(NOTE: This is a transplant blog post from my old, barely used blog. I want to start doing more of these, so I figure this is a good way to start – reminiscing on the old days of a few years ago…)

Okay, this will be the first of what I will call – Speed Reviews. It’s kind of like speed dating, only without the creepy jerks drooling at you from across a table. Essentially, it’s just quick thoughtful bits about books I’ve read and really like, then I’ll be off to something else. Some may be shorter than others, but don’t expect a full laborious critique. There are so many great reviewers out there, doing excellent jobs of getting across the full nitty gritty on these wonderful works. I just want to say what I thought, and perhaps encourage others to pick them up and find out exactly what they are about for themselves (that is if you haven’t already, since some of these will be older books).

Now, to get this started, I’m going to do a Speed Review of THE IRON KING, first in the IRON FEY series by Julie Kagawa.

I have to say this particular book/series/author was suggested to me by my friend Michelle (Authors are Rockstars). Normally, I’m a hard and fast vampire fan, but I know there is more out there than vampire fiction. Fairies? Why not! So, thanks Michelle!

I bought the book and started reading, and was instantly hooked.

Yes, hooked. I literally couldn’t stop reading. I was sneaking in reads at the dinner table, while I took a bath, and stayed up way too late until I finished it. It was practically an obsession, and I don’t say that lightly.

What did I like?
The whole thing really, if I have to be honest. The story pulled me in, and I fell effortlessly into Meghan Chase’s life. I got a tiny taste of the fey world through L.J. Smith’s earlier books and a text RPG (role playing game) I did many years back, plus I’d always been a fan of Midsummer Night’s Dream, so many of the characters felt familiar and like old friends/enemies. The ones I wasn’t already familiar with fell in naturally making the rest of the reading quick and effortless – which is how I think reading for pleasure should be. The writing is so easy to follow, and that only lends to how pleasurable a read it was.

As another note, the covers of the series are amazing. I, like many, are drawn to the attractive covers. Sure, you aren’t supposed to read a book by its cover, but that’s harder than it sounds sometimes. The covers create a tone for the story, and The IRON KING cover really does its job. Bravo cover designer!

What didn’t I like?
That is a tough one, since there really isn’t anything I disliked. If anything, I suppose I didn’t like what happens to Puck, but I won’t get into that for those who haven’t read it yet. Since there are several things that happen, it would be hard to specify on the down-low. Just know, I am leaning on the side of Team Puck, so… yeah. Ahem. Moving on.

Maybe I can also say I didn’t like how I was constantly on the edge of my seat, but then that would be a lie. While those parts drove me crazy and had me kicking the bed with socked feet when things were going crazy, that is the kind of stuff that really keeps you reading. Ahhhh~ it was a roller-coaster, that’s for sure.

Favorite Character:
Tie between Ash and Puck

Favorite Scene:
When Meghan dances with Ash.

TADA! This concludes my Speed Review of THE IRON KING. Sheesh, I’m long winded even when I’m trying to be speedy. Figures!

If you aren’t familiar with Julie and her work, I suggest checking out her website: Julie Kagawa. You can also get more information about the IRON FEY series here: IRON FEY

Up next?
Who knows. Perhaps it will be another IRON FEY book, but likely it will be something different. You’ll just have to pop back in later and find out.