Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron King (Iron Fey #1)

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: February 1st, 2010

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 3.5/5
 

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. (Summary from Goodreads)

I had a few qualms about this novel, and I'm really sad to say that. I wanted to love this book. I had heard nothing but good things about it, and was really looking forward to reading it. The first time I tried, I stopped about sixty pages in losing some interest and having to return it to the library anyways. The second time, reading my pretty purchased copy, I ended up doing the exact same thing. I was super interested at the beginning, but about sixty-seventy pages in, I just couldn't care less. With some encouragement, and determination to actually finish this book, I continued and ended up enjoying it by the end. But, I can't say I loved it, which is kind of disappointing.

I wasn't a huge fan of Meg. I found her to be a bit whiny, slightly self-centered (or centered on her own wants), and a little damsel-in-distress. I kept wanting her to stand up and DO something, as opposed to getting everyone to do the dirty work for her. By the end, I had to give her a nod for pushing herself, and actually growing stronger. I always appreciate character development, and was glad to see it shown through Meg. To contrast my mixed feelings towards Meg, I have to say I loved Grimalkin and Puck. Seriously, those two made the book for me. I loved their banter, loved their voices, and just loved their characters in general. I'm really excited to see more from them. Ash, I also liked, particularly for his bravery and honesty. Those are two qualities I value in a character, and truly in people in general.

The story, well, I do enjoy faerie novels. I like to read the different takes on the classic structure, and adored the A Midsummer's Night Dream elements in the story (love me some Shakespeare). I loved the idea that the fey were created from the dreams of humans, and that the iron fey from technological advances. I thought that was a really good premise, and one I had yet to read about. Meg's search for her brother, although valiant, had me frustrated at times. But, I loved Ethan to bits. What a cutie pie! I like the potential this series has, and from what I've heard it really lives up to it.

Overall, I wasn't a huge fan of The Iron King but it won't stop me from continuing the series. It had its moments of delight, frustration, and laughter, and although it dragged for me it kept me intrigued. I know it can only get better from here. And I'm excited to see how the story develops, the characters change, and how the world evolves in the next few novels.

- Ciara who is lost at midnight 

Find This Book: Amazon | Goodreads | Julie Kagawa's Website