| Enforcing justice comes with a price. Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s efforts are thwarted at every turn. With each discovery the danger grows, putting Red and the lives of those she cares about at risk. Can she reveal the mastermind’s identity before she herself becomes a target? IRON is a Christian, New Adult, Fantasy Fairytale Retelling Genre: Christian Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling Release date: September 30, 2022 Click here to get your copy! |  |
My Review
Will they find courage when they need it?
I love fairytale retellings. Whether they have magic in them or not. There is something about reading the old familiar tales in totally new settings that captures the imagination and feeds the fiction-loving soul.
I'll admit that it took me a little while to settle into Iron. However, once I figured out just who Cinderella was, well, I got into the story a lot more. Of the three main characters Red, as the lead, was my favorite of them all. Her sarcasm was funny and something that my own snarky personality could appreciate. She, along with the others, are flawed and they each have valuable life lessons to learn even as they face an evil that has invaded their kingdom.
One of the things that I found most interesting about Iron was the way author Madisyn Carlin so honestly and accurately handled the doubts and fears of her characters when they come face to face with the unimaginable horror of human trafficking. Abuse and loss can take their toll on a person's faith but God is still there and can handle those questions.
One thing I would like to note is that due to the darker threads of this first book in The Redwyn Chronicles this book is listed as New Adult so it would be better for a little bit older teens.
Madisyn Carlin is a new author for me but as this is only the first of The Redwyn Chronicles I hope that I will get the chance to see where she takes Red in the next book...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Iron by Madisyn Carlin a 4 Bark rating.
I love fairytale retellings. Whether they have magic in them or not. There is something about reading the old familiar tales in totally new settings that captures the imagination and feeds the fiction-loving soul.
I'll admit that it took me a little while to settle into Iron. However, once I figured out just who Cinderella was, well, I got into the story a lot more. Of the three main characters Red, as the lead, was my favorite of them all. Her sarcasm was funny and something that my own snarky personality could appreciate. She, along with the others, are flawed and they each have valuable life lessons to learn even as they face an evil that has invaded their kingdom.
One of the things that I found most interesting about Iron was the way author Madisyn Carlin so honestly and accurately handled the doubts and fears of her characters when they come face to face with the unimaginable horror of human trafficking. Abuse and loss can take their toll on a person's faith but God is still there and can handle those questions.
One thing I would like to note is that due to the darker threads of this first book in The Redwyn Chronicles this book is listed as New Adult so it would be better for a little bit older teens.
Madisyn Carlin is a new author for me but as this is only the first of The Redwyn Chronicles I hope that I will get the chance to see where she takes Red in the next book...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Iron by Madisyn Carlin a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
More from Madisyn
There are many original Cinderella stories, from all cultures and languages. Perhaps the two most common tales, however, are Frenchman Charles Perrault’s (also called Cendrillon) and the German Brothers Grimm’s Aschenputtel. The majority of these originals, and Brothers Grimm’s in particular, are not the sparkles-and-magic versions we are more familiar with. They are darker, bloodier, and deadlier, though they still possess an amazing display of creativity and storytelling.
The iconic, classical Disney retelling drew from Perrault’s version. I based IRON off a blend of Aschenputtel and Perrault’s, with very little influence garnered from Disney’s. Although I wanted it to be obvious IRON is a fairy tale retelling, I also wanted to put an often-unfound spin on it, which is where Redwyn and her occupation shine through. In addition, I am a firm believer there is no such thing as ”love at first sight”, also called ”insta love”, which is quite common in many fairy tales and retellings.
Instead, I wanted to present a nonmagical retelling based on faith, family, and bravery. Perhaps that is why this story turned out rawer and much more touching than I ever imagined. Within the pages of this book loyalty drives characters to step outside their comfortable boundaries and preferences, desperation reminds them why they need God, and bravery takes root even in those who thought themselves hopeless cowards.
Heavy faith elements, feathers, cranky horses, wolves, sinister plots, a creepy forest, and more take this story beyond the typical plot found in Cinderella retellings. There’s also humor, sarcasm, and a feisty detective who can’t quite grasp the concept of tactfulness.
So, if you enjoy fairy tale retellings with a plentitude of faith, humor, and action, IRON might be the book for you.
The iconic, classical Disney retelling drew from Perrault’s version. I based IRON off a blend of Aschenputtel and Perrault’s, with very little influence garnered from Disney’s. Although I wanted it to be obvious IRON is a fairy tale retelling, I also wanted to put an often-unfound spin on it, which is where Redwyn and her occupation shine through. In addition, I am a firm believer there is no such thing as ”love at first sight”, also called ”insta love”, which is quite common in many fairy tales and retellings.
Instead, I wanted to present a nonmagical retelling based on faith, family, and bravery. Perhaps that is why this story turned out rawer and much more touching than I ever imagined. Within the pages of this book loyalty drives characters to step outside their comfortable boundaries and preferences, desperation reminds them why they need God, and bravery takes root even in those who thought themselves hopeless cowards.
Heavy faith elements, feathers, cranky horses, wolves, sinister plots, a creepy forest, and more take this story beyond the typical plot found in Cinderella retellings. There’s also humor, sarcasm, and a feisty detective who can’t quite grasp the concept of tactfulness.
So, if you enjoy fairy tale retellings with a plentitude of faith, humor, and action, IRON might be the book for you.
 Madisyn Carlin | Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action. Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Madisyn is giving away the grand prize package of
one signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
one signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 31
Blogging With Carol, April 1
For Him and My Family, April 2
Mary Hake, April 2
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 3
Pause for Tales, April 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23
Texas Book-aholic, March 24
Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 26
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 27
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 27
Lily’s Book Reviews, March 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 31
Blogging With Carol, April 1
For Him and My Family, April 2
Mary Hake, April 2
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 3
Pause for Tales, April 4
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