Ben Aaronovitch - Rivers of London 01 - The Rivers of London (aka Midnight Riot)
Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
Unabridged: Yes
Runtime: 9h 59mn 23sec
Total Number of Audio Files: 8
Audio: MP3, 2-channel, 96 Kbps @ 48000 Hz, CBR
My name is Peter Grant and until January I was just probationary constable in that mighty army for justice known to all right-thinking people as the Metropolitan Police Service (as the Filth to everybody else). My only concerns in life were how to avoid a transfer to the Case Progression Unit -- we do paperwork so real coppers don't have to -- and finding a way to climb into the panties of the outrageously perky WPC Leslie May.
Then one night, in pursuance of a murder inquiry, I tried to take a witness statement from someone who was dead but disturbingly valuable, and that brought me to the attention of Inspector Nightingale, the last wizard in England.
Now I'm a Detective Constable and a trainee wizard, the first apprentice in fifty years, and my world has become somewhat more complicated: nests of vampires in Purley, negotiating a truce between the warring god and goddess of the Thames, and digging up graves in Covent Garden... and there's something festering at the heart of the city I love, a malicious vengeful spirit that takes ordinary Londoners and twists them into grotesque mannequins to act out its drama of violence and despair.
The spirit of riot and rebellion has awakened in the city, and it's falling to me to bring order out of chaos -- or die trying.
"What would happen if Harry Potter grew up and joined the Fuzz."
-- Diana Gabaldon
"Fresh, original, and a wonderful read. I loved it."
-- Charlaine Harris
Reviews
"Witty, well plotted, vividly written and addictively readable."
(Lisa Tuttle - THE TIMES)
"An engaging mix of magic and police procedural, this is a great kick off to a very promising series as well as the most satisfying fantasy thriller to hit bookshelves in quite some time. Witty, imaginative and gripping."
(Saxon Bullock - SFX)
Rivers of London is highly recommended for anyone looking for some urban fantasy fun with a real life spin, the sights and smells of London just ooze out from between the pages. This book should be essential reading for anyone who has ever seen anything inexplicable or strange on the streets of London - which would be just about everybody who's ever been there, really.
(LOVEVAMPIRES.COM)
"Anyone who has enjoyed Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere, Kate Griffin's Matthew Swift novels, Mike Carey's Felix Castor series - anyone in those shoes will adore Rivers of London. Assured, witty and great fun to read."
(Amanda Rutter - FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKS)
"Rivers of London comfortably fills out its engaging premise."
(Sophia McDougall)
"This is a terrific urban fantasy police procedural in which the two cops make the unbelievable believable; especially the inexperienced Grant. The fast-paced yet meandering story line is loaded with action from the onset as the mentor and mentee work a challenging investigation in which an ancient has arisen to stir the troubled waters. Sub-genre fans will enjoy Ben Aaronovitch's view of London in this witty well written riot."
(ALTERNATIVE-WORLDS)
"Aaronovitch gives us a glimpse of a fascinating and fantastical underbelly to the capital that feels entirely believable. Those familiar with the city will enjoy picturing the chaotic events unfold, while those less familiar will receive an accurate and entertaining geography lesson. Magical, mysterious and mesmerising, Rivers of London will have you spellbound."
(Alice Wybrew - TOTAL SCI FI)
"This is a fun book, with enough wry humour without descending into slapstick. Recommended."
(British Fantasy Society)
Replies
Great, thanks very much - just had time to get the first book down (will be back for the others).
T H
I am waiting also. "Whispers Under Ground is in pre-order stage for the book. I haven't heard about the audio book but it should be right behind the book. ------------------------------------------ Rick
Yes, these 2 books are a couple of my favorite. When i listened I started in the evening and it was time to get up before it finished. it just took me away to another world and the reader is fantastic. Even the female voices and accents are done to a tee. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rick
This sounds quite interesting. Thanks
I'll download it when I get back to Jawjuh. How long is the Skydrive link active?
Hi Bob,
This link is active as long as I can keep it that way. It will definitely be active until you get it. I am usually not real hep on one reader audio books, but the reader is excellent. I am getting ready to start the second one in the series and if it is as good as the first I will post that also. If you are in Georgia, I'm just a hop skip and a jump from you in SC. Y'all come visit ya-hea.