Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale (review)

Following on the previous two novels in the series (Tithe, BCCB 10/05, Valiant, BCCB 1/03), Black returns to the faery world, unveiling her hauntingly dark visions at a gripping pace. This third novel focuses primarily on Roiben, awaiting his coronation to the Unseelie Court throne, and Kaye, a changeling who lives in the everyday world but finds that her ability to disguise her true self is diminishing rapidly. The two protagonists are also embroiled in a passionate romance, though Roiben, to protect Kaye and keep her from the escalating war between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, invokes a rule about lovers staying apart until one has proven their love through a task and assigns her a seemingly impossible quest: show him a faery who can lie. Even obstinate Kaye may not be able to accomplish this mission, and it is uncertain if there will be any stable faery court in which to announce her victory if she does. There is too little exposition for this novel to stand alone, as new readers will likely be so confused that the intended emotional impact will be dulled, but established fans will be right at home in the intricate worlds the author carefully unveiled in the earlier volumes, and they will be pleased with the attention given each of the key protagonists with whom they've already connected. Black's impeccably employed literary quotes at the beginning of each chapter complement this gorgeous fantasy perfectly and may inspire readers to pursue some of the poets and authors referenced. Kaye and Roiben, true star-crossed lovers, are each memorable, well-developed characters in their own rights, and their intense connection, created out of both darkness and light, is easily one of the most compelling romances in contemporary YA fantasy.