Series: The Iron Fey, Book OnePublisher: Mira Ink
Format: Paperback
Published: 22nd June 2009
Number of Pages: 496
Book: Bought
Genre: Fantasy, Mythical, Magic, Folklore, Fairy Tale, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Action, YA
Recommended Age: 12+
Contains: Violence, Death, Some Swearing, Mild Alcohol References
Author's Blog: Julie Kagawa
My name is Meghan Chase.
In less than twenty-four hours I’ll be sixteen. Countless stories and songs have been written about this wonderful age, when a girl finds true love and the stars shine for her...
I DON’T THINK IT WILL BE THAT WAY FOR ME.
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny – one she could never have imagined...
Something has always felt slight off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fitted in at school... or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar and her little brother is taken, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.
She could never have guessed the truth. Meghan is the daughter of a faery king and a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will have to choose between a normal life and her magical destiny – and between her best friend and a darkly dangerous prince.
It’s time for Meghan to enter the faery world...
Review:
Meghan Chase is an ordinary girl with her best friend Robbie, mother Melissa, her stepfather Luke and her little brother Ethan. She doesn’t have the coolest clothes or a great social life, she’s just... Meghan. But then her brother is taken, and a changling is left behind in his place. Robbie says a faery is behind this. He tells her that to rescue Ethan they have to travel to the Nevernever, land of the fey. But once there, Meghan finds out there is much more to her than she could ever have imagined...
Personally, I’ve always loved faeries. When I was little, I was the one with the strange little imaginary friends. Did you know, they say children can see otherworldly creatures, but the gift fades as they grow older and stop believing. Me? I still believe. Julie Kagawa has made the faery land seem so real that it’s impossible for me not to have faith in the fey. She took folklore and mythology and turned it into something new, something amazing. Her imagination is absolutely incredible. I want her world to be real.
Meghan was a strong lead girl, and I liked her instantly (not just ‘cause she’s the first character I’ve come across with my name!). She was determined, brave, loyal and loving. She would do anything and go anywhere for the ones she loved. I admired and loved her for it.
As for the other characters, they were just as well thought-out and loveable. Robbie Goodfell, Meghan’s best friend, was amazing! He made me laugh so much with his practical jokes and brilliant tricks. Plus, his hidden, rather notorious, fey identity was just genius! (Can you guess it?) Now, we have the Winter prince, Ash. Dark, brooding, dangerous. And I loved him! He may have been harsh and cold on the outside, but – in my opinion – that was just his way of keeping himself from getting hurt again. He was sweet, chivalrous and loyal: I fell in love with that intensity of his. I never could resist mysterious princelings. As for Grimalkin (Cait Sith or Devil’s Cat, as he’s also known) he was just my favourite. He was rather refreshing, with his wonderfully snarky character. As for his “I am a cat” explanations, they had me grinning.
Now we get onto the other faeries. I can’t begin to describe the wonder, magic and brilliance of Kagawa’s world, so I’ll settle for this. Picture every fairy you’ve seen in Disney movies and discard them. Go pick up a copy of A Midsummer’s Night Dream. The faeries in this story are otherworldly and more than human. There are the scary ogres, trolls and exterior beauty covering maliciousness. And then… a completely new twist, unique to Julie Kagawa…
The idea that weaponry and machinery and science is slowing destroying the Nevernever is genius. But, I am proud to say, I am keeping it together! I have the belief of a five year old, as I mentioned previously. Back onto the topic: the plotline, writing, world and characters were all just incredible. I’m getting the next in the series ASAP! I shall end on this note: Julie Kagawa, you are awesome!
Star Rating:
4¾ Out of 5
4¾ Out of 5
Read this book if you liked:
Need by Carrie Jones
Tithe by Holly Black
Challenges It's Taking Part In:
Happy Reading
Megan
If you think this is good.. the next one is even better! :)
ReplyDeleteIf I hadn't already this, your review would certainly have pushed me to do so! Your enthusiasm for and descriptions of the main characters are great and everything just sounds so wonderful
ReplyDeleteApril: It can get better?! Ok, I need the next one, now! :D
ReplyDeleteBookworm1858: Yay, I'm glad my review is convincing! Thank you!
OK, I NEED to read this! But I keep on forgetting to look out for it at the library! I think I'll just buy it! Brilliant review Megan!
ReplyDeleteI really loved this book and series too! So glad you're loving it! I love Kagawa's version of the fey, sooo dark and amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteThe series is a fun read. I was frustrated at times with it, but overall it is very enjoyable. I want to read the Iron Knight.
ReplyDeleteI also loved how strongly the world was developed in this series. It definitely shaped my view of vampires. I thought Meghan was at her weakest in this book. She just gets stronger.
ReplyDelete