Quick Review: Rook by Sharon Cameron

Rook
by Sharon Cameron

April 28, 2015
456 pages

Goodreads Summary:

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.

Review

Rook was not the fast read I was hoping for but it was a very complete story that left me satisfied. I loved Sophia and wouldn't mind going on more adventures with her!

What I Liked:
- Sophia, serious girl power!
- witty and banter-y conversations
- clever schemes
- I loved the symbolism of the rook feather
- the romance was subtle but pulse-pounding
- René's uncles were all talented individuals
- the POV switches were neat during the climax of the story

The Not So Much:
- slow pacing
- the political atmosphere felt murky in the beginning
- this could be just me but the setting is a little confusing (it's futuristic but felt historical?)
- the fashion sounded ridiculous and hard to imagine
- too many POVs (though they were nicely done)
- Spear got on my nerves more often than not