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A review by grogu_djarin
The October Man by Ben Aaronovitch
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Overall Thoughts:
I was a bit underwhelmed by this. On one hand, it was great to finally learn more about the German practitioners after they've been teased so long and the book does a good job going into their history and different practices (which they operate quite differently from the Folly), but on the other hand this felt more like a standard Rivers of London book with German words sprinkled in. Not enough was changed tonally or in the narrative voice to make me feel this was anything different and at times I forgot it was taking place in Germany because my mind kept defaulting to Peter. That said, I really liked Tobi and Vanessa as a team and I hope they show up more in the future (hopefully in a partnership with the Folly).
I was a bit underwhelmed by this. On one hand, it was great to finally learn more about the German practitioners after they've been teased so long and the book does a good job going into their history and different practices (which they operate quite differently from the Folly), but on the other hand this felt more like a standard Rivers of London book with German words sprinkled in. Not enough was changed tonally or in the narrative voice to make me feel this was anything different and at times I forgot it was taking place in Germany because my mind kept defaulting to Peter. That said, I really liked Tobi and Vanessa as a team and I hope they show up more in the future (hopefully in a partnership with the Folly).
Likes:
- You learn a lot about the German practitioners that so far have just been briefly referenced or alluded to by Nightingale. On a similar note, I liked seeing their perspective of Nightingale and Peter.
- The German practitioners definitely handle things differently than the Folly.
- I liked meeting the German river deities and they seemed very different from the ones in England.
- Tobi and Vanessa were a good team and had a professional dynamic. Both brought different things to the table and I hope we see more of them in future books.
Dislikes:
- I don't think Tobi was differentiated enough from Peter. Sure he had different interests and background but they narrated things largely the same way. There were times I'd be reading it and my mind would lapse to Peter doing the adventure until something that reminded me this was taking place in Germany.
- Similarly, this doesn't read that differently than the other Rivers of London books. While I'm not sure if that's a bad thing because it feels it contributes to an identity for the series, it still felt out of place here especially the prevalence of the British humor. I think besides the German words sprinkled throughout there's not enough that really gives it a German identity.
Other Notes:
- There's a scene of an attempted rape just to warn anyone that might bother.
Would Recommend To:
- Anyone who has read and enjoyed the earlier books in the series. I wouldn't say it's one of the stronger books but it brings more of the same and finally introduces the German practitioners that have been hinted at for so long. It's also fairly self-contained so I feel this could be read before the others as well, it does a decent job re-introducing concepts such as forma and vestigia.
Do Not Recommend To:
- Anyone who isn't interested in police procedurals or magic in the real world. I think this is standalone enough that it can be read without reading the other books in the series as well so I don't think it's a requirement to read them first.