4-Star Review for The Locke Institute

A. R. Witham delivers a thrilling, high-stakes adventure in The Locke Institute, blending elements of swashbuckling piracy, dark academia, and survival in a world where the rules are designed to be broken. The story follows Rooker Flynn, a rebellious pirate trapped on an island prison where obedience is mandatory and escape seems impossible. But with the help of a brilliant young student who knows secrets beyond the island’s borders, Rooker might just have a chance to outmaneuver the formidable Headmistress and reclaim his freedom.

Witham’s storytelling is fast-paced and immersive, full of sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and well-crafted tension. The setting—a mysterious island ruled by strict laws and even stricter enforcers—adds a layer of intrigue that keeps the pages turning. Rooker is a compelling protagonist, full of swagger and defiance, and his dynamic with the kid genius adds both heart and humor to the narrative.

While the book delivers plenty of action and suspense, some parts feel a bit rushed, particularly in the world-building and character development beyond the main duo. A deeper exploration of the Headmistress’s motives and the island’s origins could have elevated the stakes even further.

Overall, The Locke Institute is an exciting, cinematic read that will appeal to fans of daring escapes, clever schemes, and morally gray antiheroes. If you’re looking for a gripping adventure with a rebellious streak, this one is well worth the journey.

I was given a release copy for review, and I can only hope these comments are listened to by the publisher before it goes to print.

If this was being published as a single book, this review would be very different. But the different covers, entry notes, and back pages, this is going to be released as two separate books, and in that scenario I must absolutely recommend against it. Book 1 is indeed interesting and engaging, but it has no end. Its only purpose is to coerce you to buy Book 2 in the hope it might have an ending, and I cannot support such deception.

Fast paced, action packed fantasy novels. Violent at times, full of surprises and twists. Recommend reading The Legend of Black Jack first for context, but can stand alone.

Thank you to the publisher for this ARC. This one wasn't for me, as mood reader, it didn't fit into my current mood.

I don’t think I read books very often where the Protagonist or “good guy” isn’t a very good guy, or even very likable at times! But the Author definitely wrote the character of Rooker brilliantly. Learning what happened to him as a child made things much more clear, but still not enough to excuse the selfish person he was. Without giving away too much more, I am happy to say that by the end of the book I appreciated his character a lot more.

Let’s not forget Headmistress Whipmarples, the embodiment of a true Villain. She is absolutely despicable and we love to hate her!

“Do you know what the difference is between animals and men, Mister Flynn?” She flashed a thin smile. “Absolutely nothing.”

The darker elements of this book include the violence, as well as the darkness from within ourselves that haunts us. Neither of which would be described as “too much”, but does add depth to the fantasy and magic.

This book made me chuckle, grimace, and even tear up a time or two. I encourage you to listen to the audio version the author narrates himself- it is incredible!
Thank you AR Whitam and NetGalley for the Advanced copy.

What makes these books truly compelling is how Withham balances action with intellectual challenges. The Locke Institute series isn't just about thrilling heists or criminal escapades—it’s about the internal trials of a man grappling with his own identity, the shadows of his past, and the choices that will shape his future. Rooker Flynn is a flawed but fascinating protagonist, and Jack provides a grounded, sometimes humorous counterpart to his darker impulses.

Withham’s writing is sharp and engaging, seamlessly blending suspenseful moments with introspective character studies. The atmosphere of the Locke Institute—a place where secrets and codes rule—feels both mysterious and tantalizing, adding another layer of richness to the world-building.

Overall, The Crimes of Rooker Flynn and The Trials of Rooker Flynn are thrilling, character-driven narratives that offer both intellectual stimulation and emotional depth. Withham's blend of mystery, action, and character exploration makes this series a standout in the genre. Fans of complex protagonists, intricate plots, and thought-provoking themes will find much to enjoy in these books. I eagerly anticipate what Rooker and Jack’s next adventure will hold.

The Locke Institute is a dark tale centering around pirate Rooker Flynn that is a compelling mix of fantasy and horror elements.

I do wish that the characters were slightly more developed than what they were, and that the various camps actually had more differences, as they kinda blended together for me.

It was an interesting read, although I think had I read Witham’s book “The Legend of Black Jack” before this series that I would have enjoyed it more.

Locke Institute just missed the mark a bit for me, but fans of pirates and dark fantasy should enjoy it.
3 Stars

I received an ARC of this book via Nepenthe House and NetGalley, however this review is completely my own unbiased personal opinion, left of my own volition.

This is a great introduction to the world and such a wild ride. We have nefarious plots and subterfuge and fast pace action. I loved the characters and the setting and I can't wait to see what else this author has!

THE LOCKE INSTITUTE contains the first 2 books of the trilogy, and what an adventure it has been. Keymark maybe A R Witham's fantasy world but he pulled me right into prison along with everyone else. His descriptive writing built a visual jungle world that will be present in my dreams/nightmares for awhile. This is an easy 5 star read for me. Now I'm off to find book #3.

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!

This was a really fun read Jack was one of my favorite characters throughout the books. I can't imagine what I would have done had I been locked up in a school like that. This book is perfect for those that want to experience nonstop adventures that keep you entertained.

The Locke Institute by A. R. Witham was so intriguing and entertaining, I was thoroughly engaged whilst devouring this read.
The pacing was fantastic, the characters were amazingly written and their growth was amazing

This book is crime fiction, mystery, thriller, fantasy, dystopian, dark, and emotional trip. I was an emotional wreck reading the first two books of The Locke Institute trilogy. It is filled with harmful secrets, freaky bounty hunters, huge talking spiders, and spider dragons. This was a fast-paced whirlwind of an experience, yes, experience. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. The detail had me in a chokehold!

The Locke Institute has only three rules:
Obey your betters.
Gather at sunrise.
Be inside by sundown.

The way A.R. Witham wrote this book was phenomenal. The world and character-building for me were flawless; the attention to detail, the creation of the unique magic system, and the conflict, this book was a ride. The heartbreak that both Jack (Johnathan) and Rooker (Pip) experienced caused real moments of pearl clutching! The Institute...I have real issues with this place...

Honestly, I loved this book. I am trying to spoil it in my review; the things I want to mention would absolutely do that.

Thank you so much Netgalley, Nepenthe House, and A.R. Witham for the ARC of the first two books of this amazing trilogy.

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, NetGalley.

I felt like I had missed a prequel book I should have read; I felt as though I was supposed to know more about the world and its inhabitants; I felt like I was missing the motivation from the characters.
This book is a mix between a middle-grade and an adult adventure book, featuring pirates, criminals, and magic. It is an adult book (in themes) that reads like a middle-grade book.
Overall, I found it to be entertaining; it's light reading fun. But I should have started with the Legend of Jack Black.

"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.

This review is for books 1 and 2 in the Locke Institute trilogy. My first AR Whitham book was The Legend of Black Jack and I loved it! When I was given a chance to read the first two books in The Locke Institute trilogy, I jumped right in!

In the first book, The Crimes of Rooker Flynn, weare back in Keymark, but this time it’s at a prison for criminals run by Gerba Whipmarples. She is a character you will love to hate. It is told from the point of view of Rooker Flynn and Jack. I loved learning more about both characters and being introduced to some new ones. The world building was excellent! It is a bit darker than The Legend of Black Jack and it’s filled with spiders and adventures. After the cliffhanger, I can’t wait to read the next one!

The second book, The Trial of Rooker Flynn 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 Booker 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.

This was such a fun read. Survival thrillera are one of my favorites. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this book.

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.

Review: Oh my shjt, this was good. The first few chapters were trending in the old alternate universe direction that has been beaten more than a teenagers weaner. Only, the story does not languish there waiting for the alternative to bolster the narrative. You dip your toes in Chicago then go running for the trees to hide in a giant plant casing.

Rooker is a fukshjt, and you love him for the honesty. Jack is mewling and frightended all the time. Even when he toughens up, his core is always vulnerable. Not sure if that was character development or flaw. What Jack does is mirror life experiences, that when awful, merely scratch at the core of who he truly is. In a way, both are stalwart beings that never lie to themselves. Awareness perks and all that.

The world building just keeps expanding as you move through the story line. You might get tired with all the thwarted attempts at escape, yet those processes are what build each character.

I received this ARC for an honest review.

4.9/5

The Locke Institute by A.R. Witham is such a good book. Lovely story. Immaculate characters. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.