Book Review: The Iron King

The Iron King (The Iron Fey #1)

By: Julie Kagawa

Published By: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: February 2010

Page Count: 363

Buy it at Amazon or IndieBound

Source: Purchased by Reviewer

Audience: Young Adult - Fantasy

Following is my review for The Iron King after I read it the first time.  I have subsequently read this book several times as each sequel was released and has ultimately become my favourite all-time YA book series EVER!  This series IS EPIC!

So here we go to where it all began...

What a great introduction to an amazing story to come!  SO much adventure -- kind of reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland meets the world of the fey!  The momentum never seemed to let up!  A true page-turner!  

I loved how Meghan's character developed from a very naive girl in the beginning of the story to a young woman who matures on her quest to get her younger brother back from the faeries who stole him through selflessness and huge determination.  Meghan also learns that she is the daughter of King Oberon, which makes her a faerie princess. 

Although I figured the story would have somehow ended with Meghan finding Ethan... I have to admit I had my doubts she was at all capable at the beginning of the story... but she had a lot of help along the way (Puck, Ash & Grim among them)... and it seemed that her true kindness won out in the end. 

I LOVED (Prince) Ash!  His progression throughout the story was also quite remarkable -- from a cold and seemingly heartless knight of the Winter Court to the prince that falls for the forbidden faerie princess of the Summer Court and sacrifices himself to help Meghan in her quest to find her young brother.  Their tender moments had me melting.

Puck was another wonderfully written character... charged to protect Meghan in the mortal world, but ended up going against his king's orders to return Meghan to the Summer Court, in order to help Meghan rescue her little brother.  He was a true friend that Meghan could really count on for anything and also sacrifices himself for her and her quest.  My heart went out to him.  His fondness for Meghan was sort of like a big-brother but I got the sense that he might have some romantic feelings for her as well. 

Grimalkin... the most unique cat you can imagine, but of course, feline in every way you would imagine.  His wisdom and forethought got them out of several predicaments and helped Meghan on her quest as well. 

The Nevernever was dangerous and there was no shortage of evil faeries hindering Meghan's efforts in getting her brother back.  And what makes this story unique from other stories of the fey -- a new species is introduced -- the IRON fey -- evolved from technology and progress. 

Lots of good messages in this story.  This book tied up nicely with a couple little threads left hanging for future sequels.  This is definitely the beginning of an epic series... I can feel it!

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.