BOOK REVIEW: The Iron Witch by Karen Mahony

Title: The Iron Witch


Author: Karen Mahony

Publisher: Random House

RRP: $18.95

ISBN: 9781864718270

Release Date: February 2011



Description:



Utterly enthralling. Karen Mahoney is a brilliant storyteller.’ Richelle Mead, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of the VAMPIRE ACADEMY series

DESCRIPTION OF BOOK

FREAK.

That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic, which branded her hands and arms with iron tattoos. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only

thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.



When the vicious wood elves - the darkest outcasts of Faerie - abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries-old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend - even if it means betraying everything her parents fought to protect.

REVIEWS

‘Dark and beautiful, sensual and dangerous, utterly enthralling. Karen Mahoney is a brilliant storyteller, blending magic and alchemy with bold, captivating characters who step right off the page and draw you into their world. You'll fall under this book's spell.’ Richelle Mead, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of the VAMPIRE ACADEMY series



‘Mahoney's debut sizzles with romance and alchemical swashbuckling, but it's the steadfast character of Donna Underwood that kept me hooked. Her choices, her loyalty, her determination - all make for a refreshing and captivating read. The only problem with THE IRON WITCH is that the next book can't come fast enough.’ Tiffany Trent, author of IN THE SERPENT’S COILS

Review:

The Iron Witch is Karen Mahoney’s first novel, set in present day America and containing elements of alchemy and the fey. The book is targeted to the YA market and a mighty fine fantasy tale.

While set in modern day America, there are elves, faeries and the ancient arts.

The main character, Donna Underwood, has lost both her parents and somewhat an outcast, bearing iron tattoos, and having a rather high level or morals. We learn a lot about the characters and world created in this new series, which takes up most of this book. As with many series you need to set the scene, which is what Mahoney does well in The Iron Witch.

The next book will be a good read, with the background established and the reader introduced to the larger plot.