Review: Ironhand by Charlie Fletcher

April 14th, 2010 | 2.5-3 Treasure Chests, Action & Adventure, Book Review, D-F, Fantasy, Suspense or Thriller, YA Genre

by First Mate Keira

Title: Ironhand
Author: Charlie Fletcher
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 386
Grade Reading Level: Grades 5-8

Summary: Ironhand takes place immediately after Stoneheart. George and Edie have approximately 9 hours to save Gunner from the Walker's clutches or he will cease to exist/live to see another day. As they struggle to complete this task, George is forced to go the Hard Way. The Walker is determined to capture and exploit the Glint and the Maker for his own gain and ultimate freedom from the Stone. He will do whatever it takes by fair means or foul.

Why I started reading this book:

It’s book number two of three in the this unLondon based trilogy.

Likes:

The Walker's lair beneath the city of London and how Gunner manages to outwit the man and rescue himself.
George is very clever and figures out how to save Gunner from instant and permenant termination. I liked the use of the Unknown Soldier.
I like Spout and how George changes his Taint status into that of a Spit. Can I have a gargoyle as a pet too? I'd call her Raindrop.

Dislikes:

Edie's kidnapping by the Walker, especially knowing how the Walker has hunted down and killed hundreds of Glints (girls and women who can read the stone) in order to steal their Heartstones. I don't like the idea of young girls being abducted and brutally murdered. We're not given a lot of specifics, but based on what Glints are capable of seeing by touching bare stone, I imagine poor Edie saw some pretty gruesome things. It seems a little too dark for the younger readers on the recommended reading levels.
The Glint with the sewn-shut eyes. Creepy! I did not need that mental image. Shudder.

Buy: Ironhand (Stoneheart Trilogy, Book Two)

Rating: 3 Treasure Chests