The Rook

A Novel

By: Daniel O'Malley

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

Length: 17 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Myfanwy Thomas awakes in a London park surrounded by dead bodies. With her memory gone, her only hope of survival is to trust the instructions left in her pocket by her former self. She quickly learns that she is a Rook, a high-level operative in a secret agency that protects the world from supernatural threats. But there is a mole inside the organization - and this person wants her dead.

As Myfanwy battles to save herself, she encounters a person with four bodies, a woman who can enter her dreams, children transformed into deadly fighters, and an unimaginably vast conspiracy.

Suspenseful and hilarious, The Rookis an outrageously inventive debut for listeners who like their espionage with a dollop of purple slime.

©2012 Daniel O'Malley (P)2012 Hachette

Surprisingly Good!

So it only took me a year plus to read this thing. It was a birthday gift from my hubby last year. It was not something on my wishlist; he went off-script and picked this out himself (with help from staff at B&N). It's not something I would have picked for myself; however that's not to say that I didn't not thoroughly enjoy it.

My problem with reading this was constant distraction. For the last year I have picked it up, read a few pages, got distracted and put it down, and the start all over again. It was a vicious cycle. The annoying thing was that every few paragraphs/pages I read, I was intrigued, I'd just get distracted by some random thing, kids, animals, texts, calls, etc., and not go back to it for a long while. Finally, when my birthday came back around and it had been an entire year of me telling hubby I was going to read it, I finally realized that I needed some help to focus. So I got the audiobook, this way I could listen while I did other things, or read along with it. I did both. The audiobook made all the difference; I finished it in about a day, and I have to say it was a good one!

The story follows Myfanwy Thomas, who wakes up surrounded by bodies and blood and absolutely no memory of who she is and unknown persons trying to kill her. Lucky for her, her previous self knew this was coming and left instructions via a series of letters. The new Myfanwy wants to run and start a new life of leisure, but ends up getting caught up in the intrigue mystery of who stole her memories, and why they were trying to kill her.

This is definitely a suspense-thriller, which is not exactly my favorite genre, but it kept me interested throughout. And the touch of supernatural definitely added excitement to the story. Myfanwy deals with secret societies that work within (and without) the British government, supernatural powers and happenings, further attempts on her life. And all the while, she never really knows who she can trust within the organization, and who is/are the ones who betrayed her.

Everything is seen from Myfanwy's point of view, either present day, or her letters to herself. The story is original, well paced and beautifully written. Definitely looking forward to the sequel, which I now have to bug hubby to buy for me. It's his own fault for getting me something that is part of a series.

TOBLERONE ??

It's always nice to see the birth of a new series especially one that offers the possibility of great variety. Yes it is an all encompassing supernatural theme but it is done with panache and wonderful humour. Daniel O'Malley utilizes a terrific literary device to complete the entire background for this and future novels. It is an espionage novel with a very lovable and funny heroine and with plenty of 'nasties' good and bad !! Some reviews have had a negative opinion of the narrator, Susan Duerdon, and I could not disagree more. She delivers the narrative with excellent diction, the breadth of voices for both males and females is brilliant and her timing for the humour is spot on! Great job.
Loved it as a fabulous diversion!!!!

My two new loves!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely, and already have. This book is a superb blend of terrific story writing, well-developed characters, superb narration and first-rate studio quality.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Rook?

When Myfanwy discovers that her siblings are alive and she meets up with her sister.

Which scene was your favorite?

Each of the scenes when the new Myfanwy discovers that she has a new (or new ability to control) power. In each of these, she surprises herself, nails somebody and produces a very positive effect in her circumstances.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I actually found myself cheering her on at several points. I must have looked silly during those moments in my car driving down the highway.

Any additional comments?

Yes, this story begs to be put on the big screen and the up & coming mega-star Brit Marling MUST play the lead (paying attention casting directors?). O, and my two loves? You already know that Myfanwy is the first... the second is narrator Susan Dueridan. I don't know why some previous reviewers criticized her cadence. That's what drew me in closer. Don't change a thing, Susan. I'd listen to you read a cookbook! Thanks to all for a great Audible experience.

Great story and great narration

I loved this book. A bit weird at times but it really kept me coming back. I finished it way too fast. The narration was stellar as well!!

Can't wait for the next one.

Great book and a great narration. I am very impressed. I didn't know what to expect going in but was pleasantly surprised.

fantastic

the reader was so perfect for the main character and the slightly different voices for each character were also done well the book itself was very good the only issue I had was that there where lots of names of characters that while being important didn't have much screen time there for it was hard to Remerbere each person and there powers

Spellbound

What made the experience of listening to The Rook the most enjoyable?

The unexpected twist to the story

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Rook?

memorable moments all through the story mixing real life and fantasy

Have you listened to any of Susan Duerden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I have heard Susan Duerden and I will look for others by her

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It didn't make me cry it made me wonder and at times laugh at how different situations were narrated.

Any additional comments?

A very good read if you enjoy sci fi and fantasy

A great story. Hurt by vulgarities.

Duerdan made this book come alive with her wonderful vocalizations of the many characters.. Author tried too hard to display his knowledge of offensive words. It did not add anything to the story. Daniel may grow up in later efforts. Hopefully!

Mystery and the Fantastical - Drool Worthy

Okay normally author's write most detail of the story to be relevant to the overall story, but in this book, plenty of details are there just for the intrigue. It's also nicely written, plot and all. Beyond that, this book has everything one could want in a story, The fantastical, mysteries on mysteries and covert operations; Need I say more?

great read

well written. well read
looking to more blah blah blah. That is all I have to say