The Iron Witch
Karen Mahoney
Published 20th January 2011
Corgi Childrens
"Donna is a freak. An outcast. Branded with iron tattoos that cover her hands and arms, she is cursed with a magically-enhanced strength that she does everything she can to hide.
But now, the dark outcasts of Faerie are coming and Donna must choose between saving her best friend - or betraying one of the world's greatest secrets." From the back cover
Amy’s adumbrations
The Iron Witch has one of the prettiest covers I’ve seen. I just love everything about it.
When I first opened the book and started reading I was a little put off. I found Donna to be a little self-deprecatory, and the scene akin to some episode from One Tree Hill. However, once I’d got over this small problem I started to enjoy the story.
We meet the love interest Xan very early on, which is quite usual in YA. The romance does not over shadow the story though, as this can sometimes dissuade many people. I was somewhat unsure about the love triangle too, as it was distracting, and I personally feel, unnecessary.
The story is slightly different from the usual faerie tales, as Donna is the one aware of the things that go bump in the night. One significant aspect was that the other characters are introduced to her world, rather than the ‘girl meets world’ cliché that is so popular today. I found this to be refreshing, and it endeared me to The Iron Witch.
There was a nice pace to the novel, and the characters were interesting. I also enjoyed the different spin on elves and faeries. Furthermore, I found Xan to be sweet, and he really made the book for me.
I found many parts of this to be cliché, as well as parts rehashed from other novels I’ve read. In addition to this I was a little disappointed with the ending, although this is the first book of the trilogoy.
The second in the trilogy The Wood Queen, is set for February 2012. Although The Iron Witch isn’t the best book I’ve read it is worth a read, and I will be investing in the sequel.
I give this book three bags of Milky Way Magic Stars
Amyyy why have you bought all the books I've bought?? Our book swapping plan does not work then. We need to get more organised. Co-ordinate. I still haven't read this, it'll have to go on my 30books in 30 days list
ReplyDeleteI do love the cover of this book, and it sounds interesting, one I might have to pick up if I have a spare day or two.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you had it :[ Plus i saw it and had to have as the cover is so pretty. Read it Cait. And yeah i will compile a list of books i own, and you should do the same. Then can literally have every book possible.
ReplyDelete@Ang, You should definitely give it a read, it's quite good.
LOL I'll compile a list when I move home!
ReplyDeleteOooh this is on my must read list! I hope it lives up to that beautiful cover.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like, it's not as good as the cover would make it seem unfortunately. It's nice to look at though so i forgave it.
ReplyDeleteI will have to give this one a try. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you for following my blog, I am now following yours. :)
You're welcome, and hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks really interesting to me (and not just for the beautiful cover, although I am a sucker for a great cover). Lovely reaview, I'm looking forward to reading this one!
ReplyDeleteHandsAndHome