City of Iron and Ivy
by Thomas Kent West
Blurb:
In an alternate London alive with botanical magic, Elswyth Elderwood is a thorn among roses: a bristly, scarred scholar in a world of socialites. Her sister Persephone is the opposite: a graceful debutante seeking a marriage that will save their family from ruin. At least, until Persephone is murdered.
Suddenly the last scion of her house, Elswyth must abandon her studies and find a wealthy husband. She is thrust into a London fueled by floromancy: hedge witches sprout nightshade from their fingertips, high-born ladies weave gowns from wildflowers… and a serial killer called the Reaper transforms his victims into plant-human hybrids.
When clues suggest the Reaper is a powerful nobleman, Elswyth’s search for her sister’s killer and her hunt for a husband become one and the same. But she is drawn to bastard-born archaeologist Silas Blackthorn—who may have dark, twisted secrets of his own.
Elswyth must determine friend from foe and lover from liar—or suffer the same fate as her sister.
My Review:
This story follows Elswyth as she navigates a dangerous London season,
balancing the pressure to marry and save her family with her determination to
uncover the truth behind her sister’s murder.
What really stood out to me was the botanical
magic, this alternate London, where the elite wield plant-based powers, felt
fresh and immersive. Some of the darker, more grotesque uses of that magic were
especially memorable and added a unique edge to the story. Elswyth herself is a
strong, compelling lead, scarred, blunt, and very much an outsider, which made
her easy to root for.
The mystery kept me engaged, with plenty of
twists and layered characters that had me guessing throughout. I also loved the
found family elements, those relationships added warmth and balance to an
otherwise dark story.
That said, the book did feel a bit too long,
especially in the middle where the pacing dragged and my interest in the
central mystery started to dip. The romance with Silas didn’t fully work for me
either, though I did appreciate how things played out in the end.
One thing that really elevated the experience
was the audiobook narration, I genuinely loved it. The narrator brought Elswyth
and the world to life in a way that kept me invested even during the slower
parts.
Overall,
despite some pacing issues, this was an addictive, atmospheric read with a
fascinating magic system, a gripping mystery, and a heroine I won’t forget
anytime soon.
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