The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Published: February 1, 2010 by Harlequin Teen
Received: Book swapped with Jacinda from The Reading Housewives

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart. {taken from goodreads.com}

At the beginning of this year I made a mental note of books that I have been wanting to read, but for whatever reason never got around to doing it.  The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa was high on that list!  With the release of the fourth book, The Iron Knight, just months away I thought now was a good time to get started on this series.

The Iron King is a story about a very special teenage girl who feels like the outcast in her every day world.  From the constant bullying at school, to the silent treatment she receives at home, Meghan feels invisible and lost.  Strange things begin to occur in her surroundings and she soon discovers a mythical world that lies just beyond her brother's closet door.  She does not waltz in to this new venture on her own though, she is pulled through on a quest to save her brother who has been taken from her human world.  Old friends take new shape and she discovers the truth about her being that is crucial in the present day of Nevernever. 

Immediately I was sucked in to the scenery and creatures that filled this magical place, for which Julie Kagawa has created.  My eyes danced across the pages as I envisioned each new landscape that Meghan encountered.  With the beauty, came the ugly.  When one thinks of fairy tales, we tend to visualize the Disney kind.  In this world faeries can be deadly with their razor sharp teeth and conniving ways.  Never knowing who to trust and which desire to follow.

The story began a bit slow in parts for me; always anticipating what was going to happen next.  I found myself having to bite my tongue and be patient because I knew great things laid ahead.  And I was right!  Once Meghan's relationship interacted with Puck (her best friend ) and Ash (the Winter Prince) I found myself very engaged in the story.  The banter between both boys was hilarious to read.  You almost forgot the three of them were on a quest together, and read the story as two boys fighting for one girl.  The chemistry is definitely there between Meghan and both boys.  I know who she is meant to be with, but I guarantee the other will play a significant role in her future.

I was planning to take my time with this series over the course of the next few months, but after finishing The Iron King I'm not sure I can.  My mind keeps wandering back to the mythical lands of Nevernever, hanging on to the final chapter, only able to guess as to what lies ahead for Meghan.  Now I know why The Iron Fey series has gotten so much recognition.  If you were like me and kept putting off reading this series, I strongly suggest you stop doing that & pick up the book now.  However - be careful of the promises you make, for they can bind you ;-)