Nina Varela

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.

Iron Heart

tam 🕴️

“Be careful," said Crier. “Aren't I always?" said Ayla, and Crier's resulting glare was the strike of flint and fire steel: first heat, then sparks, then Ayla, the tinder, was aflame.

"I just feel weaker than usual. I apologize for concerning you." No, too much. She winced, waiting for the inevitable I wasnt Concerned!, but it didn't come.

giuli

Crier's eyes narrowed. It was lovely, the expression on her face. It made Ayla want to do and say a lot of things, most of them soft. 

I could stand anywhere in this world and I swear my line of sight would end on you. I swear I'd find you in the dark

In the palace, in the music room, there was something worth dying for. Worth living for.

If their first kiss had been unforgettable, the words for this one hadn't been invented yet.

And Ayla knew her laugh like fishermen knew the tides.

"I am always lonely," said Junn. "My heart, if I have one, is a house of empty rooms and empty halls. My thoughts and footsteps echo. Sometimes I feel like a guest in the house of myself. But sometimes, someone's footsteps cross my floor, and that is enough. these days, I luxuriate in my loneliness. I walk through my empty halls naked and singing." Her smile hadn't slipped. "What I really wanted was a reason to stay," she said. "And I got what I wanted."

Better for her body to wither than her soul.

"Early on, I met a boy. I told him I was lonely. He said he knew loneliness down to the bone. He said he'd find a way to keep me company even when I returned to the palace, and he did."

"[...] Not like your father claims to love us, but like you do. Like I do. For everything we are, everything we aren't, everything we can become. [...] For our love. Our fury. For what we create: stories and cities and every last god. For our ghosts. For our drinking songs. Because...for every human who does a monstrous thing, a thousand others will rise against them. We have always killed and saved ourselves. Protected each other. Fought for futures we will not live to see."

"Lady Crier, it is not your last breath that interests me. It is everything that comes before." 

"It was too late. I was–foolish, and it could have cost you your life."

"I don't think it's foolish to believe someone could still be saved. Not at the heart of it. I don't think that's foolish at all." 

Her eyes in the overcast light were a human brown, warm and true, the color at heart of all living things, the color of fallen leaves and forest floors and floodwater in spring, when the rivers surged up and over their banks, crashing forward, uncontainable, carving new veins into an old world.

"I–I can't agree with you. Maybe someday, but not yet."

"Then I will wait for someday," said Crier.

"I know you're not a book. I know I can't know everything. I know it is important to you I do not. Or perhaps that no one does. But...if there is anything you want to give. One story. One solitary point on the map of yourself. One star in the constellation, one door unlocked. I will accept it, and be honored, and I will not forget." [...] "You keep comparing yourself to a book. That is not how I see you. If I want to learn about you, it's not for...pleasure, or leisure, or the desired mastery of a subject. I am not trying to learn you like a language. I am trying, Ayla, to learn you like a person. Like people do, with the knowledge that I will never know everything. That it is impossible to know everything. [...] Because you deserve to be known, in whatever capacity you wish. I am trying to become a person who deserves to know you. I want that. More than anything."

Crier took a breath. "I want to learn about you."

"I'm not a book," said Ayla, ignoring her own traitorous heartbeat. How it quickened. "Palms aside. You can't read me once and know everything."

"Then I will read you again and again," said Crier.

 swelled inside her, blooming like peonies. In her ribs. Between her lungs. Beneath her sternum.

And just like that, Ayla's breath hitched in her throat, and the words left her, and she could have sworn her entire being had narrowed to that small point of contact, the place where Crier's fingers were curled loosely around her own. 

There was a darkness in death, but Winter knew from Hana that it wasn't emptiness or shadows or the absolute black between the stars. Death was a dark soil. Death was a soft and ancient womb.

My favorite thing about humans: we sing to our dead.

It's you, the wash of starlight, the old paradox: if the Universe were static, I could stand anywhere in this world and I swear my line of sight would end on you. I swear I'd find you in the dark.

From light you were born and to light you shall return. Go now into the stars. They've been waiting for you.

if God hates the gays then why do we keep winning

aica

I was so... disappointed with that end. You're in suspense the ENTIRE book and you get the resolution at like... the las 10-20 pages in the most anticlimactic way possible. I had so many expectations going to this and it was all for naught. Wish this could've been (minimum) a trilogy so the story could've developed better.

Tsu 💙

arwen

Such an amazing story…until the end. UNDERCOOKED. Whyyyyyyy, why was it so rushed 😭

TommyBoi

Betty

“Crier looked at her, and smiled. Wide and bright as the whole damn sky.”

Might actually be better than the first one and that’s extremely shocking. I enjoyed this book so much, I didnt get bored at all while reading it. I was actually way too attached to everyone in it so I delayed reading the second half. Crier and Ayla are so cute it’s unbearable, I actually feel the tension and chemistry so clearly. I loved the author’s writing style, from the world-building to all the interactions between the characters and the development of the characters’ personalities themselves. I have absolutely no complaints, I didn’t give it a 5 star because i’m a self-proclaimed harsh critic but between you and me it was probably a 5 star read. If you like reading fantasy that makes it feel like you’re watching a movie, this is definitely for you. ITS SO GOOD. 

Jamieson

“If the universe were static, I could stand anywhere in this world and I swear my line of sight would end on you. I swear I'd find you in the dark.” 


Crier's War was definitely one of my favourite books of 2019, and I enjoyed it just as much when I reread it. It took me way too long to get to this sequel (life happens etc) but when I finally did get to it, I enjoyed it immensely. 

Iron Heart maintains exactly what was great about Crier's War; characters who have interesting character development as individuals and as a couple, slow-burn romance full of yearning and tenderness and fun political fantasy elements + worldbuilding. Plot and world-wise, it's not overly complex - but it's fun, and it has a little historical mystery at it's core which is one of my favourite fantasy tropes. 

I found this to be pretty action packed with good pacing for the first two thirds. I really liked the use of dual POV to build suspense and create intrigue. Dual POV was utilised skillfully to create drama and mystery, ending each POV with a cliffhanger that forced you to keep going. I think both POVs were interesting, though I tended to prefer Crier's just a tad. 

The use of a dual POV also allowed for an excellent build-up toward the climactic reunion scene. The core of this series really is the relationship between Crier and Ayla, and this climax understood that. 

UNFORTUNATELY, this is where we run into my issues. I thought the third act was a mess. It was anti-climactic and poorly paced, feeling like too little time was left to manage too much, which led to unsatisfying reveals and conclusions to plot threads. Major discoveries were made in ways that seemed to be extremely easy and cheap, which made some of the build-up seem pointless and disappointing. The conclusion seemed way too simple and too easy, and considering this is a 400 page book I think it left too little too late. It should have been longer, or certain discovering should have been made earlier. 

That said, overall I did still really enjoy my time with this book, and this series. Crier and Ayla's story was concluded well, and I thought their romance was so well done. It's definitely one of my favourite slowburn f/f stories to date. I would love to see Varela write more in this world, I think it has potential and I would definitely read something with more deep, complex worldbuilding because I would find that so intriguing.

grace richards

i am obsessed with crier and ayla, i eat, breathe and live them. i cannot go 5 minutes without thinking about them. i need them back right now.

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.

Jasmine

5 Stars

  “Because there are things worth dying for.”
“Nah,”
“Because there are still things worth living for.”

BEAUTIFUL DUOLOGY! CURRENTLY MISSING THIS SERIES LIKE CRAZY!! 
I love when the second book takes everything you loved about the first book and then somehow manages to expand on it and make it even better! Iron Heart did that for me and it was such a rewarding experience slowly falling for these characters and their relationships. Just like the first the romance while a very important part in blended seamlessly with the plot. Endings can be a dealbreaker on my overall enjoyment of a series and while I think some things were wrapped up conveniently or quickly, I would say things here shaped up in a satisfying way. The epilogue after going through so much to get there was a good tone to leave these two characters who have become close to my heart.

I'm having a really good time reading lately but I'm also having a hard time rating things because so many are 4, 5, or somewhere in between for me and I'm almost expecting not to enjoy the next one now because I feel like I shouldn't enjoying them all this much. Honestly, that thinking makes me want to be harsher on the next books I read, but I can't bring myself to do it here because without a doubt for me this was a 5 star read. It just delivered so much and built on to what was already a great story, and in the end gave me such a rush!! It was unputdownable, action-packed, full of political intrigue, kept me guessing, and I already loved Crier&Ayla but it made me love them more and they've become a new favourite couple. I love them both so much but also have to say one of my favorite things in the entire book was Crier's emotional journey and discovering who she was and what she wanted. “Ah, so I write the lines myself,” said Crier. “That’s not such a bad fate.” I had a really fantastic time reading and I didn't want this story to end. 

Crier and Ayla are the relationship every fantasy novel with romance mixed in deserves. Maybe it's just the books I read but I don't find there is nearly enough sapphic couples in fantasy books I really fall for. They just gave me so much and the way they finally opened up and communicated their feelings with each other was a major turning point. Seeing Ayla go from wanting to kill Crier for revenge to be willing to trust her with her life😭😭 This person Ayla had come to know so well. This person she trusted with her life, with everything in her. This person she would follow into a black labyrinth, a battlefield.  Nothing about them finding their way to each other didn't feel organic or wasn't earned over the journey of these two books and it just made me feel appreciated as a reader. Also, while the previous book didn't allow for them to really have moments of just being playful together (understandable given the complicated position they were both in) this book did and it was nice to see that simple less angsty side to them. I don't go around sticking every couple I read about in my favourite couples list but they deserve a spot there. I miss my girlfriends I would've loved even more time with them after the dust settled but what we did get was pretty amazing!

I have defeated the evil of finals season and finally got to finish this book. I feel like I just went through a battle myself but with emotions because my god I felt everything so heavily. Nina Varela you are a gift thank you thank you thank you. Phew I need to go recover now.

Izza

4 stars | This is a 👌 queer YA fantasy series!

oh my god, the sequel felt much more fast paced than the first book and it was so much fun to read. although i was already curious about the story and the characters after the first book, this made me absolutely fall in love with all of it. i loved it, such a nice easy and heartwarming read. 

alex wolfinger 

crier and ayla my beloveds you deserve all the happiness in the world

Daniella Cuesta

Wowowowowowowow.

This one was even better than the first. One of my favorite book timers said it best, Ayla and Crier really came into themselves in this installment. While still a hothead, you could see her soften towards Crier once again and Crier really evolved. 

Overall I thought I was going to get a war scene which I was actually looking forward to, but alas I did not. This story gave so much!! I cant help but be content, has to be one of my favorite YA books ever written. She did such a fantastic job fleshing out this plot.

Delaney Woods 

i actually found this very entertaining and it wrapped things up in a way that satisfied me. some things were resolved too easily but overall an enjoyable read

crierayla my prefect people 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ i will protect you from everyone

Livia

This book… this book. What am I supposed to do with you? You keep making me go through multiple ups and downs like I’m riding a rollercoaster, and the downs aren’t always meant in a good way. What I meant by that was I was constantly on edge by what’s happening, and I am also equally frustrated by how much I want to protect Crier, Ayla, Benji, and the rest of the protagonists while wanting to smack them on their faces and yell at them for being so frustrating and unreasonable. 

The story continues with Ayla and Benji running away and taking shelter with Queen Junn in her kingdom, whereas Crier is about to marry Scyre Kinok, the one who had plans to end humankind and bring about a new age for the automae, and with the end goal of taking power for himself. Crier discovers something about Kinok, but after being turned away by her father, she decided to run away in order to find Ayla. Meanwhile, Ayla worked together with Queen Junn to get the revolution going, and as she does, she also tries to mend her relationship with his twin brother, Storm, whom she was angry at for choosing the queen more than to her. 

I think what I like the most was Ayla’s character growth. All her life, she only craves revenge and the end for automae kind, and rightfully so. After having her family taken by her when she was still young, she was given only one sole purpose to keep fighting. Now that she knew the world is so much more than the black and white she had believed it to be, she had to learn how to be more open and merciful while still being strong and relentless. Crier also went through a great character arc, but not really my favorite. What I do love is their romance. Do I really need to explain it? No, because I just think they deserved the happiness after all the shit they had to go through.
 
Although I like the characters more in this book, I still think some parts of the plot are slightly shaky. There are some instances that for me didn’t really fit well or would’ve been better if it wasn’t there. And the ending, the resolution, it felt quick. I needed more after all the shit that lead to the moment. But overall, I quite like it, and I think more people should read this duology because it is so criminally underrated.


  3.5/5 stars

Sarahi

** spoiler alert **
           I was expecting a bigger final all-out battle, but honestly the way it was wrapped up is a lot more in character for Crier.

Cathy

CRIERAYLA SCREEEEEECHHH I DEVOURED THIS IN ONE NIGHTTTTTTT

really loved the ending of the book, the characters being happy made me happy!!!!! the lore of the cultures of the people was really interesting and the problem resolution was so well done! better then the first one for sure! 

luli

★★★.5

Sigh. I'm being generous. The concept was unique and the writing had no faults however the characters weren't fleshed out enough. Other than Crier and Ayla they were pretty much irrelevant. The ending was kind of anticlimactic, there were random plot holes and devices that served no purpose.

Didn't enjoy this duology as much as I thought I would.

Jenna T.

Let's start with the nice things: I loved the way LGBT characters were casually included in the worldbuilding. There were not one but TWO nonbinary characters, who were both named, even though they were extremely minor, and there was no fuss about using "they" pronouns or unnecessary speculation from the POV characters about whether they were AMAB or AFAB. (Though regarding Wender, the Automa NB character, that raises about a hundred questions from me about how Automa gender works. Are there binary trans Automae? Is there a process for changing one's body to match one's gender identity? Horomone therapy? Top/bottom surgery? Was Wender Made to be nonbinary? NOT THE POINT, JENNA, I know, but still! It opened up a lot of avenues that I'm disappointed we didn't get to explore.) Additionally, there were gay myths and legends included, where the characters were just casually LGBT and it was never pointed out as strange or noteworthy in any way.
Also, I really liked the aesthetic of the world, and I liked the two main characters and their supporting cast a lot.
BUT.
I have a few bones to pick. First of all, WELCOME TO COMMA CITY. Lord, some of those sentences were hard to parse. I hate when people make the style claim, because... it's not stylish, it just reads as immature. Like you don't have enough mastery of words or sentences to let them speak for themselves. Like you have to try to eke meaning and impact out of quirky punctuation and run-on sentences. There are times when this works, but there are INFINTELY MORE times where it simply DOESN'T.
Second, the worldbuilding. There were aspects of it that I liked, but there were just too many areas where it was too thin, or worse, full of holes. Why, exactly, is tourmaline so powerful? Why does heartstone require (view spoiler)[human blood (hide spoiler)] to power an Automa when tourmaline doesn't? Why is the world so small? Are there really only three countries in existence? Is there more land out there somewhere? Are there Automae in other places? Is the tiny-ass continent, like, completely cut off from the rest of the world somehow??? I feel like the author just got lazy when creating her world and didn't want to think on a large enough scale, and that was a disappointment.
And though this isn't my last nitpick, I'll make it the last one for now: disappointing conclusion. All that buildup for a final battle, Crier all pumped up on (view spoiler)[ tourmaline (hide spoiler)], ready to kick some ass, and then... there isn't even (view spoiler)[ an actual fight? Faye just hops in and steals the kill? The end? (hide spoiler)]
Not a bad read at all, but I was left wanting. I'm hoping the author has more stuff in the works, because I'd like to see where her career goes from here, but I'm REALLY hoping that she takes a few levels in worldbuilding. And prose. Still dying of comma overdose here.

Marloes

Asvini Koneswaran

I’m very saddened by the fact to say that I’ve finished this book- I’m mad at myself for reading it so fast- like I did this for criers war too. But this book was honestly NMMMMMMMM, like it left no crumbs. there were many elements where i was surprised, like i didnt expect to see automa zombies???

also seeing ayla and criers development, the book always kept me at the edge of my seat- like id always be so invested between criers and aylas povs and how they would defeat each challenge. and AHHH THESE TWO FIRLS, for the love of god, i lovee themm.

in the first book i was kind of a kinok apologist 😍✌🏽 but he really is evil- like i jus wanna sucker punch him in the face. the author did a great job with his character. i already mentioned that in my first review but i wanted to say it anyway 

ill always miss ayla and crier 😔 wish there was a third book, but it was definitely a very satisfying ending. Anyways i’ll stop here, i have more to say, but ive learnt to not ramble n rant on goodreads 😟✋🏽.

Iron Heart

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