The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 6 January 2013

From Goodreads: Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

Having absolutely loved Kagawa's Iron Fey series I couldn't wait to read this spin off featuring Ethan. And it definitely lived up to all my expectations!

While I admit it was a bit strange at first to have Ethan as a (rather hot!) teen after him only being a four year old in the previous series I quickly adapted. It was great to get back into the world Kagawa created in the previous series, with all my favourite characters making a return. In addition we get to meed some wonderful new characters, including Keirran and Kenzie, both of whom have their own interesting stories (I am definitely intrigued by how Kenzie's storyline will pan out!). Those who have read the novella Iron's Prophecy will have an insight into some of the things Ethan is trying to work out. I hadn't read it when I first started reading The Lost Prince but I admit I temporary put The Lost Prince down in order to read it - and I am glad I did - I think it gives you a better basis for some of the motivations in The lost Prince.

Julie Kagawa has become one of my favourite authors. I have loved everything she has written and I can't wait to read more. The Lost Prince is full of adventure, romance and magic. A winning combination!

Q&A: Julie Kagawa

As part of the blog tour for the release her new novel, The Immortal Rules, Julie kindly answered a few questions...
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What made you decide to write a post-apocalyptic vampire series?

I had been toying with writing a post-apocalyptic YA story after The Iron Fey, when my agent suggested I might want to try vampires. Although not terribly intrigued with the idea at first, I then had the thought of combining the two, and from there everything sort of fell into place.

Allison Sekemoto, like Meghan Chase, is a very strong character.    Is this something that is important to you? How much of yourself did you put into her character?

I am far more similar to Allison then I am to Meghan Chase. We're short (as in, not tall), we like reading, we're not afraid to fight, and we have somewhat of a short temper (or I did, back when I was a teenager, lol). Out of all my characters, Allie is probably my favourite female because of her snark and her katana.

If The Immoral Rules became a movie or TV series what would be your ideal cast?

I'm soooooooo bad at this, lol. Maybe Jamie Chung or Devon Aoki for Allie, Zac Effron for Zeke and Ian Somerhalder for Kanin? I'm probably missing something obvious, but like I said, I'm bad at this.

What is your favourite and most challenging aspect of being a published author?

My favorite aspects of being a published author is being able to do something I love every single day and to share that work with fans. It sounds trite, but I really would be writing whether or not it was my job. The fact that those stories are being read and (I hope) enjoyed by people all over the world is just… well, it’s incredible. There are days when I still don’t believe it.

There are lots of challenging aspects to being a published author. The biggest challenge for me is probably trying to juggle everything – writing (and meeting deadlines), interviews, signings, blog tours, etc… It’s funny, because I enjoy doing all of those things, but sometimes trying to do them all at once can get a bit overwhelming.

Are there any authors who have been a strong influence on you?

A lot of my influence and inspiration comes from Japanese manga and from video games. I’d say the author that’s influenced me most though is Neil Gaiman, though. I’d love to be able to write like him.
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Thanks Julie

You can read my review of The Immortal Rules here (it is awesome!)

The series has its own website here

And you can find Julie on her Website, Blog, Twitter and Facebook.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (Blog tour)

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 4 May 2012

From 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.

I freaking love this book!  Being a big fan of Kagawa's Iron Fey series I was really excited about this post apocalyptic vampire story and it certainly lived up to all my expectations.

The story is divided into three parts and this works really well - it not only gives us sound world building but also creates a escalating level of tension and excitement.  By part three I was so engrossed in the story there was no way I was putting it down!

I loved Allie.  We really get to know her in the first part of the story.  Everything she has been through and continues to go through.  Her whole life is driven by a need to survive so I wasn't at all surprised by her choice to become one of the monsters she despises.  And it is really interesting to see how she evolves as a character.  How she deals with her loss and how she has to embrace who she has become.

Kanin is just awesome!  So compelling and I do hope we get to see much more of him.  And as for Zeke - be still my heart!  I adore that boy! He is definitely right up there with my favourite YA character creations. 

There is so much about this novel I loved and I'm could easily rave about it for a long, long time.  But I think I will just say read it!  You wont regret it - it really is as awesome as it sounds!

The Immortal Rules Animated Cover and Trailer

I sooooo can't wait to read this one!!! It's published (in the UK) 4 May 2012.

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: January 2012

From Goodreads:  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.

The ending to The Iron Queen made this a must read for me! I had to know if there would be a happy ending for Ash and Meghan.

The story starts with Ash is determined for fulfil his vow to return to Meghan - taking him on a journey he never thought possible...

While I was seriously please there was a fourth book in the series I must admit to being a little apprehensive at having it narrated by Ash. As the brooding, mysterious and not very talkative (albeit GORGEOUS) faery we know (and love)  in the previous instalments I wondered if having him narrate a whole story might change my feelings for him. Should I have worried? NO! I think I may love him even more now!

I also loved Puck a little more in this. I'm glad to get this story - not just for Meghan and Ash - but because at the end of The Iron Queen I felt that Ash and Puck's journey has not been finished either. And I'm glad they managed to deal with their past and feelings towards Ariella.

Grimalkin - oh how I love him! I just love the way he disappears at the first sign of trouble and how he seems to voice exactly what I'm thinking (but would probably never say out loud).

So yes, I loved the ending to this. And the journey they all take to get there is thrilling and action packed - I really enjoyed it. I did, however, really miss Meghan. I think I'm so used to the three of them it seems weird not having her present for the entire novel - but I'm glad the last chapter is from her point of view.

Now all I need is a certain summer faery to get his own book and I will be over the moon!

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

From 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.

I officially love the Iron Fey series!  I was sucked back into the story immediately and didn't want it to end!

The Iron Queen picks up shortly after The Iron Daughter finished.  Banished from the faery world with Ash, Megan wants to return home to her family.  But as soon as she arrives she realises that her presence may bring harm to her family instead.  The False King wants Meghan and will stop at nothing to get her...

Full of action, romance and humour (usually from Puck or Grimalkin) this is everything I hoped it would be.  I love how Kagawa manages to draw me - all the characters have come to life for me and I adore each and every one of them - including a couple of new characters we are introduced to in this.  And I think Meghan really grows in this - she makes a lot of sacrifices to make sure every one she cares about is safe.

If this had been the final book in the series I have to admit I would have been disappointed in the ending.  As it was I was super pleased to have The Iron Knight on my shelves to read straight away - I think if I'd had to actually wait for it I may have spontaneously combusted!

I'm really looking forward to finding out how this all ends for Meghan, Ash and Puck!

I want to read that...

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

From Goodreads:  You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

I. Cant. Wait. For. This! It sounds soooo good and I love her Iron Fey series so I'm convinced I will love this too!

It's published April (US) and May (UK)

Review & Interview: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (Blog Tour)

For Review: Mira Ink.  Published January 2011
From Goodreads: 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.

I have been looking forward to reading this one for ages.  I kept reading great reviews for it so as soon as I heard it was being published in the UK I knew I had to read it straight away.

The story is centered around Meghan.  Her father disappeared when she was young and her mother has now remarried.  She doesn't really fit in at school, her mother and step-father seem oblivious to her, but she dotes on her baby brother Ethan.  But when he begins acting strange,  Meghan's whole life is turned upside down and she learns the truth of who she really is...

I really liked Meghan.  I thought she was easy to relate to and I like how determined she is.   As for Puck and Ash - I loved them both and no I cannot decide who I like the best!  Puck is fun and I loved his humour, whereas Ash is very mysterious and brooding - I found myself very intrigued by him!  And I adored Grimalkin - for me he pretty much stole every scene he was in!

I also really loved the mythology and the idea behind the faery world.  It felt unique and original and I really enjoyed discovering it all alongside Meghan.  So much happens in the book - I thought it all  felt rather epic actually - and I really enjoyed the ending.  It sets up the next book perfectly!

I went into this one expecting more of a paranormal book but (for me at least) it was more fantasy - not a bad thing - it just made it different then I was expecting.  It kind of reminded me of a cross between the films The Princess Bride and Labyrinth but with faeries!  I really liked that it was dark but also had humour in it, and Julie Kagawa has a very descriptive writing style that makes the faery world come alive.

I'm really looking forward to reading  The Iron Daughter.  I have a few suspicions for what I think may happen in future installments so I am very excited to find out if I am right!  And, of course,  I'm eagerly awaiting more Ash and Puck!

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As part of her UK blog tour, Julie Kagawa kindly took the time to answer a few of my questions...

How did you come up with the idea for the Iron Fey series?
Faeries, the old, ancient fey, not the glittery winged sprites, have always fascinated me. But I wanted to write a book that was different than other faery books. So I began thinking: what are the fey afraid of? The answer, in most ancient mythos, is iron. Faeries can’t stand the touch of iron and steel. So, what if there was a new type of fey that had evolved with progress over the years? What if they weren’t only immune to iron, their existence was slowly poisoning and corrupting the lands of the traditional fey? And I realized we already have “monsters” in machines: gremlins, bugs, viruses, ect. And from that thought, the Iron fey were born.

How many books are planned? And can you give us any hints for what's in store for the characters?
There are four books in the Iron Fey series. And no hints from me, lol! That would just be spoilery, and who wants that? ;-)

I really loved Puck and Ash! Do you have a favourite character from the series?
I have to say my favourite character is Ash, because I have a thing for dark, brooding bad boys who can wield pointy weapons. But Grimalkin runs a very, very close second.

What is a typical writing day like for you? Do you have any 'must haves' before you can sit down to write?
I try to write at least 1000-1200 words a day. And I must have caffeine while writing, otherwise I turn into a snarling, cranky monster and all my characters die.

Are there any YA books you can recommend? Perhaps something you read recently that really blew you away?
I love Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder (mostly because of a certain dark assassin). I just finished Firelight by Sophie Jordan and really enjoyed it. And I devour anything by Neil Gaiman, who is my author hero.

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Thanks Julie! I loved Grimalkin too:)

To find out more about The Iron King and for information on forthcoming releases from Mira Ink you can visit their website http://www.miraink.co.uk/

Also, Mira Ink and the Sunday Express have teamed up to give away 1,000 free eBooks of The Iron King - see here for details.

Book Trailer of the Month

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

I really like this trailer. It all ties in with the look of the book - and I think it all looks really pretty. It also makes the book look awesome!

You can check out the author's website here.