Author:  Julie Kagawa
Series: (Call of the Forgotten #1)
Expected publication: October 23rd 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Categories: Adventure, Fantasy
 

I received an eARC from Harlequin Teen via Netgalley. Thank you.

Gosh, where to start? Again, I’m breaking cardinal rule #3 (my rule): I do not read spin-off. But I let Bloodlines slipped (it was the best decision ever) and well, this is Iron Fey we’re talking if I have to break my own rule then so be it. Thinking it would be amazing. And it was amazing. I really enjoyed it although (and it pains me to say it) I love the other series better. No, don’t get me wrong it was fantastic. It was a complete joy to go back to the same world with new characters, and much delight to see familiar faces that I’ve grown to love.  But there’s something missing…hmm, maybe I need more of Puck and Ash. But then again it’s not their story anymore. 😛

Yes, it’s Ethan’s time to shine. He’s all grown up and…brooding. And if you’re wondering where the cute boy had gone to, well, he’s changed. It’s not the same kid who waved Meghan goodbye in The Iron Queen and promised ‘not to forget.’ Thirteen years have passed and a lot of things happened that made him the way he was now. He doesn’t want to be associated with fairies. He loathes ‘Them.’ But Meghan, his half-sister as we all know is the reigning queen of the iron fey. It was hard to pretend and avoid them, especially if the fairies themselves were the ones showing up. But these fairies are different (tip: The Iron Knight). And they were after him, so left with no choice he went back to Nevernever. To bring back a friend and to find out what really is happening.

I’m so glad that Ethan was the main character here and not Keirran (Ash and Meghan’s son). I think these two are a catalyst of something big. This led me to think that it is an absolute must that we read Iron Prophecy. They (and when I say ‘they’ it means Ash, Puck and Meghan) still keeping (and no, I didn’t get to find out after reading the book, sadly) things in dark that I’m pretty sure it’s about them and their…new nemesis. Ethan did a great job of telling the story. I’m glad that it still took some time to reintroduce the world since Ethan has company when he went back to Nevernever. Kenzie is his love interest here. And sadly, she’s a bit flat. More so Keirran’s apple of the eye, Annywl (a summer fey). The new girls tend to blend in the background that made me forget that they actually exist. Fortunately, romance wasn’t a big part of the story. There’s still romance but wasn’t focused that much. In the strange way I’m quite relieved and satisfied that author made it that way. Also, I really appreciate her choosing kali (I took arnis (the rattan sticks) class back in college, haha Ethan and I have something in common xD) and was refreshing to know (I know, silly of me). btw Guro is now officially a cool word for me, ha!

I admit if I didn’t see familiar faces from the previous series, I would’ve been very disappointed. I mean, Ethan did carry the novel well but it’s still weird for me that it’s not about them anymore. The cast from the original Iron Fey series is a tough cast to follow. Keirran doesn’t even have half the appeal his father has. It wasn’t as funny as I expected it to be (not until Puck showed up, and that put a big grin on my face). It wasn’t dull but it wasn’t really that exhilarating either. Did I enjoy it? Yes, 101%. But is it as good as the original series? No. Aside from wonderful and interesting plot the original series has, the characters there are quite a number that I don’t think Ethan (and the rest of the new characters) could match. Like I said, it’s a tough, tough act to follow. And since I enjoyed and loved the series so much, you can’t blame if my expectations were pretty high. I mean really high.

I’m not disappointed, far from it. But it was little…different. I’m not sure which ones are needed to improve. And I don’t know if it could’ve been better because it was really great as it was. Maybe it boils down to my expectations. But nevertheless I enjoyed and couldn’t wait to read next!