Stone and Sky by Ben Aaronovitch is exactly the kind of book that makes me wish there were more hours in the day so I could devour it in one sitting. If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, wit, and well-crafted world-building, this one has it all—and then some.

Set in Aaronovitch’s ever-expanding world, the story continues to deliver that unique blend of sharp dialogue, magical intrigue, and just the right amount of humor. The main character’s voice is as fresh and self-aware as ever, and the way he navigates the increasingly complicated layers of magic and mystery is just as compelling as the first time I picked up one of his books.

What I love most about Aaronovitch’s writing is how effortlessly he blends the fantastical with the everyday. There’s something both grounded and thrilling about his characters—ordinary people, in extraordinary circumstances, trying to figure it all out while cracking jokes and making bad decisions. It feels real, even when the magic gets absolutely bonkers.

In Stone and Sky, the stakes are high, but the tension is never overwhelming. It’s a fun read that pulls you in with ease, and before you know it, you’re fully invested in the mystery, the characters, and the little twists that Aaronovitch throws your way. The plot moves at a great pace, with plenty of surprises, and the magical system continues to be one of the most creative parts of the series.

I won’t spoil too much, but I will say that the ending left me wanting more—though in the best possible way. This series isn’t just about magic or mysteries; it’s about characters that you come to care about, flaws and all. And I can’t wait to see where Aaronovitch takes us next.

Stone and Sky is the latest installment in Ben Aaronovitch's The Rivers of London series, bringing back Peter Grant (with his whole family) and Abigail Kamara (with Indigo in tow too) as the main characters. For those who have enjoyed Aaronovitch's recent novellas and short stories, Stone and Sky continues to build out more of this fantastical version of the world. For those who have enjoyed the earlier characters from the series, the newest book marks a comfortable return. Highly enjoyed!

Peter Grant is back again, and this time he’s headed to sunny Scotland…Aberdeen specifically. What is meant to be a nice holiday with the family turns into a collection of weird bollocks happenings—a magical black panther hunt (the animal, not the organization), a murdered merman, and shifty local “fishermen” abound. But the real villain may truly be Big Oil, a mundane but insidious culprit that even normal policing can’t bring to heel. Luckily, Peter’s brought along a host of help, including Nightingale’s newest apprentice, the canny Abigail-who-talks-to-foxes.

Stone & Sky is rather evenly split between Peter and Abigail’s perspectives, which was a smart move because so much was happening throughout Aberdeenshire. I attended university in Aberdeen, so it was a true pleasure seeing it so well-represented in one of my favorite urban fantasy series! The mystery is twisty, the characters colorful, and there’s even some romance in Abigail’s future! But as Peter is often reminded, they do things differently in Scotland, so be prepared for all sorts of hijinks and obstacles in pursuit of keeping the Queen’s peace.

Thanks to DAW for providing me an ARC of Stone & Sky through Netgalley. I will be posting my review on Goodreads about two weeks before the release date. My review is, as always, truthful and unbiased, and I hope it helps introduce readers to new books they will love!