After reading the first Iron Fey series, I had high expectations for this series. I loved Meghan and Ash and Puck. I loved the story line. Anyone who has read them probably loves Julie Kagawa, and hopes that this new series is as equally as good. I can say that it did meet some expectations, but not all. It was a good book, but I guess it's that feeling that you have that you know that nothing else can be as good as the first. You know what I mean?
Plot: So, the book's main character is Ethan, younger brother of Meghan. Some how, he got mixed in with a half-breed, Todd, and going against his vow, decides to try to find him even though he wants nothing to do with the fey. Then the girl, Kenize, gets involved when she can't take "Stay way from me" seriously from Ethan. Then both Ethan and Kenize go on a quest to find Todd, but get mixed up with missing fey and soon a new evil arises and family drama hits Ethan additionally.
When I read the book, I felt that it kind of dragged on a smidge. There was a lot of scenes that I personally felt weren't really needed; that they just added to the action of the story. One thing I like about Julie is that she's good at adding action scenes to her books, but here I felt some weren't needed as much, like the battle with the goblins when Ethan and Kenize and Kierran were escaping the palace. I think it should have been just them escaping and dogging the guards' arrows or something. But that's just my personal opinion.
The Forgotten: you might wonder what they are. They are fey that have been forgotten and have faded away. Kind of like the exiled fey. They eventually fade. Now, in my mind, I see the Forgotten as a way for Julie to continue on with her series in an unnecessary way because the first serie ended well, but at the same time, I'm curious to see what she does with these creatures. Especially the Forgotten queen, who seems fairly nice.
Now, if you read this book before reading the Iron Prophecy, then you need to back track and read Iron Prophecy. It helps understand some of the family drama between Meghan and Ethan. Speaking of that, I believe that all the drama that followed Ethan was very well needed. It helped him with his character.
Characters:
Ethan is a bad boy with the soft side and secret wanting of not being a freak. Typical type of book. But all the drama that came with him is what made me like him. He has the right to blow up at his sister. Honestly, that was one of my favorite scenes in the book. But looking back, if he knew, he wouldn't have blown up. But still... His sweet side is better than his bad side. Why? Because his sweet side is his protective side, and with that comes kickass kali (martial arts) moves.
Now Kenize. Kenize. Where to start? I liked her, but at the same time, I just couldn't get my mind wrapped around that she was our heroine. She has spunk, I'll give her that. She's much like Meghan. But she always kept saying she can fend for herself, and she proved that, but it got annoying. And the big "surprise" towards the end when we find out more about her life. Julie gives hints throughout the book on Kenize's past, but some were predictable that I didn't like learning my prediction was right. Why couldn't it have been something else? And from it, I predict full on faerie mode for this girl.
Kierran is just like his father, Ash. Torn between the girl he loves and his court. And then goes on a quest to help Ethan. But of course, he has that side of him that dislikes his heritage, Iron, Winter, and Summer. I really don't have much to say about Kierran since he's so much like Ash. Head strong, willing to defy the courts for the girl who he loves (Ironically, a Summer fey) and he's a good fighter. What's not Ash?
Romance: It's that cheese insta-love, but in a span of a month, maybe longer. We atomatically know Ethan and Kenize fall for each other; it's Julie Kagawa people. Their romance was okay in my book, but also sweet. Ethan learned from Kenize it's okay to let people in if they're willing to help. Kierran's and Annwyl's relationship is just like Meghan's and Ash's, so not much to say. Forbidden love, court rules, exiled fey. Blah blah blah. The usually stuff.
The Ending: It was good. There will be a sequel, of course. I just wish Ethan and Kenize went home instead of staying in Central Park.
Future: The Traitor Son, September 2013. I don't like it that we have to wait a whole year for the next book, but we can interpret that Kierren betrays his parents and sides with the Forgotten Queen, starting a war.
Quotes:
Anything with Razor in it. :D That little guy is funny.
Rating & Ending:
Cover:
I don't like the cover model they used. Or instead, I dont' like how they put him on the cover. He looks evil but also like he's ready to kick butt.
*Won this book
Keep On Reading!
Up Next:
I stopped reading Forsaken for The Lost Prince, and then this book called to me. It's fairly good so far, I'm just annoyed at Rachel as of right now.
