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alexiachantel's review against another edition
5.0
If you are in the mood for an incredibly well written mystery thriller this book will more than fulfill that wish.
Hart has created a story with an intricate story line and deep characters. To begin there are many unknowns scattered all over. Then, little by little, truths are revealed until everything falls soundlessly into place and you are left saying “Ah-ha.” Many times things look like there is no way out; guess Hart has a better imagination than the rest of us.
The characters are just as well written as the storyline. Each one has depth and flaws that make them very real. Hart brings to life, the good, bad, and ugly of everyone and then gives a little hope and chance at redemption. So many characters and each one crafted perfectly it is hard to know where to start. The main character Michael is so gifted it is impressive, even though his gift is in delivering death. Yet as gifted as he is he still needs others, both to save his life and heal his heart. Even characters that you expect to loath, the old man who rules his empire with a deathly fist, you find compassion for. Each one a testament to the time and effort Hart put into this book to make it real.
Once you start you will not put it down. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.
Hart has created a story with an intricate story line and deep characters. To begin there are many unknowns scattered all over. Then, little by little, truths are revealed until everything falls soundlessly into place and you are left saying “Ah-ha.” Many times things look like there is no way out; guess Hart has a better imagination than the rest of us.
The characters are just as well written as the storyline. Each one has depth and flaws that make them very real. Hart brings to life, the good, bad, and ugly of everyone and then gives a little hope and chance at redemption. So many characters and each one crafted perfectly it is hard to know where to start. The main character Michael is so gifted it is impressive, even though his gift is in delivering death. Yet as gifted as he is he still needs others, both to save his life and heal his heart. Even characters that you expect to loath, the old man who rules his empire with a deathly fist, you find compassion for. Each one a testament to the time and effort Hart put into this book to make it real.
Once you start you will not put it down. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.
martyfried's review against another edition
4.0
I would rate it 3.5 stars if I could. It was interesting, pretty violent (although most of the victims probably deserved it), with some strange surprises at the end. One problem is that although I sympathized with the main protagonist, he spent much of his life as a hired killer for a well-known gangster, so it was not so easy to want him to win. But he was trying to change, and he didn't really choose his former life, so I could overlook this part of him.
Some of the violence was a bit over the top, so if you don't like that sort of thing, you may want to think twice about reading this.
Some of the violence was a bit over the top, so if you don't like that sort of thing, you may want to think twice about reading this.
shanameydala's review against another edition
2.0
This book was just okay. I was expecting to enjoy it a lot more since I was enthralled by The Last Child. I cringed a couple of times based on description of extreme violence, but other than that I had no emotion when listening to this book. Just bored.
_bettybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tendert1965's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED IT! Definitely going to look for more books by John Hart! (His choice of descriptve words, his way around and through the story, I'm in awe!)
caitlinxmartin's review against another edition
4.0
Who doesn't love a story about orphanages or reform schools - those places where children are hidden away from sight, where Lord of the Flies-style children's societies form, where adults are often the worst enemy? They're like stories about asylums, full of that sense of Gothic danger.
Iron House manages to successfully combine Gothic elements within an action-type thriller. The story is well-paced, full of twists and turns, and hits all the high notes for its genre. Almost too good to be true (but not quite), Michael and his brother, Julian, are survivors of an orphanage. Damaged in different ways, but still bound together by blood and history. Michael survives by becoming a pragmatic, dispassionate killer; Julian, by retreating into madness, circling and circling for the door that will take him to a better place. Separated by years their worlds collide when Michael's mentor, a legendarily ruthless mob boss, dies leaving Michael vulnerable to his mentor's son who considers him an intolerable threat. As much as this is a thriller, it is also a story about love, forgiveness, and finding your way to home and redemption.
Yes, parts of this are improbable and yes, some of it is predictable, but it is always thrilling, always compelling, and continually delightful in the twists on genre traditions. One of the best thrillers I've read all year. Highly recommended for readers who need a roller coaster ride.
Iron House manages to successfully combine Gothic elements within an action-type thriller. The story is well-paced, full of twists and turns, and hits all the high notes for its genre. Almost too good to be true (but not quite), Michael and his brother, Julian, are survivors of an orphanage. Damaged in different ways, but still bound together by blood and history. Michael survives by becoming a pragmatic, dispassionate killer; Julian, by retreating into madness, circling and circling for the door that will take him to a better place. Separated by years their worlds collide when Michael's mentor, a legendarily ruthless mob boss, dies leaving Michael vulnerable to his mentor's son who considers him an intolerable threat. As much as this is a thriller, it is also a story about love, forgiveness, and finding your way to home and redemption.
Yes, parts of this are improbable and yes, some of it is predictable, but it is always thrilling, always compelling, and continually delightful in the twists on genre traditions. One of the best thrillers I've read all year. Highly recommended for readers who need a roller coaster ride.
jpmath62's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
lisadolak's review against another edition
3.0
No need for another summary of the book, there are plenty in the reviews. Let's just say considering the characters and plot line have been done before, John Hart tells a well-paced, intriguing story. There were a few "yeah, right" moments, but not enough for me to put the book down. This is my first John Hart book but not my last.
gtorkos's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75