Review: The Iron King

Title:  The Iron King
Series:  The Iron Fey
Author:  Julie Kagawa
Publisher:  Harlequin Teen
Pages:  358
Format:  Paperback 

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 Review:  I first read this book a couple of years ago, when I was just beginning to discover my love of reading.  This was one of those books that I bought, read, and carried around for about two weeks after I was finished so I could show people how awesome it was and how funny the characters were and why they should get it.   

Julie Kagawa started with faeries, something that has been used again and again in YA, and molded it until it held a unique element that I, for one, had never before seen - Iron Fey.  With this added into the story, the plot was interesting and different and something that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I never knew what was coming next, what new creature would pop up, or how the "real" faeries (for lack of better term) would deal with the toxic iron all around them.  

Along with the Iron fey threatening the characters, we also had the older, more familiar creatures to deal with.  Those beasts were both thrilling and terrifying to encounter as I was reading.  Some were horror-movie worthy while others were just pests but all were mischievous and tricky.  I never knew when we were being told a lie, who was Meghan's ally, and who was trying to stop her.   

All of the characters were interesting and fun to read about.  I thought Meghan was a strong and reliable main characters and it was exciting to see how she grew as the story went on.  She was no long the naive loner girl, she was a part of a mysterious, frightening, and beautiful world and the creatures of that world were depending on her.  She held her own against the fey and wasn't easily pushed around.  Still, she was relatable and I found I sympathized with her quite a bit. 

Besides Meghan, we also had some rather amazing supporting characters.  Ash was beyond swoon worthy.  Even when he was cold and talking about killing, I was still falling all over him.  He wasn't just the "bad boy" in the book, he had so many different layers to him.  He was brought up in the Winter kingdom, full of monsters and cruelty.  He also had secrets buried inside.  It was fun getting to know him.  And then there's Puck.  Gah, I may be in love with Ash but Puck has a place in my heart, too.  Every scene he was in, I was laughing out loud and jumping up and down.  I adore Puck.  And I adored Puck and Ash together.  I found their banter hilarious and their "duels" were great.  Another character I have to mention is Grim.  He's a cat.  And he's awesome.  'Nuff said.  

With a solid starting platform, a heart-pounding plot, creepy creatures, and characters that are quickly becoming some of my favorites, The Iron King is a read that will have you sneaking peeks at work or school and staying up into the wee hours of the night to finish.  If you haven't read it already, you must!  

Five Cards

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