The Iron King
Julia Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: February 1, 2010
Pages: 368

Rating: 5 stars

Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined–the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his icy heart. The Iron King is the first book in the Iron Fey series.

I don’t even know how to start this review. I loved this book so much it’s not even funny! It had kick-ass characters, a spiffy cat, romance, action, and danger all wrapped up with amazing writing, Shakespearean inspiration and a promise of 2 more books to come – what more do you need?

I think I first must talk about Grimalkin, and how he is the coolest cat ever. Julie Kagawa manages to perfectly capture the spirit of a cat in Grimalkin (or at least what seems what a cat would be like to me). He had attitude, and was downright awesome. Then there was Puck and Ash. Puck was so much fun! Everything was always a joke, and things he did had me laughing so hard! Ash was more serious and cold, but the little things he did felt really heartwarming.

Now I must talk about Meghan. Major props to Julie Kagawa for making Meghan a strong and intelligent female protaganist who is so dedicated to whatever she does. She stands her ground for what she believes in in this world where pretty much everyone’s trying to sway her to their side.

The romance in The Iron King was perfect in the setting. There was none of the gooey, love scenes which sometimes don’t seem real. Romance in The Iron King had sparks flying off the page. There was so much anticipation, so many almost moments. I kept thinking they’d finally kiss, and then something else would happen.

The writing was excellent. From page 1, I felt as if I had been transported to Meghan’s world and was there alongside her. The setting Julie Kagawa wrote is simply magical – magical and beautiful – all while having that edgy feeling that danger is lurking around every corner.

I was basically addicted to The Iron King. I started reading, and I couldn’t put it down! I had to know what would happen next. Julie Kagawa nicely ties up the major story of The Iron King, while unfolding another tale for Meghan that has readers begging to know what’ll happen.

Basically, this book is awesome and everyone should read it. If you’re a fan of fairy books, you will definately want to read this one. If you’ve never tried fairy books before, read this. If you’ve read some fairy books before and weren’t a fan, read this one anyways. You do not want to miss The Iron King! It is that amazing. I am eagerly awaiting book 2, The Iron Daughter, which is coming out in August. I want more Ash, Puck, Grimalkin and Meghan adventures!