Book Review: The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
I usually don’t read books hot off the press (I already have a lengthy “to-read” list) but the premise of The Rook grabbed me. And the line “the body you’re wearing used to be mine” was too enticing to resist. And I was not disappointed.
Myfanwy Thomas is a very likable character. She wakes up with amnesia, in the rain, surrounded by bodies wearing latex gloves. The note in her pocket (with the aforementioned line) is all she has to connect her to her former reality. She reacts to all of this with strength and smarts, not to mention a keen sense of wit and humor.
The comparison of the two Myfanwy’s is an interesting tale in and of itself. But throw in some supernatural shenanigans, a secret service tasked with squelching such shenanigans, other characters who may or may not be trusted and a mystery about who is trying to kill our heroine and you have an entertaining and delightful read. Is this literary fiction? No. Is this well-written and action-packed and intriguing? Absolutely. I enjoyed every minute of it and I hope there is a sequel so we can spend more time with Myfanwy Thomas.