Rivers of London

by Ben Aaronovitch
Rivers of London cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Fantasy, Political, Military, Adventure
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Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £25.00 Multiple items • £39.99
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Technical
  • ID: 375
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2026-01-20
  • ISBN: 9780575097599
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-01-10
  • Formats: 103
  • Reviews: 4

Rivers of London introduces readers to Peter Grant, a probationary constable with dreams of becoming a detective. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a ghost while taking a witness statement, leading him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale. Nightingale specializes in crimes involving magic and the supernatural, and soon Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses walk among mortals, and ancient evils are resurfacing. /n/n As a wave of brutal and bizarre murders sweeps through London, Peter must navigate this new reality, uncovering secrets and facing challenges that will test his skills and beliefs. With a blend of humor, magic, and crime-solving, Rivers of London offers a unique and captivating reading experience. The novel has gained widespread acclaim, with praise from notable figures like Nick Frost and comparisons to the works of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-09-10
engaging 4.50

The story delivers an eminently satisfying urban fantasy experience with a strong blend of police procedural and magical elements, praised for its engaging plot and character development.

This review highlights the book as a very satisfying read that successfully merges elements of urban fantasy with police procedural storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the engaging plot and the way the author integrates magical elements into a contemporary London setting, making it both entertaining and immersive. They suggest the book is a strong start to the series, appealing to readers who enjoy a mix of mystery, fantasy, and humor.

Quick quotes

    There is something eminently satisfying about coming to the end of this book.

    The blend of magic and police procedural is handled very well.

    It’s an engaging start to what promises to be a very enjoyable series.

Cassandra C. Stirling · Cassandra C. Stirling · 2023-05-29
good 3.50

A police procedural but with magic, Rivers of London is an easy urban fantasy read but lacks character depth.

This review notes that the book is an easy and engaging read, blending elements of a police procedural with magic. The reviewer appreciates the unique setting and the blend of genres, making it an enjoyable urban fantasy. However, they also point out that the book lacks depth in its characters, which detracts from the overall impact. The reviewer finds the story to be compelling and the magical elements to be well-integrated, but they feel that the characters could have been developed further to enhance the reading experience. Overall, it's seen as a good but not great addition to the urban fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

    A police procedural but with magic, Rivers of London is an easy urban fantasy read.

    The book lacks character depth.

    The magical elements are well-integrated, making it an enjoyable read.

MotherBookerBlog · 2023-03-27
fun 4.00

This is a fun fantasy novel that doesn't take itself too seriously. The supernatural elements of London are particularly enjoyable.

This review emphasizes the light-hearted and fun nature of the novel, which doesn't take itself too seriously. The reviewer enjoyed the supernatural elements of London, finding them to be a highlight of the book. They appreciated the book's ability to blend fantasy with a sense of humor, making it an enjoyable read. The reviewer also noted that the audiobook version was particularly engaging, allowing them to immerse themselves in the story and the unique setting of London. Overall, the book is seen as a delightful and entertaining fantasy novel that offers a fresh take on the genre.

Quick quotes

    This is a fun fantasy novel that doesn't take itself too seriously.

    I enjoyed listening to it and getting to see all of the supernatural elements of London.

    It's a delightful and entertaining fantasy novel that offers a fresh take on the genre.

The Hobbleit · 2020-11-27
decent 3.50

The book is considered a decent read with entertaining elements, though not the best the reviewer has ever read. The supernatural aspects of London are particularly enjoyed.

This book is described as a decent read that is entertaining and enjoyable. The reviewer appreciates the supernatural elements of London and the unique setting. While it may not be the best book the reviewer has ever read, it is still considered a good read. The book's ability to keep the reader engaged with its blend of genres and the protagonist's sarcastic wit is particularly noted. The reviewer finds the book to be a good introduction to the urban fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

    Rivers of London was a decent read for the most part.

    It's not the best book I've ever read but it was entertaining and it did have a lot to offer.

    I enjoyed listening to it and getting to see all of the supernatural elements of London.

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