opportunity for character enhancement is missed. Solution:
Leave it to Kobna.
"Here's a comforting thought for you, Peter,' he said. 'However long you may live, the world will never lose its ability to surprise you with its beauty.'"
Technically, it's four-and-a-half stars for me. See, not a total fan-girl.
Stop reading here if you don't want any spoilers. Silly goose; it's the seventh book in a series.
Other thoughts:
There is some humor in it, but not as much as earlier books. Peter feels more grown up, which was both nice, and a little sad. It happens to us all, but those earlier days of innocence are kind of fun.
There are a lot of references to earlier books and the graphics, but the mentions feel kind of gratuitous and not integral, and Ben did another one of those things where I think he mentioned something he hadn't written yet. Freakin' authors.
2022: Re-listening to most of the series. Because I'm driving miles again, and I was curious. I do absolutely adore Kobna's performance. At this point, I find it hard to tell that it's not different people playing different characters.
June 20, 2019
Londinium Calling!
“and I – live by the river!”
His best so far? Maybe, but I’m biased, I love these books, they are to me as cheeseburgers to a fat guy. Wait – I’m a fat guy and I LOVE cheeseburgers! * Note to self about getting lost in a metaphor. And cheeseburgers.
Fans of Ben Aaronovitch’s wildly popular and fun as a barrel of monkeys urban fantasy series about DETECTIVE constable Peter Grant who is also an apprentice wizard have been waiting since 2016 for this novel – and I hate waiting so it’s hard to say it was worth the wait, but it’s pretty damn good.
** We did have some tasty graphic novels to tide us over.
One of the attractions for me in this series is the minimalist fantasy, very rarely over the top with the magic, these are also good police procedurals. But the enchantment is real and original and fun to follow. Also delicious is Aaronovitch’s use of British and Celtic (and older?) history to fill in the backstory and he does it up in spades this time with travels back to Old Londinium and the Romans and the Celtic peoples who provided a warm welcome to the southern guests.
Also, we get more of the action with Leslie and the Faceless Man and that storyline takes some definitive turns.
Good fun and the only bad news is that except for the graphic novels, who knows when we’ll get the next one in this series????
Hey! Aaronovitch? Please sir, may I have some more?
“and I – live by the river!”
His best so far? Maybe, but I’m biased, I love these books, they are to me as cheeseburgers to a fat guy. Wait – I’m a fat guy and I LOVE cheeseburgers! * Note to self about getting lost in a metaphor. And cheeseburgers.
Fans of Ben Aaronovitch’s wildly popular and fun as a barrel of monkeys urban fantasy series about DETECTIVE constable Peter Grant who is also an apprentice wizard have been waiting since 2016 for this novel – and I hate waiting so it’s hard to say it was worth the wait, but it’s pretty damn good.
** We did have some tasty graphic novels to tide us over.
One of the attractions for me in this series is the minimalist fantasy, very rarely over the top with the magic, these are also good police procedurals. But the enchantment is real and original and fun to follow. Also delicious is Aaronovitch’s use of British and Celtic (and older?) history to fill in the backstory and he does it up in spades this time with travels back to Old Londinium and the Romans and the Celtic peoples who provided a warm welcome to the southern guests.
Also, we get more of the action with Leslie and the Faceless Man and that storyline takes some definitive turns.
Good fun and the only bad news is that except for the graphic novels, who knows when we’ll get the next one in this series????
Hey! Aaronovitch? Please sir, may I have some more?
September 5, 2021
Re-Read 9/5/21:
Lesley, Lesley, Lesley, Lesley.
Need I say more?
A real page-turner!
Original Review:
Coming back to Peter Grant is always a super-huge breath of fresh air. Every time I pick up one of these books, I know I'm going to be blown away by hugely interesting details, a very tongue-in-cheek Deputy-Constable's wry humor, and a richly imagined and described London.
Oh, yeah, and Peter's a wizard. Working as a cop.
Always under the bureaucratic nightmare, wishing things hadn't gone so bad with his previous partner, having sexytimes with a river... it's all GOOD. Even the takeout and stakeouts.
Aaronovitch's writing is always a freaking delight. This is one of those cases where I say, "Ignore the overt UF overtones and feel the magic in the telling." It's full of music, geeky humor, Latin, and enough British pluck to make you run to your mommy holding a teaspoon.
Saying much more other than this is, by far and away, a police procedural with lots of great plot points and discoveries, might just give away the jig. Suffice to say, its quality is just as good, and delightful, as the previous ones. :)
What an end! WTF is going to happen next?
Lesley, Lesley, Lesley, Lesley.
Need I say more?
A real page-turner!
Original Review:
Coming back to Peter Grant is always a super-huge breath of fresh air. Every time I pick up one of these books, I know I'm going to be blown away by hugely interesting details, a very tongue-in-cheek Deputy-Constable's wry humor, and a richly imagined and described London.
Oh, yeah, and Peter's a wizard. Working as a cop.
Always under the bureaucratic nightmare, wishing things hadn't gone so bad with his previous partner, having sexytimes with a river... it's all GOOD. Even the takeout and stakeouts.
Aaronovitch's writing is always a freaking delight. This is one of those cases where I say, "Ignore the overt UF overtones and feel the magic in the telling." It's full of music, geeky humor, Latin, and enough British pluck to make you run to your mommy holding a teaspoon.
Saying much more other than this is, by far and away, a police procedural with lots of great plot points and discoveries, might just give away the jig. Suffice to say, its quality is just as good, and delightful, as the previous ones. :)
What an end! WTF is going to happen next?
February 21, 2020
This book follows
The Hanging Tree (Peter Grant, #6)
(my review) and ends (maybe?) The Faceless Man #2 story arc. In the process it advances the teeming multitude of long-term series plots, including the important Lesley May plot-line while creating more. I frankly found this book to be too much a tangled spaghetti of plots and characters to be truly enjoyable.
I’ve been a long-term fan of Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London. I typically listen to them on audiobook, although I have read several in dead tree format. The series narrator Kobna Holdbrook-Smith has deservedly become the voice-in-my-head of DC Peter Grant. I listened to this particular book, which is 430-pages in dead tree form. Kobna sounded hoarse at the beginning of the recording, but was in fine fettle after the first quarter.
This series must be read in series order. It would be incomprehensible otherwise. Even with digressions to provide reminders of the backstory, the backstory is just too large and complex for a reader to ‘jump in’. Particularly annoying to me is that Aaronovitch has included events from his Peter Grant/Rivers of London graphic novels Series into the mainstream Rivers of London Series . For example events found in Rivers of London: Body Work (my review) are mentioned a couple of times. Events from Rivers of London: Cry Fox #1 , which I have not read, effect the events of this book to a greater extent. I don’t read many graphic novels. I frankly have a hard time keeping-up with the infrequently published print books of the series. The author’s co-mingling of plots from all the Rivers of London stories makes following and enjoying the series harder for folks that are not all-in with the entire franchise.
Prose, characters and plot are all very much as before, although there are a lot more characters and sub-plots. As mentioned above, characters like Sahra Guleed and Abigail Kamara who play a large part in the graphic novels, now play a large part in the print story. I frankly think that Abigail as a “Junior Apprentice” is just too cute, but not in a good way. The Nightingale character, who I really like seems to have been relegated to a subordinate position in the series. While thankfully, The Faceless Man story arc finally ends the more interesting (to me) Lesley May plot line still has many books to go. In addition, Grant's romantic life, which I have found to be only mildly interesting, achieved cliffhanger status.
An issue I’m having with series is the proliferation of magic practitioners and “Falcon Events”. Earlier in the series use and abuse of magic was a State Secret. The cover-up was extreme and effective. The Sub rosa existence of magic has been a fave part of the series' world building to me. With this book, it’s obvious that hundreds of folks in and outside of the Met are aware of it. How can this have escaped the notice of the media? Especially, with the bloodless carnage, fire and smoke that Aaronovitch wreaks inside The City with this story? Even if the bystanders mobiles were fried by the magic, there were still many witnesses.
I like this series, but it’s wearing on me. It appears that Aaronovitch wants fans of the series to accept it as a way of life, like Star Wars or Harry Potter. The lengthening backstory is consuming too many pages. The series now has too many sub and long term plots, and too many characters (not all of them good). The author is also wont to spread these plots over more than one book, which dilutes their effect. The merging the graphic novel plot lines into the Rivers of London Universe exacerbates this. The graphic novels also look to be a higher priority with the author than the print books. It’s hard enough to remember all the events of the six print books, without having to figure-out if a story reference was in a comic book I didn’t read. I think the series is sagging beneath the weight of too many plots spread-out across too many types of media. Finally, this story ended a story arc. The author has not committed to an end to the series. I frankly can’t see myself reading twenty-plus Peter Grant books.
In summary, this was an OK read for the series by Aaronovitch fanatics, but it was by no means an easy read for the rest of us. The Faceless Man story arc was drawn-out over too many books and too many other plot-lines were piggy backed onto it. It lost its definition. I thought this book was more a jumble of plots and characters that was aimed at setting-up for more books and graphic novels than bringing a number of the seven years of existing plot lines to a close.
I’ve been a long-term fan of Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London. I typically listen to them on audiobook, although I have read several in dead tree format. The series narrator Kobna Holdbrook-Smith has deservedly become the voice-in-my-head of DC Peter Grant. I listened to this particular book, which is 430-pages in dead tree form. Kobna sounded hoarse at the beginning of the recording, but was in fine fettle after the first quarter.
This series must be read in series order. It would be incomprehensible otherwise. Even with digressions to provide reminders of the backstory, the backstory is just too large and complex for a reader to ‘jump in’. Particularly annoying to me is that Aaronovitch has included events from his Peter Grant/Rivers of London graphic novels Series into the mainstream Rivers of London Series . For example events found in Rivers of London: Body Work (my review) are mentioned a couple of times. Events from Rivers of London: Cry Fox #1 , which I have not read, effect the events of this book to a greater extent. I don’t read many graphic novels. I frankly have a hard time keeping-up with the infrequently published print books of the series. The author’s co-mingling of plots from all the Rivers of London stories makes following and enjoying the series harder for folks that are not all-in with the entire franchise.
Prose, characters and plot are all very much as before, although there are a lot more characters and sub-plots. As mentioned above, characters like Sahra Guleed and Abigail Kamara who play a large part in the graphic novels, now play a large part in the print story. I frankly think that Abigail as a “Junior Apprentice” is just too cute, but not in a good way. The Nightingale character, who I really like seems to have been relegated to a subordinate position in the series. While thankfully, The Faceless Man story arc finally ends the more interesting (to me) Lesley May plot line still has many books to go. In addition, Grant's romantic life, which I have found to be only mildly interesting, achieved cliffhanger status.
An issue I’m having with series is the proliferation of magic practitioners and “Falcon Events”. Earlier in the series use and abuse of magic was a State Secret. The cover-up was extreme and effective. The Sub rosa existence of magic has been a fave part of the series' world building to me. With this book, it’s obvious that hundreds of folks in and outside of the Met are aware of it. How can this have escaped the notice of the media? Especially, with the bloodless carnage, fire and smoke that Aaronovitch wreaks inside The City with this story? Even if the bystanders mobiles were fried by the magic, there were still many witnesses.
I like this series, but it’s wearing on me. It appears that Aaronovitch wants fans of the series to accept it as a way of life, like Star Wars or Harry Potter. The lengthening backstory is consuming too many pages. The series now has too many sub and long term plots, and too many characters (not all of them good). The author is also wont to spread these plots over more than one book, which dilutes their effect. The merging the graphic novel plot lines into the Rivers of London Universe exacerbates this. The graphic novels also look to be a higher priority with the author than the print books. It’s hard enough to remember all the events of the six print books, without having to figure-out if a story reference was in a comic book I didn’t read. I think the series is sagging beneath the weight of too many plots spread-out across too many types of media. Finally, this story ended a story arc. The author has not committed to an end to the series. I frankly can’t see myself reading twenty-plus Peter Grant books.
In summary, this was an OK read for the series by Aaronovitch fanatics, but it was by no means an easy read for the rest of us. The Faceless Man story arc was drawn-out over too many books and too many other plot-lines were piggy backed onto it. It lost its definition. I thought this book was more a jumble of plots and characters that was aimed at setting-up for more books and graphic novels than bringing a number of the seven years of existing plot lines to a close.
December 21, 2018
My greatest concern after finishing Lies Sleeping is that it may be the final book in the series. After all it does conclude the story of The Faceless Man which has continued over the last several books. It also leaves Lesley and Peter in ways that could be seen as conclusive, where the reader can be left to imagine how they will go on in the future.
It is a fun book with all of the regulars turning up to play their parts. Molly finds a new friend, Mr Punch shows up and is taken in hand by his daughter (that bit is a surprise), Lady Ty seems to be warming up to Peter, Beverley has a nice surprise and Nightingale is.......Nightingale. You have to love him! The audio version as usual is superb. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith IS Peter and he does all the other voices equally well.
There is plenty of scope left for more books.Please Mr Aaronovitch!
It is a fun book with all of the regulars turning up to play their parts. Molly finds a new friend, Mr Punch shows up and is taken in hand by his daughter (that bit is a surprise), Lady Ty seems to be warming up to Peter, Beverley has a nice surprise and Nightingale is.......Nightingale. You have to love him! The audio version as usual is superb. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith IS Peter and he does all the other voices equally well.
There is plenty of scope left for more books.Please Mr Aaronovitch!
September 6, 2022
Reread 2022: Still love this, especially now that I've read it back to back with the rest of the series. A lot of what has gone before is tied up here, as well as the promise of even worse to come...
In the conclusion to what begins in The Hanging Tree, Lies Sleeping continues to follow Peter Grant and his search to hunt down and thwart the ultimate plans of The Faceless Man and his apprentice while getting himself mixed up in the demi-monde world. Which this time involves bells.
As I said when reviewing The Hanging Tree, I’ve found these novels to get better and better as they progress as the world is now so well established, and the characters are all charismatic and varied. In particular, this wouldn’t work if Peter himself wasn’t so damn likeable. He’s flawed - always trying to be the ‘do gooder’, likes the sound of his own voice, far too inquisitive to the point of verging on annoying...yet he’s down to earth, the every man of the Folly to counterbalance the extremes that are Nightingale and his associates. It helps that I’m also extremely fond of Beverley too. Goddess, girlfriend, and maybe more? I love all the Rivers, although we seem to see Tyburn and Bev the most, and the introduction of Walbrook here added another layer to their mythology.
The world building and mythology is convoluted, and the writing style at times can get overly bogged down in descriptions and facts about London/buildings/literally anything. But I’ve come to expect this now of Aaronovitch, and there’s a certain charm in it that I find quite endearing. Yes, it can get complicated trying to decipher who or what various members of the demi-monde are, and what magic is, but we’re seven books in now and I feel like I have a good outline of this world and the creatures who inhabit it. We’re learning along with Peter, and it’s a fun ride.
This expanded on the plot from The Hanging Tree well, delving deeper into the ultimate plan of The Faceless Man. I would have lik d to have seen a bit more of his world and his weird cat creatures and pale ladies and how/why they’re working for him - but this small mystery that remains only adds to his air of menace.
I really hope there isn’t a long wait before the next instalment, because the fast pace of this coupled with an exciting ending has just left me wanting more.
In the conclusion to what begins in The Hanging Tree, Lies Sleeping continues to follow Peter Grant and his search to hunt down and thwart the ultimate plans of The Faceless Man and his apprentice while getting himself mixed up in the demi-monde world. Which this time involves bells.
As I said when reviewing The Hanging Tree, I’ve found these novels to get better and better as they progress as the world is now so well established, and the characters are all charismatic and varied. In particular, this wouldn’t work if Peter himself wasn’t so damn likeable. He’s flawed - always trying to be the ‘do gooder’, likes the sound of his own voice, far too inquisitive to the point of verging on annoying...yet he’s down to earth, the every man of the Folly to counterbalance the extremes that are Nightingale and his associates. It helps that I’m also extremely fond of Beverley too. Goddess, girlfriend, and maybe more? I love all the Rivers, although we seem to see Tyburn and Bev the most, and the introduction of Walbrook here added another layer to their mythology.
The world building and mythology is convoluted, and the writing style at times can get overly bogged down in descriptions and facts about London/buildings/literally anything. But I’ve come to expect this now of Aaronovitch, and there’s a certain charm in it that I find quite endearing. Yes, it can get complicated trying to decipher who or what various members of the demi-monde are, and what magic is, but we’re seven books in now and I feel like I have a good outline of this world and the creatures who inhabit it. We’re learning along with Peter, and it’s a fun ride.
This expanded on the plot from The Hanging Tree well, delving deeper into the ultimate plan of The Faceless Man. I would have lik d to have seen a bit more of his world and his weird cat creatures and pale ladies and how/why they’re working for him - but this small mystery that remains only adds to his air of menace.
I really hope there isn’t a long wait before the next instalment, because the fast pace of this coupled with an exciting ending has just left me wanting more.
November 8, 2018
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/11/08/...
I’ve made it no secret that I love Peter Grant/Rivers of London, and right now, it’s easily one of my favorite urban fantasy series. But for the last few books, our characters have been floundering in their hunt for the Faceless Man, the main baddie who has been a constant thorn in the Met’s side since the very beginning, and I was starting to worry that the lack of progress might soon be blowing up in all our faces. Luckily though, those wondering if we’ll ever get to see the end of this Faceless Man’s saga will be pleased to know, Lies Sleeping has the final showdown and answers you’re looking for. After seven books, this resolution was a long time coming, and it was awesome.
Needless to say, if you’re not caught up with the series yet, be aware this review may contain references to events from the previous books, so only read on if you’ve read finished The Hanging Tree to avoid any potential spoilers. Since the last time we saw him, Peter has received a promotion on the police force and is now playing a key role in the operation to take down the Faceless Man, now identified as Martin Chorley, as well as his associate Lesley May, a one-time friend of our protagonist. Chorley’s grand plan for London has also been revealed, involving a dastardly plot to lure out one of the city’s oldest and most deranged gods—a supernatural killer with whom series fans should be very familiar.
For this dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, Peter and his mentor Thomas Nightingale must shore up their resources and gather all the support they can get, calling in help from all corners including the regular police force, history and archeology experts, and even Arthurian scholars. But unfortunately for Peter, Lesley knows all his usual tricks, and worse, where to hit him where it hurts the most. Chorley is up to something big, and no matter how well the Folly plans, their target always seems to be a few steps ahead, constantly slipping through their fingers.
Peter’s resolve has been tested before, but never like this. Lies Sleeping is the big shakeup this series needed, after all the breaks and build-up, and I think it succeeded in delivering both thrilling action and emotional impact. If the goal of the previous book was to bring us back into the thick of things and ramp up the momentum, then this one valiantly took up the baton and ran it to the finish line. I was also ecstatic that I got most of what I’d wished for, number one on that list being more Nightingale in action. While I’m not usually one for literary crushes, I’ve got it seriously bad for that guy. When all is said and done though, taking down the Faceless Man was very much a team effort, and I’m glad we also got the second item on my wishlist, which was seeing more involvement from the rest of the supporting cast. As I expected, Guleed has become a regular, and even more exciting is the fact she’s being brought onto the Falcon magical scene. Abigail becoming a fixture at the Folly was a nice surprise too, after getting know her well from The Furthest Station novella.
Once more, I also found the humor in Lies Sleeping to be on the more muted side, but in this case, I think it’s okay, and even appropriate. Peter still makes me smile occasionally with his dry, sardonic wit, but this was probably one of the more serious sequels, because of all that it had to deal with. Over the course of this series, Peter has matured as a person, taking matters more seriously in both his professional and personal life, becoming a better police officer and a wizard while also settling into a stable relationship with Bev. Still, there are also certain things that never change, and Peter’s mega blind spot with regards to Lesley was the cause of much teeth grinding on my part. There was a moment too where I felt the plot might be falling into a repetitive pattern, but fortunately, Aaronovitch was able to pull things back on track following a lull around the halfway point and save the situation in time for the big finale. Personally, I found the climax to be a bit confusing, in the way things related to the genius loci usually are when it comes to these books, so I suppose that’s nothing new. Regardless, those who have always appreciated this series’ attention to the history and mythology associated with London will find lots of like about this book, I expect.
And finally, Lies Sleeping has the unmistakable feel of a conclusion, though I do sincerely hope that this is just a wrap for the Faceless Man arc, and not for the series itself. It would be cruel to end things right as we’re seeing so much promise for our side characters, not to mention the big news dropped on us in the final few pages, but if this is going to be it, I’m also happy with how things played out. There are a few loose threads I wouldn’t mind seeing addressed, but overall I was impressed with how many conflicts were resolved by strongly tying them back to the series’ roots, i.e. where it all began in Rivers of London. I have no idea where Ben Aaronovitch will take this world and his characters next, but I’ll be crossing my fingers for more.
I’ve made it no secret that I love Peter Grant/Rivers of London, and right now, it’s easily one of my favorite urban fantasy series. But for the last few books, our characters have been floundering in their hunt for the Faceless Man, the main baddie who has been a constant thorn in the Met’s side since the very beginning, and I was starting to worry that the lack of progress might soon be blowing up in all our faces. Luckily though, those wondering if we’ll ever get to see the end of this Faceless Man’s saga will be pleased to know, Lies Sleeping has the final showdown and answers you’re looking for. After seven books, this resolution was a long time coming, and it was awesome.
Needless to say, if you’re not caught up with the series yet, be aware this review may contain references to events from the previous books, so only read on if you’ve read finished The Hanging Tree to avoid any potential spoilers. Since the last time we saw him, Peter has received a promotion on the police force and is now playing a key role in the operation to take down the Faceless Man, now identified as Martin Chorley, as well as his associate Lesley May, a one-time friend of our protagonist. Chorley’s grand plan for London has also been revealed, involving a dastardly plot to lure out one of the city’s oldest and most deranged gods—a supernatural killer with whom series fans should be very familiar.
For this dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, Peter and his mentor Thomas Nightingale must shore up their resources and gather all the support they can get, calling in help from all corners including the regular police force, history and archeology experts, and even Arthurian scholars. But unfortunately for Peter, Lesley knows all his usual tricks, and worse, where to hit him where it hurts the most. Chorley is up to something big, and no matter how well the Folly plans, their target always seems to be a few steps ahead, constantly slipping through their fingers.
Peter’s resolve has been tested before, but never like this. Lies Sleeping is the big shakeup this series needed, after all the breaks and build-up, and I think it succeeded in delivering both thrilling action and emotional impact. If the goal of the previous book was to bring us back into the thick of things and ramp up the momentum, then this one valiantly took up the baton and ran it to the finish line. I was also ecstatic that I got most of what I’d wished for, number one on that list being more Nightingale in action. While I’m not usually one for literary crushes, I’ve got it seriously bad for that guy. When all is said and done though, taking down the Faceless Man was very much a team effort, and I’m glad we also got the second item on my wishlist, which was seeing more involvement from the rest of the supporting cast. As I expected, Guleed has become a regular, and even more exciting is the fact she’s being brought onto the Falcon magical scene. Abigail becoming a fixture at the Folly was a nice surprise too, after getting know her well from The Furthest Station novella.
Once more, I also found the humor in Lies Sleeping to be on the more muted side, but in this case, I think it’s okay, and even appropriate. Peter still makes me smile occasionally with his dry, sardonic wit, but this was probably one of the more serious sequels, because of all that it had to deal with. Over the course of this series, Peter has matured as a person, taking matters more seriously in both his professional and personal life, becoming a better police officer and a wizard while also settling into a stable relationship with Bev. Still, there are also certain things that never change, and Peter’s mega blind spot with regards to Lesley was the cause of much teeth grinding on my part. There was a moment too where I felt the plot might be falling into a repetitive pattern, but fortunately, Aaronovitch was able to pull things back on track following a lull around the halfway point and save the situation in time for the big finale. Personally, I found the climax to be a bit confusing, in the way things related to the genius loci usually are when it comes to these books, so I suppose that’s nothing new. Regardless, those who have always appreciated this series’ attention to the history and mythology associated with London will find lots of like about this book, I expect.
And finally, Lies Sleeping has the unmistakable feel of a conclusion, though I do sincerely hope that this is just a wrap for the Faceless Man arc, and not for the series itself. It would be cruel to end things right as we’re seeing so much promise for our side characters, not to mention the big news dropped on us in the final few pages, but if this is going to be it, I’m also happy with how things played out. There are a few loose threads I wouldn’t mind seeing addressed, but overall I was impressed with how many conflicts were resolved by strongly tying them back to the series’ roots, i.e. where it all began in Rivers of London. I have no idea where Ben Aaronovitch will take this world and his characters next, but I’ll be crossing my fingers for more.
January 10, 2019
This is one of my all-time favourite series – and this installment was eagerly awaited and did not disappoint, as usual. There is just something charming and compulsive about this series that makes me very happy.
I won’t write about the plot so much, because doing so invariably would spoil the books that came before (and what twists and turns there were) except to say that I found the way the story went and how some parts wrapped up highly satisfying. I know that there is a novella coming out in a few months (I am so glad!) but except for that I do not know where the story will go next – but wherever it is, I am sure I will be reading it.
The best part, as always, is Peter’s wonderful narration, this time aided by the absolutely brilliant Kobna Holdbrook-Smith who narrates the audiobook to perfection. I felt a bit spoiled, having pre-ordered the paperback and then buying the audiobook but it was definitely worth it. Peter’s tone and his sense of humour are as brilliant as ever – but what I appreciate most is that he is a genuinely good person, always striving to be better. This is something I am always looking forward to in my reading, especially in a genre saturated by anti-heroes, and something I needed at the end of the long year that was 2018.
There were some genuinely heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes in this book (the dancing! It made me teary eyed) and the ending was so very wonderful – I cannot wait for my partner to read this book so that I can squeal at him.
If you like Urban Fantasy and haven’t checked this out, I highly recommend you do – I love Ben Aaronovitch’s mix of police procedural and highly inventive fantasy, his characters are wonderfully drawn and realistically diverse (it is set in present-day London after all), and his storylines (especially the overarching ones) are exciting and well-thought-out.
You can find this review and other thoughts on books on my blog.
I won’t write about the plot so much, because doing so invariably would spoil the books that came before (and what twists and turns there were) except to say that I found the way the story went and how some parts wrapped up highly satisfying. I know that there is a novella coming out in a few months (I am so glad!) but except for that I do not know where the story will go next – but wherever it is, I am sure I will be reading it.
The best part, as always, is Peter’s wonderful narration, this time aided by the absolutely brilliant Kobna Holdbrook-Smith who narrates the audiobook to perfection. I felt a bit spoiled, having pre-ordered the paperback and then buying the audiobook but it was definitely worth it. Peter’s tone and his sense of humour are as brilliant as ever – but what I appreciate most is that he is a genuinely good person, always striving to be better. This is something I am always looking forward to in my reading, especially in a genre saturated by anti-heroes, and something I needed at the end of the long year that was 2018.
There were some genuinely heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes in this book (the dancing! It made me teary eyed) and the ending was so very wonderful – I cannot wait for my partner to read this book so that I can squeal at him.
If you like Urban Fantasy and haven’t checked this out, I highly recommend you do – I love Ben Aaronovitch’s mix of police procedural and highly inventive fantasy, his characters are wonderfully drawn and realistically diverse (it is set in present-day London after all), and his storylines (especially the overarching ones) are exciting and well-thought-out.
You can find this review and other thoughts on books on my blog.
January 7, 2019
My favorite Peter Grant so far.
“When you’re police, an interesting lie can be as useful as the truth. Sometimes more so.”
“We seem to be sitting around waiting for the next fucking disaster,” he said, which went into the official log as—DCI Seawoll felt that our operational posture was too reactive.
“None of this was real. But I’ve learned that just because something isn’t real doesn’t mean it’s not important.”
January 5, 2021
Another great installment in this excellent series.
One small caveat though.
I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but now that I'm not reading it anymore, I'm having some trouble recalling the scattered sequence of events. The plot and mystery are fairly clear-cut, as is the ending, but the way in which the investigation is moved along from one point to another is... hard to recall... for some reason.
Or maybe I'm just getting old and my recall reserve is quickly dwindling.
* * * * *
REREAD: April 2020
The best part of this installment for me is easily the addition of Foxglove to the cast of characters, and the single best moment is when Peter brings her to the Folly and she sees Molly and they run toward each other.
Everything else about this book though? All fine and good and serviceable, but like The Hanging Tree, it just didn't do it for me. That "something's missing here" feeling I got during HT carried over into this book. It's because I think of HT as part 1 and LS as part 2, and so they're like one long installment in my mind. That's why I had trouble recalling the sequence of events during the first read through; I kept getting them mixed up with HT, and I still do.
* * * * * SPOILERS BELOW (in case the tag isn't work) * * * * *
I'd like to leave the initial 4 star rating because the writing is on par with the rest of the series and I did like it the first time around, but it doesn't read like a 4-star book anymore.
* * * * *
Cross-posted at https://covers2covers.wordpress.com/2...
One small caveat though.
I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but now that I'm not reading it anymore, I'm having some trouble recalling the scattered sequence of events. The plot and mystery are fairly clear-cut, as is the ending, but the way in which the investigation is moved along from one point to another is... hard to recall... for some reason.
Or maybe I'm just getting old and my recall reserve is quickly dwindling.
* * * * *
REREAD: April 2020
The best part of this installment for me is easily the addition of Foxglove to the cast of characters, and the single best moment is when Peter brings her to the Folly and she sees Molly and they run toward each other.
Everything else about this book though? All fine and good and serviceable, but like The Hanging Tree, it just didn't do it for me. That "something's missing here" feeling I got during HT carried over into this book. It's because I think of HT as part 1 and LS as part 2, and so they're like one long installment in my mind. That's why I had trouble recalling the sequence of events during the first read through; I kept getting them mixed up with HT, and I still do.
* * * * * SPOILERS BELOW (in case the tag isn't work) * * * * *
I'd like to leave the initial 4 star rating because the writing is on par with the rest of the series and I did like it the first time around, but it doesn't read like a 4-star book anymore.
* * * * *
Cross-posted at https://covers2covers.wordpress.com/2...
December 1, 2018
This was excellent! I loved all the London history. I loved Foxglove and Molly dancing in the moonlight. I loved the foxes. The main characters are well established now and the narrator was excellent.
January 5, 2019
4.5*
A bit slower first half but picks up pacing later on. I read it right after The Furthest Station which being short had everything more condensed. In comparison Lies Sleeping plot felt somewhat scattered with less humour, although overall tone seems lighter. It's still fun. Can't get enough of Peter Grant series! :)
A bit slower first half but picks up pacing later on. I read it right after The Furthest Station which being short had everything more condensed. In comparison Lies Sleeping plot felt somewhat scattered with less humour, although overall tone seems lighter. It's still fun. Can't get enough of Peter Grant series! :)
July 27, 2020
In this seventh episode of the excellent 'Rivers of London' series, PC Peter Grant, apprentice Wizard is now involved in a joint operation between the Met and the Folly to catch Martin Chorley (aka 'The Faceless Man') who has been involved in numerous murders and crimes. However, Chorley is planning his most ambitious crime which will change London as we know it forever. Peter and the task force need to work out what he is up to fast, but Chorley is the master of setting false trails to throw them off his real purpose.
This is a complex novel with many layers and you really need to have followed the series from the beginning for maximum enjoyment. It's also a lot of fun with it's mixture of police procedural and fantasy world complete with interesting fae and river goddesses. I also enjoy Aaranovitch's glimpses of ancient London, which he expertly weaves into his plots and into the history of the streets and buildings that exist today. And of course the characters are the real reason for reading this series. Peter himself is growing into his magical skills and his mentor Nightingale continues to amaze with his wizardry. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of Peter's ex-police partner Lesley May who has turned to the dark side to work with Chorley and we'll definitely be seeing more of Peter's girlfriend, river goddess Beverley and her mother Lady Ty and many sisters.
This is a complex novel with many layers and you really need to have followed the series from the beginning for maximum enjoyment. It's also a lot of fun with it's mixture of police procedural and fantasy world complete with interesting fae and river goddesses. I also enjoy Aaranovitch's glimpses of ancient London, which he expertly weaves into his plots and into the history of the streets and buildings that exist today. And of course the characters are the real reason for reading this series. Peter himself is growing into his magical skills and his mentor Nightingale continues to amaze with his wizardry. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of Peter's ex-police partner Lesley May who has turned to the dark side to work with Chorley and we'll definitely be seeing more of Peter's girlfriend, river goddess Beverley and her mother Lady Ty and many sisters.
August 22, 2025
March 07/20
3.0⭐
One of the better books so far in the Peter Grant/Rivers of London series ( which I am currently binge reading). This one has our magical detective facing off against the arch villian of the series, the Faceless Man, in the final showdown. I still have my usual complaint that Aronovitch's plots are too busy and cluttered with nonessentials and that can be frustrating. But the stories are imaginative and the dialogue is funny and entertaining. I also like the glimpses of London myth and history the author provides.The conclusion is satisfying and hints of more adventures ahead for our heroes.
Dec 19/22
Winter reread, to take my mind off the frigid weather.
I'm going to leave the rating alone, in this case but it is one of the better books in the series. If I did give into temptation I'd probably bump it up a star (3.6⭐)
June 24 2023
Summer reread, to take my mind off...whatever. Life. It always works!
3.0⭐
One of the better books so far in the Peter Grant/Rivers of London series ( which I am currently binge reading). This one has our magical detective facing off against the arch villian of the series, the Faceless Man, in the final showdown. I still have my usual complaint that Aronovitch's plots are too busy and cluttered with nonessentials and that can be frustrating. But the stories are imaginative and the dialogue is funny and entertaining. I also like the glimpses of London myth and history the author provides.The conclusion is satisfying and hints of more adventures ahead for our heroes.
Dec 19/22
Winter reread, to take my mind off the frigid weather.
I'm going to leave the rating alone, in this case but it is one of the better books in the series. If I did give into temptation I'd probably bump it up a star (3.6⭐)
June 24 2023
Summer reread, to take my mind off...whatever. Life. It always works!
November 22, 2018
Ah, that went by way too fast.
If you're already a fan of the series, you won't be disappointed. And my, how our Peter's growing up, but without losing any of his self-deprecating irony.
If you're not a fan yet, be apprised that Aaronovitch wrote for years for Doctor Who, and it very gloriously shows. You'll want to start with book #1, Rivers of London. Snag an audio copy if you can, because the audios are amazing.
slideshow disclaimer: neither Banksy nor the helmet amulet figure in the book. I just really like them
If you're already a fan of the series, you won't be disappointed. And my, how our Peter's growing up, but without losing any of his self-deprecating irony.
If you're not a fan yet, be apprised that Aaronovitch wrote for years for Doctor Who, and it very gloriously shows. You'll want to start with book #1, Rivers of London. Snag an audio copy if you can, because the audios are amazing.
slideshow disclaimer: neither Banksy nor the helmet amulet figure in the book. I just really like them
November 13, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Another strong installment in the Rivers of London series. The battles with the dark side are becoming more and more frequent, now that we know the Faceless Man and see more of his plans. But this one takes some even twistier twists and turnier turns and ends up in a place I didn't really expect.
I had grown tired of this series after book 4, and took a VERY long break. In fact, I hadn't entirely planned on ever picking it back up again. Berkley offered me an ARC of this book in their newsletter, which I one-clicked before I thought... and I'm glad I made that impulsive decision. It made me pick up books five and six (both of which were great installments and fixed some of the issues I had with book four that made me set the series down) to get to this one and be caught up.
It's not and never will be my favorite series, but I can now say again that I do very much enjoy it. I'll definitely pick up the next one to see what's happening in the world of Peter Grant and the Folly.
Another strong installment in the Rivers of London series. The battles with the dark side are becoming more and more frequent, now that we know the Faceless Man and see more of his plans. But this one takes some even twistier twists and turnier turns and ends up in a place I didn't really expect.
I had grown tired of this series after book 4, and took a VERY long break. In fact, I hadn't entirely planned on ever picking it back up again. Berkley offered me an ARC of this book in their newsletter, which I one-clicked before I thought... and I'm glad I made that impulsive decision. It made me pick up books five and six (both of which were great installments and fixed some of the issues I had with book four that made me set the series down) to get to this one and be caught up.
It's not and never will be my favorite series, but I can now say again that I do very much enjoy it. I'll definitely pick up the next one to see what's happening in the world of Peter Grant and the Folly.
December 28, 2019
Volume 7 of the Peter Grant series.
This time they manage to wrap up the case of the faceless man.
Also Molly is experiencing some happiness, what I really liked, and Peter's personal circumstances take a new development.
Altogether I am looking forward to the next volume with anticipation, which will be published in 2020.
This time they manage to wrap up the case of the faceless man.
Also Molly is experiencing some happiness, what I really liked, and Peter's personal circumstances take a new development.
Altogether I am looking forward to the next volume with anticipation, which will be published in 2020.
December 1, 2018
So, this was a rather fast one and no matter how hard I tried to read it slower, it didn't work (though not like recently I'm a very fast reader, to be honest....). Names, names, places, history, architecture, the pack is full and maybe even fuller than in last two books. L. is back and Mr Punch as well - I'm not spoiling, it's on the blurb! - and I had to confess I kind of... missed him? O.o I guess I'm going to reread the first book soon just because of that... O.o
Anyways, fun fun, and I crave for more, but I guess more will be A TAD different from what we are used to already... ;)
Tiny very tiny minus for too many deus ex machina moments (yes I have to bitch, duuh, otherwise my head will explode), but we want to keep our Peter in one piece, right?
Also - Molly+Foxglove <3 I want the next book out already goddamit!!!!
Anyways, fun fun, and I crave for more, but I guess more will be A TAD different from what we are used to already... ;)
Tiny very tiny minus for too many deus ex machina moments (yes I have to bitch, duuh, otherwise my head will explode), but we want to keep our Peter in one piece, right?
Also - Molly+Foxglove <3 I want the next book out already goddamit!!!!
May 10, 2019
[9/10]
I looked to the west just in time for an entire bloody Roman legion to come jogging into view. Rank after rank, by the cohort and the numbers, but with no standard raised – no eagle.
The smell of blood rolled off them and, weirdly, olive oil.
They came to a halt in a clatter of iron.
'F_ck me,' I said. 'I'm in an episode of Game of Thrones.'
... or some deleted scene from 'The Lord of the Rings.' Congrats for being promoted to detective, Peter, and for being always ready with the hip pop-culture quip. It's good to be back with you on this long quest to find and arrest the Faceless Man (not so faceless after the previous book).
This is the latest installment in the 'Rivers of London' magical investigations series, the seventh and one of the best so far, mostly because it ties up a lot of the loose ends from previous books, even coming round full circle to the opening scenes from book one.
Our guide is as usual Peter Grant, with a little help from his friends at the Folly and from the Met Police. He does his usual show, combining a guided tour of London landmarks with interesting historical, architectural, economical, gastronomical and cultural tidbits delivered in his unique self-deprecating, smart and deadpan voice.
Some say there is an invisible line in the world that separates the demimonde, the world of magic, from the mundane world of everyday existence. They say that if you step over that line, however unknowingly, your world will be changed for ever. They say that once you have taken that fateful step you can never go back, never unsee what you have seen, never unknow what you have discovered.
This is of course total bollocks.
also,
Have you ever had that sensation, just as you're going to sleep, that a bomb has gone off inside your head? It's a real medical phenomena called, I kid you not, exploding head syndrome. It's what's known as parasomnia, which is Greek for 'we don't know either'.
Peter's narrative style rubs off on a number of secondary characters, who find themselves describing in a similar style the early history of Lundunum, that 'shantytown with a bridge attached'
Imagine this geezer. Let's call him Cata. He's like the fifth living son of an Atreba sub-chief, a bit weedy, raised to ride a chariot and handle a spear but you know, heart's not in the family business. Only a teen when the Romans turn up and his old man goes, "F_ck me, underfloor heating? That's the shit for me!" and they all go Roman faster than a Basildon girl in an Italian discotheque.
Peter Grant specialty is the application of the scientific method both in his tracking of criminals and in his dealings with the demimonde and their magical abilities. His curiosity is insatiable, and his newly minted promotion does wonders for his self-confidence and his success rate. It's no surprise then that Peter closes down on Martin Chorley, despite the complicated plot this evil mastermind has lately devised for destroying the whole city.
Ritually sacrificed goats, Roman temples, bells infused with the power of ancient stones, and dead wannabe scriptwriters.
Without spoiling too much of the outcome, my favorite scenes are towards the end of the novel, when the action becomes frantic, yet Peter has time to touch the heart chords, reminiscing about the true vocation of a policeman, as he deals with a woman half-monster, half-artist.
You can't fix their problems, Peter. Most of the time you can't even steer them in the right direction. But you can do the job without making things worse.
A couple of books ago I was afraid that the author was treating the series as his golden goose, writing side investigations with little advancement of the main plot. My worries are laid to rest for now, replaced by different ones that 'Rivers of London' may be approaching closure too fast. I guess we'll see what the future brings.
Easter Egg:
John William Waterhouse – "The Magic Circle" , and example of health and safety violations, according to Peter
and Picadilly Circus, from my recent trip to London:
I looked to the west just in time for an entire bloody Roman legion to come jogging into view. Rank after rank, by the cohort and the numbers, but with no standard raised – no eagle.
The smell of blood rolled off them and, weirdly, olive oil.
They came to a halt in a clatter of iron.
'F_ck me,' I said. 'I'm in an episode of Game of Thrones.'
... or some deleted scene from 'The Lord of the Rings.' Congrats for being promoted to detective, Peter, and for being always ready with the hip pop-culture quip. It's good to be back with you on this long quest to find and arrest the Faceless Man (not so faceless after the previous book).
This is the latest installment in the 'Rivers of London' magical investigations series, the seventh and one of the best so far, mostly because it ties up a lot of the loose ends from previous books, even coming round full circle to the opening scenes from book one.
Our guide is as usual Peter Grant, with a little help from his friends at the Folly and from the Met Police. He does his usual show, combining a guided tour of London landmarks with interesting historical, architectural, economical, gastronomical and cultural tidbits delivered in his unique self-deprecating, smart and deadpan voice.
Some say there is an invisible line in the world that separates the demimonde, the world of magic, from the mundane world of everyday existence. They say that if you step over that line, however unknowingly, your world will be changed for ever. They say that once you have taken that fateful step you can never go back, never unsee what you have seen, never unknow what you have discovered.
This is of course total bollocks.
also,
Have you ever had that sensation, just as you're going to sleep, that a bomb has gone off inside your head? It's a real medical phenomena called, I kid you not, exploding head syndrome. It's what's known as parasomnia, which is Greek for 'we don't know either'.
Peter's narrative style rubs off on a number of secondary characters, who find themselves describing in a similar style the early history of Lundunum, that 'shantytown with a bridge attached'
Imagine this geezer. Let's call him Cata. He's like the fifth living son of an Atreba sub-chief, a bit weedy, raised to ride a chariot and handle a spear but you know, heart's not in the family business. Only a teen when the Romans turn up and his old man goes, "F_ck me, underfloor heating? That's the shit for me!" and they all go Roman faster than a Basildon girl in an Italian discotheque.
Peter Grant specialty is the application of the scientific method both in his tracking of criminals and in his dealings with the demimonde and their magical abilities. His curiosity is insatiable, and his newly minted promotion does wonders for his self-confidence and his success rate. It's no surprise then that Peter closes down on Martin Chorley, despite the complicated plot this evil mastermind has lately devised for destroying the whole city.
Ritually sacrificed goats, Roman temples, bells infused with the power of ancient stones, and dead wannabe scriptwriters.
Without spoiling too much of the outcome, my favorite scenes are towards the end of the novel, when the action becomes frantic, yet Peter has time to touch the heart chords, reminiscing about the true vocation of a policeman, as he deals with a woman half-monster, half-artist.
You can't fix their problems, Peter. Most of the time you can't even steer them in the right direction. But you can do the job without making things worse.
A couple of books ago I was afraid that the author was treating the series as his golden goose, writing side investigations with little advancement of the main plot. My worries are laid to rest for now, replaced by different ones that 'Rivers of London' may be approaching closure too fast. I guess we'll see what the future brings.
Easter Egg:
John William Waterhouse – "The Magic Circle" , and example of health and safety violations, according to Peter
and Picadilly Circus, from my recent trip to London:
November 19, 2018
Move over Newt Scamander, there's a new wizard in town! With better plots that actually make sense and not just load of over-egging codswallop!
Sorry, I was still a bit carried away with the Crimes of Grindelwald movie. I thank thee, Ben Aaronovitch, for keeping my faith in urban fantasy and their wizards. Peter Grant is still my man, he is a solid character that's skillful, dedicated and dependable. Boring? Not a chance. Peter, as his colleagues and guvs always said, had a penchant for situations gone pear-shaped. Despite having the rest of the London police force, his enigmatic master, his river lover, and his diligent apprentice on his six, the threat from the elusive super villain Faceless Man and his minions was just too big. Aaaand it's getting more dire in this book, which is thrilling ride from start to finish. Definitely as good as Foxglove Summer, now spiced with Arthurian and Mithraic myths. Aaronovitch has seamlessly tailored a magical story based on these myths but made it fresh and entertaining with all the references of places and people in the urban environment - it is so immersive!
Can't wait for the next one. This series is the bee's knees, I am just so chuffed whenever I am reading it
Sorry, I was still a bit carried away with the Crimes of Grindelwald movie. I thank thee, Ben Aaronovitch, for keeping my faith in urban fantasy and their wizards. Peter Grant is still my man, he is a solid character that's skillful, dedicated and dependable. Boring? Not a chance. Peter, as his colleagues and guvs always said, had a penchant for situations gone pear-shaped. Despite having the rest of the London police force, his enigmatic master, his river lover, and his diligent apprentice on his six, the threat from the elusive super villain Faceless Man and his minions was just too big. Aaaand it's getting more dire in this book, which is thrilling ride from start to finish. Definitely as good as Foxglove Summer, now spiced with Arthurian and Mithraic myths. Aaronovitch has seamlessly tailored a magical story based on these myths but made it fresh and entertaining with all the references of places and people in the urban environment - it is so immersive!
Can't wait for the next one. This series is the bee's knees, I am just so chuffed whenever I am reading it
November 18, 2018
at this point ben aaronovitch could publish a book of photocopies of his bare arse and i'd give it five stars. regardless of that this book fucking ruled
September 6, 2021
Holy shitake, !
I don't even know where to begin with this 7th volume in the series, there is just sooo much to tell you about!
It's starts innocently enough with the Met officially looking for Martin Chorley, who was revealed to be the Faceless Man in the previous book. The pressure is on him and thus also on Lesley of whom we see much more in this book. But what we did get to see ... didn't impress me. Not that the character wasn't fantastic, I've just grown to strongly dislike the bitch. Sorry, not sorry. All her arrogance, followed by tantrums, followed by more of both - I wanted to smack some goddamned sense into her! Especially since the reason for her betrayal wasn't her wanting her face back (we knew that much) but the actual reason () wasn't any more noble than her wanting her face back would have been, no matter how she tried to sell it.
By the way, Peter is now a Detective Constable. Not that it helps him one lick. Just like his, by now, seriously advanced magic won't. Because Chorley's plan is ... ambitious to say the least. *snickers*
So we run from one scene to the next, all full of clues, often actually meeting at least Lesley if not also Chorley - only for them to slip through our fingers. Until Peter is taken to an oubliette of Chorley's that is.
Can you imagine his river-goddess-girlfriend reacting to his obduction? *lol*
But what does King Arthur have to do with it all? Was he real? Was his sword? And how would that help Chorley? For that we'd need to know what it is that he actually WANTS (it's actually rather bonkers once we find out).
I loved how the novel nicely illustrated that even with the might of the entire police force, it often takes months to find a culprit and confront them. Thus, we also got nice private events, letting us meet interesting fae/deities and learning quite a bit about London's ancient past.
This was very fast-paced and I loved so see more "battle magic". Equally, I also loved to see all the lessons finally bearing fruit and being put to good use (not just by Peter).
What I adored the most was how much the author made us feel despite the relentless magic. Sure, there was enough action to make us breathless, but Aaronivitch also seriously tucked on some major heartstrings. Like when . Or .
So yeah, great volume that went off like a granade. Can't wait to see what comes next considering that .
And I seriously hoped that Peter .
I don't even know where to begin with this 7th volume in the series, there is just sooo much to tell you about!
It's starts innocently enough with the Met officially looking for Martin Chorley, who was revealed to be the Faceless Man in the previous book. The pressure is on him and thus also on Lesley of whom we see much more in this book. But what we did get to see ... didn't impress me. Not that the character wasn't fantastic, I've just grown to strongly dislike the bitch. Sorry, not sorry. All her arrogance, followed by tantrums, followed by more of both - I wanted to smack some goddamned sense into her! Especially since the reason for her betrayal wasn't her wanting her face back (we knew that much) but the actual reason () wasn't any more noble than her wanting her face back would have been, no matter how she tried to sell it.
By the way, Peter is now a Detective Constable. Not that it helps him one lick. Just like his, by now, seriously advanced magic won't. Because Chorley's plan is ... ambitious to say the least. *snickers*
So we run from one scene to the next, all full of clues, often actually meeting at least Lesley if not also Chorley - only for them to slip through our fingers. Until Peter is taken to an oubliette of Chorley's that is.
Can you imagine his river-goddess-girlfriend reacting to his obduction? *lol*
But what does King Arthur have to do with it all? Was he real? Was his sword? And how would that help Chorley? For that we'd need to know what it is that he actually WANTS (it's actually rather bonkers once we find out).
I loved how the novel nicely illustrated that even with the might of the entire police force, it often takes months to find a culprit and confront them. Thus, we also got nice private events, letting us meet interesting fae/deities and learning quite a bit about London's ancient past.
This was very fast-paced and I loved so see more "battle magic". Equally, I also loved to see all the lessons finally bearing fruit and being put to good use (not just by Peter).
What I adored the most was how much the author made us feel despite the relentless magic. Sure, there was enough action to make us breathless, but Aaronivitch also seriously tucked on some major heartstrings. Like when . Or .
So yeah, great volume that went off like a granade. Can't wait to see what comes next considering that .
And I seriously hoped that Peter .
December 12, 2023
Bye bye Peter, at least for a while.
I broke my own rules byreading listening to a bunch of these in a row, and I am going to stop here. Not because there is any plot point or reveal that is throw-book-against-a-wall thing (ending is cheesy though... So cheesy...) and it is not even that, it is an accumulation of small irritations. Just my brain nitpicking stuff. I think objectively there are some issues with Aaronovitch's writing - continuity issues, wasting dramatic potential (Lesley does not make sense. Neither does the big baddie. This series has been resolutely focused on Peter and only Peter, so far, and Lesley has been totally wasted as a character, in and out of main plot whenever convenient), recycled lame jokes and this franchise feeling seeping in (I am listening to it all in a row and there are references to events and characters I do not recall and I would if they were there! I suspect stuff from the comics spin off or something. That is cheating IMO). Just no, enough, I am getting off this train here now.
I will probably still read What Abigail Did That Summer soon-ish though not in a hurry. I will probably come back to the series one day, so I can still listen to the rest of the series in audiobooks, because Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is just wow, all the stars as narrator, but I am stopping the series here, at least for a while.
I broke my own rules by
I will probably still read What Abigail Did That Summer soon-ish though not in a hurry. I will probably come back to the series one day, so I can still listen to the rest of the series in audiobooks, because Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is just wow, all the stars as narrator, but I am stopping the series here, at least for a while.
July 29, 2023
Apart from a deep and abiding love of listening to Kobna Holdbrook-Smith's narration plus the gripping, crazy storyline I've finally worked out why these books endear themselves to me: it's the humanity.
Yes you've got Faceless Men trying to - well I'll let you the read the book to find out exactly what insane scheme Martin Chorley and Lesley have going this time and you've got Lady Ty being grumpy in the background and Peter trying his best to assimilate his Police training with his wizard training but what you also get is an incredibly beautiful story.
In this episode we get a little more background on the mysterious Molly's origins, we meet Mr Punch again, Peter wanders off into Fairyland territory more than once and Bev keeps trying to get him to take fewer chances - mind you so does everyone else.
These books are just joyful. They're funny and touching and clever. It's hard to understand (for us mere mortals) how this landscape came into being and apart from The Discworld, Narnia and Middle Earth I've read nothing like them. I only hope Ben Aaronovitch gets as much joy writing them ad I do reading them (then he won't stop).
Also, who knew foxes were addicted to cheese puffs?
Onto False Values (yes my Audible credits are dwindling fast).
Yes you've got Faceless Men trying to - well I'll let you the read the book to find out exactly what insane scheme Martin Chorley and Lesley have going this time and you've got Lady Ty being grumpy in the background and Peter trying his best to assimilate his Police training with his wizard training but what you also get is an incredibly beautiful story.
In this episode we get a little more background on the mysterious Molly's origins, we meet Mr Punch again, Peter wanders off into Fairyland territory more than once and Bev keeps trying to get him to take fewer chances - mind you so does everyone else.
These books are just joyful. They're funny and touching and clever. It's hard to understand (for us mere mortals) how this landscape came into being and apart from The Discworld, Narnia and Middle Earth I've read nothing like them. I only hope Ben Aaronovitch gets as much joy writing them ad I do reading them (then he won't stop).
Also, who knew foxes were addicted to cheese puffs?
Onto False Values (yes my Audible credits are dwindling fast).
April 29, 2019
I find it hard to believe that this is book seven. Ben Aaronovitch has been telling Peter Grant's story for years, and this book is just as good as previous installments.
I love so many things about this book and rather than be coherent, I'm just going to list them:
-Beverly Brook.
-Guleed!! She's learning to use a sword and has some fancy new moves. And that woman is always prepared, in general, and with her baton. My love for this character keeps growing.
-Seawoll has come so far from book one's "weird bollocks" to actually saying the word "supernatural" in the context of an investigation.
-Both Seawoll and Nightingale urging Peter Grant to do one of the things he does best to piss off everyone (but which I absolutely love about him): be distracted and bear down hard on every tangent.
-Zach's back! So's Jaget, even if it's only for a moment.
-Abigail continues to move furiously fast through her magical studies. And she's already got a good instinct when interviewing. I so want more action from this character.
-That moment when Peter and Lesley look at each other and coordinate beautifully.
There's so much more to list, but for now, after my first reading, that's all I'm going to say. I'll have more to gush about after my next reading of this book.
I love so many things about this book and rather than be coherent, I'm just going to list them:
-Beverly Brook.
-Guleed!! She's learning to use a sword and has some fancy new moves. And that woman is always prepared, in general, and with her baton. My love for this character keeps growing.
-Seawoll has come so far from book one's "weird bollocks" to actually saying the word "supernatural" in the context of an investigation.
-Both Seawoll and Nightingale urging Peter Grant to do one of the things he does best to piss off everyone (but which I absolutely love about him): be distracted and bear down hard on every tangent.
-Zach's back! So's Jaget, even if it's only for a moment.
-Abigail continues to move furiously fast through her magical studies. And she's already got a good instinct when interviewing. I so want more action from this character.
-That moment when Peter and Lesley look at each other and coordinate beautifully.
There's so much more to list, but for now, after my first reading, that's all I'm going to say. I'll have more to gush about after my next reading of this book.
January 1, 2019
I'm still enjoying the writing, but the plot is -- well.
For the past several books our protagonist has been involved in an elaborate cat-and-mouse game with a villain. They keep having these confrontations where the two sides run into each other, there's a big magic fight with a bunch of property damage, and then everyone escapes alive and uncaptured and uninjured.
We've gone through a variety of reasons why none of these big magic fights are ever conclusive. Two popular reasons are "the villain promised not to kill the protagonist no matter how annoying he gets" and "as he runs away, the villain likes to hurt innocent people, and then the protagonist has to stop and make sure they're okay, which means the villain gets away free".
These are stupid reasons. The actual reason why everyone always escapes alive is because the author isn't ready to resolve the plot yet. That is a stupid reason too.
And, I dunno. In this book it just felt like it was wearing particularly thin.
For the past several books our protagonist has been involved in an elaborate cat-and-mouse game with a villain. They keep having these confrontations where the two sides run into each other, there's a big magic fight with a bunch of property damage, and then everyone escapes alive and uncaptured and uninjured.
We've gone through a variety of reasons why none of these big magic fights are ever conclusive. Two popular reasons are "the villain promised not to kill the protagonist no matter how annoying he gets" and "as he runs away, the villain likes to hurt innocent people, and then the protagonist has to stop and make sure they're okay, which means the villain gets away free".
These are stupid reasons. The actual reason why everyone always escapes alive is because the author isn't ready to resolve the plot yet. That is a stupid reason too.
And, I dunno. In this book it just felt like it was wearing particularly thin.
December 10, 2018
A satisfying climax to the Folly's operations against the Faceless Man sees our man Peter at his earnest best.
This is one of the best urban fantasy series currently being published, and a lot of that is down to the main character Peter Grant and his commitment to community and policing, and more critically, his fundamental belief in both. His point of view can be wry, but he has such a deep belief in the fundamental rightness of what he's doing that it makes him a protagonist that you can't help but like. That's in sharp contrast to his erstwhile partner Leslie May, who fails not because she isn't capable, but because she doesn't share Peter's unshakeable faith in his core values.
Regardless, this brings the long-running Faceless Man story arc to a conclusion, satisfyingly bringing in elements from earlier in the series including Mr Punch, Leslie and the Rivers. The series could finish here, but it doesn't need to, and that's the hallmark of a good long-running series.
This is one of the best urban fantasy series currently being published, and a lot of that is down to the main character Peter Grant and his commitment to community and policing, and more critically, his fundamental belief in both. His point of view can be wry, but he has such a deep belief in the fundamental rightness of what he's doing that it makes him a protagonist that you can't help but like. That's in sharp contrast to his erstwhile partner Leslie May, who fails not because she isn't capable, but because she doesn't share Peter's unshakeable faith in his core values.
Regardless, this brings the long-running Faceless Man story arc to a conclusion, satisfyingly bringing in elements from earlier in the series including Mr Punch, Leslie and the Rivers. The series could finish here, but it doesn't need to, and that's the hallmark of a good long-running series.
December 21, 2018
Halfway through the book I was still trying to find a cohesive plot. No red line in this one, more like the odd breadcrumb of something familiar... the breadcrumbs made up a story eventually and there were lots of entertaining bits and chuckles. I loved Foxglove. But the final battle was a bit WTF, the resolution was a teeny bit lame and the ending left me with a „Wait, what? That was it?“
So, was that really it? The end of the series? Hm.
Not sure how to rate this. 4 stars, because the overall series was great and lots of fun, I guess. Kobna-Smith did another great job of narrating this. Weird ending.
So, was that really it? The end of the series? Hm.
Not sure how to rate this. 4 stars, because the overall series was great and lots of fun, I guess. Kobna-Smith did another great job of narrating this. Weird ending.
November 27, 2018
Although it started kind of slow and it took me a little to get used again to the rhythm and Aaronovitch's writing, of course I ended up liking this a lot, as expected.
December 7, 2022
I'm a little torn about this one, I admit.
First and foremost, I absolutely loved Lies Sleeping. It was a perfect culmination of everything Aaronovitch has spent the last six books building to, and by the end of it, I was perfectly satisfied with the conclusion to the Faceless Man saga.
Satisfied enough, in fact, that even though I know Peter Grant's adventures continue past this book, I think I'm finished with the Rivers of London series, and I'll try to explain why.
Like I mentioned in one of my reviews for a previous installment, this series consists not only of the adventures of Peter Grant, London cop and apprentice wizard; but there are entire supplementary series where side characters get their own adventures outside Grant's own story. Having not done any of the additional reading, the problem I started to run into somewhere around Book 5 was that the series was starting to strain under the weight of all these extra side quests and bonus material, and I was starting to feel seriously out of the loop as Aaronovitch's characters would reference conversations or entire adventures that I hadn't been present for. As the extra novels continue to grow outside Peter Grant's sphere, I worry that this will only get worse. (and yes, I am aware that I could just get caught up on the extra books, thank you. But there are so many extra books and I don't feel like doing extra homework just so I can understand the references to side quests that ultimately don't have any bearing on the main plot of the book I'm reading.)
And then there's the fact that immediately after I finished Lies Sleeping, I went out and picked up Book 8 (False Value), and then almost immediately abandoned it. No spoilers, but after the events of Book 7, Book 8 finds Peter Grant in very different circumstances than we've gotten used to seeing him in, and the change was too sudden and felt too wrong for me, and I couldn't adjust.
The Rivers of London is a phenomenal series, and I look forward to eventually doing a re-read of Peter Grant's adventures. But the seventh installment is the perfect stopping point if you're feeling series fatigue, and I think this is where I part ways with Peter Grant & Co. But it's been a pleasure.
First and foremost, I absolutely loved Lies Sleeping. It was a perfect culmination of everything Aaronovitch has spent the last six books building to, and by the end of it, I was perfectly satisfied with the conclusion to the Faceless Man saga.
Satisfied enough, in fact, that even though I know Peter Grant's adventures continue past this book, I think I'm finished with the Rivers of London series, and I'll try to explain why.
Like I mentioned in one of my reviews for a previous installment, this series consists not only of the adventures of Peter Grant, London cop and apprentice wizard; but there are entire supplementary series where side characters get their own adventures outside Grant's own story. Having not done any of the additional reading, the problem I started to run into somewhere around Book 5 was that the series was starting to strain under the weight of all these extra side quests and bonus material, and I was starting to feel seriously out of the loop as Aaronovitch's characters would reference conversations or entire adventures that I hadn't been present for. As the extra novels continue to grow outside Peter Grant's sphere, I worry that this will only get worse. (and yes, I am aware that I could just get caught up on the extra books, thank you. But there are so many extra books and I don't feel like doing extra homework just so I can understand the references to side quests that ultimately don't have any bearing on the main plot of the book I'm reading.)
And then there's the fact that immediately after I finished Lies Sleeping, I went out and picked up Book 8 (False Value), and then almost immediately abandoned it. No spoilers, but after the events of Book 7, Book 8 finds Peter Grant in very different circumstances than we've gotten used to seeing him in, and the change was too sudden and felt too wrong for me, and I couldn't adjust.
The Rivers of London is a phenomenal series, and I look forward to eventually doing a re-read of Peter Grant's adventures. But the seventh installment is the perfect stopping point if you're feeling series fatigue, and I think this is where I part ways with Peter Grant & Co. But it's been a pleasure.
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