Matthew Swift, Midnight Mayor, is in charge. And London is having its issues. The new drug on the market is fairy dust and it turns humans into walking drug labs. Teenage vandals are being hunted by a mystical creature. And criminals are dying by magical means. If Swift is going to save London from a rising tide of blood, he's going to have to learn his lessons - and fast.
The Minority Council: A Matthew Swift novel
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Praise for the Matthew Swift series:
"London's magic has seldom if ever been brought to life so electrifyingly and convincingly." --- Mike Carey
"I'm fully convinced that Kate Griffin is a literary sorceress. She weaves the most intricate spells with clever, artful, snarky, luxurious prose, characters who are both painfully human and gloriously badass, and settings so magical you forget they're real places. When I get my hands on a new Kate Griffin book I put down everything else. She's just that good." --- N.K. Jemisin
"Griffin's novel mixes fantasy and reality into a plot that brings to mind Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere"." --- RT Book Reviews
"Griffin's lush prose and chatty dialogue...create a wonderful ambiance." --- Publishers Weekly
"I love a lot of things about this book....the narration has meat and vitality, and it sings. Griffin's updating of magic is simply brilliant." --- Charles de Lint
"You need to read this series. Hands down." --- BSCReview.com
"Quite possibly the best urban fantasy novel I had ever read." --- Robwillreview.com
"The people are complex and compelling. It's these characters, and the interplay between them, that help the novel shine" - SFX "Griffin has nailed it... fun" - SciFi Now
"London's magic has seldom if ever been brought to life so electrifyingly and convincingly." --- Mike Carey
"I'm fully convinced that Kate Griffin is a literary sorceress. She weaves the most intricate spells with clever, artful, snarky, luxurious prose, characters who are both painfully human and gloriously badass, and settings so magical you forget they're real places. When I get my hands on a new Kate Griffin book I put down everything else. She's just that good." --- N.K. Jemisin
"Griffin's novel mixes fantasy and reality into a plot that brings to mind Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere"." --- RT Book Reviews
"Griffin's lush prose and chatty dialogue...create a wonderful ambiance." --- Publishers Weekly
"I love a lot of things about this book....the narration has meat and vitality, and it sings. Griffin's updating of magic is simply brilliant." --- Charles de Lint
"You need to read this series. Hands down." --- BSCReview.com
"Quite possibly the best urban fantasy novel I had ever read." --- Robwillreview.com
"The people are complex and compelling. It's these characters, and the interplay between them, that help the novel shine" - SFX "Griffin has nailed it... fun" - SciFi Now
Book Description
The fourth novel detailing the adventures of resurrected sorcerer Matthew Swift in a tale of mystery, revenge and intrigue on the streets of a magical London
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By K. Maxwell
Format:Paperback
There's a drug on the streets of London destroying magicians and a shadow killing children and it's going to be up Matthew Swift to do something about about it, but can he trust his own council to help? Matthew has been settling into the job of Midnight Mayor in his own unique way, but it's not one which has gained him many allies among his own staff, or so he thinks.
I'm continuing to enjoy this series, though I think this installment was much darker in many ways than previous books. Also, the author's writing style seems to have changed a little in that it doesn't seem to be quite as witty as the earlier books. Matthew is at his most interesting in many ways when interacting with characters such as Penny who we already know and I'll be glad when this series gains a few more regular characters again after the events in [book:The Neon Court|8348904]. Overall, the ending makes me look forward to the next book in the series next year when I get my yearly dose of Matthew Swift. This is still one of the best urban fantasy series out there.
I'm continuing to enjoy this series, though I think this installment was much darker in many ways than previous books. Also, the author's writing style seems to have changed a little in that it doesn't seem to be quite as witty as the earlier books. Matthew is at his most interesting in many ways when interacting with characters such as Penny who we already know and I'll be glad when this series gains a few more regular characters again after the events in [book:The Neon Court|8348904]. Overall, the ending makes me look forward to the next book in the series next year when I get my yearly dose of Matthew Swift. This is still one of the best urban fantasy series out there.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Starling
Format:Paperback
With more than its fair share of Magic and Monsters, Kate Griffith's offers up plenty of clever ideas and characters wrapped in a London that is recognisable, but never in a tour guide book kind of way.
For me, part of the fun in reading these books is recognising the places I live and play in all neatly wrapped in a believable, evolving mythology. It is this growing mythology that lends itself to smart turns enjoyed through surprising plot twists and the different and unexpected characters and groups who populate this magical London.
Swift is a character who would sit easily as a supernatural counter-point to the BBC's Dr Who (sci-fi), Sherlock Holmes (crime and logic) and Dirk Gently (the metaphysical). He's an urban magician, in the vein of John Constantine, though less cynical and with perhaps more of a sense of community to the London he resides in, though never quite rules over.
An alloy of man and magic, Matthew Swift is a character comfortable in his own (shared) skin, sometimes naïve in his dogmatic approach, but not all together innocent. He has a sense of how difficult life can be for your average, and less than average Londoner, and how magic, more often than not, only adds to that difficulty.
In this book Matthew seems to have put his own stamp on the role of Midnight Mayor, and the fractious relationship with the Aldermen has developed its own rhythm and expectation. Griffith builds on familiar themes of the powerful and mighty being out of touch with, and caring little for, the low and lowly. While Matthew Swift's social conscience is more in the fore, Griffith seems to be having more fun with him as he increasingly grows into his prestigious role.... Read more ›
For me, part of the fun in reading these books is recognising the places I live and play in all neatly wrapped in a believable, evolving mythology. It is this growing mythology that lends itself to smart turns enjoyed through surprising plot twists and the different and unexpected characters and groups who populate this magical London.
Swift is a character who would sit easily as a supernatural counter-point to the BBC's Dr Who (sci-fi), Sherlock Holmes (crime and logic) and Dirk Gently (the metaphysical). He's an urban magician, in the vein of John Constantine, though less cynical and with perhaps more of a sense of community to the London he resides in, though never quite rules over.
An alloy of man and magic, Matthew Swift is a character comfortable in his own (shared) skin, sometimes naïve in his dogmatic approach, but not all together innocent. He has a sense of how difficult life can be for your average, and less than average Londoner, and how magic, more often than not, only adds to that difficulty.
In this book Matthew seems to have put his own stamp on the role of Midnight Mayor, and the fractious relationship with the Aldermen has developed its own rhythm and expectation. Griffith builds on familiar themes of the powerful and mighty being out of touch with, and caring little for, the low and lowly. While Matthew Swift's social conscience is more in the fore, Griffith seems to be having more fun with him as he increasingly grows into his prestigious role.... Read more ›
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Linda Jones
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Firstly, let me say I may be a bit biased, as I love all the Matthew Swift Books since I first read A Madness of Angels, and I always wait impatiently for the next one to be published .I particularly like that they are set in London, a much older, more arcane and haunted place than any of the American cities usually featured in Urban Fantasy. It seems to me that London itself is just as much a living entity in the stories as any other character, human or otherwise.
This is a much darker episode than the preceding books, but then it is about a powerful addictive drug that ultimately brings death, the misuse of power, betrayal and revenge. Matthew himself stumbles around attempting to right immense wrongs, and regretting that the Blue Electric Angels are no longer entirely human. Don't let this put you off - it is also fast and furious, and about loyalty, doggedness and friendship freely given.
Ms Griffin's writing is powerful and in parts lyrical, and made me feel sympathy for her monster as Mary Shelley made
me feel sorry for Frankenstein's monster .But then, who are the real monsters?
I don't go to London often, but next time I will be looking out for the landmarks mentioned in the series, and craning my neck to find the Silver Dragons.
This is a much darker episode than the preceding books, but then it is about a powerful addictive drug that ultimately brings death, the misuse of power, betrayal and revenge. Matthew himself stumbles around attempting to right immense wrongs, and regretting that the Blue Electric Angels are no longer entirely human. Don't let this put you off - it is also fast and furious, and about loyalty, doggedness and friendship freely given.
Ms Griffin's writing is powerful and in parts lyrical, and made me feel sympathy for her monster as Mary Shelley made
me feel sorry for Frankenstein's monster .But then, who are the real monsters?
I don't go to London often, but next time I will be looking out for the landmarks mentioned in the series, and craning my neck to find the Silver Dragons.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By simon211175
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
As of writing, this is the first 5 star review for this book. Everyone has their own personal opinion - I get that, but having read the other books in the series, I don't understand why.
This book is great. I'd waited for what seemed like forever to get this book, and knew instantly that I would love it. And I did.
The writing is as usual, brilliant. I love the style Kate Griffin uses, although I still maintain (as I have throughout the series) that this needs smaller chapters. I hate having to stop reading partway through a chapter, but there you go. Probably my only gripe with this book.
If you've enjoyed the first books, then you'll enjoy this one. Go, read it. Now.
This book is great. I'd waited for what seemed like forever to get this book, and knew instantly that I would love it. And I did.
The writing is as usual, brilliant. I love the style Kate Griffin uses, although I still maintain (as I have throughout the series) that this needs smaller chapters. I hate having to stop reading partway through a chapter, but there you go. Probably my only gripe with this book.
If you've enjoyed the first books, then you'll enjoy this one. Go, read it. Now.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Whilst the previous books bring supernatural London to the readers, they've always felt a little lighter than this title which is the darkest of the set. Within the pages, the reader is taken on a journey into the darkest recesses of the drug addled mind as hero Matthew Swift delves into his city's problem where walking drug labs (ordinary humans) are grabbed by the Supernatural community to feed their fix.
Its fast paced, the characters outstanding and when you add some wonderfully deliciously evil twists alongside great prose the reader is in for a real treat. Finally throw into this the author breaking out from her comfort zone with a newer style that keeps everything flowing and overall it's a title that was a treat for me.
Its fast paced, the characters outstanding and when you add some wonderfully deliciously evil twists alongside great prose the reader is in for a real treat. Finally throw into this the author breaking out from her comfort zone with a newer style that keeps everything flowing and overall it's a title that was a treat for me.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fabulous mix
...of urban magic,fantasy and edgy humour. Having read up to date in the series I have to wait with finger tapping impatience for the next.
Published 3 months ago by Rita Simcox
5.0 out of 5 stars
Matthew Swift returns
Another fantastic entry in the Matthew Swift series, so far each instalment has been better than the last. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Steve Smiles
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another winner from Kate Griffin
The previous three Matthew Swift novels tap into the deep and elusive power that is London, and Kate Griffin's newest book doesnt let the reader down. Read more
Published 11 months ago by butlerx12
5.0 out of 5 stars
More magic of modern London
After the slightly disappointing _Neon Council_, Kate Griffin is back in form. Magical politics, magical vigilanteeism gone accidentally too far - never get a seventeen-year-old... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Mr. T. O. Womack
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Minority Council by Kate Griffin
First of all, I don't normally read books by female authors. They usually get the story muddled up with romance or dashing heroes but Kate Griffin's books on the saga of Matthew... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Jane Doe
4.0 out of 5 stars
A busy book
Like the previous books in the series - the strength of The Minority Council lies in it's unusual premise and fresh take on modern magic and how it would fit in with City... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Kezzadoc
3.0 out of 5 stars
Continuing, but not improving
I have given this book a 3 star review, but I really enjoyed it. If I were to read this book alone it was be 4/5 stars, but as part of this series, I think it is the weakest. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
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