The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa [Review]

Title: The Iron Queen
Series: Iron Fey, #3
Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release: Jan. 25, 2011
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN-10: 0373210183
ISBN-13: 978-0373210183
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Shannon

4 out of 5 Robots!

   

My Review:

I have heard a lot about the Iron Fey series and was very excited to get a chance to review the third book in the series, The Iron Queen.  The story picks up with Meaghan and Ash returning to the mortal world to see her family.  But before she can see them, they are attacked by minions of the "false king." Meaghan quickly realizes though that in order to keep her family safe she will have to return to Faery and defeat the false king.

Since I have not read the first two books in the series, starting with the third book is a little like going to a new friend's engagement party.  You are aware of where they are as a couple, but you learn about their relationship in bits and pieces picked up along the way.  This doesn't bother me too much, but if you don't like this kind of thing I would recommend reading the first two books first.  The author does do a good job of throwing in little asides here and there to give you enough information previous major plot points.  It was enough for me to follow along, but it wouldn't be distracting to people who had read the other books.

The story is steeped in Celtic and British mythology which I love.  The book is well paced and exciting as the Summer and Winter courts battle the Iron Kingdom for the fate of Faery.  The characters are likeable and thankfully NOT whiny (as so many teenagers are in YA).  I liked to see the deepening relationship between Meaghan and Ash.  Meaghan also decides that she needs to learn to fight and not rely on others to protect her.  I appreciate this because it makes her a stronger character and definitely adds an element of excitement as she starts to take her destiny into her own hands.  The characters are not particularly flushed out and fairly familiar tropes.  But I found the plot driving the story more than the characters anyways. 

My only complaint was I am not completely sold on how the story ended between the characters.  I personally felt a little cheated.  But the epilogue suggests that that may be rectified. 

All in all, I think this is one of the better fantasy YA out there.  I definitely want to go back and read the other books!