Audiobook: City of Iron and Ivy by Thomas Kent West

May 28, 2026

Synopsis:

In an alternate London alive with botanical magic, Elswyth Elderwood is a thorn among a bristly, scarred scholar in a world of socialites. Her sister Persephone is the a graceful debutante seeking a marriage that will save their family from ruin. At least, until Persephone is murdered.

Suddenly the last scion of her house, Elswyth must abandon her studies and find a wealthy husband. She is thrust into a London fueled by hedge witches sprout nightshade from their fingertips, high-born ladies weave gowns from wildflowers … and a serial killer called the Reaper transforms his victims into plant-human hybrids.

When clues suggest the Reaper is a powerful nobleman, Elswyth’s search for her sister’s killer and her hunt for a husband become one and the same. But she is drawn to bastard-born archaeologist Silas Blackthorn—who may have dark, twisted secrets of his own.

Elswyth must determine friend from foe and lover from liar—or suffer the same fate as her sister.

Review:

Let’s start with what I enjoyed most: the magic system. I read a lot of fantasy, and botanical magic is quite rare, which made it feel especially fresh and intriguing to me.

The story blends historical fiction, fantasy, and a murder mystery – an unusual combination that works surprisingly well. The plot kept me engaged, and I genuinely didn’t see the ending coming.
At the centre is Elswyth, an intelligent young woman caught between her desire to continue her education and the expectations placed on her by her father and society. When her sister goes missing, she seizes the opportunity to travel to London for the season, hoping to uncover the truth. At the same time, she must navigate the pressure to find a suitable husband, particularly given her family’s financial situation, all while trying to pursue her studies and investigate her sister’s disappearance.
Throughout her journey, Elswyth struggles to balance these expectations with staying true to herself. She often finds herself in risky situations, but what I appreciated most was her determination – she doesn’t shy away from confrontation. Along the way, she not only learns more about herself but also uncovers what lies beneath the polished surface of society.

I truly enjoyed this book. It’s a compelling mix of genres that gives the main character plenty of room to shine, and I quickly grew very fond of her. Watching the story unfold at its own pace was a genuinely enjoyable experience, and if you’re considering it, I would definitely recommend giving the audiobook a try.

🌙 Recension: City of Iron and Ivy by Thomas Kent West
📚 Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy, Historical
📅 Release Date: April 21, 2026
📖 Publisher: Hachette Audio
👤 Narrator: Chloe Campbell
📗 available in various formats – included in Kindle Unlimited | Audible
📱 Read as: Audiobook
💸 I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages / Listening Length: 17h 54min
⭐️ 4/5