A review by ipomoea
Royal Gambit by Daniel O'Malley

adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

 

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).