Destiny Soria

"A turn in the tale is not the end." - Chapter Nineteen

Iron Cast made my heart ache for the potent brew of true friendship. It filled me up, patted me down for spare emotions, and set me down gently. I have a feeling Ada and Corinne will be with me for a while.

Living in Boston myself, I enjoyed being able to picture the landmarks of 1919 Boston, smoke unfurling from parted lips and sidewalk gratings as my daring new friends Ada and Corinne led me through their colorful, dangerous adventures.

This book is for the outcasts. Welcome to the Cast Iron.… (más)

I loved this book so much. It had a strong female friendship, diverse characters, a twisty as hell plot, an interesting magic system, and it all takes place in an alternate history jazz age!

Cons: There's no sequel? Also, Corinne and Ada were woefully naive at times though thankfully they seemed to be so separately and thus could keep each other in check.

But overall, a fantastic book. I would have read this in one sitting if life had allowed. I fell in world with this world Soria created, taking the bones of pre-Prohibition U.S. and adding in the idea that there are people who can do magic, but that magic is outlawed. Instead of speakeasies, there are underground clubs where regs come to be enspelled by hemopaths - who can create illusions, invoke emotions, and do even more using the power of their voice, music, or artistic skills.

The plot was so twisty and interesting! Hemopaths, if found using their powers, get carted off to a "safe house" that is one of those "you check in but don't check out" sort of places. There's bootlegging, and cons, and political corruption, and family dynamics. And woven throughout are strong friendships based on trust and respect. Corinne and Ada are wonderful, and I loved them both.

And that ending! That glorious twist of an ending! I swoon.… (más)