Iron Cast

Two female hemopaths - people with blood-based magic that lets them create illusions through art - work as entertainers at Boston's Iron Cast club in 1919. Ada Navarra and Corinne Wells perform for wealthy patrons while helping their hemopath friends carry out small-time cons to keep their sanctuary running. The climate grows hostile as anti-hemopath sentiment rises and a mysterious killer targets their kind across the city. Ada and Corinne must navigate increasing danger while protecting their found family at the Iron Cast, all while hiding their abilities from those who would harm them. The story moves between glittering club performances, back-alley escapes, and the complex bonds between the diverse cast of characters living on society's margins. Historical details of 1919 Boston blend with magic and danger as prohibition looms and hemopaths face mounting persecution. This YA historical fantasy explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the power of art as resistance. Through the lens of hemopaths' struggles, the narrative examines how marginalized groups maintain dignity and community in the face of systemic oppression.

Readers describe this 1919 Boston-set fantasy as a character-driven story with compelling female friendship at its core. The plot centers on hemopaths - people who can create illusions through art. Readers appreciated: - Rich historical atmosphere and details - Complex relationship between main characters Ada and Corinne - Diverse representation of race and sexuality - Magic system based on art/music - Con artist elements and heist storylines Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Romance subplots feel underdeveloped - Some found the magic system confusing - Ending felt rushed to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (4,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (80+ ratings) "The friendship between Ada and Corinne carries the story" - Goodreads reviewer "Unique magic system but takes time to understand how it works" - Amazon review "Strong start and finish but drags in the middle" - Barnes & Noble review

The Diviners by Libba Bray Set in 1920s New York, a group of teenagers with supernatural abilities work together to solve magical crimes while navigating social constraints and dark forces.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong A reimagining of Romeo and Juliet unfolds in 1920s Shanghai where two heirs of rival gangs investigate a supernatural plague threatening their city.

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh In 1872 New Orleans, a dressmaker becomes entangled with supernatural creatures and a series of murders that force her to confront her own hidden powers.

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi A team of magic practitioners in 1889 Paris uses their talents to pull off heists while uncovering secrets about their heritage and abilities.

Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal During World War I, a medium working for British Intelligence communicates with ghost soldiers to gather military intelligence while investigating a traitor within their ranks.

🎭 Set in 1919 Boston during the last days of America's hemopathy bars, the novel explores a time when people with blood-based magic were both celebrated performers and social outcasts. 🎬 The story draws inspiration from the historical speakeasy culture, though it predates Prohibition by reimagining similar underground establishments for magical performers. 📚 Author Destiny Soria wrote this debut novel while working as a full-time English teacher, often drafting scenes during her lunch breaks. 🎪 The term "hemopathy" in the novel is derived from the Greek words "haima" (blood) and "pathos" (suffering), creating a unique magical system where abilities are tied to blood. 🗽 The book explores themes of immigration and prejudice through its diverse cast, including main character Ada Navarra, whose family came from Italy, reflecting the complex social dynamics of early 20th century America.