The Magic is Fading

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

I was dissapointed by the third of Ben Aaronovith's books, it seems like he is just churning out the books to meet publishers demands, rather than keeping the stories as original and fun as the first book.

What will your next listen be?

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

What does Kobna Holdbrook-Smith bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Kobna gives that urban feel to the character, making him very believable. It would be difficult to listen to anyone else narrating it.

What character would you cut from Broken Homes?

It doesn't need characters removing, the story just needs to be more original and focused. The ending of this book was very dissapointing and incomplete.

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Will have to recommend these books.

Never fails to entertain and now I am on tender hooks. These audio books are so well read that I can't think of reading them myself. downloading the next one now.

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best book

amazing listen! 2nd time through and I loved every last minute of it. Gripping marvel.

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I am completely addicted to these books!!!

What did you like most about Broken Homes?

This is the fourth of a series and I have listened to them all. I absolutely love them and this one was as good as all the others. You definitely need to have listened to the others before you read this one but it is fantastic. As good, inventive and gripping as all the previous ones. I love the fact that they each lead on from the last without any appreciable gaps.

Quite often, in a series, there are lots of "what happened in the last ones" paragraphs which get really boring if you have, actually, read the last ones!! Ben Aaronovitch does not bother with this, except for a few fleeting mentions, which act as an aide memoirs for the reader, assuming that we knows what has gone before.


It is important to note that I don't much like sci-fi/fantasy fiction. However, this is set in London, which I know really well, so am able to relate to the areas described in the books. The first one, is set in and around Soho, for instance, which most visitors to London will recognise. There is a fantasy element, though, which is impossible to ignore, but this is interwoven with lots of 'normal' police and everyday activity, making a believable story from some unbelievable ideas.

What other book might you compare Broken Homes to, and why?

Can't think of anything I have read that compares with this

What about Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s performance did you like?

I love his voice and the fact that I really think of him as this character. I fantasise about the TV, or film adaptations of this series (someone must do it, surely?!) and he is the only actor I would want to see in the role. ( I have mentally cast the rest of the characters, if the BBC or anyone else is interested!!)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh yes, I got into trouble on holiday for spending so much time with my headphones on, being antisocial, as I could not stop listening!

Any additional comments?

If you haven't read any of these, get Rivers of London NOW

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Funny and captivating

This is another great novel from Ben Aaronovich in the Rivers of London series. The story is well-plotted and as usual illuminated with lovely flashes of humour. Once again Aaranovich throws a series of weird and wonderful accents and voices for Kobna Holdbrook-Smith to deal with, and once again he rises to the challenge superbly. These books are just great entertainment.

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Another cool story

juat as complicated as always but really cool. The only strange thing was that he kept slipping into lesleys voice whenzspeaking as Peter

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helterskelter

I love the twists in this series. brilliant narration and always leaves you eager to start the next book! downloading the next one now :)

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Excellent sequel

If you could sum up Broken Homes in three words, what would they be?

I have listened to the two other books and this fits in perfectly. Good story line, some good twists and an excellent ending. This series is Harry potter meets the Sweeney.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is difficult knowing the ending, so I will have to go with the 'inspector'

Which character – as performed by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith – was your favourite?

They were all very good,

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

DIY was very difficult to put down

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to the next one, just one question Who is the faceless man ?

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Can't wait for the next one!

What did you like most about Broken Homes?

Another unique and well written book following this fascinating series which is hard to stop listening to. Always the best sort!
Easy to pick up from the previous books and exciting to see how the storyline is developing over time.

What did you like best about this story?

Feels like you know the characters so well now and it was great to see how they and the exploits of the Folly have moved on into new adventures.

What about Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s performance did you like?

Great characters throughout the book and an easy listen.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Just made me want to keep reading!

Any additional comments?

This is the only series of books that my 16 year old son has completely listened to from my Audible collection without exception and the title of this review is his words when he finished this book. A great endorsement!

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Super spooky London

Where does Broken Homes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my favourite audio books along with the other titles by Ben Aaronovitch in this series.

What did you like best about this story?

Building on the narrative of the previous books, although a stand alone listen, this book is probably best listened to after absorbing the previous three titles. The wicked combination of murder, mystery and magic set in the capital is served up with lashings of humour and terrific characterisations.

Have you listened to any of Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s other performances? How does this one compare?

The narrator is perfect for this taking the principal character and making him real.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The humour in this book is part of its charm coupled with the descriptions of locations in London are a huge part of the charm of this listen.

Any additional comments?

Well worth a listen I am sure that you will become hooked on the antics of PC Peter Grant and his collegues in the MET Police.

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