Hello hello and welcome or welcome back to my little bookish corner of the internet. Today I’m sharing my review of the graphic novel Rivers of London: Deadly Ever After.
Synopsis
Illustrations from a mysterious book of fairy tales drawn in the late 1800s are coming to life in the 21st Century and causing havoc. The illustrations were originally painted by a Victorian artist called Jeter Day who disappeared one night in an enchanted forest when he was spirited away by tree nymphs never to be seen again…
Now, with the enchantment accidentally broken by Olympia and Chelsea, daughters of the river goddess Mama Thames, Jeter, twisted by his time spent with the nymphs, has returned to our world bitter and resentful. It is a world he neither recognises nor likes. All he wants is his life returned to him and woe betide any man who stands in his way.
With Peter and Nightingale busy on another case, it falls to sisters Olympia and Chelsea with the help of the Foxes to stop Jeter and save the day.
Illustrations Review
As in previous Rivers of London graphic novels (see my reviews here and here), Deadly Ever After is illustrated in a realistic manner. Expressions are captured in genuine ways, and the uses of magic are displayed in a style that you could almost see them happening around you. The talent in the drawing is admirable and easy to become absorbed in, despite some very challenging panels within the story.
Story Review
The whole Rivers of London cast is full of memorable characters, and even those that only crop up on the odd occasion leave their mark. Chelsea and Olympia are not my favourite characters but it was interesting to see the story of this magical world told from different perspectives. We’re used to seeing things from Peter’s point of view, and sometimes Abligail’s, so this made for a refreshing take on things.
The twins are more than a bit entitled, yet their strength of character shines through here, and it’s clear they want to do the right thing, especially when it comes it correcting their mistakes. When they need to lean on others, it is done somewhat with cap in hand, as they are well known for being in the middle of trouble. They make for interesting protagonists, and really drive your interest in what they have to say, which is all you can ask for in lead characters.
When it comes to the fairy tales coming to life, they are done so in typical Rivers of London style: it is both entertaining and vivid. The amusement connected to the side of the events, especially with the Frog Prince in this instance, takes the edge off things such as dangerous attacks, and this is a balance that is always struck well with this series. This graphic novel was no different, and I’ll be interested to see the next one.
Thanks for stopping by today for this review. If you’re looking for more of a selection of graphic novels, be sure to check out my reviews of Heartstopper, The Sad Ghost Club, and Lore Olympus too.
And On She Reads 