Title: The Iron King (Iron Fae #1)Author: Julie Kagawa
Classification: YA Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Public Library
Overall Grade:
B +
Would I read it again?
Sure.
Would I recommend it to others?
Yes!
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Summary (from Goodreads):
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never 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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My Thoughts:
I'm not sure what to say about this book. I heard such a hype about it from fellow bloggers and friends on Goodreads, but I'm not sure I really grasp the appeal of it.
Something that sets The Iron King apart from other young adult fantasy books I've read recently is that it is largely an adventure tale. The romantic story-line in the book is far less prominent than the story of Meghan's quest. I found this to be equal parts refreshing and frustrating, because at many points in the narrative, the plot of the story was not strong enough in itself to keep me hanging on. I often became bored during the long gaps between personal interactions.
However, despite the somewhat lagging pace, I enjoyed the book and felt that Kagawa created a well-organized lush world that is easy to fall in love with. Having said that, there are several points in the narrative where Kagawa fails. For example, in the area of Meghan's character, I did like her, but I found her a bit cookie-cutter and bland at times. However, she does seem to grow with the story, which is definitely a plus!
Then there was a series of action scenes where I almost lost it. I think in the space of 5 pages Kagawa uses the verb "snarled" about 7 times. Instead of characters screaming or exclaiming something, they "snarled" it. This overuse of a memorable word was amateur and annoying.
At the end of The Iron King, the story is wrapped up nicely, but also ends on another note that makes you want to continue the story in the next novel. I will definitely pick up the next book, The Iron Daughter, because Kagawa's world and characters were enough to carry me through the weak points in the novel.
Have you read The Iron King? If so, do you agree or disagree with my assessment? Let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear what you think!
______________________________________________________
My Thoughts:
I'm not sure what to say about this book. I heard such a hype about it from fellow bloggers and friends on Goodreads, but I'm not sure I really grasp the appeal of it.
Something that sets The Iron King apart from other young adult fantasy books I've read recently is that it is largely an adventure tale. The romantic story-line in the book is far less prominent than the story of Meghan's quest. I found this to be equal parts refreshing and frustrating, because at many points in the narrative, the plot of the story was not strong enough in itself to keep me hanging on. I often became bored during the long gaps between personal interactions.
However, despite the somewhat lagging pace, I enjoyed the book and felt that Kagawa created a well-organized lush world that is easy to fall in love with. Having said that, there are several points in the narrative where Kagawa fails. For example, in the area of Meghan's character, I did like her, but I found her a bit cookie-cutter and bland at times. However, she does seem to grow with the story, which is definitely a plus!
Then there was a series of action scenes where I almost lost it. I think in the space of 5 pages Kagawa uses the verb "snarled" about 7 times. Instead of characters screaming or exclaiming something, they "snarled" it. This overuse of a memorable word was amateur and annoying.
At the end of The Iron King, the story is wrapped up nicely, but also ends on another note that makes you want to continue the story in the next novel. I will definitely pick up the next book, The Iron Daughter, because Kagawa's world and characters were enough to carry me through the weak points in the novel.
Have you read The Iron King? If so, do you agree or disagree with my assessment? Let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear what you think!
______________________________________________________
Overall Grade:
B +
Would I read it again?
Sure.
Would I recommend it to others?
Yes!
This one looks so great! I have heard so many good things about the series. I can't wait to read it! Thanks for the review. I'm a new follower!
ReplyDeleteTara @ TamingTheBookshelf.com
Thanks for the comment Tara! :)
ReplyDelete