Rook

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