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emmamgregory's review against another edition
4.0
A fast paced thriller with in depth character assessments focusing on to name one, mental illness. I like the writing style of John Hart and I turned the first two thirds of the novel quickly as characters died and were shot at, having said this it wasn't gratuitous violence. As Mr Hart wrapped up his novel and pulled all the characters and plot together I was pleasantly surprised but after all the violence the ending was a little soft.
gretchann's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great listening experience. Great story and a great reader. Look forward to more of John Hart's work.
mjwerts's review against another edition
4.0
Switching between multiple perspectives, this novel tells a taut tale of broken people trying to reconcile their pasts, presents, and futures, while staying one step ahead of each other or those chasing them. They are an engaging cast, telling an interesting story. A quick, enjoyable read, this was my first taste of John Hart, but it won't be my last.
jannenemarie's review
5.0
My first book by this author and it was very good. I loved the characters, plot and the way it was written.
thereclamationproject's review against another edition
4.0
I've heard about and read about John Hart's thrillers in the past. But it wasn't until I won an ARC of his latest thriller, Iron House, that I finally read him. I'm glad I did. Michael is abandoned as child along with his younger brother Julian and raised in a terrible orphanage for boys called Iron House. It is here that their sad story begins to take shape and unfold all at the same time. Years later, Julian is adopted, Michael runs away and the rest is really too much to write about. Michael is a killer, Julian is a troubled children's book author and his stepfather is a Senator always trying to hide his son. It's a great book and I hope it's the beginning of a series because I would love to see if Michael can break out of the 'killer' role and become a hero akin to Jack Reacher.
lindsey_is_reading's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️
Fast paced, gritty thriller with heart. I fell for the characters and their sad stories. I loved how the mystery unfolded with a few surprises along the way. I found this one difficult to put down!
Fast paced, gritty thriller with heart. I fell for the characters and their sad stories. I loved how the mystery unfolded with a few surprises along the way. I found this one difficult to put down!
sjhaug's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
betsyb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
neumanzoo's review against another edition
4.0
I started with The Last Child as my first John Hart book, and fell in love. This is my 3rd read from him, and it didn't disappoint. However, be warned that this book is grisly and tragic, and full of trigger warnings! It was familiar in writing style, of course (once you read his work you are instantly familiar with his style), but so unlike the others I've read at the same time. I loved it, but it wasn't an easy read. 4-stars
marshaskrypuch's review against another edition
5.0
John Hart stands head and shoulders over other thriller writers for his lean and evocative writing and his richly nuanced characters. A very satisfying read.
Iron House is about brothers who grow up in Iron House, an orphanage out of Lord of the Flies.
Julian, the younger brother, is weak both physically and emotionally and is thus a magnet for brutality. His brother Michael will do anything to protect him. The boys are separated when Michael shoulders the blame for a just murder committed by Julian. Michael runs away and Julian is adopted by a billionaire senator and his wife. Over the years he achieves fragile health and happiness.
Michael grows up on the street and ultimately becomes the protege and killer for a kingpin mobster. When the mobster dies, Michael tries to turn his life around but it isn't that easy. The mobster now in charge sees Michael as a valuable asset and is willing to do anything to keep his loyalty. He threatens to kill Elena, Michael's pregnant fiancee, and he says that he will kill Julian as well.
Michael hasn't seen his brother since that fateful night when he ran away from the orphanage. Now he has to find his brother and make sure that he's safe. But he also has to protect Elena.
The story unfolds with page-turning complexity and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Iron House is about brothers who grow up in Iron House, an orphanage out of Lord of the Flies.
Julian, the younger brother, is weak both physically and emotionally and is thus a magnet for brutality. His brother Michael will do anything to protect him. The boys are separated when Michael shoulders the blame for a just murder committed by Julian. Michael runs away and Julian is adopted by a billionaire senator and his wife. Over the years he achieves fragile health and happiness.
Michael grows up on the street and ultimately becomes the protege and killer for a kingpin mobster. When the mobster dies, Michael tries to turn his life around but it isn't that easy. The mobster now in charge sees Michael as a valuable asset and is willing to do anything to keep his loyalty. He threatens to kill Elena, Michael's pregnant fiancee, and he says that he will kill Julian as well.
Michael hasn't seen his brother since that fateful night when he ran away from the orphanage. Now he has to find his brother and make sure that he's safe. But he also has to protect Elena.
The story unfolds with page-turning complexity and will keep you on the edge of your seat.