Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

WARNING: If you haven't read THE IRON KING, then you probably shouldn't read this review. Especially since it may contain spoilers!

Iron Daughter (Book 2/3, Iron Fey)

Author: Julie Kagawa (Website/Twitter)

Release Date:8/1/10

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Age Group: Young Adult (14+)

Source: Public Library (Local)

Go Buy It. Amazon/Barnes&Noble/BookDepository

Overall Feelings: Downright sensational!

"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."
 
Ooo, the cover's purply and light pinkish this time...I absolutely adore it! 

Reading Iron King was an awesome ride. But, I didn't know how I'd respond to the Iron Daughter, despite having loved and read it's predecessor. I figured after reading book one, I'd be a whiz of the Iron Fey series, I'd know what to expect. 

Instead I got a ton of pleasant surprises. 

This sequel amplifies all of the things I loved about the first book: the action, the heart ache, the romance, the feuding between the Unseelie and Seelie courts, and the forbidden love aspect to Meghan's and Ash's relationship. The whole dilemma with Meghan's father's disappearance is also further explained in this book, which was way cool. It seemed as though anything left unexplained in Iron King was exploited in the Iron Daughter, written magnificently, working to entice potential readers and lure them into the world of Kagawa's fey.

I dearly missed all my beloveds of this series. Ash, the icy prince of the Unseelie Court and son of Queen Mab, most especially. For some reason, I gravitate toward cold, stony guys, I guess because I love to unravel the surprise of the inner person. At first I was slightly taken aback by Ash's withdrawal from Meghan, but in his doing so throughout most of the book, I think it pushed Meghan to mature, to grow up in many ways. Their relationship did not fail me, even when it got put on hold. The whole forbidden edge seasoned their ever-growing romance beautifully.

I hadn't realized how much I missed Puck until he actually reappeared mid-way in the story. Even with Meghan mentioning him here and there when she thought about him didn't tug on any aches. But, when he showed up, I felt loads lighter. Not only is he freaking hilarious as heck and provides much of the comic relief, he is such a warm character. The fact that the love triangle between Meghan, Ash, and Puck becomes more pronounced racks up major points for the well-thought-out plot!

I got really excited when Grimalkin showed up again. He was one of my favorite characters in the first novel, so it was nice to read about him popping up again. I also liked meeting the new characters; they seemed necessary to the book. Particularly Leanansidhe, the exiled Dark Muse residing in The Between. 

Meghan's gained ally from the opposing side was definitely a shocker. I loved the (I will not name him) iron faerie that tagged along throughout the journey. He also aids me in understanding some of the things I've been wondering about in Meghan, and her strange abilities.

All in all, the Iron Daughter did not disappoint, which I am forever grateful for. It's the worst feeling in the world to love the first book in a series and end up hating all the ensuing books. Thankfully, that did not happen with the Iron King's spectacular sequel.