The Iron King

Recensione sul blog: http://thereadingpal.blogspot.it/2018/02/recensione-162-iron-king.html

“Careful, human." Grimalkin appeared on the corner of the stage,

overshadowed by the dead chimera. "Do not lose your heart to a faery

prince. It never ends well.”


Quando mi è stato regalato questo libro, pensavo sarebbe stata una lettura banale. E soprattutto, pensavo non mi sarebbe piaciuto per nulla. Causa anche la copertina, che mi ricorda quella di certi bruttissimi romance travestiti da "fantasy".
Ho cercato di leggerlo senza pregiuzi perché 1) mi fido della persona che me lo ha regalato e 2) non ho mai letto nulla di Julie Kagawa prima di questo libro, e mi sembrava ingiusto partire con l'idea che non mi sarebbe piaciuto.
Con piacere, show more dico che mi sono ricreduta e che non vedo l'ora di leggere il secondo libro della serie.
Meghan Chase è la solita ragazza un po' sfigatella, senza amici a parte il compagno Rob e con una famiglia a cui poco importa di lei.
In quello che sembra un giorno come un altro. Meghan vede la sua vista cambiare completamente. Non solo scopre di essere la figlia mezza-fata del re Seelie Oberno, ma si ritrova nel mezzo di una guerra che nessuno si aspetta, minacciata da un nemico di cui nessuno conosceva l'esistenza.
Come sapete se mi seguite da un po', non ho molta familiarità con le fate e il loro mondo, cosa a cui sto rimediando recentemente. Quindi questo è già un elemento nuovo e particolare per me.
L'autrice non infila info-dump et simila, riuscendo a rendere tutto molto organico ai miei occhi. Carino il collegamento con Shakespear attraverso i personaggi di Titania, Oberon e Robin Goodfellow (non ho mai letto Songno di una notte di mezza estate, anche qui cosa da rimediare...), ma ciò che ha davvero attratto la mia attenzione è altro.
Julie Kagawa prende un plot davvero overusato e lo trasforma in qualcosa di nuovo e interessante. Il concetto delle "iron faries", dalla loro creazione al vederle in azione, è qualcosa di cui personalmente non avevo mai sentito parlare. L'ho trovato originale e ben inserito con gli elementi tradizionali del mondo fatato. Ed è assolumente la cosa che ho preferito di questo libro. Adoro quando un autore riesnce a sorprendermi.
Veniamo ai personaggi, che generalmente ho trovato ben fatti, ognuno con le proprie voci e i loro modi.
Meghan è un buon personaggio principale. Non diventa super figa o super intelligente tutto d'un tratto, non ha poteri strabiglianti fin dalla seconda pagina, non è odiosa. Per tutto il libro rimane se stessa, non abbandona i propri principi, e comunque riesce ad evolvere e crescere come fata. Rinfrescante, dopo tutte le Mary Sue che mi è toccato incontrare nella mia vita di lettrice. Di sicuro non me la immagino come la figa in copertina, questo è certo.
Puck/Robin invece l'ho trovato INSOPPORTABILE. È pesante in modo assurdo e rompiscatole. A ogni pagina speravo morisse. Mi è stato detto che nei prossimi libri si vedrà qualcosa di più rispetto al suo personaggio, ma non cambierò idea facilmente.
Anche Ash all'inizio non mi piaceva. Lo ritenevo un personaggio arrogante e il solito giovane ragazzo "misterioso", sempre vestito di nero, blah blah. Avete capito. Nel corso della storia evolve non poco, e mi sono trovata, rispetto all'inizio, a sperare che sopravivvesse.
Parlando di triangoli amorosi, qui non era davvero esplicito, quindi non l'ho trovato irritante. E shippo immensamente Ash e Meghan, cosa che mi sorpresa non poco! Spero risolvano i loro problemi e si mettano insieme.
Per quanto riguarda lo stile, è semplice e scorrevole. Il libro si legge davvero bene e velocemente.
Nel complesso un'ottima lettura. show less

Okay, so I've decided to reread the first three books in this series, since the fourth and final book is coming out in a few weeks and I have managed to NOT get my hands on it. -_- (But of course, I'm not bitter about that, no, not at all . . .)

The Iron King definitely isn't the best book in the series, but I still love it. Meghan isn't a character I often find myself annoyed with. Sure, she's naive sometimes, but for the past sixteen years of her life, she's had no idea any of these things existed. I loved watching how Meghan got stronger throughout the book

Puck, Meghan's best friend, is probably one of my favorite characters of all time. He's the comedic relief throughout the series, always making some joke to cut the tension. And I show more loved that no matter how sarcastic he was, he still did everything he could to protect Meghan.

And Ash. The Ice Prince. I don't know what to say about him without being too spoilery, but just let me say, the whole "dark brooding prince" act really works for him. And I mean really works. I loved Ash even more than Puck.

Still, I think there's something I loved even more than Ash. It was the fact that Meghan got pulled into that mess with the Fae, not because she fell in love or accidentally stumbled upon it, but because she was trying to save her little brother. Everything she goes through, no matter how much she wants to give up, she always remembers that she's trying to save Ethan.

I even loved the evil people in this book. And trust me, there were quite a few of them O_o Mab, the queen of the Winter Court, for one. And then there was the plot, full of twists to keep you occupied and surprised through the whole book.

Overall: The characters were amazing, the plot was amazing, and even the talking cat, Grimalkin, was hilarious. I don't think there's anything I didn't love about this book. If you haven't read this series, I think you should start. Like, now. You'll be hooked until the end. (And the fact that it's about Fae and not your typical paranormal things these days is just a bonus.) 5 stars. show less

Strictly speaking the concept for The Iron King is not a new one in recent young adult (or even mainstream) fiction. Previously oblivious teen girl finds out that she's related, in some way, to the Fey Courts and her life plummets into danger, suspense and a shocking amount of violence. The cast of Fey characters usually involve the usual suspects--Puck, Oberon, Titania, Mab--as well as the usual Fey creatures. In this The Iron King does not surprise.

Instead Kagawa gives us a new type of Fey. Its made clear, that like the traditional Fey this new 'Iron Fey' also draws power from and was created by human imagination and belief. The exact science, if you can really call it that, of the Iron Fey I'll leave to everybody to read about, but show more there you have it. The Fey are, with few (if any) exceptions extremely manipulative and cutthroat. They don't believe in the literal meaning of a promise--several times Meghan is cautioned to reconsider her wording because the Fey created the notion of loopholes (which leads me to believe they're all lawyers or insurance people in the real world). Sometimes she uses this to her advantage, but more often she's at the wrong end of the word choice and suffers for it.

I was rather pleased to see the inclusion of Grimalkin, or Cait Sith, in the series. Kind of like the Cheshire Cat, Cait Sith are like cats--they go where they want, when they want and do things because they interest them. Grim is really no exception, though several times he makes a bargain that benefits Meghan (or her quest) with only a vague 'I'll get mine back in the future' sort of response. I don't think you can say he's Meghan's friend, or even ally quite frankly. Temporary companion perhaps.

Ash, who runs all over the spectrum between good and bad, was definitely intriguing and showed potential, though his motivations are tainted by his association with Queen Mab. His and Meghan's relationship later in the series takes a very interesting turn, but the end seems to put a shadow of doubt over it. As far as Oberon and Titania and Mab go their really no different then most society sorts--petty, ambitious and willing to tear hair out over the smallest slight. Though in their case they are less likely to tear out each other's hair then they are to turn the other into some sort of rodent.

My favorite character Puck is in fine form. I guessed who he was pretty quickly, but had a lot of fun seeing how he made menace without flashing who he is. I was definitely digging Kagawa's depiction of the mischievous prankster and appreciated that she also matured him a little.

As the start of a series I think this is a wonderful debut. It resolves only a hand full of questions, but also poses intriguing ones. The second book The Iron Daughter has a publishing date of August 2010--it can't come quickly enough! show less

Excuse me while I catch my breath...

Okay I'm back! How AMAZING was this book? I was literally, absolutely, utterly and completely blown away! The writing is stellar- I'm talking beyond superb.

I was completely lost in the land of NeverNever from the beginning to end. I loved Puck and all his crazy antics, but Ash stole my heart and took it to the Winter court.

The Iron King was so beautifully written, vivid to the point that I felt like the characters were doing a play in my living room. I loved every single solitary freaking line of this book.

WAIT! Except- piskie. What is UP with the piskie thing? I kept thinking it was a misprint of pixie... *giggle* but it's not like that's a deal breaker or anything though right?

This story grew on me.

The entire first half was mostly confusing and frustrating. Meghan was confused and frustrated. The fae were completely freaky and unusual. The wildwood was frightening. Her friend, Puck, changing from who she always knew into one of the oldest faeries in existence who smiled eerily… was hard to swallow.

Honestly, I held a grudge against Robin Longfellow until he demanded pity instead.

Someone asked if I was “Team Ash” or “Team Puck” in that first half and I had to say enthusiastically that I was NOT “Team Puck” by long-shot, even though I had no reason to think “Team Ash”, yet, either.

It might have bothered me because it was so realistic. Any human leaping into Nevernever would be completely off show more balance. Every little turn would feel dangerous. I guess that was described well. So well, in fact, that I wanted out!!!

And then the claws of the story started to dig into me, demanding my attention and interest and not letting go! I didn’t notice it was happening until I couldn’t put the book down, which caught me by surprise.

The difference was Meghan. She is intelligent and brave. She watched how the faery world functioned, started guarding her mouth, got herself into less trouble and managed some difficult circumstances without whining and complaining.

I think the turning point for me was when Meghan busied herself as a slave in the kitchen. (I think I can say that without being spoilerish.) I expected her to give up in exasperation of all the things going wrong. The situation was so decidedly against her favor and even the small choices left to her were taken away. Instead of throwing any sort of fussy-fit, she buckled down and worked hard. She kept her sanity and when the time came to act, she moved definitively. The author won me as a fan during that lull before the Elysium, when the Unseelie Court came to Oberon’s territory in an uneasy truce of a feast:

“All right, I told myself, taking a deep breath. They’re still out there, Meghan. Ethan and your dad. You can’t give up now. Time to stop being a crybaby and get your act together.Lying back on the cold floor, I closed my eyes and started to plan.”

Meghan believes in herself even when the circumstances are against her and everyone thinks she’ll get herself killed. Since she believed she could do it, she started figuring out how to negotiate with faeries faery-style, she began earning their respect, and coordinating her rescue mission. Each of her successes carries her through the mounting difficulties, so the grand finale is deliciously believable.

The very last scene is my favorite, and I don’t know how I’m not reading the next book TOMORROW!! Meghan has so many layers and she is so true to herself on every level. I love the way she accepts them all and the consequences along with them, again without any fussing.

En fin, I went from mentally strangling this book and all things fae, to tripping over my feet to fangirl over Meghan. I will read the next book as soon as I can regardless of what’s “next” in my TBR pile. And I’ll definitely re-read some day to relive the entirety from a fangirling point of view. I wonder if the first half would still be frustrating after knowing that Meghan won’t wilt under the pressure? I kind of think that perspective changes everything. *sigh* Yay for Meghan!!! And Yay for Puck! And double-whammy yay for Ash!!!!!!!! And grudgingly yay for that cait sith!!

The Faery Party of last Saturday was inspired by this book!!! :-D

One more (late-added) note:

I notice that I don't mention much about the other characters in the book as I flip out over Meghan. My own review cracks me up... but that's why I write 'em immediately after reviewing. It's worth noting that Ash & Puck & Grim are all budding characters promising so much more in the books to come. I was sad over Meghan's mom and brother... and dad and dad and stepdad. But they're real people, like the school kids, and I don't mind being sad or irritated over them, hungry for more information on 'em. I think I covered Nevernever enough... it's growing on me, and that's the nicest thing I can say about it. There's tons of fae creatures coming and going and I'm intrigued by them all, in awe over the variety. It's no wonder this is a popular series. I feel justified in my sudden fan-obsession. I'm in good company!!!

Cover Commentary: Um, Yeppers. Beautiful, mysterious, woodsy. The title didn't explain itself for a long time and I'm still furiously curious over why this is called the "Iron Fey" series... not obvious, yet.

I'm trying not to spoil myself for future books, but I keep leaping to read every review for the up-coming books I "happen upon". *ahem*

My Rating: 4 - Pretty Darn Good. Potential for rating higher upon rereading. show less

THE IRON KING grabbed me from page one with its strong voice and characterization. I loved Meghan and became quickly invested in her wellbeing – even though she too quickly ditched the real world for a quest through the faery world. Now those of you who regularly read my reviews know I’m not one for fantasy worlds and quests because frankly, they bore me. And yes, there were a few parts of Meghan’s quest, especially in the middle of the novel, that made my eyes glaze over (iron fay controlling humans into New Orleans, I'm looking at you). Fortunately, I was also propelled to keep reading not just because I liked Meghan, but also because I was totally in love with one of Meghan’s companions…the cat Grimalkin! Oh and Ash was show more pretty swoon-worthy too.

I really liked the whole concept that the warring faery winter court and summer court had a new enemy: the iron court and progress as a whole. It reminded me a lot of the way The Nothing in THE NEVERENDING STORY was destroying Fantastica because no one dreamed anymore. I am definitely very excited to see where the story takes us next in THE IRON DAUGHTER. I’m hoping for lots of Grimalkin and Ash! show less

I’ve been hearing nothing but great things about the Iron Fey series for a while now, but for some reason I just never sat down to read the books. Well, after finishing “The Iron King”, I can finally say that I understand the love for this series and I wish I’d started the series sooner.

“The Iron King” is a wonderfully crafted story that will pull readers in, with no intention of letting them go. Kagawa does a fantastic job of keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The story is about Meghan Chase. She’s a typical teenage girl, at first that is, but then something happens to her brother, Ethan, that transforms her entire world. When Ethan is kidnapped by The Iron King and replaced with a changeling, Meghan must find a show more way to save him.

Robbie, aka Puck, her best friend is actually a faery that has been sent to protect her. Upon her father’s demands, he is to keep her from setting foot in the Nevernever. As he tells her the truth about Ethan, he gives her the option of forgetting or wondering into the Nevernever to find him, not knowing what danger awaits them. She refuses to forget her little brother and chooses, instead, to go after him against Puck’s wishes.

Once they enter the Nevernever, Meghan and Puck find themselves running from danger constantly. When Ash comes upon them, Puck is forced to run with Meghan. At one point, Puck leaves Meghan behind in a tree while he continues running, leading Ash after him. That’s when she meets Grimalkin, a cat.

I don’t want to give the entire story away, so I’ll try to state my thoughts from here on out. When I reached the last page, I was more than ready to grab the next book to keep going. Meghan was a nice character to get to know. She didn’t start out strong, in fact she was clueless and helpless in the beginning, but as the story went on she came into her own. There was a determination in her, a selflessness in her that I loved. No matter how hard things became, she never lost track of her goal – to save Ethan. Even if it meant making a deal with a faery.

The lonely high schooler you meet at the beginning is easily erased by the ending. Meghan Chase is half Summer faery princess, half human, and she’s something that everyone is after. She’s powerful, even if she doesn’t yet fully understand her powers.

I loved this book. Julie Kagawa’s descriptions were rich and made me feel as though I was watching the story as opposed to reading it. I loved the characters. I loved the writing. I just loved it all and I can’t wait to start the next book. show less