Iron Heart (Crier’s War, 2)

It isn’t common for sequels to outshine an original but this one did. A great read, cool story, good character writing.

As was true for the first book of this series, I absolutely loved this novel! As a continuation, this story did a great job starting off where it left us. The characters continued to be incredible and the world further expanded into even more to love. We finally got to see many of the places that were mentioned in the first book and they were fleshed out beautifully. While I wish the two main characters’ storylines came back together sooner (since they were apart for a hefty chunk of the beginning of this book), once they did come back together, it was done really well. At first, I was worried all of the plot wouldn’t be able to get tied together cleanly, but of course, I had nothing to worry about and it was done well. My only complaint from this book is that there really wasn’t as much romance as I had been hoping. Partially to blame for this, of course, is that the romance got cut short because of the large portion of the book where the characters were physically apart. I also, however, felt like some parts of the story dragged or were weighed down by details that didn’t need to be there. There were times I would just graze over parts of the book because they just got too wordy—or rewordy (you’ll see what I mean). What I mean by that, is that, for example, Ayla’s backstory of “that day” when her village burned down felt like it was repeated at least four times. It wasn’t new information, we had already heard it before, so it felt a little bit dragging to the story to be retelling it so many times. The characters also seemed to reflect on their romantic interactions from the first book more than they created new ones. I felt like the characters just continued to pine for a bit too long. It was good in the first book and, in part, it was good for some of this one. But at some point, I had been expecting that the second book in this series would have a little more actually happen between the two love interests. Their storyline was cute and I loved how they interacted with each other, but there were so many moments where they had the perfect set up for some romance and it hardly went anywhere besides maybe a little hand-holding which was a little disappointing. Overall, I loved the book. Maybe if it had been a tiny bit longer or a few of the repetitive parts were cut out and replaced with more romance so that we could see more of what Crier and Ayla were like as an actual couple, I would have been completely satisfied. I still think this story deserves five stars and it’s one I absolutely love to death. There were a lot of beautifully written passages and the plot really was wonderfully unique. I look forward to more from this author!

Like the first, Iron Heart stated slow and thoughtful, carefully filling out the world, introducing new characters, and building towards the next beat. Halfway into the novel the breaks come off and the author sprints towards the conclusion through a too convenient series of discoveries, rescues, and arrivals. What's a pity is that the world and mysteries Varela created is one worth exploring and pondering on, but the breakneck pace the story suddenly embarks on leaves little that doesn't suffer as a result. New characters are introduced and their arcs suddenly resolved, long lost treasures are almost literally stumbled upon, and the climax is so quickly resolved that even the characters joke about it. This was a duology that would have greatly benefited from another book. By wrapping the central plot so quickly, the author did a great disservice to its setting, characters, and the fantastic conflict between humans and Automae the first book began. Still, I consider this book worth reading, if only to muse on the book that could have been. 4/5, an extra star because I love the two leads and their relationship.

I came for a queer story but I ended up with much more. The story is unique and keep you on the edge of each page. You can't stop reading! I loved this book

I enjoyed the character buildup in the first book and also how she built up the world around them. Lots of awesome interactions and emotions between the characters. This is only second to the The One Who Eats Monsters in my reading the last few years

Such a good sequel

Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors! Book: Iron Heart Author: Nina Varela Book Series: Crier’s War Book 2 Rating: 4/5 Diversity: Sapphic romance! LGBT+ characters aplenty! Recommended For...: sci-fi, robots, romance, war Publication Date: September 8, 2020 Genre: YA Sci-Fi Recommended Age: 16+ (grief, sexual content, romance, violence, gore, PTSD) Publisher: HarperTeen Pages: 400 Synopsis: For too long the cruel, beautiful Automae have lorded over the kingdom of Rabu, oppressing the humans who live there. But the human revolution is on the rise, and at its heart is Ayla. Once handmaiden, now fugitive, Ayla escaped the palace of Lady Crier, the girl Ayla had planned to kill . . . but instead fell in love with. Now Ayla has pledged her allegiance to Queen Junn, whom she believes can accomplish the ultimate goal of the human rebellion: destroy the Iron Heart. Without it, the Automae will be weakened to the point of extinction. But playing at Ayla’s memory are the powerful feelings she developed for Crier. And unbeknownst to her, Crier has also fled the palace, taking up among travelling rebels, determined to find and protect Ayla. As their paths collide, neither are prepared for the dark secret underlying the Iron Heart. In this stunning sequel to acclaimed author Nina Varela’s Crier’s War, the love that launched a revolution must now pave the way for a whole new era . . . and the ultimate change of heart. Review: For the most part I really liked this story. I liked the plot and I really think this series is great if binged. The characters are well developed and the world building is great as well. However, I did think that this book suffered from second book syndrome. The story didn't feel as captivating as the first and since you're reading the book from the POV of Crier and Ayla, you don't get a lot of action in this book. The romance was also kinda short. Verdict: A great duology!

Iron Heart is the sequel to Crier's War and a great ending to the serie. The human revolution againts the Automae is on the rise. Ayla is on the run as a fugitive. Instead of killing Crier like she was supposed to, she fell in love with her. But Crier is also on the run, having learn what her father and also what Kinok truly planned to do she must run. Wanting nothing to do with this. Crossing path with Ayla once more both of them will have a lot to do to stop this and when Crier find out the truth behind the heartstone produce by the Iron Heart, she will want to find an alternate source for the Automae power source.

I absolutely adored this book. I loved it as much as the first book, if not more. It was fast-paced, filled with so many emotions, and it just... wow. It's incredible.

ordered in the second week of july, received today. pretty impressed with the quality since it was stuck in transit for a while. both books i’d already read online before purchasing and just HAD to have paper copies instead. honestly one of my favourite sapphic fantasy novels!

Iron Heart has a very different tone and pacing from Crier's War, and thank god it does. Crier's War was all about introducing us to this complex world and even more complex characters, while Iron Heart is more adventure-focused and deals head on with the events set in motion by the first book. My favorite part of Iron Heart, however, is how Crier and Ayla have a chance to grow separetely before being reuinted. They were clearly already in love by the end of the first book, but there was so much they didn't understand about each other and about themselves, and this book gave them exactly that. I will admit that some plot points were a little too convenient (their random meeting near Lake Thea, mainly), but this is a fantasy novel after all and if fate brought them together that one time who am I to complain? The world building and the plot are fantastic, but Crier's War & Iron Heart's strongest selling points are the main characters. I'm sad that this story is over and I won't get to see more of Crier and Ayla, but I'm satisfied with the way their story ended and I'm looking forward to whatever Varela writes next.

bellissimo!