Review of The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Release Date: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 358 pages
Author Website: http://www.juliekagawa.com
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Library

Goodreads Summary: 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.

Review:  It’s very rare for books in a series to get better with each progressive book, but Julie Kagawa has done it. The Iron Queen, third in the Iron Fey series is the best one so far and that’s saying a lot because books one and two are really good!

The Iron Queen picks off almost exactly where The Iron Daughter ended with both Megan and Ash exiled from the Nevernever. Both the action and the romance start right away and it never slows down.

This book is a perfect balance of plot and romance, one never overpowers the other. Ms. Kagawa’s world building continues to be awesome, with vivid and rich descriptions of the iron kingdom and the creatures that live there. I love a well written fight scene and this book has tons of them.

As great as the plot and the setting are, it’s the characters that really stand out in the series. Megan has matured significantly since book one. She is no longer the self conscious 16-year-old from book one. Instead, she has grown into a strong young woman who understands she has responsibilities and embraces them. And Ash, oh Ash…. I am and always will be Team Ash! The Winter Prince is so swoon worthy, far from perfect, but perfect for Megan. Puck is awesome as always and Grimalkin, well Grimalkin is the brains of the operation.

If you have not started The Iron Fey series, I highly recommend it. It is one of my favorite and I love it so much that I already pre-ordered The Iron Knight, book four in the series, from Amazon. Now I just have to try to wait patiently until October to get it!

Content: Sexual situations and violence. A note to parents who may be screening this book for a younger teen, the romance between Ash and Megan is a lot more intense than in previous books in the series.