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The Iron Witch #2
The Wood Queen
Donna Underwood is in deep trouble.An ancient alchemical order is holding her accountable for destroying the last precious drops of the elixar of life. Never mind the fact that Donna was acting to free her friend, Navin, from the dangerous clutches of the Wood Queen at the time. But what the alchemists have in store is nothing compared to the wrath of the fey. The Wood Queen has been tricked and Donna must pay. Get ready for all hell - quite literally - to break loose...
321 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
48 people are currently reading
5089 people want to read
About the author
Karen Mahoney
22 books877 followersBritish writer of fantastical things.
THE IRON WITCH, THE WOOD QUEEN & THE STONE DEMON make up my YA contemporary fantasy trilogy for Flux in the US and Random House in the UK. It's about alchemy, dark elves, and a girl with magical iron tattoos. FALLING TO ASH (September 2012), began a new series for Random House UK about an ass-kicking teen vampire called Moth. You can read more of Moth's adventures in her very own webcomic: www.mothtales.com
In my varied career I've been a professional Tarot reader, a college counsellor, a dating agency consultant and a bookseller. Ever since I was six years old what I really wanted to be was Wonder Woman, but have instead settled for being a writer which is the best job of all!
THE IRON WITCH, THE WOOD QUEEN & THE STONE DEMON make up my YA contemporary fantasy trilogy for Flux in the US and Random House in the UK. It's about alchemy, dark elves, and a girl with magical iron tattoos. FALLING TO ASH (September 2012), began a new series for Random House UK about an ass-kicking teen vampire called Moth. You can read more of Moth's adventures in her very own webcomic: www.mothtales.com
In my varied career I've been a professional Tarot reader, a college counsellor, a dating agency consultant and a bookseller. Ever since I was six years old what I really wanted to be was Wonder Woman, but have instead settled for being a writer which is the best job of all!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
September 29, 2023
The Wood Queen is the second book of the Iron Witch Trilogy. I had received a copy of Iron Witch to review for Buried Under Books Blog. I loved everything about the book and promptly purchased this follow up novel.
I found the sequel to be at least as compelling as the first book. Donna, Navin, and Xan are still prominent, and we get to learn a bit more about each of them. In Donna’s case, it is particularly rewarding, as Donna is actually discovering and accepting more about herself. She begins to see herself as a whole, whereas in Iron Witch she seemed to unable to define who she was, as she had tendencies to divide herself into parts: human, freak due to crazy, life-saving tattoos, and pseudo-member of a secret Order. While I learned of her physical strength in The Iron Witch, it was astonishingly gratifying to see her develop her inner strength and resolve. A respectable character in the first book, she becomes admirable in the second.
Navin continues to be endearing and comical, diminishing the gloomy over-tones of the Order. He stole my heart, even broke it a little; but now he has shaken off the sadness and allowed his determinedly optimistic personality emerge once again. This character brings balance to the book and leaves this reader hoping for a little love for Navin in the final book.
While mystery continues to shroud Xan, we do learn a bit more about him. Sadly, it is only enough to create additional questions. He remains an intriguing character that I want to cheer on and support…..I’m just not quite ready to trust him.
London dweller Robert Lee is a welcome addition to the cast. It was simple for me to appreciate his apparent quirkiness and admire his desire to help. As with Xan, Mr. Lee is a bit of an enigma. I am looking very forward to learning all about him in the final book.
Once again, Ms. Mahoney has knocked my socks off. Her clever compilation of mystery, fierce loyalty and teen-age growing pains makes for a fine story and her outstanding writing turns that into an incredible trilogy.
Now, I’m going to order that final book.
I found the sequel to be at least as compelling as the first book. Donna, Navin, and Xan are still prominent, and we get to learn a bit more about each of them. In Donna’s case, it is particularly rewarding, as Donna is actually discovering and accepting more about herself. She begins to see herself as a whole, whereas in Iron Witch she seemed to unable to define who she was, as she had tendencies to divide herself into parts: human, freak due to crazy, life-saving tattoos, and pseudo-member of a secret Order. While I learned of her physical strength in The Iron Witch, it was astonishingly gratifying to see her develop her inner strength and resolve. A respectable character in the first book, she becomes admirable in the second.
Navin continues to be endearing and comical, diminishing the gloomy over-tones of the Order. He stole my heart, even broke it a little; but now he has shaken off the sadness and allowed his determinedly optimistic personality emerge once again. This character brings balance to the book and leaves this reader hoping for a little love for Navin in the final book.
While mystery continues to shroud Xan, we do learn a bit more about him. Sadly, it is only enough to create additional questions. He remains an intriguing character that I want to cheer on and support…..I’m just not quite ready to trust him.
London dweller Robert Lee is a welcome addition to the cast. It was simple for me to appreciate his apparent quirkiness and admire his desire to help. As with Xan, Mr. Lee is a bit of an enigma. I am looking very forward to learning all about him in the final book.
Once again, Ms. Mahoney has knocked my socks off. Her clever compilation of mystery, fierce loyalty and teen-age growing pains makes for a fine story and her outstanding writing turns that into an incredible trilogy.
Now, I’m going to order that final book.
May 27, 2012
The best part of these books is Navin, so it's kind of sad he's basically been relegated to the part of "that guy in the love triangle who doesn't stand a chance." I'm kind of hoping that in the third book he'll come out as bi and hook up with Robert Lee.
Aside from my Navin feelings, this book was okay but nothing exceptional. Donna is frequently dumb as a box of hammers, which is disheartening, but she's still basically a likeable character. I could not possibly care less about Xan, nor do I care about how he and Donna are soul mates "but not in that icky romance way" but in a ~deeper, more ~meaningful way. No, seriously, that's pretty much what the author had Donna think in this book. Like, don't kid yourself, Mahoney. You're still writing a fairly standard YA fantasy with a love triangle here. The soulmates trope is cheesy as hell no matter how you try to spin it.
Aside from my Navin feelings, this book was okay but nothing exceptional. Donna is frequently dumb as a box of hammers, which is disheartening, but she's still basically a likeable character. I could not possibly care less about Xan, nor do I care about how he and Donna are soul mates "but not in that icky romance way" but in a ~deeper, more ~meaningful way. No, seriously, that's pretty much what the author had Donna think in this book. Like, don't kid yourself, Mahoney. You're still writing a fairly standard YA fantasy with a love triangle here. The soulmates trope is cheesy as hell no matter how you try to spin it.
August 11, 2017
the ending could've been better, but I am definitely interested enough in what went down to continue to the 3rd book!! I love Navin so so much. he's the best.
February 8, 2012
I have been eagerly awaiting this sequel's release since reading The Iron Witch. What an awesome debut that book was, and since finishing it I couldn't wait to get back into the world Karen has created. I like that The Wood Queen picks up right where The Iron Witch ends. Donna is awaiting her trail with the Alchemists from the trouble she caused (and for good reason) with the elixir, as well as trying to figure out a way to save her mother, which proves to be harder that she thinks. What unravels in this sequel is a plot line full of secrets, lies, magic, demons, fey, wood-elves, alchemists, romance and plenty of half truths.
One of the things I get excited about in a sequel is seeing how a character grows, and Donna definitely does that well. I'll be honest, the first part of the book she really annoyed me to the point I had a hard time getting into the story until she finally stands up to her Aunt. *high fives her for that* It was obvious that her aunt knows more than she's been leading on and through out the first part of the book I kept waiting for Donna to defend herself and stop letting her Aunt treat her the way she does. It wasn't until the scene where Donna does just that did I feel like the Donna I was excepting at the beginning of the book was finally in the story. She doesn't just stand up for herself, but she also confronts her Aunt about the lies she's been told. It's during this scene that she finally learns more about who is and what's she's able to do, as well as more about her mom. I've got to say there's some surprising secrets that get uncovered in this book.
The other thing I love about this book is being thrown right back into the plots twists and the action. Not everyone is who they seem to be and there's a lot more going on that I first picked up on, which adds to the mystery of what's really happening in Donna's world. With all that's happening there were times I felt like I was trying to figure things out along side Donna. I loved that I was able to learn more about Donna and her mother through some of Donna's mother's journal entries, which also adds to the fast paced and engaging storyline. I loved how Karen tied that into the book. Then there's Navin, whom I adore and Xan. Let me just say the plot thickens around Xan and whether or not he can really be trusted. Don't get me wrong, I do love the great chemistry between him and Donna, but there is a big but in that, because, well you'll have to read it to learn more about Xan and decide for yourself.
This is one book I'm glad I kept reading, because the second half more than made up for my not being to get into the first part of the book. It's definitely an exciting, fast paced read with action and plenty of plot twists to keep you hooked. I can't wait for The Stone Demon. If you enjoyed The Iron Witch, I recommend picking this one up. There is a few uses of the f-word through out the book.
One of the things I get excited about in a sequel is seeing how a character grows, and Donna definitely does that well. I'll be honest, the first part of the book she really annoyed me to the point I had a hard time getting into the story until she finally stands up to her Aunt. *high fives her for that* It was obvious that her aunt knows more than she's been leading on and through out the first part of the book I kept waiting for Donna to defend herself and stop letting her Aunt treat her the way she does. It wasn't until the scene where Donna does just that did I feel like the Donna I was excepting at the beginning of the book was finally in the story. She doesn't just stand up for herself, but she also confronts her Aunt about the lies she's been told. It's during this scene that she finally learns more about who is and what's she's able to do, as well as more about her mom. I've got to say there's some surprising secrets that get uncovered in this book.
The other thing I love about this book is being thrown right back into the plots twists and the action. Not everyone is who they seem to be and there's a lot more going on that I first picked up on, which adds to the mystery of what's really happening in Donna's world. With all that's happening there were times I felt like I was trying to figure things out along side Donna. I loved that I was able to learn more about Donna and her mother through some of Donna's mother's journal entries, which also adds to the fast paced and engaging storyline. I loved how Karen tied that into the book. Then there's Navin, whom I adore and Xan. Let me just say the plot thickens around Xan and whether or not he can really be trusted. Don't get me wrong, I do love the great chemistry between him and Donna, but there is a big but in that, because, well you'll have to read it to learn more about Xan and decide for yourself.
This is one book I'm glad I kept reading, because the second half more than made up for my not being to get into the first part of the book. It's definitely an exciting, fast paced read with action and plenty of plot twists to keep you hooked. I can't wait for The Stone Demon. If you enjoyed The Iron Witch, I recommend picking this one up. There is a few uses of the f-word through out the book.
February 13, 2016
This is the second book in The Iron Witch trilogy. I really enjoyed the first one and was excited to read the second book after some of the interesting hints and glimpses we got in the first book. This book ended up being fairly disappointing.
In this book Donna is under trial by the Order of the Dragon and awaiting her punishment for stealing the Elixir of Life. Donna is also dealing with her ailing mother and ends up striking a deal with the Wood Queen; if Donna opens a door to Faerie and lets the Wood Queen and her Wood Elves back home then the Wood Queen will release Donna’s mother from the elven curse that has taken away her sanity and consciousness.
Mostly this story was just plain boring; all the parts about the trial and the Order of the Dragon were just boring boring boring. The portions of the story dealing with Donna’s failing mother are more interesting. I was disappointed that we don’t really get to visit the other realms and that none of that was really expanded on until right at the end of the book.
I didn’t like the characters nearly as much as in the first book; they are all so jealous and secretive. Donna is kept in the dark about a number of things and this makes her easy to manipulate and trick. I also didn’t like how snotty and combative Donna was all the time, even with characters that were trying to help her. I don’t remember her being quite this bad in the first book and am not sure what happened here. Navin is also very jealous throughout and Xan is just plain absent most of the story (both literally and emotionally).
In the first book I really enjoyed how elements of alchemy were combined with the fey; this book doesn’t expand on any of that really. Donna is acquiring new powers, but aside from the fact that she is getting them we don’t really learn how that ties into alchemy.
Overall this was a quick read, but boring and kind of a drag. I won’t be reading the final book because by the time I got to the end of this book I just didn’t care anymore...about any of it. It was very disappointing, I thought the first book showed a lot of promise but everything was pretty much taken in the wrong direction in the second book. There are so many other excellent YA fey books out there that would recommend skipping this one.
All in all it was a quick read, but boring and kind of a drag. I won’t be reading the final book because by the time I got to the end of this book I just didn’t care anymore. Very disappointing I thought the first book showed a lot of promise but everything was pretty much taken in the wrong direction.
Full review to follow.
March 5, 2012
Oh gosh this series is too dragging. I spend a full week trying to continue reading this book and its so exhausting.
Initially I thought the book was set in victorian era (like normal steampunk stuff) but no, its modern era but the people talk like they haven't been in modern era. The setting's and character's dullness, which made me initially confused, was horrendous. Is this suppose to be dystopian but no, its like a secret society story in america. Yeah, you get me right...
and the girl was complaining about her being 'exiled' to england. Girl, I WANT to stay in England. Free of charge at that. Jeesh... you can go all touristy and such and no one cares.
This book is not for those who like to read in full speed because this book stunted every chapter and shows little story progression until quarter end. I did comment about the length in the previous book but in this one, come on, its like waiting for tv series hiatus (which I was! Fringe TVD and OUAT was on hiatus, hence why I read this book) and then what you get was a goddamn turd.
and then what finally got to me in a most eyes-opening way was the book written in second point of view but in the style of first person point of view. Thats why it made me confused, POVs is like watching through a window or reside in someone's head or tagging along with the characters like some sort of guardian angel. But this?! Confused me a lot. Its like getting information dump on a lot of unnecessary things. Do I need to know every details of your feelings? Thats what first POV are for!
I'm really hoping the third book doesnt come out this year or I'm gonna go bald from pulling my hair everytime Donna do something so inane. Like write a diary, argue with the evil aunt or compare three boys and at one time wondered if her virtue is compromised for being alone with a guy, or suddenly had a dose of Cortexiphan in her and then she could do what Olivia Dunham do. Hell I dont really have a magnificent enlightenment when you glow like a tinkle bell and then you teleported yourself to places you want to be.
Did I say I took one week trying to continue reading from chapter 5? and a month since I began reading this book?
yeah
Initially I thought the book was set in victorian era (like normal steampunk stuff) but no, its modern era but the people talk like they haven't been in modern era. The setting's and character's dullness, which made me initially confused, was horrendous. Is this suppose to be dystopian but no, its like a secret society story in america. Yeah, you get me right...
and the girl was complaining about her being 'exiled' to england. Girl, I WANT to stay in England. Free of charge at that. Jeesh... you can go all touristy and such and no one cares.
This book is not for those who like to read in full speed because this book stunted every chapter and shows little story progression until quarter end. I did comment about the length in the previous book but in this one, come on, its like waiting for tv series hiatus (which I was! Fringe TVD and OUAT was on hiatus, hence why I read this book) and then what you get was a goddamn turd.
and then what finally got to me in a most eyes-opening way was the book written in second point of view but in the style of first person point of view. Thats why it made me confused, POVs is like watching through a window or reside in someone's head or tagging along with the characters like some sort of guardian angel. But this?! Confused me a lot. Its like getting information dump on a lot of unnecessary things. Do I need to know every details of your feelings? Thats what first POV are for!
I'm really hoping the third book doesnt come out this year or I'm gonna go bald from pulling my hair everytime Donna do something so inane. Like write a diary, argue with the evil aunt or compare three boys and at one time wondered if her virtue is compromised for being alone with a guy, or suddenly had a dose of Cortexiphan in her and then she could do what Olivia Dunham do. Hell I dont really have a magnificent enlightenment when you glow like a tinkle bell and then you teleported yourself to places you want to be.
Did I say I took one week trying to continue reading from chapter 5? and a month since I began reading this book?
yeah
May 11, 2013
“Please,” she whispered to nobody in particular. Please, let him be okay. Let her not have cost a good man his life.
Oh, Donna. you idiot.
I was pretty disappointed with this sequel to The Iron Witch. In book one, Donna made her shares of mistakes, including making the choice of saving two people she cared about and possibly endangering the entire world. After having made a monumental mistake of that caliber, I had hoped that she would grow, mature, and learn from her mistakes. She doesn't.
In her defense, Donna does everything with the best intentions, but you know the saying about the road to hell being paved with good intentions? It's not just a saying. These old adages don't exist for fun, they're more or less true, and Donna's action literally proves it. She selfishly chooses to save the one person that matters to her, while putting the rest of the world in danger, however inadvertent her intentions were.
This book feels like a rehash of the previous one, with a slightly different plot and more characters. The recurring characters in the book do not change at all, Xan, Navin are still likeable and awesome. The Wood Queen is still there, as distrustful as usual (although someone should probably knock that fact into Donna's head with a big hammer, since she never learns her damn lesson). It should be interesting to see if she makes the same mistake thrice in the third book.
The subplot was more fleshed out than in the previous book. Donna uncovers the mystery of why their family were in the woods, running away with her that night, 10 years ago. She slowly discovers who should be trusted, and who has been deceiving her since the beginning. There was a new character added, Robert Lee from the Order of the Rose, whose addition didn't seem to serve many purpose besides to annoy Donna. I really didn't understand the role he played, and his involvements in the ending seem to be more of a coincidence than anything. I like his character, but his involvement didn't add much to the overall plot.
Oh, Donna. you idiot.
I was pretty disappointed with this sequel to The Iron Witch. In book one, Donna made her shares of mistakes, including making the choice of saving two people she cared about and possibly endangering the entire world. After having made a monumental mistake of that caliber, I had hoped that she would grow, mature, and learn from her mistakes. She doesn't.
In her defense, Donna does everything with the best intentions, but you know the saying about the road to hell being paved with good intentions? It's not just a saying. These old adages don't exist for fun, they're more or less true, and Donna's action literally proves it. She selfishly chooses to save the one person that matters to her, while putting the rest of the world in danger, however inadvertent her intentions were.
This book feels like a rehash of the previous one, with a slightly different plot and more characters. The recurring characters in the book do not change at all, Xan, Navin are still likeable and awesome. The Wood Queen is still there, as distrustful as usual (although someone should probably knock that fact into Donna's head with a big hammer, since she never learns her damn lesson). It should be interesting to see if she makes the same mistake thrice in the third book.
The subplot was more fleshed out than in the previous book. Donna uncovers the mystery of why their family were in the woods, running away with her that night, 10 years ago. She slowly discovers who should be trusted, and who has been deceiving her since the beginning. There was a new character added, Robert Lee from the Order of the Rose, whose addition didn't seem to serve many purpose besides to annoy Donna. I really didn't understand the role he played, and his involvements in the ending seem to be more of a coincidence than anything. I like his character, but his involvement didn't add much to the overall plot.
March 27, 2013
"The Wood Queen" was Karen Mahoney's second novel in "The Iron Witch" trilogy, and well...it somewhat underwhelmed me to be frank. The writing seemed to meander more and rely on more direct citations of cliches, the plot took forever to move from one vital point to the next, and I think the addition of Donna's mother's journal didn't really add that much to the ongoing narrative, which suffered a bit from the staggering transitions. The plot itself revolved around Donna being put on trial for her actions in the previous book - sacrificing a vital elixir to save Navin. In the meantime, Donna realizes that the Wood Queen is up to no good, placing a curse on Donna's mother that's a ticking timebomb. Add to that some complicated tensions in the Orders and closely guarded secrets about Donna's identity and abilities, and that's pretty much the novel. It's not nearly as engaging as I hoped it would be, however, and Donna makes some rather rash decisions that made me want to facepalm more than a few times. The novel ends well enough, on a decent transition point to the next work. I'll admit I'm interested in seeing where this narrative goes, and I still like the characters overall, but I think the journey and narrative could've been a little better structured in the overarching tale.
Overall score: 2/5
Overall score: 2/5
Want to read
June 29, 2011I love the new cover. The subtle changes make all the difference =)
September 16, 2018
The middle book of the Iron Witch trilogy finds Donna on trial for the events of the first book. Oh, they keep saying that it is just a hearing and that there will be a punishment not a sentence but Donna isn't buying it. She'd do the same thing again if circumstances were the same.
Donna is wondering if she wants to be part of the alchemist organization at all. Her aunt has been keeping things from her for years including the mysterious powers that seem to be awakening in her. She doesn't know what the goals of the organization are but she is almost positive that, if they are being guided by Simon Gaunt, she doesn't want any part of them.
She is concerned about her mother who is facing a new medical crisis. When Xan tells her it is an elf curse and the wood queen wants to make a deal, Donna is willing to do anything to free her mother from the curse. Besides opening a door to faerie and sending the wood elves home to keep them from dying sounds like a good thing, doesn't it?
But even good things have unexpected consequences, especially when those who are supposed to educating her, keep major secrets from her.
This was an exciting volume as Donna learns more about her powers and somehow attracts a really creepy new suitor.
Donna is wondering if she wants to be part of the alchemist organization at all. Her aunt has been keeping things from her for years including the mysterious powers that seem to be awakening in her. She doesn't know what the goals of the organization are but she is almost positive that, if they are being guided by Simon Gaunt, she doesn't want any part of them.
She is concerned about her mother who is facing a new medical crisis. When Xan tells her it is an elf curse and the wood queen wants to make a deal, Donna is willing to do anything to free her mother from the curse. Besides opening a door to faerie and sending the wood elves home to keep them from dying sounds like a good thing, doesn't it?
But even good things have unexpected consequences, especially when those who are supposed to educating her, keep major secrets from her.
This was an exciting volume as Donna learns more about her powers and somehow attracts a really creepy new suitor.
January 28, 2021
This book was alright. Nothing really exceptional about it. Donna deffently isnt the smartest character but she was tolerable. Though i don't care about her relationship with Xan. Theres no real chemistry between them and they hardly interact. I think through this entire book she saw him 4 times and they were really short with nothing to them. The only thing they have in common is there knowledge of fey and alchemist.
Another thing is the book kind of repeated the same events from the first book. The wood queen wants something, Donna sneaks around simons lab, finds solution, trades with queen, gets chased in forest by monster. Its the same plot all over again. I hope its not like this in the third book, but reading the back of it my expectations are low.
Lastly this at times feels like something you would read off of wattpad. At times the writting was so random. And plot points are forced into the story. Navin just appears randomly through out the book. Theres one scene where Donna and Xan are making breakfast and Xan's like, "oh its my birthday." And then it never comes up again.
I'm going to read the last one and hope its more exciting but I'm not holding my breath.
Another thing is the book kind of repeated the same events from the first book. The wood queen wants something, Donna sneaks around simons lab, finds solution, trades with queen, gets chased in forest by monster. Its the same plot all over again. I hope its not like this in the third book, but reading the back of it my expectations are low.
Lastly this at times feels like something you would read off of wattpad. At times the writting was so random. And plot points are forced into the story. Navin just appears randomly through out the book. Theres one scene where Donna and Xan are making breakfast and Xan's like, "oh its my birthday." And then it never comes up again.
I'm going to read the last one and hope its more exciting but I'm not holding my breath.
January 27, 2024
Gah... I wanted to like this book. I like the concept and the story. I felt like parts of the story were longer than they needed to be and I felt like my boy Navin had a complete flip on the traits I loved in book one. Where'd he go? I had problems with Donna making stupid decisions and not asking anyone for their opinions when she has no idea what she's doing. I feel Im invested and gotten this far. We'll see if I can read #3.
June 28, 2024
She is the daughter of alchemists. As a small child, iron was used to tattoo her. It saved her life. But it also controlled her abilities & not only did no one train her, but no one bothered to tell her what they might be. Now the Wood Queen uses that naivety & Donna’s love for her mother to manipulate her into opening the door into the lands of demons.
Some of the best modern fantasy is being written for the YA market & this is most defiantly one of them.
Some of the best modern fantasy is being written for the YA market & this is most defiantly one of them.
November 13, 2021
Sort of like the last book in this series I found myself being annoyed by Donna as a narrator. Everything else I liked (the other characters, the plot, the writing style) but I just don't like Donna. I don't hate her enough to stop reading the series but she's just not for me to say the least.
April 30, 2023
The first book in the series didn’t exactly impress me, but I’d read it to the end as it had a couple of good things going for it. But this one feels like a lot of exposition with a dose of self-pity.
DNF 4%
DNF series
DNF 4%
DNF series
September 2, 2018
Good quick read.
This book is a good quick read. It follows the first book well and sets things up for the conclusion in book 3.
This book is a good quick read. It follows the first book well and sets things up for the conclusion in book 3.
Read
April 22, 2021I found both this book and the first one by chance, but am glad I did because it was quite good
June 15, 2021
Let’s just say I can’t wait to see what happens ..
October 15, 2021
(3.5) *review to come*
March 19, 2024
[3.5] being thinking about like the rating & decided to give it a half rating as you can see
July 26, 2019
as always, wonderful in this contemporary with no fantastic or elements but a surprise in the ending!
March 13, 2016
Full review at http://bronzelock619.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-wood-queen-iron-witch-2-karen.html.
I am really glad that Donna was a more likable character in this book compared to the previous one. She was less oblivious, and more aware of the fact that many of the alchemists were lying to her, including her own aunt. Most of them had a lot of greed when it came to Donna's special ability. This was especially obvious in Simon. He had the vibe of an evil overlord that could be detected a mile away, and I do not know how Donna could miss that for so many years. She was smarter, which was why I found her a lot less annoying in this book.
Donna did make a really stupid move (major spoiler:)that may have caused the end of the world, but she could hardly be blamed this time. She was forced into a deal with the Wood Queen turned into a disaster, but it was not like she had any choice since her mother's life was on the line. If the alchemists were not so determined to keep her ignorant of everything, she would have had a better idea of the deal she was walking into. Although, Donna nearly did something that would have made me lose respect of her. I never approve of female leads using impromptu sex to temporarily escape her problems. They were not ready, and usually regret it immediately after. It just causes more emotional problems later. Lucky for Donna, Xan was a lot more level-headed and was a perfect gentleman. Even though they got interrupted and did not actually do it, eventually Donna was truly ready and knew she what she was walking into. That spoke a lot of her emotional maturity. Her determination, and the lengths she would go for the people she loved, was admirable.
Even though Donna and Xan's romantic relationship was going strong, they do have their fair share of troubles. Donna got insecure when she finally met the changeling girl that introduced Xan into the world of faeries. Then, of course, Xan and Navin still did not get along, as Navin was obviously in love with Donna and only she herself did not realize it. In addition, Donna got herself a new love interest in this book, the mysterious and creepy Demon King. Donna really got her hands full in terms of guys. Xan was the hot one, Navin was the funny one, and the Demon King was the mysterious one. Poor Navin had a new contender as the funny one though. There was a new alchemist from the Order of the Crow that had a great sense of humour. Robert was just a friend to Donna though, and he was gay. Navin and Robert's friendship with Donna were comfortable and easy, making it really fun to read.
In this book, a whole new species, demons, were introduced. It felt really random, as faeries and demons were not usually sub-genres that mix. Then again, neither do alchemists and faeries either. The faeries and demons had their own dimensions, and Donna had the ability to open doors to these dimensions because apparently she had a mysterious alchemical "first matter" inside her? It was a bit weird, but I guess we just had to roll with the rules of the series.
This book did not have a very likable main character, but it did have a lot of intriguing support characters. The pacing was a bit slow, so luckily most of Donna's hearing was skipped over because it would just have made the book even duller. It was mostly a bunch of old people sitting around to discuss Donna's punishment for days, and them placing Donna alone in rooms all over the mansion. The good news is that there were a lot more interesting things going on, and it was an improvement from the previous book of the series. Hopefully, things would improve in the next book.
I am really glad that Donna was a more likable character in this book compared to the previous one. She was less oblivious, and more aware of the fact that many of the alchemists were lying to her, including her own aunt. Most of them had a lot of greed when it came to Donna's special ability. This was especially obvious in Simon. He had the vibe of an evil overlord that could be detected a mile away, and I do not know how Donna could miss that for so many years. She was smarter, which was why I found her a lot less annoying in this book.
Donna did make a really stupid move (major spoiler:)that may have caused the end of the world, but she could hardly be blamed this time. She was forced into a deal with the Wood Queen turned into a disaster, but it was not like she had any choice since her mother's life was on the line. If the alchemists were not so determined to keep her ignorant of everything, she would have had a better idea of the deal she was walking into. Although, Donna nearly did something that would have made me lose respect of her. I never approve of female leads using impromptu sex to temporarily escape her problems. They were not ready, and usually regret it immediately after. It just causes more emotional problems later. Lucky for Donna, Xan was a lot more level-headed and was a perfect gentleman. Even though they got interrupted and did not actually do it, eventually Donna was truly ready and knew she what she was walking into. That spoke a lot of her emotional maturity. Her determination, and the lengths she would go for the people she loved, was admirable.
Even though Donna and Xan's romantic relationship was going strong, they do have their fair share of troubles. Donna got insecure when she finally met the changeling girl that introduced Xan into the world of faeries. Then, of course, Xan and Navin still did not get along, as Navin was obviously in love with Donna and only she herself did not realize it. In addition, Donna got herself a new love interest in this book, the mysterious and creepy Demon King. Donna really got her hands full in terms of guys. Xan was the hot one, Navin was the funny one, and the Demon King was the mysterious one. Poor Navin had a new contender as the funny one though. There was a new alchemist from the Order of the Crow that had a great sense of humour. Robert was just a friend to Donna though, and he was gay. Navin and Robert's friendship with Donna were comfortable and easy, making it really fun to read.
In this book, a whole new species, demons, were introduced. It felt really random, as faeries and demons were not usually sub-genres that mix. Then again, neither do alchemists and faeries either. The faeries and demons had their own dimensions, and Donna had the ability to open doors to these dimensions because apparently she had a mysterious alchemical "first matter" inside her? It was a bit weird, but I guess we just had to roll with the rules of the series.
This book did not have a very likable main character, but it did have a lot of intriguing support characters. The pacing was a bit slow, so luckily most of Donna's hearing was skipped over because it would just have made the book even duller. It was mostly a bunch of old people sitting around to discuss Donna's punishment for days, and them placing Donna alone in rooms all over the mansion. The good news is that there were a lot more interesting things going on, and it was an improvement from the previous book of the series. Hopefully, things would improve in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2024
Book two of the iron bridge chronicles by the talented author Karen Mahoney, I absolutely loved reading this book it had shocking revelations and betrayals, lots of questions were answered I loved reading more about Xan, Navin and Donna, Simon gaunt, Quentin frost, aunt paige, Patrick and Rachel underwood as well as new characters of Robert Lee and Miranda back house from the order of the crow and the demon Demian. This book is highly entertaining and enjoyable book to read.
Two weeks since the previous book, Donna still has nightmares, navin barely speaking to her, the hearing arrives about her stealing and destroying the elixir, telling their secrets to navin consorting with a half fey. During a recess she meets ivy a fey sent on behalf of the queen wanting to speak to her. Her mother’s health takes a rapid decline and xan tells her it’s an elf curse. She meets with the queen who once again warns her that the order of the dragon has kept things from her and that Simon gaunt has been summoning demons, the queen placed a curse on her mother as an insurance policy wants Donna to use her powers to open a door to faerie so the elves can go home warns her that her mother only has two more days or she dies. Quentin suggest locating her mothers journal. Donna discovers gaunts screaming statue calling himself newton is a demon trapped by Simon. She located her mother’s journal in her aunt Paige’s office her mother was concerned about her safety from the order especially Simon who planned to use her to get to faerie. The hearing ends and she gets told she will be apprenticing under Miranda blackhouse in London for the order of the crow for a year to produce a philosophers stone. She takes some time. Robert Lee of the order of the crow encourages her to go to London she’s not safe with the order of the dragon. Donna visits the maker who tells her the tattoos were to heal her arms but also bind her powers now that she killed the beast it’s broken the binding and her power is coming to fruition. She has a unique power to open doors to different realms her parents tried to smuggle her out of iron ridge but were betrayed by her aunt Paige who also had the binding placed on her. The wood queen tricks her into opening a portal for her mothers soul but it opened a portal to the other world where demons have been kept prisoner for centuries thanks to the alchemists but now they’re freed thanks to Donna demian personally thanks her. So demons are running around, her mother is completely healed and she’s leaving for London.
Two weeks since the previous book, Donna still has nightmares, navin barely speaking to her, the hearing arrives about her stealing and destroying the elixir, telling their secrets to navin consorting with a half fey. During a recess she meets ivy a fey sent on behalf of the queen wanting to speak to her. Her mother’s health takes a rapid decline and xan tells her it’s an elf curse. She meets with the queen who once again warns her that the order of the dragon has kept things from her and that Simon gaunt has been summoning demons, the queen placed a curse on her mother as an insurance policy wants Donna to use her powers to open a door to faerie so the elves can go home warns her that her mother only has two more days or she dies. Quentin suggest locating her mothers journal. Donna discovers gaunts screaming statue calling himself newton is a demon trapped by Simon. She located her mother’s journal in her aunt Paige’s office her mother was concerned about her safety from the order especially Simon who planned to use her to get to faerie. The hearing ends and she gets told she will be apprenticing under Miranda blackhouse in London for the order of the crow for a year to produce a philosophers stone. She takes some time. Robert Lee of the order of the crow encourages her to go to London she’s not safe with the order of the dragon. Donna visits the maker who tells her the tattoos were to heal her arms but also bind her powers now that she killed the beast it’s broken the binding and her power is coming to fruition. She has a unique power to open doors to different realms her parents tried to smuggle her out of iron ridge but were betrayed by her aunt Paige who also had the binding placed on her. The wood queen tricks her into opening a portal for her mothers soul but it opened a portal to the other world where demons have been kept prisoner for centuries thanks to the alchemists but now they’re freed thanks to Donna demian personally thanks her. So demons are running around, her mother is completely healed and she’s leaving for London.
February 9, 2012
I loved The Iron Witch when I read it last year so it has been a very long wait for The Wood Queen - I literally could not wait to get my hands on this book! Karen Mahoney picks up the story not long after the ending of The Iron Witch so Donna finds herself on trial with the alchemists for the loss of the last of the precious elixir. Not only is Donna in trouble with the alchemists but she also has the Wood Queen on her case again and this time Aliette is using Donna's mother for leverage.
So our heroine has a lot going against her but as I would expect she isn't going to go down without a fight. Donna is going to do whatever it takes to save her mum and she isn't going to let the alchemists walk all over her either. It was good to learn a bit more about the alchemists history and the different orders but I still have a lot of questions about them. The more we find out the harder it is to figure out just who Donna should trust but it's quite clear she has some powerful enemies.
I'm really interested in the new abilities that Donna is starting to develop and can't wait to see how that continues in the next book. The author has taken the series in a very different direction to the one I was expecting and I can't wait to see how that plays out - I have a feeling that things are going to get very exciting in The Stone Demon!
I absolutely loved Xan in the first book but I found myself feeling a bit less sure of him in this instalment. I still think he's hot (and there is a fab kissing scene with him and Donna!) but I found myself wondering just what he was up to and I'm not sure if he is 100% trust worthy. He was just a little too secretive at times and it makes me worry about what he could be hiding. I may be proved completely wrong though so I haven't written him off yet but I did find myself routing more for Nav in this book. I have a feeling he's been keeping his feelings for Donna a secret and I'm wondering if we could see them turn into more than just friends. Either way I think Nav is a great character and I love the fact that he is so supportive of Donna and always there when she needs him.
The Wood Queen is a great instalment in the series that has left me desperate for the final book in the trilogy! If you enjoyed The Iron Witch then The Wood Queen is a must read. If you haven't started this series yet then you really should read the books in order but I would highly recommend the series to any YA urban fantasy fans.
So our heroine has a lot going against her but as I would expect she isn't going to go down without a fight. Donna is going to do whatever it takes to save her mum and she isn't going to let the alchemists walk all over her either. It was good to learn a bit more about the alchemists history and the different orders but I still have a lot of questions about them. The more we find out the harder it is to figure out just who Donna should trust but it's quite clear she has some powerful enemies.
I'm really interested in the new abilities that Donna is starting to develop and can't wait to see how that continues in the next book. The author has taken the series in a very different direction to the one I was expecting and I can't wait to see how that plays out - I have a feeling that things are going to get very exciting in The Stone Demon!
I absolutely loved Xan in the first book but I found myself feeling a bit less sure of him in this instalment. I still think he's hot (and there is a fab kissing scene with him and Donna!) but I found myself wondering just what he was up to and I'm not sure if he is 100% trust worthy. He was just a little too secretive at times and it makes me worry about what he could be hiding. I may be proved completely wrong though so I haven't written him off yet but I did find myself routing more for Nav in this book. I have a feeling he's been keeping his feelings for Donna a secret and I'm wondering if we could see them turn into more than just friends. Either way I think Nav is a great character and I love the fact that he is so supportive of Donna and always there when she needs him.
The Wood Queen is a great instalment in the series that has left me desperate for the final book in the trilogy! If you enjoyed The Iron Witch then The Wood Queen is a must read. If you haven't started this series yet then you really should read the books in order but I would highly recommend the series to any YA urban fantasy fans.
February 12, 2012
Donna is on trial for stealing and losing the last drops of the Elixir of Life. Donna stole the Elixir in order to rescue her friends - Navin and Maker from the Wood Queen who agreed to release her friends in return for the Elixir. The leaders of the four different Orders of alchemists come together for the trial and to ultimately decide Donna's fate.
Donna's aunt is not allowing her any freedom as punishment for stealing and lying, so she is cut off from her best friend Navin and her half fae boyfriend Xan. After being caught up in Donna's world, Navin is still recovering from his time with the Wood Queen but he doesn't blame Donna for what happened to him. Navin is sweet, loyal, supportive and just an all round good guy. They are hints that he has romantic feelings for Donna but we all know the best friend never gets a look in. Donna and Navin's friendship was the best thing about the book - they had history and laughs and the affection between the two was clear. Donna and Navin made far more sense than Donna and Xan, they had more interesting conversations and a real connection when compared to Donna and Xan.
Xan was underwhelming and boring, he kept too many secrets and the secrets he kept from Donna showed how little he trusted her. He was rarely there for Donna and was too worried about himself than about Donna's trial. Donna had to constantly seek out Xan to be with him, Xan didn't make much of an effort to be there for her. Xan's possible ex-girlfriend, Ivy also shows up and it's obvious that Ivy and Xan had/have very strong feelings for each other moreso than Xan has for Donna..it does look like there'll be a possible Donna-Xan-Ivy love triangle which has put me of the next book. Like a lot of readers..i'm tired of love triangles.
Donna was whiny, childish and oh so stupid for most of the book, it was hard to root for her when she acted so reckless and gullible. Her relationship with her aunt was strained at best and Donna handles thing poorly with her. Donna needed to get a backbone and stick up for herself without having the need to rant and rave.
Things were left up in the air in regards to the door Donna opened, her future with her mother and her relationship with Xan. I somewhat foolishly hope Donna fixes the problems she inadvertantly created, mends bridges with the Order, gets to know her mum and forgets about bland Xan.
Donna's aunt is not allowing her any freedom as punishment for stealing and lying, so she is cut off from her best friend Navin and her half fae boyfriend Xan. After being caught up in Donna's world, Navin is still recovering from his time with the Wood Queen but he doesn't blame Donna for what happened to him. Navin is sweet, loyal, supportive and just an all round good guy. They are hints that he has romantic feelings for Donna but we all know the best friend never gets a look in. Donna and Navin's friendship was the best thing about the book - they had history and laughs and the affection between the two was clear. Donna and Navin made far more sense than Donna and Xan, they had more interesting conversations and a real connection when compared to Donna and Xan.
Xan was underwhelming and boring, he kept too many secrets and the secrets he kept from Donna showed how little he trusted her. He was rarely there for Donna and was too worried about himself than about Donna's trial. Donna had to constantly seek out Xan to be with him, Xan didn't make much of an effort to be there for her. Xan's possible ex-girlfriend, Ivy also shows up and it's obvious that Ivy and Xan had/have very strong feelings for each other moreso than Xan has for Donna..it does look like there'll be a possible Donna-Xan-Ivy love triangle which has put me of the next book. Like a lot of readers..i'm tired of love triangles.
Donna was whiny, childish and oh so stupid for most of the book, it was hard to root for her when she acted so reckless and gullible. Her relationship with her aunt was strained at best and Donna handles thing poorly with her. Donna needed to get a backbone and stick up for herself without having the need to rant and rave.
Things were left up in the air in regards to the door Donna opened, her future with her mother and her relationship with Xan. I somewhat foolishly hope Donna fixes the problems she inadvertantly created, mends bridges with the Order, gets to know her mum and forgets about bland Xan.
March 5, 2012
The Iron Witch was an extraordinary novel regarding the life of Donna Underwood - a young woman who was raised by ‘normal’ parents in a world that she never knew was run by four ‘Orders.’ Crow, Lion, Dragon, and Rose are the Orders that make up all her rules and regulations, which Donna found out once her father was dead, her mother had gone mad and was put into a hospital, and her Aunt Paige ended up raising her. The one thing that adorns Donna’s body are tattoos of iron on her arms, which she hides with long gloves. These tattoos give her power - power that even she doesn’t understand.
In the first novel, Donna saved her best friend (a human named, Nav), and met up with a boy named Xan (a partial ‘fey’ which the Order calls the enemy), who fell more than a bit in love with her.
In this new offering, we begin with Donna on trial. All the Orders have gotten together to hand down her punishment - punishment for stealing the elixir of life and destroying it in an attempt to fool the Wood Queen and save her friend. Donna has no idea what’s to become of her, but she awaits the ‘sentence’ while trying desperately to get Aunt Paige off her back so she can go to the hospital and visit her Mom.
Secrets are uncovered by the Archmaster within the Order, and the man who saved her - Maker. Donna soon learns that her mother left a diary behind with some information that Donna has to have, especially since her power is growing and she has no idea what her full power can do. When it gets to the point where Donna has to have a ‘meeting’ with The Wood Queen in order to save her mother by opening a door that will allow the ‘elves’ back into the Queen’s world - Donna finds herself going against the Order and delving into a ‘deal’ where her love for her mother may open a door to a serious mistake.
Much like The Iron Witch, except even better, this story offers adventure, romance, friendship, and even a statue named Newton who talks to Donna and helps her to understand that her power has been activated. Add to that a ‘Goth’ looking alchemist from the Order of the Crow, and you have a novel that spells mystery, intrigue, and Hell on Earth! This is a series unlike all the other ‘fanged’ YA’s out there, and the author once again delivers a solid, exciting story. Enjoy!
Until Next Time,
Amy
In the first novel, Donna saved her best friend (a human named, Nav), and met up with a boy named Xan (a partial ‘fey’ which the Order calls the enemy), who fell more than a bit in love with her.
In this new offering, we begin with Donna on trial. All the Orders have gotten together to hand down her punishment - punishment for stealing the elixir of life and destroying it in an attempt to fool the Wood Queen and save her friend. Donna has no idea what’s to become of her, but she awaits the ‘sentence’ while trying desperately to get Aunt Paige off her back so she can go to the hospital and visit her Mom.
Secrets are uncovered by the Archmaster within the Order, and the man who saved her - Maker. Donna soon learns that her mother left a diary behind with some information that Donna has to have, especially since her power is growing and she has no idea what her full power can do. When it gets to the point where Donna has to have a ‘meeting’ with The Wood Queen in order to save her mother by opening a door that will allow the ‘elves’ back into the Queen’s world - Donna finds herself going against the Order and delving into a ‘deal’ where her love for her mother may open a door to a serious mistake.
Much like The Iron Witch, except even better, this story offers adventure, romance, friendship, and even a statue named Newton who talks to Donna and helps her to understand that her power has been activated. Add to that a ‘Goth’ looking alchemist from the Order of the Crow, and you have a novel that spells mystery, intrigue, and Hell on Earth! This is a series unlike all the other ‘fanged’ YA’s out there, and the author once again delivers a solid, exciting story. Enjoy!
Until Next Time,
Amy
January 27, 2012
This is the second book in The Iron Witch series by Karen Mahoney, it picks up right where we left Donna in the first book, just as she is about to walk into her hearing and find out what will become of her for losing the precious last few drops of the elixir of life.
The hearing itself is brilliantly played out throughout the book and made me not want to put the book down, I wanted to know what was going to happen to Donna. I loved seeing all the alchemists from the different orders come together, it was great to see all the little, subtle differences between them all.
I'm still not sure about Xan, if anything this book made me doubt him even more. He seems to be too up and down all the time. He is a great character and brings the romance element to the series, but I don't think I'd like to see him and Donna ending up together in the end. I'm secretly hoping that Navin has been hiding romantic feelings for Donna and it all comes out in the next book. I think they would made a far cuter couple!
Then of course there is the new boy, Robert who is a member of the order of the crow. I'd like to know a bit more about him as well but he does seems really interesting!
In this book we do find out a bit more about the history of the Alchemists and what they stand for, we also see Donna realise that she has a choice to make. She can either sign up and pledge her life to their cause at 18, or leave forever. Luckily enough she still has a few months to go before her birthday and before she has to make her decision. Personally, I'd like her to stay and do her best to shake things up and get rid of some of the archaic ways of doing things.
And if all that wasn't enough The Wood Queen, Aliette has popped up again! This time she is after Donna's help in exchange to cure her mother. This ends up raising lots of questions in the book and revealing Donna's true nature and her real powers. It also explains a lot about her iron tattoos!
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting and was completely caught up in the crazy fairy tale world that Karen Mahoney has created!
Overall, a brilliant an enchanting read! I am super excited for the last book, The Stone Demon to be released!
The hearing itself is brilliantly played out throughout the book and made me not want to put the book down, I wanted to know what was going to happen to Donna. I loved seeing all the alchemists from the different orders come together, it was great to see all the little, subtle differences between them all.
I'm still not sure about Xan, if anything this book made me doubt him even more. He seems to be too up and down all the time. He is a great character and brings the romance element to the series, but I don't think I'd like to see him and Donna ending up together in the end. I'm secretly hoping that Navin has been hiding romantic feelings for Donna and it all comes out in the next book. I think they would made a far cuter couple!
Then of course there is the new boy, Robert who is a member of the order of the crow. I'd like to know a bit more about him as well but he does seems really interesting!
In this book we do find out a bit more about the history of the Alchemists and what they stand for, we also see Donna realise that she has a choice to make. She can either sign up and pledge her life to their cause at 18, or leave forever. Luckily enough she still has a few months to go before her birthday and before she has to make her decision. Personally, I'd like her to stay and do her best to shake things up and get rid of some of the archaic ways of doing things.
And if all that wasn't enough The Wood Queen, Aliette has popped up again! This time she is after Donna's help in exchange to cure her mother. This ends up raising lots of questions in the book and revealing Donna's true nature and her real powers. It also explains a lot about her iron tattoos!
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting and was completely caught up in the crazy fairy tale world that Karen Mahoney has created!
Overall, a brilliant an enchanting read! I am super excited for the last book, The Stone Demon to be released!
October 7, 2012
I admit I thought this book was a joke when I first saw it. The cover is so childish, very different from the the first book. That was one was pretty, but the designs on her arms were clearly fake, put on by computers or something. This one though, the girl, who I think is supposed to be Donna, doesn't look real at all, more like those TV shows where they animate the characters, and she doesn't look anything like the girl in the first book, and what happened to the tattoos on her arms?. And the way all the light comes out at the top? It's so different from the first one, and I almost didn't get it. It was just that bad.
Okay, so it took me much longer than usual to finish this book. Usually, I read a book in 1 day, sometimes 2. But this one took me a while, it just wasn't that interesting. The plot was like a repeat of the first book.
Also, I could relate to Donna and understand her course of action, but the writing wasn't very detailed or descriptive, so it felt like I was just reading words off the paper that was supposed to be a story. I felt detached from everything happening, and I couldn't visualize any of it. It was like that for the relationships too. Donna and Xan didn't really have a chance to deepen theirs because of the timeline of the book's plot, and Xan didn't feel involved in the book anymore. Even in the setting of the book. Donna didn't see anybody else besides the previous set of characters, plus an add-on. It was like they were isolated from the world, but in reality, they were right next door to it. So the way Mahoney didn't tackle on any outsiders made the book feel unrealistic.
But I did like a few things. Navin's personality made up for some of Xan's missing ones, and Robert's did the rest. I really liked those two characters, and the times Donna was with them, the book came alive for me. Another was the entries in Rachel's journal, it was very interesting and I would have liked to read more of it. It made up for all the secrets in Donna's life, and the answers the book never gave.
So, the book wasn't really that good, but a certain parts still made it worth three stars.
Okay, so it took me much longer than usual to finish this book. Usually, I read a book in 1 day, sometimes 2. But this one took me a while, it just wasn't that interesting. The plot was like a repeat of the first book.
Also, I could relate to Donna and understand her course of action, but the writing wasn't very detailed or descriptive, so it felt like I was just reading words off the paper that was supposed to be a story. I felt detached from everything happening, and I couldn't visualize any of it. It was like that for the relationships too. Donna and Xan didn't really have a chance to deepen theirs because of the timeline of the book's plot, and Xan didn't feel involved in the book anymore. Even in the setting of the book. Donna didn't see anybody else besides the previous set of characters, plus an add-on. It was like they were isolated from the world, but in reality, they were right next door to it. So the way Mahoney didn't tackle on any outsiders made the book feel unrealistic.
But I did like a few things. Navin's personality made up for some of Xan's missing ones, and Robert's did the rest. I really liked those two characters, and the times Donna was with them, the book came alive for me. Another was the entries in Rachel's journal, it was very interesting and I would have liked to read more of it. It made up for all the secrets in Donna's life, and the answers the book never gave.
So, the book wasn't really that good, but a certain parts still made it worth three stars.
January 12, 2016
Das Cover gefällt mir wieder mal sehr gut. Donna und ihre magischen Tätowierungen wurden in Szene gesetzt, sowie auch der Titel. Durch das ähnelnde Cover hat das Buch einen gewissen Wiedererkennungswert. Definitiv ein Hingucker!
Der Schreibstil von Karen Mahoney hat sich meiner Meinung nach ziemlich gewandelt. Er ist zwar immer noch sehr flüssig zu lesen, doch sie konnte mich immerhin mehr an das Buch fesseln als beim ersten Band. Denn durch den habe ich mich durchgequält. Der Handlungszeitraum ist zwar immer noch sehr kurz gehalten, doch nun beträgt er ca. 1-2 Wochen und nicht mehr Tage. Was ich eigentlich sagen will ist, dass sich ihr Schreibstil ein wenig gebessert hat.
Die Charaktere haben sich eigentlich nicht wirklich weiterentwickelt, was ich äußerst schade fand. Und was mich am meisten ärgert, das sie nicht einfach mal den Mund aufmacht und abhaut. Ich meine, warum gibt sie sich den ganzen Mist der Alchimisten?! Ich hätte denen schon längst die Meinung gegeigt und mich verzogen. Hier hat mir echt das komplett rebellische eines Teenagers gefehlt.
Xan kam so gut wie gar nicht mehr vor und das obwohl Donna und er eine Beziehung führen. Auch ihr bester Freund tritt nur kurz auf.
Es kamen zwar neue Charaktere dazu, doch diese wurden nicht gut genug beleuchtet. Sie blieben sehr durchsichtig und nicht greifbar für mich als Leserin.
Die Spannung fehlte meiner Meinung nach gänzlich. Es war soooo vorhersehbar. Die Handlung des gesamten Buches blieb sehr mau. Soll heißen, dass sie nicht gut ausgearbeitet war. Meiner Meinung nach hat die Grundidee die, die Autorin hatte sehr viel Potenzial. Was aber leider ungenutzt blieb.
Das Ende war nicht wirklich ein Ende. Einen Cliffhanger kann man das nicht nennen. Irgendwie spornt mich das nicht an um den letzten Teil der Reihe zu lesen. Dieser ist außerdem nur auf Englisch erhältlich, bis jetzt...
Insgesamt ist der zweite Band der Iron Witch Reihe ein bisschen besser wie der erste Band. Aber umhauen konnte mich das Buch nicht. Wenn ich ehrlich bin, dachte ich mir am Ende nur: Das wars? Irgendwie hätte ich mir das sparen können... Ich kann das Buch nicht mit gutem Gewissen weiterempfehlen.
Die zwei Sternchen sind für das Cover und den besseren Schreibstil.
Der Schreibstil von Karen Mahoney hat sich meiner Meinung nach ziemlich gewandelt. Er ist zwar immer noch sehr flüssig zu lesen, doch sie konnte mich immerhin mehr an das Buch fesseln als beim ersten Band. Denn durch den habe ich mich durchgequält. Der Handlungszeitraum ist zwar immer noch sehr kurz gehalten, doch nun beträgt er ca. 1-2 Wochen und nicht mehr Tage. Was ich eigentlich sagen will ist, dass sich ihr Schreibstil ein wenig gebessert hat.
Die Charaktere haben sich eigentlich nicht wirklich weiterentwickelt, was ich äußerst schade fand. Und was mich am meisten ärgert, das sie nicht einfach mal den Mund aufmacht und abhaut. Ich meine, warum gibt sie sich den ganzen Mist der Alchimisten?! Ich hätte denen schon längst die Meinung gegeigt und mich verzogen. Hier hat mir echt das komplett rebellische eines Teenagers gefehlt.
Xan kam so gut wie gar nicht mehr vor und das obwohl Donna und er eine Beziehung führen. Auch ihr bester Freund tritt nur kurz auf.
Es kamen zwar neue Charaktere dazu, doch diese wurden nicht gut genug beleuchtet. Sie blieben sehr durchsichtig und nicht greifbar für mich als Leserin.
Die Spannung fehlte meiner Meinung nach gänzlich. Es war soooo vorhersehbar. Die Handlung des gesamten Buches blieb sehr mau. Soll heißen, dass sie nicht gut ausgearbeitet war. Meiner Meinung nach hat die Grundidee die, die Autorin hatte sehr viel Potenzial. Was aber leider ungenutzt blieb.
Das Ende war nicht wirklich ein Ende. Einen Cliffhanger kann man das nicht nennen. Irgendwie spornt mich das nicht an um den letzten Teil der Reihe zu lesen. Dieser ist außerdem nur auf Englisch erhältlich, bis jetzt...
Insgesamt ist der zweite Band der Iron Witch Reihe ein bisschen besser wie der erste Band. Aber umhauen konnte mich das Buch nicht. Wenn ich ehrlich bin, dachte ich mir am Ende nur: Das wars? Irgendwie hätte ich mir das sparen können... Ich kann das Buch nicht mit gutem Gewissen weiterempfehlen.
Die zwei Sternchen sind für das Cover und den besseren Schreibstil.
July 4, 2012
*Genre* Young Adult Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*First Thoughts*
The Wood Queen takes place nearly 2 weeks after the Iron Witch in which Donna made some fateful decisions in order to save Maker, and Naven from the Wood Queen.
In this book, Donna actually grows a spine and does exactly what she needs to do in order to save her own mother from losing her mind completely. She has a tendency of putting others ahead of her own well being, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. We also learn more about Donna's bound powers which seem to be breaking through to epicness.
If you haven't read the first book, Donna is facing trial by her alchemist colleagues for fraternizing with the dark elves (including the Wood Queen); destroying the remaining drops of the elixir of life; sharing alchemical secrets with Navin and conspiring with Xan a half fae outcast.
There are several characters that I truly despised; Simon and Paige. The more you learn about these characters, the more you wish that Donna would use her new found powers and pay them back for years of being kept in the dark and used for their own nefarious schemes. As of this moment, Donna couldn't get away from either Simon or Paige fast enough to save her own skin and perhaps her life.
One of the more interesting additions to the story is Robert Lee from England. I think there is more to him than meets the eyes and hopefully we should see more of him in the next installment called The Stone Demon.
The story actually went to the brink of steaminess between Xan and Donna, only to be pulled back. I guess in a way it's a good thing since Donna and Xan are soon to be separated thanks the the Orders fateful decisions as well as Donna's own actions in saving her mother.
Yes, there is an interesting ending to this book after Donna once again works with the Wood Queen in what was supposed to be a moment where the Fae were sent packing back to Fairie. It seems that even when Donna tries to do a good thing, she mucks it up somehow and allows yet another force to be unleashed against her only alchemists.
Next installment: The Stone Demon releases February 2013 by Flux
*Rating* 3.5
*First Thoughts*
The Wood Queen takes place nearly 2 weeks after the Iron Witch in which Donna made some fateful decisions in order to save Maker, and Naven from the Wood Queen.
In this book, Donna actually grows a spine and does exactly what she needs to do in order to save her own mother from losing her mind completely. She has a tendency of putting others ahead of her own well being, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. We also learn more about Donna's bound powers which seem to be breaking through to epicness.
If you haven't read the first book, Donna is facing trial by her alchemist colleagues for fraternizing with the dark elves (including the Wood Queen); destroying the remaining drops of the elixir of life; sharing alchemical secrets with Navin and conspiring with Xan a half fae outcast.
There are several characters that I truly despised; Simon and Paige. The more you learn about these characters, the more you wish that Donna would use her new found powers and pay them back for years of being kept in the dark and used for their own nefarious schemes. As of this moment, Donna couldn't get away from either Simon or Paige fast enough to save her own skin and perhaps her life.
One of the more interesting additions to the story is Robert Lee from England. I think there is more to him than meets the eyes and hopefully we should see more of him in the next installment called The Stone Demon.
The story actually went to the brink of steaminess between Xan and Donna, only to be pulled back. I guess in a way it's a good thing since Donna and Xan are soon to be separated thanks the the Orders fateful decisions as well as Donna's own actions in saving her mother.
Yes, there is an interesting ending to this book after Donna once again works with the Wood Queen in what was supposed to be a moment where the Fae were sent packing back to Fairie. It seems that even when Donna tries to do a good thing, she mucks it up somehow and allows yet another force to be unleashed against her only alchemists.
Next installment: The Stone Demon releases February 2013 by Flux
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