Iron Heart

by Nina Varela

Overview

Critically acclaimed author Nina Varela delivers a stunning sequel to the richly imagined queer epic fantasy Crier’s War, which SLJ called “perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass.”

For too long, Automae have lorded over the kingdom of Rabu, oppressing its human citizens. But the human revolution has risen, and at its heart is Ayla. Once a handmaiden, now a fugitive, Ayla narrowly escaped the palace of Lady Crier, the girl she would’ve killed if she hadn’t fallen in love first. 

Now Ayla has pledged her allegiance to Queen Junn, who can help accomplish the human rebellion’s ultimate goal: destroy the Iron Heart. Without its power, the Automae will be weakened to the point of extinction. Ayla wants to succeed, but can’t shake the strong feelings she’s developed for Crier. And unbeknownst to her, Crier has also fled the palace, taking up among traveling rebels, determined to find and protect Ayla.

Even as their paths collide, nothing can prepare them for the dark secret underlying the Iron Heart.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062823977
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	09/08/2020
Series:	Crier's War , #2
Pages:	416
Sales rank:	16,581
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 5.30(h) x 1.50(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Nina Varela is a nationally awarded writer of screenplays and short fiction. She was born in New Orleans and raised on a hippie commune in Durham, North Carolina, where she spent most of her childhood playing in the Eno River, building faerie houses from moss and bark, and running barefoot through the woods. These days, Nina lives in Los Angeles with her writing partner and their tiny ill-behaved dog. She tends to write stories about young people toppling the monarchy/patriarchy/whatever-archy. On a related note, she’s queer. On a less related note, she has strong feelings about hush puppies and loves a good jambalaya. Crier’s War is her first novel. You can find Nina at any given coffee shop in the greater Los Angeles area or at www.ninavarela.com.

Editorial Reviews

10/02/2020

Gr 9 Up—This is the thrilling sequel to Crier's War, continuing the action with political intrigue and revolution while also featuring a sapphic love story for the ages. A revolution is brewing in the Kingdom of Rabu, where Automae rule over humans. Having been forced to suffer at the hands of the Automae, the humans, tired of fearing for their lives every day, have begun the rebellion against their rulers. Ayla is directly in the middle of this rebellion, having left Crier and her court to pledge her allegiance to Queen Junn. However, even separated, Crier and Ayla can't leave behind the feelings they share for one another. This is a richly developed conclusion to the duology that displays the growth Varela has made in honing her craft. Because the first book gives readers the history of the kingdom, this book focuses more on the current events and expands on the characters living through the rebellion. The characters have shown much growth since the events of the first book. What Varela succeeds at most is creating an inclusive world. LGBTQ romances are casually mentioned throughout the story without any prejudice and the two main characters display a slow burn romance brimming with chemistry. Cryer and Ayla are both described as having darker skin and features. VERDICT This sapphic love story set in a warring kingdom is the latest in a recommended series.—Zoe Leonarczyk, Florida State Univ., Tallahassee

School Library Journal