DNF: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Did Not Finish Explanation

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Received: ARC from publisher, via NetGalley

Read pages: 154 of 485

I didn't dislike this book, I just didn't like it enough to read 485 pages on my computer. I also didn't like it enough to rush out and get a hard copy ASAP. I probably will finish it at some point, but it will be through the library and whenever I eventually get around to it.

Allie is NOT welcome in my post-apocalyptic survival posse

Oh, Allie. She just doesn't make sense to me. I don't see how a person like her would develop from the world and situation the author created for her.

Allie is very much a girl from our world. She is sensitive. She's a defender of the weak, even if her actions endanger the strong. You know that meme "First world problems" where frustrations and complaints experienced by people who only experience the luxuries of first world countries are highlighted? Allie is like that. She's a "First world emotional reactions" kinda girl, but she's been raised in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. It doesn't make sense, and I couldn't get over that logical clash.

She's also impulsive, stubborn, and, in my opinion, has a knack for making dumb decisions. I didn't hate her, though. She's definitely not getting an invite to any kind of sleepover party, but I don't think I'd kick her out at my lunch table.

I wanted to baste him and serve him up at a vampire buffet

Maybe I'm heartless. The thing is, if I were raised in a post-apocalyptic vampire dystopia where my entire species is treated as little more than cattle and I had been living on the outskirts trying to eke out an existence, I don't think I'd have much sympathy for a useless deadweight character. As unsettling as it was to see Gene from Andrew Fukuda's The Hunt, easily sacrifice heper children, it was a heck of a lot more believable.

And that character! His name is Stick and HE is who I really can't stand and why, through her sympathy, I ended up totally disgusted with Allie. He's like an overgrown child—completely incapable of taking care of himself in even the most basic ways. Curling up in a fetal position and freezing in terror like a dumb deer in the headlights are his two main modes of operation. He is useless and had zero qualities that redeemed himself in my eyes.

Even worse, his uselessness was a gigantic liability for Allie and her group. Occasionally she would snap at him to get his butt in gear, but she doted far too much for her minor slips of the tongue to really count.

To put it bluntly, he needed to die. Not just because I didn't like him, but because it made no logical sense that a person that weak would have ever survived in the brutal world Julie Kagawa was trying so hard to make me believe in. You can't tell me the world is super deadly and scary and then toss in a character like that and expect me to still quake in my boots. Sorry, but the existence of that character and his continued survival automatically reduces the danger of the world to Sesame Street levels.

I closed my computer in disgust and finally decided to DNF when I found out that character had unbelievably managed to survive yet another situation he should have died in AND Allie decided to do something incredibly stupid because she missed her stupid friend. That was the end of the road for me.

Why I might actually pick it up again

The world-building suffered from the same problems as the world-building in Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series, that is, it was basically a mash up of a bits and pieces from a bunch of other books and movies. At first I was delighted at the apparent uniqueness of a vampire post-apocalyptic dystopia, but then I realized it was pretty much Amelia Atwater-Rhodes combined with I am Legend and a few other similar books.

That's ok though, because even if it's not totally original, it still makes for a darn good premise. Julie Kagawa included a backstory that was pretty interesting and I am curious to find out more of the details. I like how she made the vampire society almost like a fantasy kingdom with various courts, nobles, and factions. 

This is my main reason for wanting to get a copy from the library at some point. I want to dig deep into the history, culture, and current in-fighting amongst the vampires, as well as the plague history that decimated the human population, and I have a feeling Julie Kagawa will deliver on this.

Hi Ash, thanks for stopping by!

Maybe I didn't read far enough into the book, but where were the scary vampires? I kept hearing praises about how they were "Yay! No sparkling vampires!" but, um, they so were.

Ok, so they didn't actually sparkle, but they were totally the "insanely beautiful, graceful, sure-drain-all-my-blood-'cause-it's-better-than-sex" kind of vampire. Allie even gets mistaken as a human on multiple occasions and last I left her she was trying hard (and mostly succeeding) at controlling her blood lust so she could be besties with humans. And I hear her eventual love interest is a human? That is NOT what I consider a no-sparkle dangerous vampire.

But I can be cool with that (hello Damon and Stefan Salvatore!). And I was pretty cool with the Tall, Dark, and Handsome mysterious vampire mentor Allie picks up with. Though he was a little *too* "Ice Boy" ala Ash from Julie Kagawa's other series, but a touch blander.

But, I think that's mostly because he's all tortured and mysterious and I'm hoping as the story goes on he'll grow a personality beyond the Keanu Reeves emotional development level he was sporting thus far. The mental image of him IS nice. Though I hear he pulls a London and disappears for a good part of the book? That's disappointing if true.

Ok, ok, to be fair, some vampires were zombies

So, fine, some of the vampires were mutated, mindless, rotting feeding machines and those were pretty scary. The scenes I read with them were tense, exciting, and everything I was hoping this book would be. Julie Kagawa really wrote these scenes with punch and verve. These vampires were a lot like the Freaks in Ann Aguirre's Enclave, which were pretty much like hoarding zombies. If there are more scenes about fighting these vampires, then I definitely want to read them.

Bottom line

Eh, there's a lot I liked, a few things I really liked, and a few things I hated so much I don't know if I can get beyond. I'm going to try though, because I am intrigued. The whole book reads in a really easy breezy way that does make the 485 pages seem a lot more manageable (just not on a computer).

I did order a copy for my library though, because if you don't get hung up on the same things I did, then I think The Immortal Rules will be a hit among fans of Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series and fans of Amelia Atwater-Rhodes.


. Tweet

Book Review: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
Release Date: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen 
Pages: 358
Received: Library, Won an ARC from Miss Remmers’ Review
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 
Goodreads Page

I tried NOT to give any major spoilers for the first two books

Summary

From Goodreads (highlight to read--SPOILERS for previous books!):

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.

Review

RioDFnyH8t9pF3q4KH;U89qqejiow;ahgh!!1!!!1!!!

Oh my freaking gosh. I had so much fun reading this book! Everything I loved about the first two books was here, but better. Everything I didn’t like about the previous two books was gone. Finally, finally Julie Kagawa gave me the story I was waiting for. All of my time spent on the first two books was totally worth it just to get to TIQ.

I love you people

All of the qualms I had about the characters just melted away in this book. I always felt like Julie was holding out on me and, as a character girl, I had to detract some stars from the previous books because I just never really felt the characters. Now I feel them. Now I love them. Major characters, minor characters, I am 100% sold. The characters have made the jump from people in a book to people in my heart that I will remember in years to come.

I was so not Team Ash for the first two books, but from page one of TIQ I was mentally printing up my Team Ash T-shirts. And not just any T-shirts, but really girly swoony T-shirts with hearts and sparkles and embarrassing phrases like “Meghan and Ash 4EVA!” You know, everything that would make Ash barf.

Apparently my shirt comes with gigantic shoulder pads

I totally get where Meghan is coming from now. TIQ-Ash struck that perfect balance of sensitive and caring, but never weak or weenie-boy. He was still sexy, capable, and masculine, but he wasn’t a cold fairy with a pole up his butt anymore. His banter with Puck was equally great, hitting that mark of “brothers in arms” that I so love to read about (and watch--Dean and Sam, anyone?)

My other hang up with the earlier books, especially The Iron Daughter, was Meghan’s suckage. She was ok in the first book, but by the second book I thought she became a total Too Stupid To Live character. She must have gotten some sense knocked into her somehow though, because by the third book she had made a complete 180 and became so incredibly kick ass. In the second book I so wouldn’t have let her sit at my lunch table, but I’d totally wear friendship bracelets with The Iron Queen Meghan. She was made of win!

Meghan just kept pulling out the awesome. You know how a book will set up a scene and you think about what the character should do, but you don’t really expect it to happen because, well, the character in question just isn’t that awesome? MEGHAN DID IT! Every time. Gone was the weak-will, wacky priorities, moping and pathetic Meghan of The Iron Daughter. This Meghan knew how to take charge, make tough choices, and do what needed to be done. Armed with a steel sword, Meghan spends most of the book wearing dragon skin armor, and she needs it because this Meghan doesn’t run from a fight.

Action! Battles! Questing!

Oh the fights! I was swooning like crazy over those battles. Um, maybe I should rephrase that. Remember the discussion post about book features that make me say YES PLEASE? Another feature that makes me automatically fall in love with a book is the prospect of battles. I loooove battles. The tension, the peril, the hot guys with swords! Ah, battles. Julie Kagawa combined battles and questing and I practically died from happiness.

Not only did Puck and Ash look completely sexy as they fought on the fairy frontlines, and then fought their way into the Iron kingdom, and then out again, and then back on the front lines again (look at all the battles and questing!!), but Meghan totally rocked, too. She didn't sit back and let the boys protect her. She was IN IT. I almost wish I read this book on some sort of e-reader because I think my white-knuckled death grip of OMGTHISISAWESOME!!! might have bent the book up a little.

Julie Kagawa keep me at the edge of my seat while also continuing to entertain me with her inventive take on fairies and the Iron fey. Her world building is so engrossing. I have such a crystal clear picture of what everything and everyone looks like (except, I'm sorry, but my Meghan has black hair. Why? I don't know). The more Meghan and crew journeyed into the Iron kingdom, the more unique creatures we met and the more enthralled I became. There are a bunch of new characters that, along with the old characters (Go Grimalkin!), made such a mind-blowingly awesome cast to read.

Tears of joy, sadness...and impatience

And then the end. Oh my gosh, the end! AAaah, I won’t spoil anything, but that ending was just, wow. I loved it. I wasn’t expecting it at all, but I am so totally happy with it! As soon as I finished reading I immediately signed into Goodreads to check when The Iron Knight will be coming out. If Goodreads was a person, I’d be gripping Goodreads by the collar and shaking them screaming, “WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NOVEMBER!?!”

And, ok, in the world of sequels, November 2011 really isn’t that long to wait, but it feels like an eternity because I need that book in my life NOW. Prior to reading The Iron Queen my thoughts on TIK were pretty much, “Meh, Ash’s story?” But it’s going to be so much more than Ash’s story. It’s going to be awesome. And if Julie Kagawa keeps this up, it will be epic.

Explanation of rating system: Star Rating Key 

Series Info:

 The Iron King (#1)

Winter's Passage (#1.5, novella)

The Iron Daughter (#2)

The Iron Queen (#3)

Summer's Crossing (#3.5, novella)

The Iron Knight (#4, coming November 2011)

Tweet

Book Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Release Date: July 27, 2010
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 359
Received: Library 
Series: Book 2
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Page

Summary

From Goodreads (highlight to read): 

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.

Review

Here and back again

I actually did enjoy The Iron King, even though I don’t usually like fairy books. Julie Kagawa changed my world when it comes to fairies. Given that good experience, I was looking forward to really enjoying this one. I was even more excited because I’d heard most reviewers say that this one was even better than the first.

But I’m so not one of those reviewers. I didn’t love this book or even like it as much as the first. The first book was a steady, fast-paced action/adventure with a romance in the background. This book moves in fits and starts with a slow beginning, romance in the foreground, and some really great action in the background. The action parts are what I prefer, so I was disappointed that they took backseat to the (irritating) romance.

Meghan and Ash sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G

I still love Grimalkin. Only this time I almost wished he would totally screw over Meghan because she was really starting to bother me. I gave her the benefit of the doubt in the first book. She’s new to this world, she’s young, and she’s learning how to cope with all this fairy stuff. Ok. But now? Now she’s run out of excuses.  

The first 100 pages Meghan is taken over by the spirit of Bella Swan during the time when Edward made it very clear he wanted nothing to do with her and she responded by stalking him, fawning, and crying. A lot. Ash is a jerk to Meghan and she just keeps crying over his jerky snubs and telling him she loves him. I was embarrassed for Meghan. I even cringed.

I found this whole part to be very boring and I had a hard time getting into the book. I can see why I like Ash. He’s hot, he’s a skilled fighter, he has a tragic history, and he looks hot when he fights. Sounds pretty good to me. Added bonus, he’s not a jerk to me. But why does Meghan love him so much? He hasn’t been particularly nice to her, he helped her under compulsion, and he made it pretty clear to her that he’s not on her side. On top of all that, he’s still carrying a flaming hot torch for his former woman. Oh baby, oh baby. What more could you want in a lover? Meghan lost major respect points from me.

Excuse me while I fangirl

In the first book I liked Puck, but this second book made me solidly Team Puck. I had mentioned in my review for the first book that I thought he was more of a sidekick character. He comes more into his own in this book, though still not as much as I’d like. I’m hoping book three gives him a little more depth and page time. He’s so close to being amazing, but he isn’t quite “alive” yet for me.

But still, compared to Ice Boy, Puck is a pretty sweet choice. He’s been Meghan’s best friend for years, so she actually, you know, knows him. He’s proved himself to be loyal, too. Where Ash refused to go against his queen, Puck pretty much told Oberon to shove it and helped Meghan even though he was risking punishment from the Big Bad Summer King. He’s funny, nice, and a pretty impressive fighter himself. Plus, he’s hot too. So Meghan gets a big “You’re an idiot” from this Team Puck girl.

Back to the review

You want to know about the book though, right? My crushes don’t do it for you? Fair enough. When Meghan isn’t swooning over Ash, the plot of The Iron Daughter is just as interesting as The Iron King. There are a number of action scenes that are a ton of fun. I was speeding through these parts. The story of the Iron kingdom became a lot more interesting and the impending war hanging over their heads was tense and exciting. The climax of this book was also a lot more hard-hitting than the climax of The Iron King.

Except, we go to prom. Uh huh, you read that right. Meghan finally stops moping and the action finally picks up and I’m all “I’m so into this!!” and then we break for prom. Yep.

Oh yeah, and right before this whole prom digression Meghan loses major cool points from me.

Spoilers:

Her dearheart Ash is saved by Meghan’s awesomeness, but he’s gravely wounded. Instead of rushing to his side and whisking him off to a healer, she….checks out her bedroom? Apparently mom replacing her furniture is a bit more pressing than saving the life of her one and only. Puck’s all like, “Um, hello, Princess? The guy you’re ditching me for even though I love you and am so much better for you than him is bleeding out in your living room. Could you maybe check out your bedspread later?” And she’s all, “But I want to make sure mom didn’t mess with my anime posters.” What??

When prom ends, the action picks up again and everything is pretty much made of awesome for the rest of the book. I gave The Iron King a half star more than this book, but if I could have hacked out a bunch of scenes and dropped Meghan’s annoying stuff I would have given the book four stars. So much potential, though readers who don’t mind prominent romance (especially of the Ash hating on Meghan variety) shouldn’t have any problems with The Iron Daughter. 

Of endings and sequels

This is the second book in the series and you really have to read the first book (The Iron King) to make sense of this book. Like the first book, I thought The Iron Daughter ended really well and felt like a satisfying, complete ending. I still want to read more about the characters, but there are no big annoying cliffhangers or anything like that here.

The first book was good, but it did read like a debut in a lot of ways. This second book shows marked improvement in her writing and characterization. Her world building is still phenomenal. I will be reading The Iron Queen, book three in the Iron Fey series*

*I’ve since read the third book and OMGAAHH!!! *happy dance*

 Explanation of rating system: Star Rating Key 

This book satisfies the following challenges: 

• YA Series Challenge
• Wish I'd Read That Challenge
• Library Reading Challenge
• 350 Page Books Challenge
• 2nds Challenge
• Most Awaited YA Releases Challenge

More Iron Fey:

The Iron King (book 1) review
The Iron King Review Comparison

Tweet

Book Review: Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

Winter’s Passage by Julie Kagawa
Release Date: May 20, 2010
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 59
Received: Free download
Rating: n/a
Goodreads Page

There are NO spoilers in this review!

Feel free to read this review even if you have not already read The Iron King.

Summary

From Goodreads (Highlight to read. DO NOT READ if you haven't read The Iron King: 

Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck--Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon--who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter--a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat....

Review

Picking up where The Iron King left off, “Winter’s Passage” perfectly bridges the gap between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter. Fortunately, I only got into the series after this little novella had been released, so I read it in chronological order. I highly recommend this order for readers who have not yet read The Iron Daughter.

Given that this is a novella, I was a little worried about a few things:

• Would this just be unnecessary filler?
• Would it be of a lower quality compared to the published books?
• Would it feel tacked on?

I’m happy to say none of my worries were realized. The novella fits in naturally with the series, feeling neither tacked on nor unnecessary. The writing is of the same caliber as the rest of the books.

This section enhances the series, providing a little more depth and information about the relationship between Ash and Meghan and explains events that are later referenced in The Iron Daughter. I really feel like it should be considered part of the mandatory reading order. You wouldn’t read The Iron King, skip over The Iron Daughter, and then read The Iron Queen, and you likewise shouldn’t skip this novella or read it out of order (if possible).

It really feels like a section of the book that should have been there all along and never should have been cut. It doesn’t really hold up as a full story on its own, especially if readers have not already read The Iron King. That said, I’m not really sure where I’d put it. The Iron King ends where I think it should, but The Iron Daughter has a good starting point as well. A novella seems like the best solution, though I hope this doesn’t lead to it being overlooked. 

Bottom line: If you’re into the series, then you’ll enjoy this novella and should definitely try to read it before The Iron Daughter. 

This novella is available for FREE download until April from Julie's Iron Fey site.

Want to read my reviews of the other books in this series? You might like: 

The Iron King review 
The Iron King review comparison

Tweet

Book Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Release Date: February 1, 2010
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 363
Received: Library
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 

Goodreads Page

Looking for a book that doesn't "feel" long for the 350 Page Books Challenge? This would be a great pick!

Summary

From Goodreads:

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.

Review

Out of all the paranormal creatures, fairies are probably my least favorite of the bunch. They’re haughty and stiff and detached and just mean. I don’t like them. Enter Julie Kagawa, and I’ve now lifted my auto-ban on all things fairy.

A PLOT that made me swoon

The focus of this book is almost like a high  fantasy with one of my favorite things to read about: questing. I looove questing. I don’t even really care what the goal is. Find a brother, throw a ring in lava, whatever, just take me on a quest. And that’s exactly what Kagawa does.

Meghan is sent bouncing all over the place across both the fairy realm and the mortal realm in search of information, weapons, and, ultimately, her brother. With never a dull moment, I was at the edge of my seat and constantly entertained. Julie Kagawa's world building is wonderful, creating vivid images of the various landscapes and multitude of creatures Meghan encounters. I lost myself entirely in her world.

I'm not feeling these people 

So what’s with the lower rating? Because I’m a character girl, that’s why. With the exception of Grimalkin, they were all just a little, tiny bit lacking. I liked all of them, but I feel a little disconnect from them, like I don’t know their true selves. I also felt like there was a certain polish missing. There were some inconsistencies and some things the characters did that didn't make much sense to me or seemed to lack support. In a lot of ways this did read like a debut, which it is.

I loved Puck, but in this first book he’s not developed as much as I would have liked. He’s more the amusing sidekick than a full character in his own right. I like him, but I wanted more from him. His fighting style was pretty awesome though.

I’d heard so much about the amazing Prince Ash, and while there’s no denying he’s hot, I don’t think I love him quite as much as other people. Or, at least, I don’t love him for Meghan. His whole willingness to kill her sort of killed the romance for me. Their romance wasn’t overly annoying though, which I was happy about. It didn’t happen too quickly and it didn’t monopolize the story.

Then there’s Meghan herself. She’s…ok. I like her, but I don’t love her. I’ve heard people criticize her as weak, but I think her weakness is understandable. I like strong heroines, but I think she adjusted pretty well all things considered. As a first-person narrator, Meghan’s voice was nice to follow and not overly introspective.

My Team

My favorite character is Grimalkin. He’s a cat most people have compared to the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. I see that, but the character he really reminded me of even more was the cat in The Last Unicorn (I even picture him looking like that). Either way, Grimalkin rocked. He’s that sardonic, enigmatic character who always manages to appear when you need them but isn’t exactly your friend either. If Grimalkin was a human, I’d totally be Team Grimalkin. Since he’s, you know, a cat, I’m cheering instead of swooning.

The final word

I had first heard about this series from a reviewer who pretty much hated the books, so I had very low expectations. I’m not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if I had only seen all the positive hype. The book doesn’t live up to the hype for me, but it did change my mind about fairies and it was a fun read. 

Objectively I feel like some things do need improvement, but I was so easily caught up in the book that it's almost like a guilty pleasure. I am glad I picked it up and I will be continuing with this series. 

On that note, this is book one of a series but I think it ended pretty well on its own. There are a few strings left for the story to continue on, but there aren’t any major cliffhangers and the main story arc wraps up nicely.

 Explanation of rating system: Star Rating Key 

Click here to read the Review Comparison

Looking for something similar? 
You might like: 

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Tweet

Review Comparison: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Review Comparison: The Iron King

Review Comparison is a new feature I'm trying out where I am pulling out the pros and cons of the featured book mentioned in my review and other bloggers' reviews. Please let me know how you like this new feature and if you have any suggestions on how to make it better. I'm still playing around with the format.

Click for my original review: 

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa 
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Team: Puck

The following bloggers kindly allowed me to include their reviews in this feature: 

Paranormal Indulgence

Rating: 5 out of 5

Team: Ash

Amaterasu Reads

Rating: 5 out of 5

Team: Ash 

The Bookish Type

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Team: Puck

The Book Vixen

Rating: 3 out of 5

Team: Pash

Brooke's Box of Books

Rating: 3 out of 5

Team: Ash

Please click on the links to read their full reviews!

~Conclusions~ 

Grimalkin was unanimously liked, and all but one mentioned the characters as a strength of the book. World building was another notable strength. The plot was overall liked, but two reviewers noted significant inconsistencies. 

Three reviewers mentioned that they enjoyed the book even though they don’t usually like fairy books. Three reviewers felt the book did not live up to the hype, but they did enjoy it nonetheless. 

 

       

 

 ~Characters~

General:

• Vivid and lifelike personalities (The Bookish Type)
• “They all had at least one attribute that I latched onto” (Brooke’s Box of Books)
• “I’m really attached to the characters” (Paranormal Indulgence) 
• With the exception of Grimalkin, they all felt a tiny bit lacking (Small Review)

Meghan:

• “Ultra-relatable” (Paranormal Indulgence)
• “Surprisingly relatable heroine” (The Bookish Type)
• “Will strike a chord with young adult” and adult readers (The Bookish Type)
• Admirable and refreshing, never whiny (The Bookish Type)
• Refreshing attitude (Brooke’s Box of Books)
• “Likable character who has her priorities in order” (The Book Vixen)
• She grew throughout the story (Amaterasu Reads)
• "I like her, but I don't love her" (Small Review)
• Great narrator, “there wasn’t too much thinking or over-analyzing” (The Book Vixen)
• Nice narrative voice, not overly introspective (Small Review)
• “Her true nature remains mysterious” (The Bookish Type)

  

Ash:

• “Not the typical hero…” (Amaterasu Reads)
• “Makes me want to swoon” (Amaterasu Reads)
• Allure heightened by intrigue (The Bookish Type)
• “Pretty darn hot…” (Brooke’s Box of Books)
• Hot (Small Review)

 Puck:

• “A fun, lovable character” (Amaterasu Reads)
• Entertaining and endearing, entirely lovable (The Bookish Type)
• “…Managed to annoy me and crack me up all at once…adds to his charm” (Paranormal Indulgence)
• “Great sarcastic lines,” snarky (Brooke’s Box of Books)
• Likable, but not as developed as I would have liked (Small Review)

Grimalkin:

• Liked him, humorous (The Book Vixen)
• “The most interesting supporting character I’ve read in a while” (Amaterasu Reads)
• “I absolutely love Grimalkin!” (Amaterasu Reads)
• “Steals the show” (The Bookish Type)
• “[Kagawa] personifies the aloof and condescending attitude of a cat perfectly and hilariously” (The Bookish Type)
• “His sarcasm lightened the mood for me…” (Paranormal Indulgence)
• “I laughed a lot because of him” (Paranormal Indulgence)
• “I adore Grim” (Brooke’s Box of Books)
• He’s the character I wonder about…” (Brook’s Box of Books)
• "If Grimalkin was a human, I'd totally be Team Grimalkin" (Small Review)

  ~Plot & Writing~

• “Swept me away from the moment I turned page one” (Paranormal Indulgence)
• “Sucked me in without me even knowing it” (Brooke’s Box of Books)
• Fascinating (Paranormal Indulgence)
• Engrossing (The Bookish Type)

• “Lacking in some areas and flourished in others” (The Book Vixen)
• A number of inconsistencies (The Book Vixen, with page references for support)
• Some inconsistencies and characters not making sense (Small Review)

• Unique, engaging, “phenomenal” world building (The Book Vixen)
• Great world building, fascinating (Amaterasu Reads)
• Good world building, "I lost myself entirely in her world" (Small Review)
• “Brilliantly created” (The Bookish Type)

• Antagonist is fresh and unique (Amaterasu Reads)
• Thought-provoking (The Bookish Type)
• Never a dull moment (Small Review)
• Fun, light, and jovial (Brooke’s Box of Books)
• A lot going on, but not overwhelming (The Book Vixen)

 ~Romance~

•  “It took some time before I got to see some embracing… [this] added to the appeal of their relationship” (Paranormal Indulgence)
• Romance “develops slowly and tantalizingly” (The Bookish Type)
• Doesn't develop too quickly or monopolize the plot (Small Review)
• Romance is formed fast, but liked that Meghan kept her focus on her mission (Brooke’s Box of Books)
• Romance is cute, but predictable (Brooke’s Box of Books)
• “Even Team Puck fans will find themselves holding their breath…” (The Bookish Type)
• Wish Puck had been given more of a fighting chance (Amaterasu Reads)
• Finds the romance interesting (Amaterasu Reads)

Tweet