Books you should read... and other books

There are some books that have come out recently that are similar... yet completely different.

The first two books in the Laundry series, by Charles Stross, The Atrocity Archives and The Jennifer Morgue. They feature Bob Howard, a smug arrogant white guy who has toys to help him fight the Cthulhu menace. He works for an entire government department dedicated to stop this menace. The stories are about some nameless horror, and happen to feature people. I read the first two books... and although there are more, I'm done.

The first two books in the Peter Grant series, by Ben Aaronovitch, Rivers of London(*) and Moon Over Soho. They feature Peter Grant, a flawed black guy that is just learning how to use magic. He works under Nightingale, the one other copper who is the entire police response to the supernatural menace. The stories are about people, and happen to feature supernatural creatures. I've read the first two books... and I want more!

You might be able to guess which series I prefer. Shoving in Cthulhu doesn't make something readable. Here, the talent will out, and I'm going with Ben.

(*) Also known as Midnight Riot, which unless you know you might end up with basically two copies of the first book. Grrr!

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