Review: Ironskin by Tina Connolly

Goodreads Summary:

It’s the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain—the ironskin.

When a carefully worded listing appears for a governess to assist with a "delicate situation"—a child born during the Great War—Jane is certain the child is fey-cursed, and that she can help.

Teaching the unruly Dorie to suppress her curse is hard enough; she certainly didn’t expect to fall for the girl’s father, the enigmatic artist Edward Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio...and come out as beautiful as the fey.

Jane knows Rochart cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things is true? Step by step Jane unlocks the secrets of her new life—and discovers just how far she will go to become whole again.

Publication Date: October 2, 2012

This book had an interesting concept: combine the classic tale of Jane Eyre with a steampunk twist. Although I liked the idea behind the novel and I found it interesting enough to finish, I was left wanting more in certain aspects. However, with a sequel in the works, many of the issues I had could be easily resolved.

What I Liked: I thought the reimagining of Jane Eyre was a fun idea. I always enjoyed the Bronte tale and haven't read a retelling before. Ironskin retained the gothic feel of the original.

The world-building drew me in as the author describes how humanity has come to rely on fey technology. The fey were eerie and mysterious and I loved their part in the story.

Jane's interactions with Poule and Dorie were probably my favorite. I liked how they both helped Jane learn more about herself and how to deal with her curse.

The pacing at the end of the novel was great and I finished the last third of the novel in one sitting. Once Rochart's secret was revealed, the story really took off and made me excited to see what would happen to Jane.

What I Didn't Like: The romance was lacking in Ironskin. The scenes with Jane and Rochart were few and far between. I never felt a spark between the two of them and had to wonder how she fell for him when she barely saw him.

The pacing was a little slow at times. There were sections that dragged, especially the beginning where Jane is trying to teach Dorie to use her hands instead of her fey powers. I think more interaction with Rochert or his female visitors would have been more interesting.

Ironskin was a good read and I hope the sequel improves upon the pacing and romantic aspects of the story.

Rating: 3.75/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this novel for review!