I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
The Iron King
by
Julie Kagawa
steampunk, urban fantasy in a paperback edition that was published by Harlequin Teen on January 19, 2010 and has 363 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include The Iron Daughter, The Iron Knight, The Immortal Rules, The Iron Queen, The Lost Prince, Eternity Cure, The Iron Traitor
First in The Iron Fey urban fantasy steampunk series for Young Adult readers and set in Louisiana.
In 2011, The Iron King was won the RITA Award by Romance Writers of America for Best Young Adult Romance and was nominated for First Book. In 2010, it was nominated for Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fantasy, Debut Author, and Goodreads Author.
My Take
Definitely a Young Adult novel. I did enjoy the story, but the lack of buildup was rather irritating and Kagawa lost track at one point when Meghan is “lying in a strange bed in the faery kingdom” and suddenly thinks that “Is your father, not was. As if Oberon knew where he was.” Which makes absolutely no sense as everyone in faery acknowledges who her father is which is certainly not where Meghan’s thoughts are going. What’s up with that?? I do intend to read Iron Daughter if only to see where her romance leads.
The Story
Meghan Chase is about to turn 16 and her life is a misery. Clothes from Goodwill, no friends except Robin, a mother who can barely remember her birthday, and she lives on a pig farm! Then she discovers a changeling has taken her four-year-old brother’s place. And Robin reveals himself as something more than she thought as he takes her into faery to rescue Ethan.
A faery of monsters and other creatures who prey upon her until she finds herself in Oberon’s court only to be stunned yet again by the revelation of her true history. But Oberon’s court is no safe haven especially when the Winter Court comes to call at Elysium, the time of year when treaties are made and agreements contracted. And Prince Ash, the faery lord who has dogged her steps, insists upon dancing with her.
When an attack is made during Elysium, Meghan seizes her chance and escapes with the Cait Sithe to find her way to Mab’s court in hopes of finding Ethan there only to be waylaid yet again…and again…and again…
The Cover
The woman on the cover with all the frills of nature ranging from organic to the metal of the Iron King makes me think of the Lord of the Rings movie and Cate Blanchett as Galadriel. Very fae-like with a hint of mystery.
