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A review by wisecraic
Rook by William Ritter
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.**
Actual rating: 3.5
William Ritter returns to the world of Jackaby with the newest installment, Rook. Miss Abigail Rook has been having a bit of difficulty adjusting to her inherited magical Sight, but the magical crimes in New Fiddleham are stacking up. When multiple members of the magical community are missing and others are dead, Miss Rook can't afford to keep to the sidelines for an adjustment period. Rook and Jackaby investigate a new series of cases with Rook in the lead and face the scariest obstacle of all- Rook's parents.
This book is described as a standalone adventure in the world of Jackaby. I would argue that this is very much book 5 and would be a difficult buy-in as a standalone. The plot line is contained to this book, but the nature of the character development achieved in the Jackaby series combined with where this book picks up means that a reader would be best served by reading the Jackaby quartet before diving into Rook. I would not suggest that readers new to the world start here.
Part of what made the Jackaby series charming for me as a reader was having Jackaby himself as the lead. Having him as the supporting role in Rook was less satisfying for me personally, but gave a lot of space for Rook to come into her own.
With Rook learning the Sight and her new role as Seer combined with facing her parents, this book was aptly named as it was all about her development personally. As such, I do wish Charlie had a bigger role to play, but understand why he was predominantly sidelined. The exploration of Charlie and Rook growing into their relationship together was something that might have been valuable, but was cramped into asides to make room for the rest of the story.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Rook and would absolutely read any further installments from Ritter in the world of Jackaby.
Actual rating: 3.5
William Ritter returns to the world of Jackaby with the newest installment, Rook. Miss Abigail Rook has been having a bit of difficulty adjusting to her inherited magical Sight, but the magical crimes in New Fiddleham are stacking up. When multiple members of the magical community are missing and others are dead, Miss Rook can't afford to keep to the sidelines for an adjustment period. Rook and Jackaby investigate a new series of cases with Rook in the lead and face the scariest obstacle of all- Rook's parents.
This book is described as a standalone adventure in the world of Jackaby. I would argue that this is very much book 5 and would be a difficult buy-in as a standalone. The plot line is contained to this book, but the nature of the character development achieved in the Jackaby series combined with where this book picks up means that a reader would be best served by reading the Jackaby quartet before diving into Rook. I would not suggest that readers new to the world start here.
Part of what made the Jackaby series charming for me as a reader was having Jackaby himself as the lead. Having him as the supporting role in Rook was less satisfying for me personally, but gave a lot of space for Rook to come into her own.
With Rook learning the Sight and her new role as Seer combined with facing her parents, this book was aptly named as it was all about her development personally. As such, I do wish Charlie had a bigger role to play, but understand why he was predominantly sidelined. The exploration of Charlie and Rook growing into their relationship together was something that might have been valuable, but was cramped into asides to make room for the rest of the story.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Rook and would absolutely read any further installments from Ritter in the world of Jackaby.