A Thrilling and Compelling Read

Dark and haunting, Mel Sterling's IRONBOUND is a richly textured, complex read that thrills the heart and feeds the soul. Dove, the blacksmith, who becomes a prisoner of the Fae is as tough as the iron she wields, with accompanying sweet notes of kindness and delicacy. Her captor Hunter, the dreaded leader of the Wild Hunt, grows from a rigid dogmatic character to an appealing one faceted with compelling nooks and crannies. Sterling's worldbuilding makes it easy to believe in a Portland inhabited by Fae, one where humans go about their daily lives oblivious to the Others living amongst them. Sterling's tale is compelling, as Hunter and many of the fae revolt against their cruel Queen. The book builds to a sizzling climax both satisfying and fierce. And the romance between Dove and Hunter? As hot as the fires Dove ignites in her forge. I loved every word of this marvelous story, and eagerly await the next Portland After Dark installment.