Feature book: Iron Kin

Iron Kin by MJ Scott

Set in a world where vulnerable humans survive under Fae protection and a treaty that keeps Blood Lords and shapeshifting Beast Kind from devastating the population, Saskia and Fen struggle to find their rightful places is this dangerous world.

Saskia, sister to Simon and Guy DuCaine, the heroes in the two earlier books in the series, is frustrated by her brothers’ protective attitude and the confines the upper echelons of society, they, and her mother expect her to conform to. She is a metal mage, determined to earn her place amongst the higher ranks of gifted metal mages. Working a forge and creating weapons and art from metal, particularly iron (a rare affinity for a woman) makes Saskia more determined to break away from the strictures her family place on her and find a way to help create a better and safer world for humans.

Fen is a mongrel, part Beast, part Fae and part human, who lives in one of the seedier areas of the city. He is a seer who struggles to hold back his visions. He hates the gift as it causes him constant and excruciating pain. All he wants is to find a way to block the bloody, violent images. But there are plenty of others who want to take advantage of his gift. As the time of the treaty renewal draws closer, all groups want to claim him and draw him to their group, to know what’s to come. As the Fae instigated Treaty is the only way that peace can be maintained, Fen must find a way to tame his gift and decide which side to work with.

Although this was the third book in the series, I had no trouble following and understanding the story and the world it is set in. Given the chance, though, I would rather have started from Book 1. And that’s because this is a terrific series. What an incredible world MJ Scott has created. I can believe in it, picture it. The politics of it are deep and well implemented. I also felt emotionally attached to these characters and their plight. Their world is so fragile, and trying to live full and meaningful lives under such conditions, surrounded by races that, well, hunger for them, makes for a story full of conflict.

For all those who enjoy paranormal, I would recommend this series highly.

Reviewed by Rosalie

A copy of this book was provided by the author.