The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Release Date: 25th October, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin

Pages: 361pgs

The Story

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 the cold, emotionless faery prince, 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 - half human, half fey - smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. But 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 quest to find a way to honour his solemn vow to stand by Meghan's side.

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.

The Review

A big thanks to Gabrielle from Harlequin Australia for sending me a review copy of this book!

I honestly have no idea what to say in this review - where to begin and what parts to mention - and I don't think any sort of praise could justify how awesome this book series has been, and how great Julie Kagawa is as an author. For those who know me well enough, the Iron Fey series has been one of my favourite fairy young adult series because each book that has been brought out keeps getting better and better, and talk about the utterly gorgeous covers! And, like so many other readers who have already read The Iron Knight, I'm glad to say that without a doubt, Kagawa's fourth installment of the series has blown everything we know about the storyline . . . right out of the water!

Unlike those Ash fangals who can't stop gushing over him in the book community, I'm not afraid to admit that I've always been Team Puck. He's just my kind of guy to have around. But ever since reading Ash's point-of-view in The Iron Knight and seeing all the sacrifices he is willing to give - all in the name of love and true happiness - I was straightaway mesmerized and drawn into Ash's icy, daring eyes and into the world he now faces alone. He was just an amazing character - even more amazing in this installment - and I absolutely loved his perspective, even though I missed Meghan's voice like crazy. But my god! The tears . . . the smiles . . . the laughs . . . the passion . . . the love . . . everything is put to the ultimate test in this novel and Julie Kagawa never shys away to make your head spin heavily in-rotation. Not to mention that scene involving Ash and Meghan. I think you guys know what I mean. *winks* That was just perfect in its innocent way.

Not only am I sad to say a sweet goodbye to these characters (Ash, Meghan, Puck, Grim . . .) but I'm also sad in not having enough time to spend with them. Because they are just amazing, well-developed characters that you can never get enough of. And with an upcoming spin-off series in the works, I just don't want this to be a final farewell. But like most beloved YA series of mine, 'us' fans must cope somehow. Not sure how though. Still figuring that out.

Overall, The Iron Knight has gone beyond my own expectations and despite my fears of how this series would conclude, I was happy in every bit of the journey Ash experiences and each choice he made lead to an ever-so-amazing showdown that won't disappoint readers. Not by a long shot. Last but not least, I want to say a big thank you to Julie Kagawa herself for captivating, compelling, and writing for us to love and enjoy these books of hers! And I grant her many best wishes in her writing career because this gal will go far in the future.

The Rating

5/5 stars