Sunday, October 5, 2014

Featured Author: Ben Aaronovitch

Ben Aaronovitch started his writing life writing Doctor Who serials, so it makes sense that when he started writing books, they would fall in the urban fantasy and fantasy mystery genres. However, his Rivers of London series almost never got written when an early version of the concept was compared to The Dresden Files! Aaronovitch distinguishes his work from Jim Butcher's on many points, first and foremost being that his series is less "noir". Peter Grant, the protagonist of Rivers of London, is a police constable and magician's apprentice, the North-London-born biracial son of a jazz musician and an African immigrant. Grant can see paranormal beings such as ghosts, which brings him to the attention of the head of the magical police force. From there, encounters with the supernatural in forms including vampires, evil wizards, haunted subways, and ancient powers ensue, with Grant level-headed and wryly humorous as he attempts to learn spells to compliment normal police procedures.

If you are seeking to read something "intricately plotted, fast-paced, atmospheric, witty" [NoveList], why not give Peter Grant a try?


Rivers of London
[Peter Grant novels] 






Readalikes

The Devil You Know by Mike Carey

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Links

"Welcome to the Folly, official home of British magic since 1775 — or at least home of the magic depicted in the continuing adventures of Peter Grant, police constable and apprentice wizard."

[Del Rey Science Fiction & Fantasy]

[i09.com]

[Tor.com]

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