Like 3.5 stars. I know the book is about London, but Jesus, stop talking about London. Still cool though. ( )

As if Griffin/Webb needed to do any better than with the astounding first novel in this series, but somehow she managed to one up herself in this second book in the story of Matthew Swift and the Electric Blue Angels. She delves ever deeper into the magic of London, this time focusing on the inate powers of the city itself and specifically the persona of the Midnight Mayor (and his accompanying dragons). For those of us who understand the allure and power of the world that lives hidden in the shadows that the daylight-blinded of humanity never notice the concept of a Midnight Mayor fits perfectly with urban magical lore, and is even more perfect in his/its role as the protector of one of the world's oldest and greatest cities. I don't think that we could have asked for a better sequel to a Madness of Angels (which had Matthew break with his roots), since this book firmly re-establishes his (and the angels') place in the reconfigured almost-sorcerer-free city of London with new responsibilities and new challenges. ( )

Well, crap. I loved A Madness of Angels and both the Magicals Anonymous books. But this one is just pain danger and fear and a generousness of dislike in all characters. I’m half way through and may abandon it if it doesn’t improve.

Finished it and will attempt book 3, but getting impatient with the dense negative story.

Splendid. Perhaps not as "my mind! it just went out my EARS!" as [b:A Madness of Angels|6186355|A Madness of Angels (Matthew Swift #1)|Kate Griffin|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1305861910s/6186355.jpg|6366640], but perhaps that is only because I'm now familiar with Ms Griffin's lush and grimy style and Matthew Swift's on-the-fly panache; neither are any less joyous, but they are not as sparkling-new. There is no disappointment, only proper old-school wonder. ( )

You can read my review of the book here: http://www.thegenretraveler.com/fantasy/travel-reads-the-midnight-mayor/ ( )