The Iron Daughter and Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa {Iron Fey Serie}

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—ironbound 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 stuck 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.

Title: The Iron Daughter and Winter's Passage {Iron Fey, book 1.5 and book 2}

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publication: 01st August 2010

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

359 pages

This book is the second novel of a series. 

My review

It is not absolutely necessary to read Winter's Passage in order to enjoy The Iron Daughter, since Julie Kagawa recalls the main elements useful for the reader in the beginning of the second instalment of her series. However, Winter's Passage nonetheless helps the reader to remember the main key points and it was for me a pleasure to dive, once again, into this captivating universe. I was really happy to read this short novella because it enables to prolong the pleasure. I totally loved the atmosphere, the universe and the characters of The Iron Fey series and I was not disappointed at all in Winter's Passage, as well as The Iron Daughter. I really enjoyed the short story because it gives us a new development really interesting and captivating.

In the second instalment, I immediately dived into the universe and the story. I had huge expectations after loving The Iron King, but it has met them and even surpassed them. In my opinion, The Iron Daughter is richer in action, twists, suspense, feelings and emotions. I really spent a wonderful time with it.

I was totally happy to follow Meghan, once again. This time the young girl is prisoner to Mab, the queen of winter, but far from being deterred our young heroine is more combative than ever. The other characters whether Ash or Puck remain true to themselves. This book may focus more on the love triangle than the first one, and if my heart is taken by the dark and mysterious Prince of Winter I really do not know how things could end in the next book.

The action is extremely captivating, I was totally hooked, spellbound and compelled, I could not stop, I had to continue reading. I could not wait to know how things would evolve and what Meghan would have to cope with. I was totally enthralled and I read it really quickly. The Iron Daughter ends on a huge cliffhanger and a final twist. I must admit that I am now looking forward to reading the third book and to finding out how things are going to evolve for our young heroine. I didn't expect that kind of twist so I was utterly surprised.

Julie Kagawa's writing remains true to itself. It is extremely pleasant, smooth and with at times a little humor. Feelings, and in particular when we approach the end of the book, are maybe even more present than in the first instalment. I was very touched and moved by one event in particular. Julie Kagawa shows the reader that everything is not always black or white.

To sum up, Winter's Passage is a short story that is very pleasant and is a nice transition between the first and the second instalment. And The Iron Daughter is as captivating and enthralling as the first one, for me it was even better. If you loved The Iron King then you should love that one too. As for me, I'm now looking forward to reading the third instalment, and I really can't wait. 

{Review} The Iron King by Julie Kagawa {Iron Fey Series}

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.

Title: The Iron King {Iron Fey, book 1}

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publication: 01st February 2010

Publisher:  Harlequin Teen

280 pages

This book is the first novel of a series.

My review

If you love fantasy novel, then this book is for you and you should absolutely check it out. All the ingredients for a successful novel are present: an exciting atmosphere, engaging characters and an absolutely fascinating storyline. As I'd read a lot of positive reviews, I was afraid to be disappointed, but The Iron King totally deserves those enthusiastic blurbs and it is a brilliant book. After finishing this first installment, I was completely delighted and eager to read more, I'm really looking forward to reading the sequel now.

In The Iron King, we meet Meghan an ordinary teenage girl that nothing seemed to predispose to live such adventures. Finally, she is more special than the reader expected her to be and she leads him into an unsuspected world. I immediately liked her, she is strong, determined, courageous and could do anything  for her family. And she nonetheless remains credible and plausible. It was really easy for me to relate to her.

I also loved the male characters who are both very different. Between Puck and Ash the tension is palpable and I think we will have some surprises in the next books. As for me I prefer Ash, who is more mysterious, but both of them are appealing. Finally, my favorite character is the cat, Grimalkin. I loved him and he made me laugh, he reminded me of the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland.

While some aspects of the plot are fairly predictable, the storyline is still compelling and I had some surprises. I easily dived in the story and I was hooked by the storytelling. The atmosphere is fantastic and captivating. I read it in only a few hours and was totally unable to put it down.

The descriptions are enchanting and mesmerizing. I totally loved them. In The Iron King, the readers travel to a totally magical and wonderful world. As the descriptions are very visual, you can easily imagine the beautiful scenery. In my opinion, it is one of the strengths of this book, but it's really not the only one.

Julie Kagawa's writing is pleasant and smooth. The dialogues are tasty and often funny. The storyline is compelling, full of twists and with a lot of action. I was quickly captivated and it was really easy for me to dive into the story. I was hooked from the first line to the last.

To sum up, I loved this first instalment. The characters are interesting and the plot is fast-paced. I'm now eagerly looking forward to reading the next book. Even if The Iron King does not end on a huge cliffhanger I really want to read the next one, as soon as possible.