My name is Peter Grant, and I'm a keeper of the secret flame. Truth be told, there's a lot I still don't know. My superior Nightingale is trying to teach me proper schooling for a magician's apprentice. But even he doesn't have all the answers. A mutilated body in Crawley means another murderer is on the loose. But then I get word of something very odd happening in Elephant and Castle. Just the typical day for a magician constable.
My name is Peter Grant, and I'm a keeper of the secret flame. Truth be told, there's a lot I still don't know. My superior Nightingale is trying to teach me proper schooling for a magician's apprentice. But even he doesn't have all the answers. A mutilated body in Crawley means another murderer is on the loose. But then I get word of something very odd happening in Elephant and Castle. Just the typical day for a magician constable.
Still not as good as #1 and #2 but on a par with #3 and I'll keep reading.
The investigation dragged a bit so the resolution didn't seem very well tied to the opening. The new characters weren't as interesting as in previous books, though Varvara has great potential. The action was well handled and the ending twist was good.
Still not as good as #1 and #2 but on a par with #3 and I'll keep reading.
The investigation dragged a bit so the resolution didn't seem very well tied to the opening. The new characters weren't as interesting as in previous books, though Varvara has great potential. The action was well handled and the ending twist was good.
This story felt disjointed as I read it, like incomplete short stories. I struggled enough to keep all of the plot points in my head that I reviewed this summary at about the 75% mark. (summary link didn't transfer: allreaders.com/book-review-summary/broken-homes-40217)
However, I liked quite a bit of it. The characters are really the reason I love this series. Peter is a great narrator with a good balance of humor integrated into tense situations and clear explanations of some police procedures. The explanations are helpful as an American reading about policing in London.
Most story threads came together at the end. Aaronovitch did a nice job of leading the reader to understand the importance of the architecture of Skygarden and its connection to the farm and the Faceless Man. And, that end, WOW! I’m a bit upset about it.
These are the plot points that seem to be hanging a …
This story felt disjointed as I read it, like incomplete short stories. I struggled enough to keep all of the plot points in my head that I reviewed this summary at about the 75% mark. (summary link didn't transfer: allreaders.com/book-review-summary/broken-homes-40217)
However, I liked quite a bit of it. The characters are really the reason I love this series. Peter is a great narrator with a good balance of humor integrated into tense situations and clear explanations of some police procedures. The explanations are helpful as an American reading about policing in London.
Most story threads came together at the end. Aaronovitch did a nice job of leading the reader to understand the importance of the architecture of Skygarden and its connection to the farm and the Faceless Man. And, that end, WOW! I’m a bit upset about it.
These are the plot points that seem to be hanging a bit for me. I’m sure if I took more time, I’d make stronger connections. Maybe I just read the story too slowly to make the connections as I read: What is the importance of the German grimoires? Why did the trees need to be killed? What is the importance of the suicide/murder of the man with the train? I know he was connected with Skygarden, but why did he need to die?
Zach develops as a character with this book, and I’m looking forward to his role in future books. I love the introduction of the Night Witches, and I hope to see Sidororovna again. The River Gods don’t seem to have an important part in this novel, but I always enjoy any scene with Beverly Brook. She just brings such wonderful sexual tension.
We finally have a scene that shows Nightingale’s power instead of hearing about it through exposition of his history. And then we get a new complication with Leslie. I hope this ends up being a positive development. I love her, and she’s a great partner for Peter.
Yup. I'm still liking this series that mashes together two of my favourite genres - police procedural and urban fantasy. Peter Grant, the protagonist and narrator, is fine fellow to spend time with.
Yup. I'm still liking this series that mashes together two of my favourite genres - police procedural and urban fantasy. Peter Grant, the protagonist and narrator, is fine fellow to spend time with.
