In Celeste Baxendell's Iron Heart, the third installment of the Rune Heart series, Nadiya, stripped of her magic and left for dead, plots revenge against the abomination who stole everything from her. This YA fantasy follows Nadiya's desperate plan to infiltrate the upcoming graduation tournament, where her stolen power is slated to be unleashed by her tormentor. Armed only with stolen swords and a hardened heart, she must confront not only her enemy but also the lingering embers of a twisted, possessive relationship. Fans of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamics (without explicit content) and epic magical battles, reminiscent of Shadow and Bone and the works of Elise Kova and Sarah K. L. Wilson, will be captivated by Nadiya's perilous journey.
Review Iron Heart
Iron Heart, the third book in the Rune Heart series, completely captivated me from beginning to end. It's a masterclass in suspense, leaving me breathlessly anticipating each plot twist and desperate to know what would happen next. Celeste Baxendell's skill in crafting vivid characters and a richly detailed world is truly remarkable. The action sequences were intense and exciting, keeping the pages turning at a frantic pace. I found myself completely engrossed in Nadiya's journey, even when her stubbornness and refusal to see reason frustrated me. That's a testament to Baxendell's writing; even when I disagreed with Nadiya's choices, her unwavering tenacity and strength were compelling. Her character arc, though slow-burning in its resolution, felt authentic and consistent, making her one of the most memorable characters I've encountered.
The world-building continues to impress; Baxendell expertly expands the scope of her magical universe, adding layers of complexity and intrigue. I especially appreciated seeing more development of some of the side characters, adding depth to the narrative and expanding the cast beyond just Nadiya and Lateo. However, speaking of Lateo, the limited scenes featuring him, due to the rift between him and Nadiya, left me wanting more. Their strained relationship was a significant source of tension, and while I understand the necessity of conflict for the story, I found myself yearning for moments of connection between them to ease the emotional toll of their separation.
The central conflict in Iron Heart is a beautifully agonizing dance between love and betrayal, fueled by a relentless pursuit of truth amidst a sea of carefully constructed lies. Nadiya's unwavering determination to seek vengeance, coupled with her struggle to reconcile her past with the present, creates a gripping emotional core that drives the plot forward. The emotional weight of her experiences is palpable; her pain and anger are raw and believable, making her journey all the more impactful.
The reveal at the climax of the story was a complete shock, a masterful twist that left my jaw on the floor. It served to heighten the already considerable stakes, leaving me even more eager for the next installment to see how the story resolves. While there were moments of frustration—primarily stemming from Nadiya's stubborn blindness—the overall impact of the story was immense. The emotional highs and lows, the constant suspense, and the sheer brilliance of the plot twists made this an unforgettable reading experience. Baxendell has once again demonstrated her mastery of fantasy storytelling, leaving me eagerly awaiting the resolution of Nadiya and Lateo's story and the final unravelling of the overarching plot. This book definitely lives up to the hype!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.83 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 330
- Publication date: 2024
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