Helpful Score: 6
After reading Downriver by John Hart last year, I began reading all of his works. Iron House, by leaps and bounds, is my favorite. When I picked up this book, I read in the acknowledgements that he almost didn't write this book because he couldn't get into it. After finishing it, that comment took me by surprise. I feel like he put his heart and soul into it. This book is full of conspiracy, loneliness, desperation, survival, and the kind of love that you kill for. There were so many twists and turns in the book, that Im sure I couldn't name them all. They also came at the perfect time in the book as well. Some authors spring twists on you that you've already figured out on your own, or they just don't make sense. Not in Iron House. Everything is timed perfectly. I cant wait to read this book again in a couple years. Its one that I would love to keep coming back to.
Helpful Score: 4
One of the best books I've read in a long time, characters come to life and make you feel like you want to get involved. Great read!
Helpful Score: 4
John Hart has become one of my favorite authors and he does not disappoint with Iron House. The intensity of his writing makes it hard to put down, and I read this almost in one day. Great read.
Helpful Score: 3
Iron House was a run down orphanage with forgotten boys. Two brothers Michael and Julian reside there. Michael is protective of Julian, then one day a boy is killed, Michael flees and takes the blame.
Iron House (John Hart)
Thriller/Suspense
Julian is adopted and Michael is raised on the streets. Julian has the good life, while Michael becomes part of a (Mob) crime family. As the years pass, Michael wants out of the "family" and to settle down with his pregnant girlfriend, and have a "real Family". But when the Mob boss dies it is a fight for power.
Soon Michael finds himself back in North Carolina, where he must come to terms with his past, help his brother and uncover truths that may be better off unknown. Danger, murder, deceit, lies, and secrets surface in this fast paced, page turner.
Iron House (John Hart)
Thriller/Suspense
Julian is adopted and Michael is raised on the streets. Julian has the good life, while Michael becomes part of a (Mob) crime family. As the years pass, Michael wants out of the "family" and to settle down with his pregnant girlfriend, and have a "real Family". But when the Mob boss dies it is a fight for power.
Soon Michael finds himself back in North Carolina, where he must come to terms with his past, help his brother and uncover truths that may be better off unknown. Danger, murder, deceit, lies, and secrets surface in this fast paced, page turner.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoy listening to audiobooks on my way to and from work. Usually I can stop, go about my day and pick up where I left off. This was not the case with Iron House! I craved to go back to my car during the work day so I could pick up with the story. It is that good!!
Scott Sowers reads the book and his voice is compelling and demands to be heard. His southern drawl and the inflection in his voice draws you into the story from the very beginning. Michael and Julian are brothers who reside at the Iron Mountain Home for Boys. Michael, the older brother, is very protective and fights not only for himself, but for his brother too. Julian finally learns to fight back, but the cost is high. Michael takes the blame unto himself and flees the orphanage with nothing but the clothes on his back.
Julian ends up being adopted by a wealthy couple but Michael lives on the streets until he is taken in by Otto, a crime boss. Otto sees himself in Michael and teaches him the ropes of organized crime, leading to Michael becoming his enforcer. Later, Michael meets and falls in love with Elena. She knows nothing of Michael's position in the mob and he would rather keep it that way. However, he wants out of the crime beat and wants to lead a normal life.
But, no one leaves the mob. He's either in or he and everyone he loves is dead. Michael leads his pregnant wife, Elena across the country to a brother he hasn't seen in over twenty years, with the mob fast on his trail. There, the stakes are life and death and buried secrets are revealed.
This is a thrilling and exciting book and Scott Sowers does a remarkable job. His voice leads the rollercoaster as you ride along with him on this unforgettable story. You'll find yourself throwing your hands in the air in excitement and wailing out at the horrors. John Hart is a gripping storyteller and Scott Sowers' voice enhances it perfectly.
Scott Sowers reads the book and his voice is compelling and demands to be heard. His southern drawl and the inflection in his voice draws you into the story from the very beginning. Michael and Julian are brothers who reside at the Iron Mountain Home for Boys. Michael, the older brother, is very protective and fights not only for himself, but for his brother too. Julian finally learns to fight back, but the cost is high. Michael takes the blame unto himself and flees the orphanage with nothing but the clothes on his back.
Julian ends up being adopted by a wealthy couple but Michael lives on the streets until he is taken in by Otto, a crime boss. Otto sees himself in Michael and teaches him the ropes of organized crime, leading to Michael becoming his enforcer. Later, Michael meets and falls in love with Elena. She knows nothing of Michael's position in the mob and he would rather keep it that way. However, he wants out of the crime beat and wants to lead a normal life.
But, no one leaves the mob. He's either in or he and everyone he loves is dead. Michael leads his pregnant wife, Elena across the country to a brother he hasn't seen in over twenty years, with the mob fast on his trail. There, the stakes are life and death and buried secrets are revealed.
This is a thrilling and exciting book and Scott Sowers does a remarkable job. His voice leads the rollercoaster as you ride along with him on this unforgettable story. You'll find yourself throwing your hands in the air in excitement and wailing out at the horrors. John Hart is a gripping storyteller and Scott Sowers' voice enhances it perfectly.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this to be an excellent book about two orphans and their journey in life. There are many twists and turns in the story and I could hardly put the book down. I would recommend it highly.
Helpful Score: 1
This thriller is as good as anything you'll read from the genre's bestselling authors. However, it just didn't measure up to his previous novels. Not until the final pages did I feel the depth of character I have become used to from Hart. His previous thrillers were good literature, "Iron House" is a good novel.
I love John Hart's books, but I didn't love this one. It's too dark for my taste. The story was great, as always. However, there were parts I just skimmed to keep the thread because it was just TOO much for me. But that's just my opinion and others probably won't agree with me.
WOW John Hart has swiftly become one of my favorite authors, precise in his character descriptions and no long-drawn-out character building. The story line although at times complex is so well scripted it flows and takes the reader along for an enjoyable captivating thrill ride. IF you have never read this author, it should be high time you read some of his books.
Dark and edgy with complex characters and beautifully written prose. I was immersed from the first page. This writer has won back to back Edgar Awards and I've been a devoted fan since I read King of Lies. This book is darker, and takes you to a different level from his other books. I loved it and it made me want to know more about Michael, the MC. I finished it days ago, and still can't stop thinking about it....highly recommend.
It's rare that you root for such a conflicted hero, who has pure motives but has been a killer. I couldn't put it down, finished it at 2 am, which is rare as I usually fall asleep. CAn we control the forces that act on us? on our minds? Read and find out. Each Hart book is better than the last, and more compelling!
Really have enjoyed all of John Hart's books. This one was his best.
I was very disappointed in Iron House. In fact, I'm still yawning.
While the character of Michael had promise, the plot started to feel top heavy and the writing style felt somewhat disjointed. It didn't flow very well to me and I lost interest in the narrative pretty quickly.
Elena was annoying after a while and I couldn't have cared less about the storyline 100 pages in, which makes for tedious, skimmable reading; but I think I will still try another of John Hart's books (at some point) since he's so highly recommended. But if it's a good mob story you're looking for, you might as well read the real deal. Pick up Mario Puzo instead of this poorly focused and loose mishmash.
While the character of Michael had promise, the plot started to feel top heavy and the writing style felt somewhat disjointed. It didn't flow very well to me and I lost interest in the narrative pretty quickly.
Elena was annoying after a while and I couldn't have cared less about the storyline 100 pages in, which makes for tedious, skimmable reading; but I think I will still try another of John Hart's books (at some point) since he's so highly recommended. But if it's a good mob story you're looking for, you might as well read the real deal. Pick up Mario Puzo instead of this poorly focused and loose mishmash.
Despite the rave reviews and Hart's terrific reputation, I had a hard time with this one. I didn't care at all for the characters or story line. It worked for others, but did not resonate with me. I will, however, read his next one.
excellent the character was believable fast pace.
John Hart is a wonderful author. This is a great story that keep you moving right along. I is a wild ride that you never know where you will end up.
This book has many twists and turns. I could see this being made into a movie easily.
