About the Book

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Book Review

This is the second book by Madisyn Carlin I have read. The first I read was Shattered Reflection, the first book in her Shattered Lands series. And while I had thoroughly enjoyed that, I believe I enjoyed Iron even more. What I loved about this book is that it is a Cinderella retelling–but not your typical, Disney Cinderella retelling. Carlin instead takes her inspiration from a more original Cinderella story, one that is much darker than the Cinderella story that many know today.

Carlin’s story takes place from the perspective of three different characters–Redwyn, Carter, and Char. Each of these characters are strong in their own ways, flawed in their own ways, and burdened in their own ways.

Redwyn is the King’s ward and a Royal Detective. She is headstrong. Sometimes too headstrong, which lands herself, and even others, into trouble. She is often rash in her decisions and comes off as prideful and even prejudiced at times. However, she has a good heart and cares deeply for the people around her, which is especially seen as she matures throughout the story.

Carter, Redwyn’s–or Red’s–best friend, represents the “Cinderella” of the story. He lives with his evil stepfather and stepbrothers. He is kind, strong, but is trapped in the life he lives. He wants to help others and save the children being kidnapped, but feels hindered by his family. Throughout the novel, we see him grow and defy his stepfather, however at a cost.

Char–or Princess Chamonix–is a sweet and gentle soul, the complete opposite of Red. She carries the weight of having to find a husband strong enough to lead the country and one that will respect her and take care of her. She is one who grows the most throughout the novel, I’d say, and we see her gentle spirit blossom her into a beautiful woman.

The novel, while fantasy, also includes realistic elements. First and foremost, it deals with the unfortunate reality of human trafficking. It is heartbreaking but Carlin weaves hope into it with faith elements. God is presented in the novel as the Beginning. He is constant throughout the story and important to the characters’ growth and development.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book. It weaves fantasy and reality together seamlessly.

I had received the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.

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About the Author

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More from Madisyn

There are many original Cinderella stories, from all cultures and languages. Perhaps the two most common tales, however, are Frenchman Charles Perrault’s (also called Cendrillon) and the German Brothers Grimm’s Aschenputtel. The majority of these originals, and Brothers Grimm’s in particular, are not the sparkles-and-magic versions we are more familiar with. They are darker, bloodier, and deadlier, though they still possess an amazing display of creativity and storytelling.

The iconic, classical Disney retelling drew from Perrault’s version. I based IRON off a blend of Aschenputtel and Perrault’s, with very little influence garnered from Disney’s. Although I wanted it to be obvious IRON is a fairy tale retelling, I also wanted to put an often-unfound spin on it, which is where Redwyn and her occupation shine through. In addition, I am a firm believer there is no such thing as ”love at first sight”, also called ”insta love”, which is quite common in many fairy tales and retellings.

Instead, I wanted to present a nonmagical retelling based on faith, family, and bravery. Perhaps that is why this story turned out rawer and much more touching than I ever imagined. Within the pages of this book loyalty drives characters to step outside their comfortable boundaries and preferences, desperation reminds them why they need God, and bravery takes root even in those who thought themselves hopeless cowards.

Heavy faith elements, feathers, cranky horses, wolves, sinister plots, a creepy forest, and more take this story beyond the typical plot found in Cinderella retellings. There’s also humor, sarcasm, and a feisty detective who can’t quite grasp the concept of tactfulness.

So, if you enjoy fairy tale retellings with a plentitude of faith, humor, and action, IRON might be the book for you.

You can find IRON’s inspiration board here.

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Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 26

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 27

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 31

Blogging With Carol, April 1

For Him and My Family, April 2

Mary Hake, April 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 3

Pause for Tales, April 4

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Madisyn is giving away the grand prize package of one signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Giveaway