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The River Witch #2
The Iron Court
The Iron Court. Home to thieves, liars, and assassins. And the only place left which knows how to defend against the fae...
Tabitha is confident that Lysander can help her find the fabled Iron Court. With him by her side, she's sure they can find the city which her grandmother has told her will keep her safe from the fae. Lysander, on the other hand, is desperate to keep Tabitha from ever reaching the city, and is hurrying her as far away from the ruthless Iron Court as he possibly can.
But what neither of them knows is that the Iron Court is already hunting them...
The hunters are fast closing in. And if that alone wasn't enough to contend with, Tabitha and Lysander have accidentally drawn the attention of something more ancient and powerful than the Iron Court...
Can Tabitha and Lysander find a way to defend themselves against both the Iron Court and the fae?
The Iron Court is the second instalment in the River Witch series, a fairytale-inspired fantasy series set in post-technology Britain.
Tabitha is confident that Lysander can help her find the fabled Iron Court. With him by her side, she's sure they can find the city which her grandmother has told her will keep her safe from the fae. Lysander, on the other hand, is desperate to keep Tabitha from ever reaching the city, and is hurrying her as far away from the ruthless Iron Court as he possibly can.
But what neither of them knows is that the Iron Court is already hunting them...
The hunters are fast closing in. And if that alone wasn't enough to contend with, Tabitha and Lysander have accidentally drawn the attention of something more ancient and powerful than the Iron Court...
Can Tabitha and Lysander find a way to defend themselves against both the Iron Court and the fae?
The Iron Court is the second instalment in the River Witch series, a fairytale-inspired fantasy series set in post-technology Britain.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2018
97 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 31, 2018
Thanks to Helena Rookwood for giving me this book to review.
The Iron Court is a really good post-apocalyptic fantasy sequel which is full of action, adventure and mystery. This book was a bit slower paced than The River Witch but I didn’t mind too much as I just wanted more of this world. I would love to know where in Britain some of the locations are, such as the Iron City and Tabitha’s village.
Tabitha is still naïve but after a certain point in the story she starts becoming more decisive if a bit ill-tempered. Lysander is protective of Tabitha while being nervous about his past catching up to him, but he is also very talented and confident.
There is a lot of unanswered questions and I can’t wait to discover what happens next in The Queen’s Court. I would recommend The Iron Court to fans of the first book The River Witch or those who like fantasy novels which have Fae in them.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
The Iron Court is a really good post-apocalyptic fantasy sequel which is full of action, adventure and mystery. This book was a bit slower paced than The River Witch but I didn’t mind too much as I just wanted more of this world. I would love to know where in Britain some of the locations are, such as the Iron City and Tabitha’s village.
Tabitha is still naïve but after a certain point in the story she starts becoming more decisive if a bit ill-tempered. Lysander is protective of Tabitha while being nervous about his past catching up to him, but he is also very talented and confident.
There is a lot of unanswered questions and I can’t wait to discover what happens next in The Queen’s Court. I would recommend The Iron Court to fans of the first book The River Witch or those who like fantasy novels which have Fae in them.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
January 1, 2019
3.5 fae stars
I feel myself detaching from the story and losing track and interest in Tab's and Lysander's story.
I think I will hang my hat up with the series and leave you with this parting opinion...this is just my feeling and not to be taken seriously when trying decide whether to give this series a shot.
The book was good...just not for me anymore. It is light and I'm in the mood for something deeper.
I feel myself detaching from the story and losing track and interest in Tab's and Lysander's story.
I think I will hang my hat up with the series and leave you with this parting opinion...this is just my feeling and not to be taken seriously when trying decide whether to give this series a shot.
The book was good...just not for me anymore. It is light and I'm in the mood for something deeper.
January 25, 2018
Took a while for the book to take off, there was too much of the travelling around the countryside of Bretan without anything really happening, but the Iron Court had sent assassins to hound them, take the hagstone and kill them. Lysander knew how the Iron Court worked and needed to keep Tabitha safe, but when she found out that he had been lying to her all along their relationship changed for the worse. They had been a good team, she was river-blessed but knew nothing of this or her powers and was so very naive, never having been anywhere away from her little village by the river. They still needed to pool their skills in order to stay ahead of the assassins, she using her skill with boats, fishing and anything to do with the river and he his skills with knives and the old spell words to protect and direct them towards Ox Fordh. Once they arrive there things really heat up. Many things happen in the library in Ox Fordh and after, it seems as though finally Tabitha is not ready to just follow along any more, something had changed her, she is initiating her own ideas on how to proceed and Lysander though flabbergasted at the change seems ready to follow her. So let's see where Tabitha is taking us for the answers re-the hagstone, which we are all so eager to find out, so let's all go to the Queens's court next maybe a trip to Faerie is just what we have all been waiting for. A lovely read even if not so fast paced for a good part of the read!
February 2, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know what it is about Rookwood’s writing but I can’t get enough. I start reading and then next thing I know, I’m halfway through the book.
Book 1 introduced us to Tabitha and Lysander and Book 2 picks up where they left off. I love their dynamic together throughout the book. The beginning of the book begins with Tabitha and Lysander still traveling. Tabitha thinks they’re on their way to the Iron Court and Lysander is trying to move them as far away as possible from that exact location. Meanwhile, the Iron Court has sent its back up, Moll, back out to eliminate Tabitha and Lysander and get the Hagstone. The fae have also been mysteriously silent and the two continue their travels. Turns out more than just fae are awakening and all eyes are on Tabitha. Tabitha and Lysander must overcome the Iron Court lackeys and determine if the other forces out there are looking out for them or trying to hurt them too. The ending of this book was amazing and I can’t wait to see what comes next!!!
I don’t know what it is about Rookwood’s writing but I can’t get enough. I start reading and then next thing I know, I’m halfway through the book.
Book 1 introduced us to Tabitha and Lysander and Book 2 picks up where they left off. I love their dynamic together throughout the book. The beginning of the book begins with Tabitha and Lysander still traveling. Tabitha thinks they’re on their way to the Iron Court and Lysander is trying to move them as far away as possible from that exact location. Meanwhile, the Iron Court has sent its back up, Moll, back out to eliminate Tabitha and Lysander and get the Hagstone. The fae have also been mysteriously silent and the two continue their travels. Turns out more than just fae are awakening and all eyes are on Tabitha. Tabitha and Lysander must overcome the Iron Court lackeys and determine if the other forces out there are looking out for them or trying to hurt them too. The ending of this book was amazing and I can’t wait to see what comes next!!!
January 30, 2018
I received an ARC of this title. These opinions are my own, and as always, spoiler-free!
The Iron Court is another solid novel by Rookwood, once again taking us into a world of intrigue and hidden magic. The pacing is a bit slower, which isn’t unexpected in the genre- Rookwood carefully plays the line between *just about right* and *too slow*. The setting and character descriptions are top-notch, just like in The River Witch; dark and earthy, stark and straightforward... I’m a huge fan of the writing in this series. Of course, it helps that the topic at hand involves Fae, since they’re a favorite of mine. The Iron Court and the Faerie they’ve tried so desperately to know better- I can’t wait to delve deeper into the Faerie in the next book!
If it isn’t clear enough already, I definitely recommend this novel- and its series- to anyone who enjoys a deeper Fantasy title with firm roots, vivid imagery, and a fine respect for the mythos of the Fae.
The Iron Court is another solid novel by Rookwood, once again taking us into a world of intrigue and hidden magic. The pacing is a bit slower, which isn’t unexpected in the genre- Rookwood carefully plays the line between *just about right* and *too slow*. The setting and character descriptions are top-notch, just like in The River Witch; dark and earthy, stark and straightforward... I’m a huge fan of the writing in this series. Of course, it helps that the topic at hand involves Fae, since they’re a favorite of mine. The Iron Court and the Faerie they’ve tried so desperately to know better- I can’t wait to delve deeper into the Faerie in the next book!
If it isn’t clear enough already, I definitely recommend this novel- and its series- to anyone who enjoys a deeper Fantasy title with firm roots, vivid imagery, and a fine respect for the mythos of the Fae.
January 18, 2019
Unlike several other, I didn't mind Tabitha's naivete in book one. It was clearly justifiable based on what we knew of her simple upbringing. But her helpless damsel in distress act is beginning to irritate a little. She may not know how to interact with people- after all she never had any friends growing up and was a loner, but she was a loner surviving bullying! She was an independent fisherwoman! Why has she been growing more rather than less dependent and needy?
Despite that rant -which to be fair is based mostly on one section towards the end of the book, I continue to enjoy the world building and adventures.
Despite that rant -which to be fair is based mostly on one section towards the end of the book, I continue to enjoy the world building and adventures.
March 14, 2020
Interesting.
Interesting but slow.
I love Faery books most in fiction but this drug a bit. It took forever to finish because it took forever to get really interesting.
Brigid was the most interesting character in the book. I think Tabitha isn’t all that well defined or inspiring. But perhaps growth will happen in the next book. Like she goes for naive and blah to having great ideas and defiance???? I hope the rest of her evolution is more swift.
I plan to read them all and hope they pick up quicker!
Interesting but slow.
I love Faery books most in fiction but this drug a bit. It took forever to finish because it took forever to get really interesting.
Brigid was the most interesting character in the book. I think Tabitha isn’t all that well defined or inspiring. But perhaps growth will happen in the next book. Like she goes for naive and blah to having great ideas and defiance???? I hope the rest of her evolution is more swift.
I plan to read them all and hope they pick up quicker!
August 29, 2018
I enjoyed the second instalment more than the first.
Tabitha's blindness and naivety for the first 40% or so of the book was as frustrating as it was in the first book, but thankfully she's starting to wise up now.
As many other people have stated, this is a quick and easy read. I burned through it in four or so hours. The world is interesting, and Rookwood has obviously put a lot of thought into a post-technology Britain.
Tabitha's blindness and naivety for the first 40% or so of the book was as frustrating as it was in the first book, but thankfully she's starting to wise up now.
As many other people have stated, this is a quick and easy read. I burned through it in four or so hours. The world is interesting, and Rookwood has obviously put a lot of thought into a post-technology Britain.
August 23, 2023
Magical story
I really enjoy this series so far! I read some reviews saying they couldn’t get into the first book because there wasn’t much dialogue BUT this story is wonderful~!! Ilove how the world building and how you really get to use your imagination to picture how the world could be like in the future! I’m excited to meet some of the other far in the next book…also… is Tabs mom really dead or will we possibly meet her again someday?!?
I really enjoy this series so far! I read some reviews saying they couldn’t get into the first book because there wasn’t much dialogue BUT this story is wonderful~!! Ilove how the world building and how you really get to use your imagination to picture how the world could be like in the future! I’m excited to meet some of the other far in the next book…also… is Tabs mom really dead or will we possibly meet her again someday?!?
February 6, 2018
I was given a copy of this book and am not obligated to review it. However, Iron Court by Helena Rookwood is the second in a marvelous series. I loved reading this one too. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next book in the series again. This story just makes me want more! Highly recommended.
February 7, 2018
Second book is even better than the first as Tabitha struggles to find her place in the world & learn all she can about the Fae, magic, the Hagstone & her mother with the help of Lysander. Really enjoying this post-technology Britain in which magic flourishes w/the end of the Iron Age & the Fae are returning.
January 28, 2018
Wonderful! Can't wait to see how Tabitha's adventure ends.
February 18, 2018
There is purportedly 13 books in this series... I think that is a bit excessive.
April 22, 2018
Tabitha has left her home to find the Iron Court but is befriended by the very person who has been sent to kill her and bring the hagstone from around her neck to the Iron Court.
July 13, 2018
This trilogy has been such a fun, quick read. It certainly feels like one large story, broken into parts, which would be really good for younger readers. It made me want to continue the story - and I'm anxiously awaiting the fourth installment!
May 23, 2018
3.5, verging on 4 - I liked it!
I was provided an e-arc for an honest review.
This is a sequel to The River Witch, a faerie story about a girl who had to leave her home to seek help from the Iron City during an attack.
Seventeen-year old Tabitha was instructed by her family to leave when news of faerie returned to Bretan, and to seek the Iron City. However, the Iron City was also looking for her, not to help but to dispose of her. Lysander was sent after her, but he notices she was not a threat and decides to lead her away from the Iron Court.
I was expecting more action in this sequel, but this focused more on character development and scenery of post-technology Britain during Tabitha's travels. I still liked how we saw more of the country and was even inspired to look up the settings described in the books. The descriptions are just beautiful! However, more questions seemed to be presented here and none of the major plot lines seemed to be resolved. There are hints of what the protagonists are, but not explicit, and I was as frustrated as Tabitha to not know a lot of things. I feel that it would have been better if the protagonists found a little hint to justify where they are going next, rather than just guessing their next step. I have read similar tales where the characters travel far to learn and train (Alanna, Eragon, even Feyre of ACOMAF), and those characters grew or clearly leveled-up, and that seems to be lacking here. Thus, the ending was a little anti-climatic for me.
I am still excited about Book 3, though, and very curious what happens next. I like where they are going next and need answers, so I'm impatiently waiting for March!
I was provided an e-arc for an honest review.
This is a sequel to The River Witch, a faerie story about a girl who had to leave her home to seek help from the Iron City during an attack.
Seventeen-year old Tabitha was instructed by her family to leave when news of faerie returned to Bretan, and to seek the Iron City. However, the Iron City was also looking for her, not to help but to dispose of her. Lysander was sent after her, but he notices she was not a threat and decides to lead her away from the Iron Court.
I was expecting more action in this sequel, but this focused more on character development and scenery of post-technology Britain during Tabitha's travels. I still liked how we saw more of the country and was even inspired to look up the settings described in the books. The descriptions are just beautiful! However, more questions seemed to be presented here and none of the major plot lines seemed to be resolved. There are hints of what the protagonists are, but not explicit, and I was as frustrated as Tabitha to not know a lot of things. I feel that it would have been better if the protagonists found a little hint to justify where they are going next, rather than just guessing their next step. I have read similar tales where the characters travel far to learn and train (Alanna, Eragon, even Feyre of ACOMAF), and those characters grew or clearly leveled-up, and that seems to be lacking here. Thus, the ending was a little anti-climatic for me.
I am still excited about Book 3, though, and very curious what happens next. I like where they are going next and need answers, so I'm impatiently waiting for March!
December 7, 2018
love this series
Just as good if not better than the first book in the series
Beautiful expansion on the world Helena has created. Further fell in love with the
characters.
Just as good if not better than the first book in the series
Beautiful expansion on the world Helena has created. Further fell in love with the
characters.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews