Jenn's Review: The Iron Traitor

Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2, The Iron Fey #6
Publication Date: October 29, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 384
Obtained: purchased
Genre:  YA, Fantasy
Rating: 4.5
Bottom Line: Sweeping tale; intense cliff-hanger
Grab, Just get it at the library, or Remove from your TBR list? Grab

Blurb:  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.

Review:  I was all set to read The Iron Traitor when it first came out in the fall but somehow I never got around to it.  I am glad that I've had a chance to do so, but I'm also a little saddened because now I have to wait for the next one.  I hate waiting!

Ethan has finally accepted his entwinement with the fey, so much so that he willingly returns to help his nephew.  I like the way Kenzie has softened him a little.  I like who he is when he's with her.  In so many ways, though, Ethan is like his sister, stubborn and a little reckless.  Unlike his sister he has someone he can turn to for help, but he chooses not to.  I will say in the beginning it is amusing to see Ash outwitted, but the gravity of the situation brings that to a quick end. I understand why Keirran chooses to go it alone, but it's certainly not the smartest plan.

The Iron Traitor heralds the return of Puck and his presence is sorely needed, not only to add a little levity but to help keep things rational.  Crazy that Puck would be a stabilizing force, but that's how extreme Ethan and Keirran can be.  He also one of the only characters present who knows the prophecy and all he can hope to do is watch and intervene but even Puck can't be everywhere at once.

The book ends where I knew it was heading; as cliff-hangers go, it's a brutal one.  Although I trust Julie Kagawa to see this through, it's hard to see a light at the end of this tunnel.  I started this series happy with where Meghan and Ash were and not wanting them to be featured, but I'm finding myself hoping to see a little more of them in the next book.  It somehow seems wrong to be in the Nevernever without them, and honestly, I think they will need to be the ones to sort things out.

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Jenn's Review: The Lost Prince

 Blurb:  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.

Review:  I love this and should have read it ages ago.  The reason it took me so long to get to is that although I knew it was a new series, I must confess I was slightly turned off by the prequel, Iron's Prophecy. It was meant as a transition novella between the two series, but I was really happy with how The Iron Fey series ended and it felt like someone was messing with a favorite friend.  I am ashamed.  I should have had a little faith.  I should know by know to trust Julie Kagawa (I felt that way after book 3, The Iron Queen, but I adored The Iron Knight).

For me, The Lost Prince was much easier to get into than book one of the original series, The Iron King.  Perhaps it was because I already knew the players and the realm to which we were headed, but also because Ethan's an easier character to identify with then Meghan.  I immediately understood where Ethan was coming from, because I knew what he'd been through.  Though Ethan understandably wants nothing to do with the fey, he also knows he can't ignore what's going on around him.  It's time to face them.  Did I know where things were headed  for him?  Yes, but the journey was still an enjoyable one.

In a sudden turn of events, I found myself craving more than the little interaction we had with The Iron Queen and Ash... and oh was I happy to see Puck! I missed the Iron realm.  Keirran was not what I expected, but everything I should have known he would be.  Although his naivete is somewhat surprising, I can see so much of both parents in him.

This new series has definitely captured my attention and I'm happy to say that though I waited so long, the benefit is that The Iron Traitor will be out next week and I can continue my journey.

Final Take:  4.75/5

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Jenn's Top Books of 2011

My goal for 2011 was to get back to reading about 60 books a year, the way I had before my daughter was born.  I accomplished 60 plus (still reading or I'd give you an exact count), partly thanks to owning an e-reader, I think.  I'm amazed by the number of really fantastic reads I've had this year.

I was going to do a top 10 list, but quite a few of these are series that deserve to be mentioned in their entirety.  So here goes, in no particular order:

• The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen - she writes amazing books full of food and magical realism; if any of the above sounds good, and you haven't read any of her novels, put one on your 'To be read' list for this year.  You won't be disappointed.
• The Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking - if you're a fan of YA paranormal and you have yet to read anything by this self-publishing queen, check out this series.  Ms. Hocking recently signed with our friends at St. Martin's Press and these are all being re-released with new, gorgeous covers.   I might just have to re-purchase the set just for the fabulous cover art!
• The Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson - if you can get past the first 80 pages of plot exposition in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, you won't be able to put this Swedish Noir series down for long.
• The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa - Now that I have the perspective of having finished the series, I will be re-reading these in their entirety the very first chance I get. Ms. Kagawa's fantasy world is fantastic and I will revisit it many times for years to come.
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - I don't usually like historical fiction but this book grabbed me and wouldn't let go.  It's a heart-breaking read that brings life in Nazi Germany to life for YA or adults.
• Flash and Bones by Kathy Reichs - This is the 14th book in the Temperance Brennan series and I really felt that it was a return to everything I love about Ms. Reichs' work -even though there was barely a mention about Tempe's love life, which I am seriously invested in...
• Lucy Valentine series by Heather Webber - so far there are three books in this series and I can't bring myself to read the last one because I don't want to come to the end of it. A little paranormal realism, a little romance, and a little mystery make these perfect warm, fuzzy reads.
• Shadow Falls series by C.C. Hunter - I think this YA paranormal series doesn't get the recognition it deserves.  I rarely find a book where I want to know more about every single character, but such is the case with this series.  
• The Love Goddess' Cooking School by Melissa Senate - one of those rare books where you can relate to every character.  I wanted to move into this marvelous food-lit book with it's touch of magical realism.
• Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner - Seriously, you have to read her books!  There are two series, and they really do need to be read in order so either start with China Lake (Evan Delaney) or The Dirty Secrets Club (Jo Beckett) -but start somewhere!

I'm looking at my towering To Be Read pile and I see a few more books from the authors above along with many new ones.  I'm excited for a new year of reading - aren't you?

Jenn's Review: The Iron Knight

Summary:  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.  ~Goodreads.com


Review:  I was ecstatic to receive this ARC from NetGalley.  I finished this book over a week ago, but I haven't wanted to write the review, because that means the series is truly over and I'm sad to see it end.  This is going to be one of those tough reviews to write, because I hate dissecting books I love.

The prelude to this story is the novella Summer's Crossing in which the vicious exiled muse, Leanansidhe comes to collect the favor Ash owes her. This is told from Puck's point of view which was incredibly intriguing. As we have only truly seen Puck through Meghan's eyes, it becomes immediately clear that there is much we don't know about Puck and a depth that he hides behind his joking facade. How far will he go for his friends?  Especially when it's at odds with his own desires and the desires of his court?  It gave me a new appreciation for his character.

Moving into the Iron Knight was almost jarring because this is Prince Ash's story.  The contrast between Ash's voice and Puck's is monumental. Whereas Puck is suffering, Ash is an emotional train wreck held together only by the strength of his determination.   Also giving this book a different feel to it than the previous three is the fact that Meghan is pretty much absent.  It surprised me, after it took me so long to warm up to her in the first place, that I actually kind of missed her.  Meghan softens Ash and brings out a side of him that is ...almost warm —well, warm for a Winter Prince, anyway.  But, as with the novella, once again, I delighted in getting to know the real Ash, not just the Ash we see through Meghan's eyes.  However without Meghan there to strike a delicate balance between Ash and Puck, things are strained and precarious from the beginning. 

After finally finding Grimalkin, the cait sith leads them to The Seer, the only one who can help Prince Ash with his quest to find a way to exist in the Iron Realm —and once The Seer is found the entire story is turned on it's ear. Truth be told, I didn't trust The Seer, as the fairy obviously has an agenda.  If things were tense before, they are near impossible now. I read in fits and spells, partly because of the ever mounting tension, and partly because it was so good I was trying to savor and not miss a detail —or be interrupted.  The journey was not what I expected, nor were the challenges.  I had no idea where the story was headed and it was full of delicious twists and turns. 

Only slightly disappointing is that, especially after reading Summer's Crossing, I want more of Puck's story now that the series has come to an end. I want to know what new adventures life has in store for him.  And while I was glad she ended the book with a certain character, I felt a little odd over the situation.  I won't spoil anything, but suffice it to say that it detracted from the story the tiniest of bits for me.

Considering Julie Kagawa originally wanted The Iron Fey to be a trilogy, leaving things with Meghan growing up and accepting responsibilities, I think she does a magnificent job of continuing the story.  I would have been okay with ending with The Iron Queen, minus the epilogue, but I'm ever so grateful to her editor for convincing to continue. This is so much better and brilliantly executed to boot.  Not many people could have pulled off the constant anticipation without it becoming boring or frustrating.  Though some readers may have trouble adjusting to Ash's voice and the lack of Meghan, I think it's brilliant. The gamble paid off.

As I come to the end of The Iron Fey, I find myself wanting to jump back to the beginning and start the series over again to gain new perspective. I love the that Julie Kagawa made me fall in love with this series slowly but surely. It's something I will read and re-read.  The Iron Knight is due out October 25 from Harlequin Teen and it's worth the wait.

Final Take: 5.0/5

Jenn's Review: The Iron Queen

Summary:  In less than twenty-four hours I'll be seventeen.

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.

Review:  Wow.  Just, wow.  Julie Kagawa has done it with this one.  It is fabulous.  She's won me over completely.  And what's more, I finally like Meghan Chase.

I commented on my review of The Iron Daughter that I just wanted Meghan to become more... anything.  Well, she became more everything.  No longer the meek girl who stepped into Faery over a year ago, Meghan has finally learned to take charge and there is no standing in her way.  She learns to make the tough decisions, and I love her for it.  Though at times she still needs to be coaxed out of her shell and to have the obvious explained to her, she wouldn't be Meghan if she didn't, she's grown.


While there were some twists I saw coming, there were some I was only betting on, and some that took me completely by surprise.  Julie Kagawa has a superb imagination and has created her own realms from mythology and faery tales that are unique and ever expanding.  The concept behind these books is brilliant.  The very detail that made The Iron King a bit plodding at the beginning is what carries her writing through the series.

I can tell this is one of those series that I am going to love going back and re-reading with new perspective and discovering new bits along the way.  I may have the short e-story Summer's Crossing to tide me over but that won't hold me for long.  Netgalley has The Iron Knight available for review and after reading The Iron Daughter, I was perfectly content to wait until it came out on October 25th, but no more.  I have already put in my request for review.  The Iron Queen is, by far, my favorite of the series and I can't wait to see how The Iron Fey ends. 

Final Take:  4.75/5.0

My Review of The Iron King
My Review of The Iron Daughter

Jenn's Review: The Iron Daughter

Summary:  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.


[The review below may contain minor spoilers, especially if you haven't read The Iron King.]

Review:  It didn't take me as long to get into The Iron Daughter as it did The Iron King (my review).  Julie Kagawa spent a significant amount of time laying out Faery in the first book, so in this one she was able to jump right into the story.  There is also a wonderful e-book short story, Winter's Passage that details Meghan and Prince Ash's deliciously perilous journey back to the Winter Court.  (It picks up right where The Iron King left off and leaves the reader just before The Iron Daughter commences.)  I think I enjoyed the short story more than the book.

At the start of The Iron Daughter I was a little disappointed with Meghan; actually, I wanted to shake her for the first 55 pages.  She went from fierce protectress in the last novel to wilting damsel in distress awfully fast. Yes, she's only a teen and she's under constant duress, but she completely forgets her common sense and spends the entire time mooning over Prince Ash.  It is especially frustrating because Ash explains to Meghan why he can't demonstrate his forbidden love for her around his super scary royal family.  While this explanation occurs in Winter's Passage, it seems fairly obvious even for those who haven't read it.  In which case, it came off as extreme for Meghan to become a blubbering mess when Ash turns cold in the Winter Court without at least questioning the situation.

Two books into the series, and I'm still ambivalent towards Meghan Chase as a character.  Ms. Kagawa has a great gift for writing characters as she demonstrates time and again with the remaining cast; I don't understand why Meghan seems so flat to me.  She's loyal to her friends, and can be brave when the situation calls for it, but for the most part Meghan gets by with luck and help.  She will do the right thing, but she's often motivated by her self-interests and too consumed by them to be curious about her own powers and abilities.  I know Meghan turned sixteen at the beginning of The Iron King, but she seems like such a young sixteen, especially after all she's been through.

There are several places, Ms. Kagawa was heavy handed with foreshadowing. I felt a little clobbered over the head with hints several times throughout the story.  Perhaps it's me, but I feel this does a disservice to the reader (For example, several reminders are dropped about the memory Meghan had removed in the last book, however it is Meghan who had a memory removed, not the reader... ).

Despite my criticism, I had a hard time putting The Iron Daughter down.  I love the secondary characters old and new. They have great depth and practically sparkle off the page.  New to the scene is Leanansidhe the quintessential muse, intoxicating yet unbalanced —everything a muse should be— whose story is far from complete.  Then there is Puck and Ash who have a fascinating history and relationship with each other and how all of that relates to Meghan is even more interesting.  I also love Grimalkin, the cait sithe, and how he always appears in the crux of a crisis, however, I can't help but wonder what his agenda truly is...  I was even starting to route for Meghan towards the end.

The series isn't perfect, but it is intriguing. Julie Kagawa has really captured something with the concept of combining fey and steampunk and the multifaceted,  multidimensional plot is incredible.  The story is addictive and has stayed with me.  It's one of those books that, upon finishing, you dream about at night and find yourself contemplating the next day —to the point where I will pick up The Iron Queen immediately because I can't wait to see where The Iron Fey series takes me.

Final Take: 3.75/5

Jenn's Review: The Iron King

Summary: 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.

Review:  With the third book in the Iron Fae series, The Iron Queen, hitting the shelves last week, and rave reviews from fellow bloggers, I decided to give the series a try. The Iron King is Narnia meets Midsummer's Nights Dream, and while I love Shakespeare, I have only ever been able to get through C. S. Lewis on screen.

Needless to say, it took me a while to warm up to this one, and Meghan in particular. It isn't that Meghan is unlikeable... But I just couldn't seem to form an attachment to her of any kind. Perhaps that is due to the fact that before we really know her, we are plunged into Nevernever, the land of the fae, where there is so much chaos.

Julie Kagawa has an incredibly vivid imagination and her creation is filled with all manner of mythical beasts. As with Lewis, I think I would have been better off viewing it all on screen for it was far more than my imagination could take in. —Though I would never fault an author for the limitations of my own mind. But because of it, it wasn't until she reached the Unseelie or Winter Court, almost halfway through the book, that I really started to engage with the story. And more than anything, the change of interest was due to character development. Although, it was not Meghan's character that captured me, but her guides', Ash and Puck, from separate courts with a lifelong feud. Up until then, it was mainly Meghan's other guide, Grimalkin the cat/cait sithe that pulled me through the story.

Once I was engaged with the story it became much more enjoyable. The story began to take shape and even surprised me a few times. The denouement was a little too rapid, in my opinion, falling just short of abrupt. With many things unresolved, I'm sure it dovetails nicely into the next book in the series, The Iron Daughter.

I am still rather ambivalent towards Meghan as a character; she's honest and true to herself, though rather impulsive. However, I'm more interested in the surrounding cast.  I will continue reading this series, because I would like a resolution to some of the other story lines, and even though it was a rocky start for me, I really was beginning to enjoy it. If you are a fan of Narnia, then these books are definitely for you. If not, you may grow to like it as I did.

Final Take: 3.75/5