Iron's Prophecy: Review

I have finally read the very last book (if you don't count The Iron Knight) of The Iron Fey series! Check out the summary below:

Meghan Chase is finally getting used to being the Iron Queen, ruler of the Iron Fey. Her life may be strange, but with former Winter prince Ash by her side at last, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

But when they travel to the Summer and Winter courts’ gathering for Elysium, the oracle from Meghan’s past returns with a dire prophecy: “What you carry will either unite the courts, or it will destroy them.” Now Meghan faces a devastating choice that may determine the future of all fey—and her and Ash’s unborn child…

A novella from the bestselling Iron Fey series

***

In my opinion that should NOT be The Iron Fey 4.5. It should be The Iron Fey: Call of The Forgotten 0.5. This is a warning. THE WARNING. Of Call of the Forgotten that features Ethan Chase, Meghan Chase's little brother. 

I've never written a review of a short story. This is the very first one. Not just because the book is as good as ever like the first four books of The Iron Fey series. But also because it can definitely affect the future of Ethan Chase and Keirran.

One thing that I've never expect that is there's no actual violence in the novella. It's is PHYSICALLY calm. But the horrifying prophecy is stirring my emotions. How can Meghan and Ash save both Ethan and Keirran? The oracle just goddamn disappears when she is about the reveal the method to save both of the boys? This is definitely the biggest cliffhanger in not just The Iron Fey series, but also the Call of the Forgotten series.

Romance is not the biggest part of the book, which is good. I have to focus on the Call of the Forgotten series, when The Iron Fey series has ended. I can never handle romance and threats at the same time, especially this is the biggest threat on Earth.

Even though Ethan is just a little boy when Meghan made herself as the Queen of the Iron Realm, I have to agree that Ethan is a sweet boy. It seems like Keirran is gonna kill him for sure. And that reminds me of the girl that is mentioned in the summary of the first book of the Call of the Forgotten series. To save a girl he never thought he'd dare to fall for. I have feeling that the horrible thing that happened in the prophecy has something to do with that girl, only that I don't know what her position in the new series is. God, I wish I have the ARC of The Lost Prince.

Rating: 8/10 (because of the warning that affect the very core of The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten)

***Warning: The following part is the theory of The Iron Fey: Call of The Forgotten. It has little to do with the review above***

1. The name of the series:

Call of the Forgotten... I have a feeling that the FORGOTTEN is the people and stuff that Ash and his friends met in The Iron Knight. If that's true, why the Forgotten is trying to call somebody? And who is the "somebody"? Ethan? Keirran? The girl? That is so messed-up.

2. The Lost Prince

The very first book of the Call of the Forgotten series is called The Lost Prince, which sends me shivers to my freaking spine. Who is that lost prince? It can be Ash, Ethan, and Keirran. It can be Ash because he was the Winter Prince although I highly doubt that he and Meghan will be the major part of the book. It can be Ethan because he is Meghan's brother. But I have no idea why he will be lost. The highest chance is the lost prince is Keirran. He is the son of Ash and Meghan, and according to the prophecy, he can bring chaos throughout the courts. And he can definitely kill Ethan for whatever reason. This is one of the most unnerving book name of all.

3. The Traitor's Son

The second book of the series is called The Traitor's Son. This is very obvious, and horrifying. Obvious, because the traitor's son is definitely Keirran, consider that Ash has been a traitor since the events in The Iron Daughter. Horrifying, because all dangers will be happen at once. Traitor's son doesn't sound good to me. My guts lurched at seeing the title of the second book (P.S. I've seen the title, only that I hadn't read Iron's Prophecy, so I've no idea what was going on) after I read Iron's Prophecy. I seriously don't want Ethan die even though the book hasn't out yet for the public. Ugh. This is so heart-wrenching.

What will happen in The Lost Prince? I seriously want to know right NOW!

The Iron Knight: Review

In less than one week, I read the whole Iron Fey series and I can finally be able to write the review of the epic conclusion of The Iron Fey series, The Iron Knight.

Check out the summary below:

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.

***

Well, this is definitely the best of all books in The Iron Fey series. Mainly because it's no longer tell the story in Meghan's point of vies, but rather Ash's. Ash's point of view is always interesting and sometimes heartbreaking. Many books are written in multiple point of view, from many characters' perspective. So one of the things I really like about the book is that except the epilogue of The Iron Knight, the whole book is written in Ash's point of view. A single point of view is sometimes better than multiple point of views.

Despite the fact the book has a perfect ending, for quite a time that I actually think that Ash can't make to the End of the World, and he would be another person. A cruel, merciless, and loveless person/faery (whatever). Journeys are always amazing, and The Iron Fey series is mainly about journeys. That's the one think I really like. Determination sounds good, but journeys are just better. 

The journey on that river is not as horrible/exciting as I thought at first. I thought there will be scarier beasts, weirder people, and deadlier threat. I actually think that the journey on that river should be placed more threat and danger. The journey will be way more interesting. And perhaps it's not the main point of the journey to the End of Nevernever, I can't even remember most of the features except the part on that Forbidden place. 

Ariella's appearance is really a shock. Never once I thought that she is out there, alive and waiting for Meghan's appearance. There's not much about Ariella in the previous three books, so it's hard to pick up clues (picking up clues AGAIN) that can prove that she is alive. Despite the fact that her sacrifice for Ash at the end of the book is very touching, I think of her as Ash's ex-girlfriend. Even though Meghan is not Ash's first love, and Ariella doesn't interfere them, I think she shouldn't be jealous of Meghan. It's not Meghan's fault that Ash's fallen in love with her. But she is a Winter fey anyway, and I admire her strength and selfless.

The battle in the Temple is one of the best parts in the book. Especially the one that they have to face their dark side. Probably they never think that their figure of their darkest side in the mirror will suddenly jump out of that freaking glass and strangle them. That's definitely not something you will encounter every day, not even the regular faeries. I wonder what that means if they defeat their dark figure of themselves? It's just some kind of illusion, I know. But maybe that means something about their heart.

The trials are the most heartbreaking part of the book, especially that Ash has to face his crime and murder that he made in his past. I worry that he will never get over his guilt and try to get to the final trial, which is the one that he will have to face his own death with no one else can join him when his mortal life is over. Lucky that Ariella's sacrifices makes him mortal and immortal at the same time, or I will probably zap something after I read the book.

I am damn sure I will miss the characters even though I haven't read Iron's Prophecy. They are cool and they are nothing like what I've seen before. I am also certain I will continue to The Iron Fey: Call of The Forgotten which features Meghan's brother, Ethan Chase. Maybe the FORGOTTEN means the forgotten people that Ash and his friends encounters in The Iron Knight.

Rating: 9/10

The Iron Queen: Review

Probably the best of The Iron Fey series that is written from Meghan's point of view! Check out the summary below:

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.

***

The epilogue is always the best, but this can be discussed later on. The book is very different from the first two books. The book features Meghan and Ash being exiled by King Oberon and Queen Mab respectively. And I once thought that there would be quite a time before the whole thing reached the main point. Turns out I am dead wrong. The book starts with a threat from an Iron Fey who has loyalty towards the false king. And there are endless dangers and threats from the Iron Fey. I must say, this is one of the most breathtaking book ever. You will never know what will happen for sure until things are finally revealed.

Ash changes a lot in The Iron Queen. He becomes the sweet one and the... emotional one. I know that he cares for Meghan a lot. He doesn't want her hurt or even worse, dead. I can completely understand that, and appreciate it. But being overprotective isn't something I can handle very happily. Somehow I want him to give Meghan more space to do what she must to. Jealousy is another thing I loathe for a long time, ever since I start reading Crescendo, the second book of the Hush, Hush series. Lucky that he is not being so freaking jealous that he marches in front of Puck and give him a punch in the face. Or I will be so angry that I might even change my view about him.

Meghan is being way more stubborn than the start of the Iron Fey series that it goes to a point that I think it's way too much for Ash. I know that she just wants to protect the ones she love and try to be practical about what will happen next. But she can at least try to listen to Ash and not break his delicate heart (yeah, I mean it, he DOES have a delicate heart that is hidden behind his icy face). But still I appreciate Meghan for being honest to her heart and Ash. To me knowing the truth is way better than no, I can't tell you because I don't want to break your heart. And she is being stronger and stronger throughout the series. She is a true hero now, strong and caring and self-sacrificing. She is definitely one of my favorite female character in the YA world.

Puck, on the other hand, definitely needs to be punched in the face right from the start of the book. He wants to protect Meghan from his father being in Lea's mansion. I understand his intention. But that's not the way to protect her. No wonder Meghan gives him a slap in his face when she discovers the truth. A very good way to break her heart, Robin Goodfellow, lying to your beloved girl. And I kind of hate his sneer after the event of the truth. Fortunately he can prove himself back as a good and fun guy or I might hate him forever.

The ending of The Iron Queen is the best and the most heartbreaking one among The Iron Fey series. I know that she will become the Iron Queen at last because I've already read the summary of The Iron Knight. But for once I actually forgot the summary when I read the part that she is gonna die. It's like I can actually feel the sorrow from Ash and Puck and even Meghan herself. Of course, I remember the summary when she relives and becomes the Iron Queen. But just thinking about Ash can never join her in the Iron Realm actually makes me feel bad, once again.

The only not-so-good part is that the book takes too long for Meghan and Ash and Puck to get to the Iron King. I understand the author just wants to make more plot twists and dangers for the characters to make their journey more interesting. Not that she failed her job, it's just that for a short time I can't really understand what's going on with the characters and the whole situation. If the journey can be a little bit shorter and things can get more exciting and dangerous, I am sure the mission will be better.

I am reading The Iron Knight now and I am so very happy that I decided to read The Iron Fey series at the first place.

Rating: 8.5/10

The Iron Daughter: Review

The first day of school is also the day I've finished reading The Iron Daughter, the second installment of the bestselling The Iron Fey series.

Check out the summary below:

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.

***
The book is generally great, except the middle part of it. I will tell the reasons later. But this book is definitely better than the first one. They didn't hang on the unimportant situation for a long time. Instead, they try to act even though they are not supposed to. Struggling to take action is way better than boredom. And the author can make a point of the actions they took. The emotions are deeper than the first book and I can finally actually feel them swirling inside me.

I have to admit that at first I was really mad at Ash even though I know that his intention was to keep Meghan safe from Mab and his brothers. He was acting like a... prick, to be honest. Even worse, he was acting like a total jerkface. Why acting like a jerk is worse than acting like a prick? Because all his actions were futile to the Winter Queen and Rowan and mostly, Meghan herself. His actions can't even protect Meghan from his family. And he hurt her so much (Ugh). But seeing him finally admit that he has feelings for her confirms that he just wanted to protect her. It eased my anger. A lot.

The huge plot twist of Ash being captured by Virus and was controlled is definitely unexpected. I know Virus and her army was strong. And Ash being captured was not that surprising. But seriously, he was controlled by a freaking iron bug (or Virus, whatever) who was inside his brain is a shock. And the parts of him trying to disobey Virus's commands on him are heart-wrenching. Wish that he would never be controlled and slowly dying, again.

Meghan, as always, was a stubborn, headstrong and brave girl. Somehow I just don't understand why all the girls in YA novels are so stubborn. But maybe a stubborn girl is one of the most important ingredients in YA novels, otherwise there won't be plots. But at least the plot in The Iron Daughter is quite good. Meghan could actually defeat Virus by herself (well, not quite herself entirely. But still, ALMOST herself). If she couldn't defeat Virus herself, I will like girl, can you not be so stubborn all the time? It's completely annoying. She is a very straight-forward and honest girl, like I said in The Iron King's review. At least she is honest to her heart. If in her mind is like no, no, no. I love Puck. I can't love Ash when her heart is all about Ash, I will be extremely annoyed. Meghan is a rare girl, I have to say.

Complicated emotions filled me when it came to the part that Mab banished Ash out of Nevernever. One part of me thinks that finally you admit your feelings for Meghan. But another part of me thinks that it is better to deny his feelings because he would be safe and he wouldn't be homeless. I appreciated Meghan for chasing Ash and going to the mortal realm with him. I will hate her forever if she didn't make her move. And when it came to the part that they were discussing what they were going to do, I find it kind of hilarious despite the fact that there are no humor in the words. Maybe it's because I imagine Ash walking down the high school halls and having lessons with normal kids and go to prom with Meghan. That would be hilarious. Except that I know that's not gonna happen because I'm already reading The Iron Queen.

There's not much to criticize about the book. It's well written and the emotions are intense in a pleasant way. I hope that the third installment of The Iron Fey series will be even better than that.

Rating: 8/10

The Iron King: Review

Another new start of a new series. And I'm sure many YA fans are familiar with that series, cuz it has been out for quite a time. It's The Iron Fey series. And I just finished the first book of the series.

Check out the summary:

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.

***

Well, I can't say this is one of the best books I've ever read. But it's really safe to say this one is good. The adventure never cease to amaze me. The plot is good despite the fact that there are so many YA novels about faerie/faery. And the book is beautifully written and shows the problem Meghan encountered in a really fine way.

Of course, the best part of the book is always the adventurous part. Virus's appearance is the most surprising thing. Never once thought that Meghan, Ash and Puck will encounter such a horrible thing right in the human/mortal world. Who could have thought about it? There are so many heart-wrenching parts when Meghan and Ash started to enter the abandoned factory. First is defeating the Iron Dragon, second is to kill Machina. The palm-twitching parts are a bit too melodramatic, but I have to admit that they are definitely well written.

Meghan kind of reminds me of Pagan from the Existence trilogy. She is willing to sacrifice herself in order to save the ones she love. She is tough and stubborn. Although many YA heronies are tough and stubborn, I like her the way like never before. She is not like Clary and Tessa or other famous YA heronies because she is really straight-forward. That's the part I like most. That makes her special. The author did a great job of making the girl lovely.

Perhaps the familiarity of other famous YA novels makes me think that Ash lacks emotions. I don't know if other YA hot boys are too emotional or Ash is too emotionless or anything else. I just think that his feelings for Meghan is not that deep. At least not as deep as I thought it would be. Part of it is a good thing because it is a new kind of fresh air and the book will not drive me crazy as much as other books do. But if you want some extreme emotion leak, The Iron King is definitely not the first book you will place your hands on.

Another minor not-so-good part is that the book hangs too long in the getting-into-Nevernever part. The adventurous part to The Iron Realm is awesome. But the encounter of Oberon and Titania and the whole Nevernever buisness is...well, not so exciting. If the part in Nevernever can run shorter and the author can focus more energy on the adventurous part to make big plot twists, I think the book will be much better.

I am reading The Iron Daughter now, and I hope that the second book of the series will never cease to amaze me.

Rating: 7.5/10