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squishy_mage42's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of the book
Rook works as a thief with the titular Conventicle of Magpies to help take care of her mother and sisters after the death of her father. In her work she must contend with a serial killer and the Avanish rulers of Stamchester who look down upon the Saosuiasei who live in the Shambles. But when the Avanish accelerate their plans for Stamchester, will Rook be able to protect herself, let alone those she cares about?
Clarke writes an interesting world that seems to be influenced by their Northern Irish upbringing. Rook and her best friend Kestrel are strong and capable heroines, but not without their own weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and flaws. A lot of the plot tension come from the complications that arise from Rook sticking to a conviction that fighting against oppression must be done the right way, not just the easy way, lest she and her friends make themselves worse than the Avanish rulers.
The story is fast paced, and I kept reading on and on wanting to know what happened next. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the second book.
Rook works as a thief with the titular Conventicle of Magpies to help take care of her mother and sisters after the death of her father. In her work she must contend with a serial killer and the Avanish rulers of Stamchester who look down upon the Saosuiasei who live in the Shambles. But when the Avanish accelerate their plans for Stamchester, will Rook be able to protect herself, let alone those she cares about?
Clarke writes an interesting world that seems to be influenced by their Northern Irish upbringing. Rook and her best friend Kestrel are strong and capable heroines, but not without their own weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and flaws. A lot of the plot tension come from the complications that arise from Rook sticking to a conviction that fighting against oppression must be done the right way, not just the easy way, lest she and her friends make themselves worse than the Avanish rulers.
The story is fast paced, and I kept reading on and on wanting to know what happened next. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the second book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death of parent, Gun violence, Police brutality, and Xenophobia
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