The Iron Daughter
Julie Kagawa
FROM THE COVER:
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.
My rating: 4 stars.
MY THOUGHTS:
I heard a lot of reservations about this one, but I have to say that I really, thoroughly enjoyed it. Much, much more than the first (The Iron King).
Three cheers for Puck and Ash finally making some good appearances! I really like that the two of them are incorporated into the story now, rather than it being one or the other. But, as such, Meghan's role dwindles. She narrates the story, of course, but her presence leaves a lot to be desired. In The Iron King, she at least takes charge of things (albeit in the whiniest of ways), whereas in The Iron Daughter she does nothing more than pout. I think her only moment of action includes kicking a gremlin or goblin in the face?
Puck and Ash steal the show. Which didn't bother me. They're both very solid characters. Ash is much more likeable and relatable, and Puck is still as humorous as ever. Yet, the romance is still a bit estranged. Meghan's need for Ash stems from practically nothing. And poor Puck never seems genuine. It feels like the triangle needs more care or attention given to it, because it's more like separated points fumbling together. Still doesn't quite work for me, despite Ash having won me over.
As for plot, well... it's all over the place. There is one, maybe two, moments of downtime. While everything drags in the previous book, this one keeps a constant pace, containing nothing but action, action and more action. It's enjoyable but unbelievable. Some scenes seem entirely out of place, worthless and reminiscent of those in other books. It feels as if there are too many characters involved and struggling to find their place within the story.
Still, it has better flow and characterization than The Iron King. I'm looking forward to The Iron Queen.
