The Iron Queen (Iron Fey) Paperback – January 25, 2011

Has a really nice story line and character development. Had lots of humor, action, and a bit of romance. Perfect for a good fantasy read and has a modern twist

The first book in the series I honestly didn’t like at the beginning so I just stopped reading it but I had to wait a few days for a different book to come in and decided to just finish it… and oh my lord it was amazing! I bought the rest of the next day! This book if my favorite book in the series! It was a very clean read and I definitely recommend it! Ash and Meghan’s relationship was amazing, it’s one of my favorite relationships I have ever read about!

If you have not read the other two books in this series,  The Iron King  and  The Iron Daughter , do not read this review, because it will contain spoilers for you.At the end of The Iron Daughter, Meghan Chase has been exiled from the land of the fey. The fey Winter Prince she loves, Ash, has chosen to go into exile with her, losing his title as prince in the process. They are joined by her long-time friend and protector, the Summer fey Puck AKA Robin Goodfellow. But soon after the three of them have found a way to settle into the human world, they are summoned back to the fey world to save it from the Iron Fey. These dangerous fey have a new "false king" who is determined that nothing short of total annihilation of the rest of the fey will serve his purposes, and the only hope of the land of Faery is Meghan. She killed an Iron King once before, and maybe she can kill one again.My favorite part of this book is the romance between Meghan and Ash. Now that they are committed to each other, Kagawa gives them much more time onstage together. It is great to have many more chances than in the previous two books to spend time with them as a couple. Individually, Meghan has grown up a lot over the series, showing resilience, backbone and fighting spirit in this book. Ash is, as always, the consummate warrior, utterly fearless and unbeatable on the battlefield, but he is also an amazingly sensitive and gentle mate for Meghan--in short, the ideal romantic hero.Puck continues to be a central character in this book as he was in the previous two books. Grimalkin is a key player in the main storyline as well--which made me very happy because he is one of my favorite characters in the series.Once again, as in the previous two books, Kagawa excels at world-building. Her imagination is awe-inspiring, as her Faery world is extremely complex. The theme of a journey continues in this book as for the other two, with an interesting bit of magic that allows Puck, Ash and Grimalkin to accompany Meghan in her life-or-death mission to take down the Iron King. For those who like lots of adventure, skirmishes and outright battles, this book will be a welcome addition to their collection of fantasy novels.A particular aspect of the ending (which I won't specify to avoid a spoiler) may disappoint those who are rooting for Ash and Meghan as a couple. Fortunately, there is a sequel,  The Iron Knight , which will be released 10/25/11, which continues their story.I just read a galley of The Iron Knight that I received through NetGalley, and I learned through an interview included at the end of the book why Kagawa decided to write a fourth book in this series when she had originally planned it as a trilogy. She states: "The Iron Knight came about because I love Ultimate Noble Sacrifice endings, and my editor...liked HEAs (Happily Ever Afters). I had a very specific character arc in mind for Meghan, and Iron Queen was supposed to be the end of her journey....But my editor convinced me that we couldn't leave [the series where it stopped at the end of The Iron Queen with] Meg and Ash apart...."It sounds like it was the idea of the editor, not the author, to write one more book (and only one) to tie up this series, but Kagawa figured out a way to write it that she herself could believe in and live with. In it she continues the theme that she does so well in the other three books in this series, that of a heroic journey, and it is written entirely from the point of view of Ash. Fans of this series will not be disappointed, and those who love Ash will be particularly pleased to be allowed to spend so much time with him. In addition, Grimalkin plays a major role, which for me as a huge fan of his was wonderful.

I love the products I have nothing against the books at all what I have against is how they were packaged one of the books were inside of another book which damaged the book and they’re supposed to be brand new

Meghan Chase thought she was leaving the Nevernever behind for good. In exile with Ash, the Prince of the Winter Court, Meghan thought she could return home to live with her human family and finally have her own happily ever after.But she quickly learns that this will be impossible. Fate has other plans for her.Meghan must return to Faery and accept a quest that is part of her destiny - a journey that will put her life, along with her friends, in jeopardy.Having already lost her good friend Ironhorse on her previous mission to stop the Iron Realm's expansion, will Meghan be able to handle the responsibility of keeping those most dear to her alive and saving the world she doesn't even want to be a part of?With an army at her disposal, countless lives on the line willing to risk everything for her and Faery's last hopes riding on her shoulders, will Meghan take up the gauntlet and be the savior that everyone is counting on?***The Iron Queen continues the tale of Meghan, Puck, Ash and Grim as they follow the path that destiny has chosen for them. As the battle draws ever nearer, will their efforts be enough to save Faery from being destroyed by the false Iron King? Will they all make it through or will one of them fall along the way?Author Julie Kagawa is an accomplished story teller. The adventures of Meghan and company are both delightful and suspenseful. And each new story in this series continues to build on the previous one, leaving readers anxious for the next. Ms. Kagawa's telling of the events will bring readers into the story and make them feel as if they are traveling along with the characters every step of the way - making the character's journey their own.While the first book in the series clearly showed the author's influence from such works as Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (with a little Romeo & Juliet thrown in) and both T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land and Stephen King's The Dark Tower series, over the series' development Ms. Kagawa has truly made this story and its characters her own - one very much worth reading.When first introduced, Grim so closely resembled the Cheshire Cat, but as the story continued to unfold it became clear he was very much his own cat. And in The Iron Queen, readers will delight in each chapter that he makes a surprise appearance - he is a cait sith after all.Meghan Chase is a stubborn, feisty and very loyal heroine who looks past everyone's differences to judge them on who, not what, they are, and always tries to see the good in them. Her impulsiveness is balanced out by Ash, her protector and beloved, who with centuries of experience seeks only her safety, and Puck, her best friend, who while also rash, sarcastic and unreliable, is always looking out for her.This is a fairy tale, filled with love, action and adventure. It is a story and series that will entertain a wide audience - from young teens to adults. While the story is chaste, jealousy, love and heartbreak abound. And Julie Kagawa's writing has not been simplified to grab that younger audience.While this can be read on its own, it really shouldn't. The previous books set the stage and introduce characters discussed in this book. Coming out in January, The Iron Queen is one that should be added to those "to be read" lists. The next book the series, The Iron Knight will be told by Ash's point of view.

The ending of The Iron Daughter saw Ash and Meghan exiled to the Mortal Realm after admitting their love to each other on the battle field in front of both courts. As Oberon said, the Summer and Winter Courts share many things but love isn't one of them.Meghan now know's her memory she gave was of her mortal father who left when she was six and she's determind to free him from the queen of the exiles and bring him home. Ofcourse deals must be made but now she has Ash nothing seems too far out of reach.The courts know of the Iron Fey finally and after seeing their effect on the Nevernever they realise the important part Meghan plays in being immune to Iron. With the loyal and determined Puck in tow the trio must once again journey into the Nevernever and the Iron Realm to save all Fey kind from the Iron's advancement over the land.Puck has admitted his love to Meghan but for her it was always Ash, still he hopes for more and stays at her side no matter what.Ash has left his Court and family for Meghan and now risks his life once again in the Iron Realm but for Love and not a contract.Meghan is changing. Her powers are growing just like she is. She's seen so much, learned some hard truths and left her family behind all within one mortal year. This time the fate of the Nevernever all it's people rest on her shoulders.Puck is a firm favourite of mine and I almost wish he and Meghan could be together but love triangles are there for a reason and both men have qualities that any woman would want. He plays an integral part to the story so glad he's stayed in it even though he know's where Meghan's heart now lies.Meghan and Ash are still learning who the other is but one thing their sure of is that they would die for one another. They've battled through hardship and you can really see why they work.The ending is very bittersweet but not everythings a bed of roses and with Meghans powers being both Summer and Iron her road was never going to be easy.Very good YA series that isn't predictable and draws you into this beautiful ruthless world.

Can you believe that the third story in The Iron Fey series is more affecting than the others? I was almost drawn to tears at the end! We see Meghan trying and failing to wield her Summer and Iron glamours (powers) and her constant worries over the land of the fey, because as the Nevernever dies, so do the faeries within it. She might consider herself to be a human and wish for things to return to normal, but the fact remains that she belongs to this new world and her heart is set on some of the beings in it.Grim is back with a vengeance! Yay! And there are crazier characters to accompany him, like Razor the eccentric gremlin. The gremlins remind me of the houselves from HP, slaves of the iron master. Ironhorse died in the last book, but I was glad to see his 'spirit' again, which was sweet but a leeetle creepy.Puck is around as always, as is Ash, but the character that showed the most change and strength was of course Meghan. In Iron Queen she realises that she can only expect the boys to protect her for so long. In the end she needs to learn how to fight, and I enjoyed seeing how she takes charge of her situation and makes her own decisions despite being the half breed in a strange land. Ash’s belief in her is inspiring, and if I was unsure about being Team Ash before, there is no doubt now!Now for the heartbreak... We all knew it was a love that wasn't meant to be, but having it confirmed is far worse. I won't spoil it too much but I hope Ash keeps his promise!Favourite Quotes:"I don't see how you mortals do it, these feelings you must endure. They will ruin you, in the end..." [Puck]I couldn't let him go. Gods forgive me if I was being selfish, but I wanted nothing more than to stay with him forever. [Meghan]"For the record," Grimalkin stated as we ventured, single file, into the black, "I do not think this is a good idea/ But, as no one listens to the cat anymore, I will have to wait until we are completely lost to say 'I told you so.'""Why do you think I brought you that creature, human? To keep up my stalking skills? I assure you, they are quite adequate already. Please attempt to use the brain I know is hidden somewhere in that head..." [Grim]"Do try to stay out of trouble, human. I will be terribly annoyed if you manage to get yourself killed." [Grim]"I love you, Meghan Chase," he murmured against my skin. "For the rest of my life, however long we have left. I'll consider it anhonor to die beside you." [Ash]

These books have been hailed as the new Twilight ~ there is the love triangle ~ two (immortal) boys in love with one girl: The Winter Prince, who is totally unsuitable for Meaghan and Robbie/Puck who would be the more obvious choice in the circumstances (and who reminds me of an adult version of Peter Pan). Puck is the infinite lovable rogue but I have to admit that I am definitely Team Ash (The Winter Prince).However, this series is a lot larger than the Twilight Saga ~ it doesn't just follow it's heroine and her friends and family. These books are about the whole existence of Nevernever, including the Summer and Winter Courts and the human world. Realms that have co~existed for eternity. However, progress in the human world has conceived the Iron Kingdom (through technology) and it's very existence threatens the survival of the Summer and Winter Courts. There are political struggles, mistrust and deceit rife amongst their powerful, immortal and magical rulers.The author's skillful use of adjectives paints a wonderfully full and vivid picture of the worlds that she has created. It is so easy to visualise the kingdoms unfolding before the reader ~ the misty greyness and savagery of the Wyldwood, the vicious RedCaps, the Fae with their respective courts ~ all come to life under this author's very talented guidance.The characters are all well developed. They develop through the story, from book to book, changing and adapting as real people would. The characters provoke powerful emotive responses from the reader as real tenderness, frustration, worry and compassion are felt for them.It is a world where is is difficult to decide who is your friend and who is your enemy, who you can trust and who you can't. Promises become iron~clad contracts and the words "thank you" indebts you in unimaginable ways.It truly is a series to rival Lord Of The Rings with it's wonderful tapestry of fantasy and would make a fabulous series of films. There is fantasy, horror, humour, romance and action. Some parts of the books are definitely not far the feint hearted when passages describe flesh being melted off, beings being suffocated, brutal slayings etc.I have been waiting for "THE IRON QUEEN" with eager anticipation and was not disappointed. I loved it so much that I read it cover to cover TWICE in three days! The first time I read it, I was so loathe to put it down that I actually fell asleep whilst reading it in the small hours of the morning! I woke up and immediately continued reading it until I finished. And then started all over again!The brilliantly penned characters have reached out to me, forming an emotive connection that has made them feel like real people to me ~ I felt real concern for their well being and safety!!The way that modern language (even some swearing!) interweave and unite the modern world with the immortal Faery Realm, made the story seem more believable ~ more realistic.Danger, power, political manoeuvrings, love, passion, danger, horror, fantasy, action, responsibilities (both familial and for the greater good), vengeance, gore, self sacrifice ~ this series has all the bases covered. It moves quickly, fast paced, with no lulls in action and pulls the reader in to a mystical and fantastic world.I have laughed, been fearful and cried in equal measures during this series. I had thought that "THE IRON QUEEN" was the last book in the series ~ initially I was disappointed that the story hadn't reached the conclusion that I'd been waiting for BUT then I realised that another book meant that I can continue to read about characters that I am not yet ready to say goodbye to! I am therefore more than eagerly waiting for the next installment, "The Iron Knight" to see what happens next in the magical world that this extremely talented author has drawn me in to.

I wasn't sure whether to give this book a 4 or a 5. I gave the first 2 books 5's and I soooo wanted to give this a 5 as well but in the end I opted for a 4 for one main reason - I wasn't happy about the ending.Other than that The Iron Queen matched the first two in everything else. The adventures, the action and the characters were outstanding as usual and the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. Also, the relationship between Megan and Ash heated up a lot more which I really enjoyed, along with Puck's comic timing, and general funniness - it really was a brilliant book. I coulnd't put it down.I think the best way to describe the feel of this book is `epic'. There is so much at stake and evidently in the end, the story comes to such an epic climax, I felt like I was reading The Lord of the Rings or something along those lines. It was amazing.I do feel that this story is a lot darker than the first two. There is more feeling of impending doom throughout the story and Megan is left with the responsibility of killing the False Iron King due to her being the only one who has a chance (as she has both summer and iron glamour at her disposal). So this ultimately makes her grow up a lot. She is the one who has to decide where to go and what to do and she really steps up and takes on the challenge. She sets out on a journey with Ash, Puck and Grim (yes Grim is back and as amusing as ever!) to find the false Iron King and destroy him before his armies destroy the summer and winter courts and therefore the nevernever as we know it, for good.We are introduced to some new characters along the way which I enjoyed, whilst revisiting old characters like Oberon, Mab and the evil Rowan was also good too.As I said at the beginning, this book had one flaw for me and that was the ending. It was just a bit too sad for me. I didn't want to cry at the end of this book. I wanted to feel the happy ever after I had been hoping for and although there is another book to come and so fingers crossed I get my happy ever after, I just thought it would have fit in sooo much better at the end of this book after everything that happened.But, no matter, Ash gets to continue the story next in The Iron Knight and I for one am hoping he can stand up and bring me my happily ever after I've been waiting for!

Megan Chase thought her trials were over. She thought her time with the fey was done with; all her duties repaid. Now it was time to return home and be happy...be with her prince. Banished and exiled, Ash and Megan can finally be together. But Faery isn't quite ready to let Megan leave yet.Only Megan can penetrate the Iron realm and destroy the false king. Summer and Winter have joined forces to defeat the Iron fey but they are quickly losing ground. If Megan does not help, the Nevernever will soon be lost...and all of fey with it.Megan soon finds herself in the midst of danger once again, her ever present guardians at her side. Puck and Ash, the rivals who are once again at each other's throats over a girl. The amazing cait sith who guides them into the heart of danger and now...gremlins. And I seriously loved the gremlins.Iron Queen had the most action of all the Iron Fey books and I literally found myself on the edge of my seat for the most of it. The tension reached dizzying heights, as did the romance. With Ash swearing his devotion to Megan, nothing can part him from her side.Julie Kagawa leaves you with one heck of an ending that will have you tripping over your own feet to get the next book.