The Rook (The Checquy Files, #1)

by Daniel O'Malley

[Amber (The Literary Phoenix)]

Myfanwy Thomas died when her personality was erased. The woman who wakes up is not Myfanwy Thomas, but she has inherited Myfanwy's body, assets, job, and enemies. Challenged with finding out who tried to kill her when she doesn't even remember who she used to be, Myfanwy (pronouced "Mih-fan-nee") dives into Thomas's old life and does her best to run the Rookery the way her predecessor did. Can Myfanwy run part of the British secret supernatural branch, all while learning who she is and pretending she is Thomas? She is sure gonna try.

I liked this book, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a masterpiece of fantasy fiction. The Rook is fun. There's a lot of storytelling within the novel itself, choosing to give background information via a dossier left for Myfanwy after her memory is completely wiped. There are points where this really drags, but I liked the world-building, and Myfanwy's voice is a blast. She's witty and sarcastic, if a little clueless at times (forgivable).

Generally speaking, I think that this book will be hit or miss depending on the reader. It has the feel of something by Jasper Fforde or Jodi Taylor, and the characters are a blast. Some of the powered individuals are positively fascinating. I don't think it's a series I'd re-read, but I'm glad I read this book and I intend to read the sequel.