Blood and Iron

Blood and Iron (2006) Elizabeth Bear

I put off reading Blood and Iron because I haven’t been in the mood for epic fantasy. But I added it to the pile of books I took on my trip, and picked it up when nothing else seemed to suit.

First of all, Blood and Iron is set both on the modern realm and in the world of Faerie. Elaine is half fey, and is now the Seeker for the Daoine Sidhe. Matthew Magus is a mage for the Promethean Society, a group seeking to eradicate Faerie. And everyone is searching for the new Merlin.

This is a complex tale with a wide variety of multi-faceted characters. What I liked most is that there are no villains in this tale–only different sides with different conflicting desires.

Although Elaine is one of the main characters, she is also one of the most conflicted and one who’s choices are often hardest to understand.

Strangely, as much as I enjoyed this book, I’m finding it difficult to write a review. The story ranged all over and was full of supernatural characters and every side had their own take on events and what the goals and desires were.
Rating: 8/10

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