Rook is a swashbuckling adventure story set in a distant future UK and Paris where all technology is considered "mythical" and the terror of guillotine (now called a razor) is back in full force.

A young girl named Sophia, supported by her family and friends, secretes out prisoners of the repressive Parisian regime under the guise of a man called "The Rook." When she isn't masquerading as the Rook, she is hoping that her arranged marriage to a wealthy Parisian named Rene Hasard will help rescue her family's estate (and continue her secret work).

When Sophia and Rene finally meet, they find themselves both helplessly attracted to one another, yet not able to trust their feelings or each others motives. Neither Sophie or Renee are what they seem, and as they begin a dangerous and exciting dance towards each other this may mean certain death under the Razor's blade, especially when Sophia's brother is arrested as the Rook and they plan to rescue him.

Sort of a blend between The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Tale of Two Cities, and classic YA Dystopia, Rook impressed the hell out of me. Sophia is an excellent female character. She is strong, resourceful, witty, and able to take care of business. Rene is her foil - charming, suave, yet with his own secrets. Their banter and sexual tension is A-MAZ-ING, and I love how the ending played out (no typical YA fare there).

Rook is completely self contained in this one novel, bravo to Cameron who could easily have turned this into a trilogy. Since it is one book, I did find the world building a bit on the light side (I was a little confused about the pseudo religion that came a bit out of nowhere for me), but with everything else being so excellent, I didn't even care while reading. There is a nice author note at the end explaining Cameron's thought and logic on this world and was really appreciated.

Also, this is who I kept picturing as Rene (although a bit less refined):


Highly recommend.