Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: February 1st, 2011
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 363
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

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.

This book was amazing. I cannot think of any other way to describe it besides amazing. Kagawa kept me surprised as the story deepened and the character's started to come to life before my eyes. The imagination that this novel holds is incredible and it could bring out the child in anyone it was great.

I've been reading about faeries since I could remember, so most stories about such creatures turns from original to predictable, but I have to say that Kagawa completely changed my perception. She not only brought her own host of amazing creatures, she brought back to life creatures that are familiar to everyone and...modernized it. The reference to one of the most popular Fae tale is A Midsummer Night's Dream, which plays a big role in the story.

The entire plot line is fast pace, but not so fast that it's almost unbelievable. There was action everywhere and danger at every turn. Kagawa brought the world to life. I love this idea about how technology and the modern world leaks into the world of the "Fae" and what this would be for the future of these magical beings.

I can tell this series is off to a great start.

I have to say that one of the best things about this book is that Kagawa easily mixes humor into her tale. Even at the point of complete danger and no-nonsense scenes, somehow there's always a character that can throw out a joke. Grim and Puke are especially the lighthearted ones in this tale.

Meghan, I loved her. She feels like the universal character that almost anyone can relate to. There have been moments in everyone's life where they don't belong or they feel like something is not always together in their life, even those who appear to have it together. She is brave and honest and doesn't hold anything back. At moments I felt like she was a little selfish, especially when she runs into danger without a thought besides that of her loved ones.

Ash, I feel like I am bashing my head against a brick wall whenever I look at him. I kept thinking that something was going to happen, and we did see something but there was that wall again that was put up near the end, which feels like absolutely no progress was being made. But this is only the first book so I am looking forward to the next books in the series.

Something that I found great about the book is that I kept predicting how events will be played out later on, but Kagawa always surprised me by doing something different. So, if I had to sum up this book in one word it would be "Unpredictable." And this, I feel is a good thing because it keeps the reader guessing and wondering what will happen next.

Overall, a fantastic read. Stayed up all night to finish it and now I really want the rest of the series.

2 comments:

Kat said...

I LOVED this book, especially the unique view on faeries. :) I still need to read the Iron Daughter! Great review!

Hazal said...

I haven't read this book but I have had it for a while now. I'm glad it was so exciting because it means it may just be as exciting for me as it was for you!