Iron Heart

Crier’s War, Book 2

By: Nina Varela

Narrated by: Kim Mai Guest

Critically acclaimed author Nina Varela delivers a stunning sequel to the richly imagined queer epic fantasy Crier’s War, which SLJ called “perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass".

For too long, Automae have lorded over the kingdom of Rabu, oppressing its human citizens. But the human revolution has risen, and at its heart is Ayla. Once a handmaiden, now a fugitive, Ayla narrowly escaped the palace of Lady Crier, the girl she would’ve killed if she hadn’t fallen in love first.

Now Ayla has pledged her allegiance to Queen Junn, who can help accomplish the human rebellion’s ultimate goal: destroy the Iron Heart. Without its power, the Automae will be weakened to the point of extinction.

Ayla wants to succeed, but can’t shake the strong feelings she’s developed for Crier. And unbeknownst to her, Crier has also fled the palace, taking up among traveling rebels, determined to find and protect Ayla. Even as their paths collide, nothing can prepare them for the dark secret underlying the Iron Heart.

©2020 Nina Varela (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Extremely rushed ending

I enjoyed book one. I really wanted a great book two to finish it off. But it was as if the author was tired of writing this story at the end. I feel like she could have continued the story for an entire third book but didn’t want to. The beginning and middle was very well done, then she rushed to finish. Left a bad taste in my mouth

Slow Burn and Staying True to Their Character

This continuation of Crier and Ayla and their world's journey to a better one, are as expected yet unexpected.

What I have liked and respected about the writing is how the author (Nina) stayed true to her characters. They didn't change overnight! (Finally! some authenticity!)
Their experiences and past lives are deeply seared through to their cores, so their growth pace is just like in our reality.
It's a slow process. Lots of questions, lots of thinking, lots of learning. Simple, understandable and effective.

Even up to the very end, when their resolves are at the climax, a part of their core beliefs persists.

Since this is a love story in a fantasy world, and not a fantasy world that has a love story, the focus is on Crier and Ayla's relationship and how in the world are they going to get back together. Crier's feelings hasn't changed, so this is her journey to finally stand up and search it. While Ayla, who doesn't want to accept her own feelings, has a journey of letting her misplaced hatred go - and finally... give in.

Kim Mai Guest has done an amazing job. Specially in the consistency of her voice acting since the first book.

World Building / Slow Burn Romance

If you love the torture of a good slow burn with an amazing unique fantasy world then this is the book for you. I never write reviews. I usually just give ratings, but this one deserves it. The first book was great but it was building towards Iron Heart which delivers on keeping you on your toes. I devoured this book. I had to know what was in store for Ayla and Crier. It was truly a masterpiece that deserves its own movie or show.

Great book

Ms. Varela wrote an amazing story! This book took me by surprise by how engrossed I became while reading/listening to it. I picked it up thinking it was a good deal, but after I know I ended up with a wonderful book. Lovely little romance, drama and some action. Can’t go wrong with that! Definitely recommend this book. The narrator did a fabulous job too.

Love it

I have read the books 10 times. I will be reading it and listening too it almost twice a month. Also I just know Crier is hot.

best book ever!!!

wonderful ,romantic love story totally recommended
this book totally need to become a TV show

Criers war, iron heart, my thoughts about it 😁

This book is all i needed in my life, its so good I seriously cant form words right now 😭. Its that kind of story that leaves you after finishing it just thoughtlessly staring at a wall, the last sentence echoing in your head, and you are just happy.
I love this book so much.

a conclusion with some surprising twists

I loved this sequel. I thought it jumped right back into the action and did an awesome job tying up all the seemingly loose ends from book one. I loved the representation of relationships and friendships and disabilities. I would have liked more time with the ending, maybe a third book, to address the aftermath of the end all be all action, but can understand why it was vague. I also think there's a lot more story to be told in this world now, and a lot of revealed secrets that could be further explored. I hope all the loose ends hint at a third book on the way or a spin off. it didn't feel unfinished so much as a possible to be continued, which is just fine.

Iron heart duology

Love listening both books, and I interesting story, futuristic, and science fiction and bit steampumk. Characters are lovable.

better than expected

a much better follow up to crier's war than I was expecting. the slow burn between the two MC was nice and I liked where the book was heading but thought the follow through was a little clumsy. the wrap up of events happened a little too quickly for me.