Showing posts with label The Iron Traitor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Iron Traitor. Show all posts

Monday, December 23, 2013

Top Ten YA Novels 2013 #8: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

Ooh. Another Julie Kagawa's book. She's one of my favorite authors of all time and I'm happy that her books astonish me once again!

The eighth place belongs to:

The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

Synopsis:

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice.

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

***

Date Read: October 10, 2013

My Review:


My Rating: 9/10

***

Top 5 Reasons Why I Like It:

1. Unexpected Journey
Sorry I didn't mean to sound like the Hobbit. But seriously, this is one hell of an unexpected ride. Ethan, trying to get back to his semi-normal life when (again) some fey wants something from him? And not to mention the journey is full of action, blood and magic. You have no idea how many times I had to put down the book just to catch a breath.

2. Back to Nevernever... again
I really miss it, you know. It seems like I'll never get enough even after re-reading The Iron Fey series and The Lost Prince again and again. So yeah, it's so good to be back to the Fey world.

3. Cliffhanger Ending
Another killer cliffhanger, just like The Eternity Cure. Really, Julie, you are the expert of cliffhanger sequel endings. Now I'm dying to read the third book.

4. Ethan!
Okay, I won't say anything like he's cute or swoon worth or anything like that. Because he's far from that guy. But... well, let's just say I fell in love with him more right from the second I open the book.

5. More Dangerous
What I mean is that the Call of the Forgotten series is way more dangerous than the original Iron Fey series. Yes, The Iron Fey is pretty dangerous. But Call of The Forgotten? With the real world in the equation of dangerous? That's... there are no words to describe how thrilling it is.

***

Why I Recommend This Book/Series

Before you ask if I recommend the book itself of the series, I suggest you to read the original Iron Fey series first. Now, I think The Lost Prince is pretty good, but I can't help but get bored at some point in the story. However, there's no such thing as boring in The Iron Traitor. Whether they're plot twists are emotional ride, you just want more and more. And then it ends with a bang, leaving you "why the hell is the sequel one year away from us? I'm gonna die waiting for it!". A pretty awesome sequel, if you ask me.

***

Do I like the cover?

It looks a bit strange to me at first, because I always picture Keirran more angular and sharp. But then I've grown to like this cover, especially with those silver eyes (Ash!)

***

Top 3 Favorite Scenes:(Beware Spoilers)

1. Ethan and his friends being chased by Ash (P.166)
I know this sounds absurd. But the whole Razor-calling-Ash-a-dark-elf thing is so funny.

2. The kiss scene (P.193-196)
Aww, Ethan and Kenzie. :3

3. The punch scene (P. 325-326)
Okay, I like Keirran. I truly do. But sometimes he's pissing even me off, let alone Ethan. And as sick as it sounds, I kinda like the fact that Ethan punch him. Multiple times.

***

OTP:
Duh. Ethan and Kenzie of course!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Announcement: Top Ten YA Novels 2013

The end of 2013 is coming soon. And of course there's the annual announcement: my top ten YA novels released this year!

List (arranged in order):

1. Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare [Rating: 11 10/10]
2. Sentinel (Covenant #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout [Rating: 10/10]
3. Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth [Rating: 9.5/10]
4. Origin (Lux #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout [Rating: 9.5/10]
5. The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa [Rating: 9/10]
6. Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas [Rating: 9/10]
7. Light (Gone #6) by Michael Grant [Rating: 9.5/10]
8. The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: Call of The Forgotten #2) by Julie Kagawa [Rating: 9/10]
9. Through The Ever Night (Under The Never Sky #2) by Veronica Rossi [Rating: 9/10]
10. Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer [Rating: 9/10]

What is your choice of novels this year? I'm curious to know!

P.S. My posts for these novels will be released starting from December 21, 2013 (UTC/GMT +8 hours). Stay tuned!

Friday, October 11, 2013

The Iron Traitor: Review

Synopsis:

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice.

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

***

Oh my god. Did I just read The Iron Traitor? Yes, I did. And this book is crazy to say at least. The Iron Traitor has me hooked right from the second I picked up the book. The book is so full of fights and twists and oh yeah, some honest-to-goodness hotness. A really good read to start a morning.

Ethan Chase is back, and trying to return to his normal life --- well, as normal as it can be when you have a sister who is one of the most powerful and lethal fey in the Nevernever and you have the Sight that can cause you endless trouble and all the stuff. Except... things doesn't work out that well for him because Keirran is gone. And everyone, however good or bad, is seeking him out. And here goes all the craziness.

One... and the only one minor problem I have encountered is that the book is a little bit unbalanced. I mean, it's supposed to be about the Forgotten, right? And their nefarious plans to do god knows what? Not that I'm completely complaining, because the story line is still crazy awesome, the element of the Forgotten always lurks behind and rarely stands out in the book. I'm sure we'll see more crazy Forgotten faeries in the sequel.

But The Iron Traitor is so much better than The Lost Prince and even the previous four Iron Fey books in so many ways. The fights are getting infinitely more interesting. I can't give out too much information, but all I can say is that battling with a super ancient being and pissing off all courts within seconds is really one of the best catalyst for mayhem. The characters from the original Iron Fey series get more intertwined with those in The Iron Traitor, one of the many aspects that I like most. Needless to mention we get to see more Puck! Eeep!

Ethan and Kenzie? They are really adorable together and it's hard not to swoon whenever they have one-on-one time together (though there aren't much... sigh). So are Keirran and Annwyl, though I'm kind of reluctant to admit that. Unlike The Lost Prince, there are more moments that reminds me of the original Iron Fey series. The struggling in all the main characters is perfectly visible but they are all lovable in their own way. Especially Ethan, who is not the constant jackass and asshole anymore. Sweeter, and still very protective. 

Side note: Keirran... well, I love him, because he's gone great lengths for Annwyl, and that reminds me of Ash soooooo much. He's also very polite and fierce. But I admit that he makes stupid decisions all the time and sometimes that pisses me off a little. And not to mention his decisions are... let's just say they're lethal at least.

I'm also very surprised that a lot of things have happened in this book. Especially when this is not one of those five-hundred-or-something-pages book. So many spark and burn. So many twists and surprises. Multiple troubles happen at the very freaking same time. I don't know how the author managed to put all the stuff together without seeming awkward. Hell, I'm not sure how Ethan manages to go on without getting his head exploded. I'm just a bystander (you know, I'm a reader), and I feel too hot and dizzy. And the ending? It's very, very cruel to say at the very least. You can't just leave it like that and make us wait for a year AGAIN, Julie. I've done enough of that with The Forever Song and now one more!? It' s an understatement to say the wait will be excruciating. 

I'm sorry that's not a short review, but I just can't help it. The book is so full of perfection that I feel like I will explode if I don't let it out.

Rating: 9/10 

P.S. I think I've never rated a sequel that is not a final installment a 9 before. But this book is beyond the level of perfection.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

TBR #4: October 2013

Another crazy month. For books :)

1. Unbreakable (Legion #1) by Kami Garcia

Synopsis:

Supernatural meets The Da Vinci Code in this action-packed paranormal thriller, the first book in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia.

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.


Expected Publication: October 1, 2013

2. Resist (Breathe #2) by Sarah Crossan

Synopsis:

The sequel—and conclusion—to Sarah Crossan's Breathe. Three teen outlaws must survive on their own in a world without air, exiled outside the glass dome that protects what's left of human civilization. Gripping action, provocative ideas, and shocking revelations in a dystopian novel that fans of Patrick Ness and Veronica Roth will devour.

Bea, Alina, and Quinn are on the run. They started a rebellion and were thrown out of the pod, the only place where there's enough oxygen to breathe. Bea has lost her family. Alina has lost her home. And Quinn has lost his privileged life. Can they survive in the perilous Outlands? Can they finish the revolution they began? Especially when a young operative from the pod's Special Forces is sent after them. Their only chance is to stand together, even when terrible circumstances force them apart. When the future of human society is in danger, these four teens must decide where their allegiances lie. Sarah Crossan has created a dangerous, and shattered society in this wrenching, thought-provoking, and unforgettable post-apocalyptic novel.


Expected Publication: October 8, 2013

3. Tandem (Many-Worlds Trilogy #1) by Anna Jarzab

Synopsis:

Everything repeats.
You. Your best friend. Every person you know.
Many worlds. Many lives--infinite possibilities.
Welcome to the multiverse.


Sixteen-year-old Sasha Lawson has only ever known one small, ordinary life. When she was young, she loved her grandfather's stories of parallel worlds inhabited by girls who looked like her but led totally different lives. Sasha never believed such worlds were real--until now, when she finds herself thrust into one against her will.

To prevent imminent war, Sasha must slip into the life of an alternate version of herself, a princess who has vanished on the eve of her arranged marriage. If Sasha succeeds in fooling everyone, she will be returned home; if she fails, she'll be trapped in another girl's life forever. As time runs out, Sasha finds herself torn between two worlds, two lives, and two young men vying for her love--one who knows her secret, and one who thinks she's someone she's not.

The first book in the Many-Worlds Trilogy, Tandem is a riveting saga of love and betrayal set in parallel universes in which nothing--and no one--is what it seems.


Expected Publication: October 8, 2013

4. The Fall of Hotel Dumort (The Bane Chronicles Part 7) by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson 

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane watches the once-glamorous Hotel Dumort become something else altogether in 1970s New York City.

Fifty years after the Jazz Age rise of the Hotel Dumort, immortal warlock Magnus Bane knows the Manhattan landmark is on the decline. The once-beautiful Hotel Dumort has fallen into a decayed thing, a ruin, as dead as a place can be. But the vampires don't mind...


Expected Publication: October 15, 2013





5. Never Fade (The Darkest Minds #2) by Alexandra Bracken

Synopsis:

Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster.

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her.

As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?


Expected Publication: October 15, 2013

6. Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Synopsis:

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?


The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.


Expected Publication: October 22, 2013

7. Teardrop (Teardrop #1) by Lauren Kate

Synopsis:

Never, ever cry. . . . Eureka Boudreaux's mother drilled that rule into her daughter years ago. But now her mother is gone, and everywhere Eureka goes he is there: Ander, the tall, pale blond boy who seems to know things he shouldn't, who tells Eureka she is in grave danger, who comes closer to making her cry than anyone has before.

But Ander doesn't know Eureka's darkest secret: ever since her mother drowned in a freak accident, Eureka wishes she were dead, too. She has little left that she cares about, just her oldest friend, Brooks, and a strange inheritance—a locket, a letter, a mysterious stone, and an ancient book no one understands. The book contains a haunting tale about a girl who got her heart broken and cried an entire continent into the sea. Eureka is about to discover that the ancient tale is more than a story, that Ander might be telling the truth . . . and that her life has far darker undercurrents than she ever imagined. From Lauren Kate comes an epic saga of heart-stopping romance, devastating secrets, and dark magic . . . a world where everything you love can be washed away.


Expected Publication: October 22, 2013

8. Trust In Me (Wait For You #1.5) by J. Lynn

Synopsis:

It’s Wait for You as you’ve never seen it. Trust in Me lets you in on Cam’s side of the #1 New York Times Bestselling story.

Cameron Hamilton is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. But when Avery Morgansten comes crashing into his life – literally – he finally meets the one person who can resist his soulful baby blues. But Cam’s not ready to give up. He can’t get the feisty and intriguing girl out of his head.

Avery has secrets, secrets that keep her from admitting the feelings Cam knows she has for him. Will persistence (and some delicious homemade cookies) help him break down her barriers and gain her trust? Or will he be shut out of Avery's life, losing his first real shot at the kind of love that lasts forever?


Expected Publication: October 22, 2013

9. The Shadowhunters' Codex by Cassandra Clare and Joshua Lewis

The Clave is pleased to announce the newest edition of the Nephilim’s oldest and most famous training manual: the Shadowhunter’s Codex. Since the thirteenth century, the Codex has been the young Shadowhunter’s best friend. When you’re being swarmed by demons it can be easy to forget the finer points of obscure demon languages or the fastest way to stop an attack of Raum demons. With the Codex by your side, you never have to worry.

Now in its twenty-seventh edition, the Codex covers it all: the history and the laws of our world; how to identify, interact with, and if necessary, kill that world’s many colorful denizens; which end of the stele is the end you write with. No more will your attempt to fight off rogue vampires and warlocks be slowed by the need to answer endless questions from your new recruits: What is a Pyxis? Why don’t we use guns? If I can’t see a warlock’s mark, is there a polite way to ask him where it is? Where do we get all our holy water? Geography, History, Magic, and Zoology textbook all rolled into one, the Codex is here to help new Shadowhunters navigate the beautiful, often brutal world that we inhabit.

Do not let it be said that the Clave is outdated or, as the younger Shadowhunters say, “uncool”: this new edition of the Codex will be available not only in the usual magically-sealed demonskin binding, but also in a smart, modern edition using all of today’s most exciting printing techniques, including such new features as a sturdy clothbound cover, a protective dust jacket, and information about title, author, publisher, and so on conveniently available right on the cover. You’ll be pleased to know that it fits neatly into most satchels, and unlike previous editions, it rarely sets off alarm wards.

The old woodcuts and engravings have been replaced as well: instead, you’ll find lavish modern illustrations by some of the brightest luminaries of the fantastic. Creatures, weapons, people, and places have been carefully and accurately rendered by the likes of Rebecca Guay, Charles Vess, Jim Nelson, Theo Black, Elisabeth Alba, and Cassandra Jean. Chapters are beautifully introduced by the drawings of Michael Kaluta, and along with our condensation of the classic 2,450-page tome, A History of the Nephilim, you will find a selection of the best of the lovely illustrations of that volume by John Dollar.

This edition of the Codex will be available in Institute libraries and what mundanes sometimes call “book stores” in [OCTOBER], 2013.


Expected Publication: October 29, 2013

10. The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: Call of The Forgotten #2) by Julie Kagawa

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice.

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.


Expected Publication: October 29, 2013

Monday, April 8, 2013

The Iron Traitor: Synopsis

Remember only a few days ago there is the ever-so-lovely The Iron Traitor cover? Well, here is the summary! Do you prepare for yourself?






Synopsis:

IN THE REAL WORLD, WHEN YOU VANISH INTO THIN AIR FOR A WEEK, PEOPLE TEND TO NOTICE
After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.


***

Keirran. Is. MISSING.

Yeah, I know he's all-out epic loverboy for his Summer fey. But jeez, he needn't ally with the Forgotten, right? They are insanely dangerous. And he FREAKING SLIPS INTO DARKNESS. Damn, Keirran IS bad news (even though I believe he's a good guy in his heart). (Spoiler ahead!) I don't want Keirran kills Ethan, okay? I don't want that stupid prophecy happen. Now I'm damn sure who's the traitor. This is gonna be nuts.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Cover Reveal: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

The cover of the second book of The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten is here!

Here it is:






Jeez, Keirran's pretty, but a little creepy here. But no matter. I can't wait to see who's the Iron Traitor (although I think I know who he/she is already...)

The Iron Traitor will release on October 22, 2013 (Same day as the third book of Divergent trilogy! Mind blown)

And guess what?

The trailer of The Eternity Cure is on Entertainment Weekly! Check it out here:

http://shelf-life.ew.com/2013/04/04/julie-kagawa-the-eternity-cure-trailer/

See my review of The Eternity Cure here:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-eternity-cure-review.html

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Thoughtful Thursday: Name Change



There are a name change that I really want to talk about. It involves one particular book in The Iron Fey: Call of The Forgotten series.

1. Name Change

Yep, this is about the ever so famous second installment of The Iron Fey: Call of The Forgotten series by Julie Kagawa. And honestly, I'm a big fan of Julie Kagawa's books. But the name of the book pisses me off so much.

You probably heard about the original name of the book:

The Traitor Son


But now it's changed. It's now:

The Iron Traitor


You probably get why I'm so pissed before you even start reading the bunch of words below.

Not that I don't appreciate this name. But this is a spin-off series of The Iron Fey. And when I knew about the first book of the series will be called "The Lost Prince" (which means, no "Iron" involved), I was like finally new names! Look, it's not that I don't appreciate the pattern of names in the original Iron Fey series. But I want some new names. Interesting ones. And this one kind of ruined my day.

But I think I understand why this is called "The Iron Traitor" instead of "The Traitor Son". (Spoilers ahead!) The original name is just way too spoilery. If you read Iron's Prophecy, you will know that Keirran can actually be the Firstborn Child of Doom, as Puck said. If you read The Lost Prince, you will also know that there's a bunch of new fey (Yep, new fey. Surprising stuff just keeps popping up out of nowhere. And if you read The Iron Knight, you will know what that kind of "new" fey is) that can possibly wipe out Summer, Winter, and even Iron. And Keirran... well, I don't know how to emphasize it. But it's not good, I promise you.

And now, if the second book is called "The Traitor Son", it's like branding a sentence "Keirran is the traitor?". And from this single name we might see how Keirran actually become the Firstborn Child of Doom. I think that's the reason why the name is changed to "The Iron Traitor" (or at least partly).

But you know what? "The Iron Traitor" is just as spoilery to me even if I'm doing my best to be objective. You will definitely think Keirran is the traitor if you read Iron's Prophecy and The Lost Prince. So what's the point of changing it?

(And keep in mind, I'm not the author. I have no idea who the traitor is. I'm just making my guess that Keirran MIGHT be the traitor)

What do you think about the new name? Do you think the book should be called by the original name or the new one?