Title: The Iron Thorn
Author: Caitlin Kittredge
First published January 1, 2011
492 pages, Audiobook
ISBN: 9780385738293 (ISBN10: 0385738293)
Rating: 3.57
Overview
Welcome to Lovecraft, a city ruled by the tyrannical Proctors and their powerful Engine that grinds any resistance to dust. The city is plagued with madness, eldritch creatures, and anything deemed Heretical – including the belief in magic and witchcraft that Aoife Grayson’s family possesses.
Unfortunately, Aoife’s fate is no different from her family’s. As her 16th birthday approaches, she tries to ignore the inevitable madness that awaits her – just like her mother and elder brother Conrad.
Aoife is now a ward of the state, and one of the few female students at the School of Engines, determined to forge her own path. But time is running out, and the necrovirus is spreading.
Will Aoife succumb to the madness, or can she find a way to break the curse before it’s too late?
About the Author
When Caitlin was just 13 years old, she began writing novels. Her first piece was a Star Wars spin-off, but she didn’t stop there.
Caitlin spent some time trying her hand at screenwriting, comic book writing, and writing fanfiction. However, she eventually decided to go back to her roots and try her hand at novel writing once again.
It was during this time that she got the idea to write a story about a werewolf who fought crime.
After two years and many drafts, Caitlin pitched her work, Night Life, to a number of agents. Rachel Vater picked it up and sold the series to St. Martin’s.
Caitlin has a few interests outside of writing, including collecting comic books and vintage clothing, and indulging in bad habits. She’s also a big fan of tea, loud music, ghost stories, and the color black (especially when paired with pink).
Caitlin is a skilled driver who can operate a manual transmission, a violin player, and an expert in English curses.
Caitlin currently resides in Olympia, WA with her two cats that have a knack for being pushy.
Editoral Review
The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge is a young adult novel that was first published on January 1, 2011. Kittredge is an American author who has written a number of books, including the Nocturne City and the Black London series.
The Iron Thorn is set in an alternate universe where an eldritch forest is spreading, devouring everything in its path, and it is up to the protagonist, Aoife Grayson, to save the day. The Iron Thorn is a steampunk novel that includes elements of horror, romance, and adventure.
The book is written in the first-person perspective of the protagonist, Aoife Grayson, a sixteen-year-old girl who is trying to uncover the truth about her family’s history. Aoife is living in a city called Lovecraft in a world where technology is powered by alchemy, and the city is ruled by a group of people called the Ministry.
Aoife’s mother is one of the victims of the madness that is spreading through the city, and it is up to Aoife to find a cure before she loses her mind too. The plot of the book is fast-paced and full of action, with plenty of twists and surprises.
The world-building in The Iron Thorn is impressive, with Kittredge creating a rich and detailed universe that is both fascinating and terrifying. The characters are well-developed, and the relationships between them are believable and compelling.
One of the strengths of The Iron Thorn is its writing style. Kittredge’s prose is vivid and evocative, making it easy for the reader to imagine the world she has created.
The themes of the book, including family, love, and sacrifice, are explored in a thoughtful and nuanced way. However, some readers may find that the plot is a little confusing at times, and some of the world-building concepts are not fully explained.
Additionally, some of the plot twists may be predictable for readers who are familiar with the genre. Overall, The Iron Thorn is a well-crafted and entertaining novel that will appeal to fans of young adult steampunk fiction.
The book does have some flaws, but these are outweighed by its strengths. The Iron Thorn earns a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
It is recommended for fans of Caitlin Kittredge’s other works, as well as fans of steampunk, horror, and adventure novels.
