The Iron Palace (The Tangled Spirits Series)
For the past two weeks, Mina has been looking for evidence to prove that her spirit journey to the past really happened. Mina wishes to be a normal college student; however, she can’t deny the ways she changed, including seeing fox spirits. When a spirit directs Mina to a hidden account written by Masako, the woman whose body she was pulled into in the year 999, Mina discovers her adventures to the past may not be over. Masako hasn’t been able to use her powers since Mina left. With the assistance of Kenji, whose family has guarded Masako’s Chronicle of an Imperial Court Medium, the two will attempt to send their spirits back in time to help Masako defeat a powerful demon.
Book 2 picks up immediately after the events of Book 1, Tangled Spirits, with the first half centered on Mina and Kenji reading a series of letters left behind by Masako. These letters chronicle Masako’s life after Mina was returned to the present. While the insights into Masako’s world are engaging, the letter-style narrative lacks the urgency and tension that made Book 1 so compelling. In the first half, Mina’s longing for a normal life is understandable, but her refusal to accept her ability to see fox spirits—especially after all she’s experienced—feels somewhat forced. Once Mina and Kenji do return to the past, the story regains its momentum. The twist involving the identities they inhabit is a standout moment, adding a fresh layer of intrigue. Plus, the vivid depiction of the Heian period is immensely enjoyable. One minor inconsistency I noticed: Masako sometimes calls her friend “Mina” and other times “Mi-na.” Overall, The Iron Palace is a richly imaginative folkloric tale that moves fluidly across time.
