Review Detail

When I realized Rook was a twist on an old favorite, The Scarlet Pimpernel, I knew I had to grab it at the library. In this dystopian world, people are living in a technology free society. Most of the satellites fell to earth generations ago and things like plastic are highly collectable. Repeating a history that has already occurred, England (the Commonwealth) and France (specifically, Paris, the Sunken City) are leaders in this new world, with all of the machinations that arrive with power. In the Sunken City, the lower class is routinely imprisoned, and the Razor is their enforcer. Enter the Red Rook, a name taken from a bird, who is a master of disguise and enters the underground prison, rescuing many. Sophia Bellamy, of the Commonwealth, is betrothed to a member of Society from the Sunken City, Rene Husard. With her marriage bounty, she hopes to keep Bellamy House in the family. Sophia's brother Tom and family friend Spear round out many of the main characters. Although it got a little long in spots, I enjoyed the twists in Rook and the snippets of action that pay homage to The Scarlet Pimpernel.