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The Iron Duke (Iron Seas, #1)

Meljean Brook

Start date: January 1, 2011

Finish date: January 31, 2011

Discussion: Group Reads

Discussion leader: Danielle The Book Huntress

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Group Reads

* Group Read Selection/Nomination Guidelines
By Danielle The… , Loves 'Em Lethal · 6 posts · 136 views

last updated Dec 19, 2012 08:46AM

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By Danielle The… , Loves 'Em Lethal · 3 posts · 80 views

last updated Jan 06, 2012 03:40PM

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What Members Thought

Feb 17, 2011 Peep (Pop! Pop!) rated it it was ok

Shelves: what-the-heck, read-in-2011, just-okay, zzzzzzzombies, adult-cravings

Overall I liked it. I couldn’t decide between 2, 3 or 4 stars , so I just went halfway with it. Caution: Wall of text. This review is kinda long!

I liked the world that was created. I liked reading about the struggles of the people. How different countries are from today. There were a lot of things touched on in the book. There was a lot of detail. So much detail, in fact, that I almost felt I had to write things down. There were so many different “people groups”. I kept getting them confused. Bu Overall I liked it. I couldn’t decide between 2, 3 or 4 stars , so I just went halfway with it. Caution: Wall of text. This review is kinda long!

I liked the world that was created. I liked reading about the struggles of the people. How different countries are from today. There were a lot of things touched on in the book. There was a lot of detail. So much detail, in fact, that I almost felt I had to write things down. There were so many different “people groups”. I kept getting them confused. But I still liked all the detail. It was easy to imagine things getting that crazy.

I really, really liked the mystery aspect. I don’t read that many mysteries, so I’m always pleasantly surprised when I do. The whole idea of trying to figure out why something happened was fun. If I had to rate the book on the mystery alone, I’d give it 4 stars.
I liked the Blacksmith because he was creepy, but he was good at what he did and everyone respected him.

And you know how I like zombies? Well, they’re in this, too. I didn’t like them because they were the fast zombies. Personally, I don’t like fast zombies because I haven’t yet discovered a way to defeat them. A small part of me feels like they should have been left out altogether.

Kinda weird and way out there, but one of my favorite parts in the book was when the cat, you know the one with the IRON skeleton, gets taken care of. I tilted my chin in respect (you know, the smug nod?) at that scene.Totally hardcore.

I liked nearly all of the secondary characters. I also liked Mina. She was tough and strong and I actually really don’t have much to say about her. Though I think it was unbelievable since the Kraken are supposedly hard to kill and wreak havoc on a ship, I liked that she got a chance to prove how tough she could be. But really, think about it. If Kraken were that easy to kill, should they even be feared like that? I’m beginning to think that some of those folk who spread the rumors had never actually seen a Kraken.

Here’s my main problem: When a character is known to be ruthless, angry, and generally hardcore, I like to see examples of it when I read it. You tell me the guy acts first, then asks questions. But then when I read that he’s really, really angry and then just lets the guy go, I’m kinda doubting that you’re as tough as your reputation claims. Apparently, he’d thrown a few guys off the ship, just because he had to make a point (all really good points, I promise), but that was in the past. I guess he got soft with age.

I had a hard time imagining the Duke. Sure, I had the cover picture but he was described as big and heavy. My mental image kept making me think of the Terminator. Or, at least terminator legs with a grown man’s upper torso. Really it just messed everything up for me. Once, someones nails were described as square. I hate when that happens because I always think of cartoon hands! Also, I’m still trying to get a mental picture of mechanical flesh. The gray is throwing me off!

Also, you know (if you have read any of my reviews), that I love an alpha manly man. However, I can’t stand Brutes. And at times the Rhys kinda came off as a brute. One scene in particular weirded me out. It involved a woman saying no and him not getting it. Everything turns ok but still. I just don’t see how that even happened in the first place. It might not bother others, but it bothered me. Maybe it would have been better if the book was more of a steam-punk adventure than a steam-punk romance?

If the Horde created “frenzies” (wink) so often, then why weren’t there more half Horde babies walking around. Surely they couldn’t have been part of a few. You’d think there’d be more than one can count. Unless they all got killed off and they’ll talk about it in another book.

All in all it was OK. Seems to be split on ratings from what I’ve seen. I’d give it 3 stars. I did like her short story better, so maybe that’s why this one didn’t stick with me as much? I still believe I’d read the next book in the series (there has to be one!)(remember Fox?). You should read it and let me know what you think. ...more

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Oct 12, 2010 Kathy rated it it was amazing

Outstanding book and this is my first "Steampunk" read! I couldn't put it down :) . ...more

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Nov 29, 2010 Crystal rated it it was amazing

This was my 1st book by Meljean Brook and it was completely awesome! Mina was a great heroine and Rhys is not what he seems at first glance. I was at the edge of my seat for most of the book and was completely satisfied when it was over. I haven't read the author's other series because I have been gravitating away from PNR, but you can bet that I will definitely be checking them out now. ...more

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Nov 18, 2010 Stacie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

it took me a minute to get into this book as i had never read anything that was steampunk-ish. however i am glad i kept reading. it was completely worth it. i didnt want wit to end! and i cannot wait for the next one!

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