Review: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

13 Nov, 2010 by in Uncategorized 8 comments

Paperback, 384 pages
Coming February 1, 2011
from Harlequin Teen
ISBN 0373210183
series Iron Fey #3
5 stars

In less than twenty-four hours I’ll be seventeen.

Although, technically, I won’t actually be turning seventeen. I’ve been in the Nevernever too long. When you’re in Faery, you don’t age. So while a year has passed in the real world, agewise I’m probably only a few days older than when I went in.

In real life, I’ve changed so much I don’t even recognize myself.

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 stay by my side. Drag me into the core of a conflict so powerful, I’m not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

WOW. Julie Kagawa pulled up so many emotions with this third installment of her Iron Fey series. Her writing is absolutely incredible. The Iron Queen starts off as Meghan and Ash have been exiled from Never, Never and the paths of faery sealed forever. It is just the two of them in the quest for a stolen memory, back to New Orleans and finally hiding out. Meghan comes to the realization that she will have to fight, so she asks Ash and Puck to help her train. Learning to wield a sword, and balance the glamours that lie within, Meghan will be prepared to overcome whatever new forces are against her. There is plenty of warfare interlaced in beautiful vistas as iron meets magic. All of your favorite characters are back and readers will become enveloped in Julie’s writing which appeals to all of the senses “he smelled so good a mix of frost and something sharp like peppermint.” p.93

Ash is my all-time favorite fictional hero. I have been Team Ash since day one. The Iron Queen reinforces all that I have felt along the way, that he is so much more than an Ice Prince. He has a heart, and he is capable of deep love and loyalty. He has a history. He finally tells that story, opening up his heart and developing his soul. There’s not much for me to say without spoliery, but I cried more than once while reading this book. I loved the way Meghan and Ash can feel each others emotions and as they grow closer; they are better able to sense each other.

Once I got a copy there was no turning back on finishing the book. You will stay engulfed in faery until the very last page. The Iron Queen is fantasy, myth, technology, romance and action all rolled into one.

Reading The Iron Queen reminded me why I fell in love with Young Adult fiction in the first place. I’m thrilled Julie is writing book number four from Ash’s perspective. The more his story unravels the better, and here’s to hoping time ticks by swiftly until The Iron Knight.

Click here to see the new Iron Fey Series book trailer and read Julie’s blog.

8 Responses to “Review: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa”

  1. Ashlie Swainston

    I’m so excited about this! The excerpt was amazing! I haven’t even gotten to the Iron Fey series yet but everyone has told me SO much about it! I feel like now I need to read this right away! And omgn! Aren’t there just TONS of new, awesome books coming out early next year! Yaaaay!

    Ashlie@BookishNovelties

    Reply
  2. Bere

    Wonderful review! Iron Fey is one of my all time favorite series out there and I can’t wait to read The Iron Queen. I’m so glad you loved it! Makes me all the more excited to read it. Can’t wait till it comes out. I love Ash too! Thanks for your brilliant review. I’m so excited! =D

    Reply
  3. Ryan

    I haven’t checked out this series yet, but this review has definitely piqued my interest. I’ve been checking out darker books like Kris Sedersten’s Mojo, but this seems to be a bit of a palate cleanser. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. FireandIce

    Julie blew me away with this one. It’s amazing! And yes, there are so many good books coming. Here’s to 2011!

    Reply
  5. Ezmirelda

    Great review! And I know what you mean about Ash–there is a lot more to him than an ice prince. I can’t wait to read this book! I’m a huge fan of Julie’s.

    Reply
  6. Brasil

    The Iron Queen is an epic tale about a half-faery, half -human girl named Meghan Chase. The
    third book in the Iron Fey series, it’s an action-packed romantic thriller. Julie Kagawa has put
    an enormous amount of emotion into the characters.

    Reply

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