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 can’t believe I waited this long to read The Iron King. With fabulous world building, a great protagonist, amazing creatures, magic, and, a love triangle, The Iron King has it all- and more!
Julie Kagawa is one masterful storyteller and I was instantly transported into the world she created. I could picture everything she described- from the gruesome trolls to the mischievous piskies I could see it all. The setting was by far my favorite aspect of the book and left me thinking of the Nevernever long after I turned the last page of the book.
To begin with, the characters in The Iron King were terrific! Meghan Chase was one kick butt heroine always ready to help her friends when times got tough. She was fiercely loyal to her companions and family and didn't let any dangers or risks stand in the way of keeping them safe. At first, Meghan was just a normal teenager struggling to fit in at her high school. When her brother is kidnapped and replaced by an evil changeling, Meghan and her best friend Puck venture into the faery realm to rescue him. Puck was a kind hearted and humorous character. He was protective of Meghan but was always there with a laugh and joke to ease any tension during dangerous situations. Meghan meets a variety of fey when she enters the Nevernever and makes some loyal friends. Another entertaining aspect of the story was all the different species of fey Kagawa introduced (Grim was my personal favorite). While in the faery realm Meghan meets another guy who earns a place in her heart- Ash. Brooding, handsome, and the son of her father's biggest enemy; Ash was a determined and loyal guy who was always there for Meghan.
The love triangle in The Iron King left it near impossible for me to choose a "team". I adored both Ash and Puck and how protective and kind they were to Meghan. Each has a very distinctive personality and appearance and are basically complete opposites. I'm anxious to find out more about them in the sequel.
There was a ton of action and adventure in this book and Meghan and her friends were often fighting for their lives. In the Nevernever you never knew what was lurking just around the bend and who you could really trust.
This novel will appeal to all kinds of readers and I'm disappointed I waited so long to pick it up! I can't wait to read the next two books in the series and see what's next for Meghan, Ash, Puck, and the rest of the characters. What a great debut!
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
February 1, 2010/Harlequin Teen/363 Pages/Young Adult/Book One
Great review! I really enjoyed this book as well, and the sequels even more. I agree that it's so hard to choose a side in the love triangle. Ash and Puck both have such great personalities and qualities.
ReplyDeleteI agree I loved the characters and the book was amazing.
ReplyDeleteI read this book and loved it, I'm glad you feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteSounds fantastic! I too have been waiting far too long to read this one.
ReplyDeleteI struggled with the love triangle in this book because I didn't really like either team... if I HAD to pick then I would choose Ash. But that's only because I want Meghan and Puck to just be friends.
ReplyDeleteI've never read any of the books in The Iron King series but my friends keep on telling me how good it is. I hadn't listened to them but I think I'll try it out now!
ReplyDeleteFun review! I really enjoyed this book as well. I didn't think it was perfect, but I had a lot of fun reading it. I think my favorite part is a toss up between Grim and the world building. I felt completely sucked into Julie Kagawa's world.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it! I guess the good thing about reading it now is that you don't have to wait to long for more books to read.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I haven't actually read any of these books, but I hear they're excellent, and they're on my TBR list. =)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THAT THE LOVE TRIANGLE IS NOT LIKE A TURTLE VS A HARE AND THAT ITS HARD TO CHOOSE UNLIKE TWILIGHT WHERE IT WAS AN UNFAIR RACE AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THIS THANKS!!!
ReplyDeleteI have read every book in this series and have loved them all! I can't wait for Iron Knight and anything else Julia Kagawa puts out there for us! Excelent review :)
ReplyDeleteI just recently learned about this series. Sounds amazing. I can't wait to read them all! Thanks for the great giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteI love her covers.
ReplyDeleteLove this series! I want to own it in print format so I can lend it to my younger sisters. I think they'll love it!
ReplyDeleteOHHH! I'm so excited to finish the series! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many good things about this series. I'm dying to read the first! Especially since you mention love triangles...steamy ;)
ReplyDelete-Farrah
I really enjoyed the cleverness of this series. Plus I'm Team Ash! Awesome review, glad you liked it as much as I did.
ReplyDeleteNow you make me sad that I haven't read it yet. I need to buy it when I see it. :) Great review.
ReplyDeleteThe Iron King is a great start to a series. I'm squarely Team Puck though!
ReplyDeleteKelsey,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you waited so long to read it either! I haven't read Iron Queen though it's sitting there waiting to be read. It's a great series! Hope you like the other two books.
Have fun reading them,
Heather
I've been wanting to buy and read these books, but haven't had a chance yet. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome! i've heard amazing comments about this series and i feel so left out i havent gotten chance to get it!! however great review
ReplyDeletegreat review, kelsey! this series is kick-butt, but ive only read them on ebooks...cause theyre not available here on paperback. which is why im entering your contest for them. also, just thought id mention: im totally team ash. i mean, hello, he looks like THIS! im sold. :D
ReplyDeletethanks! for sharing this great review.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. Really looking forward to reading this series.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I loved the book as well and can't wait to see how the series concludes.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I can't wait to read this one, the characters sound amazing!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a awesome book, I hope you enjoy the rest of the series just as much, or even more:D
ReplyDeletelisa
i really, really, REALLY want to read this book. your review made me more excited about reading it!! totally entering the giveaway! <3
ReplyDeleteExcellent review, I agree with you - It does appeal to both old and young. Happy First Day of Spring!
ReplyDeletek.
kjovus(at)gmail(dot)com
Great Review! Your absolutely right it can be for both young and older readers. I just love this series!
ReplyDeleteI liked the book and want to read the next one but I was disappointed in how graphic it got at times especially since it is for young readers. Hate she put the F word in there too. Not all people talk like that. I am a little hesitant to let my 14 year old read it.
ReplyDelete