Blood of Eden #3 The Forever Song

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!! Presenting Blood of Eden #3 The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the book:

VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster?

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

MONSTER

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

Julie Kagawa.... truly magnifique. The Forever Song makes for the perfect and satisfyingly kick-ass ending to a mind-blowing series. I am of course sad to see another one of my favorites end but I am also happy because it was a perfect ending in every way. And I have no idea what to write because I am hungover a book.... Again.... But i'll try to put things in order for you all.

Eternally thankful to Kagawa for restoring vampires to their original fanged glory, aka leaving the sparkles behind. Absolutely loved it, all three of the books. EPIC and UTTERLY PERFECT..... A plague ravaged Earth. Dark and Desolate. Blackness everywhere with the select few holding tight to the feeling of 'hope'. Hope for a better tomorrow. Rabids scouring the land after dark, devouring anything and everything in their way via their scaly, bony structures and a certain streak of that madness and of course the bloodthirsty scream that follows.

After a string of authors portraying vampires, as sparklies or with the abilities to forgo feeding from humans and sustaining on animal blood. I truly salute Kagawa (I am sure many would agree) of showcasing them in their classic glory. They are monsters, they are blood thirsty and no amount of animal blood can sate the raging monster within. Human blood, fresh is what they prefer. And it is a given that they are the bad guys. But of course exceptions do exist. But however good you strive to be and keep a control on yourself, you will cross that line. It is in their carnal nature and try as they might they can't avoid it.

That was actually what made it all the more interesting to experience. After the shocking cliffhanger ending to The Eternity Cure, the final book, The Forever Song sees Allie, Kanin and Jackal going after the psychotic vampire Sannin and do everything to stop him from ushering about the end of the world with an updated version of the plague virus and destroying the safe haven that is Eden and the world.

With a dark future awaiting the motley group of heroes, on their quest to save the world, we saw Allie truly embrace her dark side. She switches off her humanity so as to speak. She was already a badass Katana wielding heroine but she truly proved herself with this book. She is conflicted with what she should be. After how Zeke was dealt his fate by Sannin, Allie goes through a big change. She is still clever and very much determined but Zeke's fate gives her quite the shock.

Poor Zeke. Anxiously delving into the book, there are a lot of surprises for the gang. Even with the grueling fate dealt to him by Sannin. He actually manages to comes out of his funk. He is still adorable and determined. His chemistry with Allie was a marvel. Perfectly balanced and not at all over bearing on the plot. They balanced each other out, through thick and thin.

Jackal, the raider king came a long way from the bad guy he was in the first book. He is still bad but you just can't help not love him at all. He doesn't show it but in his own way he cares, whether they be allies or kin. His sibling chemistry with Allie was a full on surprise. With all the gory and dark acts and the rabids they encounter on their journey, Allie's sibling banter with his snide and sarcastic comments were a much appreciated comic relief. Something you would surely appreciate as you read what happen.

Kannin. This old timer has my respect, as a vampire and as a character in this book. He is repentant of his actions and would do everything possible to correct his mistakes. He is the silent guardian. Strong willed and kick-ass. He makes for 'The' amazing master vampire. And truly with a fast paced plot, you will not want to leave it for even a minute.

Hooked till the very end. With its own share of romances, secrets, surprises, heart-wrenching goodbye and the very graphic epic fights, The Forever Song makes for a perfect conclusion for this post-apocalyptic dystopia. And of course, the sneak peek to Kagawa's upcoming new series 'Talon', was the perfect dessert after the delicious & delectable main course that was 'The Forever Song'.

"A perfect kick-ass ending to an epic vampire saga"

Genre :     Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopia

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: 15th April, 2014

Rate:             5 /5 (It was Amazing)

Books in Series(review links):

         #1 The Immortal Rules
             #2  The Eternity Cure

Other Books by the Author(review links):

         The Iron Fey & Call of the Forgotten(series)

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository

The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2 The Iron Traitor

HAPPY RELEASE DAY! From the effervescent author of the Iron fey, and the Blood of Eden series (and he upcoming Talon series). Presenting The Iron fey: Call of the Forgotten #2 The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the book:

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.

There are only a few authors out there who can illicit such wide range of polar opposite feelings inside us through their text. For me it is J.K. Rowling, Julie Kagawa, Cassandra Clare and a few others who can and have the power of evoking joy to just plain and simple break my heart..... And Kagawa's latest and upcoming 'The Iron Traitor' has broken my heart into smithereens.

Caps Lock is on now.... cover your ears!!!!!! 

HOW COULD YOU KIERRAN???? JUST HOW COULD YOU DO THAT???? HOW COULD YOU BE SO STUPID AND RECKLESS...... YOUR ACTIONS COULD VERY WELL BRING FORTH WAR ON ALL THE THREE COURTS.... AND GOD WHY THAT CLIFFHANGER.......

Pressing Caps Lock off. *Alright Deep Breaths* *Deep Breaths* *sigh* ..... Sorry there is a volcano waiting to burst in me. Of everything I felt reading.... AND I JUST WANT TO BANG KIERRAN's HEAD THROUGH A HEAVY WALL...... but since that might not be possible ... I JUST WANT TO DESTROY SOMETHING and ease that raging volcano inside of me.

People. Not just people but all kinds of mythical creatures it seems can do a lot of stupid things, justified in the name of love. they say love makes you blind to all else in the world. I hope not all blind and going about a certain Iron Prince is though. It is sweet of him to do the extreme and save Annwyl from the Fade. I actually liked him enough for that sweet act.. The strong and silent Iron Prince ready to give up his life to save the summer faery he formed a relationship with..... But there he goes and does the unspeakable..... Dude you are going to get it...... you messed it up man.....

People compare Kierran and Ash. Maybe the dynamic of their mission is similar and yes Ash did go to the end of the world for Meghan but I hardly think he would have been stupid like that son of his. There is one thing I learned of Ash throughout the Iron Fey series, he is passionate, strong & silent, resilient, and determined but he is also cautious and knows when to stop ..... which I don't see in Kierran.... So sorry dude, you maybe your parents child in the true sense, an amalgamation of both of their qualities but your actions young prince..... they don't.

And then there are Ethan and Kenzie. The Ethan form 'The Lost Prince' was all jaded and thought of the fey as just bad..... Well they can be bad if you don't know the proper conduct with them...... Now knows that they are both good and gray as well as bad. Willing to accept these new developments and letting go of that anger. He had progressed a lot since then. Even accepting his weird family, mostly Kierran, a nephew who is the same age as he is and really bond with him. He really wants to help.

Then there is Kenzie. Loved her alright. She is actually the one who forces Ethan to change his angry outlook towards life and the fey in general. She becomes Ethan's reason to open up and share his feelings and see more in life than he thought there was. It is still sad that Kenzie has a terminal illness that is killing her slowly because Ethan is fighting hard to stay with her and love and cherish her like he wants to.

About the plot. What I didn't feel with the lost prince, Iron Traitor makes up for it in a big way. It is always difficult to get used to new characters after spending a whole series with a different bunch. The Lost Prince put Ethan, Kierran, Annwyl and Kenzie at the foreground and put Ash, Meghan, Puck and even Grimalkin in the background. But it is Iron traitor, that gives them the chance to evolve for the good or bad. With the proverbial roller coasters thrice larger and an impeccable plot from the one and only Julie Kagawa. GOD there are enough mind boggling twists & turns here that make a coaster inadequate.....

AND AGAIN I SAY ...... WHAT THE HELL ....... WHAT THE HELL..... A CLIFFHANGER???? I had to read the last few pages at least thrice to ascertain that I didn't miss anything there.....WHY Ms. KAGAWA??? WHY MUST YOU BREAK OUR HEARTS SO??? ........ OHHHHH WHEN IS THE THIRD BOOK COMING........ WHEN...........

"Kagawa has done it again. There she goes writing up a fantastic action-packed and exquisite sequel..... just to break our fragile hearts with the mother of all cliffhangers"

Genre :     Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy


Publisher: Harlequin Teen


Rate:             5 /5 (It was Amazing)

Books in Series(review links):

         #1 The Lost Prince

Other Books by the Author(review links):

         The Iron Fey(series)
          Blood of Eden (series)

Buy:    Amazon | Book Depository

Blood of Eden #2 The Eternity Cure

Blood calls to blood and it just keeps getting stronger.....  Presenting Blood of Eden #2 The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the book:

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

What do you want me to say that others already haven't!!! Julie Kagawa you are bloody brilliant. There is nothing imperfect about this tale at all. Kagawa wowed us first with her bestseller Iron Fey series (which still continues with its brilliance) then she forays into the vampire lore, adds post-apocalyptic dystopian to the mix and brings us vampires in their original glory, which I'm pretty thankful for. Beginning with the Immortal Rules, the journey gets even more hair-raising in this second installment, The Eternity Cure.

There is something pretty appealing about the notion of the 'call of the blood' or even that of  'blood is thicker than water'. People (and i'm including supernaturals too in that quota) tend to stick closer to or are impartial to blood relatives rather than to friends. Although even that can be contradictory in itself but it gets the concrete feel when its vampire blood involved. This is where the story begins Allison leaves Ethan and his group in Eden and sets out to find and rescue her sire Kanin, who she realizes has been captured and tortured repeatedly by the psychopath Sarren. Making usual allies along the way and braving the storm of danger coming everywhere around her.

One of the best things about this book was the brother-sister relationship between Jackal and Allison. Both are sired from Kanin, so both are looking for him and they joined forces for it. Jackal is sharp as a hot needle and snarky as the devil. He knows how to press someone's buttons to the point of no return and likes to make dirty jokes. Allison on the other hand is the strong-willed, determined heroine who fights tooth and nail to get what she sets out to do.

Come to think of it, in a way both Jackal and Allie are pretty much similar to each other.... well according to Jackal they are. And even if they are polar opposites and hold opposite ends of the stick when dealing with each other they are united in their goal. To save Kanin. Somehow the dynamics of their sibling relationship reminds us of two hot headed vampire brothers of CW.... (you can all totally guess that one i'm sure) but completely different topic. Still it is refreshing the dynamics is. Jackal totally adapted to the norm of a blood sucker - no regrets about the kill, be sure to keep his head in the game, manipulative and unpredictable. Allie on the other hand still got both legs on both boats = one in the humanity and other in vampirism. Rational and still possessing the ability to love and choose for herself........ her and Ethan are totally corny in that area but who cares, it balances the darker elements of the book perfectly.



I read this way before the release of this book but only now posting my review. I just couldn't find the words to describe the perfection this book is. Julie Kagawa knows how to deliver. Impeccable, suave, dystopic; the setting, the plot, the characters, the action, everything was amazing. Well balanced. And i'd go as far as to say that Kagawa really had me gobsmacked.... "you are terrible....... first you make us cry and then throw a bone like that at the end of the book"..... *seriously* that is the reason why we love you so much, you know how to keep the plot alive (a quality that an author needs very much) ....... Gimme 'The Forever Song' soon please, I can't wait.......

"Enthralling, Shocking, Compelling and sinister acts abound.... oh just perfection..... utter perfection"

Genre :     Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopia


Publisher: Harlequin Teen


Rate:             5 /5 (It was Amazing)

Books in Series(review links):

         #1 The Immortal Rules

Other Books by the Author(review links):

         The Iron Fey & Call of the Forgotten(series)

Alternate Covers of the book:

As far as the redesigned covers go while the new ones do suit the dystopia theme, i like the UK and Australian covers much better than the lot.

Australian Cover

UK Cover

'Till the World Ends

Julie Kagawa......Ann Aguirre......Karen Duvall.....nice combo. Presenting 'Till the World Ends by Julie Kagawa, Ann Aguirre, Karen Duvall.

Here is the summary of the book:

Dawn of Eden by Julie Kagawa

Before The Immortal Rules, there was the Red Lung, a relentless virus determined to take out all in its path. For Kylie, the miracle of her survival is also her burden-as a doctor at one of the clinics for the infected, she is forced to witness endless suffering. What's worse, strange things are happening to the remains of the dead, and by the time she befriends Ben Archer, she's beginning to wonder if a global pandemic is the least of her problems....

Thistle & Thorne by Ann Aguirre

After a catastrophic spill turns the country into a vast chemical wasteland, those who could afford it retreated to fortresses, self-contained communities run by powerful corporations. But for Mari Thistle, life on the outside-in the Red Zone-is a constant struggle. To protect her family, Mari teams up with the mysterious Thorne Goodman. Together, they'll face an evil plot in both the underworld of the Red Zone and the society inside the fortresses that could destroy those on the outside...for good.

Sun Storm by Karen Duvall

Sarah Daggot has been chasing storms since she was a child. But after the biggest solar flares in history nearly destroy the planet, she becomes a Kinetic, endowed by her exposure to extreme radiation with the power to sense coming storms-in the cosmos and beyond. And she's not the only one. Sarah believes the Kinetics are destined to join forces and halt the final onslaught of the sun. She'll vow to keep trying to convince the one missing link in their chain of defense, the enigmatic Ian Matthews, up until the world ends.

Without going inti specifics, this is an anthology of three novellas by renouned authors Julie Kagawa (Dawn of Eden), Ann Aguirre (Thistle & Thorn) and Karen Duvall (Sun Storm). One is a prequel to Kagawa's new series Blood of Eden, Ann Aguirre's is like a side story to her Razorland series and Duvall's is an independent tale. Each had its own plot, each had its own quirks and the twists and turns oh my God were brilliant.

Truth be told I only read this because I was interested in reading Dawn of Eden and it was truly brilliant, I definitely liked Ben Archer and Kylie. Julie Kagawa ....truly brilliant, she gives hope to the true vampires and not the trash sparkly ones out there (don't flame me I used to like them in my teen year because well RPatz is quite good looking......but no more)....and the mysterious 'K'....oh I think I know who he is (not telling though!!).

"Thistle & Thorn" & "Sun Storm" while pretty interesting reads, didn't really interest me much but quite good reads they were. Of Ann Aguirre and Karen Duvall I have only read Enclave(Aguirre) and none for Duvall. Thistle & Thorn delves into the scene that leads to the setting of Enclave and might I say, pretty nicely explained. But I was kinda disappointed with Sun Storm,....... while pretty interesting with the paranormal and sci-fi quota (I liked it) but still not on par with the first two novellas.

"Myriad, paranormal and a dystopic future brought by three great authors....Kagawa, Aguirre and Duvall, 'Till the World Ends will transport you to the end of the world as seen by these brilliant minds"

Genre :      Anthology, Paranormal Romance, Dystopia, Post-Apocalyptic


Publisher: Harlequin Luna


My Copy:  Netgalley and Publisher


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

The Iron Legends

No questions asked just read ahead folk. Presenting The Iron Fey #1.5, 3.5, 4.5 The Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the book:

Enter the world of the internationally bestselling Iron Fey series. Dangerous faeries. Heartbreaking romance. Thrilling action and limitless adventure. The world of the fey has never been so powerful. This collection includes three novellas set in the world of the Iron Fey plus the Guide to the Iron Fey with exclusive information about Julie Kagawa's unforgettable world of Faery.

Winter's Passage

Never make a promise to a faery. They always come to collect. Now Meghan Chase must fulfill her promise to Prince Ash of the Winter Court and embark upon a dangerous journey into the heart of enemy territory—while being pursued by a relentless new foe and guarding her own foolish heart.

Summer's Crossing

What can turn enemies into reluctant allies? A call from the Exile Queen, Leanansidhe, ties legendary prankster Puck to his archenemy, Prince Ash, on a journey that may end in betrayal and will set them both on an irreversible path.

Iron's Prophecy

Before she ever knew what she might become, Iron Queen Meghan Chase was warned by the oracle that her firstborn child would bring nothing but grief. And even as Meghan and Ash celebrate their long-awaited union, the prophecy stirs.…

Three Iron Fey novellas for the first time in print!

Since I don't want to repeat it again. This is an anthology of all the iron fey novellas released to date -  Winter's Passage, Summer's Crossing and Iron Prophecy. Summer, Winter and Iron together at last. Along with a few other goodies.

I had already read and reviewed Winter's Passage and Summer's Crossing, so i won't be getting into it again, but got to say it was marvelous to read it again. You all can find my reviews of -

Winter's Passage review - here

Summer's Crossing review - here

Moving on to what I really want to show you guys is the latest novella released in the series, Iron Prophecy. Happens sometimes after the Iron Knight ended. The oracle appears at the Elysium this time held in Tir Na Nog, and warns the Iron Queen about the destructive future wrought by her child in the future.....oh a little spoiler here (only this once) you might want to read this particular short before you tackle The Lost Prince, helps you big time.....

But enough now..... i'd like to finally say.....

    

Explosively marvelous as always Ms. Kagawa. This particular novella (Iron Prophecy) brings out the changes in Ash after his sojourn with Puck, Grim and some unexpected allies to the end of the world and back to gain a soul. He is much more kinder and compassionate now and is able to openly show his feelings now that he is no longer the Winter prince (exiled from the winter court). I specially loved this new side of Ash that he only reserves for Meghan. Puck and Grim make an appearance as always.... In short as always a job well done. Hope we will get to see more shorts like this.

"Summer, Winter and Iron - Perfect & Magically fantabulous keeper edition"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Anthology


Publisher: Harlequin Teen



Rate:             5 /5 (It was Amazing)

The iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1 The Lost Prince

Oh! We can't get get enough of the Nevernever .... now can we. Presenting The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1 The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the book:

Don't look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them. That is Ethan Chase's unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he'd dare to fall for. Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister's world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

There are very few authors out there, whose any genre of work i'll happily devour. Julie Kagawa is one of them. I have read all of her books - the Iron Fey, the Blood of Eden and now this new series joins the ranks, set in the wondrous Nevernever, Call of the forgotten is the story of Meghan, the Iron Queen's younger brother, Ethan Chase.

You guys who have read the Iron Fey series .... remember Meghan had a younger half brother Ethan who was kidnapped by Machina's minions and brought to the Nevernever and Meghan had rushed to save him? Well he's all grown up now and has the sight....yup he can see them loud and clear and even they can't resist showing off, pestering him and ultimately getting him in trouble. He is all grown up now and in the rebellious phase of his teenage years....and is more or less a handsome stud, who can be a jerk big time....but we can definitely sympathize with him after all went through as a child ..... but what will he do when a chance friend, a half-fey gets kidnapped by these nameless fey entities. Will he bottle up his rage and rush to save his friend? Because time is slipping away and there might not be a friend left to save if he is too late.

OH MY GOD! This book was amazing. Ms. Kagawa's captivating penmanship is as stunning as ever. A mark of a great author for her to formulate new and engaging stories from an already well fleshed out world. So, the major plus point of this book is definitely the plot. Stunning, engaging and fantastical, the plot is totally at par with that of her Iron Fey books. The characters form a great part of the story, responsible for moving it forward. We get to meet both new and old characters....Ethan, Kenzie, Keirran, Meghan, Ash, Puck, Grim....

Ethan, the gorgeous one (from the gorgeous cover) ....who is filled to the brim with rage against all things fey and is a kali expert. Erecting this huge wall around himself, keeps him hidden and only Kali keeps him grounded. Kenzie, the girl from his new school is for the lack of better word annoying but she turns out to be the one person who breaks down Ethan's walls and makes him feel again openly. There is Keirran...if you all have read the Iron Knight then you know how I'm talking about .... we finally get to meet him for real. To tell the truth I didn't really care about Ethan, Kenzie or Keirran...but rather wanted to see more of Meghan, Ash and Puck.....sue me I like them more.

But at the end I must tell you all that Julie Kagawa has done it again. Even if Ethan is the one true star of the book (you'll need to read to know the meaning behind the title). The story is thoroughly enjoyable and as I said before magical and captivating till the end. This is a new direction to the Iron Fey series and I'm very happy to tell you marvelous......Marking the days till the next book I am.

"A new captivating and adventurous direction to the Iron Fey - this is Ethan's rebellious sojourn into the Nevernever - A race against time" 

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal


Publisher: Harlequin Teen


My Copy:  Publisher and Netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Blood of Eden #1 The Immortal Rules

This will instill the credibility of vampires back into you, trust me. Presenting my review of Blood of Eden #1 The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa. This is the anticipated book of the season. If my review is long...well deal with the book is a giant compared to what you'll be reading below.

Here is the summary of the book:

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

After her big stint with the hugely popular(my personal favorite) Iron Fey saga, Ms. Kagawa, has taken on a new turn.....to go the post-apocalyptic paranormal romance way. But will she be successful in instilling our interests back in the vampires and delivering something that is not sparkly(sorry couldn't resist)....well the answer is, YES SHE DOES. So without much further ado lets move forward to the review.

Based in a world where the creatures of the dark, vampires have all come out of hiding, feeding on their human blood cattle, keeping the them tightly within their grasps, in a sort of outer fringes off their inner cities keeping them as miserable as possible. Among the humans their are two factions the Registered and the Unregistered. The registered are the ones who get to enjoy life a little bit easier then the unregistered do. Oh and did I mention that the unregistered don't get the luxuries the registered do and have to resort to stealing which is one of the most heinous crimes of all and is punishable by death....well not a bleak future you can tell.

Enter Allison Sekemoto, an above mentioned blind spot, she and her rag-tag unregistereds search day and night(well day mostly) in trash cans, gutters and old city ruins for food and clothes. But hunger is not something you could always control sooner or later it consumes you and you can't do anything but to sort to dangers means to feed your stomach and Allie and her group pays the price when they are ambushed by rabids (the monsters that are made as a result to a failure of vampirism), Allie is on the brink of death, about to go rabid or die when a mysterious vampire finds her and gives her the option of either dying and retuning as a rabid or be a vampire, She chooses the latter. Its simple psychology people tend to not reconcile with death choosing and doing all they can to stay alive.

As a vampire she learns all she can and needs to survive as a vampire from her mysterious creator, Kanan. She learns to fight, to survive but yet she can't see the point of drinking human blood, hoping animal blood can serve purpose but to no avail. And if she does and its not enough to satisfy her then sooner or later she is going to become one of the blood-thirsty rampaging lot, which is never a good sign. But trouble strikes and she is on her own again, this time coming in contact with a big human group travelling to find the only vampire-run city in the world, Eden. Does Eden truly exist or is it just a fable? But most of all how long can she feign to be a human? Eventually she'll realize that she'll need blood and soon to survive. Will it be enough to prevent a fall-out with Zeke, her new friend who definitely doesn't miss out on things.

Julie Kagawa has successfully delivered the best piece of vampire literature yet. This is the story of how Allie learns how to be a vampire. She is strong character, she is loyal to boot and looks out for her friends and she is also very much a rebel and a closed off girl. The other characters are there to play a part in pushing Allie to accept her nature and use it in the best possible way. Romance is kept at a minimum, which is a good sign. Vivid, dark and alluring descriptions, Julie Kagawa delivers what Julie Kagawa delivers. Can't wait now to see how goes the second book.

"Now that's what true vampires are all about"

UPDATE: I just heard yesterday that The Immortal Rules is optioned for a movie for Palomar Pictures, on this happy occasion let me add the trailer to the book....wouldn't it be more awesome if the iron fey series also gets optioned.

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Post Apocalyptic


Publisher: Harlequin Teen


My Copy: Publisher and netgalley


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

The Iron Fey #4: The Iron Knight

Feel like saying thousand thank you(s) to netgalley. If I had never gotten the email alert all those months back that they were putting a galley of it there, then I would never have picked up the Iron Fey series from my 'to-be-read' pile so soon. Thank you netgalley and thank you to the publisher for putting it on there. May I present an early review of the upcoming book in the Iron Fey #4 The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the review of the book:

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.

As I stated above if not for netgalley I never would have picked up the Iron fey books from my tbr pile so soon......and to think would have missed out on so much. So lets get on with the review then. The Iron Knight picks up straight where the Iron Queen and upto some extent Summer's Crossing finishes.

After the defeat of the false king Meghan has taken over or well accepted her destiny as the sovereign ruler of the Iron Court and in order to save her beloved Ash, who had sworn to be her knight had banished to save him from being poisoned by the Iron. Why? Because Iron is a kryptonite for the oldworld fey and Ash belongs to the Unseelie Court. In doing so not only is she saving Ash but also sacrifice her love for him(or so she thinks).

But all is not over Ash has sworn that some way or another he would be with her in the end and would do anything in his power to get his happy ending with Meghan.

And this journey is what we find within the pages of The Iron Knight. Ash along with Puck, Grimalkin and a certain "hunter" take the most peculiar adventure through Nevernever. What do they search for? A way for Ash to be with Meghan without the iron interfering between them. A jorney for Ash to gain a soul. A journey that stands the test of time for many have tried but failed. So can Ash, Puck, Grimalkin and "the hunter"succeed what had never been achieved?

The very first page of the book quotes "Team Ash, This one is for you" and for all those Team Ash it is. While   Meghan was sorely missed (although is in background here) but we understand The Iron Queen was the conclusion to her story but for Ash it was just beginning.

The Iron Knight offers us a glimpse of the complexity that is Ash. We get to see in Ash's mind, his struggles to attain his promise that he had made to Meghan, his dark past, the nature of his relationship to Puck and with his past lover Ariella. For an Unseelie prince it is weakness to show emotion and Ash knows it. Not only is he loyal but there are true horrors in his past that he definitely never shares with anyone. Never giving in to his inner darkness ever.

You all might even start questioning if Ash deserves redemption or not. His journey is a lot more that just finding his soul but becoming somebody else entirely. The harrowing steps of his journey break the Winter Ash bit by bit and out leaves an Ash who is free of the burdens of the past.

Not just Ash but Puck also comes entirely as a new person here. When Ariella died he lost not one but two of his dear friends and inspite of lashing out he has held the pain inside and as you say it 'taking it in turns'. Puck is as fun loving as he is loyal and Iron Knight shows us a rather very serious side of him. Grim is still the same as ever with his cat-ly annoying "know-it-all" attitude.

Julie Kagawa is the boss....for this definitely does not disappoint in the slightest. Twists and turns, coming to terms with your past, resolving centuries long enemity and seeing your promise till the end. This book definitely does not disappoint. 

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: HarlequinTEEN


My Copy:  Courtesy of netgalley and publisher 


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

The Iron Fey #3.5: Summer's Crossing

Finally gaining some ground on Puck. I present before you all The Iron Fey #3.5 Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the novella:

A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts. Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist. An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

Summer's Crossing is a bridging gap between 'The Iron Queen' and 'The Iron Knight' and in Puck's point of view. Ash has too many debts needed to be paid off and one comes to collect her side of the contract. It is the duty of the fey to complete their sides of the contract and Ash must follow even if it means entering enemy realms to retrieve stolen items or being or anything as required. And for that he needs his once-friend-now-turned-enemy Puck's help. But true to his nature and little nudge from his master Puck has decided to lay trouble in Ash's way of going through his end of the deal. Both fell for the same girl and both want her....well this can't be good can it? 

Aside from Ash and Meghan and the usual, the one character that I really like and respect is Robin Goodfellow a.k.a. Puck. He is the one character that balances out all the seriousness and the mushiness between Ash and Meghan and is everything a jester should be. This novella sheds some light upon the inner workings of the mind of Puck. He clearly still loves Meghan...well can't be blamed, she did return his feelings for sometime before deciding on Ash. And its a good change from all the emotional drama that surrounds the two lovely couple.

Thumbs up for Ms. Kagawa! So psyched about reading "The Iron Knight" now.

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: HarlequinTEEN


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

The Iron Fey #3: The Iron Queen

Another fast record. OMG! I'm on a roll. Oh well.....so I present before you The Iron fey #3 The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the book:

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.

So Ash and Meghan have been sent to exile never to return to nevernever ever, well until announced otherwise at least by their sires. Their crime fall in love with one another. Its a rule or should I say law that a Summer Fey and a Winter Fey are not meant to be together. But danger still lurks around the corners. The false iron king has declared open war on the Seelie and the Unseelie Courts and as they myth goes these two 'oldworld' feary can't even turn a hair off from these abominations (iron fey), simple iron does not bode well for them. So naturally Ash, Meghan and Puck (who was later also exiled by the Erlking) are called back because well they are the only ones or better yet Meghan is the only one who can enter the Iron realm without being poisoned by its effect and as her knight and lover (Prince Ash) and her best friend (Puck) tag along as well on this new quest to put a stop to the false king's advent. With loads of help from yours truly Grimalkin.

The Iron Queen *kicks-butt* literally. Its not only the level of details that gives it a positive leverage and staying true to the old saying but its only about the way the characters co-relate with one another. This book is definitely about Meghan, about how much she had grown in the span of time she spent in the feary. Witnessing so many things that normal humans are meant too(well she isn't normal, she is half-fey) and growing into a sensible and an unselfish Queen. Towards the end of this book Meghan finally comes to embrace her destiny, which is a rather huge task to accomplish. As well as uniting them all and accepting the good and the bad.

Not just Meghan but Ash and Puck play a huge role here as well. Now I'm always for Team Ash since it was blatantly obvious from the start and well he is rather gorgeous as well....well Puck could have gone there too but he waited too long to make his move and I have to say he sound rather like a best friend material to me. Both are on a constant change in the character scale. Ash out of the bondage of the Winter court has started to show another side of him or has finally decided to drop the indifferent mask he wears all the time. He is now well rather very sweet, he cares a lot for Meghan. He is more open now and rather very lovey-dovey too. That is definitely a 360 degrees change we get to see in few. The extent to which Ash and Meghan would go to be together is rather heart-wrenching(definitely not another Romeo and Juliet....thank God).

Puck on the other, as mischievous as ever (he is Oberon's jester after all) but also shows a certain level of maturity. He knows he has got no chance with Meghan now and has decided to go the way of 'her happiness is my happiness'. Pretty smart of him and very sacrificing. He could easily fight for her love with the elusive Ash but he knows that Meghan loves him(Ash) and would never be able to return his feeling. 

Three of them - Meghan, Ash and Puck along with Grim journey to the Iron realm and stop the false king before the whole of the nevernever is destroyed and helping Meghan along the way as she struggles with both her summer and iron powers. Since I have already finished 'Summer's Crossing' as well, I'd say this one was the best yet. Julie Kagawa really has done it again because like a fairy this Iron Fey series manages to enchant you and you can never break free off it strong hold.

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: HarlequinTEEN


Rate:              5/5 (It was amazing)

The Iron Fey #2: The Iron Daughter

Finished this in five hours. God a new record for me! I present before you all The Iron Fey #2 The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the book:

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.

This one starts starts of where Winter's Passage leaves off. As part of the contract between Meghan and Ash, she would willingly go to the Winter realm if Ash helps her to get back who was kidnapped by the Iron King and replaced by a violent changeling. 

So Meghan is now in enemy territories a.k.a the winter court and she must tread with caution. Even if she puts one foot out the Unseelie Court, be it the Queen of the court or any of her subjects wouldn't think for a second before turning her into an icicle for the simple reason that she is the Erlking Oberon's daughter (half-daughter). Ash, the mysterious and gorgeous Ash is of no use because well he is loyal to his queen and would have to keep his pokerface on there even if it hurts to watch Meghan be mistreated there. Worst of all Meghan's Summer powers are locked away there in the winter realm.

But the worst is yet to come. During the handing over of the scepter of seasons to the winter court from the summer court the scepter is stolen by the Iron fey. And since no one believes Meghan and Ash about the existence of these new fey species no the blame is put on the summer court. War is upon the horizon for the two courts and the iron fey are on the rise again but this time acting under a false King. So only Meghan and Ash know that the Iron Fey have the scepter and that it must be brought back in order to avert the storm but first they must find out a way out of the Winter court undetected....Will they be able to get the scepter back in time?.......Worry not Puck and Grimalkin are there too.

So The Iron Daughter came as a total surprise. While the previous books of the series both Iron King and the novella Winter's Passage were awesome but this was even better and not to question that I finished it five hours. But Iron Daughter really changes our perceptive around to the corner. 

All of our characters evolve here even more. We see new shades of Ash's character - his loyalty - even times when he is angst ridden - his time in the Winter Court with an indifferent mask over his face and even the passionate Ash when he is with Meghan. And his declarations of love for her enough to walk in exile leaving the life of the court behind for her. (Ideal boyfriend material don't you all think? Kinda hard to come by these days unfortunately)

Puck, as mischievous as ever. Definitely living up to his reputation rather thoroughly enough. But even Puck shows more in here. All of his disobeyed orders from Oberon regarding Meghan. Well he's in love with her too. He'd do anything for her but he knows he's late for Ash got there first and he is content to play the over protective best friend for now. Grimalkin as mysterious as ever with all of his "I am a Cat" talk and that tail held high and strutting along.

Don't forget Meghan, she definitely grew ten-folds as a character here. Nevernever is new to her so she is still clueless about the fey realms but she is more wiser now. She is rather the ideal heroine who has absolutely no clue about a thing called self-preservation and definitely has got a giant streak of stubborness in herself. Meghan is faced with some rather important decisions here and some pretty ginormous responsibilities not to mention making calculating moves when dealing with the fey. Its rather interesting to watch all this unfold not to mention her deciding between Puck and Ash (both rather strong contenders for her love).

Thus once again Julie Kagawa astounds us with her lovely writing and all the excitement she has infused in the pages of The Iron Daughter for her readers. I highly recommend to all read the Iron Fey and prepare to be sucked into the nevernever.

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: HarlequinTEEN


Rate:              5/5 (It was amazing)

The Iron Fey #1.5: Winter's Passage

Short and to the point. I present before you all, an interim scene between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter, Winter's Passage.

Here is the summary of the scene:

Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck--Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon--who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey. Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter--a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat.... An eBook exclusive story from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

Meghan by the end of 'The Iron King' has defeated King Machina and had got her brother back. But she must now honor the end of the deal she had made with the gorgeous winter Prince, Ash.

 This scene serves as the account of their journey to the Unseelie Court. And its not a bed of roses. Meghan wants a slight detour from this final departure of sorts - she wants to visit Puck. But this detour does not get unnoticed by an ancient hunter. A hunter who neither belongs to the Seelie or the Unseelie Court. How would Meghan and Ash evade being deleted by his ferocious being?

Winter's Passage is the goods. Every page spews of the anticipation that something is about to happen. Every turn of event speaks of coming horrors. A short scene but Julie Kagawa has out done herself. You'll be surprised - Winter's Passage is really good.

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: HarlequinTEEN


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

The Iron Fey #1: The Iron King

This one has been pilling up for sometime and good enough that it delivers everything it says it would. Lets hear it for Julie Kagawa's The Iron Fey #1 The Iron King.

Here is the summary of the book:

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.

As the vampires and dystopia, the fae seem to be in vogue in the YA book scene. Although I love all things magical but the iron king would be the first book I have read that is of the YA genre. Literary I have come as far as the Shakespeare's 'Midsummer Night's Dream' to the fae lore. 

It starts of like this - its Meghan's 16th birthday and definitely nothing can go wrong in her mundane day-to-day life as she like every other highschooler hustles with school with her best friend - well protective best friend Robbie Goodfell to be exact. So its her birthday and like every other day of her life her birthday is nothing different. Even her best friend who is the only one who remembers the day can't repair the dullness of it all. But maybe something is going on and why is she seeing such strange things these days? Well when her younger brother Ethan is kidnapped and replaced by a changeling - a creed of faerie known to be violent - Meghan wants answers. Robbie Goodfell is the one to take charge and he explains the deal about the fae world and that he is King Oberon, the lord of the Seelie (Summer) Court and that Meghan is co-incidentally the only living off-spring of the King of the Summer court - well half-blood. 

So with Puck leading the way Meghan enters the Nevernever to only get her brother back. But to her surprise Nevernever is definitely not as the fairytales proclaim them to be. Its tricky, its dangerous and definitely not a place to go joyriding. Aside from being cautious Meghan must be aware of what she says and what she does - for if not careful then by the time she finds her brother she'd be under heavy burden of debts - well nevernever does work on debts doesn't it? Enter Ash, the youngest prince of the Unseelie (Winter) Court. Gorgeous and handsome. Hails from a land frozen in show as the heart is. While his character is enough to give someone a whiplash but Meghan seems to be drawn in to him. And Grimalkin, the mysterious talking cat who is as sharp-witted and cat like as ever. 

With the help of Puck, the winter prince and the cat Meghan must navigate the customs and traditions of this unknown land and find her brother before it is too late.

First of all i'd like to say The Iron King delivers the goods. Not only is the Fae lore present in its elements as the beliefs have it without changing the details at all. Second Grimalkin - well i'm not well versed with what the books say about him but he strongly reminded me of the Cheshire cat....yes a strong resemblance to Alice in Wonderland and not to forget Midsummer Night's Dream and Peter Pan too. The plot is intriguing enough. And a lot of twists and turns that will make you sit on the edge of your seats throughout and mystical enough to fill in the quota of like minded Fantasy lovers. 

Well a tale this magical tale is never enough without a romantic ark. So yes we have the burgeoning relationship between Ash and Meghan is sweet and beautiful and heart warming. Add to it a jealous best friend Puck and you get a triangle. If you ask me well i'm Team Ash from the first instance. He is tall, he is dark, he is icy and with those silver eyes what is not to like? His feud with Puck was a nice twist in the story. Puck according to me is more of a loyal best friend instead of a love interest. 

As far as the characters go - Ms. Kagawa had nailed them to the spot. Each portrayed a different characteristic and a provided a level of complexity to the plot. Our heroine, Meghan Chase is also fun to follow. She is strong, tentative and emotional, genuine enough. Puck as I already stated a goofball and Ash a forlorn gorgeous prince. Ms. Kagawa has indeed captured every curve and aspect needed to maintain such a humble rhythm on the plot. 

The Iron King is a great promising start, with great characters, intriguing plot lines and devious tendencies. Oh hopefully i'll get to start THE IRON DAUGHTER soon.  

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: HarlequinTEEN


Rate:              5/5 (It was amazing)