Review: The Lost Prince

The Lost Prince
Julie Kagawa
Young Adult Fantasy
The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten/Book 1
Harlequin Teen/October 23, 2012

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for. 

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series is a favorite of mine. The world Kagawa has created is filled with such memorable characters and fast paced action, I was thrilled to venture back into it.

Little Ethan is all grown up, mostly. He may be in high school but his past experiences with the Fey are still with him, governing his every move. He's going through more than the typical teenage angst, Ethan is being pulled back into a world he wants nothing to do with. Ethan was an interesting character when he was a little boy. I still found him interesting but his teen angst became redundant with his "poor me" attitude.

I like how we see Ethan trying to fit in to the "normal" world of teens all the while keeping his defenses up against whatever the Fey might thrown at him. It was a little odd, seeing Ethan as the main character without his big sis watching over him. As the story progresses, Ethan becomes a stronger presence and begins to come out of the shadow of his sister, the Iron Queen.

There is plenty of backstory so if you haven't read the previous novels, you get a pretty good idea of what has preceded up to this point.  The problems came up with the main female character, Mackenzie aka Kenzie.  She's determined to find out what is going on with Ethan Chase.  I found her pushy, overbearing and difficult to like.  She made me miss Meghan and her quiet strength. Maybe it's not fair to compare the two but I couldn't help but compare Ethan and Kenzie to Meghan and Ash and found the new couple lacking.  Still, I was left curious to see what happens next in Ethan's world.

Rating: B

The Iron Fey:  Call of the Forgotten Series ~

The Lost Prince
The Traitor's Son (October 29, 2013)

ARC Review: The Eternity Cure

The Eternity Cure
Julie Kagawa
Young Adult/Paranormal/Dystopian
Blood of Eden/Book 2
Harlequin Teen/ April 30, 2013

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren.  The call of blood leads her back to the beginning - New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally. 

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she's never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

The second book in Julie Kagawa's dark vampire dystopian series takes up not long after where the first book ended.  Allie is searching for her sire, Kanin, and she's afraid of what she might find.   The reader is given background on the characters and the plot but I didn't feel it was enough to skip the first book.  Instead, I'd suggest reading The Immortal Rules, book one, to give you a better understanding of the characters and the world.  Plus, it's a really good book!

Allie has this deep sense of loyalty that I swear is going to get her killed someday!  You can't help but admire her but I also wonder if her recently lost humanity is at the root of her loyalty.  She doesn't view human as mere food sources and still tries to defend them when necessary.  She's certainly different than most of the vampires in this series.

The plot leads Allie into dangerous situations which is par for the course in the world she inhabits.  She may well be at the top of the food chain but she's still a newbie when it comes to the vampire hierarchy.  There is action but Allie also becomes involved in vampire politics which while somewhat interesting, tended to slow the plot down.

The book ends on a cliffhanger that left me wanting the next book now!  It looks like things will be getting more intense and more desperate for Allie as this series progresses.

Rating: B

Blood of Eden Series ~

Dawn of Eden (novella prequel)
The Immortal Rules
The Eternity Cure
The Forever Song (spring 2014, tentative)

ARC Review: The Immortal Rules

The Immortal Rules
Julie Kagawa
Post-apocalyptic/Young Adult
Blood of Eden/Book 1
Harlequin Teen/April 24, 2012

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

After reading and loving Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series I was more than willing to read anything she writes, even vampires. Vampires don't have the pull for me that they use to but Kagawa change my mind with her dark, violent, emotional story of a world gone horribly wrong. At just under 500 pages I was surprised at how fast I flew through this book. It was hard to find a stopping point when I found myself wanting needing to know what would happen next.

Allison Sekemoto could be called many things - fighter, survivor, cold-hearted, loner. She is seventeen but only by sheer guts and instincts has she managed to stay alive this long. Her life is a continuous struggle for survival, living in the Fringe where not only vampires but rival gangs offer a constant threat. With no family, Allison has only her small gang and a need to fight back against the vampires to keep her going.

Allie is such a well developed character. At first she comes across as cold, with little feelings for anyone else. She is loyal to her gang members but much of that comes from the need to belong to a gang to survive. Through Allie we see how the many orphans are forced to grow up quickly if they are to have a chance at survival. Allie is compelled to make so many life or death decisions and it's not just her life in danger. We see how Allie wrestles with her survival instincts as they conflict with the moral dilemmas she faces. Allie is far from being a stagnant character. She changes from a human to a vampire but it's as if being a vampire brings out her humanity.

The Immortal Rules is told from Allison's POV but that doesn't stop the reader from getting to know the other characters. Kagawa does well in showing, through Allison's eyes, how the plague and the sixty years following has affected each character. We don't learn everything there is to know about Allison and the "people" who come into her life but there is plenty there to allow the reader to form opinions about these characters and what drives them to make the decisions they do. No info dumps here but rather the bits and pieces of each characters' lives are well blended throughout the story.

The action may take place on the page but it can get your heart rate up as Allie fights for her life. Even knowing from the blurb that she will become a vampire doesn't lessen the impact of the danger Allie confronts. Long after Allie becomes one of the fanged she still faces enemies that can kill her. The tension and emotions run high but the fight scenes are just as intense. I loved the way the fight scenes were written. It was so easy to picture the action, the moves of each character and the resulting pain and death.

The world Kagawa has created is a dangerous place filled with menacing creatures, courageous humans, a vampire who needs redeeming and a brave and reckless heroine who learns that it's okay to give a damn about others, even at the cost of your own life. In The Immortal Rules Julie Kagawa has proven the vampire crazy is not over but is just gearing up for something new.

Rating: A

ARC Review: The Iron Knight

The Iron Knight
Julie Kagawa
Young Adult Fantasy
Iron Fey/Book 4
Harlequin Teen/October 25, 2011

Spoilers for previous books

From Publishers Website ~

To cold faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase — a half human, half fey slip of a girl—smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the unwelcome company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end—a quest to find a way to honor his vow to stand by Meghan's side.

To survive in the Iron Realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. And along the way Ash learns something that changes everything.

The final book in the Iron Fey series and I'm sad to see it end. But Kagawa ended it on a high with a different view to the ongoing struggle of the world of the Fae. Instead of getting Meghan's POV we get Prince Ash as the narrator. At first I wasn't sure how well this would work since I had come to enjoy Meghan's voice but Ash proved to have an exceptional voice, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Prince Ash of the Winter Court is on a quest. He's been through a lot since meeting Meghan Chase. Now he's without her but trying desperately to get back to her. The problem is that Meghan is now the Iron Queen and if Ash tries to live in the Iron Realm with her, it will kill him. So Ash comes up with a new plan. He will become human. He's willing to give up everything he is to be with Meghan.

This was such an adventure with Ash, Puck, Grimalkin and a couple of surprise companions to round out the group. They are taken on an journey through terrifying and amazing places filled with challenges they can't be sure they'll make it past. The excitement continued throughout the story with Ash forging on over obstacles, determined to make it to his goal. The adventure kept me entranced, wondering what would happen next and who might not make it to the end.

Since this is, in essence, Ash's story, it's not surprising we learn much more about Ash and his history. Details that even Meghan doesn't know. It's heartbreaking to learn some of what Ash has been through and how he was raised in the ice cold world of the Winter Court. Ash worked hard to fit in to the cruel world of the court to please his mother, Queen Mab. By seeing his past, the reader sees how far Ash has come and how far he's willing to go.

The one problem some readers may have is the lack of the presence of Meghan. She is featured in flashbacks, dreams and towards the end but otherwise, this is all Ash's quest. I did mention I liked Ash's voice but I also missed Meghan and her outlook on the world of the Faery. We do get a lot of Robin Goodfellow aka Puck and this is a very good thing. It's hard not to like and Puck and his tireless antics, especially when he sets aside those antics and becomes serious with insight and concern.

So we come to the end of a wonderful series filled with adventure, dangerous situations, friendship and hope. I can't wait to see what Ms. Kagawa has in store for us in her next series.

Rating: A-

Books in this series ~

The Iron King
The Iron Daughter
Winter's Passage
The Iron Queen
Summer's Crossing
The Iron Knight

Review: Summer's Crossing

Summer's Crossing
Julie Kagawa
Young Adult/Fantasy
Iron Fey/Book 3.5
Harlequin Teen/June 1, 2011

From Goodreads ~

Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

Loved this funny, sweet novella told from Puck's POV. It's just Puck and Ash on a mission - not the two you would imagine would team up. But team up they do! Puck and Ash do manage to work together with Puck adding that unique humor to ease those tense moments or to simply irritate the heck out of Ash.

Puck keeps Ash on his toes, not always sure what Puck is up to but knowing that he's always up to something. He is a prankster after all! Their quest becomes dangerous when they venture into the Summer Court and into Queen Tatania's presence. Ash's life is in Puck's hands, a potentially dangerous place to be. Ash has Meghan. Puck wants Meghan. Would Puck sacrifice Ash, his long-time enemy, to get the girl?

Puck keeps both Ash and the reader on the edge with his antics. He's smart and sneaky but still has a heart of gold. Kagawa once again proves why this series is so popular with this quick look into a favorite character's head and heart.

Rating: B+

Books in this series ~

The Iron King
Winter's Passage (previously free novella)
The Iron Daughter
The Iron Queen
Summer's Crossing (free novella)
The Iron Knight (October 25, 2011)

Cover Love & Free Novella...

Julie Kagawa, author of the oh so wonderful Iron Fey Young Adult series has posted the cover for the next book, The Iron Knight, For those of you that read this series, you know this is Ash's book and I'm really looking forward to getting his POV.



Personally, I think all the covers in this series are beautiful and this is another winner. They all convey that feeling of something magical.

But that's not all. She has also published a free e-novella, Summer's Crossing, that is from Puck's POV so you know it will be fun. You can download the free e-novella at Harlequin's site.



Books in this series ~

The Iron King
Winter's Passage (novella)
The Iron Daughter
The Iron Queen
Summer's Crossing (novella)
The Iron Knight (October 25, 2011)

ARC Review: The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen
Julie Kagawa
Young Adult/Fantasy
Iron Fey/Book 3
Harlequin Teen/January 25, 2011

*Spoilers For The First 2 Books*

From the author's website ~

In less than twenty-four hours I'll be seventeen.

Although, technically, I won't actually be turning seventeen. I've been in the Nevernever too long. When you're in Faery, you don't age. So while a year has passed in the real world, agewise I'm probably only a few days older than when I went in.

In real life, I've changed so much I don't even recognize myself.

***

MY NAME IS MEGHAN CHASE.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

THIS TIME, THERE WILL BE NO TURNING BACK.

If you've read my previous reviews of the first two books in this series then you know how much I love this world of the Fae Kagawa has created. This is a world of dark and light. Of hope and despair. For Meghan, it's a world she is still learning her way around and it is constantly changing. With the Summer and Winter Courts battling the Iron Fey, it's only a matter of time before Meghan, Ash, Puck and Grimalkin are back in the thick of the fight.

The story picks up where The Iron Daughter left off, with Meghan and Ash back in the real world, having been exiled from Faery. They are making their way to Meghan's home when destiny once again intercedes, threatening Meghan's family. It turns out there's no going home, so Meghan and Ash must find somewhere else to hind out from the Iron Fey until Meghan is strong enough to face the False King. They end up in a most obvious place for exiles. It's here that Meghan is able to reconnect with her human father and begins to learn to control and use her magic.

Kagawa continues to develop Meghan and Ash's relationship, showing them talking and learning about each other. I think it's important for them to have those quiet moments between the two of them otherwise, their sacrifices would not feel as genuine if they only knew what was on the surface. And I can't forget Puck aka Robin Goodfellow aka Meghan's best friend and long time enemy of Ash. Puck is still very much in Meghan's life although the have gone through some rough times. I do think the love triangle was put to rest in The Iron Daughter but if there was any doubt, it's gone. But Puck isn't going anywhere except into battle with Meghan and Ash. Puck not only provides his fighting abilities but also his gift of comic relief when the stress becomes too much.

The character development is strong in this installment with both Meghan and Ash facing difficult decisions that test their loyalty and love. Ash is said to be this very cold, soulless Winter Prince but he is so far beyond cold when it comes to his feelings for Meghan. We see time and again Ash showing his love for Meghan. Meghan continues to surprise me with her ability to whine less and take charge when confronted with situations that would send many adults running for cover. By the end of the book these two have become even more well rounded and well developed characters.

There are so many fascinating secondary characters, both new and old. Of course there is Ash's mother, Queen Mab of the Winter Court. She is still the cold ice bitch but does show a little warm when it comes to her son. And there is Oberon, King of the Summer Court and Meghan's father. He is still commanding and intimidating but does let his pride in his daughter show, if only a little. There are many Iron Fey, on both the rebel side and the False King's forces that come into play. Glitch and Razor are two characters that play major roles - one grudgingly aligning with Meghan and the other over joyed to help her. And Grimalkin continues to pop in and out, sharing his wisdom as he sees fit. He's like the Yoda of Faery - you may not always understand what he says but you know it's important.

The action is once again fierce with Summer and Winter court battling the Iron Fey. Kagawa choreographs the fighting to the point that it is easy to envision the knights with their gleaming swords slashing across the battlefield. Dragons and gryphons, sliding across the sky. Or the giant fortress of the False King, ready to take over all of Faery. And in the midst of it all are Meghan, Ash and Puck.

The grand finale - the battle against the False King, is filled with such strong, nearly overwhelming emotions. It is fate, twisting and turning until choosing what to do becomes so hard and yet so easy for Meghan. There really is no choice and she once again shows how much she has grown and how much she is willing to sacrifice to save those she loves.

Another amazing installment in what is one of my favorite fantasy series. The ending will leave you in such an emotional state - saddened for what had to be yet hopefully for what is to come. The Iron Knight ~ Ash's story, is next up in the series. Personally, I can't wait to find out what is in store for these amazing characters.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

The Iron King
Winter's Passage (download free novella)
The Iron Daughter
The Iron Queen

Best Of...

Finally!!! I know I'm very late with this, a couple weeks at least. In choosing the top ten, I selected not necessarily the books with the highest grades but the ones that stood out and stuck with me. These are the books I can see myself re-reading or the ones that made the biggest impact, eliciting the strongest emotions. So, in case anyone is interested in my favorite books published in 2010, here you go in no particular order.


Now, I said all the books on the list were published in 2010. That was purely for selfish reasons, to make it easier on me to pick a top ten. But, rules are made to be broken and I'm breaking that rule. The first book on the list was technically published 29 December 2009. Close enough, I say.

A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

The story of a forced marriage gets the Balogh treatment with a delicious spin. The romance of Annabelle and Reginald was a lovely treat to read. The flashbacks were well written and didn't annoy me in the least.

My review for A Matter of Class.



Silver Borne By Patricia Briggs

Mercy and Adam finally solidify their relationship and Mercy's place in the pack. Sam goes a little wild and gets saved from someone from his past. Briggs writes one of the best, well-developed UF series out there and I have no doubt I'll continue reading her as long as she is writing.

My review for Silver Borne.


Roadkill by Rob Thurman

Oh boy, do I love this series! I love Cal. I love Niko. I love Goodfellow. Yep, lots of love for this series. And Roadkill was another joy ride of an addition. The brothers, Cal & Niko, are such a dynamic duo with their snarky brotherly love.

My buddy review with Nath & Hils for Roadkill.



Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

The beginning of a new series by Hoyt is always something to get excited about. Wicked Intentions is no exception. Not only do we get an exciting romance, we also get the story-within-the-story and some wonderful secondary characters that are crying out for their stories to be told.

My review of Wicked Intentions.


Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

The second book in Stiefvater's Young Adult trilogy has Grace and Sam trying to build a relationship while nature is determined to pull them apart. With well developed secondary characters and a major cliff-hanger ending, made me wish I had Forever ready and waiting.

My review of Linger.



My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent

This is another Young Adult series that has completely captivated me. It's not only the world in which Kaylee, Nash and the Scooby gang live but the Netherworld - the mirror image of ours with its distorted imagines and beings.

My review for My Soul to Keep



Chimera by Rob Thurman

This isn't related to her Cal Leandros series but it still had that close knit brother relationship that I so enjoy. Stefan and Michael go on a road trip, getting to know each other while being chased by the evil monster that wants Michael back.

My buddy review with Nath for Chimera.



The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

I read so many good YAs last year. I think I could have easily come up with a top 10 YA list. If I did, this would be at the top. The adventure Meghan Chase finds in Faery with Ash and Rob kept me spellbound.

My review for The Iron Daughter




A Wild Light by Marjorie M. Liu

This is such a unique UF series. The tattoos that come alive. Heroine and hero whose goals, at times, seem at odds with each other. And the world building that pulls me in and doesn't let go.

My review of A Wild Light.




Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis

Three sisters with little in common, forced to work together. Add in a sexy man with a tool belt and that Shalvis humor that I love and you've got a winner.

My review for Simply Irresistible.





So that's it! It wasn't easy to pick ten, I certainly could have made a longer list. How many on my list made it on your list? Are there any on your TBR pile? I always love seeing books on my TBR pile make someone's best of list. It just reinforces my choice in picking it up.

Favorite New Series of 2010

Whenever I read about a great new series or a series that everyone loves I'm tempted to pick it up but at the same time I know I shouldn't start a new one until I've caught up with the ones I'm currently reading. And then there's the series that I have sitting in my mountainous tbr pile, waiting for me to start ~ Hello Meljean Brook, Anne Bishop, Lois McMaster Bujold, Diana Gabaldon, Cindy Gerard, Kim Harrison, Eloisa James, Sabrina Jefferies and many more. But that didn't stop me from picking up some new series in 2010 which was good since I found some real gems. So, the tbr pile gets a little bigger but I have some wonderful auto buy authors and their reads to look forward to. New worlds to explore and new characters to love. So it's all good!

In no particular order, here are some outstanding series you really should be reading!

Julie Kagawa's The Iron Fey series. This is an amazing Young Adult series that has kept me completely enthralled in the mythical world Kagawa has created. I love reading about Megan, Puck and Ash. The next book, The Iron Daughter, is set for release on January 25th. You can go here to read the free novella, Winter's Passage.


Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamer series. Love, love, love this series! It's another Young Adult series that I initially picked up for my teen, who loves it too! Vincent knows how to put the reader on the edge of the seat, keeping tensions high while still writing about the ups and downs of teen relationships. Do yourself a favor and start reading this series if you haven't already. You can go here to download My Soul to Lose, the free prequel novella.


And lest you think it's all about the YA, nope. Cowboys are one of my favorite types of heroes and Lorelei James knows how to write hot, alpha cowboys! I finally started reading her Rough Riders series this year and let me tell you, it was about time. They are full of sugar and spice and all things hot and sexy. This is one erotic series where the relationships don't take a backseat to the sex. It's all rolled up into one steamy tale of cowboys and cowgals and their love for each other. Definitely a series I can easily recommend. Bonus - the covers are gorgeous!


Elizabeth Hoyt aka Julia Harper aka a favorite author in either genre. Ms. Hoyt started her Maiden Lane series this year with Wicked Intentions, a top ten read of mine. Only one book into the series and I have no doubt it will become one of my favorite historical series. You know it's a good sign when you finish a book and there are any number of secondary characters whose book you would love to read.


Is it any surprise that a Jill Shalvis series made the list? Nope. I love her writing and was thrilled to find out she's starting a new series, Lucky Harbor. It's a wonderful contemporary series about three sisters and their relationships with each other and with the men in their lives. Shalvis is an author not to be missed!


So what series stood out for you this year? Any that you now find yourself waiting in anticipation for the next installment? Any series that you think I need to start reading, like yesterday? Cause, hey, there's a good chance it's on my tbr pile. :)

ARC Review: The Iron Daughter

The Iron Daughter
Julie Kagawa
Fantasy/Young Adult
Iron Fey/Book 2
Harlequin Teen/August 2010
ARC from Publisher/NetGalley

*Spoilers for previous book*

From the author's website ~

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.

If you haven't started this series, what are you waiting for? Seriously, it's an amazing world Kagawa has created with the Fae of the Summer and Winter Courts and the Iron Fey. Meghan is a heroine worthy of the title. So much happens within the pages! The continuation of Meghan's journey into the Nevernever and the land of the faery is filled with danger, heartbreak, laughter and love. I absolutely loved this book!

When we last saw Meghan she had made a deal with Ash, Prince of the Winter court. She agreed to go to Tir Na Nog, land of the Winter Fae, with Ash if he would help get her little brother back from the Iron King. Now it's time to make good on her word. As Meghan leaves her home with Ash, she's not sure if she'll ever return. It's heartbreaking when she has to say good bye to Ethan, her little brother. At this point you realize everything Meghan is giving up. Her whole sense of family and security is being left behind.

Meghan and Ash make a detour when traveling to the Nevernever, to check up on Meghan's best friend Robin Goodfellow aka Puck. He was seriously injured and is still recovering. Meghan's relationship with Puck has been undergoing some changes since she found out that he's not a high school kid like her but is part of the Summer court, sent to watch over her by her father, King Oberon. Puck is another person Meghan might lose. She must say good-bye, for now, and make her way with Ash to the Winter Court.

The Winter Court is cold, both literally and figuratively for Meghan. She is shown to her room and left there, forgotten. Of course she's not really forgotten. Mab, Queen of the Winter Court wouldn't forget Meghan but she knows Meghan isn't going anywhere. It's a scary time for Meghan. She's alone among the Unseelie who wouldn't mind using her as a chew toy. She has no allies in the Winter Court and she doesn't know where Ash is. All she knows is that she must rely on herself to survive.

Ash, Prince of the Winter Court, is very conflicted. He tells Meghan over and over that Summer and Winter are enemies and that will never change. There is a beautiful scene where Ash is telling Meghan that she can't trust anyone, not even him. That he must do whatever Mab tells him to do even if it means killing Meghan. Meghan simply says to him "I trust you", undoing Ash with her honesty and faith in him. He really doesn't know how to deal with her. Until he met her, everything was black and white for him. The Fae of the Summer Court were the enemy. Period. With Meghan, Ash is constantly forced to rethink that idea as he continues to fall further in love with her.

At the Winter Court ice is everywhere giving off a coldness that goes clear to the bones. Danger and intrigue fill the court with Meghan right in the middle, her life always in peril. I loved how the author reminds the reader that while Meghan finds herself in adult situations and has to make adult decisions, she's still a teenager. At one point she finds herself facing a group of mean girls - Unseelie style - with the girls threatening her life if she so much as looks at Ash again. And Meghan crying into her pillow over Ash's coldness remind us that Meghan may be fey but she's also a human teenager with emotions that don't always conform to the cold logic of the fey.

As I read I kept wondering what would happen next because I really didn't know how it would all play out. What did happen, I could not have predicted and Kagawa took me by surprise with the some of the twists that proved Ash correct when he said not to trust anyone. But there are also some surprises in who Meghan can trust. A pack made with an old enemy takes Meghan on a dangerous quest. So much rides on the outcome and Meghan is under such pressure that you would think she would break. She doesn't break but she does crack which I thought added to the believability of her character. Had she been stalwart and continue to overcome all the obstacles without any breakdown, her humanity would have felt fake instead of genuine.

The adversities that Meghan and her friends must overcome are at times nearly insurmountable and there is never any guarantee that they will all survive. The story arc and character development continues to move forward with changes in perception and beliefs. The surprises that the characters encounter not only make them rethink their beliefs but make them rethink what they believe in.

The Iron Fey are again proving to be serious adversaries to Meghan and her allies. I enjoyed reading about the Iron Fey and their continued immersion into the 21st century. They way they manipulate their surroundings and fight the other Fey is exciting and devious. The fight scenes kept me on the edge and the outcome wasn't always what I expected. And the participants - Kagawa's descriptions of the various creatures are so vivid and very creepy. It all felt remarkably real to me, odd I know. While I knew Meghan had to win in the end, I didn't know who the casualties might be along the way. I found myself completely entertained and enthralled by this tale of good and evil where everything isn't always black and white.

In every war and the battles that are part of that war, there are casualties. Towards the end my heart was breaking for Meghan and Ash. After everything she went through, the losses and painful decisions, Meghan finds herself at a crossroads with only one real choice. I loved how Meghan and Ash's relationship not only evolved but the way it evolved made complete sense.

The world Kagawa has created is wild, dark and menacing - leaving you wondering what's lurking in those dark corners. But it's also filled with wonderful surprises of friendship, love and hope. I can't wait to find out what happens to Meghan in The Iron Queen, book 3 in the series, due out in February 2011.

Rating: A+

My review of The Iron King (book 1)

Link to free read, Winter's Passage. This should be read after The Iron King and before The Iron Daughter. (free download until July 31, 2010)

Best of 2010 - So Far...

The reading for the first half of 2010 has been up and down. Some great reads that I know will stay with me for a long time while others will fade from my memory, if they haven't already.

I got out the spreadsheet, sorted by grade and looked over all the A grades. There were 27 A grades with only one A+. Fourteen As and twelve A-s. I decided to pick 5 8 to spotlight of the Best So Far. I picked the ones that really stood out for me and are still stuck in my head. Titles are linked to my review.

Here they are in no particular order ~


Silver Borne by Patrica Briggs

One of my top 5 favorite Urban Fantasy series. I love the world that Briggs has created. The characters are so vivid for me. The phrase "they come alive" really applies to this series.


My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent

An excellent Young Adult series that continues to give the reader great character development and story lines. If you are looking for a new YA series, give this one a try.


A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

Ah, my love for Balogh's writing goes way back, twenty years or so. She delivers such beautiful characters with intriguing stories and A Matter of Class was no exception.


Shades of Dark by Linnea Sinclair

This is the second book in the Dock Five series as well as the second book about Sully and Chaz. I liked Gabriel's Ghost(book 1) a whole bunch but I liked Shades a bit more. Amazing characters, fascinating setting.


Cowgirl Up and Ride by Lorelei James

Oh, boy! So damn happy to have finally started this series. I've enjoyed all the books but this one stands out as being such a funny and emotional read. Loved AJ and Cord!


The Texan's Wager by Jodi Thomas

This was a re-read of Jodi Thomas, another author who I read years ago. She can write some wonderful westerns with unique characters that you wouldn't expect to find in a historical romance.


Roadkill by Rob Thurman

Another top 5 Urban Fantasy series. This is UF and there is a lot of action but Thurman can write relationships like nobodys business. She is truly a gifted author and you're missing out if you're not reading this series.


Darkness Calls by Marjorie M. Liu

Liu's writing is the type that pulls you into the world she's created and makes you to feel what her characters are feeling, whether you want to or not. A dark, gritty series with equal parts action and emotion. I love Maxine's boys. :)


I know I said 5 then changed it to 8 but I had to include the following 2 because they were very good and I would certainly recommend them. And that makes it a top 10 list and isn't that what people usually do? :)

I'll have the review for The Iron Daughter up next week. The review for Chimera is a buddy review with Nath that will be posted at Breezing Through. Titles are linked to the author's website.

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa ~ A+

You can tell from the grade why I included this in the list. Lets just say I had some serious love for this book. It blew me away with its intensity. Definitely one to read.




Chimera by Rob Thurman ~ A

Another brother/brother story, focused on their relationship but different enough from her Cal Leandros series to make it stand apart.








An overwhelming majority of Fantasy. I did read some good contemporaries but it looks like for now at least, my heart belongs to the Fantasy genre. Here's hoping the second half of the year brings us all some great reads!

June Reads...

June is gone but where the heck did it go? Last month's reading got off to a slow start for me. The family vacation to Disneyland and California Adventure cut into my reading time. I did some reading on the drive there and back but while we were there most of my down time was spent sleeping on the non-sleep number bed or complaining about my aching feet. :) (Yes, I missed my sleep number bed. *sob* Loves that bed!)

No DNFs this month that I remember. I did have one in May. (missed posting the May reads) It was an erotic romance. The heroes were aliens and their hair came alive, among other things. And since it's erotic, the hair got really friendly with the heroine. ICK! I had other problems with the book like the old alien forced seduction. Luckily, I don't have too many DNFs and I think it's due to the fact that the majority of books I read are either from favorite authors or because of good reviews from you guys. :)

The final count is 11 books read. Not bad but I hope to read more of my personal and library TBR piles this month. Yep, I even have a library TBR pile. The city library allows 99 renewals so as long as no one requests the book, I keep renewing, having faith that I'll get to it. :)

I'll also get my challenges read for this month. *shakes fist in air* I totally flaked on every single one last month so I plan to start early, like this weekend. :D

Countdown/Michelle Maddox/Futuristic/B+
The Making of a Duchess/Shana Galen/Historical/B-
I'm Watching You/Karen Rose/Romantic Suspense/B+
Tied Up, Tied Down/Lorelei James/Erotic Romance/Review to follow
Kiss Me If You Can/Carly Phillips/Contemporary/B+
Beyond the Night/Joss Ware/PNR/B
The Iron Daughter/Julie Kagawa/YA/Review to follow
Beauty's Beasts/Teal Ceagh/Erotic Romance/B+
Embrace the Night Eternal/Joss Ware/PNR/B
Chimera/Rob Thurman/SCIFI/Review to follow
Criminal Instinct/Kelly Lynn Parra/Romantic Suspense/Review to follow

The breakdown ~

Contemporary ~ 1
Erotic ~ 2
Futuristic ~ 1
Historical ~ 1
PNR ~ 2
Romantic Suspense ~ 2
SCIFI ~ 1
YA ~ 1

The reading was definitely mixed - a little here, a little there. I suppose the Futuristic, PNR and SCIFI could all be lumped together but there's really no stand out genre. I think it all has to do with mood. I'm a very moody reader. ;)

Review: The Iron King

The Iron King
Julie Kagawa
Fantasy/Young Adult
Iron Fey Series/Book 1
Harlequin Teen/February 2010
Library book

From the author's website ~

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.

The YA reads have been very, very good lately. In The Iron King Julie Kagawa delivers a fascinating take on the Fae. I loved they way she portrayed the Seelie and Unseelie courts. The unique, modern twist she put on the Fae was inspiring. What attracted me to the story and kept me reading late into the night is the adventurous spirit of not only the plot but the characters. I had such fun reading this book!

The Iron King starts out the day before Meghan’s sixteenth birthday. She has a crush on a football player that she’s been tagged to tutor. She’s nervous and wants to make a good impression. Right away I liked Megan. She lives with her mom, step-dad and little brother on a pig farm. Being the daughter of pig farmers not only means Meghan is poor but she’s also on the receiving end of jokes and ridicule at school. She does have one good friend, Robbie Goodfell. Robbie is a bit mysterious and enjoys playing pranks but cares very much for Meghan.

Meghan's attempt to impress Scott Waldron, her crush, doesn't go as planned and she is left dejected. To make matters worse, she starts seeing "things" which she knows can't really be there. Her world begins to crumble when she discovers who she really is and begins her journey to the world of Nevernever or Faeryland.

The journey that Meghan takes is full of such amazing and wonderful creatures. Meghan makes some new friends, who might be enemies, and discovers how much strength she has inside her. The way Meghan deals with everything that comes at her is made believable in a world full of the unbelievable. But Meghan isn't the only one to show strength and loyalty. Her friends, both old and new, are there to help her and guide her on her journey. And even though these friends are more familiar with the Fae, there are times when they still need Meghan's help. It really is a group effort to fight the evil that has invaded Meghan's life.

The Iron King is told in Meghan's POV and while I usually don't mind, I did, at times, find myself wishing for Robbie and the prince's POV. But maybe we'll get those in the next book. The secondary characters do add so much to the story. Kagawa makes them and the setting come alive on the pages. One character Meghan meets, who left an impression on me is Grimalkin. He's a cat, sort of. ~

Directly in front of me, not five feet away, a pair of saucerlike eyes opened up out of nowhere, and I stared into the face of an enormous gray cat.

"There," it purred, regarding me with a lazy yellow gaze. Its fur was long and wispy, blending perfectly into the trees and the entire landscape. "See me now?"

"You're a cat," I blurted stupidly, and I swore it arched a brow at me.

"In the crudest sense of the word, I suppose you could call me that." The feline rose, arching its back, before sitting and curling its plumed tail around its legs. Now that my shock was fading, I realized the cat was a he, not an it. "Others have called me Cait Sith, Grimalkin and Devil's Cat, but since they all mean the same, I suppose you would be correct." pages 93-94

Grimalkin proves to be an asset to Meghan. He has a very dry sense of humor that I found adorable. Then there is the prince, a friend or potential enemy, Meghan isn't sure. What she does know is that he fascinates her. I found him a contrast to Meghan but they also had some very similar qualities. And her best friend Robbie is there, loyal to her and doing what he can to help.

There are many twists, turns, ups and downs in The Iron King. The ride was an exciting one filled with danger, surprises and friendships, along with a bit of romance. I'll be passing this one on to Abby, she loves fantasy so I'm sure she'll like this. The next book in the series is The Iron Daughter, due out this August. You can bet I'll be reading it to find out what happens next to Meghan and her friends. The way The Iron King ended left no doubt there will be more adventures ahead.

Rating: A

February Reads...

Why Batman? IDK, never was a fan but maybe if he looked like this...

February was short and sometimes a very sweet month. I managed a total of 12 books and only one audio because, *sob*, my mp3 player broke. I'm suffering withdrawal while dealing with trying to get a replacement. So tempted to go to Sam's Club and get an IPod. Anyway... here's the list. ~

Slow Heat/Jill Shalvis/Contemporary ~ A
Hunting Ground/Patricia Briggs/Urban Fantasy ~ B+
Tell Me Lies/Jennifer Crusie/Contemporary (audio) ~ C
Crazy Beautiful/Lauren Baratz-Logsted/YA Contemporary ~ A
My Soul to Lose/Rachel Vincent/YA Fantasy ~ B+
My Soul to Take/Rachel Vincent/YA Fantasy ~ A
Kindred in Death/J. D. Robb/Futuristic ~ B+
Lord Ruin/Carolyn Jewel/Historical ~ B
Open Season/Linda Howard/Romantic Suspense ~ A-
The Iron King/Julie Kagawa/YA Fantasy ~ A (review to come)
The Texan's Wager/Jodi Thomas/Historical ~ A
Shades of Midnight/Lara Adrian/PNR ~ B (review to come)
What the Librarian Did/Karina Bliss/Contemporary ~ A (review to come)

Overall a very good month. Lots of wonderful reads. I attribute that to the great reviews from all of you book pimping bloggers. So I thank you and my ever growing TBR pile thanks you. :D

Oh, I almost forgot. Bookcases - Abby got a new one and I managed to be good for nearly 2 weeks, then I got a new one too. I swear I didn't plan it, it just happened. :)

March looks to be a great month for new releases. Take a peek at the Slide widget on the right side bar and see what I'm looking forward to for March.