Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Review: Iron Knight

Paperback, 304 pages
Expected publication: October 25th 2011 

by Harlequin Teen 
ISBN 0373210361 
series: Iron Fey #4
source: Netgalley
5stars 
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.

Wow!!!! I can't believe that the series is finally over!!!! Tear:'(. But, I have to say that it is, by far, the best way the series could have ended.Once again Julie Kagawa absolutely blows me away with her masterful storytelling. She takes myth and fairytales of old and mixes in characters of her own creation then sets them in a world only she could build. Everything feels so real and vivid. In this final bookend to the Iron Fey series, Ash is out to keep his promise to be with Meghan forever. He must find his way from the Never Never to the River of Dreams to The End of The World and The Testing Grounds then face his demons and ghosts of the past. The Iron Knight had a very big surprise in it that I think the readers and fans will not expect to happened, and even though it made things a lot more complicated, I loved the little twist! It made it even more intense and amazing.In Iron Knight we get the story from Ash's POV, which I thought was amazing, Julie showed us a side of the Winter Prince we never knew.It took me a while to get used to hearing the story from Ash's perspective instead of through Meghan's voice but I enjoyed seeing a whole new side to Ash. We learn that he has fears just like us, that he has needs just like us, and he has things he wants just like us(Or, rather like any other fey;)).He must face the dark side of who he once was and his biggest fears that come with a soul. The Iron Knight explored the importance of keeping stories alive and atoning for past mistakes as well as the power of loyalty and love. Each character is forced to make some tough decisions. 
     The book, in my opinion, is amazingly touching and funny and, I think the only way you can  know when a book is great is when it can make you laugh, smile and, cry. Iron Knight did that. The story shows that love is the strongest thing and proves that some people could do anything for the person they love. The story is a tale of strong friendships and even stronger love. 
   In the story we get a glimpse of Ash's past and find out he had done some really bad things. At the back of the books one of the questions was if it changed my opinion of him. Surprisingly, it actually made my opinion stronger and better. The way he faces all the bad things he has done and regrets them, made me think of how strong he is to admit that he did do bad things and he has a lot of blood on his hands and that he is sorry. 
   Puck and Ash had some intense convos. that put me at the edge of my seat! IT WAS AWESOME!!!! In the book, Puck and Ash finally talked and other stuff. It really made me scared!!! I LOVED IT!!!
   But, what I really liked was how Julie had ended the book. It was the most touching ending I have ever read!!! I cried my eyes out with happiness and am still crying! The book was written beautifully and I absolutely adored it!In fact, I think the book was so amazing that the book and Julie deserve an award!Julie did a amazing job and I think that this book is going to do GREAT! I'm sad to see the ending of one of my favorite stories but am happy Julie has announced two new series. She never ceases to amaze me. Thanks so much to Net Galley and Harlequin Teen for a wonderful journey through the forest with the fey, red caps, the big bad wolf and even Baba Yaga. I can guarantee Ash, Puck and Meghan will long live on in readers' imaginations! I LOVE YOU JULIE!!!!! P.S. I hope she really does get an award!
Hugs and Kisses,
Alina

Monday, July 18, 2011

Julie Kagawa contest giveaway winner

*sigh* The Julie Kagawa trilogy giveaway contest is over.............. I didn't win.................. but Katie did and it just happened to be a Ash quote: "For the rest of my life, however long we have left. I'll consider it an honor to die beside you." That is a Ash quote right? hope so 'cause thats what I put in the post............... but I'm really happy for Katie!!!!!!!! CONGRATS KATIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs and Kisses
Alina:)

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Review: Vampire Crush

Book: Vampire Crush
Author: A.M. Robinson
Synopsis: " I swear my life was totally normal
Normal house, normal family, normal school. My looks are average, I don't have superpowers, no one's showing up to tell me I'm a princess- you get the picture. But when my junior year started something not normal happened. There were new kids at school... new kids with a wardrobe straight out of a 19th-century romance novel, and an inexplicable desire to stay at school until sundown.
       And on top of that, James Hallowell showed up. James, who stole my sandwiches in forth grade and teased me mercilessly through middle school. James, who now seems to have the power to make my heart race any time he comes near.
       But something weird is going on. Because James rarely goes out during the day. And he seems stronger than your typical guy. And he knows the new kids, all of whom seem to be harboring some kind of deep secret...."

Review: One word: WOW! This is A.M. Robinson's first book????? I could not believe it because of how well it was written. The way she captures Sophie McGee's character and describes her feelings is truly amazing. I loved the concept of the book and the whole "vamps. in high school" thing. I could not put the book down!!! I stayed up all night reading it was that good! I would definitely recommend this book to any YA reader or vamp. lover!!! I hope to see more from her soon!!!
Hugs and Kisses
Alina
P.S. Not sure if she already has more...... will have to check!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Dragon's Oath

Hey people!!!!!!
Guess what? Dragon's Oath just got released yesterday!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to read it!!!!!!! If ya'll have an extra copy i would be very gratefull.......JK!!!!! Lol anyway I haven't read it yet but I will and I will totally do a review after I get it, and read it!!!!! I haven't done a review yet 'cause of life getting in the way but I will soon. Also Julie Kagawa did a Live chat yesterday and talked about my 2 fav. things Iron Knight  and Ash!!!!!! If you missed it like I did you can still check it out on the Harlequin facebook page. 
Hugs and Kisses
Alina 

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

WOW.........

OMG!!!!!!! I CANT PICK A QUOTE!!!!!!!!!! Here are the rest......... I know I'm a bad girl for not choosing one..... anywho here they are:
"Ash sighed. “The Wraithwood,” he said, shifting the girl
into a more comfortable position. She mumbled and
snored in his arms. “That’s…unfortunate. I was hoping we’d
never have to go back.”
I grinned at him. “What, you mean because of the ogre
tribe we pissed off, or the giant dead god we accidentally
woke up?”
You accidentally woke up.”
“Details.” I waved my hand. “So, are we going to get this
adventure started, or what?”
Ash shook his head, but I saw the shadow of a smirk on
his face. “You know I’m probably going to kill you soon,
right?” he muttered as we headed off into the trees.
“Old news, ice-boy.” I chuckled, falling into step beside
him. “And you know I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”-Puck and Ash in Summer' s Crossing
AND
"Those two are either best friends or darkest enemies... I can't tell which."--Nurse from Iron Queen #fairyday
"Ash was a winter prince through and through.You couldn't just slap a fake mustache on him and hope for the best, not with his glamour aura." Puck(Summer's Crossing)#fairyday
Lol I always giggle when I read that!! I can just imagine Puck slapping a fake mustache on Ash then Ash trying to kill him......Lol. Gosh......its soooooooooo hard to chose one!!!!!!!!!!!!And with Julie Kagawa it probably always will be!!!!!!! She is just that awesome!!
Hugs and Kisses,
Alina

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Niall or Irial?

Hey guys, gals, and fey folk!
I was reading the short at the end of Fragile Eternity and thought: who would Leslie choose? Well, what do you guys think? I think she would pick both if she could but, I don't think she can. Actully, I think its more like she won't. 'Cause if she.......... umm never mind I'm not gonna say what I was 'cause that would ruin the story for people who haven't read Ink Exchange or the series in general(and for those of you who haven't, you need to start readin' it!). Anywho, what do ya'll think?
Hugs and Kisses
Alina

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Ooops!

Forgot to post one more thing in my Julie Kagawa post!! This is also one of my fav. quotes:
"You're playing with fire, you know that?" "That's weird, considering you're an ice prin-"- then he kisses her so she never gets to finish!!!!!!! Ash/Meghan Winter's Passage,#fairyday!!SQUEAL!!! ILOVEYOUASH!!!!! Lol sorry, i just love the Iron Fey Series sooooo much!!!!
well,
Hugs and Kisses
Alina 

Monday, June 27, 2011

Fragile Eternity

Wow I just finished Melissa Marr's Ink Exchange and I'm about to start Fragile Eternity!!!!! I 'm gonna read the short story in it first but still.
Also, in a life or death situation who do you think Leslie would pick, Niall or Irial? I can't decide who i like better and who I think she would pick so post a comment and tell me what you think! Also here is a pic of the series:
 Hugs and Kisses!! 
 Bi.
P.S. The pic doesn't put the series in the right order. The real order is: Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity, Radiant Shadows, and last, Darkest Mercy.
That is the real order. Anywho, thats all people! love ya'll

Julie Kagawa Giveaway

Hi people!!!!
Julie Kagawa is having a giveaway of her trilogy!!!!AND THERE SIGNED!!!!
Here is were you can go to enter:http://juliekagawa.blogspot.com
Here is my post(or rather posts ;))
"A soft noise, almost a sob. Ash rose, hesitated, as if fighting the compulsion to obey. "I will always be your knight, Meghan Chase," he whispered in a strained voice, as if every moment he remained was painful to him. "And I swear, if there is a way for us to be together, I will find it. No matter how long it takes. If I have to chase your soul to the ends of eternity, I won't stop until I find you, I promise." And then he was gone."
Ash(The Iron Queen)
And:
"Ladies and felines, welcome to tir Na Nog. Land of endless winter and shitloads of snow." Puck(The Iron King)
And:
"We could die tomorrow, I want to be with you tonight.I don't want to have any regrets when it comes to us.So,yes,I'm sure.I love you Ash." Meghan (Iron Queen)
And:
"Oh, we're playing nice now? Shall we have tea first? Brew up a nice pot of kiss-my-ass?" Puck(The Iron King)
And:
"Forgive me," Ash murmured and I heard the faintest of tremors beneath his voice. "But I can't...I won't....give her up. Not now, when I've just found her."Ash(The Iron Daughter)
And the last one:
"You are my heart, my life, my entire existence."Ash(The Iron Queen)
*sigh* I couldn't help it!!!!! I just couldn't pick just one!!!!!! I love Julie Kagawa's work too much!!!
*sigh* Anywho, if ya'll want a review on any book let me know in a comment or email me at my email especially for ya'll ashandpuck.starkluver@gmx.com ok?
P.S. Here is a picture of the trilogy and the not-yet-relesed book!!:
This is the trilogy with the e-novellas.
This is the not-yet-relesed book Iron Knight!!! Aren't the front and back covers awesome?!!
Yea, thats what I thought!
Well, 
Hugs and Kisses!!
Bi
P.S.S The contest runs till July 16 so you better hurry and read, read, read!!And pick, pick, pick!!