Rook by Sharon Cameron
Publication Date: April 28, 2015
History has a way of
repeating itself. In the Sunken City that was once Paris, all who oppose
the new revolution are being put to the blade. Except for those who
disappear from their prison cells, a red-tipped rook feather left in
their place. Is the mysterious Red Rook a savior of the innocent or a
criminal?
Meanwhile, across the sea in the Commonwealth, Sophia
Bellamy’s arranged marriage to the wealthy René Hasard is the last
chance to save her family from ruin. But when the search for the Red
Rook comes straight to her doorstep, Sophia discovers that her fiancé is
not all he seems. Which is only fair, because neither is she.
As
the Red Rook grows bolder and the stakes grow higher, Sophia and René
find themselves locked in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
is one of my all time favorite classic reads, and so I am always a
sucker for any book that even remotely reminds me of that original
story. Well, when I found out that Rook was a re-telling of The Scarlet Pimpernel,
I was hooked. I knew I needed to read this as soon a possible. Now
because I'm such a fan of the classic novel, I am also very picky. I
feel that if you're going to do a re-telling, it needs to be a good
re-telling. Original enough that it is unique and new, but also has
many hints of the original story. And let me tell you, Rook
delivered big time and exceeded my expectations. I read a book by Ms.
Cameron before, and sadly I wasn't really impressed by it. However, I
always give authors second and third chances because I don't want to
miss out on a great book based on another book by that author that just
might not have been my cup of tea. Saying that, I am so happy I decided
to read this novel because this is easily one of my all time favorite
re-tellings of The Scarlet Pimpernel.
I knew that I
would love Sophia's character right away. Her character was written
perfectly (plus she has one of my all time favorite names...not that it
influenced my love for her, but it did make her character even greater
in my book). Sophia is tough, strong, and takes nothing from nobody.
However, she is also absolutely fun and daring. She takes risks and
doesn't think about the consequences. She just dives head first into
situations, and it was perfect for her character. I know some people
don't like this, but if it fits with her character, then that is more
important to me than fitting into a mold. Sophia breaks that mold.
However, just because she tends to dive headfirst into situations,
doesn't mean she isn't smart or have a plan. She has her plan, and she
sticks to it. Sophia is the ultimate vigilante, fighting for what is
right and helping those in need to ensure their safety from the tyranny
that is looming over them.
Another thing that was amazing in
this novel was the relationships. I loved Sophia's relationship with
her brother, Tom. They worked together well, and they made for some
truly heart-touching moments in the book. They have a great bond, and
nothing was going to keep them apart. Rene was another great addition
to this story, and their "romance" and then romance (you'll understand
once you read this book) was excellent. I loved watching their
relationship grow over the course of the novel, and it didn't feel
rushed. Sophia and Rene's relationship developed slowly, but something I
loved about it was you never knew who you could trust. Was Rene
betraying Sophia and her crew? You knew while reading that there was
something (or at least you hoped there was something) more to his
character. And when everything comes out, it's like a match is lit, and
the slow burn of their romance suddenly combusts. And it is truly
amazing. There is a slight love triangle, but I didn't mind it too
much. I thought it was a bit out of place, and the story probably could
have done without it, but that was just a personal preference since I
don't really like love triangles.
The action in this book was
simply stunning. Every scene was richly described and had me on the
edge of my seat. I was flying through the pages because I needed to
find out what was going to happen next. The twists and turns were also
amazing, and kept me second guessing everything and everyone. As I
said, you never knew who to trust or who to believe. Anyone and
everyone could be a betrayer. The ending was explosive (figuratively
and literally), and it will leave you breathless.
Do not miss out on this book! If you are a fan of The Scarlet Pimpernel,
this is the book for you. Even if you aren't...this book is for you.
It is unique, creative, and so much fun. While it is a little long, and
there were times I felt the story could have gone a bit faster, I still
very much enjoyed this story. I could read this over and over again,
just like the classic novel, and never get tired of it. Definitely
check this one out!
P.S. Isn't that cover gorgeous?!
Happy reading :)
~Cassie
Thursday, July 2, 2015
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I've been eyeing this one, and it sounds great. Your review is very compelling. I love the sound of the relationships! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I definitely would check it out. Honestly, the relationships in this book were so well written and I'm glad I gave this author another shot. It paid off big time haha.
Delete~Cassie
Great review! I love this cover and the plot sounds interesting! I'll probably read this once I finish all of my summer reading.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The cover is so gorgeous and interesting. It was one of the first things that drew me to the book to be honest. I hope you can check it out soon :)
Delete~Cassie
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