The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa
| Release Date: October 25th 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Page Count: Paperback, 386 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy
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 cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, 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—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. 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 journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.
To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And 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. - Good Reads
I love Julie Kagawa. This book was just beautiful and thrilling and touching and I could go on and on. It was the perfect final journey for Ash as well as Puck and Grimalkin.
I really went through this book feeling what Ash was feeling. I rarely feel that close to a character. When Ash felt severe doubt, I felt it too and I worried right along with him, reconsidering his stance right along with him. This book really caused me to have so much more respect and love for Ash. I already liked him before, but this really showed the depth of his personality. And I felt a mixture of emotions for him throughout the book: disgust, pity, pride and happiness.
There were also subjects in this book that cause me to reflect on my own life. What is happiness? What is the price? Is it worth it? What would I do for the ones I love? Can I forgive myself for mistakes I've made and try to work past them? Or better yet, can I forgive others? Of course other books in the past have given me similar ideas, but those aren't usually young adult books about fairies, those are usually Paulo Coelho books, which are meant to be thought provoking.
I really wasn't expecting it to be this good. Julie Kagawa is a genius. And I loved it. It's even safe to say that I think this one was the best out of all of them. And I can't wait to treasure a real copy in October. And I think I need to go get a tissue to blow my nose because I'm being a little too emotional about this. I'm going to go practice my icy demeanour...!
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for giving me a copy.
