Iron Jaw and Hummingbird by Chris Roberson

Roberson, Chris Iron Jaw and Hummingbird, 355 pages. Viking (Penguin), 2008. $20

Violence: PG, Sexual Content: PG (off page).  

NO

Iron Jaw was plucked from the streets and raised with an excellent education; after eight years and winning a bet for her mistress, she is unceremoniously returned to the streets and manages to make living as a grafter, under the tutelage of an older con. Hummingbird was the privileged son of wealth; on his first trip to become a soldier for the emperor, he is captured by bandits and eventually embraces their cause. When the two meet, they forge a plan to topple their planet’s government and find freedom and justice for all. 

For 200 pages I slogged through the couple’s back story – and watched the core action happen within five pages – and then saw the whole story dry up and blow away, ending in a whimper. I bought this book based on several review source recommendations and was greatly disappointed. The video game-like cover will capture kids’ attention, but be prepared for them to be disappointed. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher