On The Iron King

I finally finished The Iron King by Julie Kagawa last week.  It took me a long time to read this novel just because my life got busy. The Iron King is by no means slow-paced; this novel actually manages to be both fast-paced and descriptive.  I was frustrated that I couldn’t find more time to read.

In The Iron King, Meghan Chase travels to the Nevernever to rescue her kidnapped younger brother Ethan. Meghan chases possesses many of the qualities I like in a heroine: loyalty, uncertainty, hidden strength and kindness.  For most of her journey, she is accompanied by Puck, Ash the Winter Prince and Grimalkin.

Grimalkin was my favorite character. This cait sidhe is a contemporary Cheshire cat, providing comic relief with his sarcastic observations, and often a rescue just in the nick of time. I hope he remains a central character in the rest of the trilogy.

In this first installment of the trilogy, Kagawa hints at a love triangle between Meghan, Ash and Puck. I have to say, I’m Team Puck. I don’t hate Ash, but I’d chose mischief and lightheartedness over brooding any day. I’m not sure Meghan will ultimately make the same choice.

There were many aspects of this novel that I loved. (My only complaint was that I thought there was too much “hissing” and “snarling” happening. I don’t like to be too critical in my reviews, however. When it comes to reading and writing, I try to follow the adage “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”)

Back to the positives. I found the concept of the Iron Fey really interesting. In this novel, our technological progress breeds new mythological creatures that threaten to destroy and replace the ancient fey figures. Julie Kagawa has truly modernized the fairy tale, breathing new life into the characters Puck, Oberon, Titania and Queen Mab.

I am a fairy tale junkie, so this was a perfect read for me.