Book Review:Iron Queen By Julie Kagawa

My Name is Meghan Chase

In less than twenty-four hours I'll be seventeen. 

Déjà vu, right? Shocking how quickly time can pass you by, like your standing still. 

I can't believe it's been a year since that day. The day I went into Faery. The day that changed my life forever.

When I first started reading the Iron King, the first book in this series, I thought I've read this before.....great another fairy book about the same mythological characters, Excellent! I mean how original can you be with the same story being retold over again. Yet, reading beyond my initial response,I realized that this story was something different, and special. I found myself unable to stop turning the pages, eager to find out what would be next in the journey for Meghan and her companions Ash, the Winter Prince, Puck, her mischievous best friend and Grimalkin, the forever disappearing cantankerous cat. What I love about the Iron Realm series is that Meghan has levels. She is not a weak female character, but strong in ways that others around her fail to even come close to what makes her great. She is not afraid to be human in world where she is surrounded by soulless fey, who only seek to take advantage of her lack of knowledge of the rules of Faery. As her character develops she becomes more capable of taking care of herself, not content to sit back and watch others die as she cowers to the side.No, Meghan is a fighter, and this character will be one that I'm sure teens can relate to and that hopefully will continue to be more of in future literature to come. Kagawa does an tremendous job of incorporating technology into the world of the Fey and on creating such richly developed characters.

But the beating heart of Nevernever, which I felt all around me in every tree, every leaf and blade of grass, was pulsing with rot. Everything was touched with Iron glamour, and it was slowly eating away the Nevernever,like paper held to a flame.

Summary:In the aftermath of defeating the Iron King, Machina, Meghan and Ash find themselves exiled to the mortal world never again to return to Faery. As they journey to Meghan's home, dreams of a happy future with Ash become shattered when on the doorstep of her parents home, the Iron Fey wait to take her back to the false king. In a tale that will have you flipping the pages for more, we follow Meghan back into the Faery Realm, as she may be the only hope to saving Nevernever from the destruction caused by the false king. Meghan now saddled with powers of the Iron and the Summer courts, which she is unable to master without the magic of one fighting against the other. With so much to lose, can Meghan learn to wield her power in time to save Nevernever?

My Recommendation: I would give this book to anyone interested in fantasy, paranormal, or magical worlds. This a book that will appeal to teens ages 14-18, who are embarking on the journey to finding their own strength and adults that are into young adult literature.

My Rating: 4 out 5 

Book Review:Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

“Don’t do this. If you don’t come out of this soon, you’ll fade away and drift forever. Fight it. Come back to us.” 

I didn’t want to wake up. There was nothing but pain waiting for me in the real world. If I was asleep, I couldn’t feel anything. If I was asleep, I didn’t have to face Ash and the cold contempt on his face when he looked at me. Darkness was my retreat, my sanctuary. I drew back from Ash’s voice, deeper into the comforting blackness. "

Meghan Chase has been an outcast all her life in the mortal world, being a half-breed Summer Fey does not change that. Cold and abandoned by Prince Ash she finds herself  prisoner to the Winter Queen. Caught in the middle of the turmoil in the courts, as the Scepter of the Seasons has been stolen, a winter prince killed and the Winter Fey are accusing the Summer Court for this treachery. Faery powers bound, Meghan must not only find a way to stop the pending war between the Winter and Summer Court but convince the Fey that the Iron Realm does indeed exist.  This book is packed with things I love Fairies, love triangles, and action. This is a great read!

My Rating: 4 out of 5 

Recommended Reading: If you like books about fairies here are a few that might peek your interest. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston, Wings by Aprilynne Pike, Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin, Ash by Malinda Lo, Need by Carrie Jones and The Fairie Path by Frewin Jones. For adults that want something more "adult" try the Merry Gentry series by Laurell K. Hamilton(WARNING!! these are some hot books).

Iron King by Julie Kagawa

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I loved it! This book was very interesting, the main character Meghan is intriguing. Puck her protector is entertaining, and the constant debts that Meghan keeps getting herself into...WOW! who knew saying "Thank you" could get you into so much trouble. I'm curious to find out how Meghan's tale will unravel.



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Funny Comic!

A couple of my Facebook friends sent me this..I thought it was too cute not to share.

E-read or not e-read?

source

I am contemplating buying an e-reader, because some books I want to read are only available electronically. Also, right now may be a good time to buy since newer models such as the Nook color and the iPad have come out, prices for the older versions may be lower. I have tried the Kindle once, it was okay.....BUT it's not the same as having a book. I love the feel of the paper on my fingers and that new book smell. I know that an e-reader when traveling will be great to carry around, but I would have to purchase the books. I read on CNET gadget blog that the Nook color has pretty good memory as well an the expandable memory but the battery life is not great. The Amazon Kindle review was good, the device can hold up to 3,500 e-books, Wi-Fi capable, which is extremely cool. However, according to the CNET review, the Kindle does not have an expandable memory. I still don't know which one to buy, price is a factor, and if its pretty. Also, memory and battery life are a factor.

I like being able to go to the library and check out materials and then bring them back free of charge. My library does have downloadable audio books, but not regular books and I'm not aware of any public libraries' that allow you to check out books electronically. I'm curious to find out how libraries are handling this situation. Believe I think that people will still value print even though electronic books are more readily available. My question is how much value will print have in the near future?

Am I what I read?

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." Walden, Henry David Thoreau

I was reading a comment on a list-serv that I subscribe to and someone asked the question, "Is it possible that a book could function like a personality test"? I think so, looking at the majority of what I read or am drawn to is fiction. The type of fiction is the key though, I like fantasy, mystery, romance, paranormal and a variety of other things. However, based on just those things you get that I am a dreamer always in another world. I could even be defined as a problem solver, and I am most definitely a romantic. My reading habits may even suggest that my touch on reality as far as romance is considered,could be slightly distorted, but I remain hopeful for my knight or prince to come and sweep me off my feet(giggles).So, I do agree that it is possible to use what we read as a way to describe who we are? I am delightfully diverse, imaginative and complex, neither completely in this world nor out of it. That said, what do your books say about you?

Book Club First Selection Pick....

I just started a book club, though the numbers are small, it's a start and I'm excited about it. Our first book will be Wench by By Dolen Perkins-Valdez, which provides a different take on the relationship between slaves and the master they serve. Click HERE to read a review of the book.