The Book Slump

Tag: Science Fiction

  • The Rook

    The Rook

    By Daniel O’Malley

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2012, 496 pages.

    “The body you are wearing used to be mine.” So begins the letter Myfanwy Thomas is holding when she awakes in a London park surrounded by bodies all wearing latex gloves. With no recollection of who she is, Myfanwy must follow the instructions her former self left behind to discover her identity and track down the agents who want to destroy her.

    She soon learns that she is a Rook, a high-ranking member of a secret organization called the Chequy that battles the many supernatural forces at work in Britain. She also discovers that she possesses a rare, potentially deadly supernatural ability of her own.

    In her quest to uncover which member of the Chequy betrayed her and why, Myfanwy encounters a person with four bodies, an aristocratic woman who can enter her dreams, a secret training facility where children are transformed into deadly fighters, and a conspiracy more vast than she ever could have imagined.

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: SCI-FI, FANTASY, HUMOROUS, MYSTERY, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Funnily enough, I wouldn’t have picked this book for myself, it was a gift, which I (initially) begrudgingly read. Immediately I was engrossed. Ironically, I had judged a book by its cover and have never been so happy to be wrong.

    When I adore a book, it can be difficult to identify all the reasons why. Partly because my reasons are backed by emotion and partly because I sometimes struggle to pin them down – but I’ll try my best.

    O’Malley’s writing is sensational. The premise of the story is genius, following along as the protagonist figures out who she is and what happened to her was a captivating experience.

    Whilst the story is complex, where readers have to learn new terms, supernatural abilities and characters – O’Malley explains everything in a simple yet concise manner, dropping clues and justifications along the way.

    The characters are clearly well thought out, each of them has a unique ability/personality that unfolds as you read. A lot of creativity and planning must go into making these characters and I am really glad it shines through in the writing.

    Not that the bare minimum deserves praise, but Myfawny is written in a respectful way. She has realistic complexities, and I thoroughly enjoyed her dry persona and humorous observations.

    I do not just recommend but beg you give this a go, I look forward to completing the series… especially since the Royal Gambit (Book four) was released this year.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE.

  • Our Wives Under The Sea

    Our Wives Under The Sea

    By Julia Armfield

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2022, 232 pages.

    Miri thinks she has got her wife back, when Leah finally returns after a deep-sea mission that ended in catastrophe. It soon becomes clear, though, that Leah may have come back wrong. Whatever happened in that vessel, whatever it was they were supposed to be studying before they were stranded on the ocean floor, Leah has carried part of it with her, onto dry land and into their home.

    To have the woman she loves back should mean a return to normal life, but Miri can feel Leah slipping from her grasp. Memories of what they had before – the jokes they shared, the films they watched, all the small things that made Leah hers – only remind Miri of what she stands to lose. Living in the same space but suddenly separate, Miri comes to realize that the life that they had might be gone.

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: HORROR, LGBTQIA+, DARK, EMOTIONAL, FAST-PACED.

    Whilst it is accurate to describe this book as ‘horror’, it is not in the way you would think – as it is nothing like the horror books I have read prior. The best way I can describe it, is that it is ‘symbolic horror’, which I am pretty sure I just made up.

    Armfield’s storytelling was exceptional, I have never been more captivated by an author’s style of writing before. She has such a relatable way of conveying points. It felt conversational. I caught myself (frequently) thinking, ‘I have noticed that before as well’.

    The juxtaposition between Miri and Leah’s point of view was jarring. It makes it hard for the reader to decide who to sympathize with more. I enjoy this as it provides an accurate depiction of what the characters in the book would be experiencing.

    The biggest takeaway I got from this story is to treasure the relationship you have with your loved ones, and not to take it for granted.

    I would recommend this to someone who is trying to get into horror as it is a tame gateway book. Though, I would recommend anyone give this book a go, as Armfield’s writing style is very charming and fresh.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE