Review for 'The Iron Queen' by Julie Kagawa

Thank you Harlequin!

I finished this book a few weeks ago, but didn't really have time yet to write a decent review. Because well the first thing I thought after reading this book was "OMFG!", followed by "I want to read that 4th book like NOW" haha. Of course, that doesn't really tell much, except that I really loved the book.

I'm probably still too awed to write a proper review, but I'll give you my thoughts anyway, as I think you'll otherwise never get something out of me. I'm not telling anything about the overall storyline (which is great), nor am quoting any favourite lines (though I'm sure I have some). These are just a few of my ramblings and opinions on the matter.

These 'Iron Fey' books are really something different. I never thought I'd read a faery book and actually like it, but this series really blows my mind. They are absolutely amazing! There are just no other words for it.

Not once did I get bored while reading 'The Iron Queen'! Yes, it took me some time to get through, but that's mainly because I've been really busy with work and my education. So it has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the book (which is excellent). Also I was really fearing the most in the end, and that kinda held me back too... Somehow I had some worst case scenario's in my head (thanks to some of my fewllon reading friends, tss). Thank god my fear was unnecessary, as it was totally different than what I had in my mind, which was GREAT actually. This book was far from predictable, and that makes it so damn good.

This book had it ALL, really. Action, love, friendship, adventure, fantasy, family, etc. I loved every second from it! The pace in the book is easy flowing which makes it a very enjoyable read. The writing is absolutely fantastic! It's been a while since a fantasy book could really keep me captivated all the time and touch me like this. Compliments to the writer!

The book is written from Meghan's POV again, like the first 2.
Meghan is just so likeable, not the Mary Sue type you get so often in these kind of books. Whatever she goes through, you can really relate to her. It's a very real character with feelings you can understand. While reading 'her' adventures, it's like you are actually there, part of it all. That makes it a very special journey.
Then there is Puck, Puck is just a lot of fun, a very interesting character. He's always up to no good, playing tricks with everyone. But he's also a loyal friend, someone you can count on, no matter what. And that just makes him so lovable.
Grimalkin is also one of my fav characters, he's some sort of guardian slash travel advisor. The character keeps appearing in the most unexpected circumstances which makes him very mysterious. Yet he always comes through with helping them, so you can't help but like him, maybe even love him.
Of course, there is also Ash. I'm Team Ash for sure! He is one very complicated character, it makes him that much more interesting. I want to know ALL about him! Everytime he showed up in the book, I swooned, seriously. It's like he can do nothing wrong, eventho I know he is far from perfect. But he is just that amazing. I really hope that in the end he and Meghan are able to work something out. The love story between them is part of a great storyline. It's not all about love, but it is there and that just makes it so real.
There are much more characters in there, but these 4 are the ones that really jumped out. I'm also thinking about Paul at the moment, but can't really say much about him tho. He is definitely part of the story, but I can't say much more about him right now as I don't really know what to say.
Owh, and yeah, well I kinda knew from the beginning who the 'false king' was, not that hard to figure out. I was just surprised Meghan didn't figure it out any sooner. On the other hand, she had so much on her mind, so I can't really blame her. I'm surprised she can even think straight at all when Ash is near ^^ haha.

**** warning spoiler next, stop reading if you haven't read the book ****

*** I warned you, stop ***

** Warning, warning, slight spoiler ahead **

* Okay, I've warned you enough, if you read it now it is not my responsibility anymore *

Considering how much they love each other and how hot Ash is (well he is in my imagination), I can completely understand the event that led up to them finally 'being' together. It was nice and sweet, but somehow I felt it was a bit I dunno, too much fairytale with the auras dancing together and all. I know it's a YA book, but a bit more details would have been nice. It's pretty obvious they had sex, why not mention it? You can really make something great out of this when you put your mind to it. Of course you can't go into detail and there is no need for that, but there is so much to say about this. This could have been one of the best moments in the book and it felt kinda rushed, too short for my liking. So sad, because sometimes I think a YA book can really make it or break it at this point. That wasn't the case in this book, but still I would have been very happy if I had something more. Well at least it wasn't a gap on a page though haha, that really would have pissed me of *will not mention the book I'm talking about, will not mention it*. Still all in all I'm glad they got to that point, because let's face it, it was utterly sweet.

There was also one small tiny thing that I can't really place, the dog near the end. Really, I feel very dumb right now, but what the hell? Still very nice tho, but it really confused me. Oh well, I won't think too much about it, so I can't be that bothered with it. Maybe I should re-read the book to get it though haha.

I would give it 4,5 out of 5 (more near 5 than 4 tho). The storyline is very orginal, the characters are interesting and real and the writing is superb, you just wanted to forget your every day life and indulge in the story, seriously, this book is a real winner! The only thing that disappointed me a bit was the 'love' scene and the confusing thing with the dog near the end. But that is probably something personal, which is why I'd rather give it 5 stars than 4. But I felt like mentionning it though. After all this is my personal review, right?

Now, bring on the 4th book! Reading things from Ash's POV? That just can't fail! I can't wait to get inside his head, hehe.