Giveaway: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Thanks to Harlequin Teen and the lovely people at Media Masters Publicity, I have one hardcover copy of The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa to giveaway.

Here's some information about the book:

In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die…or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

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Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

To cold 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 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. And along the way Ash learns something that changes everything.

Review:

Ever since hearing that Julie Kagawa would be continuing the Iron Fey series with the release of The Iron Knight, I had eagerly been anticipating the book. I loved the first three books in the series, and with the extreme ending the third one contained, I could not wait to see what was next for Puck, Meghan, and Ash! Thankfully, The Iron Knight was everything I had hoped and wanted it to be!

The Iron Knight picks up just as Ash and Pack are on the path to discovering the secret to mortality, the aspect Ash desperately needs to be with Meghan once again. However, their path is not as smooth going as they would like, as not only do they keep getting into petty little arguments over the past, but they also keep running into danger as well as dead ends in nearly every corner. They end up getting one break, though, which is Grimalkin, the cat everyone has a love hate relationship with. Now with Grimalkin as well as other surprise allies, Ash is on the path to getting what he wants…but when an unexpected guest from his past shows up and makes his question everything, will what he ends up wanting in the end be different from what he wanted in the beginning? Only time and more pages can tell in this exciting and thrilling conclusion to the Iron Fey series…one that will have nearly every fan holding their breath until the final word.

When I first heard The Iron Knight would be told in Ash’s perspective instead of Meghan’s I was excited yet a bit weary, because while I knew it would be interesting to see things from Ash’s perspective, I was worried I wouldn’t like reading from his POV nearly as much as from Meghan’s. In the end, though, my worries were thrown right out the window, because not only did Ash’s perspective bring a fresh change to the series, but it also gave even more depth to his character. He wasn’t just the icy ice prince anymore. Instead, he was someone who had feelings, concerns, and fears as well…someone who even had a heart somewhere deep down. In addition, I enjoyed finally seeing more the rival between him and Puck as well as his former relationship with Ariella.

With The Iron Knight also came the addition of several characters I have loved getting to know over the series as well as ones that were (somewhat) new. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing more about Puck, because he has to be my favorite character in this whole series! He’s so funny yet sweet…seriously can he just have his own book already? :) I also enjoyed Grimalkin, who was as mysterious and cunning as ever, and the Wolf, who contained more potential than I had first expected.

The plot in this was also thrilling! I was hooked from page one to the final one to say the least for a variety of reasons. One was the never-ending action as well as surprises. The adventure through the Nevernever to the End of the World contained excellent world building, some of which made this series even richer than it was before. The second was Julie’s amazing writing, because not only did she once again thoroughly flesh out the characters, but she also managed to present a fabulously crafted novel overall.

Containing twists, turns, and plenty of suspense, The Iron Knight is the perfect conclusion to The Iron Fey series. However, I have to say, I’m so happy that there will be a spin-off series!

Grade: A-

The Iron Knight (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

The Iron Knight: Book Trailer Sneak Peak

As part of the The Iron Knight Sneak Peek Circle, I have an exclusive sneak peak for the upcoming Iron Knight trailer. So without a further ado... 

About the Book:

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.

The Iron Knight will be released on October 25, 2011.

But until then, visit Harlequin Teen's Facebook page to find out where else you can find The Iron Knight trailer sneak peak & don't forget to visit them on September 28th to see the entire trailer!!

Giveaway: Julie Kagawa's The Iron Fey Series (Books 1-3)

In celebration of The Iron Queen, the latest addition to Julie Kagawa's The Iron Fey series, one winner will receive books one to three in The Iron Fey series.

Books 1 to 3 in the Iron Fey series include:

The Iron King (Book One)

The Iron Daughter (Book Two)

The Iron Queen (Book Three)

About the Iron Fey Series:

In The Iron King, debut author Julie Kagawa introduced a new, evolved order of faery. In less than twenty-four hours Meghan Chase will be sixteen. Countless stories, songs and poems have been written about this wonderful age, when a girl finds true love and the stars shine for her and the handsome prince carries her off into the sunset. But Meghan suspects that it won’t be that way for her. After all, Meghan has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagine.

In The Iron Daughter, Kagawa explores love and betrayal in a faery world gone mad. A half faery princess, half human girl becomes a pivotal part of a deadly conflict between two warring factions of faery.

The winds of war gather in Kagawa's newest novel, The Iron Queen. Meghan Chase thought they’d left Faery behind forever, but pressing matters cause the three exiles to be summoned to war. A new alliance is made, along with a few contracts, of course, and Meghan, half Summer faery princess, half human, is pressed to choose Fey over her mortal beginnings. Will she abandon her human heart for an iron will that will help her survive? For as Meghan can confirm—in real life, unlike books, faery tales don’t necessarily have happy endings. To find out more about The Iron Fey series, visit The Iron Fey's offical facebok fan page.

Iron Fey trailer:



The countdown widget:

To enter this giveaway, please fill out the form below.

Though, as with any contest, there are rules involved:

~ Must be 13 years or older to enter.

~ Must have a US or Canada mailing address.

~ The contest will close on February 11, 2011!

*CONTEST NOW OVER!*

*Prizes provided by Harlequin Teen*

Mini-Reviews of Julie Kagawa's The Iron Fey Series (Books 1-3)

Today, I not only do I have mini-reviews of books one to three in Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series but I also have a huge contest, which will be posted later today. So, without a further ado, let the fun begin...

The Iron King

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

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.

Review:

The Iron King is one of those books that while it has been in my TBR pile for ages and I've read nothing but fantastic reviews for, it's taken me nearly a year to get to it, which is sad because The Iron King is such a great start to the Iron Fey series!

Meaghan, the lead character, is one of those kind of lead female characters I love seeing in YA. She's brave, fearless, and she's not afraid to let her heart guide her way in life. I enjoyed seeing her determination in getting her beloved brother back, because it showed just how great of a person she is when it comes to saving the people she loves most. With that, I also adored the side characters of Puck and Ash. Puck, Meaghan's best friend, was such a refreshing addition to this mostly serious books. Constantly one to come up with the witty retorts, Puck will constantly have the reader laughing-out-loud. Ash, on the other hand, is dangerous, brooding, and handsome, and worst of all, he seems to have an ice of heart. And while I was somewhat always put off by the fact he tended to fit into the cliche love interest of paranormal YA, he does begin to shift out of it over time.

Anther aspect I enjoyed about this story, was the world of the faeries. I loved learning more about the Summer, Winter, and Iron fey- the conflicts between, how far they would go to up each other...it constantly caused some great tension and page-flipping fun! Though, I wasn't always found of how Julie dumped a lot of info on the reader at one time, because I was always somewhat confused of who everyone bedsides the ring-leaders of the story where. But other than that small fact, this story is nearly flawless.

Bottom Line: The Iron King is a refreshing start to a series that I'm sure will quickly become a favorite of mine over time.

Grade: B+

The Iron King is now out!

Source: Bought

The Iron Daughter

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

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.

Review:

Action packed, romantic, and funny, The Iron Daughter is even better than The Iron King.

In this addition, the reader sees major development in the characters of Meghan, Puck, and Ash, as well as in their relationships. Meghan is once again a very strong lead character, and I loved seeing how she never lets anyone get in the way of her getting what she wants, which leads me to Ash and her.

I love Ash. He's one of those male characters that you can't help but grow addicted to...smart, brave, somewhat funny, you just want your own Ash. And while I love Meghan and Ash and how well they mix together, I still adore Puck. Puck is in most ways the underdog in the whole situation, but that never stopped me from rooting for him. Why? Well, just because he's Puck- adorable, funny, witty, the one who always has the quick, cutting remarks, and most importantly, the kind of boy best friend any girl would be glad to have.

Furthermore, I really enjoyed the plot and world building in this. In the first addition of this series, I was always somewhat confused of who everyone was (their goals, wants, needs...) but in this I feel that everything was cleared up in the best way possible. Better yet, I loved how the reader gets to learn a lot more about the Iron fey and what it will take to stop them.
Bottom Line: The Iron Daughter is nothing short of fantastic. Julie Kagawa grows greatly as an author in this one, which leaves me to know one thing and one thing only: I can't wait to read more by her!

Grade: A

The Iron Daughter is now out!

Source: Chelsy at Big Honcho Media/HarlequinTeen

The Iron Queen 

Summary/Cover Image from Author's Website:

In less than twenty-four hours I'll be seventeen.

Although, technically, I won't actually be turning seventeen. I've been in the Nevernever too long. When you're in Faery, you don't age. So while a year has passed in the real world, agewise I'm probably only a few days older than when I went in.

In real life, I've changed so much I don't even recognize myself.

***

MY NAME IS MEGAN 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.

Review:

If you thought The Iron Daughter was fantastic, well just wait until you read The Iron Queen because it's even better. The romance, action, and drama are all kicked up a few notches, and the characters and plot have the best development so far in the series!

In this addition, the reader once again gets thrown into the world of Meaghan, Puck, and Ash. These are three characters who I have come to adore and love over time, and in this addition it was no different. I enjoyed seeing how they all put aside their differences to fight the Iron fey, as well as the fact there's more development in the love triangle between Meaghan, Puck, and Ash. In most love triangles, I usually on a specific side from the first book, but the Iron Fey series is one where this didn't occur, instead I was constantly switching sides, curious to know just who Meghan would pick: Ash or Puck? Puck or Ash? Both are such fantastic lead characters and people, and if I was Meghan I now I would never be able to pick

Just like the first book, The Iron Queen contains action, action, and more action. This is one book that you just have to read in one sitting, because of all the twists and turns that you leave to dying to know more, more, and more.

Lastly, Julie Kagawa develops even more as a writer in this one, because not only does she do a fantastic job with the characters, but the world she has developed in this series is just spectacular!

Bottom Line:  The Iron Daughter is yet another satisfying sequel in the Iron Fey series, and with the cliff-hanger ending this one has, I know I'll be the first in the line to buy The Iron Knight the day it's released.


Grade: A+

The Iron Queen will be released February 1, 2011!

Source: Chelsy at Big Honcho Media/HarlequinTeen

~~~

Overall, do yourself a favor this winter, pick up The Iron Fey books one to three and give them a try. Witty, action paced, characters you can't help but love, swoon-worthy boys, this is one series that not only manages to have it all, but gets even better with every book. Julie Kagawa is quickly becoming one of the best YA authors out there, in my opinion.