Tuesday Review Day!

Tempestuous (Wondrous Strange, #3)

Written by: Lesley Livingston

Publication date: December 21, 2010 by HarperTeen

Released in Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, ebook

368pgs

5 Stars

Synopsis: "I don't love Sonny Flannery." 

That's the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats—to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City.

But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick—and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley.

The intrigue and romance that began with Wondrous Strange and Darklight come to a stormy head in Tempestuous, the breathtaking conclusion to Lesley Livingston's ravishing urban Faerie trilogy.

My Review: Once again, Sonny and Kelley are not with each other; Kelley lied and said she didn't love Sonny at the end of Darklight in order to get Sonny to leave. This was supposed to protect him from his inner Green Magick to which Kelley seems to trigger. So now Sonny's in one place and Kelley in another. She won't tell anyone what's going on in fear that his secret will get out and someone will try to kill him. It was kind of annoying that I had to wait for the recap in the next book to fully understand what happened in the previous one. I found that sometimes in this series when things would come to light, mostly at the end of the book, it wasn't really laid out or explained well enough that I was absolutely sure what happened. Maybe it's just me, but Kelley seems to be overreacting about Sonny's...uh...outburst in the Avalon Theater. I mean, he killed that bad guys. It's what he does for a living. Where's the problem?

There's a lot of temptation going on in this book directed at both Sonny and Kelley. Their physical separation and Sonny believing Kelley really never loved him; is creating room for others to slip in between them. With little struggle, they have to often remind themselves of their love for each other. You know I love a good love-triangle, but this guy, The Fennrys Wolf, is just WRONG! He's so sneaky! Here's what I'm wondering: Why did Sonny Flannery get such a weak name and Fennrys got such a bad boy name like the Wolf? Yeah, yeah, I know, the whole Irish background and all. Speaking of which, I really need to work on my Irish brogue because I think it was coming out (in my head, of course) kind of Scottish.

This was a tricky, twisty plot and everywhere you turn, you don't know who to trust! Or you know who you can't trust and you're screaming at the pages wishing you could warn the characters. There was a surprise at the end that I REALLY didn't see coming. I don't think I liked it. But I loved the book as a whole; the people, the places, all of it.

Overall: Tons of romance, lots of faerie magick wielding and twists and turns. If you like faeries mixed in with humans, as they so often are, this is a must read!

 

Tuesday Review Day!

Darkest Mercy (Wicked Lovey #5)

Written by: Melissa Marr

Publication date: February 22, 2011

Released in Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, ebook, Audio CD

327pgs

5 stars

Synopsis: The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose "everything." 

The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's "New York Times" bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

My Review: I was so anxious to get to this book because I knew all the stories would be told at once and we would get to hear from everyone; like Donia, whom we haven't seen since Fragile Eternity. At this point in the story, everything is a mess! War is threatening all the courts, Keenan is missing, things are looking pretty bad - to say the least. And Niall? All I can say about Niall is, "Niall, Niall, Niall." SMH. If I said more than that I'd spoil it for you.

Okay, maaybe I shouldn't have jumped on the "Team Seth" band wagon so quickly because I am completely on Keenan's side. The last couple of books I began to feel the pull toward the other side but this one really did me in! Maybe I connect with Keenan or feel for him more because I a Summer baby and I love everything Summer - or perhaps that's me just trying to justify me switching teams. And it's not that I like Seth any less but I do agree he gets in the way of the court.

Even though I give this book a high rating, it did not have the ending I would have preferred. I knew by book 2 or 3 that it wasn't going to but I guess for many others it ended perfectly.

the mortals that get involved with these faeries  become so inducted into that world that it's as if they were never mortals. For example, Donia and Aislinn. They didn't just become faeries and then sent on their merry way to go frolic in the fields or have snowball fights. No, they were made into faeries that held important positions - Winter Girl and Summer Queen. There are more examples but I won't ruin the surprise!

Overall: I laughed, I cringed, I was shocked and I cried. Literally. I absolutely adore this series! Plus, I cannot wait to read Melissa Marr's Faery Tales & Nightmares!

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments dark and light by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from beneath the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly.

From the gentle tones of a storyteller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with...or to fear.

Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr’s stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.

Popluar Theme - Love Triangles!

What is it about a good love triangle that just keeps us turning the pages, picking "teams" and falling in love with one and admonishing the other? It's because they're just so juicy, aren't they? We love debating why we picked who we picked and why the other sucks and doesn't deserve the girl (or guy).

I've noticed that there are love triangles in just about every book I read. Sometimes they're subtle; like the one in the middle doesn't even have feelings for the third wheel. Other times, we watch a character go back and forth and fight with their feelings for two people.

I thought it'd be fun to take a look at a few well known love-triangle threesomes!

1. Let's get the obvious one out of the way - Twilight.This triangle worked so well because Bella had genuine feelings for Jacob even though she was in love with Edward. She knew Jacob had a place in her life, she just didn't know where he fit. Plus, Edward and Jacob are both totally loveable so as readers, it's even hard for us to pick a side!



2. Peter Pan - Wendy - Tinkerbell.
This one is a little tricky. Peter Pan and Tink have been together, well, always, but then he finds Wendy and brings her home! Naturally, Tink ain't having that so she plots against them with Captain Hook to get rid of Wendy. Hey, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned"; am I right?! =]



3. Vampire Diaries
Now this one is my favorite! I've always liked Stefan but due to recent events; such as his "Ripper" days coming back to haunt him and his loss of humanity, I'm really feeling Elena being with Damon. Now, I know it will never happen but I also know she loves them both! And all those little moments she has with Damon - especially their kiss - are just so damn delicious, I can't bear to miss a second!

4. True Blood
Okay, this threesome gets me all kinds of crazy! I simply love Sookie and Eric together but in the show, the way she holds on to her feelings for Bill and keeps Eric at arms length drives me absolutely nuts!! I want the show to go exactly as the book did so each episode I end up holding my breath til the very end!




Here are some other love triangles that I just love:

5. Seth, Aislinn and Keenan from Wicked Lovely. It didn't turn out the way I had hoped but I still loved every minute of it!

6. Sonny, Kelley and The Fennrys Wolf from Wondrous Strange. This one wasn't a hard decision but there was that moment when I think we all thought she might be persuaded to go in another direction!

7. Adrian, Rose and Dimitri from Vampire Academy. For me, this was a no-brainer but Rose really had us going for while there, didn't she? I'm just glad she came to her senses; and so did Dimitri! Phew!

8. Ash, Meghan and Puck from The Iron Fey. This was such a sweet love story although I did feel pretty bad for Puck. Waiting around all that time and then she falls in love with someone else! Man, that's messed up! The only thing that bugged me was that Meghan and Ash fell in love in a matter of days with very little romance. But hey, it all worked out I guess. Well, maybe with the exception of Puck ending up alone!

9. Last but certainly not least, Tamani, Laurel and  David from Wings. This story isn't over yet so Laurel still hasn't picked her man. But I tell you this, if she doesn't pick Tam I will be HIGHLY disappointed! Okay, that might be an understatement - I'll be PISSED!!! I finally got my BFF to read this series and she is Team Tam all the way!! I can not wait for Destined May 1st, 2012 to find out what happens! It's too far away!

I know there are a ton of great love triangles out there, so feel free to comment with some of your faves!

Tuesday Review Day!

FRAGILE ETERNITY (WONDROUS STRANGE #3)

Written by: Melissa Marr

Publication date: April 21, 2009 by HarperCollins

Released in Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, ebook

389pgs

5 Stars

Synopsis: Aislinn never expected to rule in Faerie--but that was before Keenan stole her mortality to make her a monarch. Now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever dreamed of.

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone--but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he's ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on a new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

My Review: I wasn't sure if I was going to like the rotating of the stories; each book focusing on different members of the same tale. However, everything is so intricately connected, as well as the characters, that each book is more like a different side, a different perspective and point of view from the story. Had it been written any other way, I would have felt cheated.

This time around we get to see things through the eyes of the only one to remain 100% mortal and who willingly stays with the faeries - Seth Morgan. If you haven't read my review of Wicked Lovely, let me inform you that I love Seth. Always with the right words at the right time. The only mortal to not only freely move throughout a few of the Faerie Courts, Summer, Winter and Dark; but to also have close relationships with all of the Courts' kings and queens! Seth sometimes has a hard time being around faeries all the time, even Aislinn now that she's immortal. She's his forever girl, but, he's the only one that won't last that long. Spending time with her reminds him of how different she's become and how fragile he is as a human.

The problem in this book is that Seth has become a little too popular among the fey for his own good. So popular, that Bananach in particular has become quite interested in him. We all know that in the wake of Bananach is nothing but death and destruction. One thing I've learned about the raven-haried faery is how she likes to get what she wants and to do so, she whispers into the ears of others, recruiting them to unwittingly do her bidding.

The High Court is another one of the Faery Courts, whose Queen is Sorcha. She is mentioned in the earlier books but never discussed in depth or introduced in the actual story (unless you read Old Habits). Sorcha's role is to maintain order; not like faery police but her mere existence keeps all of Faerie balanced. Yet, Sorcha begins to have feelings and emotions that are irrational and therefore are disrupting the balance and there is only one unexpected person that can fix everything. As if all that wasn't enough - the problems between Aislinn and Seth, Seth and Bananach, Seth and the other courts - things between Keenan and Donia get even more complex. Loving each other and it being impossible to be together makes it hard to cope. There is tension between the courts and Seth is right in the middle of it all. The tension comes directly from Nial, Keenan, Aislinn and Bananach; each of them trying to remind the other of their own strength.

Okay, even though I've already sworn my fealty to Seth, there's a large part of me that really wants Keenan and Aislinn to be together, I would hate for Seth to be dumped but I'm sure there a nice Summer Girl out there that could serve as a pleasant distraction.

Overall: There are unbelievable twists, turns and surprises. You can't stop reading this series, you have to know what's going to happen next. Right now everything is a mess and I need to know how we're going to fix it so that everyone gets what they want, everyone is where they want to be and with the one they want to be with? I need my happily ever after here! If I didn't have the whole series and was unable to read them back to back, I would go mad!

 

Tuesday Review Day!

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope all of you had fun ringing it in. What did you do? I spent it with my favorite people, my family. Watching the girls get confetti everywhere and spraying the birthday girl with silly string (another one of our weird family traditions) while she ran around screaming was a great time. the best part is that when it's all over, I get to walk home and not have to worry about crazy traffic and drunk drivers.

For Christmas, I received The Iron Knight and started reading it immediately. No really, like while everyone was still milling about and celebrating, I was teasing myself with the prologue. I was very anxious and excited for this one, if you were having a hard time figuring that out. So here's my [SPOILER FREE] review...

Iron Knight (The Iron Fey, #4)
Written by: Julie Kagawa
Publication date: October 25, 2011 by Harlequin Teen
Released in Paperback, Kindle & ebook
361 pages

5 Stars

Synopsis: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

My Review: If that synopsis alone has started your heart racing then you will require some serious preparation before reading this book.


The first thing I love about this book is the dedication: Team Ash, this one is for you - *heart beats a little faster*. As you can see, Ash and Puck are side by side in Ash's quest to earn a soul. Now, you know from the previous three books that these two like to go at it; argue, threaten each other with ice shards to the face or a wild pig on your ass, and insults to each others egos. Well without Meghan around, there's no one to referee their  banter so it just goes on and on. It's great. Grimalkin sure isn't going to take that job, it isn't nearly entertaining enough, therefore not worth his while. Grim is almost my favorite character with all his cat knowledge and dry humor. At the very beginning of their journey Grim offers Ash an ominous warning, 

"You have no idea what you asking, what lies ahead, for all of us"

 Right away you're excited because the kind of situations Puck and Ash find themselves in are always nail biting experiences. The tension between them due to their ancient feud, thickens in this book. Ash's vow to Ariella to kill Puck to avenge her death has been haunting him ever since he spoke the words and now they are coming to a head.

There was, in my opinion, a very unpleasant surprise in this story. It made me wish Kagawa had thought of another way, a different route to the end of the story. Speaking of surprises, a double love triangle?! What? Yeah. The fact that this is even happening is just wrong on so many levels. I did not like that.

Anyhow, it is quite an adventure Ash, Puck and Grimalkin go on; encountering never before seen fey, battling their way through the deepest darkest parts of the Nevernever. The trials Ash has to go through to obtain his soul and a mortal body are seriously intense. He finds out what it truly means to be human; and what I think it all boils down to is feelings. Humans are capable of such deep, passionate emotions that they change our lives and as a Winter Prince, Ash has no idea what to expect!

Overall: I was satisfied with the ending, although it still raised a few questions. It definitely leaves your head spinning having just been on a never ending roller-coaster. And it seriously took me until the end of the book to realize that the guy on the back of the book is Puck!! I think it took me a while because that's not really how I pictured him.

Tuesday Review Day!

Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely, #2)

Written by: Melissa Marr

Publication date: May 1, 2008

Released in Hardcover, paperback, Kindle & ebook

325 pages

3.8 stars

Synopsis: To 17-year-old Leslie, the tattoo is a thing of indescribable beauty, a captivating mark that she must make her own. But this subtle web of eyes and wings brings with it a transformation that no sweet young girl would ever imagine or welcome. Like its predecessor, this stand-alone sequel to Wicked Lovely plunges its youthful heroine into a faery world of almost constant peril. A tantalizing urban fantasy that won't let go.

My Review: Leslie is a poor, unfortunate soul; left to fend for herself in a dysfunctional household that isn't even a place she can call home. She's ready to make a change and the perfect tattoo seems like the right place to start. I've got a couple tattoos myself so I get the liberating feel you get when you get one, but I think Leslie takes that meaning of being free to design your body however you want to be a little more profound than it actually is.

We get to see Aislinn although it isn't her story. If you've read Alyxandra Harvey's Drake Chronicles, it's just like that; several books but each one is about a different character from the first one, which is why I do not advise you to read either series out of order. In this sequel we get to know Leslie better and meed the Dark Fey that were mentioned in Wicked Lovely. Irial is the Dark King and has recently become quite interested in Leslie, and I think we all know how things turn out when a faery, light or dark, sets his sights on a human. If a faery decides it wants you, it will have you.

What is with Melissa Marr and her conflicting characters?! Right from the beginning I knew I was going to feel torn about Irial. I was all ready to hate him through out the story, my lip curling with hate every time he came into the story, but I often found that sneer had turned into a very different expression. One more like empathy. I didn't know what to do with myself. On the other hand, I knew I liked Niall from the first book; he seemed a rare find among the fey - he was genuinely kind. At least, he knew how to be and chose to be often. Niall plays a big part in this sequel, the second male lead role, if you will. He is devout in his loyalty to the Summer court but when Leslie comes into his life - everything changes. Leslie is obliviously naive. If she only knew what she was dealing with, she'd be just as brave facing her threat - it took waaay too long for her to finally learn the truth - less than 100pgs left. Smh. The love triangle in this book is very frustrating. Both Irial and Niall are pursuing Leslie in their own, very different ways but by the end, I wanted both of them to have her!

Overall: Although this probably won't be my favorite book in the series, it does have a very strong message. It was profound, a lot of talk about belonging to yourself, reclaiming yourself after someone has tried to hurt you. Leslie went through a tragic ordeal hence her quest to find the perfect tattoo to begin the reclaiming process.

Fave Books of 2011 - Day 3

 

In anticipation of the new year and all the new releases to follow, I will be doing a countdown of my favorite books in 2011; a different one everyday until the ball drops! Each new fave will be a different category such as favorite book, character, cover, series, bad-guy-you-love-to-hate and ebook.

Today's category is my favorite series: The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa. Okay, the fact that I love this series is an understatement. I'm not sure how to explain what is so great about these books; the characters, the settings, the adventure, the humor, the love-triangle...none of these things is enough!

Before reading this series, be prepared for heartache, heart break, highs, lows and a ton of holy-crap jaw dropping moments. There are so many wonderful things I could say about this series that it leaves me speechless.

Fave Books of 2011 - Day 1

In anticipation of the new year and all the new releases to follow, I will be doing a countdown of my favorite books in 2011; a different one everyday until the ball drops! Each new fave will be a different category such as favorite book, character, cover, series, bad-guy-you-love-to-hate and ebook.

Today is my favorite book of 2011 which has to be Illusions by Aprilynne Pike. I can always count on this series to lift me up, take me to a faraway place and fill me with romantic hope! It also frustrates the hell out of me - which only adds to its genius! Pike created a completely realistic faerie world, that I totally want to live in, and characters you immediately fall in love with. Especially Tam! Not only was this book anxiously waited for but also a can't-put-down read! Read my review here.

Illusions is the third book in the Wings series and the fourth, Destined, is due out May 1st!

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme created by Breaking The Spine to highlight upcoming books that readers are dying to get their hands on! And just like last weeks WOW, this book I'm waiting on is serious.

(A small tidbit of information from Charlaine's blog)

Sookie gets kidnapped and a character (a man) that Charlaine thought was dead, isn't. 

Are you kidding me?? That little teaser is enough to drive me crazy with curiosity! I've been reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels for a few years now and I love them. Sometimes I can be turned off from a series that has a lot of books like this one (this is the 12th book) but for some reason, I can't get enough; I never want them to end. Okay, it's not just for some reason, it's lots of reasons! Abundance of vampires, werewolves and every other kind of supernatural; tons of Eric - which if you read yesterday's review, you'd know I'm Team Eric; and action action action! These books are non-stop, never a dull moment, amazing! I can't wait!!

 

Tuesday Review Day!

Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely #1)

Written by Melissa Marr

Publication date:

Released in Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle & ebook

328 pages

4 stars 

Synopsis: All teenagers have problems, but few of them can match those of Aislinn, who has the power to see faeries. Quite understandably, she wishes that she could share her friends' obliviousness and tries hard to avoid these invisible intruders. But one faery in particular refuses to leave her alone. Keenan the Summer King is convinced beyond all reasoning that Aislinn is the queen he has been seeking for nine centuries. What's a 21st-century girl to do when she's stalked by a suitor nobody else can see? A debut fantasy romance for the ages; superlative summer read.

My Review: I wish the beginning was a little easier to understand. It's one of those stories that you come into the middle of things already happening. Almost halfway through, and I still didn't really understand how the whole staff thing worked with the Summer King and Queen. Touch the staff, don't touch the staff; take the cold, don't take the cold. Being with Keenan is a good thing or a bad thing? I don't know! But I'm on an Iron Fey high so I'm craving some faeries and this felt close enough.

Their names? Don't get me started. The only one I like is Seth and I was never a big fan of that name before. But this guy Seth, BFF/hottie-potential-love-interest, is something else! He's totally hot and totally the perfect guy! He says the most perfect thing at the right moment and doesn't try to be too macho when Aislinn takes control but he's not a wimp either. Now Aislinn, or Ash as she is nicknamed in the book - which confuses me with Ash from the Iron Fey is a pretty cool character. I like how she handles being able to see the fey and having to pretend that she can't. She has a lot of self-discipline and will power and is more capable of resisting temptation than any woman I know! Speaking of temptation, back to Seth. Melissa Marr knows how to write some serious romance. It took, like, no time at all for me to fall in love with him! 

QUESTION:
HAS TWILIGHT SET A PRECEDENT FOR ALL LOVE TRIANGLES NOW? 
WILL THERE ALWAYS BE TEAMS?

Because if that's the case, I'm TEAM SETH all the way!

Here's a list of other teams I am a long time member of:

Team Damon - Vampire Diaries

Team Shay - Nightshade

Team Eric - True Blood
Team Dimitri - Vampire Academy

Team Jace - City of Bones

Team Ash - Iron Fey

Team Tam - Wings

Team Edward (in the books) Team Jacob (in the movies)-if that makes any sense

Anyway, Seth is romantic, in subtle ways; dropping hints and whispering sweet nothings. And what girl doesn't love a tight squeeze?? No one I know. A quarter of the book to go and I was really not liking the direction of the book. There was no Seth for like, two or three chapters and that was not cool.

As for the faeries, I don't blame Aislinn for avoiding them like the plague. I wouldn't be comfortable with that many "invisible" "people" walking around either. Then to be stalked by one? A royal one that is not likely to let her go now that he's found her? That's something completely different! Keenan is far more difficult to read. It's hard to tell what his intentions and his motives really are. But early on when Ash drops a bomb on him about having competition (Seth) and the fact that Keenan is left speechless is hilarious! I guess it is if you're Team Seth! LOL. Keenan can be such a jerk and at other times, kind of sweet. You start to feel a tug-o-war when it comes to him. You want him to be happy, to find what he's been searching for...just not with Aislinn.

Donia is the Winter Girl (wtf is a Donia??), and Beira (again, wtf?) is the Winter Queen. Maybe I'm not pronouncing these names correctly and that is why they sound so terrible, but these names made it a little hard to read for me. Although I know Donia is supposed to be an important character in the story, I don't really feel anything about her. I don't like her but I don't hate her either. I do feel sorry for Donia though, she sounds miserable and desperate to be free of the cold she holds within her. Problem is that she, like all others, is under the Queen's thumb. I'm sure the Winter Queen is quite the bitch to deal with seeing as how she's so powerful and all, but honestly, I didn't see a whole lot of displays of the power that had everyone so scared of her. It was hard to view her as a true villain when all I had was the notion that she was truly evil.

Melissa Marr's vocabulary is undoubtedly extensive. It did not make for a breezy read, but one that kept you curiously wanting more. The tone, the conversations between characters was so seamless and fluid. I mean, the characters actually interrupt each other which sounds weird for it to be a good thing but it makes things realistic - the visual is without interruption and easier to play out in your head. It took a little getting used to at first because a lot of other books can feel so scripted - perfectly set-up - snapshots of moments. I don't care either way, I just love a good story. Marr is also a genius with metaphors; for example:

"Seth slid a hand around her waist and kissed her like she was the air,

and he was suffocating." (pg.131)

Isn't that beautiful??

Overall: The cover is infinitely more awesome once you know the meaning behind it. Slow progress. A lot of things happening but not a lot of wow moments. The twist at the end was something I had suspected for a while. It wasn't a surprise but still, it's always nice when a book ends the way you think it will. It wasn't a book I was in love with afterwards. I didn't crave more. With one exception, Seth...delish!

Double Tuesday Review Day!

So happy to finally be on board with the Iron Fey, I read The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen back to back - which is a big deal for me these days that I even have the time to read one book, let alone two! However, with SIX WEEKS of winter break I plan to spend it doing fun things with my daughter and reading once she's all worn out and fast asleep!

Being that I was so into these two books, I mean I just couldn't get enough; all wrapped up in this crazy love triangle between Meghan, Ash and Puck, I couldn't out them down. Therefore, I didn't write down my review as I read and I've been noticing a difference between my reviews when I've written them while I read and when I don't. The written ones are more detailed and specific to the qualities of the book I liked or didn't like. My freestyle reviews are kind of just all over the place. You ever read an amazing book and when you try to tell your friend why it was so good and why they should read it, all you can say is, "Omg, it was just..so good. It's like..omg..idk how to..it was just so good, you have to read it!" Well, yeah, they're kinda like that. So I've decided to spare you two all-over-the-place type reviews and post them into just one sporadic mess! Enjoy :)

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.

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.

5 STARS

My Review: In the Iron Daughter, the love triangle between Meghan, Puck and Ash really comes to a head in this sequel. So many things come to light as we learn more and more about the Iron Fey and who among the Winter Court are their allies.

There are countless twists and turns constantly throwing you in a different direction just when you think you're beginning to put things together. Meghan is a prisoner of the Winter Court and Mab has sealed off her powers. Meghan spends what she considers to be more than enough time in this frozen palace among the Winter fey, foul and murderous creatures. All but her Winter Prince, Ash - who is nowhere to be found. Upon return to the Winter Court he disappears and Meghan is unsure of his departure; did he leave because of her or was he sent away?

During a celebration of the exchange of the scepter from the Summer Court to Winter marking the change of the seasons, the Iron Fey attack and kill an important member of the royal winter family and Meghan is (again) the only eyewitness. The only problem is that no one believes her about the Iron Fey, especially Mab. After miraculously making it out of the Winter Court alive - and with her Ice Prince in tow - they are joined by Puck in one of those grand entrances he loves to make so much. And of course the return of Grimalkin - my favorite character of all.

Now this is the point where I start to mix the stories up, remembering which events took place in which book. So to avoid blurting all the juicy parts out, I'll try to keep it vague. A traitor is discovered in the Winter Court, one that Ash will feel conflicted about facing. And while Winter faeries begin to take sides with the Iron fey, there are those in the Iron realm that are taking sides with those that are supposed to be their enemies; the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and all that.

We venture into plenty of new territory, always exploring the endless borders of the Nevernever and everywhere in between where Meghan finds someone she didn't even know she was looking for.

Now moving more into the Iron Queen, Meghan learns to defend herself, to be part of the battle instead of playing the role of bench-warmer any time there's trouble. There is that tricky part of having two kinds of glamour at her disposal, ones that cancel each other out with most inconvenient side-effects. I have to say, this installment is probably the most riveting, so far. There was so much going on, so many secrets being revealed and the ante on the romance has just been raised! Meghan goes through a lot of internal back and forth with her feelings about Puck and Ash. She has her moments with both of them but she holds a very bright light for only one of them and a special gesture made between them is heart-wrenching. Again, more twists and turns and surprises you probably weren't expecting but never, not once, a disappointment!

Overall: LOVE LOVE LOVE! I WANT MORE! CAN'T PUT DOWN AND CAN'T GET ENOUGH!

Plus, if you have access to ebooks, don't forget about these two:

 

Great fillers between books 1 & 2 and 3 & 4!