Review by Booklist Review
Detective Inspector Quill's special squad is dedicated to standing against the powers of darkness, though they are careful not to advertise that mission to those unaware of London's occult underbelly. This makes for some tricky operations in this sequel to London Calling (2013), as Quill and his team must continually justify their unorthodox investigation into a series of impossible Ripper-style murders. An impending police strike and a string of political riots obscure the case's true nature; the only certainty is that although the Sight might let them see danger approaching, it doesn't protect them from it. Cornell brings a dry, understated wit to this supernatural crime procedural without lessening the impact of its graphic violence and horror, though repeat cameos by Neil Gaiman may distract from its verisimilitude. Cornell better differentiates his four troubled narrators as their personal story lines diverge: Ross and Costain are in competition to acquire a rare magical device, Sefton is haunted by accidentally causing a death, and Quill's own research takes him all the way to hell for answers. This series has endless potential, and new readers can confidently start with either volume.--Hutley, Krista Copyright 2014 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Cornell follows London Falling with new personal, political, and procedural adventures for Det. Insp. James Quill and his three Sight-gifted colleagues. The team is being strangled by austerity measures and a mission that's difficult to justify to superiors who don't know about or believe in magic. This fast-paced thrill ride doesn't skimp on the grit and gore as a Jack the Ripper copycat-whom only the Sighted can see-begins targeting London's rich and powerful white men. Cornell doesn't sidestep personal drama, either, as the investigators pursue disparate and sometimes conflicting personal goals, both in and out of the "other" world, sacrificing much in the process. Although there are some gimmicky side plots that draw attention and pages away from the main focus, the team's continued struggle to understand the dark and terrifying side of London is gripping. This book is a strong follow-up, a good standalone story, and an excellent read for fans of dark urban fantasy. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
The cops in DI Jim Quill's squad have gained a special sight that allows them access to the magic of London. The city is in the middle of a class war, with masked protesters taking to the streets to challenge income inequality and class privilege. When a cabinet minister and the commissioner of police are killed by one of the flash mobs, it is assumed that they were targeted because of their wealth and power. But the squad fears the Smiling Man they faced before is still at the center of the unrest. VERDICT Lacking some of the originality of the first volume (2013's London Falling), this is still one of the more unusual combinations of dark fantasy and police procedural. Fans of Ben Aaronovitch will likely enjoy this (more serious) series. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The follow-up to London Falling (2013), an odd book that morphed from police procedural into urban-fantasy thriller.In the opener, detectives Tony Costain and Kev Sefton, DI James Quill and police intelligence analyst Lisa Ross acquired supernatural powers when they touched a pile of dirt used by their quarry, evil witch Mora Losleyand in the process discovered the existence of an entire occult London behind and below the mundane city. This time, the city's swarming with protestors and rioters enraged by austerity-inspired budget cuts; even the Metropolitan Police are planning a strike (which would be illegal). Then a prominent member of Parliament gets carved to ribbons inside a sealed car by an apparently invisible assailant. When Quill and company examine the car, they seethough nobody else doessplashes of a mercurylike silver substance that seems to be concentrated magic. Other gruesome killings swiftly follow, with only one cluethe perpetrator's efforts to make them resemble those of the legendary Jack the Ripper. (Really? Isn't it about time to let Mr. Ripper RIP?) The team focuses on gangster twins Barry and Terry Keel, whose various enterprises are known to cater to an occult clientele. Ross becomes obsessed with locating a magical artifact that might help her free her father from hell. Also in town is author Neil Gaiman (the very same), who chips in some useful informationbut can he be trusted? How is ruthless newspaper tycoon Russell Vincent involved? What of the enigmatic occult powers known as John the Rat King and the Smiling Man? With its refreshingly flawed characters, the narrative interweaves its multiple strands mostly successfully, while the tone veers between jocular horror (less) and all-out macabre thrills (more). Stir in a deep political undercurrent that eventually forces its way into the plot's mainstream.Gripping enough if insufficiently original to be a major standout. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Review by Library Journal Review
Review by Kirkus Book Review
