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thepaperreels's review
3.0
"I wished for so much more than this. But maybe a normal life was never an option for me."
The cover alone made me so excited to read this book, however, upon learning that this book has queer representation and that its Fantasy with Faes, I was beaming! This is C.M. McGuire's debut novel and I am really looking forward to more of her books whether its a continuation of Ironspark or not since one of the reasons why I really liked this book is how easy it was to read due to the authors very readable writing.
But the characters are the real WIN for me here. You know those fictional characters that you think will be a great friend in real life? Of course you do. Well, Bryn is like that. Bryn is probably one of the most badass MC I've read this year. Don't get me wrong, this character isn't perfect. In fact, she's well aware of how difficult and stubborn she can be, her thoughts also shows how imperfect she is especially when it comes to being vulnerable. But the character calling out herself made me like her more. I admire how the character arc was done. Bryn can be described as "unlikeable" yes, however, she's authentic with realistic voice and this is what makes her well written. I could say the same thing with the secondary characters as well as their character individuality is noticeable.
There is a romance subplot included in this story and I have a mixed feeling about it, it's a little difficult to explain further without spoiling so much so let me try to keep this short. I liked this aspect, however, I wished it was explored more. The development of the whole thing, of the romance, it felt rushed and in some way, forced. Unfortunately, I felt this towards the whole story as well. Ironspark is indeed fast paced and action packed. However, there were too many things going on that I was wanting to have a chapter that will just be about the history of it all. I wanted more magic and faeries and more backstory. The Epilogue is greatly done though! It will really keep the readers yearning for the second book and it was the atmosphere of that whole chapter that I really liked.
Overall, IRONSPARK is really worth your afternoon. I say afternoon because you will just breeze through the whole book. if you're looking for a badass MC and a readable AND enjoyable fantasy, IRONSPARK is for you!
The cover alone made me so excited to read this book, however, upon learning that this book has queer representation and that its Fantasy with Faes, I was beaming! This is C.M. McGuire's debut novel and I am really looking forward to more of her books whether its a continuation of Ironspark or not since one of the reasons why I really liked this book is how easy it was to read due to the authors very readable writing.
But the characters are the real WIN for me here. You know those fictional characters that you think will be a great friend in real life? Of course you do. Well, Bryn is like that. Bryn is probably one of the most badass MC I've read this year. Don't get me wrong, this character isn't perfect. In fact, she's well aware of how difficult and stubborn she can be, her thoughts also shows how imperfect she is especially when it comes to being vulnerable. But the character calling out herself made me like her more. I admire how the character arc was done. Bryn can be described as "unlikeable" yes, however, she's authentic with realistic voice and this is what makes her well written. I could say the same thing with the secondary characters as well as their character individuality is noticeable.
There is a romance subplot included in this story and I have a mixed feeling about it, it's a little difficult to explain further without spoiling so much so let me try to keep this short. I liked this aspect, however, I wished it was explored more. The development of the whole thing, of the romance, it felt rushed and in some way, forced. Unfortunately, I felt this towards the whole story as well. Ironspark is indeed fast paced and action packed. However, there were too many things going on that I was wanting to have a chapter that will just be about the history of it all. I wanted more magic and faeries and more backstory. The Epilogue is greatly done though! It will really keep the readers yearning for the second book and it was the atmosphere of that whole chapter that I really liked.
Overall, IRONSPARK is really worth your afternoon. I say afternoon because you will just breeze through the whole book. if you're looking for a badass MC and a readable AND enjoyable fantasy, IRONSPARK is for you!
tamikie's review
The protagonist was not learning the lessons of the book and it felt too immature for me. I do love YA though!
thepaperreels's review against another edition
3.0
"I wished for so much more than this. But maybe a normal life was never an option for me."
The cover alone made me so excited to read this book, however, upon learning that this book has queer representation and that its Fantasy with Faes, I was beaming! This is C.M. McGuire's debut novel and I am really looking forward to more of her books whether its a continuation of Ironspark or not since one of the reasons why I really liked this book is how easy it was to read due to the authors very readable writing.
But the characters are the real WIN for me here. You know those fictional characters that you think will be a great friend in real life? Of course you do. Well, Bryn is like that. Bryn is probably one of the most badass MC I've read this year. Don't get me wrong, this character isn't perfect. In fact, she's well aware of how difficult and stubborn she can be, her thoughts also shows how imperfect she is especially when it comes to being vulnerable. But the character calling out herself made me like her more. I admire how the character arc was done. Bryn can be described as "unlikeable" yes, however, she's authentic with realistic voice and this is what makes her well written. I could say the same thing with the secondary characters as well as their character individuality is noticeable.
There is a romance subplot included in this story and I have a mixed feeling about it, it's a little difficult to explain further without spoiling so much so let me try to keep this short. I liked this aspect, however, I wished it was explored more. The development of the whole thing, of the romance, it felt rushed and in some way, forced. Unfortunately, I felt this towards the whole story as well. Ironspark is indeed fast paced and action packed. However, there were too many things going on that I was wanting to have a chapter that will just be about the history of it all. I wanted more magic and faeries and more backstory. The Epilogue is greatly done though! It will really keep the readers yearning for the second book and it was the atmosphere of that whole chapter that I really liked.
Overall, IRONSPARK is really worth your afternoon. I say afternoon because you will just breeze through the whole book. if you're looking for a badass MC and a readable AND enjoyable fantasy, IRONSPARK is for you!
The cover alone made me so excited to read this book, however, upon learning that this book has queer representation and that its Fantasy with Faes, I was beaming! This is C.M. McGuire's debut novel and I am really looking forward to more of her books whether its a continuation of Ironspark or not since one of the reasons why I really liked this book is how easy it was to read due to the authors very readable writing.
But the characters are the real WIN for me here. You know those fictional characters that you think will be a great friend in real life? Of course you do. Well, Bryn is like that. Bryn is probably one of the most badass MC I've read this year. Don't get me wrong, this character isn't perfect. In fact, she's well aware of how difficult and stubborn she can be, her thoughts also shows how imperfect she is especially when it comes to being vulnerable. But the character calling out herself made me like her more. I admire how the character arc was done. Bryn can be described as "unlikeable" yes, however, she's authentic with realistic voice and this is what makes her well written. I could say the same thing with the secondary characters as well as their character individuality is noticeable.
There is a romance subplot included in this story and I have a mixed feeling about it, it's a little difficult to explain further without spoiling so much so let me try to keep this short. I liked this aspect, however, I wished it was explored more. The development of the whole thing, of the romance, it felt rushed and in some way, forced. Unfortunately, I felt this towards the whole story as well. Ironspark is indeed fast paced and action packed. However, there were too many things going on that I was wanting to have a chapter that will just be about the history of it all. I wanted more magic and faeries and more backstory. The Epilogue is greatly done though! It will really keep the readers yearning for the second book and it was the atmosphere of that whole chapter that I really liked.
Overall, IRONSPARK is really worth your afternoon. I say afternoon because you will just breeze through the whole book. if you're looking for a badass MC and a readable AND enjoyable fantasy, IRONSPARK is for you!
foreverinastory's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was so fun, I wish it was a series.
Rep: questioning pansexual Welsh female MC, sapphic questioning female love interest, white asexual male side character, sapphic female fae side character, father with implied schizophrenia/hallucinations.
CWs: Blood, death, fire, injury/injury detail, mental illness (anxiety), murder, panic attacks, schizophrenia, violence. Moderate: acephobia/acemisia, vomit.
Rep: questioning pansexual Welsh female MC, sapphic questioning female love interest, white asexual male side character, sapphic female fae side character, father with implied schizophrenia/hallucinations.
CWs: Blood, death, fire, injury/injury detail, mental illness (anxiety), murder, panic attacks, schizophrenia, violence. Moderate: acephobia/acemisia, vomit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Violence
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Vomit
daisytrails's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ofbooksandbone's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
danielagreads's review
4.0
I really loved the dynamics of Ironspark! The characters are so vibrant and lively, and I liked seeing the interaction of modern technology and research with ancient Welsh folklore. This book is also full of casual LGBT+ rep that is really refreshing to see (it even has a love triangle!) But the romance tends to take a backseat to the main plot. One thing I thought was really nice about the book, especially in the beginning, is that it really felt like a continuation of someone’s life when you’re dropped right in the middle of their story! Most books start at the beginning of the action but Ironspark begins close to the middle, referencing the Bryn’s past romances and adventures! Overall it was a fun, action-packed read full of fairies, folklore, and fighting!