Order of Rivers of London Book Series

The "Rivers of London" series is a captivating blend of urban fantasy and detective fiction, set against the vibrant backdrop of modern-day London. Designed by a coalition of talented writers including Ben Aaronovitch, Celeste Bronfman, Andrew Cartmel, Lee Sullivan, José María Beroy, and Brian Williamson, this series follows the adventures of rookie police constable Peter Grant, who discovers that the city’s rivers are more than just waterways—they are alive with magic and inhabited by unique entities.

As the series unfolds, Peter navigates a labyrinth of crime, supernatural occurrences, and ancient mythologies, all while working with the enigmatic and powerful wizard, Thomas Nightingale. Each book intricately weaves together elements of British folklore, history, and humor, creating a rich tapestry that captures the essence of London. With engaging characters and clever plotting, the authors invite readers to explore the hidden mysteries of the city, from the banks of the Thames to the depths of its supernatural underbelly.

The collaboration among these accomplished authors enhances the storytelling, offering diverse perspectives and styles while maintaining a cohesive narrative that keeps readers immersed in the River Thames' watery depths. With its blend of charm, grit, and the supernatural, the "Rivers of London" series invites fans of mystery and fantasy to plunge into a world where the past intertwines with the present, making every page a riveting exploration of the magic lurking just beneath the surface of everyday life.

The "Rivers of London" series, also known as the "Peter Grant" series, primarily written by Ben Aaronovitch, follows the adventures of a young police officer named Peter Grant who becomes involved in the supernatural side of London. There are also graphic novels and various adaptations with contributions from different authors and artists. Below is a description of the main books written by Ben Aaronovitch and some associated works. Please note that the specific contributions of co-authors and artists may vary, especially in graphic novels.

Main Novels by Ben Aaronovitch:

1. Rivers of London (2011)

   • The first book introduces Peter Grant, a probationary constable with the Metropolitan Police. After encountering a ghost at a murder scene, he is recruited by detective and magician, Nightingale, to learn about magic and the supernatural. The novel sets up the backdrop of a London steeped in mythology and magical beings linked to the city's rivers.

2. Moon Over Soho (2011)

   • Peter investigates a series of mysterious deaths in Soho, connected to jazz music and the world of magic. This installment deepens Peter’s engagement with the magical community and introduces new characters who play significant roles in future books.

3. Whispers Under Ground (2012)

   • Following a body found in the London Underground, Peter dives into the history of the Tube and the darker aspects of magic associated with it. The story blends urban exploration with magical elements and further develops Peter’s relationship with his mentor, Nightingale.

4. Broken Homes (2013)

   • As Peter continues his investigations, he becomes entangled with a rogue magician and the hidden world of architecture and magic in London. This book explores themes of power and legacy, showcasing urban magic at its finest.

5. Foxglove Summer (2014)

   • Peter takes a break from London to help investigate a case involving missing children in the fictional town of Herefordshire. This installment features a more rural setting and introduces new supernatural elements distinct from London’s urban magic.

6. The Hanging Tree (2016)

   • When a young girl is found dead at a vigil, Peter becomes embroiled in the investigation. The plot weaves together themes of morality, ancient rights, and familial bonds, showcasing Peter's growth as both a detective and a magician.

7. Lies Sleeping (2018)

   • This installment deals with the aftermath of previous events as Peter faces the consequences of actions taken against their enemies. The plot thickens with political intrigue and battles for power among the magical beings of London.

8. False Value (2020)

   • Peter’s new job in the tech industry unexpectedly draws him into a complex web of corporate espionage and magical threats. The book highlights the intersection of technology and magic in modern society.

9. Dead Ground (2022)

   • The latest novel sees Peter called back to solve a case deeply intertwined with London's underground. Familiar characters return as Peter tackles the dual challenges of his duties and the ever-present threat of supernatural forces.

Graphic Novels and Other Works:

• The Rivers of London: Body Work (2013) - A graphic novel continuing Peter’s adventures, which deals with the consequences of magic and Peter's experiences as a policeman.
• The Rivers of London: Night Witch (2016) - Another graphic novel focusing on a new character and exploring the magical realms intertwined with the narrative.
• The Rivers of London: Black Mould (2019) - This graphic novel delves deeper into the magical lore of London with a plot involving dark magic and urban exploration.

Other Collaborations:

• Works by other authors and artists like Celeste Bronfman, Andrew Cartmel, Lee Sullivan, José María Beroy, and Brian Williamson contribute to the graphic novel adaptations and explorations of the world that Ben Aaronovitch created, adding depth and diversity to the story through illustrations and additional narrative perspectives.

Overall, the "Rivers of London" series blends police procedural elements with rich folklore, creating a unique urban fantasy that captures both the essence of London and the complexity of its magical underbelly.

The "Rivers of London" series is primarily written by Ben Aaronovitch, with associated comic book adaptations and graphic novels featuring contributions from other creators such as Andrew Cartmel, Lee Sullivan, and José María Beroy. The main characters of the series include:

1. Peter Grant: The protagonist, Peter is a young police constable in London who discovers he has magical abilities. He becomes an apprentice to the wizard and detective, Thomas Nightingale, and combines his police work with magical investigations.

2. Thomas Nightingale: A senior officer in the Metropolitan Police and a powerful wizard. He becomes Peter's mentor, guiding him in the arcane arts while also tackling supernatural cases.

3. Lesley May: Peter's friend and a fellow police officer who becomes involved in Peter's magical world. She has a strong and independent personality and plays a significant role in Peter's life.

4. Night Witch: An ancient and powerful river spirit who can be both an ally and an adversary. She embodies aspects of London's rivers and is integral to the mythology surrounding the city.

5. The Rivers: Personifications of the various rivers of London, each with their own distinct personality and quirks, such as:

   • Beverley Brook: A river spirit with a caring demeanor.
   • Portsmouth: A rival character who embodies more prickly and competitive traits.

6. The Folly: A magical place and a hub of supernatural activity in London, where Peter and Nightingale conduct their magical investigations.

7. Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Jacqueline "Jax" Trewlove: A colleague of Peter’s, who becomes involved in many of the investigations and helps bridge the gap between the magical and mundane worlds.

These characters navigate a world where London's history, magic, and policing intersect, blending mystery, urban fantasy, and humor. Each addition to the series expands on their adventures and further develops their relationships with each other and the magical elements of London.

The "Rivers of London" series, primarily written by Ben Aaronovitch, features a blend of urban fantasy, supernatural elements, and crime fiction set in contemporary London. While several comics and spin-offs have involved contributions from various authors and artists, here are some interesting facts about the main series and its collaborations:

1. Main Series: The series began with the novel "Rivers of London" (also known as "Midnight Riot" in the U.S.) published in 2011. It introduces readers to Peter Grant, a police constable who becomes an apprentice to a wizard in the Metropolitan Police.

2. Character Development: Peter Grant, the protagonist, is notable for his relatable personality, humor, and a deep sense of curiosity. His background as a mixed-race Londoner reflects modern multicultural Britain, enhancing the series' connection to real-life urban issues.

3. Magical Realism: One of the series' distinctive features is the integration of real London geography and history with magical elements. The characters interact with various spirits, gods, and mythical beings related to the rivers and their histories.

4. Inspiration from Thus Spoke Zarathustra: Aaronovitch has stated that the influence of Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy can be seen in the character of the river god, which adds a layer of depth to the series' exploration of belief systems and powers.

5. Spin-off Comics: The "Rivers of London" universe has expanded beyond novels into comic books. The series has several graphic novels illustrated by various artists, including Andrew Cartmel, Lee Sullivan, and José María Beroy, providing an alternative storytelling method for fans.

6. Adaptation: The series has been optioned for a television adaptation, showcasing the growing popularity of urban fantasy in current media. The potential series will bring the vibrant and magical world of London’s rivers to a broader audience.

7. Cultural Commentary: The series often addresses social issues such as class distinctions, gentrification, and the impact of modernization on both people and the environment, all carefully woven into the narrative.

8. Writing Style: Ben Aaronovitch's writing style is characterized by witty dialogue and a playful tone, which makes complex themes accessible. His background in television writing has influenced the pacing and structure of the novels.

9. Expanded Universe: Collaborations with other writers and artists, such as Celeste Bronfman and Brian Williamson, have allowed for the development of side stories and supplementary material, enriching the universe with diverse perspectives.

10. Popularity and Reception: The "Rivers of London" series has garnered a sizable fanbase, receiving positive reviews for its innovative storytelling, character development, and humor. It has been nominated for and won multiple literary awards in the fantasy genre.

Overall, the "Rivers of London" series is known for its unique blend of urban fantasy and crime, deep character work, and rich depiction of London, making it a standout in contemporary fantasy literature.