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