Rook's Gambit

by Dana Fraedrich

Can a ragtag band of misfits pull off the ultimate heist aboard a luxury airship?

In this steampunk, Ocean’s Eleven-style caper, fourteen year-old Varick Pendragon has everything. He’s young and wealthy, but he can’t stand his rotten family. The only member he cared for, his grandfather, has just passed away. Now, Varick is adrift and alone amidst the rest of the Pendragons’ machinations. That is, until he meets a crew of young thieves. They’re planning the ultimate heist aboard a luxury airship cruise liner, and they want Varick in. But more than just Varick’s family will want to use him for personal gain. Varick will have to figure out who’s planning what, or lose out on more than just the job.

This ragtag band of misfits and their hijinks are perfect for fans of fans of Leverage, Ocean's Eleven, and books like Six of Crows (Leigh Bardugo), Heiress Takes All (Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka), and Heist Society (Ally Carter). While it takes place within the steampunk (and sometimes fantasy-ish) Broken Gears world, Rook's Gambit is a standalone story that can be read at any point in the series. Jump aboard the adventure and buy this book today!

Other books by Dana

Set in the Broken Gears world

Raven's Cry (a dark fantasy retelling of Swan Lake)Out of the Shadows (Lenore's storyline #1, steampunk fantasy adventure)Into the Fire (Lenore's storyline #2, steampunk fantasy adventure)Across the Ice (Lenore's storyline #3, steampunk fantasy adventure and the conclusion of Lenore's tale)Falcon's Favor (a standalone, queer cozy mystery steampunk romance)Death Cults and Taxes (a steampunk fantasy short story anthology)
Set elsewhere

Skateboards, Magic, and Shamrocks (1 of 2 in this portal fantasy duology)Heroes, Legends, and Villains (2 of 2 in this portal fantasy duology)
Anthologies

A Cast of Crows (edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail)A Cry of Hounds (edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail)An Assembly of Monsters (edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail)Distorted A Charity Anthology (edited by R.L. Weeks)

Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk, Audiobook, Science Fiction

Audiobook

Published August 1, 2025

About the author

Dana Fraedrich is a dog lover, self-professed geek, and author of the steampunk fantasy series Broken Gears, which includes the Amazon bestseller, "Out of the Shadows." Dana's books are full of secrets and colorful characters that examine the many shades of grey that paint the world.

Having ten-plus years under her belt as an indie author, Dana strives to provide education to her fellow writers through her blog and seminars at conventions and festivals. She has contributed to multiple short story anthologies, including but not limited to Espec Books' Forgotten Lore series and the limited edition Distorted Fates collection. When she isn't busy writing or attending conventions and book festivals, she can be found co-hosting the podcast "Steam-Powered Movies," playing D&D and video games, and exploring new interests.

Even from a young age, she enjoyed writing down the stories that she imagined in her mind. Born and raised in Virginia, she earned her BFA from Roanoke College and is now carving out her own happily ever after in Nashville, TN with her husband. Dana is always writing; more books are on the way!

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, but rounded up because I know and love this universe so much and I've been hoping to read about Rook's backstory. I loved his role in Lenore's story (Broken Gears Trilogy), but her story left me wanting to know more about him. Dana Fraedrich absolutely delivered with this standalone. However, even if you haven't read that book and you've never heard of Rook, you would still be cheering on Varick as he navigates his evil family as well as the criminal elements where some are trustworthy folks just trying to survive, while others prey on everyone and anyone, not unlike the rest of his family. This is definitely a found family book, and my heart broke for him as he mourned his grandfather, but I love the new relationship he formed with his great aunt, the other "black sheep" of his family. This was a fabulous steampunk themed heist story, and I loved the attention to detail the author gives to all of the tech in her Broken Gears world.

After finishing this, it makes me want to reread Lenore's story. But I also want to read the other standalone novel in this world, Raven's Cry, which is not directly connected to this story, but is a dark retelling of Swan Lake.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michele The Stick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rook's Gambit was the kind of steampunk book that I enjoy. Where the elements blend seamlessly into the world, making them a feature and less of a reminder that you are enjoying a steampunk novel.

There was a lot to enjoy in this prequel, a band of thieves, a young man, dealing with grief, coming into his own and breaking from his abusive family, and of course added mysteries. There was also big and little dog rep.

The narration was solid. GM Hakim did a good job and on only one occasion was I pulled from the story by a small technical glitch in the form of a swallow and awkward pause. Other wise, his voice became the voice of Varick in my head.

I am new to the Broken Gears universe and as this was my first time, I did not have any preconceived notions about the characters and the world. As such It took me a few chapters to find my bearings in it. This meant a kind of slow start, but it quickly picked up pace. I was surprised and delighted at the amped up tension that occurred once the heist began.

Its a fairly quick and fast paced story and a good introduction into the world. The characters are well developed, although, some of them are just evil for the sake of being evil and could have used more back story. I felt like perhaps I was missing something important about the family dynamics, something that perhaps Varick was missing as well. Maybe later in the series that will become more clear, as I understand Varick is a character we will see again.

I love a found family, and the support network that was enjoyed by this gang of thieves was fun to witness.

I did feel a little hit over the head with the constant apologetic nature that Varick and his aunt seemed to have about their wealth. I know that "rich" is sort of looked down on right now, because you know, eat the rich, but also the repetition became annoying. It might have been better served as a growth realization later in the book, or just shown rather than told repeatedly.

Overall though, pretty great. If you are looking for a steampunk heist, then you have found a good one in this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Janel Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Rook's Gambit," fourteen-year-old Varick Pendragon finds himself isolated after his grandfather's death and his family's chaos. His life takes an exciting turn when he joins a crew of young thieves planning a daring heist aboard a luxury airship. As he navigates trust and betrayal, Varick must discern who truly has his back.

This steampunk caper is a thrilling read filled with humor and clever twists. The vibrant characters and their camaraderie make it an enjoyable adventure for fans of heist stories.

"Rook's Gambit" is a standalone tale that invites readers on a fantastic journey—definitely a must-read for heist enthusiasts!

I want to read more books by this author!.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was FANTASTIC! I have been a Broken Gears/Dana Fraedrich fan for a long time, and Rook is one of my all time favorite book characters, so I was very eager for this one! Dana did an amazing job with Rook’s backstory and fitting everything together while also making it feel so fresh and new. The heist was so fun and exciting. The characters were all so good. Now I need to reread the other books to see everyone all grown up again! Wonderful book!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely worth reading. The characters are amazing. The story is so unique. I love how the author explains the things going on in this world. It’s full of all the feelings, joy, happiness, sadness, revenge, hurt, anger, pain , love. Each one explained in a way that makes you feel them with each character. I loved the writing style, the story flowed from page one until the end. I didn’t feel like I was missing something. Everything was described or explained in a way that made sense. I look forward to reading more from this world.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
When Varick’s beloved grandfather dies, he is left as the main inheritor of his grandfather’s estate. The rest of his family are snobbish and greedy, and he’s suspicious of them all. He meets some thieves and decides to join them on a heist for bragging rights (and treasure). But who can he trust?

I liked this overall, particularly once they finally got on the airship. It was slow in parts, and it took a while to understand all the characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the advanced audiobook. These opinions are my own.

[E L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book to review through voracious readers.
I have watched Oceans Eleven, and read Six of Crows (Leigh Bardugo) and I would say that this is definitely similar, so if you likely one of these then you might like the others! I loved the steampunk theme, and the heist was really interesting and well thought through. I would definitely read more books by this author too, plus if you are thinking of reading it I would definitely recommend you do!

[Jacquie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. Great story about an interesting bunch of “boys” and how they get through life. Varick is a funny teenager who seems to be an old soul at times. You feel for him as his family life is crummy, but his Great Aunt is a pip and the interactions between the two are often funny, and supportive . Varick grows up fast and I’m glad he learns what family really is about. Loved the final twist as I didn’t see that coming. He is one smart kid.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He hates his family and has just lost his loved grandfather. He will meet a group of people who want to rob a luxury cruise ship and they want him to join them. He is family also wants to use him and he needs to decide what to do or lose out on the heist. See what is going to happen next
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great read

[Lavena Spade Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is as it seems in this young coming of age found family romp pulling the ultimate heist! It pulls you in from the very beginning as our young MMC finds himself and learns to believe in himself. It is clever,
Filled with action and intrigue and betrayal. I found myself rooting and cheering for him! This was review copy that I received from voracious readers and this is my honest review

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting whirlwind of characters, which certainly takes you on a wild drive. It certainly is an adventure, this particularly being my first steampunk type read. The twists and turns of Varick, are phenomenal and pull you into a well constructed story line. Chapters are the right length and written in a smooth way, with good english.

thank you net galley for the review

[Rene Dupre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the adventure. You can tell you like a book when at the end, you like the characters enough to not want the story to stop. I really liked the team and was cheering for them to succeed.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this one. It didn’t resonate with me, not sure if it was the writing style, historical setting or something else. Has many fans who have read it. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Mik Wasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing like character background and the very detailed descriptions throughout the whole book a great story

[Nikki O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steampunk, oceans eleven shenanigans on an airship, why ever not...!?!

Great characters, unique story beautiful world building. I need more!

GM Hakim does an impeccable job with the narration, I often forgot it was just a solo narrator!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ALC of this book!