Ironhand - Book and Audio Review

Ironhand
The Stoneheart Trilogy – Book 2
By Charlie Fletcher
Hodder Children’s Books (U.K.)
2007
First U.S. Edition 2008
Hyperion Books for Children
An Imprint of Disney Book Group
Audio read by Jim Dale

Dedication: With all my love and thanks to Domenica, without whom none of this would be possible or nearly as much fun

Target Age Group: Boys or girls, ages 11 and above

Must Read
Good Read
Should Read

Best Experienced: This story can be best experienced by either reading the book or listening to the CD.

Synopsis

In Stoneheart, the first book of the trilogy, George unleashed his anger onto a stone dragon, breaking off its head, which released the fury of all the stone statues in London. He had to make amends to the stone within 24 hours. With the help of Edie and the Gunner, George sets out to do just that, but in the end decides to take “the Hard Way,” even though he doesn't really know what that means. At the story's end, George and Edie watch helplessly as the Gunner is captured by the Walker, and both the Gunner and Walker disappear.

In Ironhand, George and Edie set out to rescue the Gunner. But no path is straight in this adventure. Unbeknownst to Edie, George is spirited away by a gargoyle. From Edie’s perspective, he was behind her, then he was gone, simply vanished into thin air. Even though Geroge is gone, Edie continues their quest to save the Gunner.

George is desperately trying to escape the Gargoyle and get back to Edie. But first, he has to deal with “the Hard Way,” the completion of three duels, none to be fought on the same ground as the others. If he does not stand and fight, he forfeits his life. And yet, if he stands and fights, he could also lose his life.

And while he's dueling, what about Edie and the Gunner? Little does George know that Edie needs him more than ever, as she – like the Gunner – has been captured by the Walker. And if the Gunner is not on his plinth by turn o'day -- midnight -- he will die, or worse, spend eternity as the Walker's servant.

George showed great ingenuity and a lot of growth in the first book. But can he match his wits and skill with the ancient statues and magical creatures that relentlessly chase him? Can he rescue himself, Edie and the Gunner? Or will someone die?

Book Review

After finishing Stoneheart, I was more than anxious to read this book (that is, listen to the CD), and I wasn’t disappointed. This book is a heart-stopping, thrilling adventure with lots of unexpected twists and turns. More than once, I thought George was a goner, but so far, he’s managed to out-wit the stone. Edie has more spunk and courage than any girl her age should have to have. In short, I loved it.

Audio Review

Once again, Jim Dale delivers an exceptionally memorable performance. His range of characters and the life he gives them only enhances an already outstanding story.

Characters

George Chapman – George is our 12 year old protagonist. In the last story, he grew from being a sniveling, self-absorbed adolescent into a person who not only stands up for himself but for his friends as well. In this story, he is challenged in more ways than he can count. But will he be tempted by the power he now has?

Edie – Also 12 years old and a glint, which means she can see the memories of the past that have been stored in the stone. Usually these memories are bad, very, very bad. Edie has always known that she was different and tried to shrug it off as if it didn’t matter, like no one else mattered. She wouldn’t let anyone get close to her. But now, she’s found not only a kinship with George, but a genuine friendship. But will she betray her friendship once she’s in the clutches of the Walker? Or will she sacrifice herself instead?

The Gunner – A World War I statue of a gunner. He swore an oath by his maker to the Walker, then broke it. That means he must serve the Walker…forever. And if he’s serving the Walker, how can he help George and Edie?

The Walker – He is beyond sinister, a truly evil man whose hobby is to collect the heartstones of glints, like Edie. And if a glint dies in the process, well what does he care?

The Black Friar – Since George has disappeared, will the Black Friar help Edie? Edie has questions, and only the Black Friar can answer them. But the question is, will he?

Spout – A stone gargoyle who used to have a corroded copper pipe in his mouth to direct the water. During a battle in Stoneheart, George pulled the spout out and the gargoyle was killed by the Gunner. So why did he come back? And more importantly, how?

Ariel – A golden girl who can fly, truly fly, and enjoys it immensely. She saves George, or does she?

The Last Knight – A metal knight in less-than-shining armor. He challenges George to a duel, the first of the three duels that George must fight. It doesn’t bother him one bit that George has no weapon and no way to defend himself.

The Red Queen – An ancient queen who rides in a chariot. She is called the red queen because of the blood she spilled seeking vengeance for her daughters. She’s seen Edie and knows she’s a glint. What’s more, she fears that Edie is in trouble and needs help. And it is her mission to help any woman – or girl – in peril.