Short Stories, Longing for More: A Review of 'Tales From The Folly
4 stars
"Tales From The Folly" by Ben Aaronovitch offers an intriguing collection of short stories set in the enchanting world of the Rivers of London series. Many of these stories were initially included as exclusive bonuses in the Waterstones hardcover editions, making this compilation a treasure trove for fans. Notably, "Three Rivers" stands out as the only piece unique to this edition.
While I enjoyed immersing myself in these tales, I couldn't help but feel that most of them were incomplete. They often left me yearning for more, as if they were just tantalizing glimpses into larger narratives. Aaronovitch's full-length novels and novellas provide a more satisfying experience, whereas these short stories sometimes felt like they ended abruptly, leaving many threads unresolved.
For instance, stories like "The King of the Rats" and "Three Rivers, Two Husbands and a Baby" had the potential to delve deeper into their intriguing premises. Instead, they …
"Tales From The Folly" by Ben Aaronovitch offers an intriguing collection of short stories set in the enchanting world of the Rivers of London series. Many of these stories were initially included as exclusive bonuses in the Waterstones hardcover editions, making this compilation a treasure trove for fans. Notably, "Three Rivers" stands out as the only piece unique to this edition.
While I enjoyed immersing myself in these tales, I couldn't help but feel that most of them were incomplete. They often left me yearning for more, as if they were just tantalizing glimpses into larger narratives. Aaronovitch's full-length novels and novellas provide a more satisfying experience, whereas these short stories sometimes felt like they ended abruptly, leaving many threads unresolved.
For instance, stories like "The King of the Rats" and "Three Rivers, Two Husbands and a Baby" had the potential to delve deeper into their intriguing premises. Instead, they seemed to merely scratch the surface, offering just the beginning of a story before suddenly concluding. This left me with a sense of unfulfilled anticipation, wishing for a more comprehensive exploration of the characters and plotlines.
In essence, while "Tales From The Folly" provides delightful snippets of the Rivers of London universe, it may leave readers craving the depth and resolution found in Aaronovitch's longer works. It’s a must-read for dedicated fans who enjoy any addition to the series, but those new to the world might find the short stories less satisfying without the context of the full-length books.
