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weweresotired's review against another edition
3.0
See the full review on Short & Sweet Reviews.
I liked this book but didn't love it. Tina Connolly's writing is solid and there were many scenes that hit just the right emotional chord -- fear, panic, beauty, affection, desire. Her flowery language certainly fits the tone and style that she's trying to match by calling on Jane Eyre. Unfortunately, there were many parts where the story dragged and dragged, and I just wanted the plot to get a move on.
The beginning meanders about as Jane tries to teach Dorie to act a little more normal and a little less cursed. Dorie is difficult, doesn't take direction well, and isn't used to being told what to do, so things are difficult for Jane. If this book were a movie, I feel like all of these teaching sequences with Dorie would be blended into one long training montage, much more quick and efficient than flipping through pages and pages of Dorie acting out and Jane being silently frustrated. For a long-ish book, it didn't feel like much happened until the very end, and then it all happened in such a rush that I don't honestly know that I caught all of what happened.
I liked this book but didn't love it. Tina Connolly's writing is solid and there were many scenes that hit just the right emotional chord -- fear, panic, beauty, affection, desire. Her flowery language certainly fits the tone and style that she's trying to match by calling on Jane Eyre. Unfortunately, there were many parts where the story dragged and dragged, and I just wanted the plot to get a move on.
The beginning meanders about as Jane tries to teach Dorie to act a little more normal and a little less cursed. Dorie is difficult, doesn't take direction well, and isn't used to being told what to do, so things are difficult for Jane. If this book were a movie, I feel like all of these teaching sequences with Dorie would be blended into one long training montage, much more quick and efficient than flipping through pages and pages of Dorie acting out and Jane being silently frustrated. For a long-ish book, it didn't feel like much happened until the very end, and then it all happened in such a rush that I don't honestly know that I caught all of what happened.
sarahbringhurstfamilia's review against another edition
2.0
Fortunately, I didn't have extremely high expectations for this fantasy/steampunk retelling of Jane Eyre. Consciously imitating the plot of a famous novel can be a good literary device like any other, but in this case it seems to be a substitution for the author's ability to plot her own novel. Even though a lot of strange stuff happened in this book, none of it struck me as particularly interesting. In fact, yes, that's the word for how I felt while I was reading this book: I was bored.
tracey_stewart's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book from Netgalley – thanks to them and the publisher.
I admit, I'm a little disappointed. This started off at a gallop, and I was happy to cling to it for the ride. About halfway through I thought I had an inkling of where it was going – I was almost sure of it, in fact – and it was awesome. At that moment I expected the story to continue to run hard and fast and wonderful and cross the finish line with banners flying and five gold stars trailing.
I was totally wrong about the direction. I don't think that was why I didn't enjoy the second half as much as I expected to, but it might have factored in.
This was not, apparently, intended as a take-off on the story of Jane Eyre. From the author's notes, a beta reader picked up on the existing similarities and commented on it, and Tina Connolly ran with it. And it was well done, I think, as far as it went. The main character is Jane (not Eyre); she becomes governess to Dorie, the daughter of Edward Rochart, in a secluded fey-built and fey-damaged mansion; and that's about as far as it goes. I thought the plot was going to adhere more closely, and quite honestly I was a bit excited about that. It didn't.
(Yes, I know – had it followed Jane Eyre point for point I probably would have gotten cranky. What I expected, though, based on the first half, was a sort of nodding acquaintance with Charlotte Brontë, a fond and knowledgeable sort of flirtation with the book; an homage. And I maintain that that would have been great.)
The war against the fey is over, but Jane Eliot still bears the scars. No: she bears the wound; it won't heal to become a scar, because it is a cursed wound which remains forever open. Fey weapons often caused such, leaving black and terrifying holes in their victims which radiate a terrible emotion which can overwhelm not only the wounded but anyone nearby: ravenous hunger, or terror, or – in Jane's case – rage. The only way those cursed so can even begin to try to find normal post-war lives is to wear iron, anathema to the fey and fey work, fitted to cover the wounds (in Jane's case, the left side of her face): ironskins. Of course, having to make your way with an iron mask covering half your face isn't going to be conducive to a normal life. But Jane is hopeful that in this lonely place she might be able to find a rhythm again, and do some good with the extraordinary child she has come to tend.
It's a great idea. But when it was introduced that Dorie's father is an artist who makes grotesque masks, I had a flashback to the Twilight Zone episode "The Masks" - it seemed as though the obvious way for the story to go was that same route. And, unfortunately, that's pretty much what it did. I still can't help but sigh a little for my idea … Also, I have to say that the basic facts of it (young woman isolated in big house with small child, a couple of servants, and the child's father who disappears for lengthy and unexplained periods, with a forest near the house which is very, very dangerous) are much too similar to Galen Beckett's The Magicians and Mrs. Quent. That book much more consciously derived … shall we say inspiration? - from Bronte (and Austen). It was pretty good. I can't help mourning the possibility that Ironskin could have been amazing.
I admit, I'm a little disappointed. This started off at a gallop, and I was happy to cling to it for the ride. About halfway through I thought I had an inkling of where it was going – I was almost sure of it, in fact – and it was awesome. At that moment I expected the story to continue to run hard and fast and wonderful and cross the finish line with banners flying and five gold stars trailing.
I was totally wrong about the direction. I don't think that was why I didn't enjoy the second half as much as I expected to, but it might have factored in.
This was not, apparently, intended as a take-off on the story of Jane Eyre. From the author's notes, a beta reader picked up on the existing similarities and commented on it, and Tina Connolly ran with it. And it was well done, I think, as far as it went. The main character is Jane (not Eyre); she becomes governess to Dorie, the daughter of Edward Rochart, in a secluded fey-built and fey-damaged mansion; and that's about as far as it goes. I thought the plot was going to adhere more closely, and quite honestly I was a bit excited about that. It didn't.
(Yes, I know – had it followed Jane Eyre point for point I probably would have gotten cranky. What I expected, though, based on the first half, was a sort of nodding acquaintance with Charlotte Brontë, a fond and knowledgeable sort of flirtation with the book; an homage. And I maintain that that would have been great.)
The war against the fey is over, but Jane Eliot still bears the scars. No: she bears the wound; it won't heal to become a scar, because it is a cursed wound which remains forever open. Fey weapons often caused such, leaving black and terrifying holes in their victims which radiate a terrible emotion which can overwhelm not only the wounded but anyone nearby: ravenous hunger, or terror, or – in Jane's case – rage. The only way those cursed so can even begin to try to find normal post-war lives is to wear iron, anathema to the fey and fey work, fitted to cover the wounds (in Jane's case, the left side of her face): ironskins. Of course, having to make your way with an iron mask covering half your face isn't going to be conducive to a normal life. But Jane is hopeful that in this lonely place she might be able to find a rhythm again, and do some good with the extraordinary child she has come to tend.
It's a great idea. But when it was introduced that Dorie's father is an artist who makes grotesque masks, I had a flashback to the Twilight Zone episode "The Masks" - it seemed as though the obvious way for the story to go was that same route. And, unfortunately, that's pretty much what it did. I still can't help but sigh a little for my idea … Also, I have to say that the basic facts of it (young woman isolated in big house with small child, a couple of servants, and the child's father who disappears for lengthy and unexplained periods, with a forest near the house which is very, very dangerous) are much too similar to Galen Beckett's The Magicians and Mrs. Quent. That book much more consciously derived … shall we say inspiration? - from Bronte (and Austen). It was pretty good. I can't help mourning the possibility that Ironskin could have been amazing.
hilse's review against another edition
3.0
While the novel is competent, and the worldbuilding exquisite... now I really want to re-read Jane Eyre. Ironskin was a quick, fun read, but it was not Jane Eyre.
hhndoll's review
3.0
I knew nothing about this book but it sounded interesting and I found the cover intriguing.
I quickly compared this to Jane Eyre but it has been so long since I read that, that it did not take away from this book. So seeing this as a pseudo steampunk, paranormal retelling of the classic is an apt description.
The writing was light and made this a somewhat quick read. I had no problems jumping into this world and it's characters. I found the main characters fun and realistic. Their doubts, fears and hopes were relayed throughout the story and never took away from the events happening.
The idea of living by fey technology is interesting and scary. It was obviously more magical and unknown giving us that extra mystery.
The romance was hidden and almost second thought after the world building. This may be to steer away from being an exact copy of a classic. The resolution at the end was a bit disappointing almost as if there was more to the story but it was cut out or that there was a sequel planned.
I quickly compared this to Jane Eyre but it has been so long since I read that, that it did not take away from this book. So seeing this as a pseudo steampunk, paranormal retelling of the classic is an apt description.
The writing was light and made this a somewhat quick read. I had no problems jumping into this world and it's characters. I found the main characters fun and realistic. Their doubts, fears and hopes were relayed throughout the story and never took away from the events happening.
The idea of living by fey technology is interesting and scary. It was obviously more magical and unknown giving us that extra mystery.
The romance was hidden and almost second thought after the world building. This may be to steer away from being an exact copy of a classic. The resolution at the end was a bit disappointing almost as if there was more to the story but it was cut out or that there was a sequel planned.
moirwyn's review against another edition
3.0
FTC disclaimer: I received an electronic copy of the book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tina Connolly’s Ironskin is a young adult re-imagining of the the story of Jane Eyre, but with angry fae. Jane Eliot was wounded with fae shrapnel during the Great War, and now she must wear an iron mask over her face to keep the fae magic from leaking out. Jane is stigmatized because of her condition, but is hired as a governess to help a child whom she is certain is cursed with a similar affliction. Dorie’s powers have scared away other governesses, but Jane is determined to stay. Meanwhile, she finds herself falling for Dorie’s father, the mysterious Edward Rochart.
This book had so much going for it. There were a plethora of elements to love–Jane Eyre, the fae, the gothic atmosphere, the steampunk element. At the same time, I felt underwhelmed by the book’s ability to live up to its own potential, even though I can’t point out any one specific thing that’s “wrong.” It just didn’t come together as organically as I would have liked. I’ll still give it props for creativity (especially the wife-in-the-attic twist, which is NOT a spoiler, because it isn’t a wife in the attic).
Good for a light read, but don’t expect a masterpiece.
This review originally appeared at:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/mini-review-ironskin-by-tina-connolly/
Tina Connolly’s Ironskin is a young adult re-imagining of the the story of Jane Eyre, but with angry fae. Jane Eliot was wounded with fae shrapnel during the Great War, and now she must wear an iron mask over her face to keep the fae magic from leaking out. Jane is stigmatized because of her condition, but is hired as a governess to help a child whom she is certain is cursed with a similar affliction. Dorie’s powers have scared away other governesses, but Jane is determined to stay. Meanwhile, she finds herself falling for Dorie’s father, the mysterious Edward Rochart.
This book had so much going for it. There were a plethora of elements to love–Jane Eyre, the fae, the gothic atmosphere, the steampunk element. At the same time, I felt underwhelmed by the book’s ability to live up to its own potential, even though I can’t point out any one specific thing that’s “wrong.” It just didn’t come together as organically as I would have liked. I’ll still give it props for creativity (especially the wife-in-the-attic twist, which is NOT a spoiler, because it isn’t a wife in the attic).
Good for a light read, but don’t expect a masterpiece.
This review originally appeared at:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/mini-review-ironskin-by-tina-connolly/
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
Very good. Original enough so it's not boring and again similar to one of my favorite classic romance novels ([b:Jane Eyre|10210|Jane Eyre|Charlotte Brontë|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327867269s/10210.jpg|2977639]).
chelseavbc's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted at Vampire Book Club.
With its gothic tone and lush feel, Ironskin had me wrapped up in the story by the 50-page mark.
The novel merges and reworks two classics: Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast. There’s no question the base of the story is inspired by the Bronte work. In Tina Connolly’s version, Jane is scarred from the fae war. While her sister is able to seek a husband to care for her, Jane must work. She takes on a governess role under the employment of a reclusive and charming man. His daughter Dorie has fae skills—the kind that have scared off many of the staff—and he needs Jane to help the girl learn to do things the human way.
In the Beauty and the Beast element of the novel, both Jane and her Mr. Rochart are cursed, though in different ways. Not only is Jane’s face marked in a way that would scare of suitors, but within the injured flesh lies a fae curse. Rochart’s limitations are slowly revealed and part of the real enjoyment of this book comes in the last third when Jane begins to know him better and things switch from longing for an ideal into something tangible.
One of the quotes on the dustjacket suggests Ironskin is a steampunk tale. I don’t buy that. While heroine Jane uses bits of iron to block her fae curse from affecting those around her, it’s not exactly a cogs-and-steam element. Not to say those are the only defining traits of steampunk, but more that avid steampunk fans will not find it on a grand scale here.
That said, who wouldn’t want to read Jane Eyre meets Beauty and the Beast with wicked fae?
Sexual content: Kissing
With its gothic tone and lush feel, Ironskin had me wrapped up in the story by the 50-page mark.
The novel merges and reworks two classics: Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast. There’s no question the base of the story is inspired by the Bronte work. In Tina Connolly’s version, Jane is scarred from the fae war. While her sister is able to seek a husband to care for her, Jane must work. She takes on a governess role under the employment of a reclusive and charming man. His daughter Dorie has fae skills—the kind that have scared off many of the staff—and he needs Jane to help the girl learn to do things the human way.
In the Beauty and the Beast element of the novel, both Jane and her Mr. Rochart are cursed, though in different ways. Not only is Jane’s face marked in a way that would scare of suitors, but within the injured flesh lies a fae curse. Rochart’s limitations are slowly revealed and part of the real enjoyment of this book comes in the last third when Jane begins to know him better and things switch from longing for an ideal into something tangible.
One of the quotes on the dustjacket suggests Ironskin is a steampunk tale. I don’t buy that. While heroine Jane uses bits of iron to block her fae curse from affecting those around her, it’s not exactly a cogs-and-steam element. Not to say those are the only defining traits of steampunk, but more that avid steampunk fans will not find it on a grand scale here.
That said, who wouldn’t want to read Jane Eyre meets Beauty and the Beast with wicked fae?
Sexual content: Kissing
nata_sa_b's review
2.0
2 hviezdičky
Odvôvodnenia?
-celý príbeh sa neskutočne vliekol
-vzťah Jane a Edwarda bol doslova o ničom
-neskutočne som sa nudila
-nepomohli ani narážky na rozprávky
-celkovo som sklamaná
....viac v recenzii onedlho na blogu
Odvôvodnenia?
-celý príbeh sa neskutočne vliekol
-vzťah Jane a Edwarda bol doslova o ničom
-neskutočne som sa nudila
-nepomohli ani narážky na rozprávky
-celkovo som sklamaná
....viac v recenzii onedlho na blogu
mizwriterlady's review
It was alright. I just started to get bored with it. It felt predictable. Got about 100 pages in and just....lost interest.