I am so excited to post this review by Rachel. This is Rachel's first appearance here at Nocurnal Bites and I am so happy to have her - Thanks for the Wonderful review Rachel!!
It's incredibly difficult to write a review for this book, it was just simply that awesome. Julie Kagawa really delivers a fantastic story in this third book in the Iron Fey series. The Iron Queen is one of those novels that will have you thinking about it long after you've finished reading.
The story picks up pretty much right after where the Iron Daughter left off. Meghan and Ash have been exiled from the Nevernever. It's not long after that when they get some grave news. The false king and his Iron Fey army are quickly becoming a growing threat the entire world of Faery. His forces could quite possibly destroy even the combined Summer and Winter Courts. Oberon and Mab become desperate, and turn to Meghan for help, as she is the only one capable of eliminating the false Iron King. From there starts the race to find the false king and stop him.
It was very sastisfying to read about the development in Meghan's character. The progress she's made since the start of the Iron King is truly remarkable. In the Iron Queen, Meghan no longer stands on the sidelines while others fight. I'm not saying she never contributed in the previous books, because she did, but this time she really steps up, and that's an understatement. Meghan learns to weild a sword, works on mastering and controlling her powers, and rushes into battle to defend the Fey. Her journey of self-discovery is finally complete; she is confident about who she is, and she knows her destiny.
Standing by Meghan through all of this are Ash and Puck, although Meghan isn't as dependent on them as she used to be. I love that we got to learn more about Ash in this book, that we got to see him open up and reveal things we didn't know about him before. Anyone on Team Ash will be extremely happy with the Iron Queen, as there are some great scenes involving him and Meghan. Ash is most definitely one of my favorite guys in the entire YA genre.
As for Puck, he's still the loyal best friend that is willing to do anything for Meghan. After how things ended between him and Meghan in the Iron Daughter, though, he does show some bitterness, but overall, remains the dedicated, smartass Fey we all love. Grim also returns in this book- ever the wise, knowledgeable cat who always pops up when least expected.
As for Puck, he's still the loyal best friend that is willing to do anything for Meghan. After how things ended between him and Meghan in the Iron Daughter, though, he does show some bitterness, but overall, remains the dedicated, smartass Fey we all love. Grim also returns in this book- ever the wise, knowledgeable cat who always pops up when least expected.
The Iron Queen was a fast-paced, romantic, action-filled installment to the series, and it became impossible to stop reading. I stayed up late and skipped meals to continue, and it was well worth it. Julie Kagawa has a real talent for telling a great story, and remaining true to her characters. The ending was quite emotional- I advise readers to keep tissues nearby. Julie has set up the next story, the Iron Knight, very nicely, and I look forward to it.
5 out 5 stars, and many thanks to @NetGalley
Book Info:
Author: Julie Kagawa
Paperback, 384 pages
Published February 1st 2011 by Harlequin Teen
definitely sounds like a book I must read . Thanks for the wonderful review . Adding it to my must read list.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh I'm on Team Ash, I can't wait to read this one! Love that you stayed up late and didn't eat to finish, that's always a sign of a good book. Wonderful review, I'm dying to get my hands on this book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me, Kristin!
ReplyDelete@BLHmistress- The books are awesome! I recommend you start with the first book, the Iron King, if you haven't read it yet.
@Jenny- Thanks! I'm Team Ash all the way, too! There are alot of amazing Ash scenes in this book, so you'll probably be very happy!
I didn't feel exactly the same as you story-wise, but totally agree about the ending/set up for #4. The last 40 pages were quite good!!
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