YA Book Review: The Iron Daughter & The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

**Spoiler Alert: If you haven't read this series, well, first off--WHY NOT?  Okay, but seriously, if you haven't read the first book, then be warned that this review may be a bit "spoilery"**

© August 2010
Publisher: Harlequin Teen


Goodreads Description:

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

©  January 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Goodreads Description: 

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

My Thoughts... 

The Iron King was one of the very first books that I ever reviewed here on my blog back in February! I bought The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen not too long after buying and reading the first book because I thought is was a very good "faery book."  I don't know why I put off reading these two books for so long! Seriously, it's a tragedy!  I've decided to put them together on one review because I read them in the span of a day and a half, one after the other, so for me they flow together as one story. It would be crazy for me to try to separate the stories at this point.

The plot twists and turns in both of these books really kept me guessing.  There is so much deception in the faery world that you can never be sure what to expect next from any given character. It's this deception that keeps you guessing.  At the outset of The Iron Daughter, you find Meghan in Tir Na Nog at the Winter Court's mercy.  The first time she sees Ash, his icy glare and sarcastic comments broke my heart a little.  I mean, I wanted to believe that he was just playing his part, but he was seriously convincing. Thankfully he was not serious. Thankfully. The Iron Daughter and The Iron King are both packed with action along the way as well--from faery attacks in the City of the Dead to all-out faery war.

The character in the series continue to draw me in at every turn.   Meghan continues to grow up through these two books.  She is a strong, respectable heroine, who often follows her head over her heart but does what she really believe is best for the faery realm. She really does make some tough decisions and shows her strength of character. 

I am SOLIDLY "Team Ash" so all those "Team Puck" people out there, please excuse me for a moment while I gush! Ash is simply amazing.  His devotion is solid and true and even when Meghan doubts his true affections, he comes through in the end, proving his love for her at every turn.  He is also super sexy. Just sayin. ;-)

Julie Kagawa is truly a master of the fae world.  The Nevernever continues to uphold and exceed my expectations for the faery realm. The world that she has created is truly spectacular.  I could seriously gush about how awesome I think her weaving of classic fae literature with modern life for EVER.  Seriously, I think it's absolutely phenomenal. Back in February, Julie kagawa drew me into the realm of faeries and I've never wanted to go back.