Stiletto by Daniel O’Malley

The Checquy Files, Book 2

Synopsis: In this spirited sequel, The Rook returns to clinch an alliance between deadly rivals and avert epic—and slimy—supernatural war.

When secret organizations are forced to merge after years of enmity and bloodshed, only one person has the fearsome powers—and the bureaucratic finesse—to get the job done. Facing her greatest challenge yet, Rook Myfanwy Thomas must broker a deal between two bitter adversaries:

The Checquy—the centuries-old covert British organization that protects society from supernatural
threats, and…
The Grafters—a centuries-old supernatural threat.

But as bizarre attacks sweep London, threatening to sabotage negotiations, old hatreds flare. Surrounded by spies, only the Rook and two women, who absolutely hate each other, can seek out the culprits before they trigger a devastating otherworldly war.

STILETTO is a novel of preternatural diplomacy, paranoia, and snide remarks.

Review: I really loved the first novel and was curious to immerse myself in the sequel. The author offers us again a new big novel, but it is with great pleasure that I discovered this sequel.

I admit that I was expecting to follow Myfanwi a bit more in view of the synopsis, but I was surprised to see that finally, even if she has an essential part, it leaves much room for Odette, one of the members of the grafter delegation or Felicity, a person from the Chequy who protects Odette. Indeed, now that the grafters are in town, everyone is in turmoil and especially very tense. Whatever the team they are on, they are all waiting for things to go wrong. In addition, the resentment is still there too!

I found it very interesting to learn more about the grafters, what they knew and their story. Some parts are a bit long about it, but it was fascinating. Moreover, our three main characters will face many problems and supernatural disasters! I was surprised by a reversal of situations, but it also announces that the story will surely continue with a third volume and I admit that I am curious to see what the author will propose.

It was a fascinating new book and although it was not as good as the first, I really had a good time with this novel rich in twists and turns.