The Iron Knight by: Julie Kagawa

The Iron Knight by: Julie Kagawa

Published: October 25, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

Page Count: 361

Format: Paperback

Series: Iron Fey #4

Summary from Goodreads:

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.

 My Review:
    Since this book is the last in the Iron Fey series, one of my all-time favorites, I felt the need to stretch out the reading time. Well, that kind of worked. And then it didn't. Nevertheless, I think the series came to a comfortable and happy ending.
    At the beginning, and I guess all through the book, Ash and Puck were always in some sort of scuffle. Puck's usual banter made me love him even more, as it always does. That, and Ash's serious and determined state, made for a great pairing to go on an adventure. Maybe not to them, but definitely for the readers!
    I seriously wonder if Grimalkin is based on the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. The way he speaks and disappears all the time seems oddly similar. Nevertheless, I really love him! He always knew the answers to things and had a way of making everyone else look oblivious.
   The lack of Meghan's POV had me stopping occasionally to remind myself that Ash was the narrator in this book, not her. I guess that's just because I was so attuned to seeing Meghan's. The POV change I was a little concerned about at first. I don't know why, Ash had amazing thoughts that only proved how loyal and good a character he was. There were a few flashbacks that let us see both the best and the worst of him. To me, It made me further realize the effect that being in love with Ariella, and then Meghan, had on him.
     Unlike the previous books, this one takes place entirely in the Nevernever. Only a tiny scene at the end is in the mortal world. This I just loved, because the way that Julie Kagawa expresses the nature and creatures that roam in the wyldwood other parts of Faery is made of just pure amazement.
     Ash and Puck gain some unlikely companions in this book on their quest for Ash's soul. I am not at liberty to say, so you should go read it and find out! Seriously, go NOW!

Inheritance by: Christopher Paolini

Inheritance by: Christopher Paolini
Published: November 8th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Page count: 880
Format: hardcover
Series: Inheritance cycle #4
Buy the book: Amazon

Summary from Goodreads:

Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.

My Review:

       This last, long-awaited book in Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle was the perfect conclusion to a classic series that will never be forgotten. Honestly, I couldn’t put the book down—from its complex and still-developing characters to its intense and gripping plot with plenty of gore to go around, it was an enticing story that had dozens of plot twists and tied up all the loose ends. The building suspense to the climax of the entire series was almost unbearable but definitely paid off, and I was completely blown away by the unpredictable yet unforgettable ending. I’ve been so pleased with the entire cycle, and I’m utterly astounded by Paolini’s characterization, plot, and vocabulary, all tied together in a well-planned, thick, and complex cycle. I’ve never read a series like it, and it would take a lot to top his stories. While this book would not come recommended to anyone who has not read the first 3 books—read those first, it’s worth it!—I positively beg you to try his books out. They are well worth your time.