A review by joshbritiffe
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley

dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The Rook is an interesting take on epistolary. We see the main characters flaws highlighted in the notes left behind, after her memory is wiped — only to follow her as a strong woman, shoulders lite of any trauma, as she sets out to investigate her own … murdered-psyche.

I truly loved the administrative nature presented in this world of supernatural events — we’re so used to seeing X-Men style works, whilst The Rook grounds this trope in the bureaucracy of The Bourne Identity (this antecedents used within the blurb).

It is information heavy, but pace in a way that makes it engaging to like-minded readers. For those in need of a lighter book, The Rook may not be for you. It was, unfortunately, subjected to a poorly developed television show — which I would not recommend watching.