Books2Movies Club discussion

The Rook is a miniseries of eight episodes still being aired on Starz, and based on a paranormal fantasy thriller The Rook by Daniel O'Malley. It is a story about a woman with extraordinary abilities trying to figure out who she is while confronting mysterious adversaries all around her. Sounds quite interesting! And the show isn't a long one, so it might be a good treat for those who do not have much time on hand.

This is a spotlighted read suggested by Lorena. (You all can also suggest a new read at Currently around the world page). I hope you'll enjoy it!

First of, this book has almost nothing to do plot wise with the tv series, even though it is loosely based on this novel. The first season of the series (which is all that has been aired at this time) takes the world that was created, and reduces greatly the main players of the Chequy. This might be due to air time or to not have as vast an array of characters to work with. The result is that we are left with the King, the Queen, a Bishop and the Rooks... which makes little sense, since there is another Bishop missing, two Chevaliers and all of their powers and personas are changed and altered to fit the new narrative.

The book has a particular voice that adds a lot of whimsy to the world it depicts, from the powers that the Pawns have to how certain situations, semi apocalyptic in nature, are handled. It's like the author acknowledges that this is a crazy world and Myfanwy also shares this view as a relative newcomer, which adds a very particular humor to it.

It is well written and it has a very active narrative that flows from one action packed scene into an office conversation seamlessly and without haltering its dynamic evolution. It does have a few hiccups here and there where it slows down too much. The memory loss is well treated, and I particularly love how her old self left her an encyclopedia to help her navigate her life. This is something a control freak would do and I felt that given the impossible situation that her old self was presented with, and given her character, she did all that she could going beyond what even she thought herself capable of to take care of her new self.

Adored the fact that Gestalt is named after a design principle that states that the sum of the parts of something is always more than the object in question. And was a bit sad that there was no love story unlike in the tv series. Sorry, I really would digged at least some hot moment with Aldritch the hawt vampire.

There were a time or two that I found the book a bit convoluted and this might have hampered my reading speed a bit. I always say that a book that allows me to put it down easily and with no regret, even to sleep, has failed somewhat at keeping my interest. If I'm hooked, I can pull an all-nighter without effort even if I'll be a zombie the next day.

Major thing that bothered me was how the top executives of the Chequy didn't even bat an eyelash at her change of attitude. Didn't they notice something fishy? Could have portrayed her as more of a recluse maybe, so that they didn't really know her at all. Or explained it somehow. Seems like a bit of a stretch that no one mentions anything.

Still, I am so in for this journey and awaiting the next instance of the series. Loving this bizarre supernatural world, can't wait to find out more!

Lorena wrote: "First of, this book has almost nothing to do plot wise with the tv series, even though it is loosely based on this novel...."

Beautiful review Lorena! I am really intrigued now :) At least I might check the show first, if it captured my attention I might move on to the book. Many shows take just parts they think more attractive to the audience and leave out those that they think too confusing or complicated. Maybe they will expand the story in the second season. Who knows, maybe they just didn't want to diminish their chances for renewal ;)

Thank you! Do try the show and if the first few chapters hook you, then it is quite likely that you will enjoy the whole package.

I think that the book is very rich in its world buildup and there are very long chunks dedicated to administrative issues inside the Chequy, as well as memories from the before Myfanwy. They had to cut down the information dump, otherwise it wouldn't be dynamic but on a positive note there is plenty to expand on for season 2. :P

Lorena wrote: "First of, this book has almost nothing to do plot wise with the tv series, even though it is loosely based on this novel. The first season of the series (which is all that has been aired at this ti..."

Thanks, Lorena. I have only watched a few episodes of the series and enjoyed them. But I may have to finish the series, before reading the book if what you say is true. I tend to get really worked up at people leaving out major plot points or just using the book as a skeleton. (Virgin River, I'm looking at you!)

Oh, I really enjoyed the series too. I think you would enjoy it more if you do finish it before the book since it is quite different, especially the ending.

Didn't know that Virgin River was based on a book! Ohhh, I watched the series in one sitting and I was sooo left wanting more, thank you for that! I will try to get the book series now. :D Super happy!