Review of Royal Gambit (The Checquy Files #4)
I’ll admit, when I saw that Royal Gambit was releasing, I was practically bouncing in my seat. The Checquy Files series by O’Malley has been a treasured part of my reading journey, with its delightful blend of the bizarre and the bureaucratic. The first book in the series left a lasting impression on me, so diving into this latest installment felt a bit like reuniting with old friends—all while wondering what new shenanigans await. But like any reunion, there were ups and downs.
At the heart of Royal Gambit is Alix Mondegreen, a noblewoman with the unsettling ability to shatter bones with her bare hands. Talk about a solid party trick! O’Malley brilliantly thrusts Alix into a murder mystery involving the royal family after a suspicious death sends shockwaves through the monarchy. As a member of the Checquy—a secret British agency dealing with supernatural threats—she’s tasked with protecting Princess Louise, the newly minted heir to the throne. I found myself drawn to Alix’s ambition and competence, especially as she navigates personal stakes amidst a high-stakes conspiracy.
O’Malley’s storytelling continues to dazzle with its imaginative world where transformations into dinosaurs and brain-inhabiting cubes are all part of the scenery. The humor is wonderfully dry, which adds a delightful levity to the atmosphere. However, I couldn’t help but feel the pacing falters at times. There were parts where the story seemed bogged down by excessive details. Long-explanatory passages about royal protocols and Checquy operations would stall the momentum, diverting from the gripping royal assassination plot. It’s like a thrilling dash that suddenly hits the brakes, making me yearn for the narrative to find a smoother rhythm.
Another element that detracted from my enjoyment was the size of the cast. It felt like the book was trying to juggle too many characters, each introduced with quirky names and powers, yet few left a lasting impact. As I flipped through the pages, it sometimes felt overstuffed, and I wished for a more focused exploration of fewer characters who could drive the story forward more powerfully.
But there are, undoubtedly, moments of magic in this book. Alix’s journey is ultimately compelling, and the finale packs a punch that made the slow moments worth the wait. Plus, I have to rave about the audiobook narration by Moira Quirk—her voice is a treasure that adds even more depth to the reading experience.
In conclusion, Royal Gambit is a solid entry in the Checquy series, replete with strong writing and an intriguing premise. Fans of O’Malley will find much to enjoy, despite some self-indulgent moments that detract from the overall pacing. If you revel in a world where the whimsical collides with the bureaucratic, where supernatural thrills intermingle with royal intrigue, then you’ll find yourself summoned to this royal escapade. It may not be my favorite in the series, but its charms will undoubtedly resonate with those looking for an adventurous mystery that doesn’t shy away from the absurd. Happy reading!
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