Hello everyone! We are so thrilled for our stop on the Ironspark blog tour through Xpresso Tours. You can find the complete tour schedule here.
For our stop we are sharing a spoiler free review. Be sure pick up a copy of Ironspark wherever books are sold or request it from your local library.
About the Book
Ironspark by C.M. McGuireon August 25, 2020
Goodreads
Bryn has always been a loner. Knowing the truth about the Fae will do that to you. For the past nine years, ever since a bunch of those evil Tinkerbells abducted her mother, cursed her father, and forced her family into hiding, Bryn has devoted herself to learning everything she can about killing fairies.
But when the Fae threaten to take her brothers, Bryn isn't going to be able to handle this on her own. Gwen, a kind-hearted water witch; Jasika, a schoolmate with her own grudge against the Fae; and Dom, a new foster kid pulled into her world, all offer to help. But trust is hard-won.
That trust is put to the test when Bryn uncovers a book of Fae magic that once belonged to her mother. With the Fae threat mounting every day, Bryn must choose between faith in her friends and power from a magic that could threaten her very humanity.
About the Author
I am a storyteller at heart, and my poor mother was grateful when I started writing. It gave her ears a break. I write primarily science fiction and fantasy intended for the young adult and middle grade audience. Presently, I live in Texas with my two cats.
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveawayOur Thoughts
Ironspark is a standalone YA urban fantasy that brings a caste mystical creatures into our contemporary world. On the one hand, it is a delightful romp full of magic, mystery and strange creatures. On the other, McGuire tackles difficult questions about grief, identity and the relationships that shape us.
At the heart of the story is Bryn, a senior in high school who hunts faerie creatures as her extracariculars in an attempt to understand the faes’ abduction of her mother who disappeared and the curse they subsequently placed upon her father. Accompanying Bryn is a colorful cast of misfits and otherworldly creatures. Honestly, they were my favorite part of the book, especially Bryn’s love interest Gwen (who is a very sweet water witch). The friendships in Ironspark are heartwarming and moving, making the story that much more beautiful.
There is also amazing LGBTQIA+ representation in Ironspark, including at least one aesexual and another bi-curious character. I really appreciated the diversity and would recommend Ironspark for anyone looking to pick up a fantasy novel with LGBTQIA+ characters.
However, it should be noted that Ironspark is not all fun and games. There are difficult topics of parental abandonment, heavy familiar issues, self acceptance, and identity formation as Bryn faces court fae who have come to kill her and her family.
Ultimately if you love books about faeries (I’m looking at you Holly Black fans) Ironspark is the book for you. With decent pacing, fun characters, and a moving story I gave Ironspark 4.5/5 stars.
What About You?
Have you read Ironspark? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!
Thanks for being on the tour! Glad you liked it this sounds like a very well written read!
We really enjoyed it!