Review: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

This book is so close to perfection. It had a brilliant mix of family ties, friendship and romance. There was never a dull moment in this novel and Kagawa's writing style made you feel truly at the heart of the action. Another amazing segment of a stunning series.

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Re-Reading

Coming back to a well-loved series or novel after going a long time without it is like coming home after years away to find that everything is as you left it, but at the same time everything has changed. You notice details you missed the first time round, grow to like certain characters more or less and notice subtle hints at what's to come that the author snuck in there.

It's a brilliant thing, but it's something we barely ever make time for. If a new book in a series has come out, instead of re-reading the books, I will usually google the plotline or check on goodreads for the spoiler reviews as they give a recap without me having to spend time going through all of the previous books, when there are so many others that I haven't read yet waiting for me.

I think that my ways are going to begin to change, though. Re-reading the Iron Fey series over the past couple of days has shown me how important it is to re-read series that you love and how much fun it is to do so.

That's my challenge to you. Over the next week or month, instead of picking up that new, shiny book that everyone's been raving about and you really have to read, stop, and go over to your bookshelves. Pick up a book that you loved when you read it, but haven't touched in years. Read it and enjoy.

-E

Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

It's amazing what little, and big, details you can forget when you haven't read a book in a long time. I had forgotten what an insight we had gotten into Mab's court, the heroic acts that had taken place and scheming of those clever little plans. This series is a pleasure to read and my only reason for not giving this novel five stars is that it lacked a bit of 'wow factor', though maybe that's because I already knew what was coming.

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Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

What let this novel down was its beginning. Once you get past the first few chapters, this novel becomes an action-packed adventure full of fantasy wonders, politics and intrigue. Though this is clearly a first novel, with all the difficulties that that presents, it is a great start to an epic fantasy series.

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Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

I have to admit that from the cover and blurb, I went into this book expecting a typical romance with a slightly big-headed, unlovable main character. I did not expect a gripping dystopian tale filled with family ties and threats. Though this book is not a masterpiece, it certainly is worth reading and I'm excited to continue on with the series.

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Review: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

This novel deals well with an incredibly difficult subject matter. The situation Maya and Lochan faced I don't think can ever be considered 'normal' or an 'everyday problem' and I will never be able to relate, but it is that difference that makes this book so interesting. Forbidden is a sad tale of circumstance that will stay with you long after you've put it down.

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Review: We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach

This book offers a unique perspective on the workings of society under extreme pressure. It shows us all just how fragile the system is and how fragile we all are. Though there can be joy found in We All Looked Up, this is not a joyful book; it's a story of truths that haven't happened.

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Review: Girl Online: On Tour by Zoe Sugg

This book is a great read to curl up with when you're ill, as I currently am, and you need a story that doesn't take up too much brain power, but will still keep you entertained. I'm impressed with the improvements from the first book in the series, though it definitely still lacks an element of realism and the writing style is boringly simplistic. Having said that, I'll probably buy the next in the series when it comes out for the times when you just need this sort of book.

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Review: Champion by Marie Lu

A fitting end to a brilliant trilogy. This novel is action-packed, intense and eye-opening to the workings of society. I was on the edge of my seat throughout and I must praise the epilogue, which left me with enough happiness and satisfaction to last for months. My only issue with this finale is that parts of the plot followed the typical storyline for the final book in a YA trilogy too closely and if you've read this series, as well as others, you'll know exactly what I mean. Overall, though, this novel has brought to an end a fantastic series in a breathtaking way.

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Review: Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

As a lover of the Hush, Hush series, I was very excited to hear about this new release. If you are looking for a YA novel that is completely different to any other you've read before, then this is most definitely the book for you. I was on the edge of my seat throughout, wondering and worrying about what would happen next. My main criticism of this book is that it failed to feel real for me, both because of the characters actions and their half automated speech. Still, this is a gripping tale that has the power to truly inspire fear.

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