This review is for the audiobook version of Stiletto, by Daniel O’Malley, read by Moira Quirk. This book is the sequel to the popular novel The Rook, part of the Checquy series.
Rook Myfanwy Thomas is hoping the merger between two secret organizations, the Checquy and the Belgian Wetenschappelijk Broederschap van Natuurkundigen (AKA The Grafters) will be seamless and easy. Unfortunately it’s a bit of a mess. A group known as The Antagonists seem to be trying to stop any kind of agreements being reached.
In The Rook we were introduced to Myfawny Thomas and the supernatural government organization known as the Checquy and learned a bit about their contentious relationship with The Grafters. In Stiletto we learn a whole lot more about The Grafters, through the introduction of two new major characters: Odette Lelefield and her Checquy bodyguard Felicity Clements.
One thing I’ll say for Daniel O’Malley, he writes good female characters. They have depth and flaws, and are clearly capable women. He writes the kind of female characters Joss Whedon thinks he writes. Stiletto is a story of two groups previously at odds coming together to fight a common enemy. They overcome prejudices on both sides and some even end up as friends.
This book is so much fun, but maybe too long (23 hours!). There is a lot of backstory, some of it extensive and a bit hard to follow. The reader really seems to enjoy herself, which makes it a pleasure to listen to. She does a good job with voices and with the humor.
I would definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to the next installment!