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patchworkbunny's review against another edition
4.0
Alice isn’t well, the legacy of her father Tuoni is making her ill, and there’s nothing conventional medicine can do for her. On the other side of the Marble Arch, the Rookery may hold an answer, if she can embrace her unknown mother’s Mielikki side, and join their house, she can drink the draught made from the Summer Tree. And that might just save her.
When I read The Nightjar I loved the alternate London setting with worldbuilding inspired by Finnish mythology. What I didn’t love so much was the main character, but I can say I thawed a little to Alice in this second instalment and I enjoyed it a whole lot more.
I was a bit concerned that I’d forgotten what had happened previously but there is just the right amount of recap at the start of The Rookery to help you get your bearings. The Rookery is a copy of London which deviated in the 1930’s meaning it doesn’t have the war damage and some of it is a little old fashioned. The place is run by four houses, one for each of the main lineages. Mielikki have power over plantlife, Pellervoinen can open doorways and manipulate stone, Ilmarinen can wield fire and Ahti can control water.
Alice has taken a job as a research assistant in the alternate London, supposedly helping Professor Reid study souls, something Alice knows more about than the average citizen. She is an aviarist, able to see the nightjars that guard the souls of the Väki, but since this is a closely guarded secret she can’t really tell Reid that. Mostly she spends her time photocopying (or using the Ditto machine, as it’s known in the Rookery).
Meanwhile she must take the tests to join House Mielikki, so she can access the power of the Summer Tree. But something isn’t quite right in the house, is it possible the tree is growing, and is there someone who doesn’t want Alice to join?
I really enjoyed the quasi-academic setting of this one and there are several mysteries to be solved. While there were times that I was frustrated with Alice for not letting people in, it was mostly for the best, and she does seem to have more rounded relationships with people now. I can’t say she’s one of my favourite fantasy protagonists but the rest of it completely made up for anything she was lacking. I actually cared about her this time.
When I read The Nightjar I loved the alternate London setting with worldbuilding inspired by Finnish mythology. What I didn’t love so much was the main character, but I can say I thawed a little to Alice in this second instalment and I enjoyed it a whole lot more.
I was a bit concerned that I’d forgotten what had happened previously but there is just the right amount of recap at the start of The Rookery to help you get your bearings. The Rookery is a copy of London which deviated in the 1930’s meaning it doesn’t have the war damage and some of it is a little old fashioned. The place is run by four houses, one for each of the main lineages. Mielikki have power over plantlife, Pellervoinen can open doorways and manipulate stone, Ilmarinen can wield fire and Ahti can control water.
Alice has taken a job as a research assistant in the alternate London, supposedly helping Professor Reid study souls, something Alice knows more about than the average citizen. She is an aviarist, able to see the nightjars that guard the souls of the Väki, but since this is a closely guarded secret she can’t really tell Reid that. Mostly she spends her time photocopying (or using the Ditto machine, as it’s known in the Rookery).
Meanwhile she must take the tests to join House Mielikki, so she can access the power of the Summer Tree. But something isn’t quite right in the house, is it possible the tree is growing, and is there someone who doesn’t want Alice to join?
I really enjoyed the quasi-academic setting of this one and there are several mysteries to be solved. While there were times that I was frustrated with Alice for not letting people in, it was mostly for the best, and she does seem to have more rounded relationships with people now. I can’t say she’s one of my favourite fantasy protagonists but the rest of it completely made up for anything she was lacking. I actually cared about her this time.
hmbb99's review against another edition
3.0
Despite numerous attempts, I could not seem to finish this book. I was unaware that this was a sequel when I downloaded it so I felt a little lost on the story. I also did not like the main character who seemed a self centered. Perhaps I would like it more if I had read the first book. I'm giving this a 3 stars only because the problem with the book was with my not having read the first one not a result of the book itself.
Thank you for the copy. I will attempt to read it again after I read the first one.
Thank you for the copy. I will attempt to read it again after I read the first one.
illborrowthisone's review against another edition
4.0
When I found out The Nightjar had a sequel I was surprised, but excited. I absolutely loved the alternate London and the magical world Hewitt created and I couldn't wait to find out what was next.
This is a story of self discovery and understanding. Alice is on a journey to learn more about herself and her magic and the impacts it has on the whole of the Rookery. I truly appreciate Alice's independence. She clearly is wrestling with her feelings for Crowley, but she is her own person outside of the relationship. Crowley doesn't push, giving Alice the space she needs to heal and grow and learn on her own. I do wish the two had reconciled and figured out how to communicate sooner. They are a formidable team and I would have loved to see them teaming for more of the story.
I've loved this story and I want to give a huge thank you to Tor for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is a story of self discovery and understanding. Alice is on a journey to learn more about herself and her magic and the impacts it has on the whole of the Rookery. I truly appreciate Alice's independence. She clearly is wrestling with her feelings for Crowley, but she is her own person outside of the relationship. Crowley doesn't push, giving Alice the space she needs to heal and grow and learn on her own. I do wish the two had reconciled and figured out how to communicate sooner. They are a formidable team and I would have loved to see them teaming for more of the story.
I've loved this story and I want to give a huge thank you to Tor for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
jennsutherland's review against another edition
5.0
What a JOY to return to the Rookery, and beloved characters Alice, Crowley and the whole Coram House gang. Had to pace myself a bit to stretch this one out longer, as it's such a delight to revel in this magical world.
kf21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
redfae's review against another edition
4.0
The book is written in third POV which isn’t my preference. I struggled at the start to connect with Alice and to get into the story as I hadn’t read book 1. But, I’m pleased I kept reading.
Something strange is going on in The Rookery, and people are dying. It feels like Alice should be doing something about it but she’s going to work, and parties, training for the competition, and keeping quiet about the less public attacks in her room.
But as the magical attacks get bigger, Alice takes action. She realises there’s a connection with her boss and her past. As secrets unravel, Alice is spurred into action and this is where things get really good.
This book has loads of magic and I loved seeing the different powers. The soul birds were new to me and I loved them, and how Alice’s unique gift gives her insight into the motives of others.
It felt a bit like a mystery with fantasy, as the MC collects info, pieces it together, and saves The Rookery. If you enjoy mysteries and fantasy then you’d love this.
Something strange is going on in The Rookery, and people are dying. It feels like Alice should be doing something about it but she’s going to work, and parties, training for the competition, and keeping quiet about the less public attacks in her room.
But as the magical attacks get bigger, Alice takes action. She realises there’s a connection with her boss and her past. As secrets unravel, Alice is spurred into action and this is where things get really good.
This book has loads of magic and I loved seeing the different powers. The soul birds were new to me and I loved them, and how Alice’s unique gift gives her insight into the motives of others.
It felt a bit like a mystery with fantasy, as the MC collects info, pieces it together, and saves The Rookery. If you enjoy mysteries and fantasy then you’d love this.
oncemorewithreading's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in this magical world that Deborah Hewitt has created. I loved how much these main characters have developed from the first book and throughout this one.
The storyline was just so gripping and I ended up staying up into the early hours reading this one, even when I kept telling myself 'only one more chapter'.
Honestly a brilliant duology that is addictive and atmospheric!
The storyline was just so gripping and I ended up staying up into the early hours reading this one, even when I kept telling myself 'only one more chapter'.
Honestly a brilliant duology that is addictive and atmospheric!
thewoollygeek's review against another edition
5.0
This Rookery is the follow up to The Nightjar which I completely loved and thought was an amazing book, but I can’t believe that this is even better. The writing is amazing, the characters, world building everything just seems so much more sharper and refined, even though I loved the original, this is an author who I think is not satisfied unless she is honing her craft constantly and she just gets more fantastic with each book. Those who enjoyed The Nightjar will be ecstatic like me and I’m looking forward to so many more books from Deborah Hewitt
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion