Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I am sharing my thoughts on Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London.

Rivers of London was published in 2011 by Gollancz and is 392 pages long.

The Plot
Peter Grant is a probationary constable with the Metropolitan Police who encounters a ghostly witness to a murder. This bizarre encounter leads him into an unexpected world of magic and spirits, where he becomes an apprentice to Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, the last wizard in England. It’s like Harry Potter growing up and joining the police force!

Characters
Peter Grant
Peter is the protagonist and guide through this enchanting — and often dangerous — version of London. He starts as an ordinary probationary constable in the Metropolitan Police Service. However, fate has other plans for him when he discovers an ability to talk to ghosts, taking his career in a fantastical and magical turn.

Peter is inquisitive, open-minded, and often sarcastic, traits that serve him well as he learns to navigate the complexities of supernatural investigations. His journey from scepticism to mastery of the magical arts is humorous and engaging, and his growth is central to the book’s appeal.

Thomas Nightingale
Nightingale is Peter’s enigmatic mentor and the last officially practising wizard in England. He is a character enveloped in mystery, his past hinted at but never fully explored. His mentorship of Peter in the art (and science) of magic adds depth to the story, as their dynamic evolves from teacher and student to something more akin to friends or even a father-son relationship.

Lesley May
Lesley is Peter’s colleague and friend. She is sharp and competent and, at times, Peter’s grounding force amidst the chaos of magic. Her character brings a human touch to the narrative, often providing a contrast to the more fantastical elements of their investigations.

Lesley’s trajectory in the novel is particularly compelling. Initially, she’s a dedicated police officer eager to climb the ranks, but events unfold, and her path takes unexpected turns.

Molly the Housekeeper
Molly is not your average housemaid, and her presence in the book adds a peculiar charm. She works at The Folly, the headquarters for magical investigations, and there’s something undeniably eerie about her. With her silent demeanour and unsettling talent for appearing out of nowhere, Molly might seem disconcerting at first, but there’s more to her than meets the eye.

The River Gods
The Thames and its tributaries are given life as characters in the book, each representing the spirit and essence of the waterway they embody. Through these characters, the novel explores the themes of change, continuity, and the impact of human activity on nature. The rivers’ interactions with Peter and other characters offer insights into the interconnectedness of the city’s inhabitants and its natural environment.

Dr Walid
Dr Walid is a pathologist interested in the supernatural. His character bridges the gap between traditional science and magical phenomena, and his role adds a layer of authenticity and credibility to the narrative, appealing to readers who appreciate a blend of realism and fantasy.

Writing Style
Aaronovitch’s writing style is conversational and feels like a story told to a friend over coffee.

The plot is compelling, and what truly captivated me about it was Aaronovitch’s ability to balance the mundane with the fantastical. From navigating police bureaucracy to encountering river gods and goddesses, Peter’s adventures keep you guessing at every turn. And when you think you finally know what’s going on, the story introduces another twist.

Along with his talent for storytelling, Aaronovitch also excels at world-building. He seamlessly integrates magic into the fabric of everyday life, introducing the rules gradually, allowing readers to submerge themselves in the story without feeling overwhelmed. This approach ensures that even those new to the fantasy genre can enjoy the book without getting lost in complex lore.

Throughout this world-building, his apparent love for London shines through on every page, painting a picture of the city as magical as it is realistic. Whether you’re familiar with London or not, Aaronovitch’s portrayal of its streets and landmarks pulls you in, inviting you to explore its hidden corners alongside Peter.

Final Thoughts
Overall, I very much enjoyed Rivers of London. It’s a delightful read that blends fantasy and mystery with a healthy dose of humour and charm. For fantasy fiction fans, urban fantasy enthusiasts, and those who just like a good story, this is a book for you.

I am giving Rivers of London an 8/10.

Have you read Rivers of London or any of its sequels? What do you think?

As always, thank you for stopping by to read my review!

Until next time,

George

© 2025 GLT

Categories: Book Reviews, Reading

Tags: book review, Fantasy, London, review, Rivers, Rivers of London