A Review for The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa + Author Interview

Posted Posted by Donna
Published Date: January 6th, 2012
Finished Date: July 17th, 2011 (Re-posted review for UK release date) 
Source: ARC, For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
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The Blurb 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.
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The Review: "I’m almost there. Wait for me just a little bit longer. "
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I honestly don’t even know where to begin with this review and I don’t even think I could write a review that will do this book the praise it deserves but I will say this, The Iron Knight had everything I could have asked for and more. Julie Kagawa has utterly surpassed my expectations and blown all previous books away with her truly amazing writing, her creative imagination and her gift for storytelling. Not only has she done a fantastic job with this novel but she has left me utterly speechless. Never have I felt so much joy and sadness for a book before but that’s what I’m left with. I’m left with Joy because it’s the most perfect ending to a fantastic series and sadness because it’s finally come to an end. Not only am I sad to be leaving these characters that I love but I am also sad that I didn’t get to spend more time with them as I wished. After only discovering this series a few months ago, I feel my time has come to an end too quickly. But, I do believe it was the best possible way because the excitement I had when I first started this series, is still with me now even though I’ve finished the final book. 
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Looking back on all four books, I honestly would have been sad had it of ended with The Iron Queen therefore I am truly grateful to Julie to have continued on with the series and created another amazing piece of work. Ash has always been a favourite character of mine, I’ve loved him from the start and if it’s possible I think I love him that much more now. This story shows him in a completely different light, you get to see his deepest darkest secrets and somehow still manage to love him. Julie definitely did the right thing by doing this book from his point of view, I know it was sad to leave Meghan behind but she’s not truly forgotten. Honestly, if could rate The Iron Knight 10 out of 10 I would. This book is definitely my favourite out of the series and this series is definitely my favourite out of everything I’ve read. 
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Thank you once again to Julie Kagawa for captivating us, compelling us and taking us all on this incredible journey with you. Even though the series has come to an end, it will truly not be forgotten and will be forever in our hearts.

Author Interview with Julie Kagawa

Check out her website: HERE

Find her on Goodreads: HERE

1.       What inspired you to write about the Fae?

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, etc. And from that thought, the Iron fey were born.

2.       How long did it take you to write each book?

I wrote The Iron King in a little under two months, but that was because it was my NaNo WriMo project (where you challenge yourself to write 50,000 words in 30 days).  The other two took a bit longer, but my normal time for finishing a first draft is four to five months, give or take a month.

3.       Was it easy to write in Ash's point of view rather than Meghan's?

Oh, Meghan was definitely easier to write then Ash.  In fact, I’d have to say Ash was the hardest character to write about.  He isn’t very chatty, and getting into his head was difficult because his past is so complicated.  Pushing him to show any emotion at all, and still have it remain believable and to character, was probably my biggest challenge in the whole series.

4.       Who is your favourite character and what court would you like to belong too?

I would have to say Ash remains my favourite character because I love my dark, broody bad boys with swords.  Though Grimalkin runs a very close second.  I’d like to say I belong to the Winter Court because I like snow and ice and cold and despise heat, but I couldn’t live without my video games, so I’d have to go with Iron.

5. Team Ash or Team Puck?

Lol, now that is a question that could get me in trouble.  Ash is my favourite character, but I don’t think I could choose a Team.  (It might make Puck jealous, and then I’d end up as a hedgehog.)

Thank you so much for joining us today Julie!!!!

I cannot wait to see what you come up with next.