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Locke Institute #1
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn
If you liked Red Rising, A Deadly Education, Pitch Black, or The Great Escape, you found the right novel.
_____________________________
A fast-paced pirate adventure for the rebel in all of us, A. R. Witham weaves a story of courage, friendship, and survival inside a deadly magic school.
The Locke Institute has only three
Obey your betters.
Gather at sunrise.
Be inside by sundown.
But some men can't be told what to do.
Rooker Flynn is a rebellious, hot-tempered pirate who never met a rule he didn’t break. He wants his freedom, and he will stop at nothing to get it.
But the Headmistress is determined to break Rooker's spirit; she will use bounty hunters, giant poisonous spiders, and an arsenal of dark secrets to keep her pupils in line.
Good thing Rooker knows one student who is smarter than all the rest put together; a kid genius who knows strange mysteries that are not of this world.
Working together, Rooker's bravado and the kid's brains might be enough to outwit their captor and stage a daring escape...or die trying.
__________
This book has sharper teeth than The Legend of Black Jack, but then again, so does Rooker Flynn. A suspenseful page-turner, this is a quick read that you will not be able to put down until the very last word.
_____________________________
A fast-paced pirate adventure for the rebel in all of us, A. R. Witham weaves a story of courage, friendship, and survival inside a deadly magic school.
The Locke Institute has only three
Obey your betters.
Gather at sunrise.
Be inside by sundown.
But some men can't be told what to do.
Rooker Flynn is a rebellious, hot-tempered pirate who never met a rule he didn’t break. He wants his freedom, and he will stop at nothing to get it.
But the Headmistress is determined to break Rooker's spirit; she will use bounty hunters, giant poisonous spiders, and an arsenal of dark secrets to keep her pupils in line.
Good thing Rooker knows one student who is smarter than all the rest put together; a kid genius who knows strange mysteries that are not of this world.
Working together, Rooker's bravado and the kid's brains might be enough to outwit their captor and stage a daring escape...or die trying.
__________
This book has sharper teeth than The Legend of Black Jack, but then again, so does Rooker Flynn. A suspenseful page-turner, this is a quick read that you will not be able to put down until the very last word.
- GenresFantasy
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2024
23 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 2, 2025
Give me a witty pirate any day.
Rooker Flynn is a wanted rebellious pirate who is caught by bounty hunters and imprisoned in the harsh, spider-filled Locke Institute. Run by a talking rhino in a polka-dot dress.
Desperate to escape, Rooker is eager to find an old friend stuck there alongside him. The infamous Black Jack: a teen who is eidetic and clever, but very naive.
First of all, you do not have to read The Legend of Black Jack in order to enjoy this story. Everything you need to know is contained within. However, you will miss seeing how Rooker and Jack first met. It’s also important to know Jack is a human who finds himself in this other world with magic.
This is fun and fast-paced. Rooker is petty and criminal through and through. Jack is a boyo who is gullible and weak. As far as Rooker is concerned, Jack was from a podunk backwater called Chee-ga-go.
The Institute is horrifyingly efficient. There are cliques and hangings and a race for food. I wish there was more chance to linger and more descriptions. Especially in regards to side characters and the scenery which could be so much more scary.
I will be continuing as I read this in 2 sittings.
Arc gifted by author.
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Rooker Flynn is a wanted rebellious pirate who is caught by bounty hunters and imprisoned in the harsh, spider-filled Locke Institute. Run by a talking rhino in a polka-dot dress.
Desperate to escape, Rooker is eager to find an old friend stuck there alongside him. The infamous Black Jack: a teen who is eidetic and clever, but very naive.
First of all, you do not have to read The Legend of Black Jack in order to enjoy this story. Everything you need to know is contained within. However, you will miss seeing how Rooker and Jack first met. It’s also important to know Jack is a human who finds himself in this other world with magic.
This is fun and fast-paced. Rooker is petty and criminal through and through. Jack is a boyo who is gullible and weak. As far as Rooker is concerned, Jack was from a podunk backwater called Chee-ga-go.
The Institute is horrifyingly efficient. There are cliques and hangings and a race for food. I wish there was more chance to linger and more descriptions. Especially in regards to side characters and the scenery which could be so much more scary.
I will be continuing as I read this in 2 sittings.
Arc gifted by author.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
July 3, 2024
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
4.5 stars (rounded up)
In The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, A.R. Witham returns to the world of Keymark and weaves another transportive fantasy adventure full of majik and mayhem. Darker and more disturbing than ever before, this dangerously addictive and diabolically fun tale of survival and unlikely friendship is a true emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.
Now, this review is a special one for me, as I had the absolute honour and pleasure of alpha reading this entire trilogy last year. Does that make me biased? Maybe. But then, the entire reason I ended up being an alpha reader in the first place is because The Legend of Black Jack wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, and Andy wanted some brutally honest feedback.
Joke’s on him, I ended up loving The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, even in its rough early stages before (in Andy’s own legendary words) “the story puts her makeup on, still standing in front of the mirror wearing faded underwear and a tank top, eating a powdered donut”. And honestly, the finished product that I am reviewing here today has had a magnificent glow-up and turned out even better than I could ever have imagined.
Whereas the last adventure in Keymark showed us this world through Jack’s outsider perspective, this time we get to experience it in all its glory through the eyes of our most loveable rogue: the infamous pirate Rooker Flynn. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, he finds himself stuck with all the most fearsome criminals at The Locke Institute, a brutal and deadly prison masking as a reformation school. All hope seems lost, until one fellow prisoner turns out to be an old familiar kid genius who just might get them out, even if they die trying.
Whether you have read The Legend of Black Jack or not, Witham does an exceptionally fine job of (re)establishing the characters and smoothing the reader (back) into the world in The Crimes of Rooker Flynn. I think it takes a very skilled storyteller to make a world feel so vibrant and alive that it immediately feels like coming home, but that is exactly what Witham has accomplished in the creation of Keymark. The imagination is off the charts, and I honestly felt like I was right there with the characters trying to survive in the brutal jungle prison and outrunning giant spiders, for better or worse.
Right from the prologue, the story just zooms along at breakneck speed with its unputdownable ‘just one more chapter’ quality, yet none of the character work or emotional impact suffers from the fast pacing. The diverse cast of characters leaps off the page with personality, providing plenty of people who you can love, hate, love to hate (looking at you, Gerba) or hate to love. Moreover, the complex interpersonal relationships that lie at the heart of this narrative are beautifully drawn, and all the conflicting emotions simply bleed off the page.
Witham goes down some shockingly dark paths in The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, almost leaning into horror territory and tackling heavy topics of trauma, mental health, and brutal emotional and physical torture. Yet because of the characters’ undying hope and defiance, combined with their devilish charm, sharp tongues, dark humour, and amusing banter, even in the darkest of times, the story never becomes draining or exhausting to read. It still has all the whimsical quirkiness that The Legend of Black Jack did, except this time the baby gloves are off and you get some delicious emotional destruction along with it.
And speaking of emotional destruction, Witham quite literally leaves both the characters and the readers hanging on a brutally devious cliffhanger that will simply demand you come back for the sequel. Fortunately for all of us, the entire trilogy is already penned, and having had the privilege of reading it already, I can confidently tell you it only gets better, wilder, darker, and more intense from here.
While some of the emotional beats might hit just a tiny bit harder if you have read and enjoyed The Legend of Black Jack, this new rip-roaring and soul-stirring adventure in Keymark stands perfectly on its own and kicks off The Locke Institute trilogy with an absolute bang. If you are looking for a fast-paced fantasy tale that strikes the perfect balance between the action and the emotion, then you seriously don’t want to miss out on The Crimes of Rooker Flynn.
4.5 stars (rounded up)
In The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, A.R. Witham returns to the world of Keymark and weaves another transportive fantasy adventure full of majik and mayhem. Darker and more disturbing than ever before, this dangerously addictive and diabolically fun tale of survival and unlikely friendship is a true emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.
Now, this review is a special one for me, as I had the absolute honour and pleasure of alpha reading this entire trilogy last year. Does that make me biased? Maybe. But then, the entire reason I ended up being an alpha reader in the first place is because The Legend of Black Jack wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, and Andy wanted some brutally honest feedback.
Joke’s on him, I ended up loving The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, even in its rough early stages before (in Andy’s own legendary words) “the story puts her makeup on, still standing in front of the mirror wearing faded underwear and a tank top, eating a powdered donut”. And honestly, the finished product that I am reviewing here today has had a magnificent glow-up and turned out even better than I could ever have imagined.
Whereas the last adventure in Keymark showed us this world through Jack’s outsider perspective, this time we get to experience it in all its glory through the eyes of our most loveable rogue: the infamous pirate Rooker Flynn. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, he finds himself stuck with all the most fearsome criminals at The Locke Institute, a brutal and deadly prison masking as a reformation school. All hope seems lost, until one fellow prisoner turns out to be an old familiar kid genius who just might get them out, even if they die trying.
Whether you have read The Legend of Black Jack or not, Witham does an exceptionally fine job of (re)establishing the characters and smoothing the reader (back) into the world in The Crimes of Rooker Flynn. I think it takes a very skilled storyteller to make a world feel so vibrant and alive that it immediately feels like coming home, but that is exactly what Witham has accomplished in the creation of Keymark. The imagination is off the charts, and I honestly felt like I was right there with the characters trying to survive in the brutal jungle prison and outrunning giant spiders, for better or worse.
Right from the prologue, the story just zooms along at breakneck speed with its unputdownable ‘just one more chapter’ quality, yet none of the character work or emotional impact suffers from the fast pacing. The diverse cast of characters leaps off the page with personality, providing plenty of people who you can love, hate, love to hate (looking at you, Gerba) or hate to love. Moreover, the complex interpersonal relationships that lie at the heart of this narrative are beautifully drawn, and all the conflicting emotions simply bleed off the page.
Witham goes down some shockingly dark paths in The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, almost leaning into horror territory and tackling heavy topics of trauma, mental health, and brutal emotional and physical torture. Yet because of the characters’ undying hope and defiance, combined with their devilish charm, sharp tongues, dark humour, and amusing banter, even in the darkest of times, the story never becomes draining or exhausting to read. It still has all the whimsical quirkiness that The Legend of Black Jack did, except this time the baby gloves are off and you get some delicious emotional destruction along with it.
And speaking of emotional destruction, Witham quite literally leaves both the characters and the readers hanging on a brutally devious cliffhanger that will simply demand you come back for the sequel. Fortunately for all of us, the entire trilogy is already penned, and having had the privilege of reading it already, I can confidently tell you it only gets better, wilder, darker, and more intense from here.
While some of the emotional beats might hit just a tiny bit harder if you have read and enjoyed The Legend of Black Jack, this new rip-roaring and soul-stirring adventure in Keymark stands perfectly on its own and kicks off The Locke Institute trilogy with an absolute bang. If you are looking for a fast-paced fantasy tale that strikes the perfect balance between the action and the emotion, then you seriously don’t want to miss out on The Crimes of Rooker Flynn.
September 18, 2024
4.5/5 Stars Rounded to 5 Stars
I recieved a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook was purchased myself.
A fast-paced adventure that will keep you guessing and leave you wanting more. The Crimes of Rooker Flynn by A.R. Witham is book one of the Locke Institute trilogy where spirits are crushed, giant spiders roam and a rebellious pirate breaks all the rules.
The Locke Institute is home to the criminals of Keymark, where three rules must be obeyed; Obey your betters, Gather at sunrise and be inside by sundown. Run by a headmistress that could rival Delores Umbridge, Rooker Flynn finds himself a student at this institute. With the help of a familiar face, student and kid genius, they work together plotting their escape from the headmistress or die trying.
A.R. Witham’s debut, The Legend of Black Jack quickly captured my heart through wonder, magic and a daring adventure. Now, he’s back with a new trilogy following a beloved character from his debut, Rooker Flynn. The beauty of this trilogy is that you don’t need to read The Legend of Black Jack in order to enjoy it. That being said, there are some references that will make more sense having read The Legend of Black Jack first. Ultimately, the choice is yours on where you begin in the world of Keymark.
Now, onto the review!
First and foremost, there's magic in A.R. Witham’s storytelling and The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is no exception. Between the developments, pacing, themes and the characters ability to jump off the page, there's an evident passion and skill woven in. There’s also a tonal difference compared with The Legend of Black Jack as The Crimes of Rooker Flynn takes on a darker and more serious tone. With this being a portal fantasy there are plenty of familiar elements to the genre, but it also blends elements from horror and thriller.
The story itself follows multiple POVs, giving readers a previously unseen perspective into the world of Keymark through the loveable rogue Rook Flynn. Now, Rooker’s story is all at once heartbreaking, endearing and maddening. As his past continues to influence his choices and relationships, it also impacts the overarching plot with intrigue and a psychological exploration I wasn’t anticipating. We really get to see what makes Rooker tick from the good to the ugly.
This is also true for the other main POV, as we get to see the psychological impacts the Locke Institute has on its students. Subsequently, it delves into the hardships these criminals face at the hands of their so-called betters.
A key combination that makes this story flow with ease is the pacing, suspense, character arcs and unknowns. All these aspects work together seamlessly and kept me wanting to read “just one more chapter”.
I was also impressed with how the story delves into heavier themes without leaving the reader feeling emotionally drained. For example, it explores themes of imprisonment, trauma, survival, manipulation and desperation while balancing it with action, scheming, hope, suspense, intrigue and a captivating cast of characters. From the charming crooks to the loathful headmistress, I couldn’t help but be invested in the characters and what awaits them.
In this magical world of Keymark you’ll also find a variety of creatures from anthropomorphic beings, giant venomous spiders, dwarves, trolls and magic wielding bounty hunters.
I also listened to the audiobook while immersion reading and the author who also narrates his books brought his characters and story to life.
A.R. Witham never fails to deliver a binge worthy read with plenty of heart. I am fully invested in what comes next, especially after that ending and can’t recommend it enough.
I recieved a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook was purchased myself.
A fast-paced adventure that will keep you guessing and leave you wanting more. The Crimes of Rooker Flynn by A.R. Witham is book one of the Locke Institute trilogy where spirits are crushed, giant spiders roam and a rebellious pirate breaks all the rules.
The Locke Institute is home to the criminals of Keymark, where three rules must be obeyed; Obey your betters, Gather at sunrise and be inside by sundown. Run by a headmistress that could rival Delores Umbridge, Rooker Flynn finds himself a student at this institute. With the help of a familiar face, student and kid genius, they work together plotting their escape from the headmistress or die trying.
A.R. Witham’s debut, The Legend of Black Jack quickly captured my heart through wonder, magic and a daring adventure. Now, he’s back with a new trilogy following a beloved character from his debut, Rooker Flynn. The beauty of this trilogy is that you don’t need to read The Legend of Black Jack in order to enjoy it. That being said, there are some references that will make more sense having read The Legend of Black Jack first. Ultimately, the choice is yours on where you begin in the world of Keymark.
Now, onto the review!
First and foremost, there's magic in A.R. Witham’s storytelling and The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is no exception. Between the developments, pacing, themes and the characters ability to jump off the page, there's an evident passion and skill woven in. There’s also a tonal difference compared with The Legend of Black Jack as The Crimes of Rooker Flynn takes on a darker and more serious tone. With this being a portal fantasy there are plenty of familiar elements to the genre, but it also blends elements from horror and thriller.
The story itself follows multiple POVs, giving readers a previously unseen perspective into the world of Keymark through the loveable rogue Rook Flynn. Now, Rooker’s story is all at once heartbreaking, endearing and maddening. As his past continues to influence his choices and relationships, it also impacts the overarching plot with intrigue and a psychological exploration I wasn’t anticipating. We really get to see what makes Rooker tick from the good to the ugly.
This is also true for the other main POV, as we get to see the psychological impacts the Locke Institute has on its students. Subsequently, it delves into the hardships these criminals face at the hands of their so-called betters.
A key combination that makes this story flow with ease is the pacing, suspense, character arcs and unknowns. All these aspects work together seamlessly and kept me wanting to read “just one more chapter”.
I was also impressed with how the story delves into heavier themes without leaving the reader feeling emotionally drained. For example, it explores themes of imprisonment, trauma, survival, manipulation and desperation while balancing it with action, scheming, hope, suspense, intrigue and a captivating cast of characters. From the charming crooks to the loathful headmistress, I couldn’t help but be invested in the characters and what awaits them.
In this magical world of Keymark you’ll also find a variety of creatures from anthropomorphic beings, giant venomous spiders, dwarves, trolls and magic wielding bounty hunters.
I also listened to the audiobook while immersion reading and the author who also narrates his books brought his characters and story to life.
A.R. Witham never fails to deliver a binge worthy read with plenty of heart. I am fully invested in what comes next, especially after that ending and can’t recommend it enough.
July 16, 2024
This just a short summary of my initial thoughts
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn was my first foray into the world of Keymark and what a fantastic roller-coaster of introduction it was.
From the first page to the last, we are treated to nefarious plots and subterfuge as our protagonists battle with their fellow “guests” at the Locke Institute. This a fast pace fantasy story with a tremendous cast of characters most of aren’t human and nearly all of whom are out for themselves. If a fellow guest doesn’t get you then the local wildlife will and by that I mean the “spiders”, oh boy are there some nasty spiders!
The level of mistrust between the characters is a central theme through out the book and really serves to keep the reader guessing as to what may come next. As the chapters progress you really feel the sense of desperation mount and as for the climax , that’s one of the most brutal finishes I’ve read for some time. I’m definitely in for Book 2!
I’d highly recommend checking this one out
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn was my first foray into the world of Keymark and what a fantastic roller-coaster of introduction it was.
From the first page to the last, we are treated to nefarious plots and subterfuge as our protagonists battle with their fellow “guests” at the Locke Institute. This a fast pace fantasy story with a tremendous cast of characters most of aren’t human and nearly all of whom are out for themselves. If a fellow guest doesn’t get you then the local wildlife will and by that I mean the “spiders”, oh boy are there some nasty spiders!
The level of mistrust between the characters is a central theme through out the book and really serves to keep the reader guessing as to what may come next. As the chapters progress you really feel the sense of desperation mount and as for the climax , that’s one of the most brutal finishes I’ve read for some time. I’m definitely in for Book 2!
I’d highly recommend checking this one out
August 20, 2024
I’ve made it something of a tradition to read one of A.R. Witham’s books during the readathons he periodically runs, which have been so much fun to be a part of with his utterly infectious personality that I just love to death. This book was full of his trademark lively and heartfelt voice, but I found it a bit tough to really get grounded and immersed in this tale that's very playful and silly yet darkly set almost entirely within a fantastical island prison camp. There are the tropes you might expect like a scheming evil commandant, cliques among the prisoners with plenty of bullies to go around, street smart toughs scraping out advantages for themselves—and some things you wouldn’t expect, like the deadly spiders that sweep over the island at sundown every night.
I suspected during the Legend of Black Jack that I wasn’t quite the target audience for these books, but the high-stakes quest that dominated that plot won me over in the end. Here we weren’t traveling towards a goal, and I never found Rooker and Jack’s travails trying to survive the prison (when I knew they would somehow) and figure out an escape plan to be enough to get me invested just yet in the series, but I’m hopeful I’ll get there with the next book if the plot evolves towards something grander.
If you love just basking in Witham’s humor and zaniness, then I imagine this book will be a great time, but I think for better or worse I’m just not able to suspend my disbelief around the character/plot stakes with a book this silly (maybe I need to let my inner child out more? Very possible.)
I suspected during the Legend of Black Jack that I wasn’t quite the target audience for these books, but the high-stakes quest that dominated that plot won me over in the end. Here we weren’t traveling towards a goal, and I never found Rooker and Jack’s travails trying to survive the prison (when I knew they would somehow) and figure out an escape plan to be enough to get me invested just yet in the series, but I’m hopeful I’ll get there with the next book if the plot evolves towards something grander.
If you love just basking in Witham’s humor and zaniness, then I imagine this book will be a great time, but I think for better or worse I’m just not able to suspend my disbelief around the character/plot stakes with a book this silly (maybe I need to let my inner child out more? Very possible.)
March 28, 2025
It's great when you stumble across a brilliant book, especially when you read a lot and kind of get used to things been merely good to okay. I love books that suck me in and force me to feel all the feelings. Sometimes to the degree that I'm scared to keep reading. Well, these two books: The Crimes of Rooker Flynn and The Trial of Rooker Flynn definitely fit the bill. While I read very slowly lately because of a number of reasons, when I picked up my ereader or phone, I found myself immersed in the world of these stories. My emotions ran through the spectrum, and I was never bored. If you like adventure that calls to mind the classic novels, such as written by Jules Verne, then you should check these out. The magic is intriguing, and the characters are captivating, sometimes because you hate them so much. I read these as a bindup called, The Locke Institute from Netgalley, but they are available to buy separately. There is a third book coming out soon, The Execution of Rooker Flynn: Locke Institute Trilogy Book 3. And one of the characters, a teen named Jack, has his origin story in The Legend of Black Jack, which I still need to read. I definitely recommend reading these books!
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley, courtesy of Nepenthe Press.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley, courtesy of Nepenthe Press.
January 13, 2025
So we are back in Keymark and this time we are spending more time through the eyes of the notorious and infamous pirate Rooker Flynn.
The book starts at a rapid pace and we are instantly thrust into the story and the setting for this novel, The Locke Institute. This is a prison for all of the unsavoury characters in Keymark and to no surprise Rooker is familiar with most of the inhabitants. However, the arrival of a certain “Black” Jack, kickstarts the story!
I found the writing to be zany and adventurous and this is the perfect story for teens moving into adult fantasy.
Whilst at times it reads as a YA book, the themes and depth of the story do start to bridge the gap to adult fantasy. This middle area of genres is grossly under populated with books and is the reason so many teens drop off reading, especially young men. Therefore I absolutely tip my hat to Mr Witham for taking a stance and tyring to keep people reading as they become adults.
I personally fall slightly outside the target audience, so at times the story did miss for me but you cant fault the lack of enthusiasm seeping through the veins of this novel.
I love that the author swings for the fences and throws in humour, banter and quirkiness at every opportunity. It made it a fun read.
The story does end on a cliffhanger (which I don’t tend to love), so sign me up for book 2!
Note – the author narrates this himself, and what a cracking job. Mr Witham is a first class narrator and should actually seek out more narration gigs, he does a brilliant job
The book starts at a rapid pace and we are instantly thrust into the story and the setting for this novel, The Locke Institute. This is a prison for all of the unsavoury characters in Keymark and to no surprise Rooker is familiar with most of the inhabitants. However, the arrival of a certain “Black” Jack, kickstarts the story!
I found the writing to be zany and adventurous and this is the perfect story for teens moving into adult fantasy.
Whilst at times it reads as a YA book, the themes and depth of the story do start to bridge the gap to adult fantasy. This middle area of genres is grossly under populated with books and is the reason so many teens drop off reading, especially young men. Therefore I absolutely tip my hat to Mr Witham for taking a stance and tyring to keep people reading as they become adults.
I personally fall slightly outside the target audience, so at times the story did miss for me but you cant fault the lack of enthusiasm seeping through the veins of this novel.
I love that the author swings for the fences and throws in humour, banter and quirkiness at every opportunity. It made it a fun read.
The story does end on a cliffhanger (which I don’t tend to love), so sign me up for book 2!
Note – the author narrates this himself, and what a cracking job. Mr Witham is a first class narrator and should actually seek out more narration gigs, he does a brilliant job
December 15, 2024
Thank you endlessly to AR Witham for the audiobook code! I rely on audiobooks at this point due to my vision and appreciated having these hours of darkly hilarious entertainment!
I have mixed thoughts on the story but since I'm rating the audiobook, it's an easy, solid five on narration and performance. Witham self narrates and you can't fake the fun he clearly had recording this book. When the narrator really gets behind something and sings, goes all out on accents, huffs and does sound effects, and even loop records himself so the characters could sing together .. this is a great production overall
I would 100% buy all his audiobooks and think he could make a career out of middle grade & children's book narration. Reminded me a lot of Rupert Degas who did the first few Skulduggery Pleasant books.
More about the book thoughts at another time but I totally, 100% recommend the audio
I have mixed thoughts on the story but since I'm rating the audiobook, it's an easy, solid five on narration and performance. Witham self narrates and you can't fake the fun he clearly had recording this book. When the narrator really gets behind something and sings, goes all out on accents, huffs and does sound effects, and even loop records himself so the characters could sing together .. this is a great production overall
I would 100% buy all his audiobooks and think he could make a career out of middle grade & children's book narration. Reminded me a lot of Rupert Degas who did the first few Skulduggery Pleasant books.
More about the book thoughts at another time but I totally, 100% recommend the audio
Read
December 9, 2024I don't usually like portal fantasy, but this one was actually really fun. At times whimsical as a fairy tale, and other times as dark as... a fairy tale, The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is like a portal fantasy of Lost meets Pirates of the Caribbean. Bizarre combination, right? But it works.
Also the audiobook is narrated by the author himself, who did a fantastic job. Highly recommend checking that out.
Also the audiobook is narrated by the author himself, who did a fantastic job. Highly recommend checking that out.
January 6, 2025
2024
Fantasy
Review: Oh my shjt, this was good. The first few chapters were trending in the old alternate universe direction that has been beaten more than a teenagers weaner. Only, the story does not languish there waiting for the alternative to bolster the narrative. You dip your toes in Chicago then go running for the trees to hide in a giant plant casing.
Rooker is a fukshjt, and you love him for the honesty. Jack is mewling and frightended all the time. Even when he toughens up, his core is always vulnerable. Not sure if that was character development or flaw. What Jack does is mirror life experiences, that when awful, merely scratch at the core of who he truly is. In a way, both are stalwart beings that never lie to themselves. Awareness perks and all that.
The world building just keeps expanding as you move through the story line. You might get tired with all the thwarted attempts at escape, yet those processes are what build each character.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
4.9/5
Fantasy
Review: Oh my shjt, this was good. The first few chapters were trending in the old alternate universe direction that has been beaten more than a teenagers weaner. Only, the story does not languish there waiting for the alternative to bolster the narrative. You dip your toes in Chicago then go running for the trees to hide in a giant plant casing.
Rooker is a fukshjt, and you love him for the honesty. Jack is mewling and frightended all the time. Even when he toughens up, his core is always vulnerable. Not sure if that was character development or flaw. What Jack does is mirror life experiences, that when awful, merely scratch at the core of who he truly is. In a way, both are stalwart beings that never lie to themselves. Awareness perks and all that.
The world building just keeps expanding as you move through the story line. You might get tired with all the thwarted attempts at escape, yet those processes are what build each character.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
4.9/5
August 1, 2024
Well, that was a fun read, and deliciously dark. A perfect execution of fundark fantasy in fact, if such a sub-genre exists.
I have to confess, I was transported to the world of Keymark without having read The Legend of Black Jack but I don’t think it impacted on my understanding and enjoyment of this book.
I quickly got to grips with the world setting and was soon fully engaged with the characters of Rooker and Jack, despite not experiencing their exploits in Legend.
Having read some of Witham’s other work – his Border Crossing short story and The Tale of the Border Knight novella – I knew I was in expert hands when it comes to delivering top prose, characterisation and storytelling.
Those qualities were evident again from the first few pages of The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, with a wittily entertaining introduction to the story despite the prologue’s subject matter.
There are many aspects of this book to gush about but I think my favourite element is the titular character himself.
Rooker is such an appealing POV, a rule-breaking pirate with a temper to match the fiercest of high seas storms.
But he’s also an endearingly loveable rogue, with a strong code of honour over his friendship with Chicago kid Jack Swift.
The fact that Rooker, when we first meet him, thinks of his ship as the only woman he will ever love perfectly encapsulates his personality for me.
Unfortunately for him, being under lock and key in a penal institute on the island of Huánghūn, his sinful past having caught up with him, isn’t conducive to a life of nautical adventure and brigandry.
Fortunately for him, he’s got the young genius Jack to help him try to break free and return to his beloved.
They’re a great double act and what ensues is a lovingly told tale of swashbuckling bravado, courageous derring-do, clever problem-solving and heartwarming camaraderie.
There is snappy dialogue, with humour as razor-sharp as some of the characters’ tongues, as Rooker and Jack meet the rest of the denizens of the Locke Institute and come to terms with learning about its true nature.
We’re treated to high jinks galore as our heroes go about planning their great escape from the institute’s deadly type of education. However, staying alive proves enough of a challenge, never mind trying to secure their freedom.
The rest of the cast is also interesting. We get a motley crew of diverse characters to either sympathise with and cheer for … or to wish a giant arachnid fangful of misery on.
Names such as the dastardly headmistress Gerba Whipmarples and self-important Patch Picaroon play to an occasionally whimsical tone to the book, despite the sadistic and shocking episodes of torture we witness.
That kind of violence, and the underpinning threat of it, often smothers the whimsy in a much darker tone than what I understand The Legend of Black Jack has, as a young adult fantasy.
This outing is very adult, and the island school-prison perfectly sets the scene for the atmosphere and menacing tone which often pervades the narrative. The sense of danger is palpable and I suffered in empathy with the brutalised prisoners.
Yet somehow Witham still pulls off the trick of injecting black humour, comical antics and elements of whimsy to provide many moments of light which never jars with the darkness and rising tension. He really does have an impressive authorial voice.
I also enjoy and admire how Witham creates a strong sense of place in his writing. He achieved it impressively in Border Crossing – his contribution to The Advent of Winter anthology – despite the word count constraint of the short story format.
In The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, he totally nails it, by focussing the story on the institute and its topical jungle island, a location which is anything but paradise.
The locked-in setting also enables the intriguing characterisation, compelling character dynamics and captivating plot to flourish, and I was gripped by the gradual unveiling of the island’s and its inhabitants’ secrets and the ratcheting up of the tension as we neared the climax.
The purpose of the institute is to rehabilitate and reform the offenders but Rooker is determined to prove you can’t take the pirate out of this man.
In doing so, he proved to be one of my favourite fantasy characters of recent years. He’s so colourful he’d defy an artist’s palette. His personality and antics dazzle the eyes and tickle the brain as you follow his exploits and discover his backstory through the book.
I loved the pleasure of his company and his relationship with Jack melted my heart, delivering a treasure trove of emotional impact as they faced their trials and tribulations. The fun and adrenaline-fuelled action certainly doesn’t come at the expense of character detail and complexity in this tale.
Another quality of Witham’s storytelling I adore are the positive messages he weaves through his tales, through the words and actions of the protagonists and also the epigraphs at the start of each chapter in this book.
The quote at the beginning of the prologue says: “We are changed by those near to us.” How true for Rooker, Jack and all of us. It’s wholesome stuff and rises above the horror of the institute.
As I said, the book does get particularly dark in places but this is off-set by its oodles of charm and cracking banter, and the nuggets of golden positivity and prevailing sense of hope, resilience and defiance in the face of physical and mental trauma.
It’s a quirky, imaginative and bootyful tale. An addictively fast-paced romp with creepy-crawly horror, venomous enemies - of the two and eight-legged variety – and prose as majikal as the world of Keymark.
If you’re like me, you’ll race through it faster than the Venture Brigand skates over the Deep Blue South to a breathtaking finale that will leave you teetering on the edge of your favourite reading chair.
Book one of the Locke Institute Trilogy is so good it’s a crime not to read it. Therefore, I have three rules when it comes to anyone who hasn’t yet set sail on this adventure … but they’re easier to stick to than the institute’s:
· Get this book
· Read this book
· Enjoy this book
I did, thoroughly. While I look forward to reading its sequel, I’ll be visiting Keymark again to right a past wrong and catch up on the events of The Legend of Black Jack.
* I received an eARC from the author and this is an honest and voluntary review.
I have to confess, I was transported to the world of Keymark without having read The Legend of Black Jack but I don’t think it impacted on my understanding and enjoyment of this book.
I quickly got to grips with the world setting and was soon fully engaged with the characters of Rooker and Jack, despite not experiencing their exploits in Legend.
Having read some of Witham’s other work – his Border Crossing short story and The Tale of the Border Knight novella – I knew I was in expert hands when it comes to delivering top prose, characterisation and storytelling.
Those qualities were evident again from the first few pages of The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, with a wittily entertaining introduction to the story despite the prologue’s subject matter.
There are many aspects of this book to gush about but I think my favourite element is the titular character himself.
Rooker is such an appealing POV, a rule-breaking pirate with a temper to match the fiercest of high seas storms.
But he’s also an endearingly loveable rogue, with a strong code of honour over his friendship with Chicago kid Jack Swift.
The fact that Rooker, when we first meet him, thinks of his ship as the only woman he will ever love perfectly encapsulates his personality for me.
Unfortunately for him, being under lock and key in a penal institute on the island of Huánghūn, his sinful past having caught up with him, isn’t conducive to a life of nautical adventure and brigandry.
Fortunately for him, he’s got the young genius Jack to help him try to break free and return to his beloved.
They’re a great double act and what ensues is a lovingly told tale of swashbuckling bravado, courageous derring-do, clever problem-solving and heartwarming camaraderie.
There is snappy dialogue, with humour as razor-sharp as some of the characters’ tongues, as Rooker and Jack meet the rest of the denizens of the Locke Institute and come to terms with learning about its true nature.
We’re treated to high jinks galore as our heroes go about planning their great escape from the institute’s deadly type of education. However, staying alive proves enough of a challenge, never mind trying to secure their freedom.
The rest of the cast is also interesting. We get a motley crew of diverse characters to either sympathise with and cheer for … or to wish a giant arachnid fangful of misery on.
Names such as the dastardly headmistress Gerba Whipmarples and self-important Patch Picaroon play to an occasionally whimsical tone to the book, despite the sadistic and shocking episodes of torture we witness.
That kind of violence, and the underpinning threat of it, often smothers the whimsy in a much darker tone than what I understand The Legend of Black Jack has, as a young adult fantasy.
This outing is very adult, and the island school-prison perfectly sets the scene for the atmosphere and menacing tone which often pervades the narrative. The sense of danger is palpable and I suffered in empathy with the brutalised prisoners.
Yet somehow Witham still pulls off the trick of injecting black humour, comical antics and elements of whimsy to provide many moments of light which never jars with the darkness and rising tension. He really does have an impressive authorial voice.
I also enjoy and admire how Witham creates a strong sense of place in his writing. He achieved it impressively in Border Crossing – his contribution to The Advent of Winter anthology – despite the word count constraint of the short story format.
In The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, he totally nails it, by focussing the story on the institute and its topical jungle island, a location which is anything but paradise.
The locked-in setting also enables the intriguing characterisation, compelling character dynamics and captivating plot to flourish, and I was gripped by the gradual unveiling of the island’s and its inhabitants’ secrets and the ratcheting up of the tension as we neared the climax.
The purpose of the institute is to rehabilitate and reform the offenders but Rooker is determined to prove you can’t take the pirate out of this man.
In doing so, he proved to be one of my favourite fantasy characters of recent years. He’s so colourful he’d defy an artist’s palette. His personality and antics dazzle the eyes and tickle the brain as you follow his exploits and discover his backstory through the book.
I loved the pleasure of his company and his relationship with Jack melted my heart, delivering a treasure trove of emotional impact as they faced their trials and tribulations. The fun and adrenaline-fuelled action certainly doesn’t come at the expense of character detail and complexity in this tale.
Another quality of Witham’s storytelling I adore are the positive messages he weaves through his tales, through the words and actions of the protagonists and also the epigraphs at the start of each chapter in this book.
The quote at the beginning of the prologue says: “We are changed by those near to us.” How true for Rooker, Jack and all of us. It’s wholesome stuff and rises above the horror of the institute.
As I said, the book does get particularly dark in places but this is off-set by its oodles of charm and cracking banter, and the nuggets of golden positivity and prevailing sense of hope, resilience and defiance in the face of physical and mental trauma.
It’s a quirky, imaginative and bootyful tale. An addictively fast-paced romp with creepy-crawly horror, venomous enemies - of the two and eight-legged variety – and prose as majikal as the world of Keymark.
If you’re like me, you’ll race through it faster than the Venture Brigand skates over the Deep Blue South to a breathtaking finale that will leave you teetering on the edge of your favourite reading chair.
Book one of the Locke Institute Trilogy is so good it’s a crime not to read it. Therefore, I have three rules when it comes to anyone who hasn’t yet set sail on this adventure … but they’re easier to stick to than the institute’s:
· Get this book
· Read this book
· Enjoy this book
I did, thoroughly. While I look forward to reading its sequel, I’ll be visiting Keymark again to right a past wrong and catch up on the events of The Legend of Black Jack.
* I received an eARC from the author and this is an honest and voluntary review.
June 25, 2024
4.5 - Stars
I've had my eye on The Crimes of Rooker Flynn by A.R. Witham since I initially heard he was working on another book. I've completed The Legend of Black Jack twice (visual read Sept 2022 and audio Dec 2022) as well as the novella The Tale of the Border Knight in June of last year. I've really been enjoying Witham's storytelling style. The eARC's were made available near the end of May with mention of a release in about a month so keep your eyes out for this one!
I personally felt the pacing of Rooker Flynn was on par with the author's other books. They are fairly fast paced as far as reading through the story. There isn't none stop action by any means, but I have yet to feel any kind of slog through his works. There are a lot of characters to keep up with in this one but I didn't feel overwhelmed meaning they were introduced and taking part at a good pace. We really only have the two main POV's of Jack and Rooker so that might help a bit. One thing I noticed and mentioned in a discussion with friend post reading was this was seemed a bit different as far as the overall theme. I wasn't sure how to state it as it wasn't necessarily "darker" than Black Jack but perhaps just dire. I'll touch on this a bit more in the world building.
"This story has sharper teeth than The Legend of Black Jack, but then again, so does Rooker Flynn."
I figured I'd start with a quote from A.R. Witham in the eARC email that was sent out. This seems a good example of the feel I just mentioned. The majority of this story takes place in a re-education or prison camp which really sets the tone of things. This island though still has a lot going on with different areas and factions of prisoners as well as the school itself. Environmentally there are plenty of changes between day and night, heat and drenching rains and a constant fear of the different types of arachnids on this island. Why does it always have to be spiders!?
Another mention of the brief conversation I had with my friend as that I felt the majority of this story provided us just the slimmest of hope almost the entire time. My recent reading has me constantly feeling like I can't trust characters but this time, it seems even the characters themselves don't seem to trust anyone else either.
The character development was also done well. We certainly learn more about both Rooker and Jack in this story whether that's a good or bad thing may yet to be determined in future installments of this series. One of my favorite aspects of Witham's books so far though is the sheer amount of unique characters. Whether that is different races or just the characters depth themselves. I mentioned there were a lot of characters in this story and each one is so different. There was some solid arcs on supporting characters as well. The Head Mistress is a very unique and interesting character as well as a couple of the prisoners whether they seem with or against Rooker and Jack.
All of this combined makes for such an interesting and entertaining story. This one might not be as whimsical as the previous reads from this author but it's still a truly fantastical world populated with great characters and an interesting plot to tie it all together.
Overall this read finished as quite a surprising scene but I still enjoyed this one as much as I have The Legend of Black Jack and The Tale of the Border Knight. It's a different tone this time around but it's still very easy to see A.R. Witham's style as well.
I would certainly recommend this to fans of either of Witham's previous releases, just keep in mind this might be a little less fairytale and a bit more dire compared to those. If you haven't read anything from this author I think you could still enjoy this read as an initial entry into his works. If you like a dire fantastical fantasy world with interesting characters, definitely check out The Crimes of Rooker Flynn!
I've had my eye on The Crimes of Rooker Flynn by A.R. Witham since I initially heard he was working on another book. I've completed The Legend of Black Jack twice (visual read Sept 2022 and audio Dec 2022) as well as the novella The Tale of the Border Knight in June of last year. I've really been enjoying Witham's storytelling style. The eARC's were made available near the end of May with mention of a release in about a month so keep your eyes out for this one!
I personally felt the pacing of Rooker Flynn was on par with the author's other books. They are fairly fast paced as far as reading through the story. There isn't none stop action by any means, but I have yet to feel any kind of slog through his works. There are a lot of characters to keep up with in this one but I didn't feel overwhelmed meaning they were introduced and taking part at a good pace. We really only have the two main POV's of Jack and Rooker so that might help a bit. One thing I noticed and mentioned in a discussion with friend post reading was this was seemed a bit different as far as the overall theme. I wasn't sure how to state it as it wasn't necessarily "darker" than Black Jack but perhaps just dire. I'll touch on this a bit more in the world building.
"This story has sharper teeth than The Legend of Black Jack, but then again, so does Rooker Flynn."
I figured I'd start with a quote from A.R. Witham in the eARC email that was sent out. This seems a good example of the feel I just mentioned. The majority of this story takes place in a re-education or prison camp which really sets the tone of things. This island though still has a lot going on with different areas and factions of prisoners as well as the school itself. Environmentally there are plenty of changes between day and night, heat and drenching rains and a constant fear of the different types of arachnids on this island. Why does it always have to be spiders!?
Another mention of the brief conversation I had with my friend as that I felt the majority of this story provided us just the slimmest of hope almost the entire time. My recent reading has me constantly feeling like I can't trust characters but this time, it seems even the characters themselves don't seem to trust anyone else either.
The character development was also done well. We certainly learn more about both Rooker and Jack in this story whether that's a good or bad thing may yet to be determined in future installments of this series. One of my favorite aspects of Witham's books so far though is the sheer amount of unique characters. Whether that is different races or just the characters depth themselves. I mentioned there were a lot of characters in this story and each one is so different. There was some solid arcs on supporting characters as well. The Head Mistress is a very unique and interesting character as well as a couple of the prisoners whether they seem with or against Rooker and Jack.
All of this combined makes for such an interesting and entertaining story. This one might not be as whimsical as the previous reads from this author but it's still a truly fantastical world populated with great characters and an interesting plot to tie it all together.
Overall this read finished as quite a surprising scene but I still enjoyed this one as much as I have The Legend of Black Jack and The Tale of the Border Knight. It's a different tone this time around but it's still very easy to see A.R. Witham's style as well.
I would certainly recommend this to fans of either of Witham's previous releases, just keep in mind this might be a little less fairytale and a bit more dire compared to those. If you haven't read anything from this author I think you could still enjoy this read as an initial entry into his works. If you like a dire fantastical fantasy world with interesting characters, definitely check out The Crimes of Rooker Flynn!
July 31, 2024
Standing ovation!! That was FAN TAS TIC! OMG! I was riding on the edge of my seat. I love to hate you A.R Witham! Don't leave me like this. You can't do this to a girl and make me wait till January 2025 for book two. I have to know!!
You want some great storytelling packed with action and outstanding writing? READ. THIS. BOOK! Only .99. Cheaper than a cup of coffee!
June 27, 2024
OK, I did receive this from Andy for an honest review so here it goes I give this a five star rating is this store line was totally freaking Zany
One thing I like about Andy stories is that they have their own beat 🥁! It’s like mashing together the Ramones sedated and Jerry was a racecar driver from Primus. That’s what I call ZANY
Not gonna give you much information all I’m gonna say is breathe this darn book the story starts off with a wallop , without the two main POV’s, in the book ends with another wallop I will not tell-you the who’s and what nots!
A very uncensored journey that keeps on giving so I expect another installation into the Andy Zone
One thing I like about Andy stories is that they have their own beat 🥁! It’s like mashing together the Ramones sedated and Jerry was a racecar driver from Primus. That’s what I call ZANY
Not gonna give you much information all I’m gonna say is breathe this darn book the story starts off with a wallop , without the two main POV’s, in the book ends with another wallop I will not tell-you the who’s and what nots!
A very uncensored journey that keeps on giving so I expect another installation into the Andy Zone
August 23, 2024
I’m unimaginably impressed by A.R. Witham as a writer. His pacing, his construction of a story, everything. He knows exactly what he wants from the story, and delivers exactly that. I’ll admit, when I first heard that the next Keymark book was going to be about Rooker Flynn, I was a bit disappointed. I wanted more of Jack and Nepenthe. But my disappointment rapidly changed to enjoyment. Again, as with Black Jack, this may not be absolutely “perfect” in every way, but it makes up for it in just being so fun to read. With Black Jack, I think I had 2 or 3 minor critiques, but I don’t think I had any with this, other than maybe where he chose to end the book. But even that, this is a book 1 of a trilogy, of which the next books are not going to take too long to come out. Witham just knows how to write a good cliffhanger ending. 🤷🏼♂️
I will have a full video review with more thoughts in the coming weeks, but suffice it to say, once again, A.R. Witham has written one of my favorite books of the year.
I will have a full video review with more thoughts in the coming weeks, but suffice it to say, once again, A.R. Witham has written one of my favorite books of the year.
September 2, 2024
4.5
Oh, I had a good time back in Keymark! But this is much darker than The Legend of Black Jack.
We are in a very different place. It’s a prison for dastardly criminals. Our boy, Jack, is back with Rooker Flynn. We get some backstory on Rooker, which plays an important part of his mindset throughout the book.
All kinds of vicious creatures are introduced here. Can you trust anyone?
Be prepared for torture, mental and physical, and a very cruel character named Gerba Whipmarples.
This adventure is fast paced and nail biting. I can’t believe where we are left at the end!
P.S. if you have fear of spiders, beware that there are many, many, many here.
Oh, I had a good time back in Keymark! But this is much darker than The Legend of Black Jack.
We are in a very different place. It’s a prison for dastardly criminals. Our boy, Jack, is back with Rooker Flynn. We get some backstory on Rooker, which plays an important part of his mindset throughout the book.
All kinds of vicious creatures are introduced here. Can you trust anyone?
Be prepared for torture, mental and physical, and a very cruel character named Gerba Whipmarples.
This adventure is fast paced and nail biting. I can’t believe where we are left at the end!
P.S. if you have fear of spiders, beware that there are many, many, many here.
August 1, 2025
The Locke Institute
by A.R. Witham
DNF 9%
I tried reading this twice (original review below). The first time I had an issue with the Kindle download, it was not going over the 4% mark. So I gave up, opting not to give feedback because even at that mark, I was bored with the story... I get that it was the introduction, but I was not pulled into the story.
Then I tried again using NetGalley's Reader, and while I got farther into the story, I still didn't feel connected to the story, plus with how Rooker treated Cora, yeah, didn't like the guy. And even with the 'event' on the ship, I wasn't feeling any emotion from/for the characters. It reads like a 'telling' story, not a showing.
More backstory, with detail and emotion, before the event on the boat (what led up to it) could have drawn me into the story, but as is, there's nothing.
Since I have to rate it.
1 Star
DNF
I kept getting file errors, plus the 4% I got up to was a little boring... It's 'telling' instead of 'showing'.
I'm not going to feel bad giving up on this one!"
by A.R. Witham
DNF 9%
I tried reading this twice (original review below). The first time I had an issue with the Kindle download, it was not going over the 4% mark. So I gave up, opting not to give feedback because even at that mark, I was bored with the story... I get that it was the introduction, but I was not pulled into the story.
Then I tried again using NetGalley's Reader, and while I got farther into the story, I still didn't feel connected to the story, plus with how Rooker treated Cora, yeah, didn't like the guy. And even with the 'event' on the ship, I wasn't feeling any emotion from/for the characters. It reads like a 'telling' story, not a showing.
More backstory, with detail and emotion, before the event on the boat (what led up to it) could have drawn me into the story, but as is, there's nothing.
Since I have to rate it.
1 Star
DNF
I kept getting file errors, plus the 4% I got up to was a little boring... It's 'telling' instead of 'showing'.
I'm not going to feel bad giving up on this one!"
July 15, 2024
ARC provided by the author.
"Rooker turned toward the sound. A shiny-smooth stick, rose from the undergrowth, yellow with a reddish tip. The two frosh turned to watch as the stick was joined by another, and another. Rooker took an inadvertent step back.
Mustache cocked his head. "What the hell is th--"
A yellow spider the size of a dog emerged from the jungle."
Phew!!!! WHAT A RIDE!!
Once again, Andy creates a story that you just can't put down.....even if you might want to, to get away from the spiders (seriously, SO MANY SPIDERS-the cover doesn't lie!) This story starts with a heart-wrenching prologue and then from there it is full gas to the finish. Rooker Flynn was one of my favorite characters from The Legend of Black Jack and I am so glad to be back with him again. You do not have to have read Black Jack before jumping into this story, which takes us back to Keymark and another wild adventure. Keymark is a marvel of a world, full of wonderful landscapes filled with incredible plants, and creatures both deadly and very creeptastic.
The pacing of the story is perfect, you get to spend time getting reacquainted with some familiar characters and get to know a lot of the new ones. Once Jack and Rooker are reunited, the events come fast and furious and they are thrown into some incredibly dangerous, life-threatening situations. Gerba Whipmarples is a wonderful adversary clearly willing to do anything and everything needed to get what she wants. She will be a fantastsic adversary for the rest of the series. I also quite like Cant Naysayer, it will be very interesting to see where his loyalties land as the story goes forward. And as usual, Andy pulls at your heartstrings and hits you in the feels when you least expect it, and leaves you absolutely hanging at the end, desperate for the next installment of the series. After surviving this trip to the Locke Institute, am ready to sign up for another semester of adventure!!!
"Rooker turned toward the sound. A shiny-smooth stick, rose from the undergrowth, yellow with a reddish tip. The two frosh turned to watch as the stick was joined by another, and another. Rooker took an inadvertent step back.
Mustache cocked his head. "What the hell is th--"
A yellow spider the size of a dog emerged from the jungle."
Phew!!!! WHAT A RIDE!!
Once again, Andy creates a story that you just can't put down.....even if you might want to, to get away from the spiders (seriously, SO MANY SPIDERS-the cover doesn't lie!) This story starts with a heart-wrenching prologue and then from there it is full gas to the finish. Rooker Flynn was one of my favorite characters from The Legend of Black Jack and I am so glad to be back with him again. You do not have to have read Black Jack before jumping into this story, which takes us back to Keymark and another wild adventure. Keymark is a marvel of a world, full of wonderful landscapes filled with incredible plants, and creatures both deadly and very creeptastic.
The pacing of the story is perfect, you get to spend time getting reacquainted with some familiar characters and get to know a lot of the new ones. Once Jack and Rooker are reunited, the events come fast and furious and they are thrown into some incredibly dangerous, life-threatening situations. Gerba Whipmarples is a wonderful adversary clearly willing to do anything and everything needed to get what she wants. She will be a fantastsic adversary for the rest of the series. I also quite like Cant Naysayer, it will be very interesting to see where his loyalties land as the story goes forward. And as usual, Andy pulls at your heartstrings and hits you in the feels when you least expect it, and leaves you absolutely hanging at the end, desperate for the next installment of the series. After surviving this trip to the Locke Institute, am ready to sign up for another semester of adventure!!!
June 25, 2024
This book was just brilliant. Such an enjoyable read. The Legend of Black Jack by Witham was one of my top reads in 2022. I had a lot of high hopes and expectations for The Crimes of Rooker Flynn. And Andy nails it. The writing is sharp, the pacing is perfect, and the wit, horror, and grim comes in good measure. Please please give this (and the legend of black jack) a read!
P. S. - Gerba Whipmarples says “Hello, dearies.”
P. S. - Gerba Whipmarples says “Hello, dearies.”
June 25, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed The Legend of Black Jack by A.R. Witham so when I saw that this new novel was once again set in the fantasy world of Keymark and starring the main characters of Rooker Flynn and Jack Swift, I had to sign up for an ARC! The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is written in the same warm-hearted storytelling tone, packed with ingenious ideas, trickery, and conniving schemes. The book’s setting of a monstrous spider-infested penal colony, calling itself a school, on an otherwise uninhabited island helped to raise the chill level to eleven and being arachnophobic I found I had the raging heebiejeebies for large portions of the story!
This installment in the story of the pirate Rooker Flynn and teenager Jack sees their friendship stretched to the limit, as trust becomes a thing neither of them can count on any longer. Again and again they show stout-hearted bravery in the face of adversity. They need to escape the prison but their attempts are thwarted over and over until it seems they will never get free. The penal colony is presided over by a vicious villain. A hideous trol that resembles a rhinoceros, she wears frilly dresses and ridiculous hats. She reminded me somewhat of the Dolores Umbridge character in Harry Potter. A cruel, power-crazed individual whose protestations that she has the best interests of the prisoners at heart, and that their re-education is for reintroduction into society, fool no one.
In The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, we learn some interesting details of Rooker’s backstory and he becomes a more well-rounded character for it. Jack’s brains and Rooker’s cunning together make for the perfect partnership. Jack and Rooker love each other, but can their relationship beat that of Rooker and his beloved ship, The Venture Brigand, when pressed? Especially when it becomes clear to Rooker that Jack has been holding back a whole wealth of information about his life up to the time he met Rooker in Keymark.
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is a fast-pased, arachnotastic YA adventure which fans of The Legend of Black Jack will love! I highly recommend it.
This installment in the story of the pirate Rooker Flynn and teenager Jack sees their friendship stretched to the limit, as trust becomes a thing neither of them can count on any longer. Again and again they show stout-hearted bravery in the face of adversity. They need to escape the prison but their attempts are thwarted over and over until it seems they will never get free. The penal colony is presided over by a vicious villain. A hideous trol that resembles a rhinoceros, she wears frilly dresses and ridiculous hats. She reminded me somewhat of the Dolores Umbridge character in Harry Potter. A cruel, power-crazed individual whose protestations that she has the best interests of the prisoners at heart, and that their re-education is for reintroduction into society, fool no one.
In The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, we learn some interesting details of Rooker’s backstory and he becomes a more well-rounded character for it. Jack’s brains and Rooker’s cunning together make for the perfect partnership. Jack and Rooker love each other, but can their relationship beat that of Rooker and his beloved ship, The Venture Brigand, when pressed? Especially when it becomes clear to Rooker that Jack has been holding back a whole wealth of information about his life up to the time he met Rooker in Keymark.
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is a fast-pased, arachnotastic YA adventure which fans of The Legend of Black Jack will love! I highly recommend it.
August 31, 2024
Dear Mr. Witham,
You, sir, are just as talented as your heroes. Thank you for the continuation of these characters, ramping up the stakes, with no middle act slump and one hell of an ending. This feels like a Pirates of Caribbean movie (The first three) with the action, the potentials for betrayal, no-win scenarios, a detestable villain, creepy crawlies abound and an interesting play on a close-quarters environment. The scene is alive, suffocating and out to kill you! I'm sure most would love nothing than to burn it all down, but in the most satisfying way possible. The world is unique and easy to follow. I feel all the hits as I tore through this story. Very well done, A.R.
Sophomore Slumps (Or Junior Jitters if you count the novella) are someone else's literary problem. A.R. Witham writing only gets stronger from his initial Black Jack outing and this guy knows how to close! How long do I have to wait for Trials!?!
You, sir, are just as talented as your heroes. Thank you for the continuation of these characters, ramping up the stakes, with no middle act slump and one hell of an ending. This feels like a Pirates of Caribbean movie (The first three) with the action, the potentials for betrayal, no-win scenarios, a detestable villain, creepy crawlies abound and an interesting play on a close-quarters environment. The scene is alive, suffocating and out to kill you! I'm sure most would love nothing than to burn it all down, but in the most satisfying way possible. The world is unique and easy to follow. I feel all the hits as I tore through this story. Very well done, A.R.
Sophomore Slumps (Or Junior Jitters if you count the novella) are someone else's literary problem. A.R. Witham writing only gets stronger from his initial Black Jack outing and this guy knows how to close! How long do I have to wait for Trials!?!
June 27, 2024
3.5 stars
Thanks to the Author. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book is the perfect blend between a middle-grade and an adult adventure book, with pirates, criminals, a school that is a jail, magic, and inventiveness. And this is a great thing if you are into this kind of thing. I am not. I am not a fan of middle grades so I didn't really appreciate this mix. And this is my main problem with this book. Or, to be more precise, the only one.
It is an adult book that reads like a middle-grade one, and if this can work for you, I have no problem recommending this book to you.
We have interesting characters, because Black Jack and Rooker Flynn are interesting, resourceful, and well-developed. We have a book full of adventures, with pirates, criminals, and creepy villains (also, spiders. Giant spiders everywhere...) and you won't get bored, that's for sure.
And let's not forget about the setting too! It is a magical place and, sure, it is not one that I really want to visit, but reading about it was fascinating! I think that the world built by this author is worthy of your time!
So, there are a lot of good things in this book, and I still enjoyed it, even if it wasn't a proper fit for me!
Thanks to the Author. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book is the perfect blend between a middle-grade and an adult adventure book, with pirates, criminals, a school that is a jail, magic, and inventiveness. And this is a great thing if you are into this kind of thing. I am not. I am not a fan of middle grades so I didn't really appreciate this mix. And this is my main problem with this book. Or, to be more precise, the only one.
It is an adult book that reads like a middle-grade one, and if this can work for you, I have no problem recommending this book to you.
We have interesting characters, because Black Jack and Rooker Flynn are interesting, resourceful, and well-developed. We have a book full of adventures, with pirates, criminals, and creepy villains (also, spiders. Giant spiders everywhere...) and you won't get bored, that's for sure.
And let's not forget about the setting too! It is a magical place and, sure, it is not one that I really want to visit, but reading about it was fascinating! I think that the world built by this author is worthy of your time!
So, there are a lot of good things in this book, and I still enjoyed it, even if it wasn't a proper fit for me!
March 21, 2025
Book 1 of the Locke Institute Trilogy. The book opens with the capture of Rooker just as he regains a special ship that had been lost to him. In the meanwhile his friend Jack Swift aka Black Jack is retrieved from our world by a bounty hunter paid to take him back to Keymark where he and Rooker find themselves imprisoned for crimes against humanity. Both find themselves guest of the Locke Institute, run by a Rhinoceros and her magic.
March 20, 2025
4.5 stars
Based on the first book I read by the author, The Legend of Black Jack, I thought this book was going to be suitable for middle school and up, but after reading the first few chapters, I decided it would be too disturbing for younger or sensitive readers. This was definitely darker and more disturbing that Black Jack, and yet, I loved it.
In Black Jack, we learn about this magical world through the eyes of Jack, who is from our world. While it's not all fairies and flowers, it does seem like a wondrous world, and the story leaves us happy for Jack, and hopeful that he might someday be able to revisit the world and his friends. However, this story begins with a ballad about Rooker Flynn and whets our appetite with a story about his younger self. No, it's not happy, but it does give us a window into his soul and his reason for being. We also see Jack back in the real world, where he should be thrilled because he has his dad back and life should be totally normal, right? Except, it's been a rough transition. Yes, he is thrilled to have his dad back, but he's not exactly fitting in at school, partly because of his gift of memory, but partly because he's never made friends easily.
Fast forward (and it all moves very fast) and Jack and Flynn have somehow ended up in the same prison/"reform school" on a remote island in the other world. They are in a prison with some of the worst prisoners in the world, with one of the evilest wardens ever. She is definitely that criminal you love to hate.
As you can imagine, the setting is dire, and Jack and Flynn have to decide if they trust each other enough to get themselves out of this. I am so glad that my copy came with the second book, because this story absolutely leaves you on a cliffhanger, one that makes you despair for Jack and Flynn and their friendship.
I highly recommend this for YA and up, especially if you love adventure, action, and fantasy. Witham's imagination and storytelling abilities are wonderful, and at some point, I want to get the audiobooks for this trilogy (I have the audiobook of his reading of Black Jack).
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Based on the first book I read by the author, The Legend of Black Jack, I thought this book was going to be suitable for middle school and up, but after reading the first few chapters, I decided it would be too disturbing for younger or sensitive readers. This was definitely darker and more disturbing that Black Jack, and yet, I loved it.
In Black Jack, we learn about this magical world through the eyes of Jack, who is from our world. While it's not all fairies and flowers, it does seem like a wondrous world, and the story leaves us happy for Jack, and hopeful that he might someday be able to revisit the world and his friends. However, this story begins with a ballad about Rooker Flynn and whets our appetite with a story about his younger self. No, it's not happy, but it does give us a window into his soul and his reason for being. We also see Jack back in the real world, where he should be thrilled because he has his dad back and life should be totally normal, right? Except, it's been a rough transition. Yes, he is thrilled to have his dad back, but he's not exactly fitting in at school, partly because of his gift of memory, but partly because he's never made friends easily.
Fast forward (and it all moves very fast) and Jack and Flynn have somehow ended up in the same prison/"reform school" on a remote island in the other world. They are in a prison with some of the worst prisoners in the world, with one of the evilest wardens ever. She is definitely that criminal you love to hate.
As you can imagine, the setting is dire, and Jack and Flynn have to decide if they trust each other enough to get themselves out of this. I am so glad that my copy came with the second book, because this story absolutely leaves you on a cliffhanger, one that makes you despair for Jack and Flynn and their friendship.
I highly recommend this for YA and up, especially if you love adventure, action, and fantasy. Witham's imagination and storytelling abilities are wonderful, and at some point, I want to get the audiobooks for this trilogy (I have the audiobook of his reading of Black Jack).
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 9, 2025
What makes these books truly compelling is how Withham balances action with intellectual challenges. The Locke Institute series isn't just about thrilling heists or criminal escapades—it’s about the internal trials of a man grappling with his own identity, the shadows of his past, and the choices that will shape his future. Rooker Flynn is a flawed but fascinating protagonist, and Jack provides a grounded, sometimes humorous counterpart to his darker impulses.
Withham’s writing is sharp and engaging, seamlessly blending suspenseful moments with introspective character studies. The atmosphere of the Locke Institute—a place where secrets and codes rule—feels both mysterious and tantalizing, adding another layer of richness to the world-building.
Overall, The Crimes of Rooker Flynn and The Trials of Rooker Flynn are thrilling, character-driven narratives that offer both intellectual stimulation and emotional depth. Withham's blend of mystery, action, and character exploration makes this series a standout in the genre. Fans of complex protagonists, intricate plots, and thought-provoking themes will find much to enjoy in these books. I eagerly anticipate what Rooker and Jack’s next adventure will hold.
Withham’s writing is sharp and engaging, seamlessly blending suspenseful moments with introspective character studies. The atmosphere of the Locke Institute—a place where secrets and codes rule—feels both mysterious and tantalizing, adding another layer of richness to the world-building.
Overall, The Crimes of Rooker Flynn and The Trials of Rooker Flynn are thrilling, character-driven narratives that offer both intellectual stimulation and emotional depth. Withham's blend of mystery, action, and character exploration makes this series a standout in the genre. Fans of complex protagonists, intricate plots, and thought-provoking themes will find much to enjoy in these books. I eagerly anticipate what Rooker and Jack’s next adventure will hold.
June 25, 2024
Oh, Andy. Just so you know, you did it again. Last year The Legend of Black Jack took me out of a serious reading slump. This year has been a struggle, but this book has put me back on the right track.
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is a thrilling ride. It keeps you guessing on what's going to happen next. I loved the setting and as a guy who is scared to death of spiders, this book got me more than a few times (Just look at that cover art!). We got to know more about Rooker Flynn and his relationship with Jack. The power of friendship.
This is a great book for Black Jack fans and Fantasy readers in general. Keymark feels vibrant and with so much life to it. Can't wait for the next one to drop.
Keep up the good work Andy! You got some serious talent.
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is a thrilling ride. It keeps you guessing on what's going to happen next. I loved the setting and as a guy who is scared to death of spiders, this book got me more than a few times (Just look at that cover art!). We got to know more about Rooker Flynn and his relationship with Jack. The power of friendship.
This is a great book for Black Jack fans and Fantasy readers in general. Keymark feels vibrant and with so much life to it. Can't wait for the next one to drop.
Keep up the good work Andy! You got some serious talent.
August 8, 2024
An exciting and harrowing continuation.
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is quite the follow-up to The Legend of Blackjack, and borderline if not full-on horror in terms of genre. The cover is a trigger warning of its own for those with arachnophobia.
The story beats are well handled, and the whole setup of the book feels like a combination of a heist and a prison break, both things I've always loved.
The characters are handled well; the villains are love-to-hate types, and the arguable heroes are likeable. The conclusion is well-done, and I look forward to the next one.
An absolute must read for fans of The Legend of Black Jack.
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is quite the follow-up to The Legend of Blackjack, and borderline if not full-on horror in terms of genre. The cover is a trigger warning of its own for those with arachnophobia.
The story beats are well handled, and the whole setup of the book feels like a combination of a heist and a prison break, both things I've always loved.
The characters are handled well; the villains are love-to-hate types, and the arguable heroes are likeable. The conclusion is well-done, and I look forward to the next one.
An absolute must read for fans of The Legend of Black Jack.
January 27, 2025
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn by A.R. Witham
Book 1 of the Locke Institute trilogy is a wild exciting ride following Rooker Flynn and Jack "Black Jack" from the previous novel "The Legend of Black Jack". Where Legend was more YA because the main character was only 14, this definitely has more adult themes throughout via violence but what else would you expect from an island prison (not rainbows and unicorns). The world building of the island and the new characters is very enjoyable to read and you learn how complex of a character Rooker really is. Rooker's complex past, his lack of trust, wheeling and dealing, his sense of survival combined with Jack's smarts makes for a very intriguing ride and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Book 1 of the Locke Institute trilogy is a wild exciting ride following Rooker Flynn and Jack "Black Jack" from the previous novel "The Legend of Black Jack". Where Legend was more YA because the main character was only 14, this definitely has more adult themes throughout via violence but what else would you expect from an island prison (not rainbows and unicorns). The world building of the island and the new characters is very enjoyable to read and you learn how complex of a character Rooker really is. Rooker's complex past, his lack of trust, wheeling and dealing, his sense of survival combined with Jack's smarts makes for a very intriguing ride and I can't wait to read the next installment.
January 24, 2025
The only crime of Rooker Flynn is that the book comes to an end. And what an ending...
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is about, well, Rooker Flynn - a pirate through and through, with plenty of crimes to his name. However, to all fun comes an end, and he is forced to give up his freedom and the love of his life, the ship called the Venture Brigand - but he won't accept his captivity without a fight.
He is accompanied in his attempts to regain what has been lost by Jack Swift, an isekai'd teen from Chicago with quite the reputation in Flynn's world. Together, they are a team that has both smarts and strength, yet their alliance isn't always a given, their bond being tested through the many secrets they keep.
From the beginning until the end there are plenty of twists and turns, suspenseful and gruesome scenes, but it also managed to make me laugh out loud quite a few times, so it really has the best of both worlds! I loved the characters, especially Ransom and Patch, and the villains do a great job of making you absolutely detest them.
There is also a previous novel titled The Legend of Black Jack. Don't worry if you've not read that book first, because you'll still be able to understand this one fully. I haven't read it yet but will definitely pick it up to read between the release of the second and third books of this trilogy.
Can't wait to find out how Rooker Flynn's story continues!
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Thank you to NetGalley and Nepenthe House for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Crimes of Rooker Flynn is about, well, Rooker Flynn - a pirate through and through, with plenty of crimes to his name. However, to all fun comes an end, and he is forced to give up his freedom and the love of his life, the ship called the Venture Brigand - but he won't accept his captivity without a fight.
He is accompanied in his attempts to regain what has been lost by Jack Swift, an isekai'd teen from Chicago with quite the reputation in Flynn's world. Together, they are a team that has both smarts and strength, yet their alliance isn't always a given, their bond being tested through the many secrets they keep.
From the beginning until the end there are plenty of twists and turns, suspenseful and gruesome scenes, but it also managed to make me laugh out loud quite a few times, so it really has the best of both worlds! I loved the characters, especially Ransom and Patch, and the villains do a great job of making you absolutely detest them.
There is also a previous novel titled The Legend of Black Jack. Don't worry if you've not read that book first, because you'll still be able to understand this one fully. I haven't read it yet but will definitely pick it up to read between the release of the second and third books of this trilogy.
Can't wait to find out how Rooker Flynn's story continues!
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Thank you to NetGalley and Nepenthe House for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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