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spinebenderbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The October Man is another novella in the Rivers of London series. In this story set in Germany, Ben Aaronovitch introduces readers to Tobias Winter, a member of the German magic police force. I enjoyed this look at another country's equivalent to the Folly. The tone is fairly similar to that of the main books in the series in a way that will either be enjoyable or frustrating for readers. Some readers might prefer that the narrator had more to differentiate him from Peter's narration. However I enjoy Tobias as a character and feel that him being of a similar age and gender to Peter explains that similarity somewhat. He appears to idolise Peter in certain respects, which may also be in play. Vanessa Sommer is another great addition to the world of ROL and I hope we see more of this team.
The mystery that this novella focuses around is satisfyingly complicated for its length and is resolved at a good pace. I enjoyed meetingthe German Rivers and would be delighted to revisit them again in future. It was interesting to get a look at the different history they have with the Abteilung KDA than that of their London counterparts and the Folly.
Something that can bug me about urban fantasy set in our world is when the worldbuilding fails to suggest a vaster magical world outside of the city or country that a book is set in. It can feel very limited, without any hints that the magic element expands beyond the setting of the story. So I enjoy Aaronovitch taking the opportunity in short stories and novellas to expand on the mentions of non-British magic in his main novels. It gives the worldbuilding a more complete feeling.
The mystery that this novella focuses around is satisfyingly complicated for its length and is resolved at a good pace. I enjoyed meeting
Something that can bug me about urban fantasy set in our world is when the worldbuilding fails to suggest a vaster magical world outside of the city or country that a book is set in. It can feel very limited, without any hints that the magic element expands beyond the setting of the story. So I enjoy Aaronovitch taking the opportunity in short stories and novellas to expand on the mentions of non-British magic in his main novels. It gives the worldbuilding a more complete feeling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Pedophilia and Sexual assault
tanouska's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual assault, and Violence