BOOK REVIEW: The Iron King

The Iron Fey Series

by Julie Kagawa

"Surprised and Enthralled. Lovely Modern Fantasy."

Overall

Performance

Story

I got the first book in this series during one of Audible's many buy one get one events. As an avid Audible addict, I've listened to literally hundreds of books (nearing 300+ at the time of this review). As the old saying goes, don't judge a book by it's fairy cover; ok I added the fairy part. At first glance The Iron King my look child-like and whimsical; which in a lot of ways is something I like, plus I love getting into series because it's more entertainment with characters you've already built a good rapport with. As long as the author throws in some variety to their writing style and doesn't beat a dead horse into the ground reviewing the same materials, not to worry that is not a problem in this series.

On second glance, cover is beautiful and aptly designed for the book. Though I didn't imagine Megan looking like the cover; at least not in the first book. This story has magic, love, a twist of fate, palaces, adversaries, and kingdoms at odds. Our fairy princes and her beau must save the world and lose much in the process. What will she lose? That is for you to find out in the book.

One thing I don't get is that the author insists they are bound by their fey promises but they don't always seem to be; maybe I'm just being legalistic or picky... but I kept catching ways to get out of things or word plays that she could have played up a lot more. Semantics.

If you enjoy this type of tale I recommend:

The Wicked series, even if you've already seen Wizard of Oz, this series will catch you buy surprise and is not what you expect. There are kingdoms and magic. Even love in unexpected places.

Deborah Geary's Modern Witch series is not about fairies but it is a modern tale of love, family, and magic. You have to enjoy good witch books for this to fit your tastes.

The Hobbit, it's nothing quite like the movies.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - Modern day love, world being taking over by big brother, a fight with unusual genetic powers that sound fanciful and interesting to listen about.

Endless Knight, Girl of Fire and Thorns, The Winter Witch (all good books of similar genre that I just don't feel like writing about here. Just read my other reviews from my listener page if you are interested).

Of Poseidon/Of Triton - this is about mermaids, love, magic, and protecting family. It's a coming of age tale that would also be consider YA.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up—On her 16th birthday, Meghan Chase's four-year-old half brother is exchanged for a changeling and she discovers that her best friend, Robbie, is actually Robin Greenfellow, aka Puck, from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. He is her guardian and will lead her into the faery world to rescue her brother. Once there, Meghan learns that she is a princess, daughter of Oberon, king of the Seelie Court. With a mortal mother and a faery king for a father, she is very powerful, and Oberon and Queen Mab, queen of the Unseelie Court, are both fighting to keep her. With help from Puck and a talking cat, Meghan sneaks into the Unseelie Court to rescue Ethan, only to discover that he is held captive by more powerful forces that could destroy the entire fey world. Meghan is a likable heroine and her quest is fraught with danger and adventure. The action never stops, and Meghan's romance with Ash, the handsome prince of the Unseelie Court, provides some romance that is sure to continue in the sequel. Faery books are in high demand now, and this is one of the better ones. Expect it to be popular with teens who liked Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely (HarperTeen, 2007).—Ginny Collier, Dekalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

About the Author

Born in Sacramento, CA, Julie Kagawa moved to Hawaii at the age of nine. There she learned many things; how to bodyboard, that teachers scream when you put centipedes in their desks, and that writing stories in math class is a great way to kill time. Her teachers were glad to see her graduate.

Julie now lives is Louisville, KY with her husband and furkids. She is the international and NYT bestselling author of The Iron Fey series. Visit her at juliekagawa.com.