Thursday, February 20, 2020

ARC Review: False Value by Ben Aaronovitch

False Value
Author: Ben Aaronovitch
Series: Rivers of London (Book 8)
Publication: DAW (February 25, 2020)

Description: 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.

My Thoughts: Peter Grant goes undercover at the Serious Cybernetics Company which is owned by American Terrence Skinner. He is working to discover if Skinner is doing something illegal - maybe money laundering. What he finds in much more and much more magical.

He finds a mystery that perhaps starts with Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage and has to do with an independent artificial intelligence. Only this intelligence is tangled up with magic. Also looking for this magical thing are a couple of librarians from New York City. Apparently, the New York Public Library is a hub for magic in the United States.

While Peter is trying to figure out what is going on, he is also getting used to the idea that he is soon to be a father of twins. Beverly Brook is pregnant. Given that she is a goddess of a river, planning their future together has some complications.

I loved this addition to the Rivers of London series. I really enjoy Peter's snarky and irreverent personality. The story is fast-paced and the mystery was well-developed. Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode.

Favorite Quote:
"Stop, police!" I shouted, on the basis that one of these days it was going to have the right effect.
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

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