The Rook (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Daniel O'Malley |
| Products | Urban fantasy novel |
The Rook marks the 2012 debut novel of Australian writer Daniel O'Malley. The narrative centers on Myfanwy Thomas as she returns to a clandestine government agency tasked with defending the U.K. against supernatural dangers, all while grappling with unexplained amnesia. Her mission involves identifying a mole within the agency without revealing her memory loss. The book's title denotes Thomas's rank within the Checquy.
Its follow-up, Stiletto, was published simultaneously in both the U.S. and U.K. on 14 June 2016 by Little, Brown and Company.
Plot
A woman in her thirties awakens in a park surrounded by corpses, with no recollection of who she is. An envelope marked "To You" discloses that she is Myfanwy Thomas, who has become the target of an assassin due to her involvement in a secret government agency. She faces the decision to either assume Thomas’s identity or forge a new path.
Choosing to step into Thomas’s role, Myfanwy uses a binder containing information about the Checquy, an organization dedicated to combating supernatural threats across Great Britain. The agency’s members possess various extraordinary abilities; Myfanwy’s specific talent is the mental control of others’ bodies through touch, which she wields with greater skill than her predecessor. Thomas held the rank of Rook—a junior member of the inner court responsible primarily for research and administrative duties.
Myfanwy’s amplified powers draw notice as she neutralizes dangers such as semi-sentient mold and carnivorous flesh. She discovers that recent hostilities involve the Grafters—Belgian specialists in genetic and surgical modifications—who previously attempted to seize control of the Isle of Wight but were successfully repelled by the Checquy.
Further investigation reveals Rook Gestalt—a collective consciousness inhabiting multiple bodies—collaborating with the Grafters. When Myfanwy accuses Gestalt at a Checquy gathering, it causes division among members, resulting in partial apprehension of Gestalt’s bodies. Concerned for her own safety and that of her sister Bronwyn, who is unknowingly searching for her, Myfanwy probes suspects within the organization.
Though initially suspicious of Bishop Alrich, a vampire, she ultimately identifies Bishop Grantchester as the traitor. After resisting his attempt to erase her memory, Myfanwy eliminates two of Gestalt’s bodies; however, Grantchester manages to flee. Remaining Grafter threats are either neutralized or contained.
Upon returning to duty, Myfanwy encounters one of the Grafter founders proposing an alliance with the Checquy. Despite lingering concerns regarding unresolved dangers, she arranges a meeting with the inner court and maintains her Rook status, opting not to disclose her amnesia.
List of court characters
- LORD and LADY: Stationed at Apex House.
- Lord - Sir Henry Wattleman - Educated under a traditional system with annual mentorship focusing on diplomacy and other disciplines. He possesses an extended lifespan, invisibility (excluding clothing), and enhanced strength and durability.
- Lady - The Right Honorable Linda Viscountess Farrier
- Power: Ability to enter others’ dreams and influence them through communication.
- BISHOPS: Overseers within the Checquy who assist Lord and Lady; based at Apex House.
- Bishop Conrad Grantchester - Affluent financier and womanizer enveloped in a mysterious smoky aura; developed powers at age 33.
- Power: Emits various chemical gases from his body—including lethal toxins and tear gas—in the form of a dark cloud.
- Bishop Alrich - Veteran Checquy member known for his striking appearance and impeccable attire.
- Power: Vampire abilities.
- Bishop Conrad Grantchester - Affluent financier and womanizer enveloped in a mysterious smoky aura; developed powers at age 33.
- ROOKS: Responsible for Domestic Operations; headquartered at Rookery.
- Rook Myfanwy Thomas - Amnesiac determined to identify her betrayer.
- Power: Mental control over other individuals’ bodies.
- Rook Gestalt - A singular consciousness shared across four bodies named Alex, Teddy, Robert, and Eliza.
- Power: One mind operating multiple physical forms simultaneously.
- Rook Myfanwy Thomas - Amnesiac determined to identify her betrayer.
- CHEVALIERS: Handle Foreign Operations from Annexe.
- Chevalier Major Joshua Eckhart - Military-trained agent capable of manipulating metal into flexible shapes for diverse weaponry; developed powers during overseas deployment.
- Power: Transforms metal into malleable forms for adaptable combat use.
- Chevalier Heretic Gubbins - Recognizable by his unique appearance paired with gentle eyes.
- Power: Exceptional flexibility enabling advanced contortionist movements.
- Chevalier Major Joshua Eckhart - Military-trained agent capable of manipulating metal into flexible shapes for diverse weaponry; developed powers during overseas deployment.
Reception
Prior to its release, Lev Grossman highlighted the novel as one of his "Seven Books I'm Excited About in 2012." Reviews for The Rook have been largely favorable, receiving commendations from Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Alex Zalben of MTV praised the book as "an entirely refreshing and original creation" that skillfully blends classic fantasy components into a distinctive world. The novel was honored with the 2012 Aurealis Award for Best Science Fiction Novel.
TV series
In July 2017, Starz commissioned a television adaptation of The Rook. By 2018, the principal cast featured Emma Greenwell portraying Myfanwy Thomas, Joely Richardson as Linda Farrier, Olivia Munn taking on Monica Reed, and Adrian Lester in the role of Conrad Grantchester, with additional performances by Ronan Raftery, Catherine Steadman, among others. Paula Patton was selected to play the main antagonist. The series debuted on June 30, 2019.