The Iron Fey - Book 2 - The Iron Daughter

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This review may seem strange in view of my review of The Iron King but I must admit I enjoyed this book so much more than the first that this series definitely redeemed itself in my eyes. I may even have been rid of some of that faerie prejudice of mine. I expect that I may even give past series which I have not completed (like the Wicked Lovely) another try.

SUMMARY

We find Meghan Chase imprisoned within the Winter Kingdom where she was brought by Ash after having honoured her contract with him. Meghan seemingly has steeled herself against the cruelty of the Kingdom and has made a firm decision not to have the Winter Fey break her spirit. This is until her first encounter with Ash since having entered the Winter Kingdom and his cold indifference toward her, which simply breaks her heart. To make matters worse she does not have access to any of her Summer Fey powers but seems to have developed a slight affinity to Iron. Surprisingly Ash eventually helps her escape the Winter Kingdom and they once again have to face a battle with the Iron Fey in order to avoid an unnecessary and merciless war between Winter and Summer. Ash makes his feelings regarding the possibility of him and Meghan ever having a future together pretty clear and she finds a new level to her relationship with Puck (enter the ever present love triangle). In the end Meghan and Ash find themselves abandoned to the human world but together at least.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the fact that got to know some of the lesser explored characters (from The Iron King) much better in this book. I got instantly involved with this book which is fast paced and has you sitting at the edge of your seat almost from the word go. The darkness and edge which bothered me whilst reading the first book was given some context in this book and I found myself (surprisingly) intrigued by this portrayal of the Faerie World, which just goes to show that old prejudices really can be overcome. I found the underlying themes of the book to be believable and I believe some lessons can be learned from a story of this nature (i.e. the theme of the enemy of my enemy is my enemy etc).

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE

I don’t see why Meghan and Puck could not have been only friends. It really irritates me that all Young Adult novels seem to include love triangles. As if really isn’t difficult enough to meet someone you like, find a way to make a seemingly doomed relationship work, find a way around Ash’s still lingering love for his deceased partner and all that without having to have another love interest as well. Where is the danger in having to love just one person? I think the plot was interesting enough without Meghan have to have to face being (potentially) in love with two guys as well. I mean women can certainly multi task easier than men but really between saving the world, exploring your new found identity, trying to grow up and managing one obstinate guy, where do these young girls find time for another guy? I am sure another love triangle could easily have been left out of the book.

SO WHAT’S THE VERDICT?

I enjoyed this book tremendously, which was very surprising after my mixed feelings regarding the first book. I must confess to having dreamed of the world after reading the book, which only really happens when I get really involved with books and a particular story. Two thumbs up for me!

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Iron Daughter is followed by The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa which is due for release on 25 January 2011.

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