Saturday, April 14, 2012

Book Review: The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey #2) by Julie Kagawa



Title: The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey #2)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publishing Date: August 2010
Length: 304 pages
Genre: YA fiction, fantasy, romance
Source: Won

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Summary by Goodreads 





After reading THE IRON KING I’ve become a friend of faeries. In THE IRON DAUGHTER a sceptre is stolen and my first thought was ‘Ok, they need to get something back...again. Sounds a bit like the same scheme applied in book one.’ The team members are the same, shifting from time to time. The goal is comparable (thinking of Meghan’s brother Ethan being kidnapped in the first book). The way and the obstacles are completely different though. 

THE IRON DAUGHTER is less creepy than THE IRON KING, but still we meet many new quirky and dangerous creatures on our way.
Meghan, Ash and Puck. Buy one, get three. We are lucky that our favourite heroes seem inseparable, because Ash and Puck’s word duels are so much fun to read. In the sequel, THE IRON DAUGHTER, we also get to know Ash a little bit better. I just can't but love him!

Beside the romance and love triangle we learn more about Meghan's real father and find another major plot string in the looming battle of fairies against the iron army. 
The story didn’t loose an ounce of its original charm. I enjoyed this book so much, that I liked faeries even more after finishing it. I never liked a second book in a series more than the first novel until I read THE IRON DAUGHTER, which I think of as the role model of a sequel. It’s got a lot of action and romance and features scenes that I’d never expected, where other second novels have a major story low mostly explaining things.





 1) make-overs are fun
2) we wouldn’t mind wearing spider silk having prom dates like that
3) of a delightfully ordinary teen experience amidst a journey of epic proportions
4) of many new locations seamlessly fitting in the faerie world setting
5) of a perfect ending





5/5 ***** THE IRON DAUGHTER- A fairy tale come true, this novel’s got it all: magic, romance and just the beginning of an exciting quest!

The best second part in a series I’ve read so far! A second book in a YA fantasy series has never been this exciting before.





* For those of you who haven't already started it, check out THE IRON KING, the first novel in the series!

* Don’t miss THE IRON QUEEN and THE IRON KNIGHT, the next two books in the IRON FEY series.

* Read an excerpt of THE IRON DAUGHTER here! 

* Visit www.juliekagawa.com for more info about the brilliant author and her books

Friday, April 13, 2012

Bookish gifts @ Gone Reading


Recently I came across an awesome collection of bookish items and possible gifts. Gone Reading donates 100 % of after-tax profits to libraries and reading-related charities. I have a coupon code ( MPTS25 ) for you with that you get  25 % off any purchases at www.gonereading.com .I listed my favourite products below.

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Book Journal – “Wise Red Owl”

Whoooo doesn’t love this book journal, featuring the cute illustrations of artist Lorena Siminovich. The artwork continues throughout, inspiring you every page of the way!




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Beach T-Shirt for Women: “GoneReading”

If you love to read, and if you love the beach, you’re going to love this “GoneReading” beach t-shirt. Don’t wait for your next trip to the beach… prop your feet up, take out a book and just read! This beach t-shirt from GoneReading makes the perfect gift for book lovers and readers!

Sun block not included. Ha!


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Jane Austen Shirt for Women: “Read ‘em and Weep”

Oh, that Mr. Darcy!!! Jane Austen fans love our Jane Austen shirts featuring this “Read ‘em and Weep” design. Don’t you just love a good cry? Proclaim your love of all-things Austen with this Jane Austen shirt. Your book club friends will be jealous!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Book Trailer: Changeling by Philippa Gregory

CHANGELING by Philippa Gregory and Simon & Schuster UK releases May 24th and I just can't resist to share its amazing book trailer with you! When I first watched it, its style reminded me of the Pillars of the Earth movie intro, which I totally loved. What do you think? Is CHANGELING already on your pre-order list?

Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl.Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.      Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.     Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.      The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life

Summary by Goodreads



Monday, April 9, 2012

Book Trailer: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

A few weeks ago I read OF POSEIDON by Anna Banks and adored it. So I felt the need to share this great book trailer with you. This book is totally worth the anticipation!

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he’s heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma’s gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . .

Summary by Goodreads



Sunday, April 8, 2012

Coveresque feat. Looking For Alaska by John Green (US vs.Swedish vs.German)


I still haven't read a John Green novel. Unbelievable, but true. So I thought I should at least do a cover comparison of LOOKING FOR ALASKA. There are so many covers worldwide it wasn't exactly easy to choose. You can see the US, Swedish and German covers above. The US cover is pretty simple, showing a blown out candle. It has a great effect on me though and I would pick it up to read the summary if I saw it in a book store. I cannot tell if it fits the story, but the Swedish cover is my favourite, because of its road trip motive. Love road trips! The German cover doesn't attract my attention at all, because it appears very plain without any great motive.I like the color scheme though.


Which do you like best?
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Other covers: UK, French, Dutch, Serbian