The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars






Jacket Description:

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 a conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

THIS TIME,
THERE WILL BE NO TURNING BACK.

The Iron Queen was quite possibily my favorite in the Iron Fey series so far (not yet having read The Iron Knight...), and there are many reasons for that.

1.) The character development in this novel was incredible. Each character grew in a very pronounced way throughout the novel. Meghan, our half-fey, half-human heroine learns more about her abilities, and grows as she learns how to defend herself (with the help of the ever charming Ash). Ash, our brooding, exiled Winter Prince, begins to realize what it means to let someone you love come into their own, and he also makes many important decisions that will alter his future course permanently. Puck, our prankster of a summer fey, finds himself standing up more for what he believes in, and he finds himself gathing a more serious look on life.

2.) The story itself was fast-paced and exciting. The novel was unpredictable, and presented us with many surprises. I enjoy this in a novel. I hate when a book is too predictable- it takes the fun out of reading it. Julie Kagawa did a good job of presenting her story in a way that made you feel the burning desire to go out and get book 4... now.

3.) Meghan and Ash are one of the most amazing couples ever. I say this in reference to the relationship they have with each other. While yes, a lot of the time Ash is overprotective (which I must say is kind of adorable), he still respects Meghan, and doesn't act like she some incompetent damsel in distress. Also, Meghan shows how much she truly cares for Ash in many stunningly unselfish moments throughout the novel.

4.) Julie Kagawa writes incredibly well. The writing itself is engaging and entertaining. I love all her books so far, and I'm sure she won't dissapoint with The Iron Knight.

All in all, I would most certainly recommend it to any paranormal ya lover.

Jule Kagawa's Official Website: www.juliekagawa.com

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Jacket Description:

Rule #3: Don't Stare at invisible faeries.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. When the rules that have kept Aislinn safe from them stop working, everything is suddenly on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faery intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning twenty-first century faery tale.

I loved the novel Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr. It was very interesting and I loved how it didn't follow only one character. This story has three (or four depending on how you look at it) major characters, Keenan (the summer king), Donia (the winter girl), Aislinn "Ash" (the mortal) and (this is the debatable one), Seth (Aislinn's mortal best friend and love interest). The main character is Aislinn, who is one of the few mortals who can see the faeries that live among us in our world. For Aislinn's protection, the grandmother (Grams) sets forth some rules: 1. Don't Ever Attract their Attention, 2. Don't Speak to Invisible Faeries, 3. Don't Stare at Invisible Faeries. But all of these rules are about to be broken (Without Aislinn even trying to break them).

When Aislinn attracts the attention of Keenan, the Summer King who is desperately searching for the Summer Queen, things start changing in ways she could have never imagined. To help her deal with this fae mess is her best (and protective) best friend Seth. Seth is eager to have Aislinn finally be upfront and honest with him, and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Keenan and the rest of the fae away from Aislinn. But Keenan is not the greatest danger. The Winter Queen, Beira, is forcing Donia, the unwilling Winter Girl, to go against Keenan, whom she loves. But even that is not the greatest danger. The greatest danger is Beira's determination to keep Winter in control of Summer, and therefore keeping Keenan away from his queen (whom he will find among the mortals). Beira is afraid that Aislinn might truly be the Lost Summer Queen, and is determined to keep Aislinn away from Keenan (not that Aislinn needs any convincing to stay away from him) and is even willing to kill her is it means protecting Winter's Reign. Meanwhile, Aislinn and Seth have got there work cut out for them, not only are they trying to save Aislinn, but they are also working out a newly found love for each other. This book was a major page turner, and is packed with romance, suspense, fantasy, and thrills! I would highly recommend this novel to any fae/ya romance lovers!

Melissa Marr's Official Website: www.melissa-marr.com