The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

Release Date - April 15, 2014
Publisher Website - HarlequinTeen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 416 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS 

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? 

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer. 

MONSTER 

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie. 

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

Character growth in a series is incredibly important. The character's journey, and their series long arc must feel authentic, earned and offer a satisfying payoff for the reader at the end of the series. The Forever Song ends The Blood of Eden series in a way that offers all this, and a thrilling journey at the same time.

Julie Kagawa is one of those writers who can balance plot, characters, and world building. She immerses the reader into her created world, and makes you care about the characters deeply. I became attached to each of them, but more than that, I wanted to follow their story. I was swept away along the journey with them. Having each of these elements be equally strong makes for a engrossing read. It show exactly how talented Julie is that she was able to do this with more than one series.

Allison's transformation from the girl we first meet who is barely surviving on the fringe, to the powerful katana wielding vampire goddess we see her become is mesmerizing. Here is a character that embraces her strengths, as well as her emotions. She allows herself to feel each one of them, even the messy ones. We begin the novel with her in a state of grief that causes her to want to embrace the monster inside, and that's Allison's journey. It always has been. What will she become? What kind of monster does she want to be? This installment answers that in a beautiful, tragic, and ultimately fulfilling way.

Having a satisfying ending to each and everything character's story arcs is often a delicate juggling act. The focus tends to be on the main characters. I appreciated that Julie took the time to make sure the loose ends were tied up just enough to satisfy. She also made sure that each character, and their own journey, was taken into account while writing their ending. It shifted the focus so that each character was important. I grew to love Allison, Kanin, Jackal and many others. Even if they didn't get the ending you wished for them, it was a logical, fitting ending that made sense within their story arc. The series ends with each character exactly where they should be.

No book by Julie Kagawa would be complete without some heartbreak. This installment really is bittersweet. I enjoyed the balance between the heart crushing sadness and uplifting hope that resonated throughout the book. In a bleak, decimated world like the one these characters inhabit, those moments of hope are so vitally important. It's what the reader, and the characters grasp on to. The promise of something more. If anything, the message of this series is that even in the darkest moments there are fragments of light to be found.

The Forever Song proves that it's possible to have a satisfying, thrilling ending to the series that doesn't compromise the characters or the plot. This series, and the character growth, just continued to improve as the series went along. Saying goodbye to Allison, Kanin, Jackal and the rest was bittersweet, but rewarding.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

I've had an awesome mailbox this week!

Conversion By Katherine Howe (goodreads)

Tease by Amanada Maciel (goodreads)

Veronica Mars : The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Penguin Canada for Conversion. A modern twist on the Salem witch trials?! YES PLEASE! A huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada for Tease. I've heard it's a different take on the topic of bullying. Lastly, a huge thank you to Random House Canada for the Veronica Mars book. I've only recently been introduced to the awesomeness that is Veronica (I still want to punch Logan in the face, okay? That's how new I am) but I can't wait to read this.

I also have one e-galley for review

The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa (goodreads)

I am so excited to see how this series ends! A big thank you to Harlequin Teen for the review copy.

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa
Release Date - October 29, 2013
Publisher Website - HarlequinTeen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 342 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice.

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as normal as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for; his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, normal simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

Julie Kagawa may just be the queen of ripping out reader's hearts. The Iron Traitor once again mixes romance, action, fey and heart crushing moments to move her Call of the Forgotten series into overdrive.

Ethan continues to grow on me. A reluctant hero who is being dragged into the fey's mess. He only wants a quiet life where he is left alone. He allows himself to be dragged in though. Is it because he truly cares for Megan and therefore her family, or is something else going on? We, once again, get to see how much is truly destined in these tales. Ethan being involved in fey business is never by chance, and I appreciated how Julie ties everything together.

Kenzie is the voice of reason. The voice we all want as readers in the story. She cares deeply for Ethan and their romance is one of the sweetest I've read. Here is a boy whose built up walls, is abrasive, but is not a jerk to Kenzie. She sees the true Ethan underneath, the one who doesn't have to hide, and manages to bring him out. They support each other. Of course, Kenzie's illness is never far from their minds, or ours either. It's heartbreaking that Ethan has found something good in his life, and for her to be torn away much to soon seems unfair. I hope that there is a magical cure or something.

Keirran is a lot like Ash. He loves Annwyl. We get to see what he is willing to do in order to save her. This chain reaction of fading fey that we witnessed in the first part of this series has severe consequences. We see the natural progression, and panic that is seeping into these fey. Keirran's story is very much woven into the mystery of how the fey got this way, and how to save not just Annwyl, but all of the fading fey.

As usual the ending left me breathless, and anxious to get my hands on the next installment. Julie's taken something that could be expected, and made it still shocking. The theme of love and how far you're willing to go for those you care for is the cornerstone of this novel. It allows us to see the contrast between Ethan and Keirran. Two men who will both lose their loves, but deal with it in very different ways. It leads to an interesting dynamic, and a cataclysmic ending.

Julie Kagawa has successfully bridged these two series together in a way that I was not expecting. This is much more than a spin-off as everything directly relates to the previous series. Intense, romantic, and Ethan Chase is quickly growing on me. If you've loved Julie's previous books be sure to pick this one up.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

A huge thank you to Netgalley/HarlequinTeen for the chance to review the only book I got this week

The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa (Goodreads)

I am excited to read this, especially after some of the things I've been hearing.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Release Date – April 30, 2013

Publisher Website -  HarlequinTeen

Publisher Social Media -  Twitter

Pages -  446 pages

My Rating- 4.5/5

**obtained for review from publisher**

***Small Spoilers***

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

The Eternity Cure has it all -vampires, romance, and intense action. You may think you’ve read this before, but you’d be wrong. Julie Kagawa takes the vampire story and owns it. After reading The Immortal Rules, I knew this series was going to be epic and Eternity Cure showed me how right I was. 

Julie Kagawa’s characters are the heart of her novels. Heros and villains are both so layered and lines are blurred often within the two. They are capable of both heroic and cowardly acts and this makes them compelling. Her development in this novel especially is wonderful.

Allie is one of my favourite female characters. Kick ass, intelligent and capable are how I would describe her. Her desire to be a ‘better monster’ is admirable, and that sliver of humanity that keeps her grounded makes her character more compelling. She’s not perfect, and has quite a bit of self doubt, but she’s loyal, and tries to do the right thing.

Allie’s desperate need to find her sire, Kanin, drives her. She feels responsible for him and wants nothing more than to protect him from Sarren. She’s not prepared for what she ends up finding. A new strain of Red Lung that threatens vampires. The novel presents a likely scenario of the entire population becoming extinct, humans and vampires alike. It creates a ticking clock that makes the pages tense. 

Jackal surprised me in this installment. Dangerous, selfish, and dastardly in the first novel, he presented a different side in this one. I’ve seen comparisons to Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I have to admit they are spot on. He’s clearly influenced by him,  his sarcastic sense of humour especially. He is a fun character, that I found myself enjoying this time around in a way that was most unexpected….even when he was at his worst.

I was delighted to see Zeke again. The human who weakens Allie’s cold exterior and brings out the humanity in her. The romance in this novel is so well done. Electric, swoon worthy and subtly sexy. A romance where each of them knows the other fully. Every weakness,  every strength and the ugly parts underneath. They get each other and they are a match in the most star crossed sense.

Allie’s remaining human tie, Sticks, makes an appearance in the most unexpected way. His return into Allie’s life came as shock due to the manner in which it happens. His attitude, however, is unsurprising. After his hurtful reaction to Allie’s vampire transformation it was clear that Sticks was not someone Allie could count on. Hurt feelings can linger, and resentment can grow and fester. Those in the sudden position to administer what they consider payback can be dangerous. 

Everyone knows that Julie Kagawa can tell a story and suck you in. Her Blood of Eden series may just be her best one yet. Fraught with excitement, danger, and high stakes the pacing is impeccable. This novel had my feelings jumping all over the place, and finally tore them out in the last 10-15 pages. All the more crushing, and heart stopping due to the wait for the next novel.

The ending of this novel left me breathless with so many theories of what is going to happen next. An ambiguous ending for one of our characters left me full of speculation for what could be in store for them.  This is a vampire series that one of the best in it’s genre. Daring, intense, and with fantastic characters. 

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Another awesome week both for my real mailbox and my email inbox with some great eARCs for review.

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren (goodreads)
The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen (goodreads)

A big thank you to Lindsay from Me on Books who sent me The Moon and More and the awesome Nobody But Us bookmark!

A surprise from Simon and Schuster US showed up at my door. I have been hearing a lot about Beautiful Bastard and it sounds like it could be something different from what I normally read, and hopefully really fun.

The eARCs kindly provided by the publishers/Netgalley/Edelweiss

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa (goodreads)

Reboot by Amy Tintera (goodreads)

Another Little Piece by Karyus Quinn (goodreads)

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

The Lost Prince (Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1) by Julia Kagawa
Release Date – October 23, 2012
Publisher Website –  HarlequinTeen
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 379 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained from publisher via Netgalley for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them. 

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for. 

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

A familiar world, some returning beloved characters, and a new villain are waiting in the Nevernever. This story takes us into a land of fey that is both recognizable and different from the one we left.

Julie Kagawa’s writing is captivating as always. The chance to see our beloved characters through the eyes of new characters was rather magical. It provided a new perspective into those characters I felt I already knew well, and it surprised me. The fact that there is still much to learn not only about the world, but about these characters we've grown to love thrilled me. Those thinking this may be a repeat of the first series will be in a for a pleasant surprise. This plot is unique, but keeps the elements we fell in love with in the first three Iron Fey novels. They are interwoven, and the villains are directly tied into much of what we learn in the first novels.

Ethan’s past experience with the fey have made him a bitter, angry young man who pushes people away. I found his reactions to things, especially his feelings about his sister, to be realistic. He is terrified of someone else getting hurt for what he sees as his problem. A young man not used to asking for help, or used to getting it, he tries to handle everything on his own.

Kenzie, the love interest for Ethan, is a lot of fun. She’s spunky, sweet, filled with patience and determined. I loved that she nicknames Ethan “tough guy”. Her story comes complete with a heart pulling twist that left me wanting to know more about this wonderful, optimistic girl.

Keirran also grew on me. He’s a little reckless, headstrong and rebellious. Revealing too much about him is pretty much a spoiler, so I will just say that people will most likely be pleasantly surprised to meet him. I immediately wanted to know more about him and look forward to unraveling this character during the rest of Ethan’s story.

The romance is often bitter sweet in Julie’s novels and this one is no exception. Star crossed lovers are plentiful with numerous things threatening to tear a few of the couples a part. It creates a delicious tension that I felt electrified by.

If you are anything like me, you’ll be holding your breath waiting for your favourite Iron Fey characters to make an appearance. I will not spoil who shows up, but I will say that we do see many favourites. I was delighted to see Razor again. The adorable gremlin is back providing much needed comic relief with his boundless energy.

A intriguing beginning to a new series filled with old familiar characters and some fun new characters too. Julie’s captivating writing will have you engrossed from the first page, and you’ll be eager to join Ethan on the next part of his journey.

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa
Release Date –  April 24, 2012
Publisher Website –  HarlequinTeen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  485 pages
My Rating- 4.5/5
**obtained from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. 

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.
Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. 

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. 

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

It’s no secret I adored Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series. I love Julie’s writing and was thrilled to hear about her new series involving vampires. Julie has created a world where the stakes are high, and love might just be something worth living or dying for.

The world Julie has created will give you shivers. The cities have crumbled, a plague has decimated our population and vampires have decided to come forward as a means to help “protect” their food source.  For most humans the options are either to become a registered citizen and live under vampire control. You will have to provide them blood once a month and in return you are taken care of. Your other alternative? Be unregistered and live on the Fringe. You are not given any food, shelter, or other necessitates. You are also on constant alert of attacks from either other unregistered, or rabids, and this if of course you don’t die of starvation first. One of Julie's strongest abilities in writing is creating the world, and she has created one that feels chillingly real.

Allie is a character I loved immediately. Strong, cunning, and a survivor. Her life prior to the fateful meeting with a vampire is filled with danger, and struggle. She shows herself to be quite capable and a force to be reckoned with even before gaining super strength. She does not trust a lot of people, having been burned in the past. She is a little sarcastic and funny.

What I love most about Allie though is her journey. The Allie we meet at the beginning of the novel versus the Allie at the end has undergone many changes and with that her priorities and what is important to her have shifted. Her surprise and willingness to embrace this is one of my favourite parts of the story, and her character.

Zeke, a boy Allie meets become quite significant to Allie’s journey and Allie herself. Zeke is caring, determined, and pretty swoon worthy . The interactions between he and Allie will leave you exasperated, hopeful, and swooning all at the same time. There are some intensely romantic scenes in the novel that play out wonderfully in between lots of action, and meaty plot.

I adored Kanin, Allie’s maker. An intense, and driven vampire who offers Allie a chance to survive when all hope is lost to her. She snatches it and under his guidance becomes a katana wielding vampire goddess.  Kanin is someone I hope to see much more of in subsequent novels.I loved how different he was from most vampires, and feel like we just began to learn about him and his motives.

As dangerous as the world around Allie is the stakes are even higher once Allie becomes vampire and new foes are introduced. The body count is high and that means not everyone makes it to the end of the first act in this story. If this is any indication for what’s to come readers are in for a dangerous, action filled trilogy.

Immortal Rules is filled with tingling chills, heart stopping romance, kick ass action and Allie’s journey is just beginning. I, for one, am happy to follow her, and Julie, wherever they wish to take us next.

In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

Starting my IMM with the eGalley copies I got for review this week

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (goodreads)
Dreamless by Josephine Angelini (goodreads)

Huge thanks to Harlequin Teen, and Harper Collins for the chance to review. I am a huge fan of Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series, so I am so excited to dive into this one. Starcrossed left me wanting more, so I am excited to get to read Dreamless.

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks (goodreads)
Scarlet by A C Gaughen (goodreads)

Of Poseidon was provided for review by Raincoast Books. Huge thanks to them. I obtained Scarlet from my library. I am very excited for both of these I have heard nothing but amazing things about both. Of Poseidon especially.

Happy reading everyone.

My Obsessions for the week!

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

So this week my obsessions are:

BOOKS

Extra inclusions in Clockwork Prince

So if you purchsed Clockwork Prince this week you may have gotten some extra goodies included with your copy.

My version came with a letter Will wrote to his family and an inscription he wrote in a copy of 'A Tale of Two Cities' for Tessa. Both are amazing, and after reading the book mean so much more.

The inscription actually made me cry, because of the emotional impact after reading the book.

Sigh...I want this to end happily for all the characters but I have a feeling that is not going to happen.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa cover



Amazing right? It's dark and gothic. I have a feeling this series is going to be even more awesome than the Iron Fey series. Now if only May could hurry and get here.

TV

Once Upon A Time



I am a little late to the party with this show, but I am now HOOKED. I am not sure if it's the fairytale aspect, the over-all cuteness of the show, or just Charming himself, but I can't get enough.

OTHER

Christmas Shopping

I am more obsessed with the fact that I am almost done. Phew!

What are you obsessed with this week?

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
Release Date – October 25, 2011
Publisher – HarlequinTeen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 386 pages
My Rating- 9.5/10
**obtained from Netgalley and HarlequinTeen for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn'darkmyr Tallyn.
I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her.
My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…

It’s always hard to say goodbye. As readers we come to love characters, especially if part of a series. I discovered this wonderful series a little late, but ended up loving it just the same. I had a feeling reading this would be bitter sweet, and I was right.

This book does have a different feel than the others in this series. It’s told from Ash’s point of view, and his character truly comes alive. The ice prince is more vulnerable and we learn a lot about him. I love that even though we know quite about Ash (and Puck) that there are still things to learn.

Julie’s writing, as always, is action packed, engrossing and so vivid. She manages to capture the voice of Ash and make him fully come alive. She blends humour, with heart stopping action perfectly. The world she has built is simply enchanting and so fully described that you feel as if you are in the NeverNever.

Our favourite characters are back. Puck is his sarcastic, fun self. The interaction between Puck and Ash was some of my favourite in the novel. Grim is one of my favourite characters. Our last glimpse of Grim in this novel is perfect for the final book in this series. We are introduced to a few new characters during Ash’s story. I really enjoyed The Wolf. He and Grim made me a laugh a few times.

The only thing I could say was missing was Meghan. I missed her. I wanted to find out what was going on with her. I liked her in the previous novels, but was surprised to find how much I missed having her point of view.

Be prepared to laugh, gasp, sit on the edge of your seat, and even cry as you follow Ash along his path. All of the characters have you wishing for some form of happily ever after for them, and it’s because of this that you are so invested. Ash’s journey and decisions are not easy, and as a result this story packs an emotional punch.

The Iron Knight was the best ending possible for these characters. I am hopeful that this is just a “see you later” rather than a permanent goodbye. I have a feeling we may see some of our favourite characters again in spin offs that Julie may have planned. I will be most happy to welcome them back.

My First Ever In My Mailbox....

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

So I am new to In My Mailbox, and this is my very first one.. I do enjoy checking out all the posts, but have never done one myself. I, sadly, don't often have much to share.

Here is what I got this week -



An e-galley of The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa. (Goodreads)

So beyond excited to dive into this one.

Thanks NetGalley/HarlequinTeen


From my local library -



Sweet Valley Confidential by Francine Pascal (Goodreads)



The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan (Goodreads)



The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan (Goodreads)

What books did you get this week? Leave me a comment and I will check it out.

Happy reading everyone!

Waiting on Wednesday... The Iron Knight

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Here is the Goodreads link. Sadly there is no synopsis up there yet. It is being released later. However, this is from Ash's point of view, and that is enough to have me dying to read it. That cover is also AWESOME!

Expected release date - October 25, 2011.

The Iron Queen (Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Queen (Iron Fey # 3) by Julie Kagawa
Release Date – January 25, 2011
Publisher – Harlequin Teen
Pages - 358
My Rating- 9/10

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

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.

I couldn’t wait to dig into this one after I finished Iron Daughter. I was so happy I had it waiting for me and didn’t have to get it from the library or anything. I honestly think this is the best one of the series so far. I have fallen in love with this series.

The writing is so descriptive and has a great pace. I was constantly wanting to know what came next. The world that Julie created is one that you want to return to again and again because it is so well developed and built.

I found Meghan very likeable in this novel. She has grown so much since the first book. She’s capable, strong and very brave. She accepts her destiny and isn’t afraid to sacrifice herself for her friends, and the good of NeverNever in general. She steps up and comes into her own. I like that she still has a soft side and isn’t the best fighter, as it fits the character we have to come know and love.

Puck grew on me in this book. I would still rather have him a friend and laugh with him than be with him romantically though. Ash on the other hand…the Ice Prince still has my heart. I love how romantic, and sweet his relationship with Meghan is. The Winter Court is definitely my favourite. He is a different Ash from the one in previous books. Less cold, and icy. He really does care for Meghan and his devotion is swoon worthy.

Grim is still adorable. I really do love this cat. His dry sense of humour and knowledge continues to impress me. Razor is a new character that we are introduced to that gives Grim some competition for cutest sidekick.

I ended up almost crying during some of the scenes in the book. It shows how much I’ve come to care about these characters and am invested in what happens to them. The ending left me a sobbing mess and wishing I could grab the next book right away.

I really love this series, and can’t believe it took me so long to pick it up. I am now breathlessly awaiting The Iron Knight to continue this amazing saga.

The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey # 2) by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey series # 2) by Julie Kagawa
Release Date – August 1, 2010
Publisher – Harlequin Teen
Pages - 359
My Rating- 8.5/10

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

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.

I was so glad that I got this book right after finishing Iron King. I am also glad I have Iron Queen waiting for me. I don’t think I could stand the wait. If you didn’t read my review of Iron King you can do so here.

I once again was sucked into the story. Julie’s descriptions are so vivid that you can picture everything perfectly. It was nice to learn more about the Winter Court. We meet Ash’s brothers Sage and Rowan. They are both as icy as Ash, and just as good looking. I loved the policies and traditions that exist within the Courts. It’s all new to Meghan so we learn along with her.

I adored all the characters again this time around. Puck is still his adorable, smirky self. I had said in my last review that I figured Puck liked Meghan. That question is answered in this book. I must say as much as I like Puck, I am Team Ash. I just see him as a better fit with Meghan.

Grim provided some humorous moments. I love that we got see him again. I really ended up loving Ironhorse in this one. His loyalty, and sense of honour were very apparent and made me like him.

Ash is still swoon worthy. As usual he played hot and cold throughout the book. I understood why he did it though. The romance between Meghan and him is seriously steamy .

I loved Meghan in the first book. I still liked her in this one. She’s loyal, brave, and not afraid to fight. There were a few times that I wanted to shake some sense into her during this book though.

We meet a few new characters in this book. Leanansidhe is an interesting character, and I have a feeling that she’ll be a big part of the next books. We learned about what happens to faery that have been banished from the Seelie/Unseelie Courts. We also meet Charles. I knew exactly how important he would be early on, and I am looking forward to what Meghan does with the information she now has.

I felt that the end of this book had a even better cliff hanger than the first one. I wasn’t expecting what happened at the end, and I am legitimately worried about a certain favourite character of mine.

The ending of the book set up the next one, and has made me want to dive into the next one and stay up all night reading. This is quickly becoming one of my favourite series and I am looking forward to continuing the journey with Meghan and her beautiful Winter Prince.

Iron King (Iron Fey # 1) by Julie Kagawa

The Iron King (Iron Fey series book 1) by Julie Kagawa
Release Date – February 1, 2010
Publisher – Harlequin Teen
Pages - 363
My Rating- 9/10

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

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.

I resisted picking this up for so long. I am not really sure why. I finally gave in and I am so glad I did.

This book hooked me right from the beginning. I was immediately drawn into the world that Julie has created. The world of the Summer and Winter fey courts were so vividly described that I could picture them completely. I am all about the Winter Court. It sounds so beautiful (although too cold) and it has Ash. The Summer Court is also beautiful in it’s own way. I love the contrast between the two.

The characters are amazing. Meghan is a fantastic heroine. She’s tough, is willing to protect the people she loves, and is no damsel in distress. She also has soft side that is romantic, and girly. I liked the balance.

Her friend Rob/Puck is great too. Funny, full of charm and loyal. I am looking forward to seeing more of him in the next books. Ash..sigh. The Winter Prince is very swoon worthy. I am hoping that Meghan find a way to melt his icy heart a little and we get some more hot kissing scenes. He is one of the main contenders for my next “Hot Boys in Books” post. I do get a slight “triangle” vibe with maybe Puck liking Meghan as well. I am curious to see if I am correct. I love Grim as well. He made me laugh quite a bit. It was nice to have his comic relief throughout the book.

The love story that is developing is nice because it’s on an instant love. It’s taking time to build and an actual connection is being developed.

I liked how technology and mythology were tied into the story. It was different and not what I was expecting when I started the book. The tying in of Midsummer Night's Dream was also a great touch. I love Shakespeare so that just made this novel even more fantastic.

This is a fantastic start to a series that I should have started A LONG time ago. I can’t wait to start Iron Daughter and luckily I have it already! Pick up this series if you haven’t already!