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A review by book_click_deo
Lady of Steel and Straw by Erica Ivy Rogers
4.0
Lady of Steel and Straw by Erica Ivy Rodgers is an engrossing, sprawling fantasy that combines elements of magic, intrigue, and personal redemption against a vividly imagined world. While I have never actually read Alexandre Dumas's The Three Musketeers, the inspiration here fairly leaps from the page and quite piqued my interest in finding the original classic. This fresh perspective allowed me to fully appreciate the unique elements of Erica Ivy Rodgers' novel.
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This story is set in a world where guardians—spirit-infused scarecrows—are the protectors of humanity against wraiths. It all begins with tragedy when Charlotte's father is an honored guardian wrongfully accused and executed. The rest of the guardians are taken into custody; thus, the kingdom is in danger until Charlotte takes up her father's mantle after her brother's untimely demise.
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Rodgers does nice world-building. She vividly sets the scene in which old gods, their powers, political intrigue, and personal strife all combine. I found the magic system—when it got down to the guardians fighting the vengeful spirits—to be quite fresh and interesting. The only thing is that I have the impression that it would have been much more interesting with extra depth in lore about the gods and character backgrounds to enhance the narrative.
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One can trace very well Charlotte's growth from protective sister to guardian. She is supported by a team of guardians, all of whom are so interesting and have distinct diverse personalities. There is a nice romantic subplot with Captain Luc Montaigne that also brings tension and further complication, but there is still much to be revealed where his inner conflict and motives are concerned.
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Lady of Steel and Straw is able to blend fantasy with action, even with pacing issues, keeping me wanting more in the next installment. The creativity in magic use, character relationships, and many other plot ideas make it a really interesting read among YA fantasies.
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.
This story is set in a world where guardians—spirit-infused scarecrows—are the protectors of humanity against wraiths. It all begins with tragedy when Charlotte's father is an honored guardian wrongfully accused and executed. The rest of the guardians are taken into custody; thus, the kingdom is in danger until Charlotte takes up her father's mantle after her brother's untimely demise.
.
Rodgers does nice world-building. She vividly sets the scene in which old gods, their powers, political intrigue, and personal strife all combine. I found the magic system—when it got down to the guardians fighting the vengeful spirits—to be quite fresh and interesting. The only thing is that I have the impression that it would have been much more interesting with extra depth in lore about the gods and character backgrounds to enhance the narrative.
.
One can trace very well Charlotte's growth from protective sister to guardian. She is supported by a team of guardians, all of whom are so interesting and have distinct diverse personalities. There is a nice romantic subplot with Captain Luc Montaigne that also brings tension and further complication, but there is still much to be revealed where his inner conflict and motives are concerned.
.
Lady of Steel and Straw is able to blend fantasy with action, even with pacing issues, keeping me wanting more in the next installment. The creativity in magic use, character relationships, and many other plot ideas make it a really interesting read among YA fantasies.
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