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Rook
The magic that flows through the land of Marieena runs like a river from the Castle, but few know exactly how it's created by the Enchantress that calls it home. But as belief in the old gods wanes, so does that power, and it's beginning to show in frightening ways. When naive farmer Rook steps into adulthood, he knows two things: he still believes in the Enchantress, and he's ready to offer himself to her service.
Inside the stone walls of the Castle, Rook finds endless discoveries: sensual direction at the hands of his new Mistress, lustful paths to something new and exciting, and a place for himself he never expected. When the new moon rises and the time for the Enchantress' powerful ritual comes again, he's eager to prove himself and win a place at her side—and in her bed—for good.
But a connection that began with Rook's arrival is building with every embrace, every caress, and every breathless moment together. Could a wide-eyed, submissive farm boy really be the key to saving Marieena?
Content Warning
In this book, there are graphic depictions of sexual situations and acts.
This is a polyamorous romance novel therefore there will be characters with multiple partners, of either the same or opposite gender, with whom they are intimate.
Inside the stone walls of the Castle, Rook finds endless discoveries: sensual direction at the hands of his new Mistress, lustful paths to something new and exciting, and a place for himself he never expected. When the new moon rises and the time for the Enchantress' powerful ritual comes again, he's eager to prove himself and win a place at her side—and in her bed—for good.
But a connection that began with Rook's arrival is building with every embrace, every caress, and every breathless moment together. Could a wide-eyed, submissive farm boy really be the key to saving Marieena?
Content Warning
In this book, there are graphic depictions of sexual situations and acts.
This is a polyamorous romance novel therefore there will be characters with multiple partners, of either the same or opposite gender, with whom they are intimate.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2023
9 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 20, 2023
Book Review: Rook by Francis Lace
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This review may contain minor spoilers.
The story of Rook begins with the land of Marieena, where the magic that keeps the land alive is fading. Many people don't understand why this is happening and send the title character to seek out the Enchantress in hopes of a solution to save their land and animals. This book includes found family, insta-love, omegaverse, and why-choose.
I went into the story knowing very little. Heard "fantasy" and "omegaverse" and was all-in. The concept was fun and intriguing, using the idea of lost history or beliefs between generations. Having the characters not understand or know about their gods, how the ecosystem works, who alphas are, and more provided an easy-to-follow and entertaining dialogue for us to learn about it too.
The spice in this story was also a very well done surprise 🥵. All you writers giving us voyeuristic scenes…I see you (pun intended). And I'm here for it! This is only book 1, so I'm looking forward to all the knotty things coming in the next book. Okay, okay I'm done with the puns now.
Some things in the story were a little predictable but the journey was still enjoyable. I don't typically read stories with a poetic POV but reading the Enchantresses chapters felt whimsical and gave me the best insight into how the magic worked. I wanted to read more of her short blurbs between Rook's chapters.
Excited to read book 2 and find out what changes are coming to their island now that certain relationships have been established.
Thanks Francis Lace for the eARC!
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This review may contain minor spoilers.
The story of Rook begins with the land of Marieena, where the magic that keeps the land alive is fading. Many people don't understand why this is happening and send the title character to seek out the Enchantress in hopes of a solution to save their land and animals. This book includes found family, insta-love, omegaverse, and why-choose.
I went into the story knowing very little. Heard "fantasy" and "omegaverse" and was all-in. The concept was fun and intriguing, using the idea of lost history or beliefs between generations. Having the characters not understand or know about their gods, how the ecosystem works, who alphas are, and more provided an easy-to-follow and entertaining dialogue for us to learn about it too.
The spice in this story was also a very well done surprise 🥵. All you writers giving us voyeuristic scenes…I see you (pun intended). And I'm here for it! This is only book 1, so I'm looking forward to all the knotty things coming in the next book. Okay, okay I'm done with the puns now.
Some things in the story were a little predictable but the journey was still enjoyable. I don't typically read stories with a poetic POV but reading the Enchantresses chapters felt whimsical and gave me the best insight into how the magic worked. I wanted to read more of her short blurbs between Rook's chapters.
Excited to read book 2 and find out what changes are coming to their island now that certain relationships have been established.
Thanks Francis Lace for the eARC!
October 10, 2023
I absolutely loved this book.
Francis did a fantastic job with the world and character building. She immediately draws you into the story and you’ll want to know everything you can possibly know.
Rook was so sweet. I loved seeing him grow throughout this book.
The other characters in the book were just as good, I can’t wait to see more of them.
Barden is definitely my favourite and he had some amazing moments throughout this book.
Plenty of spice and it’s so good!
Can’t wait to read more.
Francis did a fantastic job with the world and character building. She immediately draws you into the story and you’ll want to know everything you can possibly know.
Rook was so sweet. I loved seeing him grow throughout this book.
The other characters in the book were just as good, I can’t wait to see more of them.
Barden is definitely my favourite and he had some amazing moments throughout this book.
Plenty of spice and it’s so good!
Can’t wait to read more.
October 14, 2023
4.25/5 ⭐️. I absolutely loved this book and was so sad when It was over. I wanted so much more and can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for part 2. I want to start by saying that I just love Rook but I’m not gonna lie, I think Barden might be my favorite character so far. Rook is just so caring and almost innocent like but definitely has the potential for Alpha Maleness. Although we didn’t get to see too much of the other characters so I’m really hoping they make a more in depth appearance in book 2 especially Tristan. I also would have liked to see more of Rook and The Enchantress connecting. That part of the story seemed a bit rushed to me so hopefully we get to see their chemistry grow more with the next book. Honestly I can’t wait to see all of the characters grow their relationships both as a group and individually with Rook as well. The world building was really well written and I could easily imagine what the author was describing without having to read page after page of descriptions which tends to make me lose focus and get bored easily. Based on my own personal rating scale I would give the spice level a 3.5/5. However, everyone’s level of spiciness is different so take that as you will. ( I tend to like a high level with a lot of description of the scenes if that helps). Overall I give the book 4.25/5 ⭐️ rating based off of the above reasons. It truly does have so much potential to be a solid 5⭐️ as the series progresses and I can’t freaking wait for the next book😩. (Hopefully we aren’t left hanging too terribly long because I’m in a book hangover)🤣
October 10, 2023
I really liked this book! It’s a great combination of fantasy world building, plot, background, interesting characters , and of course spice! It’s the first in a series and I’m so ready for book 2. I loved all of the different elements of fantasy romance that it brought together in one story, but not in an overwhelming way, it was just right! Not only did the author get me hooked on the main characters’ stories but the secondary characters are just as interesting! I so excited to see where this story goes next! If you like fantasy poly romance, you need to give this book a try!
October 13, 2023
Rook is a beautiful fantasy romance read, filled with a unique world and intriguing characters a reader can't help but fall for. Its hard to build interesting fantasy settings but Francis Lace has done a brilliant job of that with Marieena, so that it feels realistic in aspects but still set in this place with magic and mystery surrounding the Enchantress. Rook was easy to fall for, with his sweet devotion and watching him bloom through the story was engrossing. The other characters in this steamy poly romance were just as entrancing in their own right and there was a good balance between story building and burn. Definitely clamoring for the next book!
October 15, 2023
Beautiful Story
This story in some ways was a coming of age type story. Finding out who you are, who you will be, and who you will be with. Rook seeks the Enchantress, to serve her, if she will have him, to be all she needs him to be. Ends with a HEA.
There is some steam, but it’s not over the top, but it is there, so be warned, 18+ only please. Read it in one day, that’s how good it was! I smiled a lot, my heart went out in sections of doubting yourself, but this was a beautiful book to read, in many ways.
I truly hope you enjoy as much as I did.
This story in some ways was a coming of age type story. Finding out who you are, who you will be, and who you will be with. Rook seeks the Enchantress, to serve her, if she will have him, to be all she needs him to be. Ends with a HEA.
There is some steam, but it’s not over the top, but it is there, so be warned, 18+ only please. Read it in one day, that’s how good it was! I smiled a lot, my heart went out in sections of doubting yourself, but this was a beautiful book to read, in many ways.
I truly hope you enjoy as much as I did.
October 15, 2023
This was a wonderfully, sensual, fantasy with great world building and amazing sensory descriptions and writing. The characters were all intriguing and the plot was interesting. It had great spice. It was unique. The world created was described so wonderfully and beautifully it felt truly immersive. It had a creative spiritual world that spoke to a sensual love and devotion. It was incredibly well written and had a poetic melodic feel to the writing.
October 10, 2023
Omg this book!! This is the first of Francis’s books I have read and my she did not disappoint!! I fell for Rook for the beginning and rooted for him all the way through the book. I fully fell into this book and could imagine myself living within the grounds of the Enchantress Sounds like my idea of heaven!!
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
October 9, 2023
- [ ] OMG this was my first time reading a spicy fantasy book and let me tell you that it open my eyes to a whole new world!
- [ ] Poly-romance, bi-wakening and multiple POVs. I loved to see the characters and the development of the story. It was definitely a fast burn and I cant wait to see if there will be a part 2 and a full story of Rook and Mistress.
- [ ] This book is a 4/5 spicy, if your looking for a full on smut with page after page this book is not that but the scence that do happen fit the storyline so well it makes the scenes that do happen worth it! I cant want to see what else Francis Lace has to offer us!!
- [ ] Poly-romance, bi-wakening and multiple POVs. I loved to see the characters and the development of the story. It was definitely a fast burn and I cant wait to see if there will be a part 2 and a full story of Rook and Mistress.
- [ ] This book is a 4/5 spicy, if your looking for a full on smut with page after page this book is not that but the scence that do happen fit the storyline so well it makes the scenes that do happen worth it! I cant want to see what else Francis Lace has to offer us!!
October 10, 2023
This book is beautifully written, and the characters are easy to love. The relationship between characters leaves you wanting to read more, and I really hope there is more to come as I am hooked and want to read more!
October 15, 2023
This book was amazing! I loved the world and character building! You truly fall in love with each character, and really want to know more about their past lives! I really love this take on omegaverse! Most omegaverse I read, are kind of the same but this one really stood out! I really hope I get to see more of these characters in future books!
October 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this read.
The story, world building and characters was well written. I was invested in the story from the start. The spice level is off the chart being one of the main elements. I'm intrigued to see how the second book will go.
The story, world building and characters was well written. I was invested in the story from the start. The spice level is off the chart being one of the main elements. I'm intrigued to see how the second book will go.
October 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this book!
October 12, 2023
Great book! Loved the spice/plot ratio and the poly-romance was done really well. I did think the beginning was quite fast. Almost wanted a bit more depth to the world/character building to grip me quicker. But I did get gripped once I got into it and wish there was more!
October 14, 2023
This book was beautifully written! It was a very nice, light and easy read! I really enjoyed how much nature was respected in this book. I feel like I would be right there to join the Enchantress! It sounds like a beautiful world the author created; a world I would love to live in!
October 14, 2023
obsessed with the flow of this book.. and the spice🤭 so thankful to have the opportunity to be an ARC for this book🤍
October 15, 2023
What a great fantasy romance book. I loved the characters, the world they live in and all the spicy scenes! You get suck into their world and want more. I can't wait to read the next book.
October 16, 2023
perfection
I have never read anything like this and I need more. My heart is so full; 1000 stars and ultimate spice. I so hope we get to see more of Rook and his Mistress!
I have never read anything like this and I need more. My heart is so full; 1000 stars and ultimate spice. I so hope we get to see more of Rook and his Mistress!
October 16, 2023
Rook is one of those books that is captivating, yet flows gently along. There's no drama and no overarching evil, but rather simply a 21yo guy following his heart.
Notes: polyam, s*x magic
Notes: polyam, s*x magic
February 21, 2024
This was a very pleasant read. So calm, so easily flowing. The narrative was well paced, the story simple, but fulfilling. Sweet Rook, so precious. This book made me think more about nature and our surroundings. Ahhh how can I forget the steaminess...hot damn...
October 12, 2023
LOVE FOR ALL
This is a beautiful love story. It proves love can be found anywhere and between anyone, that love is for all. An amazing story, where the author has created a world filled with wonderful characters to fall in love with and be enraptured by their stories. The writing fantastic and a story full of laughter and love.
This is a beautiful love story. It proves love can be found anywhere and between anyone, that love is for all. An amazing story, where the author has created a world filled with wonderful characters to fall in love with and be enraptured by their stories. The writing fantastic and a story full of laughter and love.
October 14, 2023
A good book to dip your toes into spice and polyamorous relationships with mmf, mfm, and fmf relationships and many happy endings 😉
October 10, 2023
i loved the spice and the poly relationships this book had! i just feel like the story between the rook and the enchantress took longer than necessary to get to the point. when it finally got to the point i liked how it played out! definitely a different read for me but i liked it
October 11, 2023
Couldn’t put this book down I love the chemistry between all the characters I got lost in their world as I moved through the story I felt the emotions of all of them and oh my love the heat I highly recommend reading this
October 20, 2023
Rook is the start to a fantasy, Polyam romance. For me it did start off a bit slow but once I got into the story, it really sucked me in and held my attention captive. The world and character building is detailed and vivid. I really can't wait to see how the characters developed over the next book. This is a really solid start to this series.
October 17, 2023
Omg!! This is a must read. I absolutely fell in love with the entire book. The characters, the storyline, and the emotions that are placed in this book is pure perfection! I want more and more.
October 24, 2023
One of the sweetest, light and low angst books about polyamory I've ever read. The sleepy and peaceful island of Marieena is a truly fascinating fictional world. Unfortunately the peace and quiet are seriously threatened. The old gods are all but forgotten by the people inhabiting the island, and the magical balance suffers severely. Marieena's last hope is the Enchantress! As a magical being, her magic is also affected, not only by the people's lack of faith, but because in so many circles of life she cannot find her soulmates, the missing pieces that will not only make her life whole and complete, but make her magic sing again. And that's when Rook shows up - in the yawning abyss, just before the world they all know turns to dust, this naive and super sweet boy is the ray of sunshine and hope no one in the Castle knew would come. His devotion and sheer adoration for the Enchantress is astounding and screams of inexperience and youth. The tale waves sensual tentacles around Rook's eye-opening bi-awakening and cautious first explorations as he searches for his place in the Castle and builds relationships with the other inhabitants. The centerpiece is MF, but there are also FF and MM relationships in the group. It was wonderful reading experience and I can't wait to see how the story will expand and develop in the second book.
October 16, 2023
4.5 stars
Imagine walking through lush gardens and beautiful architecture to find yourself in a meadow of beautiful bodies, rich fruits, refreshing drinks, and the most sensual acts you have ever seen. That is how this book feels, reminiscent of the bacchanalia and pure hedonism infused with deep magic and fantasy.
This is one of those books I would love to be able to experience for the first time again. The Enchantress is sultry, soft, and feminine. Rook is very much a cinnamon roll MMC with an innocent side yet you can see how he grows and evolves into possibly alpha-like qualities. My only observation is that I would have loved to see a progression or a deeper connection between Rook and the Enchantress since it felt like the relationship wasn’t delved into as the story may have warranted. One huge star is going to the side characters - so well written!! Not just the characters themselves but the relationships between them. I loved a few of them and I have to agree, Barden might be one of my favorites. He brought the sassiness and the comic relief to the story. If this was a show, he would be the one to steal the spotlight.
I can’t wait for book 2!
Imagine walking through lush gardens and beautiful architecture to find yourself in a meadow of beautiful bodies, rich fruits, refreshing drinks, and the most sensual acts you have ever seen. That is how this book feels, reminiscent of the bacchanalia and pure hedonism infused with deep magic and fantasy.
This is one of those books I would love to be able to experience for the first time again. The Enchantress is sultry, soft, and feminine. Rook is very much a cinnamon roll MMC with an innocent side yet you can see how he grows and evolves into possibly alpha-like qualities. My only observation is that I would have loved to see a progression or a deeper connection between Rook and the Enchantress since it felt like the relationship wasn’t delved into as the story may have warranted. One huge star is going to the side characters - so well written!! Not just the characters themselves but the relationships between them. I loved a few of them and I have to agree, Barden might be one of my favorites. He brought the sassiness and the comic relief to the story. If this was a show, he would be the one to steal the spotlight.
I can’t wait for book 2!
October 14, 2023
For a debut book, this is an epic story filled with magic, mystery, and men. I mean, there are women too... okay, my point is, Barden is mine. I claimed him, and he's mine.
This story follows Rook, a sweet, slightly naive farmer, who decides to become a tribute to the fabled goddess, and help to save the lands and nature around them. An age old fairy tale that just happens to be true.
As soon as he steps into this magical fantasy world, nothing will ever be the same, and thank god. Beautiful characters, steamy AF scenes, and all kinds of swapping/sharing, and naughtiness.
Honestly, this book has all you could want from a nature-inspired love story, woven into the intricate lives of so many souls, and with a surprising turn of events that I just didn't see coming.
Definitely a book I'll read again and again, and not just for Barden, although he's obviously part of why I love the book so much! Great start to a writing career, and I can't wait for more!
This story follows Rook, a sweet, slightly naive farmer, who decides to become a tribute to the fabled goddess, and help to save the lands and nature around them. An age old fairy tale that just happens to be true.
As soon as he steps into this magical fantasy world, nothing will ever be the same, and thank god. Beautiful characters, steamy AF scenes, and all kinds of swapping/sharing, and naughtiness.
Honestly, this book has all you could want from a nature-inspired love story, woven into the intricate lives of so many souls, and with a surprising turn of events that I just didn't see coming.
Definitely a book I'll read again and again, and not just for Barden, although he's obviously part of why I love the book so much! Great start to a writing career, and I can't wait for more!
October 14, 2023
This is a enchanting Poly Omegaverse Fantasy novel. It is multi POV but mainly follows the main character, Rook, who is male. I typically don't read many books that have such a strong male POV but I truly enjoyed this. There is an innocence to Rook that is endearing and sweet but there is also a deeper, more primal, quality to him as well that we get to see him embrace and grow into. This being an Omegaverse story should not deter you if that typically isn't your jam. This is done is such a wonderfully understated way that I haven't seen yet from another Omegaverse story. This was a beautiful, spicy, fantasy story and I can't wait to read more from this universe!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews