It might surprise you, but I truly enjoyed The Iron King and found myself swept up in its story. That said, if you’re not a fan of fiction aimed at younger readers—specifically teenagers around sixteen—you might want to skip this series.
Book Review: The Iron King
- Author: Julie Kagawa
- Series: The Iron Fey, Book 1
- Publisher: Harlequin Teen
- Page Count: 363 pages, Paperback
- First published: January 19, 2010
- ASIN: 0373210086
- ISBN: 9780373210084 (ISBN10: 0373210086)
- Available in eBook Format (ePub): Yes
- Available in Audible
Plot Summary
Meghan Chase is just an ordinary girl… until her younger brother is kidnapped. Determined to save him, she embarks on a dangerous journey into the lands of the fae. Alongside her is her best friend—who turns out to be much more than he seems: a guardian and a mysterious figure from ancient lore. During her magical quest, Meghan faces countless dangers, encounters a talking cat, and of course—falls in love.
Yes, it sounds like classic YA fantasy. But sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
Thoughts & Review
Meghan is sixteen—the typical age for a fantasy heroine—and often finds herself in the “damsel in distress” role. However, throughout the story, she shows surprising cleverness and manages to escape trouble on her own several times without needing rescue. Her journey through the fae world is dynamic, filled with bizarre creatures, and richly imaginative. Julie Kagawa builds a lush, vibrant world that’s easy to get lost in.
That said, the descriptive passages can be a bit too much at times. It feels like the action takes a backseat to worldbuilding, which slows down the pacing—especially when you’re eager for plot development over scenic detail.
The romance between Meghan and Ash develops very quickly, almost too fast. But within the context of the genre and the characters’ age, it makes sense. Thinking back to my own sixteen-year-old self, love at first sight didn’t seem far-fetched (or undesirable).
The concept of a conflict between Summer, Winter, and Iron fae is both original and compelling—especially the idea of the Iron Fey as a technological evolution threatening the old magic. There’s great potential here for deeper themes in the sequel.
Verdict
The Iron King isn’t perfect, but it’s an enjoyable read with fresh ideas and a magical world that’s easy to dive into. If you go in with the right mindset, you’ll likely have a good time.
My rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
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.
