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A review by mcbrantley
Ironskin by Tina Connolly
3.0
A book that has some great ideas that aren't quite executed correctly.
Positives: In theory, Jane is a really cool main character. Her connection to rage allows for a lot of depth, and her ability to resist it makes her more intriguing. I think she has a pretty decent head on her shoulders, except for, perhaps, when it comes to Edward. I think Helen is also an interesting character and am looking forward to exploring her more. I think the beginnings of the Nanny story is very interesting, and it is a fun thought experiment to try and determine how one might teach a child with extraordinary powers lessons in normalcy. The ultimate antagonist is also quite cool, and the fae become quite menacing.
Negatives:I wish the exploration of the Ironskin had more pages devoted to it, and I wish the way that revelations were presented was a bit more skillful. The fact that Jane essentially stumbles into everything doesn't feel quite right. Edward is also utterly undesirable as a romantic interest and what is revealed later only compounds this sentiment for me. However, I really do love the idea of ironskins and how the fae function in this book. I just wish the author had identified the work's strengths and played into their hands.
Positives: In theory, Jane is a really cool main character. Her connection to rage allows for a lot of depth, and her ability to resist it makes her more intriguing. I think she has a pretty decent head on her shoulders, except for, perhaps, when it comes to Edward. I think Helen is also an interesting character and am looking forward to exploring her more. I think the beginnings of the Nanny story is very interesting, and it is a fun thought experiment to try and determine how one might teach a child with extraordinary powers lessons in normalcy. The ultimate antagonist is also quite cool, and the fae become quite menacing.
Negatives:I wish the exploration of the Ironskin had more pages devoted to it, and I wish the way that revelations were presented was a bit more skillful. The fact that Jane essentially stumbles into everything doesn't feel quite right. Edward is also utterly undesirable as a romantic interest and what is revealed later only compounds this sentiment for me. However, I really do love the idea of ironskins and how the fae function in this book. I just wish the author had identified the work's strengths and played into their hands.