Dark forces are on the rise in this sweeping sequel to The Black Witch by critically acclaimed author Laurie Forest. Elloren Gardner and her friends were only seeking to right a few wrongs when they rescued a Selkie and freed a military dragon. The last thing they expected was to be thrust into a realm-wide underground resistance against Gardnerian conquest. While the Resistance fights the …
While the Resistance fights the harsh rulings of the Mage Council, Gardnerian soldiers descend upon the University…led by none other than Lukas Grey, now commander of the nearby military base. Though Elloren tries to keep him at arm’s length, Lukas is determined to tie himself to her, convinced that she’s the heir to the power of the Black Witch, a legacy that will decide the future of Erthia. As his magic calls to her, Elloren finds it more and more difficult to believe she’s truly powerless, as her uncle always claimed.
Critics are raving about Laurie Forest’s incredible debut, The Black Witch:
“Forest uses a richly imagined magical world to offer an uncompromising condemnation of prejudice and injustice.” –Booklist, starred review
“Exquisite character work, an elaborate mythology, and a spectacularly rendered universe make this a noteworthy debut, which argues passionately against fascism and xenophobia.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
“This briskly paced, tightly plotted novel enacts the transformative power of education, creating engaging characters set in a rich alternative universe with a complicated history that can help us better understand our own.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Books in The Black Witch Chronicles:
The Black Witch
The Iron Flower
The Shadow Wand
The Demon Tide
Wandfasted (ebook novella)
Light Mage (ebook novella)
* Also available in print in The Rebel Mages anthology
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Oh my poor battered heart! I think from part three on, I just cried my way through this beautiful book. So much loss, so much sadness and yet, this ends will hope! Elloren is such a beautiful character. She’s a bit broken but intelligent and dedicated and she’s going to change her whole world. I can’t wait to witness her glorious purpose and enduring path. This is a must read series with spectacular world building and unforgettable storytelling.
We’ve been introduced to new races, gained enemies and then made allies with them, learned to be on our toes and then learned which characters to trust and even fall for. This is one epic plot that just keeps surprising me and giving my heart grief. Things are getting worse and even more dangerous. I’ve never read a witchy series quite like this. It’s unparalleled and I’m so in love with it.
I don’t know what I want to see happen next. But I do know that I want more for this world. I want peace and unity and all the things that give us a glorious happily ever after. I want true love for Elloren that she can keep and I want her brothers to come home. I want Auntie to have a reckoning and fall from grace. I know I also am quite frightened to become attached to any characters because they have a way of dying and it’s horrible and completely heartbreaking to witness.
Laurie Forest has very easily become of my favorite authors. She takes you away, her words just completely captive you and the story leaps from the pages and suddenly you’re immersed and it’s easy to lose all track of time and purpose. It took me a moment to reacquaint myself to my surroundings each time I had to set this unputdownable series down. If you love witches and fantasy and a series that will sweep you away and give you brutality but also endearing love, pick this up! It’s so worth it.
“Welcome to the resistance.”
The final line of The Black Witch. Enough to keep me on edge for months while I counted the days to read The Iron Flower. The wait was more than well worth it.
Laurie Forest exceeded my expectations tenfold with an action-packed epic sequel. The Iron Flower is an emotional rollercoaster full of adventure and romance that won’t let you go until you finish, and maybe even after. It has taken me days to organize my thoughts, there is a lot going on.
Gardneria has become the most dangerous place on Erthia for those who are not Gardnerian. The mage council’s rulings becoming more and more repressive, and brutal than ever under the leadership of Marcus Vogel.
Elloren and her friends, the lupines, the selkie, the Fae, a Kelt, elves, and Icarals, are more in danger than ever before. But that doesn’t stop them from creating even deeper bonds and fighting for what’s right.
During the first half of The Black Witch, I wanted to slap Elloren a few times. Not anymore, she has become the kind of heroine I root for in The Iron Flower, defying old age prejudgements and breaking the rules; risking her life to protect those she loves. Fighting with everything she has not to fall into the dark temptation that the dark power coursing through her veins carries.
Lukas Grey, one of Elloren’s love interests is back with a vengeance. His power call’s to her and creates a dangerous temptation hard to resist. I didn’t much like him before, I definitely don’t like him one bit now.
My ship has been one since The Black Witch, Yvan and Elloren. Yvan, the mysterious kelt with incredible powers that helped with Elloren’s wake up call. He is without a doubt one of my biggest book crushes. And the level of chemistry he shares with Elloren reaches new burning levels in The Iron Flower.
There are a lot of tear-jerking moments, so be warned and prepared. The plot twists left my head spinning more than once. The character development was on point; new characters enrich the plot giving you more people to love and hate.
The Iron Flower is a heartbreakingly beautiful book. I can’t wait to read it again and dive into the rich world Laurie Forest has created.
Another phenomenal book to the Black Witch series.
Laurie Forest’s world building continues to rival competitors in this specific fantasy genre. The structure of each place, each room and piece of land, was imagined with seeming ease. She has a true talent in this area. A born talent, I imagine.
Each and every character has their own voice, struggles, and differences. I adore the conflicts they find themselves in, because even if I’ve never been through such a situation, it’s written to be relatable.
There were also many surprises. There were times I thought I knew where things were going, but Ms Forest twisted the story. There were breathless circumstances and heart-wrenching situations, all of which can be parallel to the current happenings of the real world. Normally I wouldn’t enjoy this in a book because I like to escape reality, not be dragged into another version of it, but Forest was quite tasteful and respectful with all the political aspects of the story.
There were cons to this story. Although the book’s plotting and the story itself was spectacular, the writing irked me. It felt rushed. Many overly long sentences and several repeaters: me (through me, in me, etc etc), look, eyes, seem, and other common repeaters of rushed writing. There were problems with the character’s body language, IE: most of their movements were only done with their eyes. Instead of showing us how she would be frightened, we were told “fear courses through me.”
None of the cons will reflect my review rating though. I see this as a personal preference. I look forward to Laurie Forest’s writing future. She truly is one to watch.
Absolutely loved this novel. Laurie Forest has exceeded all expectations with Book 2 of The Black Witch Chronicles
It’s one of those books that the reader just disappears inside the story!
The Iron Flower by Laurie Forest was a little disappointing. I had high hopes for this book but it did fall short. This book is about: Elloren Gardner and her friends were only seeking to right a few wrongs, but their actions have propelled them straight into the ranks of the realm-wide Resistance against Gardnerian encroachment. As the Resistance struggles against the harsh rulings of High Priest Marcus Vogel and the Mage Council, Elloren begins to realize that none of the people she cares about will be safe if Gardneria seizes control of the Western Realm.
I’m going to start with what I didn’t like.
Elloren fell into the very predictable obsession of Yvan. They have a, love each other but can’t be together, situation. It was so over done and so repetitive, that it made it hard to finish the book. Elloren has a very forced hatred for Lukas. By the way, she is hated by almost everyone she comes across because she is the descendant of the Black Witch. She wills herself to be nice to these people and never defends herself. Rolling over for both physical and verbal abuse from everyone. Finding understanding in their blatant bigotry. Then we have the beautiful and talented Lukas. Elloren likes Lukas but everyone has told her to stay away from him. So she decides that she hates him. I hope he doesn’t turn to the”bad guy.” I think Elloren and Lukas should be together, that would be a great twist. Wishful thinking on my part because, she doesn’t think for herself, nor have natural instincts, or self preservation. So, the ending was really unbelievable for me. Elloren’s character is infallible, naive, a victim, judgmental, non-understanding, and extremely lucky at the same time.
Yvan is the love interest that is unbearably boring. I think he was meant to come across as mysterious but it doesn’t really work. In fact, there is no character development throughout the whole book for anyone. I couldn’t invest in any character. The tone is set in the first book and it carries over. Almost all of Elloren’s supporting characters are seemingly placed to really make her the “savior.” They are almost all removed for a fair amount of the story. Elloren is then left taking a roller coaster ride of predictable behaviors and nonsensical fits.
What I did like..
The plot itself is a good one and there are lots of working components. The ruthlessness of the Gardnerians is surprising, as well as everyones lack of reaction. The diversity of the different clans and people is interesting in this world. I like the different types of magic in this world as well.
All in all, this book is ok. The main character is very frustrating but the plot can carry you through. It’s filled with some cool magic and a slew of interesting clans.
This book is a big WOW and out does book one. I loved this story so much and can not wait to read more.
I got an arc through Netgalley, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT!
The Iron Flower left me turning the pages so quickly that I read this book within 7 hours. I can’t wait for a finished copy in my hands. This book is full of romance, tragic moments, and a real tear jerker! I didn’t know if at the end of the book if I wanted to throw my kindle across the room or to hug it, those are the best type of reads in my opinion. Laurie if you don’t finish book 3 soon I WILL GO INSANE!
The Iron Flower was such an incredible story. Just as magnificent as The Black Witch as the story of Elloren Gardner continues.
The tyrannical rule of the Gardnerians is vastly increasing to encompass more and more territories. Their hateful view of species they deem lowly and unworthy are being decimated and Elloren and her eclectic group of friends are trying to save each other. Her biggest frustration is being the most powerless of her group, but it does not hinder her determination to do anything and everything she can to help her friends and family.
With beautifully detailed imagery and amazingly strong characters in play and new ones introduced, Elloren’s tale of bravery is beyond impressive and unforgettable. It’s easy to get lost in her world and connect with each and every character you meet.
What a fantastical story!
(Cannot be read as a standalone.)
I want to cry right now….
I want to cry because the next book isn’t available yet!!!
The Iron Flower is even better than the first book. All the characters are wonderfully written, and the relationship between Elloren and Yvan is so heartfelt.
This story is dark and ugly. High Priest Marcus Vogel rules the land and plans on purifying the race and conquering neighboring territories. It isn’t safe anywhere, and Elloren and her diverse group of friends have to face terrible events.
Although Elloren is powerless, she is stronger, wiser, and braver than before. She proves to people that she is not like her murderous grandmother and makes a lasting impression on everyone she meets.
This story is a hot mess (the best kind, of course), and I can’t wait for the next book!