Mini Review: “Ironskin” by Tina Connolly

My review of “Ironskin” is a part of a mini-review series to write about books that I read while on blogging hiatus last fall.  I had originally planned to write about it during the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril challenge.  I received an electronic copy of the book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tina Connolly’s Ironskin is a young adult re-imagining of the the story of Jane Eyre, but with angry fae.  Jane Eliot was wounded with fae shrapnel during the Great War, and now she must wear an iron mask over her face to keep the fae magic from leaking out.  Jane is stigmatized because of her condition, but is hired as a governess to help a child whom she is certain is cursed with a similar affliction.  Dorie’s powers have scared away other governesses, but Jane is determined to stay.  Meanwhile, she finds herself falling for Dorie’s father, the mysterious Edward Rochart.

This book had so much going for it.  There were a plethora of elements to love–Jane Eyre, the fae, the gothic atmosphere, the steampunk element.  At the same time, I felt underwhelmed by the book’s ability to live up to its own potential, even though I can’t point out any one specific thing that’s “wrong.”  It just didn’t come together as organically as I would have liked.  I’ll still give it props for creativity (especially the wife-in-the-attic twist, which is NOT a spoiler, because it isn’t a wife in the attic).

Good for a light read, but don’t expect a masterpiece.