Iron Hearted Violet

by Kelly Barnhill

[Terri M. LeBlanc]

Since I started listening to audiobooks more consistently, I've taken up perusing what's in stock each time we visit Half Price Books. This hidden gem, Iron Hearted Violet, was on the shelf after several visits. And since I have a soft spot for books about dragons and it was relatively short (just over 7 hours) I decided to give it a shot.

After only two or three drives, I knew I had to have the physical copy of this book for my collection. There were just TOO many quotes I wanted save. This is a book about STORIES specifically LOST stories and a not-so-pretty princess. I HAD to have it. So I headed over to Amazon, used a gift card and purchased a physical copy of the book to accompany my audio CDs. Much to my surprise, after it arrived, I found the story was studded with line drawings illustrating the happenings in the novel. As I got further and further into the story, like Violet, I felt I had discovered something special.

Iron Hearted Violet is a story about forgotten stories, friends, the sacrifices you make for them and doing what is right. The story is told from the point of view of an older court storyteller. Simon Vance did an excellent job of setting the stage and telling the story. I was always anxious to learn more about the Nybbas and Demetrius and Violet. The adults in the story learn a great deal from the courage of the children in their lives. Everyone learns the power of stories.

Fans of Harry Potter, readers who love dragons and those who love twists on the traditional princess storyline will love Iron Hearted Violet. If you have young children, you might try reading this one aloud to them. This little middle-grade novel caught me by surprise and I'm happy I took a chance to listen to it as well as page through the physical copy. It's sure to stick with me for a long time.