Review: Iron’s Prophecy by Julie Kagawa

Title: Iron’s Prophecy

Author:  Julie Kagawa

Series: The Iron Fey

Publisher:  Harlequin

Format: ebook freebie from author

ISBN: 1426846037

Genre: Young Adult
Release date: September 1st 2012

Number of pages: 79

Meghan Chase is finally getting used to being the Iron Queen, ruler of the Iron Fey. Her life may be strange, but with former Winter prince Ash by her side at last, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

But when they travel to the Summer and Winter courts’ gathering for Elysium, the oracle from Meghan’s past returns with a dire prophecy: “What you carry will either unite the courts, or it will destroy them.” Now Meghan faces a devastating choice that may determine the future of all fey—and her and Ash’s unborn child…

I love the Iron Fey series but I have a huge problem with these novellas. All their stories feels like a tease to me and I finish wanting more. I get a glimpse of Ash and of course Puck, but the story is too short for me to truly enjoy it.

 

This time I came prepared to what was coming and since this was just a freebie I feel a little better and don’t hate the book that much.

 

My principal issue was the fact we can barely see Ash fighting and when he and Puck decide to join battle it’s a little strange to see Megan win the fight.

 

I guess my problem is always wanting more. Nothing bad or truly evil this time around, just a glimpse of the future.

 

Series in Order

#1 – The Iron King
#1.5 – Winter’s Passage 
#2 – The Iron Daughter 
#3 – The Iron Queen
#3.5 – Summer’s Crossing 
#4 – The Iron Knight
#4.5 – An Iron Fey Valentine
#4.6 – Iron’s Prophecy

 

Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa 

e-ARC provided by NetGalley courtesy of the publisher

Iron Fey #4

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

Genre: Young Adult 
Release date: October 26th 2011
Number of pages: 394
Rating:

 

Book Blurb:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

My Thoughts:

I never thought I would miss Meghan, but this book was almost all about Ash journey to became a human and be able to live with Meghan on the Iron Realm.

 

Puck as always is the fun part on the travel, plus we get to see again the Wolf and of course Grimalkin, he’s such a smarty cat. I liked how Puck chose to help and decided to trust Meghan and his longtime friend Ash.

 

At first when I first read about the return of Ariella it got me thinking of what Ash would do, because he blames himself and Puck, but after some more reading I realized that Julie was right again and both needed closure. Mostly to became again friends because their relationship was going really bad.

 

So the journey made this book the darker so far and I thought in moments that somebody would die and I kept hoping to not be Puck or Ash. It would be devastating.

 

I wanted more time with Meghan and to get to know more about her way of ruling the Iron Fey.

Books in this Series:

#1 – The Iron King (Iron Fey, #1)
#1.5 – Winter’s Passage (Iron Fey, #1.5)
#2 – The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey, #2)
#3 – The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, #3)
#3.5 – Summer’s Crossing (Iron Fey, #3.5)
#4 – The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4)
#4.5 – An Iron Fey Valentine

Trailer:

Quote:

“I have come from the End of the World…. From the River of Dreams, through the gauntlet and the Briar and the Deep Wyld, in order to stand before you today. I have but one request – to take my place at your side. To resume my duty as your knight, and to protect you and your kingdom for as long as I draw breath.”

Review: Summer’s Crossing by Julie Kagawa

Summer’s Crossing by Julie Kagawa 

Iron Fey #3.5

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genre: Young Adult 
Release date: June 1st 2011
Number of pages: 72
Rating:

 

Book Blurb:

A Midsummer’s Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon’s right hand, bane of many a faery queen’s existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl’s death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone’s come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck’s help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series.

My Thoughts:

One of the reasons this book managed 5 hearts is Puck. This is the first in the series that have another person POV, the others were told from Meghan perspective. This is one is really special because we can see how much Puck really loves and the trouble it brings for him, to choose between his love or his friendship with Ash.

 

So back on The Iron Queen, Ash made a deal with Leanansidhe and she decided to collect now, problem is he has to break and enter the Summer Court, lucky for him Puck is along for the ride and he’s is the best prankster ever created.

 

But the situations inside the court were really funny and I couldn’t help but to wish more scenes that we could see more about those two friendship. They bonded awhile back and it is forbidden because they are from different sides, but it didn’t stop and now Meghan is in the middle of it all.

Books in this Series:

#1 – The Iron King (Iron Fey, #1)
#1.5 – Winter’s Passage (Iron Fey, #1.5)
#2 – The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey, #2)
#3 – The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, #3)
#3.5 – Summer’s Crossing (Iron Fey, #3.5)
#4 – The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4)
#4.5 – An Iron Fey Valentine

Quote:

“I would be more than her guardian and her champion and the jester who made her laugh. I would be her everything, if I could. -Puck”

“Worry not, ice-boy. I already have a plan.” I flashed him my best impish smile, rubbing my hands together. “One brilliant Goodfellow prank, coming right up.” -puck”

Review: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Iron Fey #3

Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Young Adult 
Release date: January 25th 2011
Number of pages: 358
Rating:

 

Book Blurb:

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who’s sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I’m not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

My Thoughts:

I’m seriously loving this series, each installment is better than the others because we get to see more feeling from Ash, Meghan and even Puck on this book.

Once again the trio will have to save the Nevernever, but this time from an enemy faceless. Since Machina death in The Iron King, other iron fey has entitled himself king and is trying to destroy both courts and rule the hole nevernever. But there’s a catch, this new Iron King doesn’t have Machina’s power and for that he needs to kill Meghan.

So she starts the story hiding with Leanansidhe help and once the courts actually assume that iron fey exist, the war is almost lost, so Oberon and Mab ask for Meghan help because she is the only one able to enter iron realm and doesn’t suffer it’s effect. Of course Ash and Puck decided to go along for the ride.

This was the best book, so far on the series, for several reasons. Ash shows more feelings, Puck decide to be real and act toward his love, and Meghan starts to understand better the fey world and it’s rules. She actually gain something out of a contract for the first time.

Books in this Series:

#1 – The Iron King (Iron Fey, #1) #1.5 – Winter’s Passage (Iron Fey, #1.5)
#2 – The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey, #2)
#3 – The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, #3) #3.5 – Summer’s Crossing (Iron Fey, #3.5)
#4 – The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4)
#4.5 – An Iron Fey Valentine

Trailer:

Quotes:

“My name is Ashallyn’darkmyr Tallyn, third son of the Unseelie Court…Let it be known–from this day forth, I vow to protect Meghan Chase, daughter of the Summer King, with my sword, my honor, and my life. Her desires are mine. Her wishes are mine. Should even the world stand against her, my blade will be at her side. And should it fail to protect her, let my own existence be forfeit. This I swear, on my honor, my True Name, and my life. From this day on…” His voice went even softer, but I still heard it as though he whispered it into my ear. “I am yours.”

“His forehead bumped softly against mine, his brilliant silver gaze searing into me. “I plan to keep you, from everyone, for as long as I’m alive. That includes Puck, the false king, and anyone else who would take you away.” One corner of his mouth quirked, as I struggled to catch my breath under his powerful scrutiny. “I guess I should’ve warned you that I have a slight possessive streak.”

“But … but what if I hit you?”

A snort. “You’re not going to hit me.”

“How do you know?” I bristled at his amused tone. “I could hit you. Even master swordsmen make mistakes. I could get a lucky shot, or you might not see me coming. I don’t want to hurt you.”

He favored me with another patient look. “And how much experience do you have with swords and weapons in general?”

“Um.” I glanced down at the saber in my hand. “Thirty seconds?”

He smiled, that calm, irritatingly confident smirk. “You’re not going to hit me.”

Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Title: The iron Daughter 
Author:  Julie Kagawa
Format Read:   ebook
Series: Iron Fey #2
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Young Adult
Release date: August 1st 2010
Formats Available:  paperback, ebook, kindle
Number of pages: 359
Rating:

 

Book Blurb:

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan’s own fey powers have been cut off. She’s stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can’t help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

My Thoughts:

I’m loving this series, each book is full of action, adventure and misteries, plus Puck is really fun to see around. Ash is more dark and a bit dramatic, a good diference and for Meghan to have them both is really good.

 

I missed Puck the most because in the end of book one and the novella is more about Meghan and Ash so I was missing him. And it took awhile for him to actually apear because the book start with Meghan on the Winter Court and things evolve real quick.

 

Nobody believed on Meghan or neither Ash about the Iron Fey so when things bad things happened on Court, I’ll not spoil you guys just so you can read it. Let’s just finish this thought on saying that everything was deemed Meghan’s fault, because she was the outsider.

 

I loved again the journey the trio made to find the specter and bring peace again to fey world. I love how new caracthers are introduced and we got to see Grim again, that cat is pure awesomeness. Leanasidhe is a peculiar person and I can never truly see if she’s good or bad.

 

The end for this book was really emotional at least for me, but I do love a romance and Ash was so perfect fighting for what is really worth it.

Books in this Series:

#1 – The Iron King (Iron Fey, #1)
#1.5 – Winter’s Passage (Iron Fey, #1.5) 
#2 – The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey, #2)
#3 – The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, #3)
#3.5 – Summer’s Crossing (Iron Fey, #3.5)
#4 – The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4) 
#4.5 – An Iron Fey Valentine 

Trailer:

The Iron Fey Series Trailer

Quote:

“Puck whispered, smiling to soften his words. “I wouldn’t defy Oberon for just anyone. But, for you…” He leaned forward, touching his forehead to mine. “I’d come back from the dead for you.”

“She pulled up Ash’s shirt, revealing a layer of gauze that was just beginning to seep blood onto the mattress."At least the bandaging was done properly," she mused."Very nice, clean work. Your handiwork, I presume, Goodfellow?"
"Which one?"
"The bandage, Robin."
"Yeah, that was mine, too.”

“I know you’d risk everything to protect us, and that’s what worries me. You still don’t know enough about this world to be properly terrified. Things are going to get screwed eight ways from Sunday, and you’re making goo-goo eyes at the enemy! I heard what happened in Machina’s realm and yes, it scared the hell out of me. I love you, dammit. I’m not going to watch you get torn apart when everything goes bad."

Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Young Adult Review

Title: The Iron King

Author: Julie Kagawa
Format Read:  ebook
Series: Iron Fey #1

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genre: Young Adult
Release date: February 1st 2010
Formats Available:  paperback, ebook, kindle
Number of pages: 363
Rating:

 

Book Blurb:

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth – that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

My Thoughts:

For so many months I’ve being hearing good things about this series and after signing for challenges in 2012 I decided that The Iron Fey would be a good addition to Immortal Challenge hosted by Under the Covers.

 

I have to say that this book was so much more than I was expecting. It’s fantasy with a little romance and a huge story telling not only a myth but also something really close to contemporary.

 

When I started reading Meghan was a bit boring but once the book started showing more story and some characters were introduced, especially Puck, I could understand why people love it.

 

Is more than just mythology and we get to read a new set for Shakespeare play, Midnight Summer Dream, plus a lover triangle, between Meghan, Puck and Ash.

 

Ash was a great surprise and he actually helped Meghan during her hole journey. I believe he’s not that bad and circumstances will show a new side of him, plus he’s still struggling to accept some problems from the past and Puck is involved. I don’t believe their friendship will ever go back to the way things were.

 

Puck is very fun and hide the problems but I believe he knows things and is trying to hide from Meghan, maybe because her father asked. But he’s not that god guy, he’s definitely hiding something.

 

Meghan is more than just a sixteen girl, she’s strong and loyal, but most of all something in the future will make her show her true fae side. Can’t wait for the next book, because this one was a lot of fun.

 

Books in this Series:

#1 – The Iron King (Iron Fey, #1)
#1.5 – Winter’s Passage (Iron Fey, #1.5) 
#2 – The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey, #2)
#3 – The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, #3)
#3.5 – Summer’s Crossing (Iron Fey, #3.5)
#4 – The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4) 
#4.5 – An Iron Fey Valentine 

Trailer:

The Iron King Trailer

Excerpts:

Ten years ago, on my sixth birthday, my father disappeared.

No, he didn’t leave. Leaving would imply suitcases and empty drawers, and late birthday cards with ten-dollar bills stuffed inside. Leaving would imply he was unhappy with Mom and me, or that he found a new love elsewhere. None of that was true. He also did not die, because we would’ve heard about it. There was no car crash, no body, no police mingling about the scene of a brutal murder. It all happened very quietly.

On my sixth birthday, my father took me to the park, one of my favorite places to go at that time. It was a lonely little park in the middle of nowhere, with a running trail and a misty green pond surrounded by pine trees. We were at the edge of the pond, feeding the ducks, when I heard the jingle of an ice cream truck in the parking lot over the hill. When I begged my dad to get me a Creamsicle, he laughed, handed me a few bills, and sent me after the truck.

That was the last time I saw him.