The Iron King (Julie Kagawa) Review

Reviewed for Open Book Society

Publisher Harlequin Teen (February 1, 2010)
Paperback: 363 pages

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. (Source)

Review
'The Iron King' is the first book of the Iron Fey trilogy written by Julie Kagawa.

Lately I have been more and more 'into' faery books. A year ago I would have never picked one up but I find myself being attracted to these passionate but dangerous creatures. 'The Iron King' expressed the typical faery life but exposed an addition to this world that threatens to wipe out their existence.

At the start of this novel I enjoyed learning about Meghan's not-so-easy life. I sensed a significance in that fact that she never fit in and how her father disappeared. I was amused at the complete obviousness of Robbies affection for Meghan and how she overlooked it completely, typical for that age. Julie really nailed the emotions and awkwardness of a high school outcast.

When Meghan's brother, Ethan, is stolen from her, Robbie enlightens Meghan to her Sight and the world of Nevernever. When Robbie tells Meghan who he really is and how a Midsummer Night's Dream's characters are 'real' I changed my view on the book. I made an assumption that the book would be some sort of re-telling and it would be uncreative and boring. I can admit I was wrong, right? This small detail had a great significance for the real story to be told of the Iron King. The fact that faeries will exist because humans write, sing, or think about them completely made this novel without a doubt, amazing.

Since we humans are all about technology we lose imagination and creativity that fuels passion and emotion. Humans gradually forget about make-believe as we age and need to see proof of everything. This obsession with science and technology created a whole other species of fey, the Iron Fey. These creatures were so well written it was easy to visualize this world of metal and acid rain. I was completely mesmerized and could not wait to read each new page.

The character's that Julie created were very real in their own way. They were honest to themselves and were stubborn to change as anyone would be. I have to say my favorite character was Grimalkin. He was probably the most selfish character I have ever read (who in that world isn't?) and probably had the smallest of the character development (in his own way), but he really made this story. His thirst for adventure and debts created the highs and lows for Meghan's long journey and self-discovery. And then there is Ash. This character is one of my tops for swoon-worthy fictional men. This damaged, cold faerie probably progressed the most in this story. Although he should be complete enemies with Meghan, her innocence and spunk pull him out of a long, resentful relationship with himself and brings back some happiness to his life.

I cannot wait to continue reading this series as it is released. Julie Kagawa is truly an amazing storyteller and the anticipation for 'The Iron Daughter' is almost unbearable!