The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.
Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Book Review:
I honestly don't even know where to begin. I gulped this beauty down, despite it's daunting length. The pages fly by in this epic tale. I really enjoyed enjoyed The Immortal Rules. However, Kagawa kicks it up a notch (or ten) in The Eternity Cure. Allison's character is even more complex as she struggles to balance the human and vampire inside of her. Her search for Kanin is dire and she must overcome some challenging obstacles to find him. This second installment of the Blood of Eden is even more gritty, adventurous, and nail-biting than The Immortal Rules. Trust me, that is saying something. As a reader, I am even more attached to the characters this time around. I became totally enveloped in the story, cheering on Allison and her crew as they fight against all odds. Secrets are revealed. Boundaries are crossed. Romance is in bloom. I don't want to ruin the story line for those who haven't read The Immortal Rules, but if you haven't read this series, what is stopping you?!

Thanks to Harlequin Teen for this copy.
Published April 30, 2013
This is my honest review. 

Favorite Quote:
“There are no good choices, Allison," Kanin offered in a quiet voice. "There are only those you can live with, and those you can work to change.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I'm not usually a fan of switching covers mid-series, but I am totally in love with the new covers! It's so refreshing to have bold colors and patterns on YA covers! I can't wait to see the cover of the next book!

Rating:

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): "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.

Book Review:
It's been a while since I read this, but I remember being blown away. I was sucked into the story right away. It was a very realistic story as far as vampire stories go. I also liked the addition of zombies. My favorite parts were the ones that included Allie and her mother. The incorporation of the importance of knowledge and words was outstanding! I highly recommend this for all paranormal romance fans (don't worry, the romance is very light). 

Favorite Quote:

“Words define us,' Mom continued, as I struggled to make my clumsy marks look like her elegant script. 'We must protect our knowledge and pass it on whenever we can. If we are ever to become a society again, we must teach others how to remain human.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Wowzers. This is a huge contrast from her Iron Fey series covers! Very dark and gritty, which is fitting to the story!

Rating:

 

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

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): 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.

Book Trailer:


Book Review:
What a lovely way to end a series. Or rather, what an EPIC way to end a series. :) I really enjoyed reading from Ash's perspective. He had my emotions riding an endless roller-coaster. The cast of characters balanced each other rather nicely. Of course, I really want a Grimalkin of my very own. :) I enjoyed the overall journey, and learned a few things about Ash, as well as the supporting characters along the way. The incorporation of various mythologies was a nice touch. I thought Kagawa wrapped things up rather nicely without many loose ends hanging. If you haven't read this series, I highly encourage you to do so! I am really looking forward to Kawaga's Blood of Eden series.

Favorite Quote:

“Be careful, boy. In some tales, the hero gets eaten by the monster after all.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I'm really a fan of all the covers for the entire series. They're beautiful, colorful, and look really nicely altogether on my shelf. :)

Rating:

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Book Summery (via goodreads):

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.
Book Review:
Oh. Man. This book is EPIC. Meghan and her friends set out for the battles of all battles. The final showdown against the Iron King. Kagawa does not disappoint! The characters come to life, practically jumping out of the pages. My favorite aspect of this book is the evolution of Meghan's character. She is no longer the whiny, naive girl we met in book one. She has become a strong, independent, and selfless heroine! I've come around to Ash a bit more, but honestly, I think my heart will always belong to Puck. In his defense, you do learn more about Ash, and why he is the way he is. Puck is the ever-present spot of light among the grim, light-hearted, and snarky as always. And my dear Grimalkin! I have such a soft spot for this cunning feline! I do hope to see more of him in the future. Speaking of which, I was beyond delighted to discover this isn't the end of the Iron Fey saga! The most I can find is here on goodreads. You can be sure this reader will be picking up her own copy of the Iron Knight, when it is released (which is tentatively October of this year!).

Favorite Quote:

"I knew better. Fairy godmothers didn't exist, and even if they did, they wouldn't wave a magic wand and make everything better. (Not without a contract, anyway.) Besides, I had something better than a fairy godmother; I had my faery knight, my faery trickster, and my faery cat, and that was enough." (p. 131)

Cover Art Commentary:
Another gorgeous one, such beautiful colors and designs! I just love the covers of this series! :)

Overall Rating:

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Book Summery:
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, iron-bound 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 alone 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. -goodreads.com

Book Review:
I read Kagawa's The Iron King in March (review found here). Shortly after I started reading, I knew that I had entered a world of magic, forbidden love, and horror. One that I was eager to return to immediately. Lo and behold, Kagawa released The Iron Daughter this month! What luck! Shortly before The Iron Daughter was offically released, the floodgates of the blogosphere opened, pouring out rave reviews of Kawaga's second installment. Before long, I was able to get my fevered hands on a copy of my own, and thus I re-entered Kawaga's majestical faery realm. I was not disappointed!

My first impression was that Meghan has matured (yay!) in most aspects! She was more independent, deceive, and overall vibrant. I enjoyed this new aspect of her very much. Her downfall, I think, is her unwavering love of Ash. Ash really annoyed me in this book, though there are certain redeeming qualities sprinkled throughout the story. Overall, their romance reminded me of the Bella-Edward syndrome from Twilight. That's really my only qualm with this book. I loved Puck's plucky attitude and steadfast devotion. I also enjoyed meeting some new characters and well as the return of some old favorites. I am head-over-heals in love with Grimalkin! He is such a tenacious and crafty cat! Some wonderful new characters that I just adored include Leanansidhe, Kimi, and the phouka Tiaothin. There are several others that I would like to mention, but I don't want to ruin the story for those who plan on reading the book. ;)
Overall, I enjoyed this second quest through the Nevernever immensely. I highly anticipate Kagawa's third installment, The Iron Queen, which is to be released in February 2011. The story of Meghan, Ash, and Puck (as well as the faery folk previously mentioned) is far from over! In need of more faery facts or information regarding the books? Head on over to Julie Kagawa's website.

Favorite Quote:

"I'm afraid you've walked nose first into a trap, m'dears," she gloated as we tensed, ready to run or fight. "Oh, but you don't want to rush off now. I have one last little surprise for you." She giggled and snapped her fingers. The door behind her creased , and a dark figure stepped into the room, coming to stand behind the chair. This time, my heart dropped to my toes and stayed there. (p. 233).

Cover Art Commentary:
Lovely, lovely, lovely. I just love the covers to this series! I particularly like the color-scheme. I have a soft spot for purple! :) The icy undertone of this cover has a unique meaning to the story as well! ;)

Overall Rating:

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Summery:
When Meghan was a small child, her father disappeared. Afterwords, Meghan and her mother promptly left town. Meghan was never quite sure, but it almost felt as if her mother was running from something... Relocated in a small rural town in Louisiana, Meghan's mother remarried and had a second child, Meghan's half brother Ethan. Not really fitting in anywhere, Meghan struggles to make it through day-to-day and dreams of escaping the small town life forced on her. Little does she know, her dream is about to come true. On the eve of her 16th birthday, Meghan is drawn into the world of the Fae when Ethan is kidnapped and replaced with a changeling. Meghan soon discovers that she is the Seelie king's daughter and is caught in the middle of an epic battle. Enlisting the help of the prankster Puck, the Ice Prince, and an enigmatic talking cat, Meghan ventures her way into the dangerous land of the Fae in hopes of retrieving her brother...The path is treacherous with many deadly obstacles -and- creatures along the way. Can Meghan rescue her brother and remain in one piece long enough to tell the tale?

Book Trailer:



Review:
I absolutely adored The Iron King. I have read several great reviews for this book, which initially peaked my interest. The Little Reader and The Book Junkie's Bookshelf and Pure Imagination are some great examples. :) What I liked most about this is book is that it is quite a bit darker than I had anticipated. The level of horror as well as depth was a pleasant surprise. At first I didn't think I would like Meg's character. She seems a bit weak, often relying on other people to fight battles for her. However, Meg's courage and overall character improved throughout the book. Once she found her strength, I found her much more appealing and complete. I also enjoyed Meg's interactions with Puck and Ash. So much that I absolutely can not wait for the sequel. I am absolutely dying to know what happens next in the Iron Fae series! This book was downright impossible for me to set down! For more information on the book, as well as the series, I highly recommend you check out the Julie Kagawa's official website.

Cover Art Commentary:
The cover is just gorgeous. I love the colors and the design. :) I can't wait to see what the next cover looks like in the series!

Rating: