“IRON” by Madisyn Carlin

Y’all, this is becoming one of my FAVOURITE authors and I am sooo happy to have participated in all her blog tours this year! (Pssst… she has another coming up in December!! I’m so excited.) But for now, let’s dive into this beauty.

Book Information

Genre: Christian Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling
Age: New Adult
Inspiration Board

What IRON isn’t:
1) A general market “clean” book.
2) A magical fairy tale retelling.
3) Light and fluffy.
4) YA (Young Adult).

What IRON is:
1) A Christian Fantasy.
2) Nonmagical.
3) Deep. Different from DECEIVED and not near as intense as Shattered Reflections, but still deep because it deals with human trafficking.
4) NA (New Adult).
5) A story with three (3) POVs in the organized, structural the author always follows

Synopsis

Enforcing justice comes with a price.
Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s efforts are thwarted at every turn. With each discovery the danger grows, putting Red and the lives of those she cares about at risk. Can she reveal the mastermind’s identity before she herself becomes a target?

My Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 7/10 hearts. I never know what to expect when reading fantasy, but I’ve come to learn that with Madisyn Carlin, it means a good writing style, epic worldbuilding, wonderful messages, and spellbinding characters.

Carlin is a master at worldbuilding. I was so impressed with how much worked she poured into it yet how effortlessly it showed—history, legends, geography, culture, language, etc… it was superb. The characters were also excellent. I loved Red—who wouldn’t?—so spritely and broken and aiming so high. Chamonix was sweet and dutiful and I related very much to her (especially with her weak lungs… why don’t we see more of that in fiction?!). Carter was strong and brave and so human (poor sweet boy…) and Denton unexpectedly made me fall for his banter and seriousness. The King & Queen and various servants were all well done—interesting and real and kind (and the kids were adorable!); and the villains were terrifying… and were well fleshed out with good arcs. Finally, I totally fell for the Lycus and Ruid (and am I shipping Red + Lycus? sorta… not… sorta).

The plot, though. *deep breath* It was SO well done, okay?! I knew this was a Cinderella retelling and I was so happy by the twists and how well the story was retold. But I also loved how deep the plot was and how it extended BEYOND Cinderella. Human trafficking is a very heavy topic, but Carlin handled it very well and did a great job mixing it with humour and sweetness to keep it from becoming too much. I can’t say much about the plot without spoilers but it was excellent. The message too was marvellous—trusting God & relinquishing control, but in three separate ways, which each of the MCs learned in their own way. It was so encouraging and powerful. I can’t wait for the next book!!

Content: quite a bit of violence, but not gratuitous or graphic; slight mentions that a girl caught in human trafficking could be assaulted; slight nondetailed touching between a male & female. Two of the secondary characters are called wolf men, but they are not werewolves, only men who work with wolves.

A Favourite Quote: A sinking sensation similar to homesickness hollowed her heart and gut. She needed Carter’s support and steadying presence and Chamonix’s clear mind. She couldn’t do this on her own. She and Denton couldn’t do it on their own.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
A whisper of hope threaded its way through the worry and fear clouding her mind. She may walk without anyone beside her, may follow Denton into what most would deem a death trap, but she was not alone.
The Maker of all, the Designer, the Creator, the Beginning was with her. He would not let her go, no matter the extent to which His plan differed from hers….
You never leave my side.

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “I’ll get the kidnapper. You get the kid.”
“Why?” Not that Carter was arguing. Personally, he much rather rescue a child trapped in blankets than fight a lunatic.
“Because you’re better with horses than I am. You’ll be able to calm Kline and ride double with the kid.”
Carter never had liked Kline. The sullen beast was a nightmare whose personality rivaled [the villains]. He only hoped the horse didn’t cater to the idea of biting Carter. Again.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

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America | Canada

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Tags: 7-of-10-hearts, adoption-fostercare-foundfamily-etc, adventure-genre, christian-fiction, fantasy-and-kingdom-fiction, friendship-story-books, good-family-relationship-books, indie-author-self-published-books, kidnapping-trope, law-enforcement-books, my-favourite-books, prolife, retellings, romance-genre, royalty-books, series, violent-content, well-done-characters-books, well-done-message, well-done-plot-books, well-done-writing-style-books, young-adult-genre.

Author Information

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action. Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin