The Wulver’s Library‘s Review of The Iron Crown by L. L. Macrae
I’ve had The Iron Crown by LL MacRae on my TBR for too long so when the opportunity to listen to the audiobook rose, I bumped this to the top of my TBR and I regret not starting this sooner. This is the first book in a new fantasy series where Tassar, the world we are in, is filled with Dragon spirits that have all sorts of personality and motivations.
Fenn’s first and only memory is finding himself in the middle of a forest, face to face with a dragon spirit mocking him, all knowledge gone apart from his own name.
Lost and confused, his only hope for answers is Calidra—a woman living on the edge of the world with her partner. Forced to return home when her father dies, Calidra has put off facing her estranged mother for seven years, and she begrudgingly helps Fenn, forging papers for him so he can avoid the Queen’s Inquisitors.
But her mother is the least of her worries when they discover an ancient enemy is rising again. It should be impossible with the Iron Crown in power—and Fenn is terrified he might unwittingly be playing a part in the war’s resurgence.
Surrounded by vengeful spirits and powerful magic, Fenn’s desperate attempt to find his way home might well alter the fate of Tassar, and every power in it.
Firstly, the audiobook was fantastic. The production was brilliant, and each individual character actually felt like they had character. This was an inventive choice that kept me captive all throughout. The writing by MacRae is incredible. Just when I thought I had seen all there is in fantasy with dragons, the distinctly unique and seamless storytelling of MacRae got me excited for a book journey again. The characterisation here was a massive strength. Each POV felt like it had a bulky story that was intertwined with fast paced hijinks and a fantastic digest of lore that left me wanting more. Dragons are a prominent inclusion here and their ability to give a gift or a curse plays well. Dragons can be hard to portray but MacRae has not delved into the typical trope, and each have their own quirks.
This book was well-balanced and progressive, and I cannot wait to read more of this world. I highly recommend this to lovers of epic fantasy and intense impactful storytelling.
