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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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:
No
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
In the fourth book of the Checquy series, Daniel O’Malley continues to expand on the supernatural world of Great Britain and the people who handle it. Alix, a minor member of the British gentry, has been assigned to the Chequy since she was a child who manifested an ability to break bones without touch. The Chequy has played the long game with Alix, positioning her in the social circles of the Princess Royal in order to be able to plausibly assign her as needed. When the first in line to the throne, the Prince of Wales, dies of no discoverable external cause, it’s Alix’s time to shine, and within 24 hours, she’s a lady-in-waiting to the princess, and the first line of defense. But she’s also still a Chequy operative, expected to complete her regular duties and training in between teas, society events, and royal family dinners. As more bodies turn up dead in the style of the prince, the King of England and the Lady of the Chequy become more and more impatient that Alix finds the perpetrator before they strike again.
I adore that O’Malley doesn’t return to the same characters– previous Chequy main characters appear, but never as point of view characters, and only to support Alix’s journey. While this could conceivably be read as a stand-alone, I won’t recommend it as one, but will definitely continue recommending this series. The humor inherent to the series is lovely, and O’Malley’s recognition that not every story needs a romantic subplot horned into it is a rare gift (speaking as someone who reads a ton of romance).
A new Checquy novel?!! YESSSS.
The Checquy is a secret organization in Britain that is comprised of people with unique and supernatural talents, protecting the country from supernatural threats. It is weird and absurd and absolutely fun. In Royal Gambit, Alix is both an aristocrat and a Checquy operative; when the royal family is put in danger, she is assigned publicly as a lady-in-waiting to the Crown Princess, and secretly as a bodyguard.
I love this series. It feels like a workplace comedy that happens to be set in an absurdist urban fantasy world. In this installment, throw in the complication of trying work with the royal family and balance your personal and professional loyalties, and it’s such a great time. I think this is my favorite since the first book, The Rook. If you took a spy thriller, an urban fantasy, a supernatural thriller, and Parks & Rec and threw them all in the blender, I feel like the result would look something like this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for letting me read the ARC in exchange for my review! I couldn’t put it down, and I hope O’Malley keeps writing these! I feel like there are many more stories to tell in the world of the Checquy.