Released: 20th February 2020
Genre: Crime, Fiction, Modern
Number of Pages: 404
Now into its eighth entry, the Peter Grant franchise continues with a more subdued and contemporary take when compared to previous outings.
With the antics of the Faceless Man put down and Leslie May having vanished, PC and trainee wizard Peter Grant has found himself reassigned to Serious Cybernetics Corporation. Led by corporate CEO Tyrel Johnson, his now role in security sees him looking into a curious case of rogue drones and cyber-attacks. It soon becomes apparent that magic is now being used to hijack modern technology and with Nightingale and The Folly in support, a new series of objectives emerges.
Previous novels in the series involved historical trappings causing problems in the present day, but this one leans towards our modern society. It makes solid use of current issues without becoming overbearing. It also does this while blending it with Peter’s regular life; with our leading man set to become a father, the story still sees fit to convey his more laidback side and with witty dialogue to boot. Aaronvitch’s style translates effortlessly into this new release and delivers the little details and references with levity.
On the other hand, the new acquaintances Peter makes at aren’t all that memorable, mostly being left to the background as the protagonist conducts his investigations. This includes most of the fellow staff at the SCC. In a bid to move into new territory, not every element follows through in the same way previous books did; every character was well established and fleshed out in the series so far, but the new additions feel rather detached here. Be that as it may, you’ll still be invested into Grant’s escapades, which rely a lot less on intense action and more on a gradual reveal of information.
Recommended?
YES: In many ways, False Value is a cool-off from previous novels, but it’s still a witty, well-written escapade. It makes solid use of its technological focus to craft a new direction for the series. The stakes are lowered considerably, but if you’ve followed the series up to this point, it continues to offer its own unique brand of magic hybridised with the UK capital
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