The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Lost Prince

Author: Julie Kagawa

ISBN: 9780373210572
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: October 30, 2012
Series: The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten

Page #: 377

Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary:
"Don't look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.


That is Ethan Chase's unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he'd dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister's world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten."

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First Lines:

"My name is Ethan Chase.

And I doubt Il'l live to see my eighteenth birthday.

That's not me being dramatic; it just is. I wish I hadn't pulled so many people into this mess."

Page 9

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Review:

I'm sure many of you have read and loved the story of Meghan Chase in the Iron Fey series. Well, Julie Kagawa returns with another story set in the same world. But now it's Ethan, Meghan's brother. And it's a great continuation of her original stories.

He's been dodging the fey world his entire life, but now he is being forced to pay attention. Strange, ghostly fey are starting to haunt him - someone at school disappears and he knows it's because of these fey. He also starts to make friends in his new town. But that is dangerous when it comes to keeping others safe from the torments of faeries. He finds himself drawn into his sister's world and doesn't know how to handle it. And he accidentally takes someone with him.

Many of the original characters make an appearance in this book. It's nice to see them again. I had sort of fallen for many of them, so getting back into their lives was really easy for me. I loved seeing where they are now and how things are going for them - lots has changed since the first Iron Fey book! I would have liked to see more about Meghan, but I know there is more coming and she will probably be more prominant.

So, Ethan is sort of a tough-guy jerk. He's been pushing people away for most of his life because of the fey. And because of the past, he has made sure no one can get hurt because of him. Throughout this story, he starts to see the other side of things. He's able to put aside some of his fears and grow as a person. I do wonder if he changes a bit too much, but I think it helped the story along.

Can I just talk about the cover for a second? Is there a reason the guy doesn't have a shirt on? Cause at no point in the book is he shirtless. At least, not that I remember. I know the author has nothing to do with the cover, but it's now one of those books I wouldn't want to read in front of other people. As I'm old and he's clearly a teenager. :) But seriously, just a shirt would have helped.

I think any fans of the original Iron Fey series will love this book. It's very similar, but it's more of a human view of Nevernever. I guess that means it's more like the first Iron Fey book in that way. But I love how you get dropped into a whole other perspective and take on the life. I'm definitely a Kagawa fan and I look forward to the next book! Whenever that might be...

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Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear

Title: Innocent Darkness

Author: Suzanne Lazear

ISBN: 9780738732480
Publisher: Flux
Released: August 08, 2012
Series: The Aether Chronicles #1

Page #: 391

Source: ebook from Netgalley

Summary:

"If one girl lives, the whole world dies.

Sixteen-year-old Noli braddock and her best friend Steven "V" Darrow just wanted to take a flying car out for a joy ride. They had no idea it would result in Noli getting sent to reform school to mend her hoyden ways. While at the dreadful school, Noli's innocent Midsummer's Eve wish summons Kevighn, a mysterious man who takes Noli with him to the Realm of Faerie. At first Noli believes she has been rescued. But the sinister reason behind the handsome huntsman's appearance quickly becomes clear - he wants to use Noli as a blood sacrifice to restore his dying world. V, who has secrets of his own, shows up to help Noli escape and return to the mortal realm - but first, they must navigate the dangerious intrigues of the Otherworld. If they are successful, Noli will live. But the entire Otherworld civilization will perish."

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First Lines:

"Whatever happened, she could not allow them to catch her, nor could a single drop of her blood spill upon the ground. The only sounds were of her labored breath and the hum of night in the wildwood. Soon, the horns and hoof beats of pursuit would follow."

Page IX (Prologue)

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Review:

How can you NOT pick up this book - the cover is gorgeous! Well, if you like steampunky things. Which I believe I do :). The girl on the cover isn't quite what I pictured, but she'll do.

So, this is a steampunk fairytale set in 1901 LA. Noli and V are besties who are constantly getting into trouble. This time, though, it's the last straw. Noli gets sent away and V realizes she may be in more trouble than her mother thinks. Which is true - she's accidentally pulled into Otherworld. And Kevighn is there to make sure she never gets home. V - who has been harboring huge secrets - realizes he must go on a quest to save Noli. And, of course, to tell her how he feels about her.

I had some difficulty really picturing the setting. Of course, this story is much more character driven, so there may be a reason for that. But alone, LA during the early 1900s is hard for me to grasp... even if there werent airships and hovercops and such. Honestly, it was much easier once we got into the Faery world - at least then I have some reference points. But I'm not sure that it detracted from the story - as I said, the setting is definitely secondary. And just as a note, the whole steampunk thing sort of disappears halfway through the book. I mean, it's still there, but it's just thrown in for flavor.

Helloooo love triangle. Seriously. On one hand, you have V - Noli's best friend from childhood. He's handsome, studious, and all around romantic. He's had feelings for Noli for about forever... and it's finally time to let her know. On the other hand, you have Kevighn. He's the suave, smooth talking, liar of a man who wants to trap Noli into doing his bidding - namely, dying. But he soon realizes his feelings for her are deeper than that... even after all of the women he has been with. I'm definitely Team V. Who wants a liar - even if he is sexy? I mean, please :).

Now, as for these guys... they are the ones that push this book for only older teens. You've got some seriously sexual situations - enough that it might be a bit much for some readers. One has some serious drug use that makes him much more experienced and adult. Again, that makes the book geared toward older readers. I'm not sure how much these two things add to the story, but it may help you understand their characters a little bit more. And can I just say - V's character is drastically changed from the beginning to the end of the book. I'm still trying to decide if it's believable or not...

I am excited to find out what happens in the next book. Luckily, you're not left with any huge cliffhangers. There is a definite conclusion and you can sort of infer where the story is going to go. But there are a few things I'd like to hear the rest of. But this book works well as a standalone. At least, in my opinion.

I've just looked at a few other reviews and it seems like the general view is that the book is good, but not fantastic. I very much agree. And someone mentioned the two most overused words - "dollymop" and "hoyden." It really felt like those were the only words Noli would use to describe herself. And for me that made her seem a bit one dimensional - even though I know there was much more to her. For someone who proclaimed to be atypical and unconcerned with giggly, girly things. I guess I was hoping for more from her - more attitude, less tears.

For those of you into historical romance, I definitely recommend this book to you. Again, it is better for older teens because of some content...  And I know I have mentioned some things I didn't like about this book, but it was a fast and entertaining read. I think many people will really get into it. And with the whole coming series, it will probably be popular. I would just love to see more development and consistancy in the next book.

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The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Knight
Author: Julie Kagawa
ISBN: 9780373210367
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: October 25, 2011
Page #: 367
Source: ARC from NetGalley

Summary (from GoodReads):
"Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.
Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice."
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First Lines: (from the ARC, so subject to change in final version)

"'Oy, ice-boy! You sure you know where you're going?'
I ignored Robin Goodfellow as we wove through the gray murk of the wyldwood, pushing further into the soggy swamp known as the Bone Marsh. Mud sucked at my footsteps, and water dripped from twisted green trees so covered in moss they appeared sheathed in slime."
Page 9
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Review:

If you haven't read the first three books in the Iron Fey series, there will most definitely be spoilers. This whole book is about post-trilogy stuff... so tread carefully!

Okay, so in an attempt to do a summary...
The Iron Knight is written from the perspective of the Winter Prince, Ash. It is after the huge war of the Faerie worlds - and Meghan Chase has become the Iron Queen. Ash has sworn to protect her and be with her forever, but he cannot do that as a regular faerie. He goes on a huge quest to earn a mortal soul so that he can be with Meghan. It's a much bigger thing than anyone expected - he literally has to go to the end of the world to succeed. And even then, it's a fight to the death.

One thing this author is good at is serious adventurous quests. :) The series started with a big one - and each book has had some version of one. This last book was the biggest quest of all. Ash is faced with all manner of crazy characters. I personally loved that the Big Bad Wolf was involved in the story. All so he would continue to be remembered. That's a very cool idea. There's also a lot more about Ariella who was mentioned in previous books, but she was gone before we met Meghan. It was very interesting to get that side of the story.

I truly enjoyed getting to know Ash better. There are some descriptions from his point of view that I think we missed a lot in the first three books. Also, I was surprised by some of the descriptions in Meghan. For some reason, I honestly hadn't pictured her the way Ash talks about her. But it really helps me love the other books more after hearing his whole story.

There was a part that I thought I was really going to hate the ending. I'm not going to give you much detail, but one of Ash's trials shows you something you didn't realize was going to happen. But I felt better after that part - I was just worried that I was going to hate how things turned out. As it was, I really enjoyed the ending. It's open enough to have more stories about different characters... but it fully completes this story. I really think it's well done and I fully loved it.

Well, all in all, I'd definitely recommend this entire series. I think this last book has been a wonderful addition to an already awesome series. I've handed these books to lots of customers and I cannot wait until this book is published and I can hand it around as well. I will be looking for the next thing by this author as well - she's definitely got my vote for anything she writes in the future. Definitely read this one... and if you haven't read the first three, you need to do that immediately :). They're wonderful.
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The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
ISBN: 9780373210084
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Summary:
"Meghan Chase has a secret destiny - One she never could 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."
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First Lines:
"Ten years ago, on my sixth birthday, my father disappeared. No, he didn't leave. Leaving would imply suitcases and empty drawers, and late birthday cards with ten-dollar bills stuffed inside."
Page 9
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Review:

It seems like I've ready a lot of faery stories lately - and I still have a few in my TBR stack. Perhaps that is why it took me a little time to get into this book. The whole faery thing is a really fun and interesting topic - and, as you see from this book, can take on a whole mariad of different faces.

I do admit that the story took me a little while to get into. It felt a little like a lot of other faery stories - but that's mostly because some of the vocab is recycled in every story - Seelie, Unseelie, fey, etc. It took me a minute to get my mind into this new world. But once the story was set - meaning what the adventures were going to entail - I really got a lot more involved in the story.

The whole concept of an iron king of iron fey is just really cool. I mean, that's taking the whole thing and turning it on its head. I appreciated that jump and definitely look forward to how the story is going to play out. Of course this is more than just one book - so I'm already hoping for the next book to come out sooner rather than later.

The characters were very well written, but were often changing. No one was exactly who you originally thought they were. Well, except for a few. But otherwise the characters keep you on your toes. You never know when one might change on you and make their roll a lot more embedded in the story. But that was one of the cool things about this book - it absolutely keeps you on your toes.

Now that the story is set, I really look forward to the second book. I'll be recommending this book to readers who love Holly Black's fey stories or even some fantasy-adventure lovers. There's lots going on and it's pretty constantly filled with battles, chases, and interpersonal drama. But that's just what makes the book so much fun!

Check out Julie Kagawa's website! She's also a 2010 debut author, so this one is going on my list!
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Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
ISBN: 9780738713700
Publisher: Flux

Summary:
"Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand - one who can see faeries.

Unexpectedly, Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy named Luke who enters her ordinary life, seemingly out of thin air. But his interest in her might be something darker than summer romance. When a sinister faerie named Aodhan shows up with deadly orders from the Faerie Queen, it forces Dee right into the midst of Faerie. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking by loyal best friend.

Deirdre had been wishing her summer weren't so dull, but taking on a centuries-old Faerie Queen isn't exactly what she had in mind."
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Review:

I've heard amazing things about this author - mostly about the book Shiver (which I have yet to get my hands on). Even though I haven't read her most popular book, I'm so glad I found this one! Faerie stories are always so interesting. I didn't really grow up hearing about faeries (like some people apparently did), so the stories are always so new for me.

The characters in this story were so wonderfully fleshed out as well. I was honestly rooting for James through the entire thing. I thought he sounded a lot like some friends I had back in the day :). But I think all of the characters were wonderfully written - except for maybe her family. I had a hard time pinning them down on what they were all about.

From what I can tell, I'm going to love everything this author writes. I've got Ballad (the companion novel to this one) sitting in my to-be-read stack, so I'll let ya know if that holds true. Pretty sure it will.

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great fantasy - that includes some romance as well. It's fantasy first and foremost, but the author does a great job throwing that romance everyone loves into it. But as I said, recommended highly. Probably for 9th grade and up. But that's just a thought.

Take a look at the author's website to see all that's coming soon!

You might also like:
Tithe, Valient, or Ironside by Holly Black
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Kin: The Good Neighbors by Holly Black

Title: Kin: The Good Neighbors
Author: Holly Black and Ted Naifeh
ISBN: 9780439855624
Publisher: Graphix

Summary:
"The human realm and the faerie realm have always been good neighbors. But all that is about to change...

Rue Silver's life isn't at all what it appears to be. Her mother has disappeared - and her father is being blamed for a murder. Is he guilty? Or is there another truth beneath it all?

Rue digs deeper into her family's past and makes a startling discovery: Her mother is a faerie, and she has vanished back into the faerie realm because of a broken promise. In order to get her back, Rue must plunge into the depths of her own identity - and must follow the sinister twists of her own fate.

Beware: The faerie realm is about to crash into our own.
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Review:

I have loved everything I have read by Holly Black - and this book is no exception. The art of this book gives the story a depth that meshes really well with Black's writing. I absolutely loved this story. It's brooding and fantastic and keeps you wondering...

There's a second installment that will be around in October of this year... and I'm already wishing I had it. The book leaves you on a cliffhanger - and the answer seems not at all obvious (at least at this point). I plan on pawning this book off to the next person who tells me they want fantasy books... because I really think any fantasy lover can find a place for this book.

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