Rook Song, by Naomi Foyle
Book Review by SJ Higbee
I loved Astra, the first book in this series -- see my review here -- so was delighted when I had the opportunity to acquire the sequel.
Astra has found work in an ancient fortress in Non-Land: headquarters of the Council of New Continents, the global body charged with providing humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of this toxic refugee camp. Recovering from a disorienting course of Memory Pacification Treatment, Astra struggles to focus on her overriding goals -- to find her Code father. But can the CONC compound director, the ambiguous Major Thames, protect her from the hawk-eyed attentions of her old enemies? And who in this world of competing agendas can she trust? The deeper Astra ventures into this new world, the more she realises her true quest may be to find herself.
The first book left Astra in a hard place -- I was shocked at the speed at which events overtook her, so was eager to dive back into this detailed, complicated world. But initially I struggled and needed to really focus on what was going on with whom as this story is told in multiple viewpoint, with Astra being one of a group of protagonists. But I'm so glad I persevered -- it is worth it.
Once I worked out the cast of characters, the tension steadily builds up, as the bubbling dissatisfaction amongst the landless refugees finds a new focus. Foyle is certainly a gutsy writer, who is unafraid of dealing with subjects not often discussed in science fiction. A number of her characters are born with deformities due to the environmental pollution and she describes how they cope in the camp where they live with inadequate medical assistance. Given the issue of the Syrian refugees, a lot of events and settings in Rook Song are scaldingly topical. Foyle's sure-footed, vivid writing takes this story into another, slightly mystical level and I enjoy the fact that some of the people and happenings are left ambiguous -- I still cannot make up my mind which side Lil is on... But, then Astra hasn't a clue, either, as various political groups decide to make her a pawn for their own ends.
Astra lingered with me, despite the fact that I read it several months ago and since have been engrossed in a number of other great books -- so far 2016 has been a golden year for the sheer quality of my reading choices. Although I only recently completed Rook Song, I'm guessing this one will have scored similar inroads upon my inscape and I recommend this challenging, well written series for anyone interested in complex and immersive stories.
All the views I have expressed are my honest opinion, in exchange for an ARC copy of the book via NetgalleySJ Higbee
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