Book Review: Phantom and Rook by Aelina Isaacs
Phantom and Rook was a heartwarming, cozy queer fantasy romance that offered some wonderful conversations surrounding, love, life, friendship, and mental health.
Thatch Phantom is an immortal, destined to be forgotten time and time again when his job has been completed. Wearing the scars of his past he travels back to Levena hoping to catch a glimpse of an old friend, one who has certainly forgotten him in the 80 years it’s been since his last return. Not only does Thatch get a glimpse, but he also barrels into him in a crowded market. A confused Arlo Rook is immediately taken by this mess of copper curls without knowing why. Thatch askes Arlo to show him around town, which he refuses, even though he cannot stop thinking about the man in the market.
Arlo Rook is trying to break away from the constant belief he needs to be watched and coddled, years after an attempt on his life lands him in hospital. He is ready to move out and experience the world on his own once more. With a group of overly supportive friends, and Thatch always on the brain it may be time for this grumpy hedge witch to finally branch out of his comfort zone once more.
The two dance around each other as life goes on around them in Levena, the game is set, the mocha scones are warm and these two can’t stop running into each other, even if it is destined to end in Thatch needing to leave once again.
I will be the first to admit, this is not a story I would normally gravitate towards. I am not much of a romance reader, at least not when it is the main plot line which it very much was here. However, this book offered a great look into mental health, ideals around friendships and growing up that I didn’t expect. The author has also done a wonderful job of creating an incredibly vivid world even though we don’t venture out of the city itself. The last thing I will mention is just how easy and comforting this story was to read.
The care taken surrounding the thematics of this book were incredible in my opinion. The author has really taken a deep look into the extreme sides of depression, suicidal ideation and the aftermath of Rook’s hospital stay. Rook’s friends are concerned, some tiptoeing around the topic, others facing it head on and trying to help him move on with his life. Rook doesn’t shy away from his past actions and is now facing the consequences of them. What shines through here is the strength and emotions it can take to ask for help when needed, accepting that it is ok to not feel ok and knowing when it is best to call in medical help rather than someone close to you. Mental illness effects more than the person currently going through it, and I think the group dynamic of the characters showcased this in a beautiful way. Friendship was also an incredible strong theme in this book, from the jealousies of a new person in the group, hidden romantic feelings and genuine love and affection being shown between friends rather than lovers was wonderful to experience.
Moving on to the world. The city of Levena was vibrant, lived in, crowded, and colourful. This urban fantasy story let the reader explore everything this city had to offer and trust me; it was a lot. From solar surfing literal waves of light, to swampy cottages housing unwanted ghosts and secret hideaways for romantic moments. We also had cozy café’s and book shops, overly crowded dive bars, giant academy type orphanages with a homey kitchen for kids to cause mischief in. Levena had it all, and it felt full, like somewhere you would certainly want to visit as a seasoned traveller. The world made the book a delight to consume, as a literary tourist wanting to see it all.
Speaking of the consumption of the book, each time I picked up the book I felt comforted, knowing that I wasn’t going to be thrown into a high staked situation in which one of my favourite characters may or may not make it, which can be the case in a lot of fantasy. Sure there were a couple of moments where it got dicey but I never felt like a bloody battle was about to rip through setting fire to an entire land to start some farm kids story. We got to experience life for the sake of it which was a refreshing experience for me.
I won’t sit here and tell you I would love to read lots of these types of stories, but I am glad I read this one. Phantom and Rook was quietly delightful, and the author has done a great job of being inclusive to many communities, introducing important thematics and creating a vibrant world.
