About the Book

Book: Iron

Author: Madisyn Carlin

Genre: Christian Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling

Release date: September 30, 2022

Enforcing justice comes with a price.

Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s efforts are thwarted at every turn. With each discovery the danger grows, putting Red and the lives of those she cares about at risk. Can she reveal the mastermind’s identity before she herself becomes a target?

IRON is a Christian, New Adult, Fantasy Fairytale Retelling

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About the Author

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

More from Madisyn

There are many original Cinderella stories, from all cultures and languages. Perhaps the two most common tales, however, are Frenchman Charles Perrault’s (also called Cendrillon) and the German Brothers Grimm’s Aschenputtel. The majority of these originals, and Brothers Grimm’s in particular, are not the sparkles-and-magic versions we are more familiar with. They are darker, bloodier, and deadlier, though they still possess an amazing display of creativity and storytelling.

The iconic, classical Disney retelling drew from Perrault’s version. I based IRON off a blend of Aschenputtel and Perrault’s, with very little influence garnered from Disney’s. Although I wanted it to be obvious IRON is a fairy tale retelling, I also wanted to put an often-unfound spin on it, which is where Redwyn and her occupation shine through. In addition, I am a firm believer there is no such thing as ”love at first sight”, also called ”insta love”, which is quite common in many fairy tales and retellings.

Instead, I wanted to present a nonmagical retelling based on faith, family, and bravery. Perhaps that is why this story turned out rawer and much more touching than I ever imagined. Within the pages of this book loyalty drives characters to step outside their comfortable boundaries and preferences, desperation reminds them why they need God, and bravery takes root even in those who thought themselves hopeless cowards.

Heavy faith elements, feathers, cranky horses, wolves, sinister plots, a creepy forest, and more take this story beyond the typical plot found in Cinderella retellings. There’s also humor, sarcasm, and a feisty detective who can’t quite grasp the concept of tactfulness.

So, if you enjoy fairy tale retellings with a plentitude of faith, humor, and action, IRON might be the book for you.

You can find IRON’s inspiration board here.

My Thoughts

Iron is a Christian Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling story that is written by Madisyn Carlin. This author is so gifted with her words. I was drawn into this Cinderella retelling. Cinderella is my favorite fairy tale so I was really excited about this book. This is the first book in the Redwyn Chronicle series. I absolutely cannot wait until the next book in the series.

Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan has a fierce determination to find out who is behind multiple kidnappings. Red made me smile - she has spunk and sass. However she had some flaws that are explored during this book. She is vulnerable at times. She learns throughout the story that HIS grace is sufficient and that it's ok to take help from others.

Another character that was one of my favorites was Chamonix. They had such a soft and gentle spirit. I loved that. Where Red was fierce - Chamonix was timid. The author did a great job writing their personalities. Carter also was a good character. He is holding something back that could potentially destroy his friendship with Red.

The story does touch on human trafficking and how they may be related to the multiple children that are being kidnapped. However, the author handles it with grace and it is woven flawlessly into the story. One of the best things about this author is her descriptions of the scenes. I would close my eyes throughout the book and just let the scene unfold around me in my mind. The characters have such depth.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.