Review: The Iron King
Ever since her father disappeared right before her eyes when she was six years old, Meghan Chase knew her life was a little bit different. Now that she’s almost sixteen, Meghan’s living in rural Louisiana with her mother, step-father and half-brother. She’s kind of a loner, but her best friend, Robbie, lives a few miles away. All Meghan wants for her sixteenth birthday is her learner’s permit, and her mom’s promised to take her to get it after school.
When Meghan comes home from school on her birthday, she finds her mother lying in a pool of blood and an evil changeling in her half-brother’s place. Robbie explains to Meghan that she’s actually half faery and that he’s a faery who’s been assigned to watch over her. She’s determined to rescue her half-brother and talks Robbie into taking her into the Nevernever to find him.
I don’t read a lot of fantasy or paranormal romance, but I’ve read so many fantastic reviews of the Iron Fey series that I wanted to give it a try. I have to admit that I went into The Iron King, by Julie Kagawa, with a little bit of trepidation since it’s outside of my comfort zone and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
I loved that Meghan was a strong, adventurous female who isn’t obsessed with clothes, boys and being popular. She loves her family and is willing to sacrifice for them. She’s not cool or popular and doesn’t aspire to be. I think young adult readers need to read about characters like her.
The story of The Iron King is quite exciting! Meghan faces all kind of adversaries and a few allies in Nevernever and finds herself in the biggest adventure of a lifetime. She’s got a lot on her – she has to come to terms with who she is and figure out who she can trust. She also has to figure out where her brother is and how she can get to him. The book is quite a page turner because it’s non-stop action.
I don’t think I’d go so far as to say that I loved The Iron King, but I did enjoy it and appreciated the story and the strong female protagonist. I think readers who enjoy fantasy or paranormal romance will love this book. I can’t wait to see what my sister thinks of it.
Oh, I’m glad you liked it. Sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone is a little scary. Glad you gave it a shot and enjoyed it.
I felt the same way when I picked this one up. Fantasy has never been one of my favorites but this series definitely changed that. Glad you enjoyed it!
Glad to hear you liked it. Love it when you step out of your comfort zone and enjoying it. Not huge fan of YA books in general but I’m curious about these.
I love fantasy and you are right, for people who love YA fantasy this is a winner. But I think the themes really go beyond the general YA audience.
I’m not big on fantasy novels, but this does sound interesting, and I’ve enjoyed a few here and there. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention.
You know, I have never read a paranormal romance, or any urban fantasy for that matter, and I think this book sounds great! I love the fact that it is non-stop action, and I bet Melissa would really love this series as well. I am adding these to my list and am going to have to check them out. Your review was just wonderful, Kathy!
This would be waaaay out of my comfort zone but since you liked it . . . . .
This is a little out of my comfort zone but also, I’m in an anti-faery/supernatural place right now. It’s just overload for me so I think I’ll be giving this series a pass. I’m glad your enjoying it.
Even though I have the 1st two books, I have not read it yet. But promise very soon!LOL
What a great review, Kathy! I am truly wanting to read this series and even more so now after reading your review!
Glad to see you enjoyed this one, especially since it’s outside your comfort zone. I’ve read some reviews and this one has my interest.
I do enjoy paranormal occasionally but I’m not familiar with ths series at all. Thanks for the heads up.
Kathy,this is not my usual genre, either, but it sounds enjoyable. Maybe I should delve more into the paranormal. Terrific review!
I do want to read it but my track record with paranormal YA is like 20-0 I never fall for them
This is totally not my thing (at least I don’t THINK it is) but I realize that is a very close-minded attitude, and since you and Candace both liked this, I should take the hint.
I’m hoping to win a set of these books. I might enjoy them and I think Booking Daughter will too — some day.
Who would have thought Harlequin could muster such a feat in the YA world. Nice to see that they have come far to acclaim with this series.
Great review and looking forward to hearing what you think of the next ones in this series.
woohoo so glad you liked it.
This one sounds great and I’m sure that I would enjoy it!
I am excited to get started on this series – I have had the Iron King on my shelf for like FOREVER….. I want to read them all when i can catch a reading break – like maybe March… hopefully…. sooner.
what a fantastic review! I didn’t realize how exciting and action-packed this seriew was…..i’m going to have to read it!
Great review! I’ll have to see if this one will be a future read.
I’m like you – not a big fantasy fan, unless it involves Harry Potter or any LOTR characters. I do try fantasy once in a while, but only if I’m fairly certain that I may enjoy it.
Good for you for challenging yourself. This isn’t my cup of tea either but you never do know. Of all the paranormal stuff I’ve read, I’ve never read anything about fairies (or faeries).
I’ve heard many people really liked Meghan for her strong
Thanks for your review!
personality too. Thats what I look forward to mostly…and also the
love triangle
I am really intrigued by this series, but I haven’t read it yet. On the one hand it looks really good, but on the other hand I am not sure if I would like it…
This book is also outside my comfort zone but with the encouragement from your review I will be willing to give it a try!