esthibess's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rberdan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This was an easy read in terms of structure and flow. I was interested in the story and where it would go. I adored Grimalkin and Puck and loved their shenanigans at all times. I thought this had good storytelling, but I really struggle when kids under 18 have love interests that are well older than that, supernatural or not. I think the story could still have worked with less ick had Meaghan been 18. I know the series continues on with Meaghan older than in this book, but I think I’ll leave this series here.
Spoiler
I was especially creeped out by the revelation that the Iron King had his eye on Meaghan for her 16 years and had been waiting to take her as his Queen. It would have been gross regardless, but her still being a minor really bothered me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Kidnapping
Minor: Pedophilia, Stalking, and Adult/minor relationship
hgranger's review against another edition
2.0
Great descriptions - I believe in the fey world that Kagawa has created. The weaving of the setting and the books secondary characters are her strength.
The weakness in this book lies with Meghan. One of my biggest pet peeves in a book is a whiny, weak protagonist who spends most of her (his in other stories) time standing back, letting others do the fighting, and whining about being sad/weak/ lost/ put out/ and in whatever their particular dire circumstance.
A second pet peeve of mine is a heroine who falls in love with the bad guy/ the enemy/ the brooding fella in less time than it takes to eat an apple. Seriously, what gives? I've been in love, I've even experienced "love at first sight" - however, I, and I imagine countless other women, still managed to be able to speak, think, and maintain an inkling of common sense. Then again, of course my guy isn't a fairy (faery in this book...), or a vampire or an assassin. Maybe I'm missing out.
The weakness in this book lies with Meghan. One of my biggest pet peeves in a book is a whiny, weak protagonist who spends most of her (his in other stories) time standing back, letting others do the fighting, and whining about being sad/weak/ lost/ put out/ and in whatever their particular dire circumstance.
A second pet peeve of mine is a heroine who falls in love with the bad guy/ the enemy/ the brooding fella in less time than it takes to eat an apple. Seriously, what gives? I've been in love, I've even experienced "love at first sight" - however, I, and I imagine countless other women, still managed to be able to speak, think, and maintain an inkling of common sense. Then again, of course my guy isn't a fairy (faery in this book...), or a vampire or an assassin. Maybe I'm missing out.
saluki's review against another edition
3.0
Kagawa has drawn from A Midsummer Night's Dream and reinvented the summer court where Oberon and Puck's interaction with the human realm has profound consequences.
Meghan Chase's father disappeared when she was six and now brother Ethan has been exchanged with a changeling. Meghan must enter the Nevernever, or faeryland, to rescue him. Of course, there are plenty of skeletons in the closet and Meghan soon realises she has been blinded for sixteen years.
There is tons of worldbuilding with the Wyldwood and different fae courts where Meghan encounters many different fantastical beings, most deadly or fickle, and the pace never lets up. Her best friend and protector Robbie is witty and a mischievous prankster. Ash, a winter court prince, tries to kill Meghan and Robbie the moment they step foot in the Wyldwood, but help is at hand from Grimalkin the sith Cait, a wise sarcastic talking cat... but is he a reliable guide?
The only thing that Meghan learns very quickly is that fae main currency is spent by swearing on immutable deals which can be very tricksy, dangerous, or even life-threatening.
Kagawa has managed to cram so many fantastical beings into one book, it's almost overload, especially considering the fast pace too, but all the main characters are likeable. This is a solid start to the series and I'll be reading more after that cliffhanger ending and wondering what has happened to my favourite character who is absent in the last leg of the book.
readwithacapricorn's review against another edition
3.0
I, surprisingly, did enjoy this book. I don’t always stray to a true YA fantasy story as my next read, but I felt like I was doing myself an injustice by not picking it up.
Meg is definitely not my favourite protagonist. I definitely felt as if she could hold her own, but then she would always accept that she needed ‘protection’ and couldn’t be independent. But she is obviously just a 16yo who is in an unfamiliar world, so I guess that’s a given.
The world was a bit dense, and there weren’t really any memorable scenes that make this book ‘amazing’, just simply ‘meh’ and a decent series starter.
I enjoyed the romance and the friendships. Definitely wanted some more Puck, but hopefully he shows up again in book 2.
Meg is definitely not my favourite protagonist. I definitely felt as if she could hold her own, but then she would always accept that she needed ‘protection’ and couldn’t be independent. But she is obviously just a 16yo who is in an unfamiliar world, so I guess that’s a given.
The world was a bit dense, and there weren’t really any memorable scenes that make this book ‘amazing’, just simply ‘meh’ and a decent series starter.
I enjoyed the romance and the friendships. Definitely wanted some more Puck, but hopefully he shows up again in book 2.
emwright's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book in high school and remembered how much I liked it. Never read the other books, but I will now! Such a good story with classic fae characters with a new twist. Can’t wait to finish the rest!
theatomicpirategirl's review against another edition
4.0
The poor pretty farm girl turns out to be a Faery Princess? Of course. Who didn’t see that one coming?
So to be completely honest, I’m not too sure what caught my attention regarding this particular book. I don’t think it was the cover. It wasn’t the description of the book because it sounds like every other young adult book out there. Maybe it was something that I found on Goodreads and thought, what the heck? And to be honest, I tried reading this book about a year ago and it just didn’t pan out for some reason or another. Pretty sure it had something to do with another book I actually wanted to read. But I did finally get to reading this book, and I have to say, I’m glad I did.
Granted, it had most of the typical young adult staples in it, and we all know what they are so I will not go too much into it. I have never read a faery novel before so I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I enjoyed the classic literary characters of Puck, Oberon, Titania, and Mab. The beautiful and deadly description of the world of the fae was fun and interesting. I loved the idea of the Iron Fey, but well, it makes sense really. We live in a world where imagination is tied directly with technology. How often do you hear anymore of Nature and it’s great inspiration? Not too much really. So the epic battle between Old and New is a good back drop for the story.
I found some of passages harder to read than others because Megan is like every other young adult female lead, moody and petulant, and the Winter Prince was just like every other tragic male lead who is drawn to the heroine but is mean to her but then makes some play like she’s his saving grace. The only character that was well written was Robin Goodfellow, aka Puck. But of course, he got shafted in the end.
I enjoyed this story. It left me pleasantly surprised and my interest is slightly peaked to read the second book in the series. Good job Ms. Julie Kagawa. You might have gotten yourself a fan of your book series…
So to be completely honest, I’m not too sure what caught my attention regarding this particular book. I don’t think it was the cover. It wasn’t the description of the book because it sounds like every other young adult book out there. Maybe it was something that I found on Goodreads and thought, what the heck? And to be honest, I tried reading this book about a year ago and it just didn’t pan out for some reason or another. Pretty sure it had something to do with another book I actually wanted to read. But I did finally get to reading this book, and I have to say, I’m glad I did.
Granted, it had most of the typical young adult staples in it, and we all know what they are so I will not go too much into it. I have never read a faery novel before so I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I enjoyed the classic literary characters of Puck, Oberon, Titania, and Mab. The beautiful and deadly description of the world of the fae was fun and interesting. I loved the idea of the Iron Fey, but well, it makes sense really. We live in a world where imagination is tied directly with technology. How often do you hear anymore of Nature and it’s great inspiration? Not too much really. So the epic battle between Old and New is a good back drop for the story.
I found some of passages harder to read than others because Megan is like every other young adult female lead, moody and petulant, and the Winter Prince was just like every other tragic male lead who is drawn to the heroine but is mean to her but then makes some play like she’s his saving grace. The only character that was well written was Robin Goodfellow, aka Puck. But of course, he got shafted in the end.
I enjoyed this story. It left me pleasantly surprised and my interest is slightly peaked to read the second book in the series. Good job Ms. Julie Kagawa. You might have gotten yourself a fan of your book series…
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
This sure was a very different fairy book. It was good, but a little strange. If I could have given half stars, I'd have given it 3.5 but I rounded it up to four.
I am curioius about what's up next though, and will read the next book very soon :)
I am curioius about what's up next though, and will read the next book very soon :)
cvanders's review against another edition
5.0
I love the book. It was kinda expected that the "immortals" don't feel anything. But I think it's sad that Puck couldn't get Meghan to fall in love with them. But I'm happy that Ash and her kinda have feelings for each other. I found out that iron isn't used for each electronic. It's OK though, every story has its weaknesses.