ARC Review: The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Release Date: February 01, 2011

Published By: Harlequin Teen

Paperback 384 Pages

Young Adult

Source: NetGalley

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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.
Synopsis via Goodreads

My Thoughts:

In the third installment of the Iron Fey series, Julie Kagawa reintroduced us to Meagan Chase, her close circle of fey, some friend and some foe, and the realm of the Nevernever.  Picking up where The Iron Daughter left off, Julie reminded us of the latest turn of events in Meagan's life and proceeded forward in a journey that was emotional and fast paced.

From the first to the last page, never was I only reading.  I was seeing.  I was there while Meagan Chase battled feelings for the Winter Prince, dubbed Ice-Boy by her infamous best friend (who happens to be fey as well) who, too, holds a piece of her heart.  The silly banter that formed what was the relationship between the two main men in Meagan's life returned with extra baggage this go around and it drudged up more questions and answers from the past giving us the further insight to what makes up Ash and Puck.

Meagan proves to be just as strong on this leg of her journey, even when the situation seems Grim (lol, yes, I went there,) and all of the pressure of the Nevernever falls solely on her shoulders.  She holds true to herself and proves her loyalty not only to the people she loves most but those who question her and don't necessarily like her.

The fierce love triangle we saw in The Iron Daughter still held true during this book and was more heart wrenching then ever.  I knew to expect some sort of tension where the three were concerned and I knew that emotions would run high, but I never expected what Julie offered us.  Julie not only brought new depth to one relationship in particular, she rounded out the equation making the truths that was Meagan's life even more difficult to swallow.


As silly as it may sound, one line brought a familiar burn to my eyes, proving that this book is much more then just a tale of Faeries and the war between the Summer and Winter courts and the Iron Fey, "Ironhorse, I thought sadly. You're still helping us, even now."  That one thought of Meagan's only gave us more reason to have faith in certain Fey and Meagan herself for not losing her humanity.

The tears didn't stop at that one line further proving my inability to stay out of the book and detach myself from the characters making the world of the Nevernever and it's people (well, fey) seem so real.  You would think being primarily told in the first person point of view that I would feel most connected to Meagan but that simply wasn't true. Most all of the characters Julie Kagawa has introduced me to has left some sort of impression on me. 

Exquisitely written, never dropping a beat, The Iron Queen left me speechless and fulfilled.  I can say with full confidence that I am prepared for Ash's upcoming story,The Iron Knight. The continuing plot is well thought out, formed and executed.  The characters are deep, I see them standing next to me, now only if I could touch them.  I am not sure what more Julie Kagawa could even offer us... beyond more.

The Iron Queen was Fantabulously Brilliant.

My name is Flippin' Fabulous and I am an Iron Addict.  I once claimed sole membership to Team Puck, but I will be applying for dual membership wherever applications are being accepted.  Perhaps we should be including a Team Glitch on the application?

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