One intense page turner... Queen of Iron and Blood by Melissa Wright (Review & #Giveaway)


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

I've been looking forward to this book ever since I read the first book, King of Ash and Bone, and am thrilled to finally continue the story! Check out my review and enter the awesome giveaway below ...

Queen of Iron and Blood
(Shattered Realms #2)
By Melissa Wright
YA, NA Urban Fantasy, SciFi
ebook, 148 Pages
August 20th 2018

Summary

The storm was only the beginning…

Mackenzie Scott is trapped in another realm, but that’s the least of her problems. Magic runs through her veins, and even now she can feel herself changing. She’s managed to help her brother, but in exchange, she’s turning into one of them. Worse, Mackenzie’s not just a monster. She’s their queen.

Hunter had one job: open the gateway between worlds to keep his realm alive. He hadn’t counted on betrayal. He hadn’t counted on being saved by a human girl. And he’d never guessed he couldn’t trust his own king. Now he’s trapped in a world to which he can never truly belong.

Separated by realms, Mackenzie and Hunter must save the other’s world. But the divide isn’t the only thing working against them. Beasts and men fight a dangerous battle that pits Hunter and Mackenzie against those they’re trying to protect.

And the clock is ticking.

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My Review

QUEEN OF IRON AND BLOOD is another thrilling adventure as war continues between two realms, risking not only humanity on earth but also those who live in the other realm. Non-stop action, endearing and fierce characters, and an uphill battle with everything at risk makes for an engaging story from start to finish. A fantastic sequel that will leave readers hoping for more to come in this magical world!

I reread the first book before diving into this second one as it had been a couple of years. I wouldn't say that's necessary, but I think it did help give me some continuity so that I was already used to the other realm and the way the beasts interact. It also just continued this crazy, nonstop, action-packed story for me with an ending that felt resolved (even though I'm hoping for more from this series... I mean Hannah and Riley both played too important of roles to be left as is, right? I'm getting ahead of myself here, so let's dive in...

This story was, as I said, non-stop action. There's all these emotions, turmoil, battles... Mackenzie learning her new role and powers, and then Hunter trying to set things up to survive and figure out what is going on with the humans. There are other humans who are involved, there's the evil old king, there are these different factions among the Iron Bound. There are so many things going on all at once and both of these worlds hanging by a thin thread where one thing could completely destroy it all. I loved that through all this, there are these sweet, delicate, personal moments. Moments between Mackenzie and Hunter, between Mackenzie and Riley, between Mackenzie and those protecting/helping her, Hunter and Hannah, Hannah and Tyler, then Hunter, Mackenzie, Riley, and Hannah at times when they're alone and trying to figure things out. There are a lot of emotions to wade through and, as a reader, I could feel the desperation, the anger, the hurt, the trust, the loyalty, and the love. And really, I just ship Mackenzie and Hunter! *sigh*

Did I have any complaints? No. I thought this second book was even better than the first. I just wanted more. More Mackenzie and Hunter. More dialogue. To understand more fully and for the story to be longer. Not that it needed to be, but more in that I was so sad when it ended and I didn't get enough.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was such an intense, well-crafted story! It was a glorious mix of action, magic, heroism, friendship, duty, and romance. I enjoyed every single minute.

Content: Mild language and some violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

Other Books in the Series

King of Ash and Bone
(Shattered Realms #1)
By Melissa Wright
YA, NA Urban Fantasy, SciFi
Paperback & ebook, 216 Pages
February 2nd 2015

Summary

When flying monsters break through the veil into her world, Mackenzie Scott has nothing left to lose. Her brother has been taken, her future has vanished, and all that remains is a desperate need for revenge. After discovering the breach the creatures used as a gateway, Mackenzie devises a plan to stop them, whatever the cost.

When she finds an injured stranger in the street, he just might be the key she needs to succeed. What Mackenzie doesn't know is that this stranger isn't the helpless boy he appears to be. He's one of the monsters. And he's got plans of his own.

Thrown into a dying city in another realm, Mackenzie is powerless to get back. With the gateway closing, time is not on her side. But the stranger is, and if they can escape execution, this girl and her monster might be able to save both their worlds.

Grab an ebook of the first book in the series for FREE!
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About the Author

Melissa Wright is the author of the Frey Saga, Descendants Series, and Shattered Realms Series. She is currently working on the next book, but when not writing can be found collecting the things she loves at Goodreads and Pinterest. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com.


Tour Schedule

1 winner will receive an awesome prize pack with "survival" gear: print copies of The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey, Angelfall by Susan Ee, and King of Ash and Bone by Melissa Wright, plus Be Your Own Hero bracelet, lip balm, compass, playing cards, emergency blanket, and other fun stuff 
US only
Ends August 29th

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