Title: The Iron Daughter
Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: YA Paranormal
Series: The Iron Fey (Book 2)
Publication Date: August 1, 2010
Format: Paperback, 304 Pages
ISBN-10: 0373210132 (Harlequin Teen)
ISBN-13: 978-0373210138 (Harlequin Teen)
Synopsis (Product Description):
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, iron-bound 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 alone 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.
Quick & Dirty: A beautifully written and captivating world with clever plot twists that will have readers riveted from the start.
Opening Sentence: The Iron King stood before me, magnificent in his beauty, silver hair whipping about like an unruly waterfall.
Excerpt: Chapter 1
The Review:
When we last saw Meghan, she was saying goodbye to her family, and on her way to enemy territory. Meghan had no choice but to fulfill her contract with Prince Ash. She returns to the Winter Court to become Queen Mab’s prisoner. Meghan is devastated, alone and scared because Ash has forsaken her. Meghan tries to plead her case to Queen Mab, telling her about the vicious Iron Fey, but to no avail. When The Scepter of the Seasons is stolen, Queen Mab becomes enraged. A deadly war erupts between the Winter and Summer Courts, and Meghan knows that this is just the beginning. The Iron Faeries are hell bent on a path of destruction. Meghan embarks on another journey with the help of her fabulous friends to retrieve The Scepter of the Seasons, return it to Queen Mab, stop the raging war between Winter and Summer, and battle her heart as she falls deeper in love with…now that would be telling too much.
I was completely captivated by Meghan’s journey in The Iron King. I’m pleased to say that The Iron Daughter is every bit as engrossing and stunning as the previous book. Julie Kagawa’s writing is intense and passionate. The world-building continues to be impressive, and the characterization is top-notch. Ms. Kagawa recreates the lush and dangerous world of Nevernever, pulling the reader deeper into the story. Readers will be mesmerized by the lives of these fascinating characters. The characters are incredible and the plot is fantastic, offering intriguing twists. Ms. Kagawa has crafted such charming and captivating characters, and readers will not soon forget them or their struggles.
I love the break-neck pacing of this book. I was in Nevernever, exposed to the danger. I was right there with Meghan, in the journey, fearful and fighting for my life as events unfolded. It was really hard to put this book down. Faerie politics is lethal and I’m glad that Ms. Kagawa gives the reader more insight into this deadly game. The Iron Daughter is an emotional story as well. Meghan makes some new discoveries that are both good and bad.
I was also pleased with Meghan’s personal growth. She’s both powerful and vulnerable, and truly compelling. Meghan struggles with all of the challenges thrown at her. At times she’s weak, defeated, and even disheartened. She even makes mistakes, but in the end she rises to the occasion. I love that she’s strong, smart, and willing to sacrifice herself for the people that she loves. Meghan is truly fierce.
The romance in this novel is heartbreaking. As much as I love Puck, I’m in the Team Ash camp. Puck has so many great qualities. He’s funny, sexy, witty, passionate, and he has amazing powers. When things heated up between him and Meghan, I was a bit worried. They have a great connection and his affection for Meghan is apparent. I should have known better. Never count the dark prince out. Prince Ash gives into his feelings for Meghan and their connection is explosive. It’s hard to say if things will end up well for Meghan in the romance department, but I’m rooting for her and Ash.
I don’t want to give too much away, but really Ms. Kagawa, you’re killing me. IRONHORSE! If I can’t have that loveable, furry, fuzz ball, Grimalkin, then at least throw me some iron. I offered to take Grimalkin to one of those fancy NYC pet spas, and let’s just say it didn’t go over too well. He swatted me with his paw and sauntered off. Now I want IRONHORSE! I could really use him to get quickly around NYC.
Overall, The Iron Fey series continues to be such an imaginative and compelling series. It’s one of my all time favorite series. The Iron Daughter is simply a MUST READ. This captivating and sometimes scary story comes to a stunning, and very satisfying conclusion. With lots of action-packed fight scenes, kissing, blood, and gore, what’s not to love? I can hardly wait to find out what happens in the series’ conclusion, The Iron Queen, which is scheduled to be released on February 1, 2011.
Notable Scene:
The were appallingly fast, scuttling gray blurs across the floor. I had the absurd image of being ambushed by a swarm of metallic spiders before they were upon me. The first attacker leaped up and slashed at my face with a twisted wire claw as sharp as any razor.
It met a gleaming blue sword instead, screeching off the blade in a volley of sparks, bringing tears to my eyes. Sage threw back one attacker and whirled to meet the next, ducking as wire talons slashed over his head. The Winter prince thrust out a palm, and a jagged ice spear surged out of the floor, stabbing toward the Iron fey. Lightning fast, they dodged, leaping back and giving us time to retreat. Grabbing my wrist, Sage yanked me behind the throne.
The Iron Fey Series:
3. The Iron Queen – February 1, 2011
You can visit Julie around the web here: Website | Blog | Twitter | Book Site
FTC Advisory: Harlequin Teen provided me with a copy of The Iron Daughter. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.
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