Undeadly by Michele Vail Book Review – "Not feeding a zombie isn’t like not feeding your cat. He. Will. Eat. You. And your cat. People who forget to pick up a case of Ghoul-AID sometimes don’t live to regret it. Capisce?"

Title: Undeadly by Michele Vail
Author Info: Bio | Website | Twitter
Publication: Nov 20th 2012 by Harlequin Teen

“ So, my… um, friend gave me a diary for my sixteenth birthday because, apparently, it’s a necromancer tradition...

Story Arc: Series, Book 1 Paperback: 272 pages Age Group: MG, Teen, YA

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Excerpt(s): 8% + 46% -------- Purchase --------

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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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5 Reasons to Read The Goddess Legacy by Aimée Carter (No Spoilers)

Title: The Goddess Legacy
Story Arc: Trilogy, Book 2.5
Publication: July 31, 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Paperback: 395 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Greek Mythology, Retellings
Age Group: Teen, Young Adult
Content: Kissing, Implicit Sex, Violence, Murder
Source: Harlequin Teen via NetGalley | Quote(s): Yes

In all the years I'd existed, I'd never expected to be free.

Character Interview: Noah & Echo (Pushing the Limits) + US Only Giveaway

Ya'll remember when I said Pushing the Limits put my heart through the wringer and I couldn't pull away? That's still true, BUT my love of this book pushed me to yank out some courage and contact the MAGNIFICENT author behind this awesomesauce book. With us today, because of the fabulous Katie McGarry, is Noah and Echo, the two (BEST!) main characters in Pushing the Limits. CHECK IT:

Your first kiss was…

N: Hot.

Echo blushes as Noah smiles when he notices her red cheeks.

E: Yeah, it was definitely hot…and sweet.

Noah takes Echo’s hand.

N: It was the first time in years I felt like I was home.

Your favorite person is…

N: My brothers—no question.

E: My brother as well—Aires.

Your favorite fantasy is…

N: What is the rating level of this interview?

Echo slaps Noah’s arm.

E: G. We’re doing a G rated interview.

N: Let’s see…G rated…holding Echo as she sleeps and seeing that smile on her face when she wakes.

E: That sounds like an awesome fantasy to me.

Your first impression of each other was…

E: I hated him. He made fun of my name.

N: That she was stuck up, but damn if she wasn’t fun to mess with.

When you kiss him/her…

N: As I said before, kissing Echo is like coming home. It can be hot and crazy, but always deep down inside I know I’m with the person made for me.

E: When I kiss Noah, I forget everything. Sometimes my own name. He has this way of making all the wrongs in the world go away.

Your side of the bed is…

N: Left.

E: Right.

You hate when he/she…

N: Focuses on her scars. She’s beautiful and I wish she could always see that.

E: Sometimes Noah’s too blunt. It can take a bit to get used to.

You love when he/she…

N: Easy—smiles. Echo has a gorgeous smile.

E: Holds me. Noah always makes me feel protected.

When you’re not in school…

N: I work. I’m currently flipping burgers.

E: I paint and draw. It’s sort of my obsession.

What was the most momentous occasion in your relationship together?

N: Definitely that day in the hospital. That whole twenty-four hours was messed up.

E: Yes, it was, but it brought us together.

You want to visit…

E: Colorado! I want to see snow capped mountains!

N: Wherever Echo is or wherever my brothers are. They are everything to me.

When you picture yourselves five or ten years from now…

N: In five years? Graduated from college. Maybe I’ll be an architect like my dad.

E: I’d love to be established selling my paintings in five years.

N: And in ten?

Noah glances at Echo.

E: What? Do you have ten year plans?

Noah shrugs and smiles.

N: I’ve got plans.

Review | Pre-Order for $13.49

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible. Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

GUESS WHAT YOU COULD WIN

Katie McGarry has generously offered some Pushing the Limits Blue Ribbon Bookmarks to a lucky winner! All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below!

Official Giveaway Info:

• you do NOT have to be a follower
• there are extra entries available
• all entrants must be at least 13 years old or older
• giveaway deadline is July 5, 2012
• giveaway is open to US only*
• read my Contest | Giveaway page, as well as my Privacy Notice

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pushing the Limits is in store July 31 from Harlequin Teen, and I can't wait until I see more people chatting this book up! It's so delicious and heartfelt and I LOVED IT!

Let me know about your thoughts on this awesome couple and what you hope to catch in the book down in the comments section below! Don't be shy!

Are you an international follower bummed about not entering? Don't forget to check out my giveaways for The Earth Painter and any one of the River of Time series books!

DNF Explanation: Dark Kiss

DID NOT FINISH EXPLANATION

I kind of hijacked this idea from Small Review, because I think it's such a smart way to write up my thoughts without actually reviewing the book in question.

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen
Stopped at 72% in e-ARC

CON: Typical paranormal book
You know how it goes: Ordinary girl plus equally ordinary best friend have a lifelong, sisterly bond which triumphs over boys and stuff, OBVS. Girl A discovers herself to be a paranormal creature one way or the other, and *gasp* WHAT DO YOU KNOW? A boy with all the answers and a weird—to say the least—background crops up just as things begin to get wonky. He’s a supernatural creature, there’s this ugly, daunting mess, a divine mission, yada yada. And, OF COURSE, Girl A finds herself thrust in the middle of it. And, no, she doesn’t take her issues or this wacky situation to Girl B though they are THE BESTEST FRIENDS EVER. But Girl A does go off with this strange guy she just met to be part of his lunatic quest.

And it goes on. I don’t know if it’s the paranormal romance genre in general that’s driving me bananas with its formulaic plot lines or merely the books I’ve been reading, Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen included, that has me so displeased with this story. All I know is: I kept waiting for originality to strike, but Rowen kept dropping the hammer.

CON: The oh so special heroine who is actually not
I keep seeing Samantha described as “perfect” or “nice,” when, in actuality, I perceived her as neither. She’s the ordinary girl desperate yearning for male attention so that can feel complete loved. She has a crush on the totally obvious good-for-nothing popular boy who turns out to be more bad news than she could’ve expected, and gets herself into a deep load of shizz after only a minimal acquaintance. She’s naïve and definitely not up to par on her Creep-o-Meter when it comes to this hot, dangerous loser guy.

She has a hearty dose of sarcasm in the blood, but what YA paranormal heroine doesn’t these days? Either it’s getting harder and harder for characters to come off as original, or Sam has nothing about her that sets her apart. She is ordinary, but not in that fascinating way that makes you want to read about her and her escapades with supernatural beings of otherworlds. I could see sparks of bravery or smarts in her depths, but nothing about her particularly jumped out at me. She seemed far too gullible and distressed over the male species to really appreciate her. Her appeal, the chemistry with the love interest—none of it makes sense, because she isn’t really an intriguing person but for her background and involvement in the Big Mission.

CON: The love interest
Which brings me to Bishop. I didn’t get what was so awesome and attractive about this guy. WE BARELY GET TO KNOW HIM. All we do know is he’s some lost celestial being who has very nearly lost his marbles and has been especially selected for the Big Mission. All we do really know is how wonderful he looks, and all we’re exposed to is his demanding nature and that innate goodness about him. His personality came across as so bland, and rarely livened up the dialogue throughout.

My interest in Bishop really lay with his connection to Kraven, and they’re long, entangled history that no one seems to want to share. He carries many mysteries and the answers Samantha craves, but he didn’t stick with me, fill me up with neither desire nor swoon as opposed to a mild annoyance at the steady reminders of his physical perfection.

PRO: Dark, urban setting
For some reason, when I think of Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen and its setting, I visualize cities like Chicago as the backdrop. Kind of dark, edgy, and, for some reason, rainy as well. It feels very atmospheric, sort of consuming your focus with wandering imaginings of what this place might actually look like. But dark, urban settings totally rock for these equally dark paranormal stories. It gives the story that much more of an edge, and so much playing room.

PRO: Kraven
I know it’s so cliché of me, but there’s a reason why I liked Luc Caine from Lisa Desrocher’s Personal Demons so much. The bad boy with the clever, snarky quips and dangerous, intimidating demeanor always wins out over the (relatively) nice guy. Kraven is a demon and one of the two who make up the team of four supernatural beings responsible for this divine mission to restore balance and blah blah blah. The point is this guy knows how to burst a moment, anger, deflate, put down, fight—I can’t say I love the guy, but he is certainly an improvement to the rest of the cast. He has a presence in the story where the others do not, and I found myself forming a quick attachment to his character.


Bottom line
However, even Kraven and all his smart ass remarks were not enough to keep me from throwing down the white flag and metaphorically shutting this e-ARC. What’s worse, I had such high hopes, such is the way with all brand new paranormal romance releases.

I wasn't impressed, wasn’t moved or stimulated. It’s not as if Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen is a bad book, completely poorly-written. Because that isn’t true. It’s just so been there, done that that I couldn’t bear to keep wading through the predictability.

Have you read Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen yet? Do you agree? Disagree? With what? Let me know down below with a comment!

Got something specific in mind? Dare I believe I might NOT have covered something you wish to know? If so, let me know down in the comments section. Don't be shy!

ARC Review: Pushing the Limits

my thoughts in a few sentences: I KNOW. This book doesn’t come out until the END OF JULY, and I’m being a total tease for posting this review up SO EARLY. But, I HAD TO. I had to read this book (lying in wait of this on netgalley turned out to be more painful than anticipated), and I had to get the word out about this book ASAP. It is amazing, seriously. I’d go so far as to say it’s a damn near perfect contemporary romance! Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry takes the classic bad boy meets good girl story and twists it up so that not only is there WAY MORE than their stereotyped labels beneath the surface, but also so that the romance is extra delicious, intoxicating, and thorough.

hooking first lines: "'My father is a control freak, I hate my stepmother, my brother is dead and my mother has... well... issues. How do you think I'm doing?'"

Harlequin Teen • NetGalley • Contemporary Romance • 7/31/12 • $13.49

ARC Review: The Immortal Rules

my thoughts in a few sentences: What to say about The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, that hasn’t been said already... First and foremost: don’t go looking for the Iron Fey series in Kagawa’s own vampire addition. I don’t mean expecting Puck or Ash to round the corner, but don’t anticipate the light, dreamy writing and lack of true harshness in her storytelling that is familiar to us, because The Immortal Rules is a sharp turn in the opposite direction.

hooking first lines: " They hung the Unregistereds in the old warehouse district; it was a public execution, so everyone went to see. I stood at the back, a nameless face in the crowd, too close to the gallows for comfort but unable to look away. There were three of them this time, two boys and a girl."

Harlequin Teen • Gifted • Paranormal Romance/Post-Apocalyptic • 4/24/12 • $14.24

ARC Review: Goddess Interrupted (#2)

The following review contains NO SPOILERS!

my thoughts in a few sentences: No one was more surprised than me when I turned out liking Goddess Interrupted so much. If ya'll remember, I wasn't very fond of The Goddess Test, and that was mostly because of the lack of action and had nothing whatsoever to do with Kate and Henry. Carter was dancing around the good stuff in Goddess Interrupted's predecessor, but dancing no more she does with this sequel. Within the first few chapters the impact of all those fateful final decisions in book one materializes with the force of a several thousand ton sledgehammer, and the urgency crackles swiftly and powerfully. The threat is very real this time and very straightforward, as opposed to the mystery horrors hidden behind the doors of Eden Manor, which actually had far less appeal. This time there's traipsing through the Underworld, sneak peeks at a restless all-powerful titan, a goddess gone totally loca, and so much more, but the pacing kept me actively turning the pages and avidly seeking the next thrill.

hooking first line: "Calliope trudged through the sunny field as she ignored the babble of the redhead trailing behind her."

Rating: Sud-Kissed | HarlequinTeen • NetGalley • Paranormal/Myth Retelling • 3/27/12 • $9.99

ARC Review: Spellcaster (#2)

The following review contains NO SPOILERS!

my thoughts in a few sentences: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz is the book that kicked off this fun witchy series, and Shultz's innate humor and charm shone in that first taste of her writing, urging me to return for another delightful helping. Well-written, hilarious, and featuring ordinary, adorable characters with a great sense of humor, Spellcaster carries over that same entertaining wittiness while bringing more intense issues to Emma and Brendan's table, one which already carries many nicks and scars in the strong wood used to fabricate it. With a main character I can't get enough of (real bff material!) and a romance that may have started out with an instalove that broke through my reservations but has since then become something to gush and blush and smile from ear to ear about, Spellcaster and I had a great time and I'm looking forward to a third date.

hooking first lines: "You probably don't remember me, but I remember you. And you and I have a common enemy. How do you feel about getting a little revenge on Brendan Salinger and Emma Connor?"

Rating: Sud-Kissed | HarlequinTeen • NetGalley • Paranormal Romance • 3/27/12 • $9.99

ARC Review: Allegiance (#2)

my thoughts in a few sentences: ... I'm still attempting to sort out my very complex feelings toward this novel. While I did feel that the sequel served as a better, more solid novel than the first, there are so many conflicting emotions at war within me, as a result of the strangely paced plot, disappointment, surprising grief, and my equally troubling feelings toward the series' heroine. Yet I find myself still in anticipation of the final chapter to these set of books.

mysterious first line: "The hall was empty except for a cloaked figure who stood motionless upon a black marble dais."

Rating: Guilty Pleasure • No spoilers! | HarlequinTeen • NetGalley • Fantasy • 2/28/12 • about $9

ARC Review: On a Dark Wing

On a Dark Wing

by Jordan Dane

Add it to Goodreads?
Purchase: Amazon | BookDepository
Release Date: December 27, 2011
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: NetGalley
Rating: Guilty Pleasure

Hover over Books in the navigation bar above to find a link to My Rating System In-Depth.

About the Book:

The choices I had made led to the moment when fate took over. I would learn a lesson I wasn't prepared for. And Death would be my willing teacher.

Five years ago, Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her "lucky" break came at the expense of her mother's life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she's the target of Death's ravens and an innocent boy's life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey's secret crush—starts to climb Alaska's Denali, the Angel of Death stalks him because of her.

And Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

I had countless excuses for missing the bus that afternoon, five years ago.
In the grand scheme of the universe, what was five minutes?

After The Statistical Probability of First Sight, we all know that a few minutes can morph the rest of your life. Although in Abbey's case, five minutes are the springboard for the horrible teen years of her life that follow. A story that unfolds in multiple perspectives, Jordan Dane elegantly threads teenage angst, grief, love, loss, and second chances into the words of On a Dark Wing. What may surprise other readers about my feelings on this book would be my liking Abbey, the main character. I've taken notice that in a lot of reviews people seem to be really averse to her. But my perception of her character is grief-stricken as opposed to moody; uncertain, guilty, and insecure rather than bratty and mean. I can only imagine how difficult it might be walking around with a burden the size of a boulder, and then being expected to communicate these jumbled, shifting feelings to the most important people in your life, people who may misunderstand. Abbey's lash-outs generated a genuine take on how self-inflicted blame due to overpowering grief can dull what should be a bright soul and cloak a caring heart.

Abbey is lonely, because she hasn't quite figured out how to unseal the door to her heart and let people sink in to see inside. She's insecure, borderline frumpy, and an overall negative person. We don't catch beautiful long-forgotten images of the mother she knew, a means of dredging up a kindness and sympathy toward Abbey's situation. But Abbey's emotions and the way they are stretched out for our viewing makes her a believable, sympathetic character, though she demands no pity or understanding. Like so many, she yearns for acceptance and love. Dane has a way with describing the darker spectrum of our emotions, and she doesn't hesitate on just Abbey. A similar loneliness and curiosity plagues the the keeper of the dead, the Angel of Death himself. Although I couldn't get into Death as a character, I felt a reluctant compassion toward him, as he is taking action propelled by the need to experience the depth of human emotion and attachment.

However, despite the easy character connections and beautiful imagery of a snowy world I've never met, the plot had unattractive sections and the scattered romance was completely unbalanced. The story itself partially worked for me because I responded well to Abbey's plight and emotions, but I couldn't enmesh myself with the other characters as well, nor could I conjure feelings of awe for the death-defying mountain climbing that sucks up portions of the book. All I cared about was Abbey and her connection to Death and hated being interrupted! Unfortunately, the romance repelled me as well, not because of Abbey's very teenage boysession with Nate Holden, but because Abbey's entanglement with the three guys (somewhat) in her life is tucked into craziness, therefore the turnout in the end wasn't believable, and so I couldn't gush and squeal over that sweet final development as I would've liked.

Though not every page is wrapped in unpredictability, there still is a substantial amount of suspense to keep you entertained and curious enough to want to keep turning those pages. While I wasn't unquestionably impressed by On a Dark Wing, it jabbed at my attention through the end.

Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

WARNING: If you haven't read books one through three of the Iron Fey series, then it would probably be a good idea to stay away from this review.

The Iron Knight

by Julie Kagawa

Add it to Goodreads?
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: NetGalley + HarlequinTeen
Rating: Perfect Bed Partner
Related Reviews: The Iron King,
The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen
About the Book:

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

"Oy, ice-boy! You sure you know where you're going?" I ignored Robin Goodfellow as we wove through the gray murk of the wyldwood, pushing farther into the soggy swamp known as the Bone Marsh...

I'm sorry to all non-readers of the series or previous books, but I couldn't not be spoilery for this book.

Let me just say that had she not written another book and cut it off after The Iron Queen, Julie Kagawa would've made me a very unhappy young woman. Possibly scarred me for life. And for those fans of the series, you probably already know why. But let me say it anyway. It wouldn't have been right, on any front, from any angle. It wasn't just that there would be no more Meghan and Ash--at least that we would've seen, but what about Meghan and her bestfriendship with Puck? Two of the most important people in her life unable to be with her forever? That's just sick and wrong. The Iron Queen made me cried, but had I not discovered that there was going to be a fourth book I would've BAWLED, MOURNED. Thankfully, my household was spared the drama.

The best part of this whole reading experience for this fourth installment was the unexpected. I had no idea what to look forward to. Sure, I knew Ash's overall goal, I knew that Puck and Grimalkin were bound to join in the, um, fun. But, what kind of perilous tests and troublesome decisions was Ash going to encounter? And would reading the ending of this story in Ash's POV satisfy me? was all I could think. It certainly gave me a jolt, being inside Ash's head instead of Meghan's. After a little while, though, I grew accustomed to him and I realized just how much goes on behind Ash's nearly unshakable barricades. It was absorbing, yes. But, do YOU find it appealing once you discover that your big, bad, brave hero has a vulnerable center? I was content in books one through three to know that it was there, to catch glimpses of Ash's very human reactions to certain things, but seeing him this way, in a whole new light, unguarded, well...  it shattered my very likable illusion that Ash is Mr. Tough Guy and nothing gets to him. AND I missed being inside Meghan's head, ESPECIALLY after her growth per The Iron Queen.

Despite my conflicted feelings on the change in POV, having Puck, and, eventually, Grimalkin there softened any lingering discontent. Puck... never changes. While I saw many newly uncovered facets to his character, and the deeper emotions he manages to conceal well and often, it was nice to see that my favorite prankster would hardly have a sudden shift in his all-too attractive, charming, and hilarious personality just because of a deadly, perilous mission that would bring his frenemy and his love together again. He provided ample comic relief, which was great for me when things got too serious or too tense. At the same time, it was nice learning about what really went down between he and Ash, seeing his own pain and shame. And even better, I could always expect humorous sarcasm from my favorite feline to-date. Grimalkin didn't change, either, even in the most dangerous, the scariest situations!

The additional characters introduced were... a definite surprise. One's inclusion was downright shocking, jaw-dropping. And the other, well, who can resist the allure of a very big, very bad... canine. Even more gratifying were the countless fights and tests in the book. Me and my never-satisfied love of battles were sated and content. There were so many kick-ass fight scenes, and the adventure did wonders for preventing boredom. Any abiding sadness or longings for Meghan to show up were easily, however temporarily, dispelled.

The tests, though the least bit amusing or entertaining, were... perfect. I felt like Ash NEEDED to see the things that were shown to him, needed to see what things would be like with a soul. These challenges made sense, were logical yet emotional and very necessary. They hurt, and oh, how they hurt for me, too. Seeing Ash suffer was no picnic. But I think it made Ash a better person, and gave him some closure and acceptance, and perhaps even a way to rid himself of any guilt that still clung to him. Any doubts were faced and resolved. Without these tests, things would've been too easy and had he returned to Meghan without enduring them, things would've eventually fallen apart. However painful, it was realistic. And I appreciated that, and Julie's insight.

It was all worth it in the end. For Ash, and for me. And this much-needed conclusion to the series did all of the following: served it's purpose well, entertained, delighted, and above all, SATISFIED. My unrest and my discontent dissipated with my reading this excellent finale, and I dream of what Julie Kagawa has in store for us fans, including the new Iron Fey series coming up starring Ethan, Meghan's younger brother! If this first series is any indication, I know how much I'm going to love Julie's future works. And I can't wait.

In the most totally inappropriate way you can imagine, PBP books are the books you want to do, they're so bloody brilliant... (My Rating System In-Depth)

"Hey, ice-boy, you okay? You've got your brooding face on again."
"I'm fine." 
"You're so full of crap." Puck lounged in the cradle of a tree, hands behind his head, one foot dangling in the air. "Lighten up already. We finally found the cat--which we should get a freaking medal for, the search for the Golden Fleece wasn't this hard--and you look like you're going to engage Mab in single combat first thing in the morning."
"I'm thinking. You should try it sometime."
"Ooh, witty." Puck snorted, pulled an apple out of his pocket, and bit into it. "Suit yourself, ice-boy. But you really should try to smile sometimes, or your face will freeze like that forever. Or so I've been told."

"Bad dreams?"
The tone of his voice wasn't exactly a question. I shrugged. "A nightmare. Nothing I can't handle."
"I would not be so sure of that, were I you."
I glanced up sharply, narrowing my eyes. "You know something," I accused, and Grimalkin yawned. "What aren't you telling me?"

"Prince...Ash?" He blinked several times, as if doubting his own eyes. "What...what are you doing here?" 
"I could ask you the same." I didn't approach the fallen warrior, standing several feet away with my sword at my side. "It's forbidden for your kind to be here. Why aren't you in the Iron Realm protecting the queen?"
"The queen." The knight's eyes widened, and he held a hand out. "You... you have to warn the queen--"

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Review: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

The Girl in the Steel Corset

By Kady Cross

Get the Deets: Goodreads»»  
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Release Date: May 24, 2011
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Source: NetGalley/ARC
Purchase: Book Depo. | Amazon | Kindle
About the Book:

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the "thing" inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch...

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her.

This book took so long to put down! And the length wasn't what made it so difficult to finish.

Could it have been the characters?

Nope, that wasn't it because I absolutely loved the cast in this book! From sweet, timid, and brilliant Emily, to-die-for Irish accent aside, who comes up with the most astounding contraptions to the devious and devilishly handsome Jack Dandy from the shady end of London who's charming and wonderfully flirtatious. There's such a plentiful variety of characters that there's at least one which everyone can enjoy. There's the good-natured American cowboy, Jasper, who has a wicked good shot. And tall, almost brutish Sam. The gorgeously chilly and aristocratic Griffin. Together they put forth entertaining and fun scenes, filled with comical banter and emotion that really made me feel connected to each and every one of them.

But, most of all, I fell for Finley Jayne. Emotionally speaking, I could feel her turmoil over her split personality, that not knowing what the darker side of herself was capable of. It was that same shadow half that me so utterly excited and eager to keep reading. It's not a lie when the synopsis describes Finley being capable of knocking out a full-grown man, and that's not all she can do. Watching this girl, living in semi-modernized Victorian era, take on opponents more than twice her size and enemies much stronger and/or cleverer than she without fear but with a bloodthirsty expression, I became a major fan of Finley. This Jekyll-Mr.Hyde thing going on with her makes her the most intriguing, most incredible character of them all! I lived for Finley's fight scenes. At the same time, she wasn't without feeling. She could feel guilt, pain, and anguish and that soothed me in that I was reassured she wasn't vicious and cold-blooded. A good person. Just a kick-ass one.

Then, could it have been the romance?

Again, that would be no. There was actually two love triangleish romances happening in this story, but despite my liking all involved, I know who I want to be paired up. There wasn't a single point where it felt rushed or unsatisfying. One couple seemed to have had feelings for each other since forever, but it still felt like SLOW BURN while I was reading this. And while the main couple didn't move forward enough to satisfy me, I was okay with that. Because at least I didn't end up with a non-developed and cliche instaluv that would've totally turned me off to the book altogether. Instead, the interconnected romances fueled my reading pace and motivated me to keep going with the book even when I started to get bored.

The only logical conclusion, then, would be that the plot wasn't as well-done as I'd've liked it to be. Which was exactly the case. This story is set in steampunkish Victorian era, and that in itself was fascinating in its own right--seemingly mindless automatons roaming around, a technologically-inclined villain responsible for numerous random attacks across London. So, this book should've been much more thrilling than it actually was. Something about the mystery and the elusive villain propelling it didn't appeal to me, didn't make me want to keep going with this story. It took me three days, THREE days to finally finishing reading this, and all I could think about, at first, is what it was lacking: a gripping plot. I got bored way too quickly. And by the time the ending came about, I had a Shrug My Shoulders And Say, Eh kind of reaction to it.

Still, mostly for the characters, I'm curious to see how this series will continue. I guess I'll have to wait and see what Cross comes up with next...

--------------------------------------------------- 

Finley went from sitting demurely in her chair to seizing Lady Marsden by the throat, lifting her, the fingers of her right hand like claws, itching to tear out those damnable mocking eyes. Behind her, her mother and stepfather cried out, but neither made a move to stop her.
"Would you like to know what I'm thinking now?" Finley asked, almost fully controlled by her darker nature. She could snap this woman's frail neck.
Lady Marsden's eyes widened, but she made no other move. Finley felt a slight push againt her mind--a sweet voice cajoling her to let go. Mentally, she squashed it like a bug beneath her boot. Crunchy. 
The marchioness winced. One would think the silly woman would know better by now.
Finley smiled. "You annoy me, your ladyship. In a most vexing manner."

He couldn't support his own weight at all, the stubborn liar. She bent down and put her other arm beneath his knees, sweeping him off his feet into her arms, carrying him like a child toward the top side of the pool.
"Finley," he said.
"Yes, Griffin?"
"Put me down, please." There was laughter in his voice. 
She looked at him. Their faces were so close she really could kiss him if she wanted. He had quite nice lips, and right now they were smiling at her. "Please," he said again. "As nice as this is, I refuse to be carried into my own home by a girl who weighs a good three stones less than I."
Heat had nothing to do with the steam filled her cheeks. "Sorry."

Review: Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Get the Deets: Goodreads»» (What is Goodreads.com?)
Publication Date: June 21, 2011
Source: e-ARC/NetGalley + HarlequinTeen
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kindle
Upcoming: Allegiance (2011)

I noticed his eyes. They were blue, sharp and intense. Despite the youthful glows of his suntanned face, his eyes were cold and unfriendly, suggesting he had great experience in the world and was now expecting the worst.

In her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be king. But her father's choice of suitor fills her with despair.

When the palace guard captures and intruder—a boy her age with steel-blue eyes, hailing from her kingdom's greatest enemy—Alera is alarmed…and intrigued. But she could not have guessed that their clandestine meetings would unveil the dark legacy shadowing both their lands.

In this mystical world of court conspiracies and blood magic, loyalties will be tested. Courage won't be enough. And as the battle begins for everything Alera holds dear, love may be the downfall of a kingdom.

I swear to you, I almost didn't finish reading this. There were so many things that had initially attracted me to Legacy. One, I was amazed that a teen author like Cayla was doing so well for herself--I wanted to see and be impressed by her book. Two, it's fantasy--like the kind of fantasy stuff you'd find in The Legend of Zelda and Avatar: The Last Airbender. So, here I thought I was going to be swept off my feet and find myself staggered by its brilliance. Yet, while I didn't find that with Legacy, there was something about it that kept me coming back for more. I tell you, I tried. I really tried to stop reading. But, then I kept thinking about what was going to happen next. And, you guys, I have a thing for Steldor--but more on that a little later... Somehow, Kluver still managed to snag my attention throughout the whole book. Before I knew it, the story was over and I'd read the entire thing! I don't know how it happened, but I've been reeled in!

The disappointment could have stemmed from the snail pacing found in the storytelling. How long does it take for a person to get from one room to the next? For the opposite team to attack the home team? There was all these little pieces of information that had no place in the story. I found myself getting bored from the extensive detail of the scenery and the rooms and on and on it went. Worse, though, it was probably Alera herself. I didn't hate her. At times, I actually felt sympathetic toward her. But, then there were those times that Alera just made no sense. Tattling on a long-time friend, stomping and pouting all the freaking time, really? I won't deny that she got on my nerves more than a few times. But, it was really her narration that bugged me. She bored me. There's no other way to put it. Being inside her head was like pulling teeth for me. I couldn't get a grip on the story and I felt detached throughout because of this.

And was it me, or did anyone expect more... action? Where were the fights to the death, the dueling and combating and battling? I found myself reaching for my River of Time series books. Now, Lisa knows how to plant some battle sequences. If there was a copy + paste feature somewhere, I would've definitely implemented it for this. This book was seriously lacking in excitement! I kept wishing and wishing for things to happen. And when something even remotely interesting cropped up, it still wasn't satisfying enough. Like the Cokyrian priestess and the super scary Evil Overlord (not sure if that's what he went by, exactly, but I'm sure it's close enough)! I loved them on the spot, because they intrigued me. All dark and elusive. And I love the idea that the Cokyrians tended to submit to women. All so fascinating, but oh so far away!

However, a small save was the abundant amount of sexy bodyguards. I was crushing majorly on London and Alera's younger sister's bodyguard--whose name, obviously, has escaped me by this time. While the other characters were mostly bland, London added some color to the monotonous characterizations AND plot. I wanted a POV switch. I'd rather learn all about London--Mr. Gorgeous-slash-Enigmatic-slash-Sarcastic-slash-Arrogant--and his super secret past. I'd rather be in the throng of his battles and missions. London was the embodiment of my bookish desires and hopes for Legacy. Too bad what I wanted didn't happen.

Speaking of hunky, though more pompous, males, somehow I did something I'd never thought I'd do. I fell for the wrong guy. So, Narian waltzes in and, shockingly, I barely gave him the time of day. It was Steldor, instead, who caught my eye. *moans* How did this happen? I always end up loving the guy that the heroine is most likely going to tango with, with the secondary love interest as a side-benefit and fuel for personal fantasies. I ended up doing a complete 360 and, oddly enough, I became a cheerleader for the guy I'd been wholly prepared to resist and detest. But, I couldn't help but feel for this guy. I saw a glimmer of something lovable in him, and over the course of the story, that glimmer grew into a beacon of possibility. I kept cursing Alera for going the totally predictable route, rather than basking in what was right in front of her. It was clear that Steldor would've made changes in himself had Alera so kindly given him affection and some loving. Sure, Steldor could be mean and over-bearing and self-absorbed, but I think that's just masking something much deeper. Or maybe I've just uncovered a secret soft spot for the underdog. Either way, I'm Team Steldor all the way. Narian can go stay hidden away in his mountains.

After that particularly long read though, it was, I have to admit, a tiny bit hard to judge my feelings. One side of me liked this story and the other intensely disliked it. But, I've come to the conclusion that this is an okay read, one that, on the one hand, hooked me, and, on the other, repelled me. Hopefully, I'll be impressed with the sequel--the second book to which I'm envisioning fantastic battle scenes for. With a little action, a push to the right love interest, and a little more personality for Alera, I think I could really enjoy this series.

Because I mentioned it, and as an alternative, one which I loved, you might want to check out:

Click HERE for my review of Waterfall.

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: The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter

T h e  G o d d e s s  T e s t  by Aimée Carter

"It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess."

Get the Deets: Goodreads»» (What is Goodreads.com?)
Source: NetGalley & Harelquin Teen
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kindle
Next: Goddess Interrupted (February, 2012)
Challenge: 2011 Debut Author Challenge 

Sounds pretty cool, no? Well, THE GODDESS TEST and I suffered a bit of a rocky road starting out. I locked onto the story instantly because I was fascinated and intrigued by the prologue - I wanted to know what was going on. But, then, right in the beginning, Kate nearly gets runned off the road due to a mysterious... cow sighting...? Huh?. Why a cow, first of all? (Maybe this is why - skip down to Io) Then, crazy weird things start happening: like when jealous-ridden super-popular-cheerleader Ava proceeds to get herself killed while trying to pull off a stupid prank that would have harmed our main girl, who believes this accident to be her fault. Um, what? Afterward, when, mysteriously, Ava is brought back to life by some dark and hunky stranger named Henry, she and Kate's other friend James actually believe her when she tells them of Henry's ominous - and notso believable - deal. Meh. I wasn't so fond of, well, that entire section.

Besides, I wanted to get to the good stuff.

Still, unfortunately, my interest continued to dwindle, so much so that I nearly stopped reading it altogether and chalked it up to a highly promoted and increasingly hyped up novel that turned out to be less than I anticipated. Fine. And then came the part when Henry illuminated some very fine print on the deal Kate had already agreed to. You know, the whole you become my queen and rule by my side, dictating the Underworld, and stay with me forever and ever and ever spiel, and I was like Whoa. Don't ask me why, because I don't quite understand it entirely myself, but my interest was renewed by this.

Then looming over Miss Kate is the impending tests everyone is so scared she'll fail. While I was slightly disappointed that Kate didn't have to throw fire-lit spears through huge rings of cows (;P) fire and wrestle the menacing Cerberus and joust with Medusa, and any other ridiculous Greek mythology-influenced ideas I had envisioned for these tests, I kind of liked how it was all tied in toward the end. The tests, I mean, as well as their themes. But, because these tests seemed so inconsequential in the methods they were administered, I found it simultaneously tedious. There was no action - and when I thought of these tests everyone was so worked up about, that's what I expected, what I was hungering for.

The romance, however, was satisfactory, though not exactly suh-woon worthy. It progressed slowly - perhaps a little too slowly - and though it wasn't too eventful (which was extremely disappointing), it still managed to be sweet. Honestly, this Persephone chick Henry was so hung up on came off as a selfish bitch, pardon my swiss, and I hope some more light is shed on what actually happened so that I can view both sides of the story. Nonetheless, I wanted Henry to find happiness. While I was like Wow, you're already over this girl you've supposedly been pining for for Gods and Goddesses know how long, Henry? when Henry admitted feelings for Kate - because, it was a little unrealistic in my opinion - I still found their romance to be particularly heartwarming. Indeed, I re-read certain scenes over because of this.

And I'm a little mad that Henry chose to be so distant for most of this book. It's like, I barely got to know him at all. Sure, gorgeous and brooding are great traits in a character, but it doesn't make the character. As for the other characters, I didn't very much like Ava - at all really. James had the potential to grow on me, but he never got the chance. And as for the other other characters, they didn't pique any real curiosity, sadly... I am hoping to get to know the Council a bit more, though.

But, I will say that I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending. I think it was resolved too quickly, and came off a little too happy endingish for my tastes. (Don't get me wrong, I love happy endings, but I do want a little incentive to keep reading the series. I mean, if everything is wrapped up tidily with a neat little bow, why would I want to continue onto a second book which could potentially ruin that picture of perfect happiness, I ask you?) And the only reason I'll most likely be sniffing at the sequel will be because of the romance (as it often tends to be my reasoning for pursuing a series not to my great liking or loving). I really liked Henry and Kate together, so I'm curious to see how things progress from here on. Overall, though, I was only mildly satisfied with THE GODDESS TEST.

He didn't smile, but his expression softened. "If you pass, you will be my wife. Is that something you are willing to accept now?"
I nodded, trying not to look too nervous...
"Because you care for me?"
"Yes," I mumbled, embarrassed. "And if you hold that against me--"
I didn't have time to finish. One second he stood across the room, and the next he crouched down beside me, kissing me so deeply that by the time he finally pulled away, I was almost gasping for air. "What--" I started, but he pressed his finger against my lips. (2337 | 3129)

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!

---

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...

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.