Book Review: The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey #2) by Julie Kagawa

Summary:

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, iron-bound 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 alone 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.

Release Date:  August 1, 2010
Publisher:  Harlequin
Age Group:  Young Adult
Pages:  368

Review:

After reading and loving The Iron King, I didn't think The Iron Daughter would stand up to  the characters, plot, pace, and imagery in The Iron King.  I was afraid the dreaded "slow second book in a trilogy" phenomenon would be at play here.  Once again, I'm so happy to be wrong!  The Iron Daughter was outstanding.  Books like this are why I read YA. 

I had one complaint about The Iron King and that was that the love story between Ash and Meghan felt rushed.  I won't spoil the plot of The Iron Daughter but let me say that I no longer have that complaint.  The romantic tension between Ash, Meghan and Puck is so thick you could cut it with a knife.  Meghan does make a decision between the two fey in The Iron Daughter so we don't have to wait for The Iron Queen (coming February 2011) for that part of the story to be resolved.  But wait, this is Julie Kagawa we're talking about.  She may shock us all and change everything! 

This series has it all: love, betrayal, discovering a new world with its own rules, a delicious love triangle, action, plot twists, and the protagonist finding her identity. I would recommend this series to anyone, not just YA, paranormal, or faery tale fans.

Just One Gripe:

I predicted a couple of the plot themes.  This was overshadowed by the fact that I did not predict several major plot twists.

The Best Thing About This Book:

Kagawa's faery world is so unique.  It's unlike any other I've ever read.

Appropriate for a younger audience:

Yes---although the ending left me wishing for an "Isle of Esme" chapter.  For all of you non-Twilight fans, that's where Bella and Edward spent their steamy honeymoon.

Score:

Characters: 5/5

Plot: 4/5

Setting/Imagery: 5/5

Originality: 5/5

Ending: 5/5

Total Score:  24/25

 

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an impartial review.