The Iron Queen

January 15, 2011

Though this third volume doesn't bring the Iron Fey series, which began with The Iron King (2010), to a conclusion, faery-human cross Meghan brings part of her arc to a pleasingly unexpected closure. With Ash, boyfriend and coldly beautiful prince of the Winter court, Meghan begins her new exile in the mortal lands. Faery isn't ignoring her, though: With Meghan holding all of the power of the defeated Iron King, it seems like everyone's trying to kill or recruit her. Meghan, unwilling to bring all this faery madness down upon her mortal family, doesn't return home. She does, however, rescue her long-lost adoptive father, who'd been taken by a faery faction in her childhood. The requisite angst provided by the trio of lovers—Ash, Meghan and Meghan's best friend Puck—spices up the battles, magical journey and coming-of-age. Meanwhile, talking cat Grimalkin has his own motivations, setting the scene neatly for volume four. As in the rest of the series, the Iron Fey provide the most originality to this faery adventure and magical romance. Clockworks golems, musket elves and beetle tanks provide a touch of steampunk. Fans of Melissa Marr—and of Kagawa—will enjoy the ride, with Meghan's increased agency and growing power showing the series' maturity. Finally more than just a love triangle. (Urban fantasy. 12-15)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

July 1, 2011

Gr 7 Up-Meghan Chase is turning 17 in the real world while her boyfriend, Ash, the "Ice Prince," lives on forever like all Faeries. After her last quest, Meghan thought that her time with the fey, her enemies, was over. Despite her wishes and hopes, she gets a rude awakening when she discovers that a new Iron King is bringing Nevernever to the brink of complete destruction. After the battle with the Iron King, Machina, Meghan and Ash were exiled from Nevernever, banned from ever returning again. But with the return of the Iron King, the Winter and Summer armies, led by Oberon and Mab, need Meghan's help and lift their exile judgment. Will Meghan find the courage to stand up for Nevernever again? Will her feelings for Ash get in the way of her mission? Meghan's struggles are intricately laid out in this constantly moving tale of true love and dedication. Sequencing of events is perfectly lined up to keep readers wanting more. And despite being part of a series, it stands on its own.-Kathryn Kennedy, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.