The Iron Duke (Iron Seas, #1) in Crazy Challenge Connection

Sep 24, 2015 Danielle Gypsy Soul rated it really liked it

The Iron Duke is the first book in Meljean Brook's Iron Seas Series (Although there is a prequel "Here There be Monsters" - it ssn't necessary to read it first). The world building in this series was a little confusing to me but fascinating. In this series the world is an alternate Victorian Society which is recovering from years of enslavement by the Hoard (Mongol Invaders). The technology that has evolved is different as well (hence the steampunk) and the values of the time are somewhat Victor The Iron Duke is the first book in Meljean Brook's Iron Seas Series (Although there is a prequel "Here There be Monsters" - it ssn't necessary to read it first). The world building in this series was a little confusing to me but fascinating. In this series the world is an alternate Victorian Society which is recovering from years of enslavement by the Hoard (Mongol Invaders). The technology that has evolved is different as well (hence the steampunk) and the values of the time are somewhat Victorian but skewed by the enslavement they endured. I wanted more background and a better understanding of this world (the reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars) but I was still fascinated all the same by what background there was.

I ended up loving the characters but I will admit I was slow to warm up to Rhys Trahaern (The Iron Duke). He was a pushy, self absorbed pirate. He really struggled to understand Mina and his best friend often had to explain her reactions/feelings to him. He was definitely socially inept at times but once you discovered his background it made sense. He truly didn't care about most of society but he was extremely loyal to those he considered his.

Mina was also a force to be reckoned with. She had dealt with prejudice and adversity her whole life. She was strong, brave and intelligent. She had a view of Rhys as a hero that was quickly diminished as she spent time with him but she also got to know the real man behind the legend. The romance was a bit different and I can see why some people would have trouble with it. I however, enjoyed the interactions between these characters and I loved them together.

There are strong supporting characters that are entertaining and add to the story that I hope we get to read more about in future books.

I wasn't sure I'd like steampunk but what's not to love about pirates, adventure, mystery, zombies, believable characters that have faults and an interesting world full of steampunk technology!

I'm adding this to my must read series list and looking forward to book 2. ...more

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Sep 06, 2020 Maggie Shanley rated it liked it · review of another edition

Mina is the product of rape and looks like the Horde of her parentage. Rhys is has made himself hardened steel to protect himself. This was a steam punk story, with interesting characters that I want to learn more about, but it could have used more world building and perhaps a prologue.

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Apr 05, 2019 Nicole P rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: opposites-attract, love-hate, to-serve-and-protect, law-and-order, bite-me, out-of-this-world, z-2019-rlftci-book-count-challenge, z-2019-rrrc-addicts

Still not sure about the steampunk sub-genre but this was enjoyable nonetheless. Zombies, pirates, kraken...a whole new world to wrap my head around. Was interesting and baffling to say the least.

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