Iron Heart (Crier’s War, 2)

As was true for the first book of this series, I absolutely loved this novel! As a continuation, this story did a great job starting off where it left us. The characters continued to be incredible and the world further expanded into even more to love. We finally got to see many of the places that were mentioned in the first book and they were fleshed out beautifully. While I wish the two main characters’ storylines came back together sooner (since they were apart for a hefty chunk of the beginning of this book), once they did come back together, it was done really well. At first, I was worried all of the plot wouldn’t be able to get tied together cleanly, but of course, I had nothing to worry about and it was done well. My only complaint from this book is that there really wasn’t as much romance as I had been hoping. Partially to blame for this, of course, is that the romance got cut short because of the large portion of the book where the characters were physically apart. I also, however, felt like some parts of the story dragged or were weighed down by details that didn’t need to be there. There were times I would just graze over parts of the book because they just got too wordy—or rewordy (you’ll see what I mean). What I mean by that, is that, for example, Ayla’s backstory of “that day” when her village burned down felt like it was repeated at least four times. It wasn’t new information, we had already heard it before, so it felt a little bit dragging to the story to be retelling it so many times. The characters also seemed to reflect on their romantic interactions from the first book more than they created new ones. I felt like the characters just continued to pine for a bit too long. It was good in the first book and, in part, it was good for some of this one. But at some point, I had been expecting that the second book in this series would have a little more actually happen between the two love interests. Their storyline was cute and I loved how they interacted with each other, but there were so many moments where they had the perfect set up for some romance and it hardly went anywhere besides maybe a little hand-holding which was a little disappointing. Overall, I loved the book. Maybe if it had been a tiny bit longer or a few of the repetitive parts were cut out and replaced with more romance so that we could see more of what Crier and Ayla were like as an actual couple, I would have been completely satisfied. I still think this story deserves five stars and it’s one I absolutely love to death. There were a lot of beautifully written passages and the plot really was wonderfully unique. I look forward to more from this author!

It isn’t common for sequels to outshine an original but this one did. A great read, cool story, good character writing.

Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors! Book: Iron Heart Author: Nina Varela Book Series: Crier’s War Book 2 Rating: 4/5 Diversity: Sapphic romance! LGBT+ characters aplenty! Recommended For...: sci-fi, robots, romance, war Publication Date: September 8, 2020 Genre: YA Sci-Fi Recommended Age: 16+ (grief, sexual content, romance, violence, gore, PTSD) Publisher: HarperTeen Pages: 400 Synopsis: For too long the cruel, beautiful Automae have lorded over the kingdom of Rabu, oppressing the humans who live there. But the human revolution is on the rise, and at its heart is Ayla. Once handmaiden, now fugitive, Ayla escaped the palace of Lady Crier, the girl Ayla had planned to kill . . . but instead fell in love with. Now Ayla has pledged her allegiance to Queen Junn, whom she believes can accomplish the ultimate goal of the human rebellion: destroy the Iron Heart. Without it, the Automae will be weakened to the point of extinction. But playing at Ayla’s memory are the powerful feelings she developed for Crier. And unbeknownst to her, Crier has also fled the palace, taking up among travelling rebels, determined to find and protect Ayla. As their paths collide, neither are prepared for the dark secret underlying the Iron Heart. In this stunning sequel to acclaimed author Nina Varela’s Crier’s War, the love that launched a revolution must now pave the way for a whole new era . . . and the ultimate change of heart. Review: For the most part I really liked this story. I liked the plot and I really think this series is great if binged. The characters are well developed and the world building is great as well. However, I did think that this book suffered from second book syndrome. The story didn't feel as captivating as the first and since you're reading the book from the POV of Crier and Ayla, you don't get a lot of action in this book. The romance was also kinda short. Verdict: A great duology!

(you can find my other book reviews on my youtube channel ‘lipstick & literature’ “I could stand anywhere in this world and I swear my line of sight would end on you. I swear I’d find you in the dark.” Let me start by informing you all that I am currently residing in a puddle of my own tears. Much like Crier and Ayla’s second kiss, words have not yet been invented that can describe how wonderful Iron Heart by Nina Varela is. The sequel to Crier’s War was a book of intrigue and intellect and unexpected ups and downs (THAT ENDING HAD ME SCREECHING LIKE A BANSHEE IF IM BEING HONEST). I won’t lie, Crier’s War was the first sapphic book I ever read, so perhaps I am biased and Crier and Ayla have a special place in my heart for sentimental reasons, but I can confidently say Crier’s War and Iron Heart are two of the best books I have ever read in my life. I would die for this duology, DIE FOR IT. Nina Varela created a world so captivating and intriguing that I find myself wondering how she hasn’t won a Nobel Prize in Literature yet. If you can get your hands on Iron Heart, I suggest you do that, and in the meantime, I believe I will have to read it one hundred more times.

When I finished Crier's War, I immediately ordered Iron Heart and I couldn't sit still until I got it. I was already so blown away by the first book and the second one didn't disappoint. It starts right off where we left our characters, following them on their journey. A journey full of twists and turns, excitement, fear and love. I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down until I finished reading. This story pulls you in and leaves you wanting for more. Deep down I wish there were more than just two books, but Iron Heart gives you everything you wanted after reading Crier's Heart.

Such a good sequel

In this sequel to Crier’s War, we continue the journey of Ayla and Crier. Ayla has fled the palace after her attempt to take Crier’s life, and runs to Queen Junn in order to share what she knows of Kinok’s plan of the Iron Heart and the Anti Reliance Movement. Crier is still in Rabu’s palace awaiting her marriage to Kinok, but she is also aware of his plans and wishes to stop them as well. If you don’t remember all the details after the first book, the sequel does a wonderful job at summarizing it enough to jog your memory. The heart of the story is Ayla and Crier working to stop Kinok and fix the political issues between humans and Automae. It has some eerie similarities with current politics in the world today. You’ll really see the issues that the characters are trying to address and hope that they are able to succeed. Behind the external conflicts that are facing our main characters is the internal conflict of the romance between them. While Ayla and Crier may have initially been enemies, they have gotten to know each other personally in the first book. Here, they must work to admit their feelings and overcome the hurdle of a relationship between an Automae and a Human. Again, nothing is rushed here nor does it feel too slow. It ends up feeling like a very natural and organic relationship. It’s a nice cherry on top for a queer relationship in a world where gender doesn’t matter at all in relationships. If I have any complaints, it is that some of the new characters introduced in this sequel feel a little rushed and underdeveloped. I wasn’t really able to tell them all apart by the end of the novel, but there were not many of them. The novel still does a great job at painting Alya’s and Crier’s stories, and many returning characters from the first book are also well incorporated here. I think this is a great duology overall, and a prime example of why some YA trilogies should maybe just be duologies to avoid that “second book syndrome”.

I wasn’t ready for it to end! I read the first book in less than three days and the second in less than two. The world that Nina created was so beautiful and intriguing. Ayla and Crier were so amazing and I love them so much. I can’t wait to see what other books the author brings us!

Iron Heart is the sequel to Crier's War and a great ending to the serie. The human revolution againts the Automae is on the rise. Ayla is on the run as a fugitive. Instead of killing Crier like she was supposed to, she fell in love with her. But Crier is also on the run, having learn what her father and also what Kinok truly planned to do she must run. Wanting nothing to do with this. Crossing path with Ayla once more both of them will have a lot to do to stop this and when Crier find out the truth behind the heartstone produce by the Iron Heart, she will want to find an alternate source for the Automae power source.

I absolutely adored this book. I loved it as much as the first book, if not more. It was fast-paced, filled with so many emotions, and it just... wow. It's incredible.

ordered in the second week of july, received today. pretty impressed with the quality since it was stuck in transit for a while. both books i’d already read online before purchasing and just HAD to have paper copies instead. honestly one of my favourite sapphic fantasy novels!

Iron Heart has a very different tone and pacing from Crier's War, and thank god it does. Crier's War was all about introducing us to this complex world and even more complex characters, while Iron Heart is more adventure-focused and deals head on with the events set in motion by the first book. My favorite part of Iron Heart, however, is how Crier and Ayla have a chance to grow separetely before being reuinted. They were clearly already in love by the end of the first book, but there was so much they didn't understand about each other and about themselves, and this book gave them exactly that. I will admit that some plot points were a little too convenient (their random meeting near Lake Thea, mainly), but this is a fantasy novel after all and if fate brought them together that one time who am I to complain? The world building and the plot are fantastic, but Crier's War & Iron Heart's strongest selling points are the main characters. I'm sad that this story is over and I won't get to see more of Crier and Ayla, but I'm satisfied with the way their story ended and I'm looking forward to whatever Varela writes next.

bellissimo!