Midnight Riot

"Midnight Riot," also known as "Rivers of London" in some regions, is the first book in a series of urban fantasy novels by British author Ben Aaronovitch. The audiobook version is narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, who delivers a captivating performance that perfectly captures the wit, humor, and supernatural elements of the story.

The Plot

"Midnight Riot" follows the story of Peter Grant, a young constable in London's Metropolitan Police who discovers that he has a natural talent for magic. He is soon recruited by Detective Inspector Thomas Nightingale, the last wizard in England, to help investigate a series of supernatural crimes that have been occurring throughout the city.

As Peter delves deeper into the world of magic and the supernatural, he must navigate the complex and often dangerous politics of London's magical community. Along the way, he meets a variety of intriguing characters, including a river goddess, a talking dog, and a ghost who haunts the city's underground tunnels.

The Characters

One of the strengths of "Midnight Riot" audiobook is its well-drawn characters. Peter is a likable and relatable protagonist, with his dry wit and self-deprecating humor. He is also a brave and determined character, who is willing to risk his own safety to protect the people of London. His mentor, Nightingale, is a more enigmatic and reserved character, but his calm and steady presence provides a nice contrast to Peter's impulsive nature.

The supporting characters in "Midnight Riot" are also well-developed, from Peter's tech-savvy friend, to his boss at the police department, to the various magical creatures and beings that he encounters. Each character has their own unique personality and backstory, and their interactions with Peter and each other are engaging and entertaining.

The Narration

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith's narration of "Midnight Riot" audiobook is superb, bringing the story and characters to life with his skillful performance. Holdbrook-Smith's delivery is nuanced and expressive, capturing the humor and suspense of the story with equal skill. He also does an excellent job of differentiating between the various characters, giving each one their own distinct voice and personality.

In addition to his strong vocal performance, Holdbrook-Smith also adds an extra layer of authenticity to the audiobook. As a British actor and voiceover artist, he is able to deliver the story's uniquely British humor and wit with ease, making it a truly immersive listening experience.

The Production

The production values of "Midnight Riot" audiobook are excellent, with crisp and clear sound quality and no distracting background noise or other technical issues. The music and sound effects used throughout the audiobook add an extra layer of atmosphere, creating a vivid sense of the world and the characters' experiences.

Conclusion

"Midnight Riot" audiobook is a delightful and entertaining urban fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a supernatural twist. With its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and excellent narration, "Midnight Riot" audiobook is a must-listen for urban fantasy fans. Whether you're a fan of magic and the supernatural or simply looking for an enjoyable and immersive audiobook, "Midnight Riot" is a great choice.