Book Review: Ironside, Holly Black

Title: Ironside
Author: Holly Black
Published: New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2007
Rating: 4 of 5
Page Count: 323
Total Page Count: 42,324
Text Number: 123
Read For: personal enjoyment, checked out from the library
Short review: A direct sequel to Tithe, Ironside picks up two months after Tithe left off. At Roiben's coronation as King of the Unseelie Court, Kaye, drunk on faerie wine, declares herself to Roiben, who in turn sends her on an impossible quest to prove her love to him. Meanwhile, Kaye decides to tell her mother that she is a changeling, and the Queen of the Seelie Court attacks Roiben, leading to a series of quests wherein Kaye must find her human double, find a way to save Roiben, and bring Roiben a faery that can lie before she can see or speak to him again. Continuing with the vibrant magical atmosphere and faery world of Tithe, Ironside is the work of a much more mature and accomplished author: the characters are more realistically flawed while still being sympathetic, and the writing style is skillful and polished. Meanwhile, the story is still otherworldy, emotional, and honestly confronts difficult subjects. This book is not perfect, but it is a magical and enjoyable read, and I do recommend it.

( Long review. )

Review posted here at Amazon.com.

Book Review: Season of the Witch, Natasha Mostert

Title: Season of the Witch
Author: Natasha Mostert
Published: New York: Dutton, 2007
Rating: 4 of 5
Page Count: 398
Total Page Count: 42,722
Text Number: 124
Read For: personal enjoyment, checked out from the library
Short review: Gabriel is a hacker and a remote viewer, and he loves the thrill of digging up information, of reading the thoughts of others, of discovering secrets. When a former lover comes to him for help, he puts both of his skills to use to track down a missing son who he believes is dead. But when the trail leads him to Morrighan and Minnaloushe Monk, two captivating women, one sensual, one powerful, both with an intense interest in magic, alchemy, and memory, he becomes entranced by the sisters and begins to forget the reason he is there. Season of the Witch begins slowly, and the narrative voice remains vaguely irritating throughout, but the characters are vibrant and the plot eventually resolves into an intelligent, multilayered mystery that embraces sensuality and vivacity, mysticism and alchemy. Despite its faults, including a slow beginning and a too-simple, too-quick resolution, this is a readable and inventive book. Not outstanding, but still enjoyable, and recommended.

( Long review. )

Review posted here at Amazon.com.