Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Iron Queen by Julia Kagawa


Iron Queen by Julia Kagawa
January 25, 2011; Harlequin Teen


Summary

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. (courtesy of Goodreads)

Review


*This review has spoilers for Iron King and Iron Daughter. Also, I do summarize a few plot points from Iron Queen that may be spoilery, although I tried not to reveal anything crucial to the plot.

Meghan Chase has come a long way in three books. My main complaint about her in the first book, Iron King, was that she started out so boring, so passive. But she steadily improved throughout the first two books. Now, she is a woman, no longer a girl. Instead of looking to Ash and Puck for help, it is Meghan who tells the boys what to do. She is a strong, kick-butt protagonist.

Iron Queen is loaded with action. Not even twenty pages into the book, there is a big fight scene. And the battles continue throughout the book. There are new enemies and new allies. I like how Kagawa consistently creates allies for Meghan out of people who should be her enemies. We saw that with Ironhorse in Iron Daughter and we see it once again in Iron Queen.

The romance is great as well. I've always been Team Ash, so I'm thrilled to see so many great Ash moments. He is every more devoted to Meghan and more human, more open - less icey. I like that Puck has largely accepted the fact that Meghan and Ash are going to be together. Instead of him posturing to win Meghan's heart, we see him acting as his normal snarky self and fighting to save his friends (I say plural because Ash is his friend too, even if he won't admit it).

The only part of this book I didn't like is the time they spend at Leaninsidhe's cabin with Paul, Meghan's erstwhile father, trying to help him regain his memories. I understand that this is important to Meghan's history of missing her father and also used as a time for Meghan, Ash, and Puck to prepare for the big fight in the NeverNever. However, I thought it dragged the middle of the book down significantly. I was happy when they moved on.

I really enjoyed the ending. It had that nice combination of summing up the trilogy while leaving room for more. I've read a few people didn't like the ending. I think I understand why, but I thought it was really interesting. Satisfying, yet not saccharine sweet.

Iron Queen is a must read for any Iron Fey fan. For those who have not yet read the series, I highly recommend it. It only gets better with each book.

Rating: 4 / 5

17 comments:

  1. I havent read these yet. I know i should soon. I have this one in arc form but dont have the first two yet. I really need to get them. Great review.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is my favorite YA series! I completely adore the characters and all the awesomeness of the stories.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm a huge Iron Fey fan, I loved this series and can't wait for Iron Knight to be out! I agree with you that there was a lot of action, which I loved. You just don't see much action in YA books anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I had that problem with Meghan too, at the beginning! But she's definitely become stronger and a lot less whiny, which is great. I loved this book - I've always been Team Ash as well so I adored all his moments with Meghan! Glad you enjoyed it - I can't wait to read The Iron Knight!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just adored this one, I thought Meghan came a really long way as well:) Though the ending made me sad for sure, I liked how she handled it and now I'm dying to read The Iron Knight! Outstanding review as usual Alison!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You captured my thoughts with your review! Passive Meghan wasn't good but kick-butt Meghan rocked. And I could have done without the long Paul part, too. Still, a great book. Nice review!
    Mary @ Book Swarm

    ReplyDelete
  7. Glad your reading the series! It gets so good! Crossing my fingers for the next book on Netgalley! Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I adored IQ. I think it was the best of the series.
    Wait. You're Team Ash? *goes to click unfollow* (I kid. Sorta.) I love how Ashan (Ash+Meghan [i made that up on the spot])
    I might add though, that you have a few spoilers in your review. You mention who Meghan allies with, as well as the whole Paul thing.

    Regardless, nice review!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I totally bawled at the end. I am not ashamed to admit it. Julie gives you a big punch in the stomach in The Iron Knight. I'm only halfway through... hoping to finish it tonight!

    ReplyDelete
  10. @Riv Re:
    Thanks for letting me know about the spoilers. I changed the allies part because I agree that it's spoilery. I left in the Paul part, because it doesn't seem like that big a deal (at least not to me), but added a warning at the top of my review. Thanks for the feedback!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm Team Ash, too, so I'm now looking forward to seeing those Ash moments for myself.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I kind of skimmed your review because I haven't read this series yet but I have to say, it's so nice to hear that it seems the books improve as they go, that this one was even better than the preceding two. I always love that in a series.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yay for Meghan! She really was so kick butt in this book. :) I wasn't Team Ash, but TIQ convinced me to switch sides. I agree, the Paul part, while it made sense to be there, kinda dragged.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I LOVED The Iron Queen. I wasn't too thrilled with The Iron Daughter. And now I can't wait to read The Iron Knight! YAY Ash! Love him <3
    Great Review.
    Happy Reading :)
    Caroline @ Bon Bons and Reveries

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great points about Meghan growing as a protagonist from the first book until now. Her character is much more enjoyable when she takes charge instead of being passive.

    I'm not sure how I felt about the ending. I actually thought it dragged on a little too much with the epilogue, but I'm not always of a fan of epilogues in general.

    I adore this series, and I can't wait to read The Iron Knight.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have got to read this series! Everyone loves it :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. The story was solidly constructed, complimented by a colorful cast, an incredibly sweet romance and an ending that leaves you eager for more.

    Mica
    Visit my site for Buy Diesel Engines company

    ReplyDelete

I love comments. I appreciate every one! Thank you in advance.

This blog is now an award free zone. I just don't have time to pass on the awards as they deserve.