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Locke Institute #2
The Trial of Rooker Flynn
The sequel to The Crimes of Rooker Flynn
- GenresFantasy
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2025
4 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 5, 2025
Isolation can break the strongest of bonds.
Boy, do I know it.
When I left the cat that had imprinted on me as a kitten for university, she refused to come near me when I came home for the holidays. Now I’m back and my brother has left (my cat’s favourite person), and she is bereft. It has taken five months, but she will come up to me again.
All that is to say, Rooker has been jaded by life and cut by relationships too many times. Jack has been betrayed and has learnt his lesson. Both have stubborn streaks and desperately want a friend, if they can get over their misgivings.
Who is the cat in this?
I flew through this book. The writing style is gripping and addicting. Whilst I complained about the lacking descriptions in book one, I find that I’ve grown used to this being more about the action and character ramifications.
She breaks our backs but she won’t pay
No, not one silver mark
No ma’m I will not dig today
It’s cold and damp and dark!
Ol’ longhorn shakes her finger
Sez ‘Don’t you give me no sass’
We’ll tell her, too, what she can do
Go stick it up her ass!
This has trials, gladiator combat, and a team coming together. Fun times.
Arc gifted by author.
Bookstagram
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Boy, do I know it.
When I left the cat that had imprinted on me as a kitten for university, she refused to come near me when I came home for the holidays. Now I’m back and my brother has left (my cat’s favourite person), and she is bereft. It has taken five months, but she will come up to me again.
All that is to say, Rooker has been jaded by life and cut by relationships too many times. Jack has been betrayed and has learnt his lesson. Both have stubborn streaks and desperately want a friend, if they can get over their misgivings.
Who is the cat in this?
I flew through this book. The writing style is gripping and addicting. Whilst I complained about the lacking descriptions in book one, I find that I’ve grown used to this being more about the action and character ramifications.
She breaks our backs but she won’t pay
No, not one silver mark
No ma’m I will not dig today
It’s cold and damp and dark!
Ol’ longhorn shakes her finger
Sez ‘Don’t you give me no sass’
We’ll tell her, too, what she can do
Go stick it up her ass!
This has trials, gladiator combat, and a team coming together. Fun times.
Arc gifted by author.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
March 28, 2025
It's great when you stumble across a brilliant book, especially when you read a lot and kind of get used to things been merely good to okay. I love books that suck me in and force me to feel all the feelings. Sometimes to the degree that I'm scared to keep reading. Well, these two books: The Crimes of Rooker Flynn and The Trial of Rooker Flynn definitely fit the bill. While I read very slowly lately because of a number of reasons, when I picked up my ereader or phone, I found myself immersed in the world of these stories. My emotions ran through the spectrum, and I was never bored. If you like adventure that calls to mind the classic novels, such as written by Jules Verne, then you should check these out. The magic is intriguing, and the characters are captivating, sometimes because you hate them so much. I read these as a bindup called, The Locke Institute from Netgalley, but they are available to buy separately. There is a third book coming out soon, The Execution of Rooker Flynn: Locke Institute Trilogy Book 3. And one of the characters, a teen named Jack, has his origin story in The Legend of Black Jack, which I still need to read. I definitely recommend reading these books!
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine.
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley, courtesy of Nepenthe Press.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine.
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley, courtesy of Nepenthe Press.
January 29, 2025
AR Witham has done it again!! Not a dull moment, and a cliffhanger ending that has me counting the days until book 3! Phenomenal narration, and an awesome fantasy adventure story that is somehow FUN and BRUTAL at the same time! So much whimsy doesn’t usually come hand in hand with dark themes and violence, but it sooo works. Read these books!
March 15, 2025
If any authors want to convey in audio the passion that they place on the pages, they should look to Witham for pointers.
The second outing resumes the adventure, with the clock speeding up on retrospect to the safety of its characters. Allies is a word not known in the world of Huánghūn. What is Gerba Whipmarples planning? How cute is this dog? Will Rooker Flynn win his prize despite his losses and sacrifices? Is there truly a way from these man eating night terrors? Which of the island denizens will come out of top as a new of the Headmistress’s favorites? Why can’t I have a bell like those?
The writing is tight. Emotions are felt. Emotions are eradicated. You feel for the main characters and of you haven’t despised the villian at the end of the first book, you’ll get another shot. Witham doesn’t sacrifice content. Nothing feels out of place nor is the progression stalled.
I’ve had the pleasure of talking to this author. He narrates like he talks. It’s his life’s work and you feel the comedy as genuine because Witham makes it so. Listening to The Trial of Rooker Flynn feels like sitting in the room with Witham while he recalls a part of his life. Without a script.
Unto the next.
The second outing resumes the adventure, with the clock speeding up on retrospect to the safety of its characters. Allies is a word not known in the world of Huánghūn. What is Gerba Whipmarples planning? How cute is this dog? Will Rooker Flynn win his prize despite his losses and sacrifices? Is there truly a way from these man eating night terrors? Which of the island denizens will come out of top as a new of the Headmistress’s favorites? Why can’t I have a bell like those?
The writing is tight. Emotions are felt. Emotions are eradicated. You feel for the main characters and of you haven’t despised the villian at the end of the first book, you’ll get another shot. Witham doesn’t sacrifice content. Nothing feels out of place nor is the progression stalled.
I’ve had the pleasure of talking to this author. He narrates like he talks. It’s his life’s work and you feel the comedy as genuine because Witham makes it so. Listening to The Trial of Rooker Flynn feels like sitting in the room with Witham while he recalls a part of his life. Without a script.
Unto the next.
December 26, 2024
So good and yet so emotionally frustrating! I'm excited to see what happens next!
Full review to follow.
Full review to follow.
February 27, 2025
If you prefer watching videos, I have a BookTube Channel!
Let me start this off by saying that if you want a guaranteed 5 star experience from this trilogy....LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOKS!! The author himself narrates this amazing tale and he does a magnificent job transporting you to the [horrid] island where these events unfold.
THE TRIAL OF ROOKER FLYNN picks up right where the first book left off. This wildly imaginative tale gets even darker as our characters continue to try and find a way off their island prison. Every good prison break attempt requires a plan and execution of that plan - and I was delighted with the way the author wrote this for us. It wasn't just an info dump, it was a clever action sequence where we get told what the first person does....we see how it's carried out and then progresses on through the entire group involved. It was fantastic.
Our main character, Rooker Flynn, got some major character development (and growth!!) in this installment. I always liked the guy's swagger and bravado, though I wouldn't trust him not to steal the silver fillings out of my teeth if I fell asleep around him with my mouth open. To get a few of his layers peeled back, to understand him more and to see him take major steps in coming back from the darkness of his past was just spectacular.
A.R. Witham is always so full of surprises, whether it's characters' arcs or the twists and turns of the plot. To me, a great portal fantasy - especially one with pirates and brigands - should be gloriously grand in nature and that was achieved in all the best of ways with this one.
Again, for the best experience, I highly recommend the audiobooks!!
Until the next one, remember to obey your betters, gather at sunrise and be inside by sundown....
I accepted an audiobook from the author in exchange for review consideration. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Wilbur & Heidi.
Let me start this off by saying that if you want a guaranteed 5 star experience from this trilogy....LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOKS!! The author himself narrates this amazing tale and he does a magnificent job transporting you to the [horrid] island where these events unfold.
THE TRIAL OF ROOKER FLYNN picks up right where the first book left off. This wildly imaginative tale gets even darker as our characters continue to try and find a way off their island prison. Every good prison break attempt requires a plan and execution of that plan - and I was delighted with the way the author wrote this for us. It wasn't just an info dump, it was a clever action sequence where we get told what the first person does....we see how it's carried out and then progresses on through the entire group involved. It was fantastic.
Our main character, Rooker Flynn, got some major character development (and growth!!) in this installment. I always liked the guy's swagger and bravado, though I wouldn't trust him not to steal the silver fillings out of my teeth if I fell asleep around him with my mouth open. To get a few of his layers peeled back, to understand him more and to see him take major steps in coming back from the darkness of his past was just spectacular.
A.R. Witham is always so full of surprises, whether it's characters' arcs or the twists and turns of the plot. To me, a great portal fantasy - especially one with pirates and brigands - should be gloriously grand in nature and that was achieved in all the best of ways with this one.
Again, for the best experience, I highly recommend the audiobooks!!
Until the next one, remember to obey your betters, gather at sunrise and be inside by sundown....
I accepted an audiobook from the author in exchange for review consideration. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Wilbur & Heidi.
January 10, 2025
At first I didn’t think I was going to be very happy with this book. Our boy Jack went through some very horrible situations. I also thought Rooker Flynn was a terrible person. I actually hated him for a while. Then I liked him again. So leave it to Witham’s magical writing and he made me change my mind.
I’ll leave it to the reader to find out how this switcheroo happened.
In the meantime there are wonderful supporting characters here. Copper Dave is simple and loyal. Patch is cunning and smart. Yenrab is very clever.
Billy Pilgrim is a delight. And Gerba Whipmarbles is a most hateful trol.
Most of the time I was in deep despair, then there was some hope, and then despair again.
I hope the last book is close at hand!
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
I’ll leave it to the reader to find out how this switcheroo happened.
In the meantime there are wonderful supporting characters here. Copper Dave is simple and loyal. Patch is cunning and smart. Yenrab is very clever.
Billy Pilgrim is a delight. And Gerba Whipmarbles is a most hateful trol.
Most of the time I was in deep despair, then there was some hope, and then despair again.
I hope the last book is close at hand!
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
November 14, 2024
Thanks to A.R. Witham for the ARC.
Oh my gosh!!.......what a ride this is!! This story, which is book 2 of the trilogy, continues to deliver a compelling story with twists, turns, and quite the cliffhanger of an ending!! Jack, Rooker, Patch and the rest of the gang continue to try and find a way off of the island, back to freedom, all while trying to outfox Gerba Whipmarples. I won't give away any other details so not to spoil anything, just know that this story goes unexpected places, has unexpected surprises and as always, will occasionally hurt you in the feels. The pacing of the story will keep you glued to the page and with that ending, I am so excited to see how the story wraps up in the final book!!!
Oh my gosh!!.......what a ride this is!! This story, which is book 2 of the trilogy, continues to deliver a compelling story with twists, turns, and quite the cliffhanger of an ending!! Jack, Rooker, Patch and the rest of the gang continue to try and find a way off of the island, back to freedom, all while trying to outfox Gerba Whipmarples. I won't give away any other details so not to spoil anything, just know that this story goes unexpected places, has unexpected surprises and as always, will occasionally hurt you in the feels. The pacing of the story will keep you glued to the page and with that ending, I am so excited to see how the story wraps up in the final book!!!
March 7, 2025
4.5/5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased the ebook in order to immersion read it.
“Forgive me if you can”
The Trials of Rooker Flynn picks up right where book one leaves off, taking readers through a whirlwind of new trials, relationship dynamics and higher stakes. With sequels, you can never quite know where the story will go as it prepares for the next book, or in this case the final book in the trilogy. This was no exception, and yet despite my uncertainty about the story’s direction, I was not disappointed.
Picking up immediately after the cliffhanger of book one, the story continues with Rooker and the Locke Institute.
As far as sequels go, this one manages to keep a steady pace of events and developments alongside the continued build up of the overarching story. In another author's hands, this story might come across as overly complex or heavy. Yet despite the dark moments, bleak circumstances and underlying plots, A.R. Witham manages to deliver the story with ease and a hint of wonder. Ultimately, making the story bingeable while giving enough depth to keep readers invested. Not to mention the moments that had me on the edge of my seat!
One of the most impressive aspects for me was how the author managed to make members of the side cast feel like main characters. Each one was given layers of depth I would typically expect from a main character, including developments to their own arcs, along with their personal struggles. This blended with the increasingly difficult imprisonment these characters suffer delivers a rollercoaster of a story.
Despite the terrible circumstances of these characters, there are meaningful moments blended in, foreshadowing galore, espionage, ingenuity born of desperation, cons, battles to the death, and plenty of harrowing moments for the characters.
The Trials of Rooker Flynn is a solid sequel that furthers the story and characters in meaningful ways, taking you on a rollercoaster of events, and will leave you wanting book 3 immediately.
So far this series has blended the darker tones of adult fantasy with the fantastical storytelling of nostalgic young adult tales.
In terms of the audiobook, it’s narrated by the author himself who delivers a fantastic performance for the characters with a few tricks to the performance making this feel like a bigger production. If you’re looking for an audiobook that feels like an immersive story told by the campfire, I can’t recommend this enough.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased the ebook in order to immersion read it.
“Forgive me if you can”
The Trials of Rooker Flynn picks up right where book one leaves off, taking readers through a whirlwind of new trials, relationship dynamics and higher stakes. With sequels, you can never quite know where the story will go as it prepares for the next book, or in this case the final book in the trilogy. This was no exception, and yet despite my uncertainty about the story’s direction, I was not disappointed.
Picking up immediately after the cliffhanger of book one, the story continues with Rooker and the Locke Institute.
As far as sequels go, this one manages to keep a steady pace of events and developments alongside the continued build up of the overarching story. In another author's hands, this story might come across as overly complex or heavy. Yet despite the dark moments, bleak circumstances and underlying plots, A.R. Witham manages to deliver the story with ease and a hint of wonder. Ultimately, making the story bingeable while giving enough depth to keep readers invested. Not to mention the moments that had me on the edge of my seat!
One of the most impressive aspects for me was how the author managed to make members of the side cast feel like main characters. Each one was given layers of depth I would typically expect from a main character, including developments to their own arcs, along with their personal struggles. This blended with the increasingly difficult imprisonment these characters suffer delivers a rollercoaster of a story.
Despite the terrible circumstances of these characters, there are meaningful moments blended in, foreshadowing galore, espionage, ingenuity born of desperation, cons, battles to the death, and plenty of harrowing moments for the characters.
The Trials of Rooker Flynn is a solid sequel that furthers the story and characters in meaningful ways, taking you on a rollercoaster of events, and will leave you wanting book 3 immediately.
So far this series has blended the darker tones of adult fantasy with the fantastical storytelling of nostalgic young adult tales.
In terms of the audiobook, it’s narrated by the author himself who delivers a fantastic performance for the characters with a few tricks to the performance making this feel like a bigger production. If you’re looking for an audiobook that feels like an immersive story told by the campfire, I can’t recommend this enough.
January 6, 2025
2024
Fantasy
A constant tide of movement played well in this second installment of the Rooker Flynn series. Characters shift in development which tends to endear the reader to their plights. Rooker is such a djk that you never worry about his predicaments, knowing he will eventually rise.
I liked the magic and creatures that populate this world. It is at once comfortable and unsettling. I did not want the tale to end, but all things must.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
4.8/5
Fantasy
A constant tide of movement played well in this second installment of the Rooker Flynn series. Characters shift in development which tends to endear the reader to their plights. Rooker is such a djk that you never worry about his predicaments, knowing he will eventually rise.
I liked the magic and creatures that populate this world. It is at once comfortable and unsettling. I did not want the tale to end, but all things must.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
4.8/5
December 20, 2024
I received an eARC for this.
Once again, A.R. Witham writes an incredibly engaging story. The second book in the Locke Institute trilogy and jam packed with action and grit. So much fun, and a great story. Can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy!
Once again, A.R. Witham writes an incredibly engaging story. The second book in the Locke Institute trilogy and jam packed with action and grit. So much fun, and a great story. Can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy!
January 1, 2025
A great middle book of the Locke Institute Trilogy. I loved most the exploration of the two dual protagonists' relationship, and also the further insight into the villain’s motivations. This book is a heck of a page turner that never stopped.
(Full disclosure: I was an Alpha reader in an earlier version of this book)
(Full disclosure: I was an Alpha reader in an earlier version of this book)
March 10, 2025
This was heaps of fun and a very solid book 2 that had me noticeably more engaged chapter to chapter than Crimes did, and I found myself getting emotionally invested in the tale by the end and wishing I could head right into bk 3 (what a cliffhanger!).
I did it fully by audio narrated by the author himself, and Witham's narration is just so lively and vivacious I couldn't help but get swept up in the story through his telling. It took a little time to hook me, but somewhere in the middle I started to really click with Rooker's POV in a way I hadn't before as I came to really understand his core and motivations (not to mention the way he changes and goes on a compelling arc in just this book).
Here and in all Witham's Keymark books, there is a certain trademark zany voice that's like nothing I've experienced elsewhere, with a unique mix of childlike playfulness combined with very adult grittiness and danger. I may not always be in the mood for it, but by golly The Trial of Rooker Flynn hit me at exactly the right time after one of the heaviest reads of my life just before. This was exactly the jolt of joy I needed, and if you've already enjoyed bk 1 of this trilogy, I guarantee this one will not disappoint.
I did it fully by audio narrated by the author himself, and Witham's narration is just so lively and vivacious I couldn't help but get swept up in the story through his telling. It took a little time to hook me, but somewhere in the middle I started to really click with Rooker's POV in a way I hadn't before as I came to really understand his core and motivations (not to mention the way he changes and goes on a compelling arc in just this book).
Here and in all Witham's Keymark books, there is a certain trademark zany voice that's like nothing I've experienced elsewhere, with a unique mix of childlike playfulness combined with very adult grittiness and danger. I may not always be in the mood for it, but by golly The Trial of Rooker Flynn hit me at exactly the right time after one of the heaviest reads of my life just before. This was exactly the jolt of joy I needed, and if you've already enjoyed bk 1 of this trilogy, I guarantee this one will not disappoint.
January 2, 2026
The Trial of Rooker Flynn opens with a really interesting look into one character's backstory and then swiftly picks back up exactly where we left off in The Crimes of Rooker Flynn which quite literally left us hanging!
I enjoyed this continuation of the story for sure. While it maintained its' fast pace and adventurous feel, it also had quite a few interesting character moments and explored some interesting friendships, group dynamics and backstories. Rooker's character in particular had a very satisfying arc in this installment and Patch really came to the forefront here and tugged on my heartstrings unexpectedly!
Once again AR Witham has managed to balance humour with horrific elements and character hardship perfectly as well as delivering us another whopper of a cliffhanger!
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this continuation of the story for sure. While it maintained its' fast pace and adventurous feel, it also had quite a few interesting character moments and explored some interesting friendships, group dynamics and backstories. Rooker's character in particular had a very satisfying arc in this installment and Patch really came to the forefront here and tugged on my heartstrings unexpectedly!
Once again AR Witham has managed to balance humour with horrific elements and character hardship perfectly as well as delivering us another whopper of a cliffhanger!
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2025
Received as a free arc and all opinions are my own and freely given.
I have previously read book 1 and loved it but book 2 might have been better! I love this so much and can’t wait for book 3 to know what happens next.
I have previously read book 1 and loved it but book 2 might have been better! I love this so much and can’t wait for book 3 to know what happens next.
November 2, 2024
By Nepenthe's power, this book was fantastic. There is a known syndrome in every trilogy where usually the second book is weaker than the first and the last. That is NOT the case here. I would say that this book uses all the momentum that the first book had and built upon it. Rookery Flynn is the star of the show. My god, what a character. Favorite pirate in literature by far. I wish I could sit down with him at the beach drinking Añejo.
Andy, I won't get tired of saying this anytime soon. You are a wordsmith with serious skills. Keep doing what you do best. I'll always be there to read your stories.
With that being said is safe to say that you (Andy. Who else?) are now moving rooms into a bigger one inside my heart.
Andy, I won't get tired of saying this anytime soon. You are a wordsmith with serious skills. Keep doing what you do best. I'll always be there to read your stories.
With that being said is safe to say that you (Andy. Who else?) are now moving rooms into a bigger one inside my heart.
March 18, 2025
Book 2 of the Locke Institute Trilogy. We continue with the imprisonment of Rooker and his friend Jack Swift aka Black Jack. Both still themselves guest of the Locke Institute, run by a Rhinoceros and her magic. Jack is the keeper of a magic rod, divided in 7 pieces which he refuses to call from our world. Rooker is threatened with death if he doesn't get jack to call the rod and reassemble it. We find out that the two are not such great friends. Escape from the Institute?
January 20, 2025
"Perhaps today is the day."
What an amazing sequel to The Crimes of Rooker Flynn. It feels exactly as a sequel should - starting right where we left off in the first novel, developing characters, and moving the story forward to yet another ending that will make you look at your copy of the book in shock. Why? Because now, you surely have to read the last book to know how this will end.
The Trial mentioned in the title is both one mentally and physically. Rooker is still in the Locke Institute, having just betrayed his one and only ally, and still longing for the Venture Brigand more than anything else in the world. Throughout the story, Rooker has to learn what is truly important to him. The character development is wonderfully executed, feels natural, and will make you understand his mind and choices much more than in the first installment.
A sequel is always difficult - it is the bridge between the beginning and the end, and can fall into the trap of being nothing more than that - but it didn't feel that way at all while reading this book. The goal is clear, the stakes high, the characters interesting. Plenty of what was brought up in the first book gets resolved or elaborated upon, while also leaving enough open to leave you wondering how it's going to affect the story in the final novel.
In my review of The Crimes of Rooker Flynn I mentioned that you don't need to read The Legend of Black Jack before diving into this trilogy, which I still hold to be true, but you may want to read it before this sequel. It's still not necessary, but I believe it may be useful in helping you to fully appreciate the story and the world of Keymark.
I can honestly only recommend it. I cannot usually picture scenes clearly, but these stories feel like I'm watching a full-on series in my mind. It's a grand adventure, and I am very much looking forward to the final part of this trilogy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Nepenthe House for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 4, 2025
Have you listened to The Crimes of Rooker Flynn? Then you know how that one ended … Mr. Witham has done it again! Cliff hanger! I should remove a star from my rating because I hate the wait! But nope!
The story starts where the last left off. Escape is on everyone’s mind but first you’re going to get a little bit of Rooker’s origin story. Gerba is still evil & shiq are still, yuck! There’s plenty with the old characters but new characters shine also.
Patch is a fabulous character and her journey is worthy of note! I loved some of the new monsters & there’s a cave that’s described so well you’ll feel like you’re there.
While this might be aimed at a younger crowd, as an adult I really annoyed it! Rooker was one of my favorite characters from The Legend of Black Jack and here his character is challenged to become more than who he was or thought he wanted to be. Fantastic character development.
This remains a dark story with body horror, monsters, evil bullies, abandonment, confinement, surgery without anesthesia, etc. but there are moments of positivity that bring hope for a happy ending …
… you won’t get it in this book but maybe the next! Keep reading and find out! Fantastic, imaginative story.
I received the audiobook from the author & I’ve ordered the paperback for my shelf (only because there isn’t a hardcover edition). The author’s narration brings life to the story, I can recommend the audiobooks. Enjoy!
The story starts where the last left off. Escape is on everyone’s mind but first you’re going to get a little bit of Rooker’s origin story. Gerba is still evil & shiq are still, yuck! There’s plenty with the old characters but new characters shine also.
Patch is a fabulous character and her journey is worthy of note! I loved some of the new monsters & there’s a cave that’s described so well you’ll feel like you’re there.
While this might be aimed at a younger crowd, as an adult I really annoyed it! Rooker was one of my favorite characters from The Legend of Black Jack and here his character is challenged to become more than who he was or thought he wanted to be. Fantastic character development.
This remains a dark story with body horror, monsters, evil bullies, abandonment, confinement, surgery without anesthesia, etc. but there are moments of positivity that bring hope for a happy ending …
… you won’t get it in this book but maybe the next! Keep reading and find out! Fantastic, imaginative story.
I received the audiobook from the author & I’ve ordered the paperback for my shelf (only because there isn’t a hardcover edition). The author’s narration brings life to the story, I can recommend the audiobooks. Enjoy!
March 20, 2025
My heart was torn out as I read the last words of the first book, The Crimes of Rooker Flynn. How dare he leave it on such a cliffhanger? But thankfully, he included this book so that I was able to continue reading past the cliffhanger. This story, if possible, is even more dark, as Greta and her crew ramp up the torture, the lopping off of fingers, removal of eyes, the constant bleeding for the strigoi, and the mental attacks on Jack and Rooker. We are often left guessing whether what Jack or Rooker see is in their imaginations or real--or perhaps only some can see what they see. The fact is, they should be dead many times over, if it were not for the bell. And yet, even if they are healed up physically, they continue to be torn down mentally and emotionally. This book also ends on a cliffhanger, but somehow, I had a little bit more hope, at least for Jack and Rooker's friendship. After the first book, I didn't see how their friendship could possibly survive, but I definitely shed tears near the end of this one. I cannot wait for the third book and hope it will be released soon!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 2, 2025
Everybody knows Middle Book Syndrome. Book one was an absolute barn-stormer that you couldn't put down. After an indeterminate wait, the second book arrives! You can't wait to jump in and reconnect with the characters! But oh god, it drags! There are huge info-dumps, the plot is bloated and nothing very interesting happens. The dreaded Middle Book Syndrome. Well, I can happily say that the Locke Institute does not suffer from this malady! The Trial of Rooker Flynn is not only equal to Book one (The Crimes of Rooker Flynn) but surpasses it on the thrills and anticipation front.
After that almighty cliff hanger at the end of The Crimes, I can't go too much into the plot without spoilers. Basically, things do not get much better for our captives at the Locke Institute. Just when you don't think things can get much worse (giant spiders!), Gerba Whipmarples pulls another dastardly stunt out the bag (she really shows her chops as a villain here). There is fighting. There is a training montage. There are shenanigans. It is exciting! It is also getting darker as the story goes on. A little bit more horror creeps in and bad things happen to good (ish) people.
We do get to delve deeper into Rooker Flynn's background. I have to say it; A. R. Witham really knows how to pull on the old heartstrings! There is a lot of emotional depth to these characters and the found family aspect has a lot of feels to it. The ending had that gasp-worthy nature to you and leaves you feeling a bit stunned. How on earth is Rooker going to get out of this one?!?
No bloat found here; The Trial of Rooker Flynn is a worthy successor to The Crimes and may even exceed it in terms of storytelling. Everything fits in well - the atmosphere, the characters and the plot all come together to form a glorious whole. I immensely enjoyed my time with this book and can only wait with great anticipation for the conclusion. Can someone please do something about Gerba Whipmarples?
I received a free copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
After that almighty cliff hanger at the end of The Crimes, I can't go too much into the plot without spoilers. Basically, things do not get much better for our captives at the Locke Institute. Just when you don't think things can get much worse (giant spiders!), Gerba Whipmarples pulls another dastardly stunt out the bag (she really shows her chops as a villain here). There is fighting. There is a training montage. There are shenanigans. It is exciting! It is also getting darker as the story goes on. A little bit more horror creeps in and bad things happen to good (ish) people.
We do get to delve deeper into Rooker Flynn's background. I have to say it; A. R. Witham really knows how to pull on the old heartstrings! There is a lot of emotional depth to these characters and the found family aspect has a lot of feels to it. The ending had that gasp-worthy nature to you and leaves you feeling a bit stunned. How on earth is Rooker going to get out of this one?!?
No bloat found here; The Trial of Rooker Flynn is a worthy successor to The Crimes and may even exceed it in terms of storytelling. Everything fits in well - the atmosphere, the characters and the plot all come together to form a glorious whole. I immensely enjoyed my time with this book and can only wait with great anticipation for the conclusion. Can someone please do something about Gerba Whipmarples?
I received a free copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
January 10, 2025
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
Everyone’s favourite motley crew of loveable rogues is back and better than ever in The Trial of Rooker Flynn. The stakes are higher, the situations even more dire, and this time, we’re adding some gladiator gruesomeness into the mix! Middle book syndrome? Pretty sure that’s not a term that exists in Keymark, just ask Rooker.
The Trial of Rooker Flynn picks up mere seconds after the brutal cliffhanger that Witham left us (quite literally) dangling on at the end of The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, and we dive headfirst back into the exquisite emotional turmoil. On the one hand, this is a sequel of consequences, trauma, and retribution, yet on the other hand, it’s a sequel of hope, defiance, redemption, and healing; in other words, get ready to cry some tears of both deep heartache and sheer hysterical joy.
Even though I generally prefer the more slow-burn types of narratives, Witham has somehow managed to keep me fully engaged in all the unrelenting and exhilarating action by balancing and interweaving it with such profound character-/interpersonal relationship development. It’s not just Rooker’s tumultuous journey of personal growth throughout all these trials and tribulations that had me glued to the page, but I also loved seeing all the most loveable (PATCH!) and hateable side characters really get their time to shine. And yes, that includes the monstrously Machiavellian villain Gerba Whipmarples, and yes, I still loathe her just as much, if not more, after getting a glimpse into her backstory and motivations.
In some ways, this sequel is a bit less bleak and depressing than its predecessor, yet in other ways it’s also much more dark and disturbing, and I just absolutely loved the entire emotional rollercoaster. The way that Witham plays with perspective to give/withhold just the right amount of information at exactly the right times builds a level of tension and suspense that is just deliciously dreadful, which is exactly what makes The Trial of Rooker Flynn such an effortlessly bingeable and dangerously addictive read.
And if you thought the cliffhanger at the end of book 1 was devastating, then you better mentally prepare for the brutal gut punch that is the end of The Trial of Rooker Flynn. It almost seems impossible to imagine how these characters are going to dig themselves out of the deadly mess that they have found themselves in, but if anyone can do it, it’s these surprisingly clever rebellious rascals.
Now, just a little secret between you and me, I had the honour of Alpha reading this entire trilogy in its rough first stages, and I can promise you that the finale will answer questions you didn’t even know you had and leave you more satisfied than you even knew was possible. So if you like the sound of an action-packed yet deeply character-driven tale of survival, courage, brotherhood, and lots of majik and mayhem, then what are you waiting for? Just go read The Locke Institute Trilogy already!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Trial of Rooker Flynn is scheduled for release on 31 January, 2025.
Everyone’s favourite motley crew of loveable rogues is back and better than ever in The Trial of Rooker Flynn. The stakes are higher, the situations even more dire, and this time, we’re adding some gladiator gruesomeness into the mix! Middle book syndrome? Pretty sure that’s not a term that exists in Keymark, just ask Rooker.
The Trial of Rooker Flynn picks up mere seconds after the brutal cliffhanger that Witham left us (quite literally) dangling on at the end of The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, and we dive headfirst back into the exquisite emotional turmoil. On the one hand, this is a sequel of consequences, trauma, and retribution, yet on the other hand, it’s a sequel of hope, defiance, redemption, and healing; in other words, get ready to cry some tears of both deep heartache and sheer hysterical joy.
Even though I generally prefer the more slow-burn types of narratives, Witham has somehow managed to keep me fully engaged in all the unrelenting and exhilarating action by balancing and interweaving it with such profound character-/interpersonal relationship development. It’s not just Rooker’s tumultuous journey of personal growth throughout all these trials and tribulations that had me glued to the page, but I also loved seeing all the most loveable (PATCH!) and hateable side characters really get their time to shine. And yes, that includes the monstrously Machiavellian villain Gerba Whipmarples, and yes, I still loathe her just as much, if not more, after getting a glimpse into her backstory and motivations.
In some ways, this sequel is a bit less bleak and depressing than its predecessor, yet in other ways it’s also much more dark and disturbing, and I just absolutely loved the entire emotional rollercoaster. The way that Witham plays with perspective to give/withhold just the right amount of information at exactly the right times builds a level of tension and suspense that is just deliciously dreadful, which is exactly what makes The Trial of Rooker Flynn such an effortlessly bingeable and dangerously addictive read.
And if you thought the cliffhanger at the end of book 1 was devastating, then you better mentally prepare for the brutal gut punch that is the end of The Trial of Rooker Flynn. It almost seems impossible to imagine how these characters are going to dig themselves out of the deadly mess that they have found themselves in, but if anyone can do it, it’s these surprisingly clever rebellious rascals.
Now, just a little secret between you and me, I had the honour of Alpha reading this entire trilogy in its rough first stages, and I can promise you that the finale will answer questions you didn’t even know you had and leave you more satisfied than you even knew was possible. So if you like the sound of an action-packed yet deeply character-driven tale of survival, courage, brotherhood, and lots of majik and mayhem, then what are you waiting for? Just go read The Locke Institute Trilogy already!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Trial of Rooker Flynn is scheduled for release on 31 January, 2025.
February 1, 2025
The Trial of Rooker Flynn - A.R. Witham
The second part of The Locke Institute trilogy released yesterday!
This installment took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and left me with such a book hangover. I can't wait to read the last one. I HAVE to know that happens. The relationship between Rooker and Jack is so heart-wrenchingly beautiful and complicated, watching all the twists and turns it takes as the journey through trust and betrayal tests these characters at every turn. The secondary characters are well developed and have so much more depth to them than you see in book 1 and the way they all become more humanized to the story rather than mere background characters is quite wonderful. Gerba Whipmarbles is the equivalent of Dolores Umbridge... she makes me want to punch her in the face the more I read of her. Fingers crossed that Rooker and Jack make it out of the Locke Institute alive.
4.8/5 for me, only because I was an emotional mess during this.
The second part of The Locke Institute trilogy released yesterday!
This installment took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and left me with such a book hangover. I can't wait to read the last one. I HAVE to know that happens. The relationship between Rooker and Jack is so heart-wrenchingly beautiful and complicated, watching all the twists and turns it takes as the journey through trust and betrayal tests these characters at every turn. The secondary characters are well developed and have so much more depth to them than you see in book 1 and the way they all become more humanized to the story rather than mere background characters is quite wonderful. Gerba Whipmarbles is the equivalent of Dolores Umbridge... she makes me want to punch her in the face the more I read of her. Fingers crossed that Rooker and Jack make it out of the Locke Institute alive.
4.8/5 for me, only because I was an emotional mess during this.
February 4, 2025
A.R. Witham does it again! He captures your imagination and heart with a tale of friendship great for teens and adults alike. In that way, this book recalls to mind such authors as Tolkien and Tad Williams... epic fantasy tales that mean something. I am looking forward to more!
December 16, 2025
4.25 (rounded up because I want to)
Really enjoying these books! Rooker and Jack are complex and likeable characters. This series balances adventure and whimsy with mastery. Can’t wait to finish out the trilogy!
Really enjoying these books! Rooker and Jack are complex and likeable characters. This series balances adventure and whimsy with mastery. Can’t wait to finish out the trilogy!
March 22, 2025
Even though this book ends on another vicious cliffhanger, I felt as though it was everything the second book in a trilogy should be in that it was a satisfying entry in the series while still leaving me desperate for the true conclusion to this turbulent tale.
Please Note: While I will be aiming to avoid spoilers for THE TRIAL OF ROOKER FLYNN, I will likely mention characters and events which could be considered spoilers for both the first book in this trilogy as well as the original THE LEGEND OF BLACK JACK.
CHARACTERS
We once again find ourselves with the notorious Rooker Flynn as the book kicks off with another flashback of him from when he still went by his birth name of "Pip." We also meet the original "Rooker" in this prologue, but his ultimate fate remains ominously vague. When we come back to the present, we quickly discover that Jack is, of course, not actually dead and realize that the depths of Gerba's depravity truly knows no bounds when it comes to getting what she wants. Things get extremely heated between Rooker and Jack as the pirate's betrayal leads to an even more bitter confrontation that rocks them both to their core. The tension between them remains a heavy thread throughout the story and I found myself really impressed with how the conflict was done in such a nuanced and adult way. We dive deep into Rooker's psyche with this one and there's some pretty dark stuff to be found there as one might expect. It was similarly interesting to see how Jack responded to the horrible things happening to him in real time. The results of how these events transform Jack proved to be both heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. The horrors he's faced with harden him certainly, but there's still this firm sense of identity that he maintains and I loved how that drove other aspects of the plot forward. We also get to know some of the pair's fellow inmates on a much deeper level than before. Patch and Billy Pilgrim served as particular standouts, but some other characters had some satisfying moments of character development as well. I wouldn't exactly call it "found family," but there is certainly a very motley crew element that forms here and I very much enjoyed seeing how all these surly characters interacted with one another. On the less wholesome front is the one and only Gerba Whipmarples. If anyone was left unsure about what a nasty piece of work she is after the first novel, then there is little room for doubt left after this one. She's the type of character who you can just love to hate, but we also got some additional insight into what really motivates her to be as wicked as she is. The little tidbits about her background and the way that the curtain is pulled back on her true plans are for the Locke Institute made for some fascinating reveals. Last, but not least, it's worth noting that several side characters from THE LEGEND OF BLACK JACK have small cameos in the story. This was such a delightful surprise and I was impressed that they were sort of reintroduced in such a way that readers wouldn't be totally lost if they never read that original standalone novel. I'm hoping that they will get a bigger role to play in the third and final part of this series.
PLOT/TONE
While the first book in this trilogy was sort of more of a prison survival story with some light mystery elements and conflict born of miscommunication mixed in, there's quite a lot happening in this sequel. Once Jack and Rooker get resettled into "the institute," they immediately set about to upending the order of things in their own way. Rooker resorts to his typical, opportunistic habits, but Jack has a much grander scheme in mind, which he naturally elects to leave Rooker out of. The subtle prison rebellion and escape plan plot that ensues was good fun and I liked how it was broken up with moments of drama between Rooker and Jack. Things then get completely shaken up when Gerba unveils a new plan for her "students" and things get even more deadly for them. The dire nature of this act forces Rooker and Jack back together again and the way that this relationship uneasily reforges itself had me on the edge of my seat almost as much as the mortal trials that these characters have to undergo. Though it'd be hard to say much more without resorting to spoilers, the third act turned out to be every bit as fulfilling as the first two when the plot turns back to a sort of prison riot theme accompanied by the culmination of the grand escape plan. The climax of the book is absolutely intense and the way things left off had me a little bit "shook" to say the least. There is a ton of fun to be had with this dark adventure story, but it's also an emotional roller coaster that's been diabolically designed to manipulate one's heartstrings like a little marionette. Typically, I prefer that books have a more conclusive ending, but as far as second books in a trilogy go, this one is essentially flawless. It improves upon the first in just about every imaginable way and completely avoids the infamous "middle book syndrome" that plagues so many sophomore entries in a series.
SETTING/WORLD
While some might be disheartened that the story remains largely confined to the island of Huánghūn, I think this book still managed to create a captivating setting. It was probably to be expected that our heroes would remain trapped within the confines of the Locke Institute, but the first book left us with more than a couple of mysteries regarding what is really going on here. Many of these lingering questions are answered and the revelations can be quite unsettling. I appreciated how these interspersed reveals made me see the familiar setting in a new light and left me with new questions about where this will all go. We also got to explore the literal underbelly of the island and the hidden portions of the institute itself, both of which are very dark places in both the literal and figurative sense. In the second act of the book, the satellite island that the action takes place on offers a little geographical variety as well. It was cool to see how the characters reacted to being confined to a new type of prison and there's an interesting contrast between how this place is both markedly better and significantly worse for them in different ways. As this portion of the story rolls along, we get a little more information about the significance of it to Gerba which gave it a bit of a new significance to the story overall. It's in this portion of the story that we get some additional insights into the broader world of Keymark as well. I have to wonder if these are just little bits of flavor to remind us that there are a myriad of exotic nations out beyond the Institute-controlled islands or if maybe these are tantalizing teases of places the author will explore later on. Rounding things out is a more comprehensive exploration into the magic of this world (called by other names in the text). While magical elements have always played a part in prior books set in this world, they've remained somewhat ambiguous. The magic systems at play here are still distinctly on the softer side, we get a much better understanding of what's possible along with some of the mechanics behind how things work. I loved that these elements were crucial to uncovering the truth behind Gerba's masterplan as well as the key to how she maintains such a firm grip on the island of Huánghūn.
PAPERBACK
First off, the image gracing the front cover is absolutely spectacular. The Venture Brigand is a very cool vessel and I think this artwork does it the justice that it deserves. The cover itself fits the same sort of overall presentation and is the exact same size as Witham's prior books which makes it sit decently well up on a shelf with its counterparts. It's also a slightly darker shade of red than the first book in the LOCKE INSTITUTE TRILOGY which both sets it apart from the previous entry while still making it clear that it's part of the set. The one thing that bugs me a little is that there is a white number two on the spine. The previous book (or at least my copy of it) isn't numbered, so this little inconsistency does bother me slightly. The interior of the book though is extremely consistent with the quality and attention to detail that I've come to expect from the Keymark collection. The little flourishes that are added always make for a very nice reading experience.
CONCLUSION
If you liked THE CRIMES OF ROOKER FLYNN even just a little bit, then I think you absolutely must continue with this new installment in the trilogy. It builds off of an improves upon the prior book in just about every way and is one of the best book twos I have ever read in any trilogy. The pressure is on for THE EXECUTION OF ROOKER FLYNN to really bring everything together in a fulfilling way, but I'm hopeful that Witham will rise to meet all of my wildest expectations.
(+) A much deeper look into Rooker's backstory and underlying psychology.
(+) Jack's personal journey was every bit as engaging as Rooker's
(+) Drama between Rooker and Jack that felt mature and heartbreaking in all the right ways.
(+) Side characters each got their time to shine.
(+) Gerba's true motives and plans are finally revealed.
(+) The story was gripping across all three acts of the story and managed to keep things fresh.
(+) We get some fun exploration into the world, lore, and magic of both The Institute as well as Keymark as a whole
( ) There is one nasty cliffhanger here, but it also felt earned and satisfying in it's own way (the pressure is on for book three to really deliver though!)
Please Note: While I will be aiming to avoid spoilers for THE TRIAL OF ROOKER FLYNN, I will likely mention characters and events which could be considered spoilers for both the first book in this trilogy as well as the original THE LEGEND OF BLACK JACK.
CHARACTERS
We once again find ourselves with the notorious Rooker Flynn as the book kicks off with another flashback of him from when he still went by his birth name of "Pip." We also meet the original "Rooker" in this prologue, but his ultimate fate remains ominously vague. When we come back to the present, we quickly discover that Jack is, of course, not actually dead and realize that the depths of Gerba's depravity truly knows no bounds when it comes to getting what she wants. Things get extremely heated between Rooker and Jack as the pirate's betrayal leads to an even more bitter confrontation that rocks them both to their core. The tension between them remains a heavy thread throughout the story and I found myself really impressed with how the conflict was done in such a nuanced and adult way. We dive deep into Rooker's psyche with this one and there's some pretty dark stuff to be found there as one might expect. It was similarly interesting to see how Jack responded to the horrible things happening to him in real time. The results of how these events transform Jack proved to be both heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. The horrors he's faced with harden him certainly, but there's still this firm sense of identity that he maintains and I loved how that drove other aspects of the plot forward. We also get to know some of the pair's fellow inmates on a much deeper level than before. Patch and Billy Pilgrim served as particular standouts, but some other characters had some satisfying moments of character development as well. I wouldn't exactly call it "found family," but there is certainly a very motley crew element that forms here and I very much enjoyed seeing how all these surly characters interacted with one another. On the less wholesome front is the one and only Gerba Whipmarples. If anyone was left unsure about what a nasty piece of work she is after the first novel, then there is little room for doubt left after this one. She's the type of character who you can just love to hate, but we also got some additional insight into what really motivates her to be as wicked as she is. The little tidbits about her background and the way that the curtain is pulled back on her true plans are for the Locke Institute made for some fascinating reveals. Last, but not least, it's worth noting that several side characters from THE LEGEND OF BLACK JACK have small cameos in the story. This was such a delightful surprise and I was impressed that they were sort of reintroduced in such a way that readers wouldn't be totally lost if they never read that original standalone novel. I'm hoping that they will get a bigger role to play in the third and final part of this series.
PLOT/TONE
While the first book in this trilogy was sort of more of a prison survival story with some light mystery elements and conflict born of miscommunication mixed in, there's quite a lot happening in this sequel. Once Jack and Rooker get resettled into "the institute," they immediately set about to upending the order of things in their own way. Rooker resorts to his typical, opportunistic habits, but Jack has a much grander scheme in mind, which he naturally elects to leave Rooker out of. The subtle prison rebellion and escape plan plot that ensues was good fun and I liked how it was broken up with moments of drama between Rooker and Jack. Things then get completely shaken up when Gerba unveils a new plan for her "students" and things get even more deadly for them. The dire nature of this act forces Rooker and Jack back together again and the way that this relationship uneasily reforges itself had me on the edge of my seat almost as much as the mortal trials that these characters have to undergo. Though it'd be hard to say much more without resorting to spoilers, the third act turned out to be every bit as fulfilling as the first two when the plot turns back to a sort of prison riot theme accompanied by the culmination of the grand escape plan. The climax of the book is absolutely intense and the way things left off had me a little bit "shook" to say the least. There is a ton of fun to be had with this dark adventure story, but it's also an emotional roller coaster that's been diabolically designed to manipulate one's heartstrings like a little marionette. Typically, I prefer that books have a more conclusive ending, but as far as second books in a trilogy go, this one is essentially flawless. It improves upon the first in just about every imaginable way and completely avoids the infamous "middle book syndrome" that plagues so many sophomore entries in a series.
SETTING/WORLD
While some might be disheartened that the story remains largely confined to the island of Huánghūn, I think this book still managed to create a captivating setting. It was probably to be expected that our heroes would remain trapped within the confines of the Locke Institute, but the first book left us with more than a couple of mysteries regarding what is really going on here. Many of these lingering questions are answered and the revelations can be quite unsettling. I appreciated how these interspersed reveals made me see the familiar setting in a new light and left me with new questions about where this will all go. We also got to explore the literal underbelly of the island and the hidden portions of the institute itself, both of which are very dark places in both the literal and figurative sense. In the second act of the book, the satellite island that the action takes place on offers a little geographical variety as well. It was cool to see how the characters reacted to being confined to a new type of prison and there's an interesting contrast between how this place is both markedly better and significantly worse for them in different ways. As this portion of the story rolls along, we get a little more information about the significance of it to Gerba which gave it a bit of a new significance to the story overall. It's in this portion of the story that we get some additional insights into the broader world of Keymark as well. I have to wonder if these are just little bits of flavor to remind us that there are a myriad of exotic nations out beyond the Institute-controlled islands or if maybe these are tantalizing teases of places the author will explore later on. Rounding things out is a more comprehensive exploration into the magic of this world (called by other names in the text). While magical elements have always played a part in prior books set in this world, they've remained somewhat ambiguous. The magic systems at play here are still distinctly on the softer side, we get a much better understanding of what's possible along with some of the mechanics behind how things work. I loved that these elements were crucial to uncovering the truth behind Gerba's masterplan as well as the key to how she maintains such a firm grip on the island of Huánghūn.
PAPERBACK
First off, the image gracing the front cover is absolutely spectacular. The Venture Brigand is a very cool vessel and I think this artwork does it the justice that it deserves. The cover itself fits the same sort of overall presentation and is the exact same size as Witham's prior books which makes it sit decently well up on a shelf with its counterparts. It's also a slightly darker shade of red than the first book in the LOCKE INSTITUTE TRILOGY which both sets it apart from the previous entry while still making it clear that it's part of the set. The one thing that bugs me a little is that there is a white number two on the spine. The previous book (or at least my copy of it) isn't numbered, so this little inconsistency does bother me slightly. The interior of the book though is extremely consistent with the quality and attention to detail that I've come to expect from the Keymark collection. The little flourishes that are added always make for a very nice reading experience.
CONCLUSION
If you liked THE CRIMES OF ROOKER FLYNN even just a little bit, then I think you absolutely must continue with this new installment in the trilogy. It builds off of an improves upon the prior book in just about every way and is one of the best book twos I have ever read in any trilogy. The pressure is on for THE EXECUTION OF ROOKER FLYNN to really bring everything together in a fulfilling way, but I'm hopeful that Witham will rise to meet all of my wildest expectations.
(+) A much deeper look into Rooker's backstory and underlying psychology.
(+) Jack's personal journey was every bit as engaging as Rooker's
(+) Drama between Rooker and Jack that felt mature and heartbreaking in all the right ways.
(+) Side characters each got their time to shine.
(+) Gerba's true motives and plans are finally revealed.
(+) The story was gripping across all three acts of the story and managed to keep things fresh.
(+) We get some fun exploration into the world, lore, and magic of both The Institute as well as Keymark as a whole
( ) There is one nasty cliffhanger here, but it also felt earned and satisfying in it's own way (the pressure is on for book three to really deliver though!)
February 6, 2025
This is book 2 in the Locke Institute trilogy. It picks up where the first book left off. We are still at the prison on Keymark and Rooker Flynn and Jack have some great character development. It is full of adventure, hope, and teamwork, but it is also dark. The spiders are back in this one as well as many of the characters from book one, The Crimes of Rooker Flynn. It ends on one heck of a cliffhanger and leaves you begging for the third installment. Thank you to NetGalley, Nepenthe House, and A.R. Witham for the chance to read and leave my honest opinion.
March 4, 2025
An excellent middle book.
The Trial of Rooker Flynn picks up where its predecessor left off. This book has some very fine character work indeed, with one in particular having an amazing arc. Plenty of twists and turns, highs and lows. There's some excellent plotting and some fine politicking as well.
As far as "middle books" go, this one should rank very highly, and I'm looking forward to the conclusion now.
An absolute must read.
The Trial of Rooker Flynn picks up where its predecessor left off. This book has some very fine character work indeed, with one in particular having an amazing arc. Plenty of twists and turns, highs and lows. There's some excellent plotting and some fine politicking as well.
As far as "middle books" go, this one should rank very highly, and I'm looking forward to the conclusion now.
An absolute must read.
January 7, 2025
Lord of the Flies meets Prisoners Dilemma in what is an entertaining YA-ish sequel that isnt afraid to go dark and features a truly loathsome lead....
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