The Steele Wolf

Iron Butterfly #2

by Chanda Hahn

After finally settling into her new life at the Citadel, Thalia is reunited with her father, Bearen, the leader of the reclusive Valdyrstahl Clan.

Forced to leave the school and return home to the snowy mountains, Thalia is surprised to find she is engaged to a man she doesn’t remember. When she rejects the betrothal, her father organizes a tournament for her hand in marriage.

Thalia will risk everything, even banishment to try and win the tournament herself and prove that she is strong enough to lead her people. The only problem is when her mysterious bodyguard, Kael, surprises her and enters the ring to challenge for leadership of the clan and her.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Romance, Supernatural, Fiction, Ebooks

276 pages, ebook

First published December 31, 2012

About the author

Chanda Hahn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Reign An Unfortunate Fairy Tale. She was born in Seattle, WA, grew up in Nebraska and currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and their twin children. She attended North Central University in Minneapolis Minnesota for Childrens Ministry. She was also a children's pastor, bookseller and children's librarian.

Books published by Chanda include the UnEnchanted series a.k.a. (Unfortunate Fairy Tale Series) and The Iron Butterfly series.

Chanda is represented by Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Group. You can direct any inquiries regarding foreign, film, audio and translation rights to him. www.tridentmediagroup.com

Reviews

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disappointing ending. But only because I want to know what is going to happen next and I am going to have to wait a long time before I find out. Ha! And that is why I prefer to read book series that are already fully published - no waiting involved.

Loved this book just as much as the first one, maybe more? It's hard to tell since I really like both of them.

I will say that I have been DYING to see more going on between Kael and Thalia ever since they first met in The Iron Butterfly and when he was absent from the first part of the book I was saddened because I missed him. But then, tada! he shows up and I was thrilled.

Learning about Kael being bonded to Thalia was something I didn't see coming. And I must say there were many cute moments shared between them. Like when he comforted her that one night she was having nightmares. I especially liked the scene where Thalia thought Kael died and she fainted and then Kael found out about it later. I could just picture his reaction to hearing the news in my head when he realized how much she cared about him. So sweet.

[Valerie Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a good one. There were editing issues that were annoying. Oh and joss bugs me. He's too possessive and assuming.

Jan 18,2013 This book was so good! I loved the characters and the ongoing story development. I really like this author. I am a little annoyed because this is the second series I have read by her that isn't finished. I am starting to wonder if there will be an ending to this series and the other one. I really wish there would be! Oh and still totally confused on the era. It's like mid evil times? But then Thalia puts on a short dress or pants?!?! Hum. Super confused about that. And a little bit of editing problems. But these things didn't bother me enough apparently since I gave it 5 stars.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh. . . Kael. . . I think I'm in love. . .

[Gabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This is the sequel to Iron Butterfly, and it is *almost* as good as the first. Really, it is. There were a few flaws in the story, but I was absolutely hooked from the start, so I really won't do much complaining in this review.

First off, Thalia finds her family and starts to remember her past! YESSSSS! It was so awesome to read about her finding out about how she was before the Septori took her.

We have more Kael in this book. If you thought he was wonderful in The Iron Butterfly, read the Steele Wolf and be prepared to swoon. He's adorable! His soft side is shown more in here, and questions are answered about why he is following Thalia around. (And, no, it's not because he is a stalker, he has a legitimate reason!)

There's also more Joss, but as you know I'm not team Joss, so...moving on.

I loved the idea of Skyfell and the dorabills. I don't think I would live there, I'd stay in Skydown, but it would still be cool to live on a floating city!

The one thing I didn't like was that when Bearen hosts the Kragh Aru, it reminded me of the contest for Merida in Brave. Even Thalia's father sounds like Merida's father.

All in all, though, it was amazing! I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be reading the Silver Siren when it's released. (Please be soon!!!)

This review (and others) can be found on http://myfullbookshelfreviews.blogspo...

[Helen Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars for this amazing book!!!

The Steele Wolf is the sequel of Thalia's adventure together with Joss and Kael, plus more new characters from Thalia's clan (Valdrystal) and Joss clan (Skyfell). This book is one of those books which hooked me to read it from the start to end with so much eagerness. Excitement is on every chapters that you would hate to put down the book to do something else more important (like eating or going to bed because it's already 3:00 AM and you have to prepare for work in just a matter of 2-3 hours. LOL!

Thalia had definitely became more stronger and acquainted with her powers. Joss is still the cunning and beautiful Denai. And, Kael ---> OMG!I fell in love with Kael here! He's just always there for Thalia and it's just soooo freakin' cute that he hides his feelings for Thalia with his very nasty attitude - those moments that he touches her hand or face and he would notice that he is showing emotions, then he would snap out with his angry voice again. By all odds, I am on team Thalia and Kael!

I really do hope a movie will be made out of this series!

I can't wait for the 3rd book, The Silver Siren... Puhleeaassee hurry??? I am such a big fan, Ms. Chanda Hahn.

Oh, for flaws? Just some editing problems but it's not really a big deal for me.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this one, had a hard time putting it down. This picks up where the last book leaves off. Thalia is still missing her memories, but trusting that the man who showed up claiming to be her father is telling the truth. It was nice getting more back-story of where Thalia came from and what she was like before losing her memories. Some things were answered and more world-building takes place.

It's hard to write reviews for second or third books in series without giving things away. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I like the idea for the story, the characters and the writing. I was glad the relationships with Thaila-Kael-Joss were present a little more, especially that we get to learn more about Kael and Joss. Especially Kael, we learn more of what motivates him and why he sometimes acts the way he does. I liked Kael a lot more this time around, not that I didn't like him before. The romance was still just okay for me though, it's fine that it's not the main focus, but I would like more feeling from Thalia.

Anyway, I thought this was a good middle book. It was pretty strong and progressed the story along, it does wrap up quickly and I'm glad I have the next book on hand to start right away.

Content
Romance: Squeaky Clean
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Religious: None

[Maki ⌒☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was much more characterization put into this book. I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized that. Even characters that aren't around for the entire story (Thalia's father, the rest of their clan, the people in Skyfell) are described more than any of the main characters were in the first book. It was nice to see improvement there.

We were also finally allowed to see the main characters' histories. Thalia regains her memory, we learn more about Kael, and we find out that Joss actually has a family. There's also finally an explanation of who the villains are, what they're are doing to the people they kidnap, and why Kael seems to be stalking Thalia.

Skyfell was a fun city. I loved the fun descriptions of the city and its transportation.

Now, if only that obnoxious love triangle would end! (I may be a bit biased in this case, though. I'm totally rooting for Kael.)

[Sibil · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was as great as the first one! Thalia and his group are near the end of the story and I really need to know what would happen!
I really loved the wolf and I hope to see more of him!!!

Italian review of the series here: http://theroadtohellispavedwithbooks....

[alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

i like this book because joss doesn’t show up for one hundred pages. more of that please (2.5 stars)

[Ann-Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm.. I'm not excited about the ending that let everything hanging.
I know there will be a 3rd book autumn 2013, still I'd wish for some closure in book 2.


Book two gives you more of the love triange. Team Joss (blonde, romantic, blue eyed), Team Kael (dark, dangerous, locked emotionally, protective) and Team Fenri (Big, warrior) I am a little sad that Team Fenri sort of..isn't in the competition anymore. I would have loved to see more of a big protective warrior! There's some twists along the way, some "oh no" moments and some "aaawwwwh" moments. I wish there would be more "oomph oomph" moments, but I know this is a YA novel......




I love the dialogue with Wolf and Faraway! Esp Wolf since the original language is quite close to mine, ja.




I am so glad I downloaded "The Iron Butterfly" on Amazon and then got & read "Steele wolf". I love this world! I am confused as to when this is supposed to be happening. It's medieval-ish, then suddenly Thalia puts on shorts!

It seems as they forgot along the way that a Denai is supposedly working with the bad guys? Or have I missed something?


Waiting for autumn 2013 and "The Silver Siren", book 3.

[AmberB · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Lets start off by saying I have been team Kael from the very first chapter of the series :-) Ok, now for this book. I was looking forward to read this since the ending of Iron Butterfly. I was curious to see how everything was going to come together. This one at times was slower to read. I wanted and needed more action, more things needed to happen and/or it had to evolve quicker. Was it still enjoyable, yes! The tension between Thalia and Kael is more than off the chart. This book introduced many new characters and brought back some familiar faces!!! I fell in love with the big teddy bear Hemi, but i would have love to have Darren play more of a role since him and Thalia had a good relationship before.
I do have to admit that I went into this book thinking that this was the last one... Ummm I guess not. That being said I cannot wait until the next one. I NEED to find out what is going on. I do have my suspicions so the next book can't come fast enough.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler alert!!!!!!!!!!
I love all of Chanda Hahn's books!!!<3 however the plot does get a little repetitive concerning the guys. See how alike Brody Carmichael is to Joss? And Jason is to Kael? Gosh she even has the same thing happen, she likes the popular guy and the other guy is rude and mean, but then she gets to like him. Even-though I absolutely love these books and the other ones, I wish Hahn would branch out a little more. This book contains action,love, humor, and everything else making a great read. I would absolutely recommend this to everyone:)

[Robyn Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books. I really need the next one. Who knows how long I have too wait? I just finished this book in little over a day. I did not want to put it down. I fell in love with the characters and their struggles. Although you see which direction the characters are headed in, You can help but love their direction.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love being surprised. Usually I know where something is going in a story so it makes it that much more special when I am taken unaware! Sometimes though this can be bad. However in this instance that is not the case. I was not ready to put this book down, it ended much to soon :)
There is a lot of action, betrayls and new places to travel. I am looking forward to the next installment!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book but left no closure. Ditch the blond, shack up with the scary one, and call it a day already! Oh and find the sister, kill the Raven, and have a nice day :)

[◼Zaky◼ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first one,interesting development in characters & liked the progress of the storyline which keeps you hooked till the end.
Happy to see Kael more in this book;D

[Christie Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is even better than the first! I couldn't put it down and easily finished it in one day. It is written for a younger group, but I still enjoyed it thoroughly. I am happy we got to see some of the characters' history and can't wait to see how book three concludes this series.

[Courtney Kessinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

[Avy ❄️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

RTC

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was as good if not better than the first!!! The Action, suspence, humor, and love made for a great read!!! Thalia navigating through her new life, reconnecting with family and friends. Only to find that her Uncle was the one who betrayed her in the first place. Kael hiding his true identity to duel in the tourney. Fenri revieling his true feelings only to find that Thalia didn't feel the same way. Joss searching her out to tell he rthat his sister was kidnapped by the same people that she had escaped. returning to his home to lie about being engaged to Thalia while trying to find his sister. All the while Keal sat and watched in horror as he tried to hide his feelings for Thalia. Only to show her when she went searching for him after he didn't return from the search for the person that could be the leader of the Septori. during all this finding truth in lies and figuring out that Mona was controlling them from the beginning. Returning to Haven with the traitor to find the location of the Septori this book ends with unanswered questions and a love triangle between Kael, Thalia, and Joss. I am at the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next... Until next time!

[Tansy Foor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was amazing! It took a little while to get into the rhythm of the book and to get over the numerous spelling/editing mistakes, but once I got into it, I couldn't let it go. This book because a drug to me, I had to know what happened next. I abandoned all my social obligations just to I could finish this series. Yes, I finished the series (3 books) in two days. (This is a new record for me!)

If you like Chanda Hahn's other series: An UnEnchanted Fairy Tale Series, you'll love this series as well. If you like Hollowland by Amanda Hocking, you'll more than likely enjoy this book. Thalia is a headstrong, "I'm going to do this for myself" kind of girl that forges her own path through life in an attempt to find out what has happened to her.

This series will keep you guessing, shock you and delight you many, many times as you read it. I gave it 5 stars because the story is amazing, I found it so relatable and I will most definitely read this book again and again and again. However, it does have numerous mistakes throughout all three books, I was a little disappointed in that, but couldn't bring myself to knock it down a star because I felt the story was so amazing.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome, but too short and ticked me off. I'm down with insta love and love triangles. Really, I am- i can take it or leave it without freaking out about it-but u can't leave me hanging like that. Drives me nutso. Seriously, these cliff hanger unresolved endings make me want scream, and maybe hit something( like a pillow, I'm not really into self inflicted pain. Icky)
But the one liners and super silly moments in this book make up for the cliffhanger. You will laugh out loud, several times. Unless u are dead inside. Then we can't help u, and I suggest a bronte novel instead. Any of them. Yucko. Hemi- what a cutie and Odin. I seriously did not see the whole family origin angle coming. At all. Now I have to painstakingly wait for next book.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comparing this book to the first one, it was a complete let down. In the Iron Butterfly, Thalia was strong, confident and independent. She was mature and actually interesting. This one she is completely different. It seems that she gone from a young woman to a twelve year old. The second half of the book I was continuously rolling my eyes. How many times does she faint?!!! What happened to the emotionally strong character we read about in the first book? The only good thing about the story was Kael and it was ruined by the juvenile squabbling between him and Joss. I want to know what happens but I dunno if I want to spend money on the next book if it's going to be a huge let down like this one :(

[Tranylle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so frustrating to read. Terrible grammar, plot holes, and inconsistencies. The story itself is still a great idea, but poorly executed. I can usually get past issues like this if they are minor, but in this book these were pretty serious. I honestly don't even know the ages of any of the people!! And do all 16 year old (or somewhere around there, refer to the sentence before) girls really act like bratty, tantrum throwing 5 year olds? I doubt it, but in every teen or young adult book I've read recently they all act like this. It's getting ridiculous.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually didn't like this book as much as the first. I felt like it wasn't a stand alone book and was just chapters pulled from another, bigger, more detailed book. I think I will classify this series as young adult and while I will go on to finish the trilogy, I probably wouldn't give this a reread. I will disagree with comments many have made that Thalia is a terrible, spoilt person... I think she's reflective of a 17 year old.

[Nelta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read.....Steele Wolf is the second book in the Iron Butterfly series and was a wonderful continuation of Thalia,Kael and Joss and their adventures trying to find the Raven. And now I want to find out what happens after "the kiss" between Thalia ad Kael.....hope we don't have to wait to long....

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The characters are more developed in this volume and we get to know the lead character better as she also learns about herself and her origin. Again, as in the first book, the typos were rather obnoxious and at one point one of the descriptions was off. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Laurie Dewberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as uh as the first one in the series, but it was still entertaining and kept my interest. I downloaded the free kindle version of the book and was kind of distracted by all of the spelling and grammatical errors in the book. Definitely a series I will finish though.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! The story definitely took a turn that was downright unexpected and awesome. We get more answers about who's behind the experiments and where our beloved characters come from. It was great to see more character growth and world-building!

[Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a nail biting story! We know more and plot thickens! I simply cannot wait for book 3 with its unknown release date! Ugh!