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A review by thepaperreels
Ironspark by C.M. McGuire
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!