Title The Iron King
Author Julie Kagawa
Release Date January 19, 2010
Date Finished October 9, 2020
Description
MY NAME IS MEGHAN CHASE.
In less than twenty-four hours, I’ll be sixteen. Countless stories, songs and poems have been written about this wonderful age, when a girl finds true love and the stars shine for her and the handsome prince carries her off into the sunset.
I DON’T THINK IT WILL BE THAT WAY FOR ME.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan Chase’s life, ever since her father disappeared when she was six. Ten years later, when her little brother also goes missing, Meghan learns the truth—she is the secret daughter of a mythical faery king and a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she loves, 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.
Initial Thoughts
I have been eyeing this series for what seems like 10 years but I finally took the plunge when they redesigned the covers. I was excited to finally dive in.
Some Things I Liked
- Grimalken. He’s the Cheshire Cat and perfect guide all rolled into one. I love the way he appears without warning and always has the answers. Because he is a cat. I thought he gave the story balance and the ability for the author to explain the world building organically to the reader and that was a welcome addtion.
- Puck. Another character I loved. He was spunky and hilarious. Not here for that love triangle, but I still love Puck’s character.
- Dark themes. The Summer and Winter Courts are not for the faint of heart and there are some dark and sinister things lurking in the Nevernever. I loved that there was both humor and a dark overarching plot.
- Symbols of technology vs magic. I loved this element. The Iron Court represents the modern world and the loss of youth and magic as compared to the Summer and Winter Courts where magic and frivolity run rampant. I loved the comparison to the two and that Meghan was a child of both.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
- There were some moments where I felt the story was a bit cheesy. Now, that could be because I’m “aging out” of YA literature. Teenage me might have really enjoyed these very moments. But, adult me thinks they’re a little corny. I could have done without some of those moments.
Series Value
As mentioned below, I already finished the series. There is so much in this world and you’d be remiss if you didn’t stick with it. Very high series value.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. Some moments got a little cheesy for my taste but overall, I loved the world and characters Julie Kagawa created here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa – if you enjoyed this book, definitely stick with the series. I’ve read it all now and I promise, it only gets better.
- Court of Bitter Thorn by Kay L. Moody – if you liked the Fae themes, bargains, and a human girl being brought to a mysterious world, try this series.
Books Over Everything 