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A review by darthval
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
3.0
This book has a lot going for it. Vivid and intriguing world building? Check. A mysterious plot that can hold the reader's interest? Check. Well crafted characters? Check. Nail biting action scenes? Check. Pacing . . . well, not so much.
This book has an interesting take on the "Down the Rabbit Hole" fantasy trope. Rather than being a regular Jane who finds her way into a world of magic, the protagonist in The Rook finds herself living a magical life she does not remember as a result of amnesia. The fact that she identifies herself as an identity independent of the previous occupant of the body further enhances the concept.
The issue, however, is that there is info dump overload in the form of letters and manuals left for the new Rook Thomas from her predecessor. These sections tend to drag and pull the reader out of an otherwise well-written narrative.
The character of Myfanwy is clever, despite the challenges faced by her lack of knowledge. I like her eager attitude toward moving forward and doing to the right thing. The amnesia angle allows her to act outside of the status quo giving her the ability to innovate in this mysterious world. The powers and abilities of Myfanwy and her contemporaries lend a fantastical element that is faintly reminiscent of comic book fantasy.
Hopefully, as this series progresses, there will be less need for the author to vomit out back story so the plot can progress in a more satisfying manner. There is enough here to suggest that future books will be quite entertaining.
This book has an interesting take on the "Down the Rabbit Hole" fantasy trope. Rather than being a regular Jane who finds her way into a world of magic, the protagonist in The Rook finds herself living a magical life she does not remember as a result of amnesia. The fact that she identifies herself as an identity independent of the previous occupant of the body further enhances the concept.
The issue, however, is that there is info dump overload in the form of letters and manuals left for the new Rook Thomas from her predecessor. These sections tend to drag and pull the reader out of an otherwise well-written narrative.
The character of Myfanwy is clever, despite the challenges faced by her lack of knowledge. I like her eager attitude toward moving forward and doing to the right thing. The amnesia angle allows her to act outside of the status quo giving her the ability to innovate in this mysterious world. The powers and abilities of Myfanwy and her contemporaries lend a fantastical element that is faintly reminiscent of comic book fantasy.
Hopefully, as this series progresses, there will be less need for the author to vomit out back story so the plot can progress in a more satisfying manner. There is enough here to suggest that future books will be quite entertaining.