Dark Shimmer by Donna Jo Napoli

Dark Shimmer by Donna Jo Napoli  353 pages

Dolce has grown up hidden away on an island in a lagoon. She is a giant, a freak, tormented by everyone but her loving mother. She spends her time learning the valuable secret of making mirrors. Following a tragedy, Dolce swims away and lands on an island where people see her as normal, even beautiful. Marin, a kind widower, and his little daughter bring Dolce to live with them in their grand palazzo. Eventually, Dolce and Marin marry. She secretly continues to make mirrors, not realizing that quicksilver endangers her . . . and so evil begins in innocence.

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

  The Iron Thorn  by Caitlin Kittredge      492 pages

Aoife (pronounced Ee-fah) Grayson has spent most of her life living as an orphan while attending a prestigious school. Her mother, who is locked away in a madhouse, tells Aoife about her dreams and stories when Aoife visits. Her brother, Conrad, is missing and she has never met her father. One day a mysterious letter arrives just like several she has received in the past. This letter has "Help me" written on it . With the help of her childhood friend, Cal, Aoife begins a trip that will change her entire world. This book is odd and mysterious with spooky and dangerous creatures everywhere you turn, but none as dangerous as the rigid government that dictates your every step and belief.

The Iron Thorn (Iron Codex #1) is the first Steampunk genre book I have read so I wasn't sure exactly what to expect.Therefore it is hard to compare with other books in this genre. This book was filled with interesting characters, non-stop action and twists and turns you don't see coming. I look forward to reading the second and third books in the series, "The Nightmare Garden" and "The Mirrored Shard".