The Stone Demon by Karen Mahoney

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Flux

Pages: 336pgs

The Story

After being tricked into opening the doorway to the Demon Realm by Aliette, the Wood Queen, Donna Underwood is faced with a terrible ultimatum from the newly released demon hordes. They demand that the alchemists deliver the Philosopher's Stone, or their reaper storm will plunge the world into a devastating modern-day Dark Age.

Donna is sent to London, England, where she must complete her alchemist's training and learn how to recreate the Stone. But time is running out. Between facing the vengeful demon king, Demian, and collecting the Stone's elements, Donna realizes she must give her own life in order to succeed. And this time, even braving death may not be enough to save the world.

The Review

A big thanks to the publisher on netGalley for accepting my request in reading this book early!

After loving the first book The Iron Witch and unfortunately not loving the sequel The Wood Queen as much as that first beloved book, I didn't particularly have any high hopes for this final book of the trilogy and I'm really glad I didn't set myself up for that because this book didn't do much for me. While entertaining in certain sections of the book along with some interesting mythologies and some interesting - and perhaps funny - dialogue exchanged between some of my favourite characters, but as far as the plot goes and as far as the ending went for all of the characters involved . . . unfortunately this book was a major disappointment and I'll only say lightly.

I think what had really affected my opinion of the book overall was the ending itself. It didn't feel like . . . well . . it didn't feel like anything really. I mean, I felt a bit cheated to be honest with you, especially from what I've read and what all of the characters have all been through to get to that final part of the book, however I do understand why the author did what she did but . . . it still left me disappointed. Sadly. Although the parts that I did enjoy was getting to know the main character's love interest, Xan, a bit more and learning more about his past and how he came to be the awesome Xan. But that part only went so far for me as well and as much as I hate to say this but . . . that's pretty much the only great thing about this book. *bows head down* Sorry to the author but it just wasn't my kind of book, even if I loved the first book so, so much.

Overall, don't let my review stop you in reading this final book because there are still some very entertaining things inside this book and there are several opinions that I've read that do not necessarily follow my own. So if you have already read the first two books, then I'm sure many of you will enjoy THE STONE DEMON regardless of this review as many fans of this series loved this book too, so please go and check it out to find out for yourselves!

The Rating

1/5 stars

The Wood Queen by Karen Mahoney

Release Date: 1st February, 2012

Publisher: Random House Australia

Pages: 321pgs

The Story

Donna Underwood is in deep trouble. An ancient alchemical orrder is holding her accoutnable for destroying the last precious drops of the elixar of life. Never mind the fact that Donna was acting to free her friend, Navian, from the dangerous clutches of the Wood Queen at the time. But what the alchemists have in store is nothing compared to the wrath of the fey. The Wood Queen has been tricked and Donna must pay. Get read for all hell - quite literally - to break loose . . .

The Review

After loving the first book in the series, I've been eagerly waiting to get my hands on a copy of THE WOOD QUEEN. When I finally got my copy, I tore through the endless of pages and just like I expected, the sequel picks up not too long after the ending of The Iron Witch, where Donna finds herself on trial with the alchemists for the shameful loss of the precious elixir. Not only is Donna in trouble yet again but she has also been paid a visit by the Wood Queen herself and this time round . . . the Queen isn't backing down without a fight and using Donna's mother no less as her bargaining chip until she gets what she wants.

I don't about the other readers of this book but I found there was a slight change in tone with this sequel compared to the exciting feelings I'd gotten from reading the first book in the series. I couldn't exactly put my finger on it - on what the 'slight change' was - but if I had to guess it was probably the slow pace of the storyline that distracted me the most. While we get to learn many other secrets of The Iron Witch world, some secrets and lies that are quite shocking to the reader, however the disappointing element of this sequel for me was what occured in the novel with so little progression. I was really hoping for more romance too and was hoping for more . . . oomph from the storyline. You know, something to get me desperately wanting the third book more and more. That might not have happened in my case, but I'm still interested in what the last book in the series has to offer.

Now on the upside, Donna remains the same snarky young heroine we all know and love, and I'm glad to admit she has finally become a much stronger character in this sequel than the girl we previously saw in the first installment. Navin on the other hand, Donna's best friend, was brilliant as always and honestly what's not to love about his character? His relationship with Donna never falters and you can definitely feel the love shared between them . . . a lasting friendship. So a two thumbs up for the author in keeping that friendship formed.

And, of course, like in any young adult story, you have a love interest and that love interest is Xan, the half-fey boy we met in The Iron Witch. Now I was a huge fan of Xan and while fangals will appreciate a fabulous steamy makeout scene in this sequel . . . but unfortunately other than that scene . . . I didn't really have much faith in Xan this time round. He was always pushing away from Donna and kept his secretive side once again. Don't get me wrong here, I like a bit of mystery to my fictional fellows but pleasssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeee NO MORE! I'm tired of mystery. But not to worry Xan fans if you think I've lost faith in young Xan, because I haven't completely written him off yet since either way you look at it, he's the reason I want to keep reading the series. So I hope in the last book of the trilogy that I can fall back in love with him.

Overall, THE WOOD QUEEN may not have impressed me like The Iron Witch had done last year but it was still another great installment. If you loved the first book, you'll love this! If you have yet to read this series . . . GO READ IT NOW!

The Rating 3/5 stars

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Release Day: Feburary 8th, 2011

Publisher: Flux/Random House Children's Books

Pages: 289pgs

The Story

Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic, which branded her hands and arms with iron tattoos. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the vicious wood elves - the darkest outcasts of Faerie - abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries-old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend - even if it means betraying everything her parents fought to protect.

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The Review

For starters, can I just say what an awesome cover THE IRON WITCH has - the silvery tattoos and the girl hiding her face were very eye-catching, which was what had drawn me to the book in the first place. As for the actual book and its storyline, I have to say...despite the short length of the book, I really, really enjoyed it. The debut author had gotten straight to the point and the words flowed nicely, with a sweet little touch of romance and a little touch of interesting magic...which made it the perfect read!

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From the very moment I met the main character, Donna Underwood, I admired her completely because she was such a devoted friend and had a personality that you could easily relate to, like with her being a little insecure, a little kickass and yet she still had that innocence about her. What I really liked about Donna was how she came to get those "iron tattoos" on her hands and arms, and it was fascinating to read about the folklore and alchemy that was blended into the mix. It as quite refreshing, actually. As for the whole "love triangle" aspect, I can see a possibility of one happening in future books, but I think anyone who reads this can tell who Donna is more attracted to.

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Donna's best friend, Navin, was a good old friend in the book and like most guy best friends, he stood by Donna no matter what...so he definitely earned some points from me. However, when it comes to the alluring and mysterious Xan, now that guy was LOVED by me! I think the moment you meet him, you know there's something odd about him and it was kind of obvious by the way, but I didn't care because he was the sexy cool guy and everyone loves a sexy cool guy! And what I really appreicated, was that Xan and Donna's connection, you know...that spark between them seemed pretty believeable...so I can't wait to see what happens between the two of them in the sequel!

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To end this review on a high note and without saying too much, the story was told very well and I loved the fact that it talked about faeries and alchemy, and to have those two topics be woven together it was...well, quite a treat! The only problem I had with the book was that it was too short for my liking and the ending was a little abrupt...and perhaps had some loose ends - which I'm sure will be tied in the next book, but Xan makes up for that! So, for those who haven't picked up a copy of THE IRON WITCH...what are you waiting for?!

The Rating

4/5 stars

Note: I would've given it 3.5/5 stars, but the extra half of a star is for the love of Xan.