Scan barcode
A review by caidyn
Ironspark by C.M. McGuire
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I received an ARC through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
CW: loss of a parent (past, not death), parent with a severe and persistent mental illness, PTSD, anxiety attacks, fire and burning something down, and general scenes of action and violence
4.5/5
Damn, I was hooked right from the start of this book. It was so much fun to read. The Welsh inspired fae fantasy that didn't glorify them, but showed them for the tricksters that they are. I read this at the same time as Ink & Sigil and, let me tell you, they worked really well together.
Bryn hasn't had an easy life. Her mother was kidnapped by the fae, her father was cursed with a mental illness, they moved to get away from it, and she's left taking care of her two brothers. All while trying to learn how to kill the fae that destroyed her family. Also, there's a love triangle that's lesbian and (although no one seems to be mentioning it so far) an ace male character. Do you know how hard it is to find a guy who's an ace on the page? Really hard! So, I was thrilled when the character explicitly said it.
This was a fun ride. I loved the mythology and finding things I was familiar with, then other things I wasn't since I'm not as knowledgeable on Welsh fae mythology. It was a really good book with strong friendships and supportive people. It gave me major Raven Cycle vibes (although, yes, I did DNF the series, but I might try it again now). That ending makes me wonder about whether this is going to turn into a series somehow, something I wouldn't be mad about at all.
Overall, a fantastic debut I plan on owning!
CW: loss of a parent (past, not death), parent with a severe and persistent mental illness, PTSD, anxiety attacks, fire and burning something down, and general scenes of action and violence
4.5/5
Damn, I was hooked right from the start of this book. It was so much fun to read. The Welsh inspired fae fantasy that didn't glorify them, but showed them for the tricksters that they are. I read this at the same time as Ink & Sigil and, let me tell you, they worked really well together.
Bryn hasn't had an easy life. Her mother was kidnapped by the fae, her father was cursed with a mental illness, they moved to get away from it, and she's left taking care of her two brothers. All while trying to learn how to kill the fae that destroyed her family. Also, there's a love triangle that's lesbian and (although no one seems to be mentioning it so far) an ace male character. Do you know how hard it is to find a guy who's an ace on the page? Really hard! So, I was thrilled when the character explicitly said it.
This was a fun ride. I loved the mythology and finding things I was familiar with, then other things I wasn't since I'm not as knowledgeable on Welsh fae mythology. It was a really good book with strong friendships and supportive people. It gave me major Raven Cycle vibes (although, yes, I did DNF the series, but I might try it again now). That ending makes me wonder about whether this is going to turn into a series somehow, something I wouldn't be mad about at all.
Overall, a fantastic debut I plan on owning!