The Iron Traitor - Julie Kagawa

The Iron Traitor (Call of the Forgotten #2) -

Julie Kagawa

Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 Stars

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. (Description from Goodreads)

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For those who don't know, The Iron Traitor is book 2 in the Call of the Forgotten series by Julie Kagawa, a spin off to The Iron Fey series. What I love about Ms Kagawa is that her books seem to be getting better and better with every release. Whilst I liked The Iron Fey series, I am loving Call of the Forgotten. I find it easier to connect with the characters and the world. Perhaps because there's more "human" interactions. You can never trust the Fey.

The Iron Traitor begins with Ethan and Mackenzie (Kenzie) returning from their trip into the Nevernever, only to find that 2 weeks has past in the real world. 2 weeks without their parents knowing what had happened to them or where they were. To say their parents were upset about this is an understatement. Nevertheless, Ethan and Kenzie are determined to get back to reality and try their hand at a "normal" relationship. Unfortunately "normal" doesn't last long. Not when Keirran (the Iron Prince) has gone missing and the whole of Nevernever is searching for him.

I always say if you want to truly enjoy a novel you have to finish it within 3 days. That way you are focused on the story and hence more connected. Well, due to unforeseen circumstances, it took me 3 weeks to finish this book.... And I loved every second that I was able to read it. Even in the short time frame I was able to read in, I found myself being drawn into the world and connect with the characters. I was always looking forward to seeing what would happen next. Let me tell you, a lot was happening. Just a snippet of things: Ethan was forced to acknowledge his feelings of betrayal and abandonment from Meghan. Kenzie was forced to deal with her father and her sickness. Annwyl was knocking on deaths door, and poor Keirran would do anything to save her even if it meant his own death. And then there's the prophesy that seems more and more likely to happen.

There were so many intense moments that you truly appreciate when Ms Kagawa throws in a character like Puck and suddenly a dangerous situation changes from intense to comical. "What? I never make things worse. I make things more interesting". That you do Puck, that you do.

I loved this book, and highly recommend this series. I can not wait for the next book (especially after that cliffhanger of an ending)

5/5 stars


Kerrie
(Also published to Goodreads)

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1)- Julie Kagawa

The Lost Prince- Julie Kagawa
Grade- YA
Rating- 5/ 5 Stars




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.
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Even though you could technically read this book without having read the prequel, I would highly recommend that you read The Iron Fey series first. Having that extra background information on the characters and the world just makes things both easier and better. And while you're at it, read the short story Iron's Prophecy (since Ethan doesn't know about the prophecy, he misses things that you will pick up on).
Now on with the review...
Julie Kagawa, you have done it again! Her world building of magic and Fey is utterly memorizing. Everything from the descriptive world and characters to the actual storyline keeps your eyes glued to the page. To be honest I was wondering how I'd feel about this story being written from Ethan's perspective. Now I know I needn't have worried. The last time you read about Ethan, he's only a child and Meghan is telling him goodbye. In The Lost Prince that little boy has all grown up and Ethan has become a tough (and very swoon-worthy) young man. I absolutely loved Ethan.

Ethan is trying to lead a normal life but its not easy being a human with "the sight". Especially when the Fey realise and cause havoc for you and those you care about. It is for this reason that Ethan tries to distance himself from everyone (hoping to stay hidden from the Fey) and also the reason for Ethan's "bad boy" rep. When something starts targeting half breeds and a school mate disappears, Ethan must re-enter the Fey world in order to find him and stop the Fey killings.

I really loved everything about this book. All the new characters that were introduced were awesome (*coughs* Kieran) and it was especially exciting to see all the old characters again (I may have screamed out someone's name in excitement when he made his first appearance). Can't wait for the next book to see how everything plays out... especially with that prophecy still to come.

Kerrie
Originally Posted on Goodreads

Shadow Heir - Richelle Mead

***Warning: While I have tried to avoid spoilers for 'Shadow Heir', this Review may contain spoilers for the Dark Swan series***





Shadow Heir (Dark Swan #4) - Richelle Mead
Grade: Adult - UF
Rating: 4.5/5 stars


#1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead returns to the Otherworld, a mystic land inextricably linked to our own--and balanced precariously on one woman's desperate courage...

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...

The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice.. (Description from Goodreads)




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I was worried about reading 'Shadow Heir'. I've had a rocky relationship with this series and I know of a lot of people who loved the book, but disliked the way it ended; and while I'll get to the ending later, I have to say I really liked this book.

Eugenie's final story is no exception to the up-and-down nature of the series. I can honestly say I'm never quite sure what she's going to do next. Personally, I wanted her to forget about all the prophecy drama and potential threats on her life, so she could jump into Dorian's open arms and then the two of them could work out everything together. But Eugenie had other plans which involved making her own decisions for herself, without thought about those around her. I've discovered it's necessary to take a step back from Eugenie while reading about her journeys. I don't always trust her judgement and don't like to get caught up in her decisions, because I'm certain they'll cause me to go insane.

I thought the beginning of 'Shadow Heir' was a bit slow. Eugenie's being attacked for being pregnant, but she can't fight back, because she can't endanger the twins. She's still stubborn and wants to fight, but by resisting we don't get to see her in her normal action-adventure ways. But she does get a chance to show off both fighting and magic skills after the babies are born and we're back to seeing how tough she is.

I really liked the direction the story took. I was concerned at first, because I was certain the plot would all be able Kiyo attempting to find the twins and that there would be a war between Eugenie and Maiwenn (obviously with Dorian being Eugenie's main ally) But there were more pressing matters with an outlying kingdom that caused most of the drama. I was really impressed with creatures Eugenie and her gang faced and I adored Volusian's role in this book. The action was well written; slightly rushed, but that might just be because I was enjoying it so much I wanted it to go on forever.

Now for the ending. I'll admit I was disappointed and a little angry. While I was expecting the two main twists, and they were perfect, they left me sort of empty. I don't feel like there was enough to completely end the series (and I know Richelle has blogged about why she ended it the way she did, but I still feel like more was needed). I want to know what happened to Jasmine. She was there for one of the major twists and everything was going fine and then she just sort of disappeared. I loved Jasmine the most in the book, so I was really sad not seeing her more at the end, especially since Eugenie and Jasmine seemed to form a true sisterly-bond in this book.

And then the actual last few pages. This is where my training in stepping away from Eugenie's decisions really helped. She makes a choice that I'm not a fan of. After everything she's been through, I thought honesty would be something she would hold in high regard. And while the decision is left open still, I was hoping for something more conclusive and for a better choice.

Overall, I loved it. It might not be the perfect ending I was looking for, but it was an extremely addictive read and I'm glad I know how it ended.

4.5/5 stars


Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

The Shadow Reader - Sandy Williams

The Shadow Reader - Sandy Williams
Grade: Adult - UF
Rating: 5/5 stars

There can only be one allegiance.
It’s her time to choose. 

Some humans can see the fae. McKenzie Lewis can track them, reading the shadows they leave behind. But some shadows lead to danger. Others lead to lies.
A Houston college student trying to finish her degree, McKenzie has been working for the fae king for years, tracking vicious rebels who would claim the Realm. Her job isn’t her only secret. For just as long, she’s been in love with Kyol, the king’s sword-master—and relationships between humans and fae are forbidden.

But any hope for a normal life is shattered when she’s captured by Aren, the fierce and uncompromising rebel leader. He teaches her the forbidden fae language and tells her dark truths about the Court, all to persuade her to turn against the king. Time is running out, and as the fight starts to claim human lives, McKenzie has no choice but to decide once and for all whom to trust and where she ultimately stands in the face of a cataclysmic civil war. (Description from Goodreads)
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My first thought after finishing ‘The Shadow Reader’ was “Wow!” I loved this book! A friend had told me about it months ago and we both got pretty excited after reading the first chapter online. I’m so happy the entire book was as exciting as that first chapter.

I’ve read a lot of fae books this year and though most of them have had similar definitions of fae, especially with iron being deadly and fae being unable to lie, I really enjoy a good faerie book. But when Sandy Williams’s fae story turned out to have a completely different spin on the effects of human influences on fae and how their world is structured, I couldn’t help falling in love instantly! That’s not to say the fae in ‘The Shadow Reader’ have no weaknesses. The main issue involves being around human technology, I guess iron would be included in that but it’s not as deadly as other faerie books make it out to be. Technology weakens fae magic; not in a way that kills them, but a fae without magic will go insane. It’s was so strange to think that a watch, phone, or fridge could cause a loss of magic.

There is a war going on between those apparently in charge of the fae realm, the Court; and those who are against their regime, the Rebels. The Rebels have issues with the way the fae world is being run; increased taxes, the collapse of fae Provinces and restrictions on the use of Gates (specially constructed areas in both worlds, the only place where humans can travel between worlds, provided they have fae assistance). Like all wars, there’s a lot of hate and destruction; and when negotiation doesn’t seem to work, sneak attacks and fighting breaks out. Add in humans with the Sight, people who can see past fae illusions, like McKenzie Lewis and you wind up having a whole heap of problems.

McKenzie is a Shadow Reader, when the fae fissure (aka. Rip a hole between worlds and use it to travel to a new destination) they leave a light and shadow impression of where they arrive or leave from; McKenzie has the ability to draw the place within that impression via the shadows. A handy skill when you’re not sure where you are but can see the fae shadows. I adored McKenzie. She was so tough, despite getting herself injured quite a few times throughout the course of the book, her stubborn personality made her determined to never give in. She didn’t let herself get walked over (at least not intentionally) and she stood up for what she believed in. Give her a few lessons in sword fighting and she’ll never need someone to protect her again. Although, I can’t complain about her protectors, they’re pretty awesome too.

It’s another one of these fabulous books that tortures you with a love triangle: Aren and Kyol. Both fae men from opposing sides: the Rebels and the Court respectively. Kyol, the skilled Court fae who McKenzie has known and been attracted to for years, but has been forbidden from pursuing a fae-human relationship with; and Aren, the rebel, who can’t seem to stop healing McKenzie. McKenzie definitely feels torn between the two guys, who both ignite a warm response from her, but there can only be one winner. I worry about love triangles in the first book of a series (especially when I’m not sure how many books are planned for the series). I’m never sure if the guy who gets picked at the start will last the distance; I hope he will.

Can’t wait to see what trouble McKenzie gets into next.
5/5 stars

Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads

Death's Mistress - Karen Chance

Death's Mistress - Karen Chance

Grade: Adult (Urban Fantasy)

Rating: 5/5 Stars 

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir-half-human, half-vampire. Back home in Brooklyn after the demise of her insane Uncle Dracula, Dory's hoping her life is about to calm down. But soon Dory realizes someone is killing vampire Senate members, and if she can't stop the murderer, her friends may be next... 

Wow. I’m surprised so much happened in ‘Death’s Mistress’. I realise action books are often set over a short period of time, but I’m always shocked by how much fighting and trouble can occur in a couple of book days. Like in ‘Midnight’s Daughter’ we learn more about the vampire world, especially the war with the mages and it’s strange to see Dory learning so much about her own family. You would expect a 500 year old dhampir to know all there is about vampires, since she earns a living killing them. But she shocked me by being so smart, yet so clueless about vampires.

I love how dangerous Dory is. While she doesn’t lose control dhampir-style in ‘Death’s Mistress’, no-one can deny that she’s insanely skilled when it comes to fighting; probably because she gets herself into so much trouble. Action and fighting seem to follow her like a shadow, but she just keeps hitting back and survives against all odds.

I’m amazed at how involved the fey are in Dory’s world. They said to be this mysterious paranormal species and their fey objects are dangerous in the human world. But, as we see in ‘Death’s Mistress’, they are the cause of so much damage for the vampires, especially in the Senate with all their political struggles. I love that there are new and old fey issues; Claire’s new royalty status and Ǣsubrand’s obsession with Dory bringing the fey firmly into the story.

I've become addicted to Louis-Cesare. There's something about him that makes me smile. His protective side shines through so much, I can't help but love the French vampire. As much as I was hoping for Dory and Louis-Cesare to get together, I can’t help be love seeing them fight and attempt to avoid each other. The sexual tension is insane and I love it.

I can’t wait to see what happens next.
5/5 stars

Kim

Originally posted on Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/187185772

Midnight's Daughter - Karen Chance

Midnight's Daughter - Karen Chance
Grade: Adult (Urban Fantasy)
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir-half human, half vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. So far Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing.

Now Dory's vampire father has come back into her life. Her Uncle Dracula (yes, the Dracula), infamous even among vampires for his cruelty and murderous ways, has escaped his prison. And her father wants Dory to work with gorgeous master vampire Louis-Cesare to put him back there.

Vampires and dhampirs are mortal enemies, and Dory prefers to work alone. But Dracula is the only thing on Earth that truly scares her, so when Dory has to go up against him, she'll take all the help she can get ...

I'll admit I had trouble getting into 'Midnight's Daughter', but I'm so glad I stuck with it. Wow, such a fantastic read. Karen Chance has a really unique take on Vampires and Fey. It's nice to see another series out there that combines vampires and faeries. I love seeing a mix of the two, you get to explore the dark and mysterious ways of both creatures, even more so because neither species is assigned a role of good or evil; with Dory and the majority of her vampire family (Mircea, Radu and Louis-Cesare) being good, while Dracula is on the evil side; and similarly for the Fey, we meet both good and evil. It leaves the plot with multiple possibilities when it comes to enemies, especially considering vampires and fey are not the only supernatural beings that walk the earth.

These days I keep running into stories about dhampirs, half-vampires that usually excel at fighting. And while Dory, our dhampir protagonist is also extremely good at fighting, dhampir's in Chance's world are violent oddities that often can't control their urge to fight, making them dangerous and destructive. I love that Dory is rare. Not only is she a dhampir, but she's an old dhampir in the sense that she has lived for 500 years (not particularly old for vampires, but when dhampirs rarely survive because of their blind rages, it's a really impressive achievement to make it that far). It makes her pretty special and skilled.

I was a little confused by the background of the novel. There appears to be a massive war going on with the Vampires and Mages. While the war is mentioned quite a bit, we  never really find out why the war is happening or how it affects Dory and those around her. I know 'Midnight's Daughter' is a spin-off series and the war might be mentioned within Karen Chance's other series, but it left me wondering what was going on. Hopefully more answers will come in the next book.

I wonder what trouble Dory will find herself in next?
4/5 Stars
Kim

Originally posted on Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/187185766