Jackie

Though not a ‘literary' piece of writing by any means, it was a pleasant enough way to pass a few hours, and I do like the main character. The book was a little slow at the start but the pace picked up in the second half. It is, perhaps, a touch weaker than the first book in the series, but not enough to put me off reading more.

Having read, and really enjoyed (as somebody with a long history of depression / anxiety) Matt Haig's [b:Reasons to Stay Alive 23363874 Reasons to Stay Alive Matt Haig https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1418674667l/23363874.SX50.jpg 42923140] I had high hopes for this book.Sadly it turned out to be a bit predictable and repetitive. Some parts were good, especially the humourous quips, but on the whole there wasn't much new to be discovered and it certainly wasn't a challenging read. I see what Matt was trying to do, it just felt overly simplistic and not all that interesting. If you want an easy read that offers a tiny (and I mean tiny) glimpse into depression but ends on a hopeful, if slightly cliched note, then go for it. Otherwise, I'd recommend you read his non fiction book on the subject. It was so much better than this.

Rivers of London (or Midnight Riot as it's known in the US) is the first of a projected trilogy in the urban fantasy genre. At first glance, I thought this may be a case of ‘Harry Dresden does London', but I was wrong. Although there are similarities this book has a completely different feel. It's not quite as dark as the Dresden books, and it's obvious right from the beginning that this book was not written from the perspective of an experienced supernatural detective. One thing you can be sure of, it's definitely a British book, which for me (as a Brit) makes a refreshing change in this genre.

The main character, Peter Grant, is a rookie British Bobby / wizard's apprentice, working in a sort of secret department of the metropolitan police (which consists of one man, Nightingale). Sounds an unlikely mix and I must admit I was dubious before I began reading, but the humour, which consists of lots of sarcasm and self-deprecation (I did say it was a British book!) really makes it work.

Every character was well presented and interesting (even the incidental characters) which is quite an achievement in this genre. Characterisation is an important part of any writing and one that many authors in urban fantasy overlook beyond the central characters I feel. So it was nice to have some added depths in the portrayal of a wide ranging cast of personalities.

Overall I thought it was very well written, lots of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm definitely left wanting more, and am looking forward to when the next book is published (around April I think).

This was a re-read, having first read it decades ago when I was a fresh young 15 year old (I'm now 52). I was obviously entertained a lot easier then, because I definitely didn’t enjoy it as much as I remember. I knew it wasn’t one of Masterton’s best, but still.

It’s a slightly cheesy horror novel featuring highly questionable decisions, people who turn into giant lobsters and not particularly deep (though likeable) characters. Think 80’s horror b-movie but in words. It wasn’t absolutely terrible, I mean it did feature an amazing cat and it was an easy read with a decent pace.

Plus it did get me reading again so I can’t complain too much!