False Value

De: Ben Aaronovitch

Narrado por: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

The eighth book of the bestselling Rivers of London urban fantasy series returns to the adventures of Peter Grant, detective and apprentice wizard, as he solves magical crimes in the city of London.

Peter Grant is facing fatherhood, and an uncertain future, with equal amounts of panic and enthusiasm. Rather than sit around, he takes a job with émigré Silicon Valley tech genius Terrence Skinner's brand new London start up—the Serious Cybernetics Company.

Drawn into the orbit of Old Street's famous 'silicon roundabout', Peter must learn how to blend in with people who are both civilians and geekier than he is. Compared to his last job, Peter thinks it should be a doddle. But magic is not finished with Mama Grant's favourite son.

Because Terrence Skinner has a secret hidden in the bowels of the SCC. A technology that stretches back to Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, and forward to the future of artificial intelligence. A secret that is just as magical as it technological—and just as dangerous.

Reseñas de la Crítica

Praise for the Rivers of London series:

"A low-income housing tower gone awry, an old enemy with a bone to pick...and a shocker of an ending—Broken Homes is a delight." —Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times-bestselling author

"The prose is witty, the plot clever, and the characters incredibly likeable." —Time Out

"This series is a constant joy to read....I’ve been looking forward all year to find out what happened next, and the book did not disappoint.” —Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library

"It's witty, fun, and full of vivid characters, and the plot twists will keep even seasoned mystery fans guessing." —Publishers Weekly

“The perfect blend of CSI and Harry Potter.” —io9

"This book is, at its heart, a police procedural with an overlay of urban fantasy elements. The voice is persuasive and funny as all get-out, and the reader is engaged with the narrative from the very first page. Aaronovitch has written a diverse cast of characters who all feel like real people with their own specific motivations. This book is simply wonderful." —RT Reviews (top pick)

"The most satisfying fantasy thriller to hit bookshelves in quite some time." —SFX Magazine

"The most entertaining book that I have read in such a long time.... It's very funny, it's very clever, it's very nicely written.... It's such a treat." —Nancy Pearl

"Aaronovitch makes the story sing, building momentum until the ending is literally breathless.” —SF Revu

"Aaronovitch has a very witty, casual voice, with a tendency toward sarcasm and humor, which is threaded throughout Broken Homes. And a few crazy plot twists will devastate and delight fans in equal measure." —RT Reviews

Brilliant installment to a brilliant series

Another brilliant installment to an already brilliant series. Worth every moment I spent listening to it.

Another Genius Entry

I have never been let down by a Rivers novel, and the streak continues. Aaronovitch and Holdbrook-Smith are both equally masters of their craft, and combined, make for a rare treat in the Audiobook world.

The interview at the end was also a great intimate touch. The publishers should make it known how to submit a question for the next round.

A new chapter for Peter

I loved this book. Well crafted with good character development - Aaronovitch gives his characters room to change and change. We seen old friends and meet new. It’s fast paced and delightful. It’s funny and sad and bittersweet. Read it - you won’t regret it.

My only complaint in the interview at the end is useless and shouldn’t have been included with with book. Just fast forward.

Strongly recommend Audible version with Kobna Holdbrook-Smith. Includes an interview w Kobna and Ben Aaronovitch.

I’ve always enjoyed Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s brilliant voice-acting, which brings the characters and the book to life. I always preorder both Kindle and Audiobook. I neglected to review this audiobook in February 2020 when I read it, because I was distracted by reports of a new Corona SARS retrovirus spreading in China.

Peter Grant is off on a new adventure, working for a secretive, Silicon Valley tech company that relocated to London. Peter is hired for the Vogon Enforcement Arm—also known as Security—of the Serious Cybernetics Corporation. I enjoyed Ben Aaronovitch’s eyebrow-raising take on geek/human culture in computer labs and cubicles. Also loved the Easter Eggs!

Book #7 “Lies Sleeping” disappointed, so I’m happy the author charts a new direction. Fresh characters are introduced, including American practitioners called “the Librarians.” Yes, it’s eye-roll worthy, because of a TV series with the same name and similar characters. Favorite characters include: Guleed, Abigal, Dr. Walid, Beverley Brook, Professor Postmartin, Molly & Toby, and of course, Nightingale.

There’s action and fun with gunfire, explosions, killer drones, return of the eerie Rose Jars, talking foxes, foot chases, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy references, hyperthaumaturgical degradation, fisticuffs, and combat magicks with Nightingale.

The only distractions to reading enjoyment are provided by oddly interspersed flashbacks—especially at the beginning—which jumps the reader back in time, by one month.

Another outstanding performance.

Ben adds the perfect amount of background information and distraction to keep you from guessing the plot until he reveals it.

headline for a review

like all the others, it went way to fast.
Joy often does. never the less, a wonderful adventure.

Amazing

Absolutely wonderful book and a great entry into what is becoming one of my favorite series. A pretty complex plot that keeps you guessing throughout.

Bruv

I love these books, and the unique form of the magic always is a point of "I wish I could translate this into an alternative magic system for [X] TTRPG."
the characters are well performed, the story never drags and even the bits of procedural are kept interesting. honestly, just read it... well, listen to it I guess. this series is so worth your time and easy to have in background or as your focus. it's my third time through at this point?

Best narrator alive, incredible storytelling

Listening to Kobna throughout this entire series has been the most pleasurable and rewarding experience of any audiobook. I’ve ever discovered his timing, range of accents, warmth and depth are truly unmatched in the world of narration. This is one of my favorite series of all time and going through it a second time, even more of its richness and depth emerge. It’s incredible to listen back to the early books and appreciate the author’s grasp of both technology and culture, and the interweaving of magic with our modern world. Cannot wait for a book 10!

like meeting old friends..

Loved every minute. All the bits between Bev and Peter are sweet and warm. The "wha???" at the end spiked my anticipation for the next book. DO NOT MISS the interview. Great fun. Thank you Ben and Kobna for the laughs and smiles!