The Iron Hex by Victoria S. Walsh

Aug 18

An enchanting debut filled with magic, mystery, and a hero who has been in love with her all along…

Eira Eckhart has spent the last three years living as a potions witch, running her shop, The Potions Patisserie, alongside her familiar bunny, Pennyroyal. Her quiet life is turned upside down when a dashing stranger named Hugo Venton walks into her shop asking unusual questions. Before long, Eira and Hugo find themselves fleeing the Iron Empire in search of a missing princess.

The problem? Eira was apparently the last person to see the princess before the Iron Empire overthrew the royal family, and she cannot remember anything that happened more than three years ago. As she searches for answers about her missing memories, Eira must also navigate her growing feelings for Hugo, who has secretly been pining for her for over a decade, all while evading the Empire's pursuit.

I have been a fan of Walsh's content for several years, and it's not always easy for a content creator to successfully transition into publishing. However, Walsh exceeds expectations with her debut novel, The Iron Hex.

The world-building is rich and immersive, and the magic system is both well-developed and easy to follow. The romantic tension between Eira and Hugo is beautifully written, and Walsh executes the "he falls first" trope exceptionally well. Their relationship feels natural, heartfelt, and deeply woven into the story.

I also loved seeing Eira portrayed as a plus-size heroine and romantic lead. Another standout aspect of the novel is the use of memory loss. Amnesia can often feel like a convenient plot device, but in The Iron Hex, it is thoughtfully integrated into the story's foundation. Walsh ensures that Eira's missing memories are essential to both the plot and her character development, making the trope feel purposeful rather than gimmicky.

The Iron Hex is an impressive debut and one I would recommend to a wide range of readers, including those who don't typically gravitate toward romantasy. With its compelling storytelling, engaging characters, and confident writing, it's hard to believe this is Walsh's first novel.