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Maiden of Iron
Robin Hood meets Dune in a Clockwork Universe—Through the Eyes of Maid Marion Marion Ravenswood’s brother is killed in a duel fighting for her honor. Their father, the Engineering Guildmaster, withdraws and refuses to speak with anyone. Marion must now save the guild’s children and reclaim the family honor. She dons the persona of the Maiden of Iron to right wrongs not of her making. But will a chance encounter with the prince of thieves be an answered prayer, or will he just steal her heart and abandon them all?
342 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2018
35 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Edie Melson
23 books127 followersEdie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers who has been known to announce that she's creative out of self-defense. With an artist-mother and musician-turned-photographer-father, she'd have been a disgrace if she hadn’t been true to her own brand of creativity. She’s a writer who feels lost without her camera and a reluctant speaker who loves to encourage an audience. And she embraces the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative.
As an instructor, she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series, reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. She lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she spends time off hiking with her husband and her camera. Connect with her on www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.
As an instructor, she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series, reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. She lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she spends time off hiking with her husband and her camera. Connect with her on www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 27, 2018
A super-fun retelling of a classic adventure story! All your favorite characters from the Robin Hood universe are on the front lines of a terrible plot that endangers everyone from the children of England to the Queen herself. I love how "Dr." Tuck is re-imagined. I really didn't how how the whole thing was going to end up, and I wasn't disappointed. The setting details and imagery used throughout the story is lush and vivid. I mean, somebody's wearing an aubergine-colored gown! I love that word. Melson goes out of her way to use period-specific clothing, dialogue, and other details that truly immerse readers into the world she's built. Overall, Maiden of Iron is a fun, entertaining read that I really didn't want to put down.
October 11, 2018
Maiden of Iron is a fun read and intriguing foray into the world of steampunk. I hope to read more of this genre in the future!
September 2, 2020
If you (or a middle grade or young adult reader you want to give this book to--after you read it) love books that include espionage, a threatened monarchy, dirigibles, dungeons, duals, germ warfare, childhood friends who can't seem to figure out that they love each other, Robin Hood and Maid Marion, revenge, dying children, a wedding that should never happen, and fantastic science-fiction-steampunk inventions--then, this is the book for both of you.
Maiden of Iron has all of this--plus great writing, terrific pacing and tension, two points of view (AND an omniscient point of view-- trust me, it works!), two brave protagonists, and an antagonist that you want to detest! What more could a reader ask for?
I normally take my blog readers through the plot of a book, but I think the description above should whet your appetite. But just so you can see what I mean, here are a few snippets.
Lady Marion Ravenswood leaned back on her elbows and kicked at the tunnel grate. The long, black leather duster had been a good choice, protecting her trousers from the dirt and chill, but she should have thought to bring an oil can as well. The humidity in these steam tunnels played havoc with iron, and things were always rusting shut.
"Come on girlie, put a little weight behind it." Gretta, also in men's attire, squatted in the tunnel behind Mairon, looking more at home in the breeches than any lady of quality ever should. "We need to get in place."
Marion took a deep breath, made a conscious effort to ignore the stench, and kicked again, sending the metal grate tumbling to the floor." (p.1)
Are you intrigued? Here's more later in the chapter:
Even if he couldn't see what was happening, the noise around Robin proved the little minx was making good her threat to steal his gold. Bested in front of his men--by a girl no less. Well, no longer a girl. The glimpse he'd had was of a striking young woman. As he struggled with his bonds, they began to loosen. Beautiful or not, perhaps he'd turn the tables on her yet.
"You know we'll be long gone before you wiggle free." Marion's voice was low and close. (p.9)
And from the opening of Chapter 4 where the reader meets the antagonist:
Lord Stanton stepped away from the doorway to examine the stallion as the groom led him into the bright sun of the stone-cobbled yard. Edward's chest expanded as he gazed on his latest creation. Easily eighteen hands, but not just the size distinguished this equine. Man O' War was the perfect union between horse and machine. The technology he used integrated the latest steam devices grafted on and within a living, breathing animal. The massive hindquarters were a miracle of intricate cogs, pistons, and flesh. (p. 42)
I'm giving away this book on my blog. Giveaway ends September 4.https://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com...
Maiden of Iron has all of this--plus great writing, terrific pacing and tension, two points of view (AND an omniscient point of view-- trust me, it works!), two brave protagonists, and an antagonist that you want to detest! What more could a reader ask for?
I normally take my blog readers through the plot of a book, but I think the description above should whet your appetite. But just so you can see what I mean, here are a few snippets.
Lady Marion Ravenswood leaned back on her elbows and kicked at the tunnel grate. The long, black leather duster had been a good choice, protecting her trousers from the dirt and chill, but she should have thought to bring an oil can as well. The humidity in these steam tunnels played havoc with iron, and things were always rusting shut.
"Come on girlie, put a little weight behind it." Gretta, also in men's attire, squatted in the tunnel behind Mairon, looking more at home in the breeches than any lady of quality ever should. "We need to get in place."
Marion took a deep breath, made a conscious effort to ignore the stench, and kicked again, sending the metal grate tumbling to the floor." (p.1)
Are you intrigued? Here's more later in the chapter:
Even if he couldn't see what was happening, the noise around Robin proved the little minx was making good her threat to steal his gold. Bested in front of his men--by a girl no less. Well, no longer a girl. The glimpse he'd had was of a striking young woman. As he struggled with his bonds, they began to loosen. Beautiful or not, perhaps he'd turn the tables on her yet.
"You know we'll be long gone before you wiggle free." Marion's voice was low and close. (p.9)
And from the opening of Chapter 4 where the reader meets the antagonist:
Lord Stanton stepped away from the doorway to examine the stallion as the groom led him into the bright sun of the stone-cobbled yard. Edward's chest expanded as he gazed on his latest creation. Easily eighteen hands, but not just the size distinguished this equine. Man O' War was the perfect union between horse and machine. The technology he used integrated the latest steam devices grafted on and within a living, breathing animal. The massive hindquarters were a miracle of intricate cogs, pistons, and flesh. (p. 42)
I'm giving away this book on my blog. Giveaway ends September 4.https://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com...
September 16, 2019
Maiden of Iron captured my imagination and didn't let go until the fulfilling end. Eddie takes familiar characters and gives them their own personality. Then puts them in impossible situations, then extracts every bit of heroism out of them. (The good ones, that is.) Maid Marion is one of those "good ones."
The plot had different levels. Technology, medical thriller, and romance. Marion had to save England's children from a mysterious disease and she's interested in two different men. Who will she choose? Will it be the right decision or cost her everything? I have to say, "I've never read something like this before."
There's a subtle spiritual element which I love. It's like looking for gold. You know it's there but it has to be found. Lesson: Don't play God.
I love a story that's different. It has twists and turns that make the story great. I couldn't put this book down. So good.
The plot had different levels. Technology, medical thriller, and romance. Marion had to save England's children from a mysterious disease and she's interested in two different men. Who will she choose? Will it be the right decision or cost her everything? I have to say, "I've never read something like this before."
There's a subtle spiritual element which I love. It's like looking for gold. You know it's there but it has to be found. Lesson: Don't play God.
I love a story that's different. It has twists and turns that make the story great. I couldn't put this book down. So good.
June 18, 2018
This book captured my imagination through its retelling of Maid Marion and Robin Hood's story in a steampunk universe. As a child, I loved the Robin Hood story, but Melson wrote a twist into this timeless tale by making Marion the heroine of her own destiny. She's a brave and fiercely independent young woman, but she has a serious blind spot regarding the man who craves her hand and his true intentions. Robin's character is roguishly delightful, and you'll find John and Tuck here too, with slightly altered identities. Simply put, I couldn't put this one down and am hoping for more steampunk adventures by Melson in the future.
October 3, 2018
The writing on this is tolerably decent (not great, but the fact that it didn't annoy me into giving up on it says something) and the plot is interesting. The biggest thing that would have made me really love it is if the characters had a little more depth--and if Marion didn't join the ranks of brave, adventurous ladies who are so insecure that they constantly need to remind everyone how strong and independent they are. (Seriously, this kind of behavior does NOT make you look more confident, and it get annoying.)
Overall, a fun enough little story. I would have thought this was YA, but it's marked on Amazon as a children's book, so I've shelved it as middle grade. There aren't any content issues I can think of that keep it from being a middle grade book, except for maybe sensitive children who could be disturbed by plagues/kidnapping/experiments that target children, so I guess it's mostly the older characters that made it feel less like a children's book to me..
Overall, a fun enough little story. I would have thought this was YA, but it's marked on Amazon as a children's book, so I've shelved it as middle grade. There aren't any content issues I can think of that keep it from being a middle grade book, except for maybe sensitive children who could be disturbed by plagues/kidnapping/experiments that target children, so I guess it's mostly the older characters that made it feel less like a children's book to me..
June 12, 2018
Kudos to author Edie Melson for her creativity in spinning a steampunk fable based on the beloved Maid Marion of English folklore. And don't worry -- Robin Hood is part of the story, too! But never doubt that Marion is the heroine of this tale -- and rightly so. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment in Melson's fables because she created such a vivid storyworld and strong characters -- protagonists and antagonists alike.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Maiden of Iron for my unbiased review.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Maiden of Iron for my unbiased review.
August 19, 2018
I loved Edie's Steampunk version of Robin Hood and Lady Marion. Edward's deception with Marion, his automatons and his involvement with the illness infecting children is enough to keep the reader turning the page. Robin and Lady Marion struggle with denial over their love for each other. Edward steps in and asks Marion to marry him. Maiden of Iron is an intriguing read, filled with action and multiple twists.
June 21, 2018
An engaging update of the Robin Hood/Maid Marion legend. Very entertaining that kept me up at night. Also very creative in the weapons and machines they create. Would definitely recommend to anyone who loves medieval times, Steampunk tales, or just an entertaining story.
Reminds us to never underestimate a woman, no matter how small.
Reminds us to never underestimate a woman, no matter how small.
July 27, 2018
This was such a fun book. I enjoyed the retelling of Robin Hood in a steam punk world. Filled with imaginative innovations on horses and carriages and clever plot twists mixing science and biology, the story held my interest straight to the end. Edie Melson has created a fantastic world of metal, spunk and heroism that draws a reader in and makes them wish they could join in the action!
January 11, 2019
Surprising and fun!
My first experience with a "steampunk" story - is heard the term a time or two but never pursued it (had to look it up to see what it meant)
Reading this book, I pretty much knew the ending - Marion and Robin of Loxley would only end one way :) - but oh the method! The tale held my interest and kept me awake far into the night.
In short, a great read!!
My first experience with a "steampunk" story - is heard the term a time or two but never pursued it (had to look it up to see what it meant)
Reading this book, I pretty much knew the ending - Marion and Robin of Loxley would only end one way :) - but oh the method! The tale held my interest and kept me awake far into the night.
In short, a great read!!
July 30, 2018
An epic tale
Fantastic story. I loved this invigorating and innovative steampunk version of Robin Hood. Lady Marion's brave pursuit for justice and her loyalty to her friends resonates and stays with you long after you've reached the last page.
Fantastic story. I loved this invigorating and innovative steampunk version of Robin Hood. Lady Marion's brave pursuit for justice and her loyalty to her friends resonates and stays with you long after you've reached the last page.
December 31, 2018
A retelling is one thing, a reimagining another. This book is a re-engineering of the tale of Robin Hood as you've never seen it before. A political intrigue steampunk fantasy with heroines and heroes you can truly root for. As well as a handful of villains you can truly hate.
May 27, 2019
This was an extraordinary book, combining Robin Hood, steampunk and breathtaking adventure as seen through the story of Maid Marion. Edie Melson’s ability to create a world and fill it with wonderment is impressive. Bravo.
June 30, 2018
A good book. In my opinion, not exactly a Robin Hood story, as stated in the blurb, but still good, nonetheless. Clean, and also, I think, suitable for teens/young adults.
August 3, 2018
More of a 2.5. Pub 2018
October 9, 2018
over all it was pretty good and enjoyable, even with the MANY grammar and editing errors. my biggest problem with it stems from the fact that though Marion is often described as intelligent and capable both by the author and other characters she tells the villain that he is suspected of being the villian... Now, I understand that she herself didn't think he WAS the villian, but... at least THREE others told her that he WAS the villain and I accept that she didn't think he was, i do, but on the OFF chance he was(as ALL EVIDENCE said) WHY WOULD SHE TELL HIM?
Still enjoyed it, kudos to you Miss Melson. A good read.
Still enjoyed it, kudos to you Miss Melson. A good read.
October 8, 2018
What a creative book! A brilliant twist on an iconic, much-loved story. Thank you for the entertaining read!
November 26, 2018
Good Read
Maiden of Iron is Steampunk in all its glory. If you like heroes and heroines, machines, and adventure, you'll love this book...
Maiden of Iron is Steampunk in all its glory. If you like heroes and heroines, machines, and adventure, you'll love this book...
December 27, 2018
Imaginative and intriguing, and don't even get me started on the clothes! A fun, sometimes dark, twist on well-loved characters, set in a fantastic but very real-feeling world that keeps you reading.
January 6, 2020
Not my scene
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews