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A review by skeletonia
Rook by Graham Masterton
4.0
Not perfect or extraordinary by any means, but certainly enjoyable for what it is.
Reading Masterton's work almost feels like draping over a well-worn and loved blanket over me. My local library had this long shelf of his books, which allowed me to devour his work when I was in high school. I was a fan out of convenience, but I did genuinely enjoy his work. He has a distinct style to his writing--including his prose and the storylines he develops.
I've read two other Jim Rook books before, but this one is definitely the strongest. I think it's fair to say that it seems that Masterton took more care in the narration and characterisation. A consequence of being the first book in a series means that Masterton had to establish the world and Jim's character. Jim is generally likeable and I was quite intrigued learning about him a bit more in this book.
I was actually surprised to find that the opening of the book is much stronger than the other two Rook novels I have read. It doesn't start out with introducing his cliche characters in a classroom setting. Rather, we have the opportunity to see how Jim handles his students in a tough situation. It establishes his place in the school--professionally and socially.
I found the pacing to just feel a little off at times, more so during the middle. I feel like there wasn't a great rhythm in the sequence of events. Furthermore, Jim's development from a sceptic to a believer in the supernatural felt a bit abrupt to me. It kind of makes sense considering the extraordinary circumstance he was in, but I think some more doubt on his part would have felt a bit more natural. It would have been interesting to show how he must have struggled to move from one belief to another psychologically, even if it was only for a short time.
While not explored heavily, I loved the commentary on immortality. Masterton showcased us a glimmer of the emotional impacts associated with being undead and finding peace in the hope for a restful death. This book wasn't trying to be profound or deep, it's just a pulpy horror novel. But it would have been so interesting if Masterton stuck his teeth further into that concept.
That being said, it was fun. It was a bit silly at times. I face-palmed at times. But still, it was a typical Masterton tale infused with mythology and creatively spooky scenes. I liked it.
Reading Masterton's work almost feels like draping over a well-worn and loved blanket over me. My local library had this long shelf of his books, which allowed me to devour his work when I was in high school. I was a fan out of convenience, but I did genuinely enjoy his work. He has a distinct style to his writing--including his prose and the storylines he develops.
I've read two other Jim Rook books before, but this one is definitely the strongest. I think it's fair to say that it seems that Masterton took more care in the narration and characterisation. A consequence of being the first book in a series means that Masterton had to establish the world and Jim's character. Jim is generally likeable and I was quite intrigued learning about him a bit more in this book.
I was actually surprised to find that the opening of the book is much stronger than the other two Rook novels I have read. It doesn't start out with introducing his cliche characters in a classroom setting. Rather, we have the opportunity to see how Jim handles his students in a tough situation. It establishes his place in the school--professionally and socially.
I found the pacing to just feel a little off at times, more so during the middle. I feel like there wasn't a great rhythm in the sequence of events. Furthermore, Jim's development from a sceptic to a believer in the supernatural felt a bit abrupt to me. It kind of makes sense considering the extraordinary circumstance he was in, but I think some more doubt on his part would have felt a bit more natural. It would have been interesting to show how he must have struggled to move from one belief to another psychologically, even if it was only for a short time.
While not explored heavily, I loved the commentary on immortality. Masterton showcased us a glimmer of the emotional impacts associated with being undead and finding peace in the hope for a restful death. This book wasn't trying to be profound or deep, it's just a pulpy horror novel. But it would have been so interesting if Masterton stuck his teeth further into that concept.
That being said, it was fun. It was a bit silly at times. I face-palmed at times. But still, it was a typical Masterton tale infused with mythology and creatively spooky scenes. I liked it.