wingsofareader's review against another edition
4.0
Finally.
Meghan starts to really use both her brain and her spine.
Ash gets a sense of humour.
Puck finds a bit of a balance between true friend, trickster, sad-but-not-quite-hopeless-lover, and wise, centuries old fey.
By far - so far - the most effectively characterized of the Iron Fey books, all three of Robin Goodfellow, Ash and Meghan are growing up a bit, but not only that, their reactions, actions, motivations and emotional passions are fleshed out. Plot elements Kagawa has been setting up since the first book come together, admittedly fairly predictably, but nonetheless enjoyably, in part because the characters are at long last realized rather than just being caricatures. Even Grim, still determinedly sarcastic and inscrutable, is opened up a trifle. Even Luke has a moment - literally one line, but hey, it's moment - of going beyond his cookie cutter as the forgetful-stepforded-step-dad. I admit that I'm somewhat disappointed that Meghan's mother has never had the opportunity to be explored to any extent beyond being the object of fascination for three men of such differing temperaments, and being noted as being unusual in her ability to recall the fey beyond her moments of immediate interactions with them - it seems that she's simply announced as being simply irresistible and the reader is expected to believe that she was and remains so. I cannot help but hope that sometime in the next books in the series, her influence is explored further, particularly when the books transfer focus to Ethan, her other child.
Philosophically, this book draws the reader towards the notion that unlike the Iron Fey that represent the mechanical progress and absolute belief in science over imagination that drove the Industrial Revolution, and then the beginnings of the Information Revolution, this third book opens the door on the idea that there is a point at which technology and creativity may mesh into something new and invigorating and unique, but something which is nonetheless inimical to the cold, selfish and darkly destructive but ultimately natural powers of the Unseelie court. Perhaps this is Kagawa's opening salvo to suggesting that the melding of technology and the power of warmth and creation, if married to the power of passion that turns its back on darkness and moves to the light, will, ultimately, be the salvation of us all?
Meghan starts to really use both her brain and her spine.
Ash gets a sense of humour.
Puck finds a bit of a balance between true friend, trickster, sad-but-not-quite-hopeless-lover, and wise, centuries old fey.
By far - so far - the most effectively characterized of the Iron Fey books, all three of Robin Goodfellow, Ash and Meghan are growing up a bit, but not only that, their reactions, actions, motivations and emotional passions are fleshed out. Plot elements Kagawa has been setting up since the first book come together, admittedly fairly predictably, but nonetheless enjoyably, in part because the characters are at long last realized rather than just being caricatures. Even Grim, still determinedly sarcastic and inscrutable, is opened up a trifle. Even Luke has a moment - literally one line, but hey, it's moment - of going beyond his cookie cutter as the forgetful-stepforded-step-dad. I admit that I'm somewhat disappointed that Meghan's mother has never had the opportunity to be explored to any extent beyond being the object of fascination for three men of such differing temperaments, and being noted as being unusual in her ability to recall the fey beyond her moments of immediate interactions with them - it seems that she's simply announced as being simply irresistible and the reader is expected to believe that she was and remains so. I cannot help but hope that sometime in the next books in the series, her influence is explored further, particularly when the books transfer focus to Ethan, her other child.
Philosophically, this book draws the reader towards the notion that unlike the Iron Fey that represent the mechanical progress and absolute belief in science over imagination that drove the Industrial Revolution, and then the beginnings of the Information Revolution, this third book opens the door on the idea that there is a point at which technology and creativity may mesh into something new and invigorating and unique, but something which is nonetheless inimical to the cold, selfish and darkly destructive but ultimately natural powers of the Unseelie court. Perhaps this is Kagawa's opening salvo to suggesting that the melding of technology and the power of warmth and creation, if married to the power of passion that turns its back on darkness and moves to the light, will, ultimately, be the salvation of us all?
lemmyrose's review against another edition
4.0
I've enjoyed this entire series, but I have to say that this is my favorite so far. The protagonist, Meghan Chase, has come so far in this series. I love her as a character and I feel that not only is she realistic, she's easy to connect with and so very loveable. and I am oh so in love with Ash! Also, I love the introduction of a new Iron characters, the knight Glitch, and the return of old favorites such as Grim and the Banished Queen. Once I started reading this, I couldn't put it down! Also the twists in this book were very fun.
jezzebelljc's review against another edition
5.0
Summer, Iron, and Winter Side-by-Side and Across Enemy Lines
The minute I put this book down, I picked up the next one so I could immediately dive right back into the story.
The Good
I have always thought the supporting characters in this series are exceptionally wonderful. They are unique and lovable and strong-willed. The world is an old idea with a new fascinating concept melded in. It is certainly a great series that I have been enjoying. However, I have made no secret of my sometimes dislike of Meghan...especially in The Iron Daughter. I found her whiny, selfish, and annoying in moments. Now, I LOVE the direction Kagawa went in The Iron Queen and the remarkable growth of Meghan Chase. Everything that I have disliked about her before has been completely turned around and she is now a heroine that I can stand behind.
Meghan has some high odds stacked against her. She has some very tough choices to make as well as some great people on the path with her. I have never been emotionally attached to her before so the books were fantastic, but didn’t move me. This one had me laughing harder, brought me to tears, and had me gasping in surprise.
Plus, there was a TON of fantastic action. I like it when books keep moving. Kagawa kept up a steady pace of entertaining dialogue, twists and turns, and sword-play (complete with battle clothing in gauntlets and armor).
The Bad
The only bad that I caught while reading this one was that Meghan got so upset with Puck over something that should make her upset, but not as outrageously as it came across. Something similar had happened previously with a different reaction from her. However, given how quickly she moved away from this and began growing into a stronger more selfless character, I was not very bothered by it.
The Romance
I must say that I love Ash. The two of them around each other now are wonderful. He was so different, so open, and was a character that it's obvious has a wall up but has let Meghan in and therefore me as the reader. There's some definite romance in this one.
Conclusion
Anything that I didn't like about the previous books was absent from this one. The Iron Queen is a fantastic read with absolutely fabulous characters, a story that was beyond entertaining, and an ending that made me dive into the next one immediately. WHILE I was reading parts of the book, I still didn't know how things were going to turn out just two paragraphs later. It was more intense and had more twists and turns. Please read this series because I absolutely have to talk to you about it!! Definitely recommended.
The minute I put this book down, I picked up the next one so I could immediately dive right back into the story.
The Good
I have always thought the supporting characters in this series are exceptionally wonderful. They are unique and lovable and strong-willed. The world is an old idea with a new fascinating concept melded in. It is certainly a great series that I have been enjoying. However, I have made no secret of my sometimes dislike of Meghan...especially in The Iron Daughter. I found her whiny, selfish, and annoying in moments. Now, I LOVE the direction Kagawa went in The Iron Queen and the remarkable growth of Meghan Chase. Everything that I have disliked about her before has been completely turned around and she is now a heroine that I can stand behind.
Meghan has some high odds stacked against her. She has some very tough choices to make as well as some great people on the path with her. I have never been emotionally attached to her before so the books were fantastic, but didn’t move me. This one had me laughing harder, brought me to tears, and had me gasping in surprise.
Plus, there was a TON of fantastic action. I like it when books keep moving. Kagawa kept up a steady pace of entertaining dialogue, twists and turns, and sword-play (complete with battle clothing in gauntlets and armor).
The Bad
The only bad that I caught while reading this one was that Meghan got so upset with Puck over something that should make her upset, but not as outrageously as it came across. Something similar had happened previously with a different reaction from her. However, given how quickly she moved away from this and began growing into a stronger more selfless character, I was not very bothered by it.
The Romance
I must say that I love Ash. The two of them around each other now are wonderful. He was so different, so open, and was a character that it's obvious has a wall up but has let Meghan in and therefore me as the reader. There's some definite romance in this one.
Conclusion
Anything that I didn't like about the previous books was absent from this one. The Iron Queen is a fantastic read with absolutely fabulous characters, a story that was beyond entertaining, and an ending that made me dive into the next one immediately. WHILE I was reading parts of the book, I still didn't know how things were going to turn out just two paragraphs later. It was more intense and had more twists and turns. Please read this series because I absolutely have to talk to you about it!! Definitely recommended.
akbarboza's review against another edition
4.0
Truly one of the worlds greatest injustices is that this is a YA book and not a NA book
chllybrd's review against another edition
5.0
Full Review posted at http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blogspot.com/
I don't know about anyone else but I sometimes find it super hard to review a book. Well this is one of them for me. For one this book was fantastic!! BUT the only things I want to talk about in the book are parts that if I tell you will spoil it so I'm at a loss for what to say. Julie Kagawa has a fantastic writing style that pulls you into her world and lets you feel what her characters feel and makes you experience everything right along with them. I felt sadness, grief, fear, happiness,pain, love, loss all right along with Meaghan, Ash, puck and everyone else. Meaghan goes threw a lot in this installment of the Iron Fey and comes out having lost, sacrificed and won all at the same time. If you liked The Iron King, Winters Passage and The Iron Daughter you are going to LOVE The Iron Queen and if you haven't already read them, you must pick them up and catch up for the release. ALSO if you haven't already heard the series isn't over, Julie is now working on Iron Fey #4 The Iron Knight!!
I don't know about anyone else but I sometimes find it super hard to review a book. Well this is one of them for me. For one this book was fantastic!! BUT the only things I want to talk about in the book are parts that if I tell you will spoil it so I'm at a loss for what to say. Julie Kagawa has a fantastic writing style that pulls you into her world and lets you feel what her characters feel and makes you experience everything right along with them. I felt sadness, grief, fear, happiness,pain, love, loss all right along with Meaghan, Ash, puck and everyone else. Meaghan goes threw a lot in this installment of the Iron Fey and comes out having lost, sacrificed and won all at the same time. If you liked The Iron King, Winters Passage and The Iron Daughter you are going to LOVE The Iron Queen and if you haven't already read them, you must pick them up and catch up for the release. ALSO if you haven't already heard the series isn't over, Julie is now working on Iron Fey #4 The Iron Knight!!
maeve_the_bookaholic's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
ria_mhrj's review against another edition
2.0
Deep down, I feel that the 2 star rating is a little harsh, but I've gotta go with my gut. Book 1 in the Irony Fey was good and book 2 got even better, as Meghan developed a spine and I thought the ending in particular was excellent. So went wrong with book 3?
The book is well written and shares the same blistering pace of the first two. My issue with the Iron Queen was the sense of deja vu that plagued the book. Meghan must defeat a mean old Iron King. Ash is broody and doesn't often say what he really means. Puck prances around and cracks wise whilst occasionally hinting at a depth that always jars. Grimalkin pops up, says something cryptic, vanishes. It was all too familiar and the inevitability of the ending just left me uncaring, which is a shame.
I'm not sure I'll read the Iron Knight any time soon, but I won't give up on Julie Kagawa's books either - I keep hearing excellent things about the Blood of Eden series and if she can throw me a few surprising curveballs, I'll be happy.
The book is well written and shares the same blistering pace of the first two. My issue with the Iron Queen was the sense of deja vu that plagued the book. Meghan must defeat a mean old Iron King. Ash is broody and doesn't often say what he really means. Puck prances around and cracks wise whilst occasionally hinting at a depth that always jars. Grimalkin pops up, says something cryptic, vanishes. It was all too familiar and the inevitability of the ending just left me uncaring, which is a shame.
I'm not sure I'll read the Iron Knight any time soon, but I won't give up on Julie Kagawa's books either - I keep hearing excellent things about the Blood of Eden series and if she can throw me a few surprising curveballs, I'll be happy.
ellieroth's review against another edition
3.0
Publicado Originalmente: El Extraño Gato del Cuento
Pensarán: "Si no te gusta ¿por qué sigues con la saga?" No es que no me guste, Meghan me cae mal, solo es eso. Me encantan las hadas, Grim es genial, y además el "no gustar" no quiere decir "Lo odia". Además, solo es Meghan el problema, por lo demás me gusta mucho.
The Iron Queen transcurre inmediatamente después de Hija de Hierro , los primeros capítulos me fueron bastante difícil de leer, como siempre el problema para mí es Meghan, es realmente pesada en esas primeras páginas. Por más que Julie trata de darme un guerrera Meghan, no logro conectar con el personaje, no siento a Meghan a la altura del libro, no es la heroína indicada.
Lo que me gusta de la narración de Julie es que a pesar de tener un montón de recursos y corre el peligro de cansarnos, no lo hace. Ella sabe cuál es su historia y no nos bombardea con infinitas descripciones y rememorando una y otra vez algo. A excepción de los monólogos internos de Meghan, esos sí son fastidiosos. Cosa buena también es que ya no hay triángulo amoroso ¡Gracias! Al menos Meghan parece por fin estar segura en algo.
Lamento concentrarme solo en lo malo, que para mí vendría a ser Meghan, pero por desgracia me malogró un poco el libro, en conjunto la historia me gusta mucho, pero no soporto los berrinches de Meghan su falta de percepción, por ejemplo con la "traición" por decirlo de una forma, de Puck, primero porque no le cuenta toda su vida de hada y luego cuando omite cierta cosa. Me desespera eso en los personajes femeninos, muchos no tienen perspectiva y de verdad fastidia.
Y así como Meghan es el punto débil, los más interesantes, o al menos los que yo espero con más ansías su participación son los secundarios. Oh, Grim, tan lindo ese gato, siempre se puede confiar en él para pasar un muy buen rato. Los Gremlins fueron una muy gran sorpresa, por su nombre puede parecer que son feos y nada lindos pero... no les cuento más, lean el libro. Y mis Pack Rat me dieron mucha tristeza.
Me gustan las hadas, me gusta la escritura de Julie me gustan casi todos sus personajes excepto Meghan. ¿Recomendar el libro? Sí, no está en mis favoritas gracias a ya saben quién, pero a pesar de todo pasé un buen rato con Grim, Puck y Ash.
Reseña completa (quejas y comentarios): El Extraño Gato del Cuento
Pensarán: "Si no te gusta ¿por qué sigues con la saga?" No es que no me guste, Meghan me cae mal, solo es eso. Me encantan las hadas, Grim es genial, y además el "no gustar" no quiere decir "Lo odia". Además, solo es Meghan el problema, por lo demás me gusta mucho.
The Iron Queen transcurre inmediatamente después de Hija de Hierro , los primeros capítulos me fueron bastante difícil de leer, como siempre el problema para mí es Meghan, es realmente pesada en esas primeras páginas. Por más que Julie trata de darme un guerrera Meghan, no logro conectar con el personaje, no siento a Meghan a la altura del libro, no es la heroína indicada.
Lo que me gusta de la narración de Julie es que a pesar de tener un montón de recursos y corre el peligro de cansarnos, no lo hace. Ella sabe cuál es su historia y no nos bombardea con infinitas descripciones y rememorando una y otra vez algo. A excepción de los monólogos internos de Meghan, esos sí son fastidiosos. Cosa buena también es que ya no hay triángulo amoroso ¡Gracias! Al menos Meghan parece por fin estar segura en algo.
Lamento concentrarme solo en lo malo, que para mí vendría a ser Meghan, pero por desgracia me malogró un poco el libro, en conjunto la historia me gusta mucho, pero no soporto los berrinches de Meghan su falta de percepción, por ejemplo con la "traición" por decirlo de una forma, de Puck, primero porque no le cuenta toda su vida de hada y luego cuando omite cierta cosa. Me desespera eso en los personajes femeninos, muchos no tienen perspectiva y de verdad fastidia.
Y así como Meghan es el punto débil, los más interesantes, o al menos los que yo espero con más ansías su participación son los secundarios. Oh, Grim, tan lindo ese gato, siempre se puede confiar en él para pasar un muy buen rato. Los Gremlins fueron una muy gran sorpresa, por su nombre puede parecer que son feos y nada lindos pero... no les cuento más, lean el libro. Y mis Pack Rat me dieron mucha tristeza.
Me gustan las hadas, me gusta la escritura de Julie me gustan casi todos sus personajes excepto Meghan. ¿Recomendar el libro? Sí, no está en mis favoritas gracias a ya saben quién, pero a pesar de todo pasé un buen rato con Grim, Puck y Ash.
Reseña completa (quejas y comentarios): El Extraño Gato del Cuento
tanaz_masaba's review against another edition
5.0
I know I should write a coherent review but this third book was everything I needed to end this series and at the same time it wasn't! Kagawa's writing continues to be addictive and brilliant, but I don't think I can forgive her for breaking my heart.