Review: The Iron King

Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Pages: 363
Rating: 5/5

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 (goodreads.com).

I don't even know what to say about this book.  It was just pure awesomeness!!  I'm so angry at myself for waiting for so long to read this because I was scared of the "fantasy" aspect.  If that is what is holding you back too, DO NOT BE AFRAID.  Kagawa does an amazing job, and her writing just flows.  This book read super fast and was addicting. 

I absolutely adored Meghan, and was rooting for her the whole time.  I understand that she was a bit naive, and didn't know her way around, but she was brave and strong.  She's probably one of my favorite heroines I've read about in a long time.  I'm excited to see how she continues to grow throughout the series.  I think there's a lot that she still needs to discover about herself, and I can't wait to find these things out with her!

This was also my first introduction to the world of "Fae" and can I just say that I absolutely loved it.  I loved reading about my favorite characters from "A Midsummer's Night Dream" especially Puck who I think I have a wee bit of a book crush on.  However, my heart truly belongs to Ash.  I can't wait to see where Kagawa takes his story in the next few books.  Regarding the "Fae", I think that this has opened up a whole new world for me.  There's so many other books out there that circle around this theme that I've been too scared to read because I was scared I wouldn't enjoy them because of the subject matter.  I don't know why I'm so hestitant to try new things.  It can be so eye opening!!

All in all, this was an excellent, well written adventure that had me hooked from page one.  I don't think that 363 pages have ever gone by so quickly in my entire life!  This series is definitely addicting and I cannot wait to read the next book and then the next book and then the next book...lol!!

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  Each Tuesday is a new topic.  Head on over and check it out!!

This is the first time I've ever done this meme and I thought it would be something fun to try for a change!  This weeks topic is:

Top Ten Books That Are On The Top Of My TBR List For Fall

Fall is my favorite time of year.  I love curling up by the fire on chilly October weekends, heading out to watch the leaves change, and enjoying those last days of sunshine before Winter fully hits.  Reading wise, I tend to dive into the more Gothic novels, and sometimes something just a little spooky.  Here's what I hope to read this fall:

1.  The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield:  I don't know why I haven't read this book yet.  It's been out for ages, and made its way through the blogosphere a few years ago.  I think it'll be the perfect read for the chilly October evening.

2.  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte:  This has always been one of my most favorite books.  I re-read this every fall.  And last year, I saw the Masterpiece Theatre version that I will again be watching this fall.

3.  Fingersmith by Sarah Waters: This book has been sitting on my shelf for ages, and the synopsis sounds so enthralling.  I think Fall would be the perfect time to check it out.

4.  Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender:  This book has been on my TBR shelf for ages, and the cover scares the crap out of me.  What's a better time to read it then, then Fall!!

5.  The House at Riverton by Kate Morton:  I have heard such rave reviews for this author and I can't wait to finally see what all the talk is about!!

6.  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling:  My goal this winter is to re-read this entire series, so I'm looking forward to starting back at the beginning :)

7.  Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin:  This is another one that has been sitting on my shelves for a long long time.  I love the cover of this one, and it's also gotten rave reviews!

8.  Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink:  Sisters, an ancient curse, a weird marking...what could be better in Fall!!

9.  Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews:  I'm almost embarrassed to list this one, but I do love me some VC Andrews.  I can still remember the first time I read Flowers in the Attic.  I was enthralled and disturbed all at the same time.  I found my copy this past weekend and want to read it all again

10. No Angel by Penny Vincenzi:  Another family saga, spread out over three books.  This could keep me busy through all of fall and winter!

So that's what I'm hoping to read this coming fall.  How bout you?

What are you reading (29)?

It's Monday! What are you reading this week? is a weekly event now hosted by One Persons Journey Through a World Of Books. It's helpful way to take a look at what you have read and what you want to read!

It's been about a month since I posted.  Not much has changed since then.  Still just chugging along with life, getting in a little reading here and there.  I did take an extra two days off this week, and scrubbed down the whole house, boxed up some odds and ends that were just taking up space and cleaned cleaned cleaned!  With all the rearranging and condensing, I no longer feel like my house is closing in on me with the additional baby stuff.  So much nicer!!

During the past month I did read some pretty good books.  I'm hoping to have the reviews up this week:

1. The Iron King - Julie Kagawa
2. Firespell - Chloe Neil
3. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs

I also had one DNF and that was Hereafter by Tara Hudson.  I got within a hundred pages of finishing it, but was so completely bored with the story that I finally stopped wasting what little bit of time I did have.  It just wasn't worth it in the end.

This week I'm hoping to relax, and we don't have much going on for the holiday weekend so hopefully I'll be able to get some reading in.  I cleaned off my shelves (again) and found some real treasures that have been hidden on the shelves for quite some time.

Here's my week:

Welcome to the Great Mysterious

Lorna Landvik

I read Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by this author a few years ago and absolutely loved it.  I'm hoping that this one is just as good.

The Ghost Orchid

Carol Goodman

I listened to Arcadia Falls late last year by this author and thought the gothic setting, and the story told within a story to be really fun and interesting.  I've read good things about this one so I'm excited to read something else by Goodman!

Roses

Leila Meacham

I love big, chunky, drama filled sagas and I'm pretty sure that this one fits the bill.  I might have to break out a bottle of wine to enjoy with this one.

Look Again

Lisa Scottoline

I've never read anything by this author, but the premise of this book looks really good.  As a mother myself now, I think this one will hit even closer to home.

So that's what's on my reading plate this week.  How bout yours?