About the Book

Book: Iron

Author: Madisyn Carlin

Genre: Christian Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling

Release date: September 30, 2022

Enforcing justice comes with a price.

Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s efforts are thwarted at every turn. With each discovery the danger grows, putting Red and the lives of those she cares about at risk. Can she reveal the mastermind’s identity before she herself becomes a target?

IRON is a Christian New Adult, Fantasy Fairytale Retelling

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

More from Madisyn

There are many original Cinderella stories, from all cultures and languages. Perhaps the two most common tales, however, are Frenchman Charles Perrault’s (also called Cendrillon) and the German Brothers Grimm’s Aschenputtel. The majority of these originals, and Brothers Grimm’s in particular, are not the sparkles-and-magic versions we are more familiar with. They are darker, bloodier, and deadlier, though they still possess an amazing display of creativity and storytelling.

 

The iconic, classical Disney retelling drew from Perrault’s version. I based IRON off a blend of Aschenputtel and Perrault’s, with very little influence garnered from Disney’s. Although I wanted it to be obvious IRON is a fairy tale retelling, I also wanted to put an often-unfound spin on it, which is where Redwyn and her occupation shine through. In addition, I am a firm believer there is no such thing as ”love at first sight”, also called ”insta love”, which is quite common in many fairy tales and retellings.

 

Instead, I wanted to present a nonmagical retelling based on faith, family, and bravery. Perhaps that is why this story turned out rawer and much more touching than I ever imagined. Within the pages of this book loyalty drives characters to step outside their comfortable boundaries and preferences, desperation reminds them why they need God, and bravery takes root even in those who thought themselves hopeless cowards.

 

Heavy faith elements, feathers, cranky horses, wolves, sinister plots, a creepy forest, and more take this story beyond the typical plot found in Cinderella retellings. There’s also humor, sarcasm, and a feisty detective who can’t quite grasp the concept of tactfulness.

 

So, if you enjoy fairy tale retellings with a plentitude of faith, humor, and action, IRON might be the book for you.

 

You can find IRON’s inspiration board here.

MY REVIEW

With a palace, lords, ladies and a beautifully crafted story the  author takes us on a journey where danger awaits for some. I loved that  this is a retelling of Cinderella. It is not the  typical story you may  think because it has much more imagination along  with faith elements that explode across the pages. 

I loved Red immediately with her fierce determination to find out who is behind the kidnappings of children. She has flaws which are explored in the  story. I loved how Red was not shy about speaking up when needed and how vulnerable she is at times. I felt like she became this innocent child at moments where she didn’t feel loved. Why would she have those thoughts? 

Chamonix is a beautiful addition to the story with poise and a gentle spirit. She does have some   health issues that are explored in the  story. I thought this was interesting and made for  a more realistic feel to the character. She has a big burden of choosing who  she will marry. It must be the right  one so that the kingdom will not suffer. She doesn’t want  to disappoint her parents so her decision will have to be slow and with thought to how it will affect others. 

Carter is the best character in this story. He is friends with Red who make for many disagreements but fun interactions. Carter  hides a secret which could end his friendship with Red. If only he could confide in her how awful his stepfather is  to him maybe the truth would set him free. We see him struggle as he can’t understand why God would allow his parents to die. “Beginning” in the story is what is referred to as God and Carter is angry with him. So much heartache has caused him to question the Beginning.  Will  he find his faith again? 

As I read the story I began to understand the relationship between Cinderella and the retelling where Carter is now the focus. He is badly mistreated by his stepbrothers and they have little respect for him. I couldn’t believe they  expected  him to stay up all night to tend to  twenty horses. I admired Carter for his level head and how he did his job humbly. 

The story deals with a sensitive subject of human trafficking in a gentle way. The kidnappings continue and Red is desperate for answers. Has Carter stumbled on the truth of who is behind the scheme to take children and  possibly adults ? The tension mounts throughout the book and I was glued to my spot. I was intrigued with where the author would go and how an upcoming  ball could change the lives of many. 

 Red questions her faith as she wonders who is in control when danger is upon her, Carter and the princess. Prayers are whispered as they all need help to survive what is before them. This story has been very intense at times but I adored how the author achieved a retelling of a classic and made it more relatable and filled with faith, hope and trust. Red is reminded that “shouldn’t we place our trust in Him without reservations?” 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 26

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 27

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 31

Blogging With Carol, April 1

For Him and My Family, April 2

Mary Hake, April 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 3

Pause for Tales, April 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Madisyn is giving away the grand prize package of one signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24fef/iron-celebration-tour-giveaway