*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my review or opinion of the book.

Truth be told, I put Ironskin on my to-read list years ago and then promptly forgot about it. It came back onto my radar again recently and I finally took the time to read it, and I am really glad that I did.

Ironskin is set in historical England, in a world where fairies and dwarves exist and in which The Great War between humans and the fae ended just five years previous. While the fae have retreated to the edges of the world, their mark is still seen and felt. Human technology is trying to catch up from their long dependence on fae magic while others, like Jane Eliot, are left with more permanent scars. Those injured by fairy bombs must contain the curses the magical injuries cause with iron or those curses will leak onto those around them. Jane, injured in the battle that killed her brother, is cursed with rage. She must wear an iron mask on half of her face to contain the anger that seeks to consume her. Not wanting to be a burden on her betrothed sister, Jane takes a position as a governess to Dorie, a special little girl who must learn to hide her fae tendencies. Jane feels an indelible pull to her father, the secretive Mr. Rochart, even though she knows that nothing can ever come of it. However, her time with the Rocharts starts to unlock secrets to Jane's own life that just might save them all.

I had totally forgotten that this was supposed to be a loose retelling of Jane Eyre. Once I started reading though it became quite obvious what with a heroine named Jane Eyre working as a governess for the enigmatic Mr. Rochart. However, I think that is where the similarities end. Ironskin has many things that set it apart from the original and it stands alone as a unique story even without the Jane Eyre connection.

I was surprised by how quickly I got sucked into this dark new world. The fae are an ever present threat among the people of Britain. Connolly creates a dark and gothic new reality for the characters of this story. I really liked Jane, with her perseverance, grace, and good heart. I really felt for her even though at times I was frustrated with her for always putting others before herself, often to her own detriment.

While I really enjoyed the tension between Jane and Mr. Rochart, their relationship felt one sided for much of the story. While he clearly has an interest in Jane, his moods and motives are so unclear for most of the book that you can’t really blame Jane for thinking that he doesn't care about her at all. I know that this is all a part of the Rochester persona but I wish that the author would have given Jane a little more to sustain herself with.

Connolly does a really amazing job building a rich new world full of dark and deadly secrets. I felt a lot of Jane's dread and fear while trying to unravel the mysteries of the Rochart estate and its inhabitants. I definitely had an unsettled feeling while reading much of the book, just waiting for what might be revealed next. The book really captures the gothic feel of Jane Eyre but with its own unique twist.

Overall, I enjoyed the introduction into this exciting and dangerous new world. The author left a lot of room for the story to continue and I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my review or opinion of the book.

Clearing out my Netgalley backlog. Didn't have time to read this. No review, sorry. Clearing out my Netgalley backlog. Didn't have time to read this. No review, sorry.

I requested this title back before my blogging break. I have ended up with a number of titles that are overwhelming to catch up on now I am back from my blogging break. I am regretfully not going to be reading and reviewing this title, but now I am back from my blogging break, I am looking forward to reading and reviewing some of your future titles. Thank you so much for the opportunity and apologies.

Have lost access to this book due to kindle that it was on and I can’t review. I apologise for not being able to do this.

Sadly, this book was archived before I had a chance to read it.
Under these circumstances any star rating is not valid.

Woah I love a Jane Eyre reimagining! This one is definitely different. You may not love it by the end, but I would recommend giving it a try.

I did read this, and don't remember why I never reviewed it. The ARC expired on my nook, however, so I can't go back to it now and don't remember enough to review it. I'm sorry!

*I didn't get around to reading and reviewing this title.*

Since being sent this book, my interests have changed therefore I won't be reading or reviewing this title. Thank you.