Review: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

The Forever Song (Blood of Eden, #3) by Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Number of pages: 394
Format: Kindle via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository | Bookworld | Booktopia
Source: ARC from Publisher

Vengeance will be hers.

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

Monster.

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

THE FINAL HUNT IS ON.

Please excuse me as this might be a bit wonky. It's my first review in over a month so hopefully this is just what I need to get back into blogging. Curse you school. LOL Seriously ever since I started classes I barely have had time to do much anything. Why do this do this to ourselves. Hah.

Back on topic it is. We've come to the end, Ladies and Gents *tear*. I know.. I know, let's all hug it out and relive all the good memories of this fabulous trilogy. Out of all of Julie's books I'd say this is my favourite series because it is so much more than just a series about vampires. SO MUCH MORE.

Julie has done an amazing job with this series. These characters are top notch and the plot thrilling every step of the way. I even came to love the romance from book 2 and this one, as I wasn't a big fan of it in the beginning, but came around eventually.

The Forever Song packs no punches and goes in full force. There is blood. Romance. Some shocks and twists along the way.
Just when you think you have seen it all, everything goes out the window and you are given a new thing to adjust to.

The cliffhanger from the previous book was harsh and you might not have known where the story was going to go, but in The Forever Song, things pick up pretty much not long after those events. Allison, Kanin and Jackal are on their own. Allison has changed a bit from the last time we saw her, well because of those certain events that transpired. But what she doesn't know...

I really enjoyed the.. relationship between Allison and Jackal, even the three of them. They have this family bond where two sisters barter with one another and throw insults, while the parent has to keep the peace. Yeah -- it was kind of like that.  It was definitely interesting to read about, that's for sure.

While they try find their way toward Eden, a peaceful place not many people know exist, or actually believe it does, these characters find out more about themselves, what they're willing to do for the sake of humankind.

If you're a fan of this series, this conclusion won't want to be missed. With so many things happening, you might want to make sure you have some tissues on hand while reading this little beauty.

Be sure to check this out come release day.

Review : The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Publication date: May 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 428
Format: E-copy via Netgalley
Links: Amazon | The Book Depository

In Allison Sekemoto's world, there is one rule left: Blood calls to blood

She has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie's birthplace in New Covington, what Allie finds there will change the world forever-and possibly end human and vampire existence.

There's a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago-and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries, if Allie can get to him in time.

Allison thought that immortality was forever. But now, with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further, and Allie must face another choice she could never have imagined having to make.

Allison has always wanted things that is forbidden to her. First it was Zeke; the human boy who stole her heart, and then it was Eden where she was not wanted. After discovering that her maker and mentor, Kanin is in trouble Allison decides it's her job to go and save him whatever the cost.

She begins on a long journey to locate where Kanin could be, but soon discovers someone so completely unexpected on her trip that she didn't expect to find: her blood brother Jackal. After the two of them form an unlikely alliance they discover a plague lurking around, which was a deadly virus named Red Lung that wiped out so much of humanity long ago, and their sire just might be the one person who knows the cure. That is if they are able to get to him in time before Lethal, Sarren does more damage than he has already.

As they go from place to place, they are forced to control certain things from Allie's past and when they run into the most unlikiest person they just might discover there is hope yet for them all.
The race is on and if they don't rescue Kanin soon; they might not have anyone to rescue.

In this book, Allison becomes so much stronger and embraces her vampire side where in the previous installment that was something she kept hidden or refused to think existed. But when things come to light, Allison meets people from her past once again.. she'll have to make a choice that could end up costing her more than she ever imagined.

Love interest to Allie, Zeke makes a return and there was certain things about him and his family that get revealed which I don't see coming.  I am glad though, to have him more involved with the story than he was. I didn't want him to just be a love interest, because to be honest in the first book I didn't really get a feel for him or his relationship with Allison. But in this book.. Damn, I was downright shipping them.
He really comes to his own as a character and I was so thankful, because it wouldn't be Julie if any character was just put in just for one reason. They need things to do.

Jackal. Oh, how was it possible that I went from hating him in The Immortal Rules to adoring him in this novel? It seemed impossible, but you start to understand him a bit more than before. It was nice to see that he was not all bad that he appeared originally. I look foward to seeing more of him in the next book.

And last, but not least... my second favourite character... Kanin.  I don't know why, but from off the bat in The Immortal Rules, I really connected to this lonely and stubborn vampire. He clearly has issues, but he was a teacher and mentor to Allison. Give her life and a new understanding on vampires when she  became one. He gave her a home and lessons on how to survive on how she is now, and if it wasn't for him... she probably would not have lived this long.
Even though we didn't see as much of him as I would have liked, I thought what we did get was worth while and it meant something.
Kanin is someone who you can like and understand. He has been through so much in trying to find a cure over the years. I love his relationship he has with Allison.. he is not just her sire and mentor, but also her family. More than blood.

Of course we are left with one huge whopping cliffhanger that makes you... W.T.F. Yes. It will leave you hanging like nothing else.

I personally can't wait to see where Julie takes things in the next book in this series.. I do wonder though, is this a trilogy.. or will there be more books? Feels like it could be a trilogy though. Most series these days tend to be.

 I would like to thank Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for giving me this chance to review this title in exchange for a honest review.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Jen's review of "The Lost Prince" by Julie Kagawa

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1) by Julie Kagawa
Publication date: October 23rd, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Number of pages: 400
Format: Kindle \ Netgalley ARC
Add to Goodreads
Description: Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’s dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myths and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

My name is Ethan Chase. And I may not live to see my eighteenth birthday.

My Review -- 

I know many people, well okay, pretty much the whole fandom has been looking forward to this book. To be able to hear Ethan's story after what we thought was the end. 
I was happy to receive a digital ARC from Netgalley and the publisher, and was excited to get back into the world that Julie created with the Iron Fey and Meghan's story.

We get introduced to Ethan's life, after years in the real world. He hasn't seen or heard from his sister in longer than he can remember, but he hasn't been fey free. Not at all.
Ethan is seventeen years of age and has just started at a new school after being kicked out of his others from things he couldn't control, and his parents hope that this will be the one school where he will stick around longer than before.
All he wants is to live normally, and wants nothing to do with the fey, but it seems they don't want to get rid of him, because they are around constantly, or maybe its that he is capable of seeing them wherever he goes whether he like it or not.

Soon after a friend's disappearance, and with the help of a new friend of his, Ethan finds himself having to go back to the one place he wished he could forget and never return, but sometimes, Ethan soon learns that you can't always get what you want.
With new friendships, a potential romance, mystery and intrigue, Ethan's story is one that you would want to read.

I really liked Ethan and his POV. Maybe even more than his sister, Meghan. I liked seeing things from his view and how his life has changed over the last few years, and even more so, ever since he was a child when he went through a horrible experience in which never to be repeated.
I also really liked Kenzie. She is strong, independent with an open nature that makes her a great heroine for this story.
You find out enough to want to know more about who she is, and her life. She even helps center Ethan, who I felt was a little misunderstood, but she understood him perfectly and never gave up on him.

There are appearances by some of our favourite character from the original series, and we also get introduced to another main character who has connections to Meghan and has a connection to the human world who has his own story to tell.

This was a great first installment to the new series, I look forward to reading more about Ethan and his friends as they continue onto this journey of theirs.
If you are a fan of The Iron Fey series, then there is no doubt you'll adore this book. So better put it on your to read list, otherwise the Fey will be after you.

Rating --- 4 out of 5

Jen's review of "The Iron Knight" by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Knight (The Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa

Publication date: October 26th, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Number of pages: 394

Format: Paperback

Purchase: Amazon |  The Book Depository

Summary: 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.

In the conclusion to Ash & Meghan's story comes a thrilling and action packed adventure that brings us to the final book in the Iron Fey series. At the end of The Iron Queen, Ash and Puck were set on a quest of a lifetime. Ash was going to try find a way to become human. The only way he can be with Meghan, and he is willing to do anything he can, no matter what it takes. 

This book was in Ash's POV, which was interesting to read.. I admit, while I did like him.. I didn't love him as much as others out there. I was more of a Puck fan.
So this book, by being inside his head gave me a new appreciation for him, and I found a new fondness that I came to accept and understand about him.
I really came to like his relationship with Meghan. Although I have never been their biggest fan, but still liked them, I found myself enjoying them more over the course of the books.
The things that he went through , and they weren't easy, to be with her.. was quite endearing and admirable. It was quite nice to see him on his journey for true love.

I loved his love/hate friendship with Puck. I think that has been one of my favourite things about the series. The way they interact with one another, and their history... it always made me look forward to their scenes, and I was happy to see this book focus a lot on that, and came to the resolution that it did by the end.
There was certainly some reveals that I didn't see coming, but I think they were done for a reason.. for Ash to be able to forgive Puck and be able to finally really move on from his past, which has haunted him for such a long time.

Puck. Oh Puck.
My favourite character. I loved that we got to see so much of him in this book, more so than any other book in this series. And while it didn't center on him, this story certainly found him in the spotlight. I hope that someday soon we get him front and center and have his own book, or get his own happy ending, as he deserves it so much.

Rating: 5/5

Jen's review of "The Iron Queen" by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3)  by Julie Kagawa

Publication date: January 25th, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Number of pages: 358

Format: Paperback

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description:  My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

In the third book of the Iron Fey series, the stakes are turned up and things get as real as they can be. Meghan has to make a deadly choice, and it's one that she will have to live with for the rest of her life. The love between Meghan and Ash just gets deeper and deeper as this series goes on, and no matter what Ash will always be there to protect her.

In this book, Ash becomes her Knight, which is a vow to do anything for her, protect her and never leave her side. They are joined by her best friend Puck, as they go to battle the Iron King, as it's the only way for things to return to normal. It's definitely a do or die type of situation and they are all prepared for whatever outcome it might hold.

 Puck. how anyone can not love this guy is beyond me. He is my far my favourite character from this series.. even in dire situations, he seems to find some way to put a grin on his face and makes you believe in the optimistic. I came to like and respect Ash. His battle with Puck is still an ongoing on, and you wonder whether it's going to end at some point. 

Ash still has a dark past that he needs to come to grips with, and to let forgiveness in his heart to do so. Without it, he won't be able to properly move on... and that is something that might kill him eventually. I would say this book is definitely a game changer for the series. Something you never thought would happen, happened. There are definitely shocks and twists and surprises in store, and it's an action packed adventure you never want to leave. 

You got to see more of Meghan's dad, the one who knows... not the Seelie King dad. And she has to make choices that is difficult for her to make, but sometimes you have to do what needs to be done... whether they are good or bad decisions. 

 The end was quite bittersweet, and I heard this was originally meant to be the end of the series, but Julie's editor convinced her to write another book to finish off the series with a happy ending rather than what happened in this one. The thing about happy endings... they aren't always reaslistic, so I think if she left it with this book.. it still would have been okay.

 Rating: 5/5 

Jen's review of "The Iron Daughter" by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey #2) by Julie Kagawa

Publication date: August 1st, 2010

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Number of pages: 359

Format: Paperback

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description: Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

In the second installment to Julie Kagawa's 'Iron Fey' series, comes a story straight off its predecessor. Things pick up pretty much right away from where things were left in The Iron King.
Meghan was forced to go back to Never Never, aka the land of Faery... because she made a promise in exchange for getting her brother, Ethan back.
She finds herself in the land of the Unseelie, and it isn't the most comfortable place given that she is half Seelie and half human, neither traits work well in this court.
Ash, the boy she fell in love with is ignoring her and she doesn't understand why. But everything is not as it seems.. because Meghan soon learns what the Unseelie court is all about and why Ash acts the way he does when he is there. Emotions. Love. They are a weakness, and nobody wants to show a weakness when around his mother, Queen Mab.

The story moves quite quickly when something tragic happens at the festival where they exchange scepter in change of the seasons. A war breaks out, and Ash and Meghan, who are from different courts see themselves on different sides.

There is a lot more action in this book than there was in book 1. So much more going on, and it's exciting.
The relationship between Meg and Ash progress, not to mention the return of Puck, whose feelings for her are clearly obvious and where he makes them obvious to her as well.
Puck is my favourite character, so when I first read this book.. all I felt was sadness for him, and wanted him to get the girl because of how he has loved her for so long.
But now after re-reading the book, I still felt sad for him. I have came to understand that she isn't the girl for him, but his chance at happiness has yet to come.
Two of my favourite things about this book was the interactions between Ash and Puck. They swear to kill one another, but never get around to it... and so there is always this tension between them that you could cut with a knife it was that deep.

I was glad I re-read these first two books, as I liked them even more than the first time I read them.

Rating: 4/5

Jen's review of "The Iron King" by Julie Kagawa

The Iron King (The Iron Fey #1) by Julie Kagawa

Publication date: February 1st, 2010

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Number of pages: 363

Format: Paperback

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository (Free shipping worldwide)

Description: 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.

Meghan thought she had it all. A great family, a best friend and a shot to look good for her long-time crush. Then everything changed. On her sixteenth birthday, Meghan sees things that shouldn't be there, her brother gets kidnapped and some monster is put in his place. With her best friend, Robbie by her side, one would think he would give her some reasonable explanation for what happened, but no... he tells her the truth. Her brother has been kidnapped and taken into faery. Yes, fairies are real.. and he --- is Robin Goodfellow, or you might know him by.. "Puck". 

Meghan and Puck then head into the Never Never, which is what they call the land where the fey preside and try to find a way to find and bring her brother, Ethan back to where he belongs.
But things don't go as easy as she thought.
She goes on quite the journey between meeting her real fatherm discovering things she wish she didn't have to discover, and along the way, she finds herself drawn and falling for the one that is forbidden to her: Ash - Prince of the Unseelie court.

What she doesn't realize is that Puck, her best friend for as long as she can remember is in love with her too, but is it a little too late?
Will Meagan find her brother so they can both go home?

I admit, when I first read this book -- this was more like a re-read since it had been forever since I read the first two books, I really didn't like Ash all that much. I was Team Puck then, and still Team Puck now.
While, I know it would never have gone a way that I might have liked, I did eventually come to understand the love between Meghan and Ash, and it was sweet.  And Ash wasn't that bad of a guy/fey.
I fell in love with Puck the instant he came onto the scene. He is by far my favourite character of the series/book. I would go anywhere with him if he asked.

The world that Julie created was an interesting one. I have read a few Faery books, and I like that each one has a different take on the genre and mythical creatures.

I especially liked this because of the whole Midsummer nights dream aspect. I remember I had done the play of it and watched the film when I was young in High School, and always had a thing for Puck.

                                                          Rating: 4/5