The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (Review)

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

(THE IRON FEY)
Age Warning: Well +13 I suppose because of some of the things.

Published By: Harlequin-Teen

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Date Released: 10/25/11

Provided By: Publisher aka Netgalley.com

***Spoiler Warning***
I'm going to attempt to hid them.


Also a pre-note this review was schedule ahead of time, so If you haven't heard a lot from me this might be the first post in a month and a half because college has taken over my life.

Synopsis:

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.

My Review:

First off HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to The Iron Knight! 

Like many other Team Ash fans, I was so glad that Julie's Publisher gave her the push to write another Iron Fey novel, even if Ethan is getting his own series too. But Ash deserved this book, he's fought long and hard to end up at the point were he was at the end of The Iron Queen and we just needed a happy ending folks! I'm going to try and not give too much away but it is hard when this is the 4th book in the series so spoilers ahead people!

This book made me cry, seriously I was crying and I don't cry very much at the end of books. And the novel being from Ash's POV made it even better because we were able to hear all his sarcastic remarks towards Puck and the other characters just as easily. But it also made it a little harder to get into since I typically read books from a girls perspective, yet I eventually did.

As we all know the gang is back for another mission, just minus Meghan since she (SPOILER) the queen of the iron fey does have to rule over her new kingdom (END); but just add in two more faces to the mix and you have a merry gang of folk tales. This time however Ash is in search of something he needs to get his happily ever after. And through the mission to get this thing which is a soul, he finds himself and his past all in one trip. He goes through treacherous encounters with countless creatures, and at one point is even attacked by an giant eel thing. But what hits the fan in this books is when he finds something he never in Nevernever thought he would find and that is...(SPOILER) Ariella, his lost flame.(END) This in a sense causes him to doubt himself and we see Ash  fight between going with what he has found, or keeping his promise to Meghan. We also in the process found out some interesting tidbits about Puck and Ash's old friendship and some new things about how Nevernever works. But through out The Iron Knight we see the one thing that matters Ash's determination to be with Meghan.

I love this book! As I've said before I'm a huge fan the the Iron Fey Series and I can not wait for Ethan's spin off series to come out. So if you haven't already and you also enjoy this series go pick up Ash's story there's no time to waste.

Links:

Enter the Faery World | Julie Kagawa's Website

Solid by Shelley Workinger (Review)

Solid by Shelley Workinger

(SOLID)
Age Warning: +13 Just a little Violence towards the end

Published By: CreateSpace

Genre: YA Sci-Fi with some Romance

Date Released: July 9, 2010

Provided By: Author

Synopsis:

Clio Kaid may be 17 and just beginning the last summer before her senior year, but her life is anything but typical.
She's just discovered she was genetically altered before birth and is now headed  to a top-secret Army campus to explore the surprising results of the experiment.
Follow Clio and the other teens as they develop fantastic super-abilities, forge new friendships, find love, and uncover a conspiracy along the way.

My Review:

Solid by Shelley Workinger to say the most is a captivating read. It didn't take me long at all to get into the plot or story line and all of the scientific lingo and such was easily worded. What also surprised me was that Solid takes place on an army base in New Jersey; being a New Jersey resident (or was since I'm now in PA for College) I haven't found many books that put my hope state in a pleasant view. But Solid did and I liked that, it might also have something to do with Shelley also living here/there also. But onto the review, Solid was a book that at first I was hesitant to pick up, but in a big way its a read that you take in other than all the Vampire, Werewolves (even though I love them) and Fairy books out there. It revolves around fictional teens, that even though it is fictional could happen at any point, we just needed a crazy scientist to be brave enough to attempt it.

At the age of seventeen 100 teens army brats in the USA find out a tough truth: their DNA has been altered. They are not just normal teens anymore, but have some sort of super hero ability like super jockyness (as i like to refer to it), invisibility, or sheer star power. And when Clio find herself on an top-secret Army base for developing her powers, she has no clue that within this place lies answers to questions shes been asking herself for ages. Plus a best friend or two and a boy for her romantic interests. But when things start to become odd, like their parents never returning their phone calls or the internet servers constantly being down that is when Clio and her friends start asking questions. Clio, Jack, Bliss, Garret and Miranda , plus an addition later on go on a mission to uncover the truths they didn't think were possible. And find out the truth about their existence.

Clio as a lead character is a strong, independent girl, that you can connect with instantly. After her father's death when she was only a baby she has been raised by her author mother off base and never really fit in with any of the other kids at her schools. And her friends are also unique in their own forms, Jack a guy that has no clue what his abilities are is a sweet caring guy that even knows the meaning of Clio's real name Calliope. Garret the jock is hilarious and in all rights reminds me a little bit like Puck from The Iron Fey series. Bliss is just a girl trying to get her mothers attention, and Miranda is just a health freak.

All together Solid is a great read! If you haven't already I suggest putting it on your wish list. And I can't wait to get my hands on Settling the next book in the Solid series!

Links:

Author's Site | Facebook | Twitter

Antara by Marilena Mexi (Review)

Antara by Marilena Mexi
(ANTARA SAGA)

Age Warning: Teen Appropriate- Though there are innuendos.

Published By: Lulu

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Date Released: March 22, 2011

Provided By: Author

Synopsis:

Peace and tranquility on the island of Aster, home to both humans and 'merfolk', has long been broken by a devastating phenomenon, recurring every five years. A storm including gusting winds and huge waves mysteriously appeared and eradicated much of the population. The misunderstandings, suspicion and hate born of this disaster have torn the two races apart, and the peace loving merfolk are now in a never-ending struggle to prove their innocence and restore peace to the island. On the human side, things are even worse; under the tyranny of cruel king Orestis, the people suffer and all their king cares for is vengeance against the "fish", as he spitefully calls them, executing merfolk after merfolk for just being near his lands. Secrets, intense emotions and strange phenomena will upset their lives forever.

My Review:

First off I want to comment on the cover: It's amazing! I love how Marilena is both an author and an illustrator, who also gives you pictures through out the novel to see what her characters look like. The cover is really pretty and detailed; and until now I didn't actual notice two people in the waves. Loving illustrations myself some of Marilena's other illustrations have me wanting to buy copies! But onto the review!

Antara in Greek means "disturbance, turbulence, foggy and impeding weather", and that is exactly what is occurring every five years on the island of Aster. These storms first start with heavy fog, then tornado type winds and finally waves that wash away everything. Shared by both mermaids and the tyrant humans, the island used to be peaceful until the first wave of the storms hit, taking away the Queen of the humans with its massive waves.

Determined to save her people and bring peace, Asteria queen of the mermaids takes on a mission to try and change the tyrant King Orestis' mind. She becomes his servant and begins to see the that corruption has courses through the castle. Asteria is a strong, carrying, stubborn and observant queen trying to fix the wrong that has happened so long ago. While Orestis, a strong angelic character, is being corrupted by false lies about the mermaids.

In Antara there are secrets that you might figure out on the first page or so that you wouldn't realize until the last page, but when you pick up Antara  I doubt you'll put it down. Fast paced and an adventure romance at the least you see from step one that Asteria is determined to help her people. And it keeps you reading to make sure she prevails in the end. I highly suggest Antara if your looking for a good mermaid romance read and just a wonderfully illustrated on too! And I'm really looking forward to some time in the future reading the second novel in the saga Ninemia.

Links:

Author's Site | Facebook | Twitter

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles (Review)

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles (Perfect Chemistry)

Age Warning: 15+

Published By: Walker & Company

Genre: YA Romance

Date Released: April 13, 2010

Provided By: A Friend

***SPOILER WARNING if you haven't read Perfect Chemistry***

Synopsis:

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now

My Review:

Rules of  Attraction is hot! I mean its not just the boys involved but the fact that the way Simone writes is so interactive and catching that you needed to read the whole thing in one sitting. Carlos Fuentes is the focus of this second novel in the Perfect Chemistry series, and just not only does he get in trouble like his big brother Alex but just brings everyone with him into the trouble. Between getting sent to counselling and trying to stay out of drugs and away from the Mexican gangs he was involved in Carlos also systematically gets involved with a great girl.

Carlos of course is one of the hot Fuentes brothers, but I'd like to say unlike Alex I think Carlos has gotten himself into more trouble then imaginable. In fact Alex moves him to Colorado to try to get him away from all the trouble he's caused for his Mama and Luis in Mexico. So when he moves in with Alex's College Professor, he doesn't expect to met Kiara the professors daughter. Kiara is a girl of smarts, hiking boots and baggy shirts, she's an outcast but she could be just as pretty as the popular girls if she wanted. The total opposite of Carlos, but when opposites attract they attract. And just like his big brother Carlos falls hard.

Simone's characters are always ease to relate too, especially Kiara for myself. But anyone that picks up this book series is bound to finish the book, if they don't I'm not sure how they can't. I love this series, its so addicting and I can't wait till Luis's book is out in two weeks! If you haven't read Perfect Chemistry or Rules of Attraction then you needed to go out and get them now!

Links:

Author's Site | Facebook | Twitter

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland (Review)

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

Age Warning: +15

Published By: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Genre: Historical, Social Issues, Mature YA

Date Released: 9/6/2010

Provided By: Publisher / Netgalley.com

Synopsis:

They strip her naked, of everything-undo her whalebone corset, hook by hook. Locked away in Wildthorn Hall—a madhouse—they take her identity. She is now called Lucy Childs. She has no one; she has nothing. But, she is still seventeen-still Louisa Cosgrove, isn't she? Who has done this unthinkable deed? Louisa must free herself, in more ways than one, and muster up the courage to be her true self, all the while solving her own twisted mystery and falling into an unconventional love . . .

My Review:

When I first picked up this book last year, I thought it was going to be something like Jane Eyre. Wildthorn turned out to be a dark chilling light read that I easily finished last summer. The characters of Lousia and Eliza live through still in my mind, and the ending will shock you in parts if you didn't read close enough. Jane Eagland did a great job personifying the miss treated women of the 1800s who were admitted to Asylums under false names and how they suffered and the characters feelings and emotions were displayed full heartily in Wildthorn.

Lousia, or now Lucy Childs was traveling until she was forced to get out of her carriage and be taken into an asylum. Taken from her rich clothing and forced into a room of insane individuals, the now named Lucy Childs fights for her life as she attempts to escape from a falsified name and free herself from a world she doesn't belong to. When she finds an ally in Eliza a worker of the asylum, Lousia sees hope in her situation and possibly a way out. Through out the book you attempt to uncover the mystery of why Lousia or Lucy is really there, and possibly who she might be developing feelings for and who put her there.

If you have read the Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Gilman, you can imagine how that asylum could feel, especially if you weren't crazy. And that's what I want you to imagine, a place with women like the one from Yellow Wallpaper surrounding you when your totally lucid. Talk about having a nightmare, but this was the case for many women in the Victorian Era, and what Jane Eagland pin points exactly in this book. So check out Lousia aka Lucy in her adventures and her attempt to free herself from a prison.

Links:

Author's Site

Bumped by Megan McCafferty (Review)

Bumped
By Megan McCafferty
(BUMPED SERIES)

Age Warning: Young Adult 12+, Sexual Content Innuendos

Published By: Harper Collins- Balzer + Bray

Genre: YA Dystopia Romance

Date Released: May 26, 2011

Provided By: A Cornucopia of Dystopia

Synopsis: 

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job. Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from. When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

My Review:

Having never read a Megan McCafferty book before I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I picked up Bumped. But I liked it and I'm now going to go look into her Jessica Darling Series because of it. The book starts off in a world full of "pregging", because of a virus that has stopped individuals from reproducing past the age of 18. Because of this things like Pro(Professional)/Am(Amateur) Pregging Clubs at High Schools exist and special schools for "pregging" girls and facilities are in order. Being a quick exiting read Bumped is a book you must pick up!

Told in alternating perspectives, Melody is the first one we meet. She's an ordinary girl for the times, selling herself for the purpose of "pregging" for profit. Actually she's the starter of the whole craze and the one that made it cool. But at the age of sixteen she's still waiting for her signed contract to be initiated and for the parents of her still unknown child to find a match for her. Then comes in Harmony, she's been raised in the church environment since she was a baby. Separated from Melody at birth because she was in bad shape, this twin has grown up in Goodside her whole life. But Goodside isn't what it looks like, and Harmony wants to find out why her two Melody is "pregging" for profit. Identical twins, Melody and Harmony have one big unexpected event that changes both of their lives forever.

Other characters including Melody's charming best friend Zen, Harmony's husband Ram and a shifty character in my mind named Jondoe (get it "Jon" "Doe" as in like an unknown murder case kind of really it's supposed to be John Doe [it took me a while]) make up a cast of characters that keep the reader entertained and makes for a fast quick read. Once you get into the heads of both Melody and Harmony you can't quit reading Bumped. With both also having some dark secrets from the past, you'll be kept reading till you finish too. And if you really want a great new Dystopia read, I suggest picking this up! I can't wait for the next Bumped novel to come out either, because the ending had me wanting more!

(I'd also like to thank both Casey and Danya for letting me review this book through A Cornucopia of Dystopia!)

Links:

Author's Site | Facebook | Twitter

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky (Review)

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Age Warning: Possibly 12 and Up. It depends, because there is some violence in the book.

Published By: Houghton Mifflin

Genre: YA Dystopia Romance

Date Released: May 23, 2011

Provided By: Netgalley.com and A Cornucopia of Dystopia Blog Event

Synopsis: 

Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her. Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking. In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.

My Review:

I just want to start of saying that this book is amazing! I typically don't enjoy Dystopia books, but when Casey and Danya approached me with A Cornucopia of Dystopia and I saw Awaken on the list and reading the synopsis I was up for the read. Awaken takes place in the near future, were brick schools no longer exist, there's only meeting rooms and online learning. And chat rooms to assist with associating with other teens and online profiles galore. Here we meet Maddie, the daughter of the Digital School Program inventor, and a girl that wants to be independent.


Maddie is a character you can connect with right off the bat. She's someone you want to find out more about from the start, and really figure out why she did what she did to get on house arrest. A plain, normal teen of the times Maddie tries to disconnect herself from the stereotype of being the Digital School Inventor's daughter. But when she meets Justin things change, he's fighting Digital School with his friends, wanting to implement schools of the current times back. And bring communities together again. He's cute, and the reader automatically see's something developing between them. And it doesn't hurt that he actually has his own car either (A MUSTANG! I love mustangs :) ). When Maddie comes out of her digital world she sees the real 2060. Where, neighbors don't know neighbors, and friends exist halfway across the world only seeing each other through face talks and the constantly connected computers. And there are no real paper books, nothing that will catch on fire really exists anymore.


This book is something that everyone needs to read. Awaken addresses the current technology boost, and teens obsession with always Tweeting and on Facebook. For me Awaken made me look back on the way I use technology. I can see myself as Maddie in ways. But at the same time I know that I'm not, I still have real friends and real books and a real school I attend. And don't Tweet or Facebook as much as any others. Yet, Awaken makes you look back. And that's why Katie Kacvinsky has a real winner in her debut novel.


I'd also like to mention how much I like the cover. It's a really creative and innovative; I mean the mason jar means the society and past that is closed off from the future. And the nature and beauty of the outside world stopped by technology, hence the pixils on the rest of the cover. I love the cover, and I can't wait to see what happens later on, because I know there needs to be a sequel to Awaken. (Find out if this is true on my interview later with Katie!:))


So check out Awaken on May 23, 2011!

Links:

Publisher's Site

Check out my interview with Katie!
And I'd also like to remind everyone of the Cover Remake Contest, submissions are due April 4th for Awaken. Check this post here for more information.

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber (RW)

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

Published By: Harper Teen

Genre: YA Paranormal

Date Released: December 18, 2011

Provided By: Netgalley.com

Synopsis:

Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves -Legend's Run is famous for them. She's used to everything in the small town until Brandon Maddox moves to Legend's Run and Celeste finds herself immediately drawn to the handsome new student. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight. Her best friends may never forgive her if she gives up her perfect boyfriend, Nash, for Brandon, who's from the wrong side of town. But she can't deny her attraction or the strong pull he has on her. Brandon may be Celeste's hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend's Run. Psychic predictions, generations-old secrets, a town divided, and the possibility of falling in love with a hot and heroic werewolf are the perfect formula for what happens . . . once in a full moon.

My Review:

Having read the Vampire Kisses series (up to a certain point) I expected something cliche and well the writing level to be easy (for me). But that's not what I got out of Once in a Full Moon. I thought the writing was good, it was easy to understand, and the fact that Nash is a jerk kinda made me want to read it and see what happened with Celeste and Brandon more.

Celeste is one that hangs around the "popular" crowd, since her boyfriend Nash is the star of the football team. And she's a character that has depth compared to others I've seen like her before. She's just not that nerd that got lucky and the football player likes her. She's smart yes, but shes also involved. And enjoys her time apart from her friends working at the local nursing home. If it wasn't for the nursing home, Celeste wouldn't have her fascination with werewolves or be able to accept some important things in the novel. And when it comes to Brandon, he's a guy I would date (personally), he's handsome, tall, mysterious, smart and likes to keep to himself. All the qualities Nash doesn't have. But he lives on the "wrong" side of the tracks, not the suburbia, but the country like area in the middle of the woods putting him as a uncool student from the start. Brandon's defect in his living situation, doesn't stop Celeste from liking him at all. Infact after he saves her from wolves in a snow storm he's less likely to be a loser in her mind than a hero.

Celeste and Brandon make this book what it is. All the actions between the first page and the last result in what the ending involves. The characters were easy to read and I liked the choice in names (I mean how many girl main characters are named Celeste?). In the end through all the basketball games, wolf attacks at school, and the full moons, I'll still pick up the next book (if there is one) because I want to know what happens to the couple at the end. 

Links:

Author's Site | Facebook

Toil and Trouble By H.P. Mallory (Review)

Toil and Trouble by H.P. Mallory
(Book 2 of the Jolie Wilkins Series)
Age Warning: 17 and up (Sexual Content)
Published By: Smashwords
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Provided By: Author

***SPOILER WARNING: If you haven't read the first book.***

Synopsis: 

After defending herself against fairy magic, Jolie Wilkins wakes to find the creatures of the Underworld on the precipice of war. While Jolie has one goal in mind, to stake the vampire who nearly killed her, she also must choose between the affections of her warlock employer and a mysteriously sexy vampire. Jolie's life will be turned upside down when she's thrust into the shock of a lifetime.

My Review:

I love this series! After finishing Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble I couldn't wait for the next Jolie Wilkins book to come out. Especially after the cliff hanger that happened at the end of book one. I mean Jolie is an amazing character that continues to grow, especially in Toil and Trouble. And you get an epic paranormal fix with everyone gathering for battle in the second installment.

Jolie after fighting the fairies so they will to join Rand and her in the epic paranormal world battle, is worn out and unable to use her magic. As her magic returns and she's able to continue on fighting for the rights of the paranormal world, the real battle begins to wage between Jolie and Rand. Because Rand won't allow Jolie access to his heart and she feels the need to show him her worth in this new world she's entered. I won't say more except in the last one hundred pages there is a major twist that makes you smile and think why didn't I figure it out before.

But I love this series, the magic, the vampires, the fairies and more, make it so easy to read and H.P.'s writing is easily understood. No wonder I can finish her books in less than a day! Check out Fire Burn and Caudron Bubble and Toil and Trouble if you haven't read them yet! 

Congrats go out to H.P. who has signed with Random House Bantam for the Jolie Wilkins series!

Links:

H.P.'s Site | Twitter | Smashwords

The Iron Queen By Julie Kagawa (Review)

The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa
Age Warning: 10 and up is suggested just because of violence.
Published By: Harlequin- Teen
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
Date Released: 1/25/2011
Provided By: Netgalley.com

***WARNING: Spoilers Ahead!!!***

Synopsis:

In less than twenty-four hours Meghan Chase will be seventeen. Although, technically, she won’t actually be turning seventeen. Having spent the past year in Faery gives her the benefit of not aging. However, Meghan’s been banished from Faery for choosing her dark prince, Ash, over the will of her powerful father, Oberon, King of the Summer court. Now Meghan, her winter prince and prankster best friend Puck try settling into a normal human life, first near New Orleans and later in a magical cottage provided by Leanansidhe, Queen of exiles. But her time in this makeshift home, and more important her time with Ash, doesn’t last as the feys of Summer, Winter and Iron courts soon track them down. She thought they’d left Faery behind forever, but pressing matters cause the three exiles to be summoned to war. A new alliance is made, along with a few contracts, of course, and Meghan, half Summer faery princess, half human, is pressed to choose Fey over her mortal beginnings. Will she abandon her human heart for an iron will that will help her survive? For as Meghan Chase can confirm—in real life, unlike books, faery tales don’t necessarily have happy endings.

My Review:

So today's the day! The Iron Queen comes out! And today I'd like to share with you my review of this amazing book. Pre-warning there is a lot of ranting on my part in this review.

Might I say what happened at the end of this book I didn't expect (well maybe I did a little bit). The Iron Queen is completely unlike any of the other two Iron Fey books before it. And that is an amazing thing in it's self. Meghan grows so much in this book and I can't wait for the much anticipated Iron Knight to come out. Because I know all the characters are going to grow so much in that one too.

Meghan Chase, no longer is allowed in Faery, but that doesn't mean she's not being drawn back in by the war brewing there. She's no longer reliant on Puck and Ash as her powers and fairy skills grow. Well she's still reliant on Ash, since she's in love with him. But Puck wise he's, Puck and I just can't explain it. In the end you fall in love with Meghan, if you haven't already. She's no longer that girl going after her little brother from book one. But a young woman leading a group into battle. And don't get me started on Ash. He's amazing, no longer so cold as he was before, but a caring individual, that will do anything to help Meghan. And the fact that he followed her out of Faery and got banished himself, just shows how much he loves her.

I love this series, and if you haven't read it then you really need to. I even started crying at the end because of what happens, and the fact that I couldn't pick up another book for awhile just proves how good The Iron Queen is. Happy Book Birthday to The Iron Queen! And seriously YOU need to read this series.

And I'm also declaring my allegiance strictly to Ash and the Winter Court now. I used to be Team Grim, but I think I'm more of a Winter Court girl.

About the Author:

Julie Kagawa was born in Sacramento, California. But nothing exciting really happened to her there. At the age of nine she and her family moved to Hawaii, which she soon discovered was inhabited by large carnivorous insects, colonies of house geckos and frequent hurricanes. She spent much of her time in the ocean, when she wasn’t getting chased out of it by reef sharks, jellyfish and the odd eel.

When not swimming for her life, Julie immersed herself in books, often to the chagrin of her schoolteachers, who would find she hid novels behind her math textbooks during class. Her love of reading led her to pen some very dark and gruesome stories, complete with colored illustrations, to shock her hapless teachers. The gory tales faded with time, but the passion for writing remained, long after she graduated and was supposed to get a real job.

To pay the rent, Julie worked in different bookstores over the years, but discovered the managers frowned upon her reading the books she was supposed to be shelving. So she turned to her other passion: training animals. She worked as a professional dog trainer for several years, dodging Chihuahua bites and overly enthusiastic Labradors, until her first book sold and she stopped training so she could write full-time.

Julie now lives in Louisville, Kentucky, where the frequency of shark attacks is at an all-time low. She lives with her husband, two obnoxious cats, one Australian shepherd who is too smart for his own good, and the latest addition, a hyperactive papillon.

Links:

Enter the Faery World | Julie Kagawa's Website

Mystify by Artist Arthur (Review)

Mystify (Mystyx #2) by Artist Arthur
Age Warning: Young Adult
Published By: Harlequin- Kimani TRU
Genre: Young Adult- Urban Fantasy
Date Released: January 18, 2011
Provided By: Netgalley.com

Synopsis:

Sometimes being an outsider is the best way to fit in… Sasha Carrington has grown up feeling like an outsider, and her parents are too concerned with scaling the Lincoln, Connecticut, social ladder to even notice her. They’d be really horrified to know about the supernatural abilities Sasha and her friends Krystal and Jake possess. But as part of the Mystyx, Sasha has found her place. Now her parents have suddenly taken an interest in everything she does, and their timing couldn’t be worse. Sasha’s father wants her to become BFFs with snooty Alyssa Turner, who hates Krystal for stealing her boyfriend. Then there’s Antoine Watson, the boy Sasha has liked forever, the boy her parents would never approve of. But with the dark side getting more dangerous by the day, and the Mystyx’s own powers growing in unexpected ways, Sasha is facing choices that could affect her friends, her love life—and even her destiny…

My Review:
***There might be a few spoilers for Mainfest.***

As the follow up book to Manifest by Artist Arthur, Mystify is not a let down! 

At the end of Manifest we were left off with a cliff hanger, yet weeks pass between that and Mystify it's sequel in the trilogy. And changes such as the POV are seen. No longer is this book in Krystal's POV, but in Sasha Carrington's, Krystal's friend and fellow Mystyx.

Sasha's story is completely different from Krystal's. It's still continuing the story line as we find out more about the Mystyxs and the power they are meant to defeat. But in the end Sasha's story is more about love and her powers developing, than anything. Unlike Krystal and Jake's powers, Sasha has a physical power to transport herself to and from places. Allowing her to go places others can't in mere seconds. But her story also continues with the romance line that started between Krystal and Ricky the ghost. Only with Ricky's brother Antoine, in which Sasha has a romance blooming.

As Sasha's powers grow, and her romance blooms, eminent danger is approaching for the Mystyxs. And Sasha might be the key to solving their problems. Check out Mystify by Artist Arthur your sure to love this series and the characters in it! 

Happy book birthday also to Mystify! Its suppose to be released on the 25th of this month via the publisher. But in a newsletter from Artist it says the 18th! Which is today! So check this book out!

About the Author:

(From artistarthurbooks.com)

I am the first born and only girl in my family, and six and nine years separate me and my two brothers. Needless to say, I was alone quite a bit. But being alone gave me plenty of time to indulge my imagination in the world of books. One of the first novels I read was a young adult series that traced the lives of two teenagers in high school, Sweet Valley High. Reading those novels I thought I could do better, and so my quest to write entertaining stories began. Being an introvert, it took me a long time to feel comfortable enough to let others read my work. How long? Well, the first person to read a story I wrote was my husband. Since then, I’ve been writing professionally for almost nine years now. But it was my daughter who encouraged me to write a book for teens—just one of the reasons I love her so dearly. I live in Maryland with my husband and three children. If you take away the opinionated teenagers, family drama, overflowing bookshelves and DVDs, my life is pretty boring. But don’t take those things away, since they’re my inspiration.

Artist Arthur also goes under the pen name for A.C. Arthur and has published several other books under that alias.

LINKS:

Mystyx Website | A.C. Arthur Website

Young Adult Book Reviews

This page consists of all the Young Adult Book Reviews I have ever made, they are listed by the  authors' last.

A

Manifest by Artist Arthur (2010)

Mystify by Artist Arthur (2011)

B

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry (2010)

The Hunted of 2060 by Ami Blackwelder (2010)

The Shifters of 2040 by Ami Blackwelder (2010)

Band Geek Love by Josie Bloss (2009)

C

Fire by Kristin Cashore (2010)

Graceling by Kristin Cashore (2009)

Legacy of Lies by Elizabeth Chandler (2010)

Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs (2010)

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs (2010)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2010)

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (2010)

D

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen (2009)

E

Ex-Games by Jennifer Echols (2010)

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles (2010)
Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles (2011)
Wildthorn by Jane Eagland (2011)

F

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (2010)

How to Hook a Hottie by Tera Ferraro (2010)

Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro (2010)

G

Evernight by Claudia Gray (2010)

H

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton (2010)

Love on Cue by Catherine Hapka (2010)

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (2010)

Gemini Night by Bonnie Hearn Hill (2010)

I

The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson (2010)

J

K

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky (2011)

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (2010)

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa (2010)

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (2011)
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (2011)

L

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens (2010)

Penitence by Jennifer Laurens (2010)

M

The Mermaid's Mirror by  L.K. Madigan (2010)

Fire Burn & Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory (2010)

Toil and Trouble by H.P. Mallory (2010)

To Kill a Warlock by H.P. Mallory (2010)
Antara by Marilena Maxi (2011)

O, JULIET by Robin Maxwell (2010)

Must Love Black by Kelly McClymer (2010)

Titus and Atreus by Meridi Myers (2010)

N

O

P

Q

R

Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch by Douglas Rees (2010)

S

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber (2011)

T

U

V

Ordeal by Tatyana Varenko (2010)

W

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten (2010)

Impossible by Nancy Werlin (2010)
Solid by Shelley Workinger (2011)

X

Y

Z