The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa Book Review – “Ah, this brings back memories. Don’t they remind you of a pair, ice-boy, from way back when?” Ash snorted. "Don't remind me."

Title: The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
Author Info: Bio | Website | Twitter
Publication: Oct 23rd 2012 by Harlequin Teen

“ My name is Ethan Chase...

Story Arc: Spin-Off, Book 1 Paperback: 379 pages Age Group: MG, Teen, YA

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Excerpt(s): 35% + 90% -------- Purchase --------

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Review: Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

WARNING: If you haven't read previous books from the Iron Fey series, then you should probably stay away from this review!

Summer's Crossing (Iron Fey, #3.5) by Julie Kagawa

Get the Deets: Goodreads»» (What is Goodreads.com?)
Source: free purchase
Purchase: Amazon/Kindle (get it for free!)
Next: Iron Knight (Oct. 25, 2011)

A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

Okay, while I love me some Ash-action, I'm simultaneously a drop-dead Puck fan. Who can resist that gorgeous red-headed man of tricks and pranks, with inherent wit and years of experience and a well-rounded reputation, I ask you!? Certainly not Asher Knight, I'll tell you that much. He's like every fan girl and book lover's dream come to life! That being said, it should come as no surprise that I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this new Iron Fey novella. I've been DYING for the chance to see inside Puck's head and heart, and Kagawa did not disappoint. (As I knew she wouldn't. I trust Julie like that.)

A side-benefit to his... charming character is his relationship with Ash. They are one of the best pair of frenemies I've ever had the untold pleasure of reading about. I have no shame in admitting that they are more than likely my favorite pair. And I gathered enormous delight from watching them start this, no doubt epic, journey together. (SPOILER ALERT) I WAS a little disappointed that they didn't go straight to trying to find Grimalkin, as I miss that rotten cat (END OF SPOILER). But this little side venture served as wonderful entertainment. Reading as these two engaged in their familiar banter just wiped out any prior disappointment. It just felt good reading about my guys again. Especially since we Iron Fey fans have quite a wait to endure before any of us can get our hands on the fourth - and I'm assuming final - installment to this AMAZING series.

If their time together in Summer's Crossing is any indication as to what The Iron Knight is going to be like, you can guarantee that I'll be getting my hands on the finale by whatever means necessary - murder being one of the options - as soon as humanly - or inhumanly - possible. Especially considering that I need, NEED to know how, or if, this dazzling fey couple - Meghan and Ash - are going to be reunited after that forced, horrible - and inexcusable, Ms. Kagawa - separation. These two better get their happy ending... or else. AND, I have to know how things will turn out for my favorite trickster. It became only more evident that Puck still carries feelings for Meghan. Will they die out? And what about his and Ash's promise to kill each other? What's in store for my Puck? Kagawa can't just leave me - or Puck - hanging... right?

"Well, that was... interesting," I ventured, deliberately ignoring Ash's glare. His sleeve was tattered, and blood smeared his forearm up to his elbow. "I don't remember hedge wolves ever doing that before."
"If I didn't need you..."
"Oh, but you do," I reminded him, grinning. "Let's not forget that, huh, ice-boy?" His expression darkened even more, but he turned away.
"Come on," Ash said, his voice even colder than normal. "We don't have time for your idiocy now."
"That's what I like about you Winter fey... you're all such scintillating wits, such clever purveyors of words, such wise and frollicsome--"
I ducked as a pinecone zipped by my head with enough force to have done more than muss my hair. A chuckle escaped me. "Always good to know you care, ice-boy."

Besides reading the start to the series, The Iron King, you might want to try:

Click HERE to go to its Goodreads page.

Review: Iron Queen +More! (ft. Julie Kagawa)

By Julie Kagawa herself

Blurb: Happy book day, Julie! The Iron Queen is here, everybody!

If I haven't made it as ridiculously obvious as I thought, I'll say this: I'm a HUGE fan of the Iron Fey series. Like an ecstatic fan meeting her favorite celebrity crossed with a girl with butterflies as her crush walks passed is a good representation of how I'm feeling on this fine day.

I have the first two books in the series on my bookshelf, and am dying to have the third. I'm also super unhappy about having to wait for the Iron Knight since it's releasing in 2012, I believe. It's Ash's story for crying out loud, shouldn't I be upset?!

Anyway, I don't want to stomp on the Queen is Here Parade, so I'm going to get on to the fun stuff...


For those of you who haven't read the series (you need to find a way to do so, and I'll lend you a hand with that later) I have some helpful stuff for you to look at:

You can read my reviews of The Iron King {here} and The Iron Daughter {here} which (obviously) got five smiley ratings.

And/or you can also read the summaries for both:

Iron King: "Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart."

Warning: The following summary isn't very spoiler-free.

Iron Daughter: "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."

Now, if you're NOT interested yet, you can go on to read my review of the Iron Queen below and maybe just maybe you'll change your mind.

BUT, if you ARE interested (or you're a fan of the Iron Fey series like me) I've got some exciting news that you may not be aware of:

There's an Iron Queen blog tour going on!

First thing's first, here are the stops:

1) January 24, 2011: Stacey @ Page Turner's Blog
Giveaway: Ipod Nano filled with songs from the Summer Court's playlist
2) January 25, 2011: *pause* Julie Kagawa celebrates Iron Queen release {here}!
3) January 26, 2011: Gail @ A Ticket to Anywhere
Giveaway: A Julie Kagawa original drawing (I WOULD KILL FOR ONE!)
4) January 28, 2011: MundieMoms
Giveaway: Surprise prize pack
5) January 31, 2011: Kristi @ The Story Siren
Giveaway: Ipod Nano filled with songs from the Winter Court's playlist
6) February 2, 2011: Galleysmith
Giveaway: ANOTHER Julie Kagawa original drawing
7) February 4, 2011: Nicole @ Word for Teens
Giveaway: Surprise prize pack
8) February 7, 2011: Bookalicio.us
Giveaway: Ipod Nano filled with songs from the Iron Court's playlist
9) February 9, 2011: The Bookish Type
Giveaway: A one-of-a-kind drawing by the author
10) February 11, 2011 (FINAL STOP): Erica @ The Book Cellar
Giveaway: A special surprise from an icy guest (*cries from joy* Can't wait!)

You can see the entire blog post {here} where Meghan and Grimalkin (*squeals*) have done an introductory post for the blog tour. Check it out!

For die-hard fans like me, guess what? I'm going to share mini teasers for the next five days starting tomorrow coming directly from the pages of the Iron Queen themselves. Nothing long, I'm afraid. But still I thought I'd get you either a) really pumped to get your hands on a copy or b) have you hate me for teasing since you don't have a copy yet and haven't read it. Plus, I figured readers/bloggers unaware of this series can get just as excited or get intrigued enough to want to buy a copy!

Onto the extra, extra fun part!

From Julie Kagawa:

1) Q.If you could wish for three things for yourself what would they be? And why those particular three things?

A. 1. I wish I could be a Kung Fu/Kali master. (Working on it, but it'll take years and years, I'm afraid, lol.)
2. I wish I could travel the world. Maybe someday.
3. I wish I had a soda. Oh, look, I do! Now maybe the other wishes will be granted as well. ^__^

2) Q. What is your biggest wish for the Iron Queen, or the Iron Fey series in general?

A. My biggest wish is for Iron Queen to be loved by everyone who reads it. (Okay, a movie and bestseller-dom would be awesome too, but let's not go crazy here.)

To Julie: Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer a couple of questions for me! I love your Iron Fey series and will support it even after it finishes. Again, happy book day and congrats on your success!

Reeevieww time!

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I r o n  Q u e e n

Author: Julie Kagawa (Blog)

Release Date: 1/25/11 (Paperback)

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Age Group: Young Adult (14+)

Pages: 384

Interest: Favorite paranormal series as of '10! 

Source: NetGalley & Harlequin Teen (Thank you!)

Go Buy It: Amazon★Barnes&Noble 

★BookDepository

Overall Feelings: Beautiful and phenomenal! Best in the series thus far!

Synopsis- "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."

Quick Thinking:  This phenomenal, epic third installment in the Iron Fey series ropes in fans old and new, captivating its readers with a massive, catastrophic war with the Summer and Winter courts fighting side by side against a malevolent foe: the false, new Iron King and his army; a hilarious array of characters which readers have grown to adore over the course of this book series; clever and witty dialogue; and a flourishing true love that fights to hold true and stay strong. Ride off into the Nevernever with Grimalkin the cait sith acting as your guide as you follow this latest addition of Meghan's monumental journey, reading as she makes another valiant attempt to save a mystical other world she's now finds herself apart of.

Suggestion: If you like being transported into another world (particularly a faery inhabited one), laughing your butt off, and falling head over heels along with the heroine, as well as a captivating plot/story that never ceases to get better as you read on, pick up the Iron Queen. Actually, scratch that, make that you MUST snatch a copies of the entire series. Do yourself the favor.

My Thoughts In-Depth: *Warning: May not be spoiler-free.* on it, everything you adore about it? That's how I'm feeling right now, but I'm going to give it a shot anyway...

This novel has the perfect blend of an engrossing plot and exciting, entertaining characters that The Reader does not want to stop reading about! Julie Kagawa didn't have to end The Iron Daughter with a cliffhanger for me to be immersed in anticipation and nerves, to delight in this next part of the story. I was instantly hooked as I rode with Meghan and Ash back to Meghan's home in Louisiana to visit her human family, and was already enraptured by the time a swarm of nasty iron fey attempted to seize her. I knew, knew that this latest installment was going to be mind-boggling...

Top Ten Tuesday (3)

Well, well, well, look who decided to stop in for Top Ten Tuesday here at PI..It's about dang time!

The Broke and the Bookish host this lovely little Triple T feature and.. blah, blah, I don't want to bore you with anymore nonsense. If you want to know why B&B started this meme, go see for yourself (here).

Now, on to how this meme works. Make a list of your top ten choices of whatever the theme is for the week. This week's theme is Villains, Criminals, and Degenerates, hence my nasty demeanor--and if you don't like it, well, that's just too darn bad!

Want to participate? How nice for you...*rolls eyes* I suppose if you want to, you can head over to The Broke and the Bookish and sign up using their Mr. Linky. And if you don't link back to them...Well, let's just say my buddies over at the jail have been feeling a little restless...

If you're interested in my post for this week, just scroll down already. If not...*shrugs* I've got better things to do, like steal some books from B&N.

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Top Ten Tuesday -11.16.10

Theme: Villains, Criminals, and Degenerates

"In the old days villains had mustaches and kicked the dog. Audiences are smarter today. They don't want their villain to be thrown at them with green limelight on his face. They want an ordinary human being with failings." --Alfred Hitchcock

Name: Kalona

From: House of Night by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Most recent crime? The murder of adorable Heath Luck, Zoey Redbird's human consort. 

My thoughts: I'm sorry, but I lurrv Kalona and all his dark glory. He's freaking hot, and he's so terribly misunderstood. 

Next..

Name: Valentine Morgenstern

From: Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Responsible for? The Uprising; the experimentation on shadow hunter children with various types of blood; the attack on Idris, home of the shadow hunters; many shadow hunter deaths; murder of several downworlders; and the list goes on and on..

My thoughts: As a villain with the name Valentine, the guy's bound to be cool. And because he's so twisted, hateful, obsessed, and crazy smart, the guy makes a perfect bad guy.

Third, we have...

Name: Cameron "Cam" Briel

From: Fallen series by Lauren Kate

Species/Position? Fallen Angel on the 'bad side'

My thoughts: Initially, I thought Cam annoying and too persistent, but when I realized his intentions and all that he stood for, I completely fell for the guy. I mean, who didn't love all that weird symbolic stuff he was doing: the snake's skin, the snake necklace, the deviled eggs and the apples. Although he's not necessarily THE villain, he is definitely a bad ass antagonist.

Fourth...

Name: Queen Mab/Mabh

From: Iron Fey series, Wondrous Strange

Court? Winter and Darkness

My thoughts: In Wondrous Strange she seemed manaical, insane almost, but completely dark and dangerous nonetheless. But, I much preferred her in the Iron Fey series. I loved how Julie Kagawa described her entrance into the Summer Court's home in the Iron King... The spill of ink-black hair that rippled down her back and the temperature of the room dropping down to an eerie cold chill...So, so awesome!

Halfway there..

Name: Madeline "Mimi" Force

From: Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Reincarnation of? Azrael, the Angel of Death

My thoughts: I hated Mimi at first, but my love grew for her character. She's a mass of contradictions and completely self-centered. She stands out among all the other Blue Bloods characters.

Choice six...

Name: Vivian

From: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Significance? A soul stealer (don't wanna say TOO much)

My thoughts: Vivian succeeded in freaking me the heck out, while making me sympathize with her. I felt that at her core she's sickly sweet and just lonely. But, at the same time she's totally...strange, for lack of a better word.

Next, a combo:

Name: Quinn/Evil Henry

From: The Devouring series by Simon Holt

Who are they? Two ordinary human boys whose minds and bodies were possessed by two very nasty Vours. 

My thoughts: Insanely creepy! They sort of make the novel. I say that because, these two are the ones that keep you up at night, force you to check in your closet or under your bed...They're the biggest scare factor, which, to me, the frightening stuff is the best aspect of the book.

Numero ocho...

Name: Sarafine

From: Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Family? The Ravenwoods/Duchannes

My thoughts: Sarafine should have 'bad chick' tattooed across her forehead with a capital 'BC'! If you're ever looking for the embodiment of evil, check out Beautiful Creatures, and you'll find this very evil gal to be precisely that.

Ooo, approaching the end...

Name: Drina Poverina

From: Evermore by Alyson Noel

Relation? The vindictive ex-wife of Damien.

My thoughts: Her name may sound funny, and it may have been a long time since I read the first in the Immortals Series, but, hey, I remember her. And that's for a good reason. You don't wanna mess with this woman. I thought she was super, super cool. I love how she nearly got Ever towards the end of this book. If you've read Evermore you know what I mean.

And finally...

Name: Uncle Bosque

From: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Who is he? Head of the Keepers, at least I believe so. Also Shay Doran's "uncle".

My thoughts: Ookay, if you think the baddies above Uncle Bosque are scary or menacing, then you're just going to love this guy. Intensely frightening, mysterious Bosque has weird, inhuman eyes and a very creepy, malicious smile (at least in my head). He's at the top of the food chain so to speak, and he can pop open a can of whoop-ass in 2.5 secs. Trust me, I would know; I did read Nightshade.

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That's all I've got this week for Top Ten Tuesday. What about you guys? Who did you pick? Let me know...

By the way, here are the aforementioned books from today's meme:

 

 

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.