The Iron-Jawed Boy

The Guardians of Illyria #1

by Nikolas Lee

*LONDON BOOK FESTIVAL HONORARY MENTION*
Year 2300
Protea: Capitol of the Eldanarian Isle

Two hundred years have passed since the lands of the Outerworld humans were destroyed, save but a handful of rebellious cities. In their ruin, the last gods of Earth, the Illyrians, rose victorious. And ever since, it's with a cruel iron fist they've ruled over their subjects--desperate to keep their thrones.

Fast approaching his teens, Ionikus Reaves knows the gods' malevolence all too well, orphaned by them after their call for a military draft on Eldanar, his home island. But when a power once dormant in Ion boils to the surface, he's whisked off to a hidden world of the island, where he comes face-to-face with the mighty Illyrians.

For Ion is a Guardian--a reincarnated god bound to serve and protect the pantheon he's so quickly learned to hate. Now torn between his obligations as a Guardian and his hatred of the gods he's to guard, Ion finds himself in the middle of a war within himself. A war that could uncover a dark secret of the gods'...and split the pantheon in two.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Childrens, Science Fiction, Ebooks

274 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Balance, my boy, is the war that has been waged since before time was time, the battle within ourselves to do what is good and reject what is bad. It is a delicate line we all walk, a constant struggle of push and pull.'

Plot

Ten year old Ionikus Reaves is a caller; a human who can control the elements. When the Illyrian Gods wage war on the Outerworld Humans, Ion is separated from his family. His parents and sister, Oceanus, are drafted to fight, and Ion is sent to Protea, the capital, to work as a Labourer. Before they were separated, Ion's father attached a piece of Iron to his chin, and left him with no explanation as to why.

Ion develops a deep resentment for the Illyrian gods, but in a cruel twist of fate, he discovers that he is a reincarnation of a Guardian, and must protect the Gods that he has grown to hate. Ion's new world is dark and secretive, but he must do his duty, if he wishes to free his family.

My Thoughts

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, and I must say, I devoured it. From the very start, I was sucked into Ion's fascinating world of Gods,Dwarves,Giants,Elves and more. I can tell that a lot of thought and imagination went into this book, it really shows with the depth of the characters and the amazing descriptions of their surroundings. This book is mostly aimed at children, but as an adult who's read a lot of books, I can safely say that this is high on my list of amazing books.

Ion's character was a joy to read. A lot happens to him at such a young age; he's separated from his family and forced into slave labour. He has no idea if he will ever see his family again, and whether he will ever get out of his slavery. Despite all this, he's still a strong character. Understandably, when he discovers that he's a Guardian, he's frightened and overwhelmed by such a big change, but he quickly adapts and accepts his new life. His relationship with Oceanus was enjoyable too; there's sibling rivalry and taunting between them, but there's also a sense of loyalty there too.

I've seen a lot of reviews that compare this to Harry Potter, and I have to agree to some extent. Othum, the Skylord, especially put me in mind of Albus Dumbledore. He's a well looked up to authority figure, but he's also quite mad, and he made me laugh throughout the story. However, despite it's similarities with Harry Potter, this story is completely unique, with an interesting take on mythology. I really enjoyed the concept, and I found it difficult to drag myself away from it. Once again I find myself completely in love with a children's book. It's definitely too good for Adults to miss.

The Author

I'd like to thank the Author, Nikolas Lee, for giving me a free copy of his book to review. This is Nikolas' first book, and it's definitely a sign of things to come. The next book in this series is due to be published sometime next year, and I'm really looking forward to getting into that one too.

[Kushnuma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I was quite surprised with this book as I did enjoy it very much.

I absolutely loved the scene of Ion and Spike's fight and the final battle, which reminded me of Harry Potter a little bit. Also, I loved the the last line in the book, although I did think about that at one point with the way that some of the characters were behaving.

Overall, I loved it. And now I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Thank you to the author, Nikolas Lee, for providing me with a copy.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly can't believe this is Nikolas Lee's first novel. His main characters, especially Ion, are so well developed. With a completely original concept, this novel was a real page turner. Definitely recommending to all of my reader friends!

The ending was..... Incredible and shocking.

[Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action starts right from the beginning, the book grabs you by the throat and won't let you go until you finish!

I've seen other's compare this book to Harry Potter....


Don't get me wrong... both this book AND Harry Potter (and Percy) are incredible books, but I don't see how they are anything alike other then they are both science fiction. :) no offense intended :)

It was an incredible read and I really loved it!



I do have to say that I have a really really hard time reading e-books. I don't have an e-reader or a kindle... so I am stuck reading on my p.c. in the form of a pdf.





So you have to know that this was a good book to keep me reading! And it was! Thank you!

[Tarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 solid stars

I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review

Boy, I have to say that I am so glad this book was good. Whew. Like I dodged a maybe bullet.

The Iron-Jawed Boy was reminiscent, to me, of Harry Potter. There were enchanting elements i.e. the floating candles and the almost too young and naive hero that just resonated Potter in a good way.

Ionikus Reaves was a little infuriating at first. His actions and thoughts screamed coward and so I was annoyed and angry with him. I abhor when a character is supposed to be special and powerful yet all they do is cower and think about places to hide instead of jumping in and manning up. But with Ion I had to remember his age. He's only 12. He doesn't yet know his place in the whole scheme of things. And he's parent-less. Lost.

He harbored so much anger toward the people he was to protect and his power manifested a lot quicker than normal. I was happy to see that when his anger subsided, he could still do the things that he did while angry. Nothing makes me angrier than a powerful character whose power waxes and wanes uncontrollably.

When it was time to sack up though, Ion sure sacked up! He became quite the bad ass and I'm intrigued to say the least to read the rest of the series.

Well done Mr. Lee, well done.

[Jessica W · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I finished this book in a day. A DAY PEOPLE! The pacing was amazing. And the fight scenes were...



AMAZING TOO!

I really liked Ion's voice and the internal struggles he had going on throughout the book. And Solara was creepy as fudge!

Really wished I could have seen more of Theo and Lillian, but I was all-around really really REALLY happy with this middle grade novel!

[Jake Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

That...ending...was EPIC! Thought it was very Harry Potter meets Percy Jackson but in the best way possible if that makes sense.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This YA fantasy/mythic fiction series is in a word delightful! It is easily compared with the Percy Jackson series, but is more compelling, fun and enjoyable than Percy for this aging adult. It's true to its mythic period, but is more imaginative in that a new pantheon is created, comparable to but different from the Olympians. The prose is pithy and articulate, geared to YAs and works on several levels. The characters are compelling. I want to be Ion and to experience his life!. I feel his fear and anxiety, his feelings of dislocation and his growth during the 1st 2 books of what I jope is a long series.

Kids will love it I think. In fact I'm sending my grandkids copies for Christmas. It provides them (and me) the excitement of reading and a stepping stone to find out more—eg, Who was Ion? Who were the Illyrians?— and much more.

WHEN ARE THE MOVIES COMING OUT?

Highly recommended! 9 of 10 stars (mainly because I have to leave the last star for The Hobbit). I am impatiently awaiting a paperback edition of book 3, The Iron-Jawed Boy and the Siege of Sol

[Nisanki · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I have to thank Nikolas Lee for giving me a free copy to read! And I have to apologize for not reading it more quicker. I do regret it now for not reading the book as soon as i got it.

A Fantastic book!! I really loved that the book was centered on and about gods and how Ion was descriptive about the things he see and also about himself. And a very good twist at the end!(A VERY GOOD ONE) OHH and the characters! i really loved what Nikolas Lee has done to the characters and how they were described. The voice that Ion speak pulled me to the book and kept me thinking on what could happen next! OHH and the twists they were fantastic. I actually really couldn't guess some of the twists in the book. A really good story line and a really good plot. I wish the book was longer.

You aced this Nikolas Lee!! Looking forward to reading the second book!

[Michelle Blount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. PHENOMENAL.

First of all, the author sent me an ecopy of this book when I didn't win the first reads copy and I am so glad he did. This book is awesome! I cannot believe it is his first book. Amazing story, very original and it definitely sucks you in. I read this entire book in one sitting because I literally could not put it down. The characters are so well written that you truly feel for each of them and the imagery was so incredible that the story practically came to life before my eyes. Somewhat of a flare of the Percy Jackson stories, full of adventure and mythology (my kind of book!) if you like that sort of this you should 100 % take the time to read this book! it is worth the effort.

Also, the ending?! Really? I literally gasped in surprise and whined to myself when there weren't more chapters already.

Hurry up and write more books in the series!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book fulfilled all of my expectations in being the amazing middle grade novel that I anticipated. As a future teacher, you can bet that my students will see this book. The vocabulary is advanced for some middle grade students but the story is captivating enough to draw any reader in. It's a great book both in terms of a learning tool in the classroom (building vocabulary, imagery, characterization, foreshadowing, symbolism, chronology, cause and effect... the possibilities are endless) as well as simply for recreational reading. I love the level and complexity of the story all while keeping it colloquial enough that children and adults alike will find it amusing. Great job, Nik! I can't wait to read the next book...you have me addicted!

[Chaquita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book on my flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles and was so engrossed that I finished the book before I landed! The story is amazing, with believable characters and makes you become fully invested in the main character, Ion. I found myself rooting for him to win and sad when things weren't going his way. As an adult, sometimes it is hard to find books that are worth reading, but this book would make my list every time. I plan on buying multiple paperback copies to give to family members and one to keep for myself. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fresh, new read, whether they are adults or children.

[Angelica Dimeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a PDF version of The Iron-Jawed Boy from the author
for a Honest review.

The book started out with Ion who was torn from his family due to detainment and sold into slavery.
He had a Iron jaw put on him from his father. He was treated poorly and laughed at because of his Iron Jaw. As the story goes on the pace speeds up but it is easy to understand and very detailed. I honestly could not put this book down even with my youngest son climbing on me. I can not wait to read more from Nikolas Lee this was a fun read would do again.
Thanks :)

[Lonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave this to my little brother to read and he devoured it! I read it after and I gotta say I was quite pleased. The action and humor was incredible, and the characters were really well-developed. And that ending...mercy.

The book was fun, exciting, nicely written, and spoke to an audience both for young readers and young adults. I actually thought it had a very Game of Thrones for kids feel to it, tho the Harry Potter-ish aspect was there too.

[Precy Larkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iron-Jawed Boy is a well-written MG book with excellent worldbuilding and interesting characters. There is humor and adventure, suspense and mystery...perfect for its target audience. This was an enjoyable read!

[Alysa H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A middle-grade fantasy that wears its influences on its sleeve, yet manages to build something new and fun.

I LOVED the opening sections of this, wherein Ion is separated from his family and forced to work for some comically appalling people. I also enjoyed the progression towards the climactic events at the end, about which I can't say much without spoilers. I'll say: the banshee stuff was a nice touch, as was exploiting Ion's natural familial loyalties.

I also must say whoa huge variety of female characters! It's somewhat unusual, sadly, for this particular kind of novel -- about One Special Boy and written by a young male author -- to feature so many different female characters. Kudos to Lee for ensuring that in the world of the Iron-Jawed Boy, women are just people. Ion, he of the iron jaw, has wonderful non-romantic relationships with many of them, especially his sister. These kids act like real siblings! I would like to see more of the secondary characters, too, and look forward to doing so as the series continues.

My quibbles with this book, then, are not so much to do with gender or character relationships, but mostly with various aspects of world-building and detail. For a start, and at the start, I found it difficult to believe that Ion would not recognize his sister, Oceanus, after just a few months apart -- the elapsed time between the opening section and when they are reunited reads more like a couple of years than only a few months. And Oceanus acts incredibly authoritative for someone we soon learn is only a student (and still a tween, at that). Related to this last bit: I could never quite grasp the hierarchy of the gods, the guardians, etc. There didn't seem to be any consistent differentiation between them, so I couldn't always figure out the power relations in play at the... gods' school for new gods, where most of the book takes place. Some of the characters given the most humor (an otherwise appreciated note), were also then expected to have the most authority, and I could quite buy into it. The balance between humor and seriousness was just a touch off somehow. I think this was also why I never quite felt immersed in the book, but instead just skimming the surface and very easily distracted from it.

There was also a bit of the "Special Main Character is the Specialist Kid in Special Town and is Good at Everything" trope going on, although a lot less than there could have been. Ion, after all, does have to work a little bit more than not-at-all to master some of his abilities. I just wish we could have seen more of that work, rather than just a bit of it. We're told, after all, when he's not doing his homework. Even then he's Too Special to be punished for that. It's just inconsistent, again.

I would give this 3.5 stars, rounding down rather than up because my quibbles outweigh my squee just so much. I think it's a very impressive debut effort and that Lee is an author to watch, the rare kind who will perhaps benefit just as greatly from his own continued writing experience and reader feedback loop as he would from a professional publisher's editorial hand. I will definitely be reading Book 2.

[Lumina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for a honest review.

3.5 stars

This book comes across as blend between Harry Potter (magical school), Percy Jackson (Greek mythos) and the animated show Avatar the Last Airbender (elemental bending). It took me a while to get into due to the lack of knowledge of how this particular world worked in the beginning. But it was remedied later on with Ionikus Reeves going to the Achaean Academy where more of the book's mythos was explained.

What I enjoyed about the book was the descriptive language used to explain the buildings, scenery and characters. It felt like I was there with Ion in Acropolis. I commend the world building that was slowly revealed particularly the war with the Outerworlders and the Shroud. I liked the explanation about Ion's jaw and why his father put it on him. The plot was fairly solid especially the last third of the book. Though the plot was somewhat predictable it came together at the end. I also enjoyed Ionikus relationship with his sister, Oceanus, the goddess Vinya and mother which were the strongest in the book.

The criticism I have is that the characters seemed shallow and not that fleshed out. I think since the plot and the world-building took much of the book that the characters suffered. There was also too many characters introduced and were given mostly superficial characterizations. I wished to see more interactions between the Guardians and got to know them better to understand their motivations.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It started off slow but picks up and the world that Ionikus lives in is different and appealing. I'll continue to read this series because I'm interested in the war with the Outerworlders,the consequences of Ion's actions and hopefully more interactions between the Guardians.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was happy to receive an ebook copy of The Iron-Jawed Boy from the author, Nikolas Lee, in exchange for an honest review. To see the review on my blog please click here: http://sarahthomasbooks.blogspot.co.u...

I wasn't entirely sure what to think of the book when I first started it but I have to say the concept of the story drew me in straight away. The idea of Gods fighting a war with people who can use the elements, whilst simultaneously being set in the future, was definitely enticing.

The concept did remind of the Percy Jackson series but the storyline was nothing like it. I really liked the characters in the book; Solara was positively terrifying and Ion was a very likeable and believable character. I also enjoyed the back-story given the world. The setting was interesting and I hope to find out more about the world later in the series.

I do think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I had read it at a younger age as I found it difficult to suspend my disbelief at certain things. I also found a couple of the concepts (such as the sweets) quite childish; however, I'm aware this was written for a much younger audience so, putting that aside, I found the rest of the book very good.

I loved the fight scenes, they were written incredibly, and many writers can't do that as well as Nikolas Lee can. I enjoyed the book and would continue the series if given the opportunity. I would definitely recommend this to people who enjoy a good middle-grade adventure story and who wanted something fun and light to read.

[Sarah Fairburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Iron-Jawed Boy is definitely a cute little read, reminiscent of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. It's as if the two boys had a third little brother running around with god powers and a strip of iron melded to his jaw.

I liked the resolution to the story but the beginning was a bit rough for me to get through, though it's entirely because of similarities to Harry Potter. A magic school, acronymed final exams, smarty-pants sidekick, school bully, duel with school bully, eccentric headmaster, insufferable teacher, etc. Once I convinced myself, "Hey, just pretend we've NEVER heard of Harry Potter," life got better for this book. I was able to appreciate the characters a lot more.

Lee's descriptive prose is pretty good, especially for a debut. The discourse would get me rolling my eyes occasionally, but the patterns of speech are pretty reminiscent of a twelve year-old, so I ought to give Lee props for making the characters really sound like kids. A twelve year-old reading this book will completely relate to the dialogue. Heck, I've got a twelve year-old student begging to read it once I can hand it over.

Were I a middle-grade level reader, I'd give the book 5/5 for being right up my alley. I'm giving it 4/5 though because of needing to turn off Harry Potter mode in my brain so I could enjoy it more.


I did receive a electronic copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Bobbie Bomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Iron-Jaw Boy in return for an honest review, and I have to say I'm so happy I accepted the offer because I really did just enjoy this book. As I've seen in a few other reviews that it's been compared to Percy Jackson and Harry Potter I can see where they get that comparison from but The Iron-Jaw Boy is it's own book by far.

There are a lot of great characters each one have their own unique personality, the plot is fun and really kept me interested and I loved the ending.

Ion is a great main character he's the right balance between young,strong,as well is being just naive enough bring out his youth but with the right base to grow into a strong character in the future which I really hope there will be another book.

The part I really like but which also broke my heart was the whole thing with the banshee/Ions mother, I had a feeling that she wasn't either going to turn out to not be his mother and turn on him but it still was so sad to have given him hope of his mom only to have it turn out to be using him.


There were a few parts that were kind of corny but seeing as this is a book that is targeted more for children(but that any age could definitely enjoy)it wasn't something that really bothered me.

All in all The Iron-Jaw Boy was a great read that I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend it to other.

[Megan McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for a honest review.

When I read the synopsis about this book I was intrigued, and knew I just had to read it. I was so happy that the book actually turned out as good as I thought it would. Where as so many other books turn out to be a disappointment. I had such a hard time putting it down it definitely is a page turner. I kept telling myself just one more chapter the bed, but it ended up being hours later without me realizing it. Ion is a caller who turned into a guardian who happens to be a reincarnation of a guard who is supose to protect pantheon who he hates for taking away his family, and turned him into an orphan. I have to say I had no clue what to think about the iron jaw ions father placed on him before he was taken away, and turned into a slave where his power awakens. The ending was great it makes you want to hurry up and get the next book to see what happens next. It was nice to see that ion turned out to be a much stronger in the end then what he was in the beginning. Though at the beginning I really didn't like the gods, but in the end it turned out that the book has such a great cast of characters that made the book so much more fun to read. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book! This is one I will be reading again in the future.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! I've been looking for a fun, fantasy filled escape~ and I found it with The Iron-Jawed Boy! Nikolas Lee does a wonderful job at creating a mythical based world filled with creatures and gods of every sort. Ionikus is a young boy who is separated from his family and forced into slavery, only to find out that he is actually a Guardian~ a reincarnate of the godly protectors of old. He, and his sister Oceanus are given the opportunity to attend classes at the Acropolis, a godlike private school. Ion is an endearing main character, brave but unsure~ being that he is only 10 or so. The fact that he has a huge piece of metal attached to his jaw affixed in a mysterious manner, (for his own protection supposedly) by his father, only adds to his trials and insecurities. This book was very Harry Potter-ish, which makes it an amazing read for all younger (and older) magic lovers.

I would recommend this book to any fantasy lover, but think it would be an especially powerful tool if put into the hands of a younger reluctant reader. Middle grade boys and girls alike could easily get lost in this fantastical world of mystery and magic. I can not wait to find out what will happen next in this series.

I was gifted a copy of this amazing story, in exchange for my honest review.

[ariesmagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author gave me an e-copy of this book for an honest review so here it is! I'm not sure how The Iron-Jawed Boy got into my to-read list but I'm glad it did!

When I read the synopsis before starting it, I was a bit scared of the main character being 10 years old. However, him being ten doesn't affect the plot negatively at all! He is, of course, mouthy and makes selfish decisions. But what child doesn't? They think they've got everything figured out only to realize too late that they don't and never really did. That's what happens in this book!

There were some things that threw me off here and there, one thing in particular is when Ion's sister says to one of the antagonists, "Thanks, you're a doll." It didn't quite fit in with the rest of the dialogue and I've thought about it a lot. Maybe it's just me?

Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes unpredictable action-esque books with super likable characters. There's also a lot of humor, it's really entertaining! The skylord is my favorite.

/spazz mini review

This is SO SUPER CUTE. And a bit dark. I love it a lot. I love it more than I thought I would! And damn, that ending! Maybe I'm delusional but I wasn't looking for that ending at all.

[Terri Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine begin taken from your home, separated from your family only after your father attaches an iron plate to your jaw and sold into slavery.... Your family sent off to fight a war for the gods and you to be the punching bag for a fat cat crooked judge... After 5 months of Hell on earth Ion is saved by his sister Oceanus who surprisingly enough was not sent off to war but was sent to a special school for Guardians, she is a god and so is Ion. Ion, the Iron-Jawed Boy is also the Sky Guardian!

This wonderful coming of age adventure has us second guessing the motives of even our nearest and dearest. The characters and storyline do remind me of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter but with a new twist that will ensure readers will be coming back for more.

Ion's journey from slave to throwing lightning bolts is a great and suspenseful one, I do recommend you settle in for a good read when you pick up this book and try to hold of the disappointment when it ends, this series is going to be a welcomed addition to the literary world!

Thanks for the good read!

[Kristalia Astari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve seen this book be categorized as the difference between Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Well I’ve only ready Harry Potter and I can see the resemblance. However I think this book was wonderful in it’s own right. Great for middle grade and adults alike it was easy to read and understand with out the feeling of reading a little kids book. It took me a few more days then it should have to read it but real life came up as well as a mini reading slump but I can easily see this being a one day if not one sitting read.

The characters are very likable and I really love Ionikus’ name, the description of the Acropolis and it’s inhabitants has me wanting to take up residence right away :D We see as Ion turns from a scared and picked on little boy into the beginnings of the warrior he will become. And we come to see who is going to be on what side of the inevitable upcoming conflict in the series.

I don’t usually read the first book in a trilogy or series when no others are out however I really loved this book even enough to forgive the huge cliff hanger lol.

[Marlana Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

"may contain some spoilers but hopefully not"

I will admit I was very skeptical of this book. I kept coming to on my "to read" list and trying to decide how I felt. I was then asked by the author to read and review it. I am very glad I accepted. I absolutely loved this book.

Ion is such a great character. I automatically felt for him from the beginning. He is ripped from his family, has a piece of iron sealed to his face, sold into slavery to a complete jerk, nearly killed and then told he is a guardian for the society who caused all of this. This poor child. How do you cope with all of that? I understand how conflicted he feels throughout the book and how skeptical he is of the whole situation. I love how Vinya reassures Ion and makes him feel more comfortable in his new surrounds and with his powers. The climax of the story was one I hoped wouldn't happen, but I was blindsided by the help from the outside. The resolution was bittersweet. I only have one reaction to the ending: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

I'm dying to read the second book.

[Melissa Erin Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this book from its earliest stages; it's exciting to finally have an official copy of it!

The Iron-Jawed Boy stars ten-year-old Ionikus Reaves, an element-wielding reincarnated god. While it's easy to compare this to the Percy Jackson series, the two are very different. Nik has created his own pantheon of gods, making this a series that stands on its own two (unique) feet.

My favorite part of MG is the humor, and Ion and his ever-snarky sister Oceanus always manage to give me the giggles. Even though there are dark elements in the plot (feelings of grief and isolation; Ion being stalked by a banshee; Ion feeling responsible for the life of his own father), there's still that lightheartedness that middle grade is known for, making it highly accessible to young readers.

This fast-paced story is sure to entice fans of mythology and fantasy. I can't wait to see what adventures are in store for Ion in book 2!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for a review and I am so glad that I did. The Iron-Jawed Boy reminded me of Percy Jackson but with a new twist. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the next installment.

Ionikus Reaves is a ten year old boy who finds out he's a Guardian, meaning he must protect the gods. He ends up going to a school for Callers and other magical creatures where he can learn to strengthen his powers after his sister Oceanus saves him from a life of slavery due to the detainment by the gods. The gods have summoned all Callers (people with powers) to fight in the war which you find out is technically with humans in the Outerworld, which I believe is like our world now but in the future.

I'm not the best book reviewer so I'll just leave it at that I loved this book and the ending surprised me.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

To begin with it reminded me of the Percy Jackson films and books, however this was quickly knocked on the head as I worked my way through the book. Fast paced, mythology based around the elements and twists thrown into the mix, in my opinion made for a really good read. Aimed more towards the teenage reader I felt, but however can still be enjoyed by any age group. It is an exciting, well-written fantasy adventure that kept me entertained for a couple of days, as there was always something going on in each chapter which made it a real page turner. As I just had to know what was going to happen next and what was going to happen at the end. An unexpected but good twist at the end, not going to spoil it by saying what happens. Really different from what I expecting and can't wait to read the next instalment.

"I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review".

[Laureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Iron-Jawed Boy was an enjoyable book, with a unique idea. Other reviewers have suggested this as being a cross between Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, or Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. Ion is a ten-year-old boy with no idea of what kind of power he possesses. He’s a Caller (which reminds me a lot of Avatar, except it’s calling instead of bending), of course, but after he loses his family and is found once again he discovers that he’s more than just an ordinary Caller, he’s a Guardian, a reincarnated God who needs to learn how to use his extraordinary powers if he’s to save his father. And he has to do it all with a strange piece of iron strapped to his jaw.

Read more.