Member Reviews
I was so excited to be able to dive back into the world of the Iron Fey! I love the Iron Fey series and I was thrilled that we were going to get more from that world! I was not disappointed! I love that we get to learn more about Puck, he's one of my favorite characters. Also, we get introduced to new characters and reintroduced to old ones like Meghan and Ash!
We also get to see more of the world and meet the new villain that is wreaking havoc on the realm. There was plenty of action, romance, and banter and I really enjoyed reading the Iron Raven and I can't wait to read more!
While I haven't read the entire Iron Fey series, I've read a few and this book still made sense and was enjoyable. I seemed to be a bit more plot-based vs. character-based for me, but that could be since I'm not as familiar with the characters as those who have read the entire series and are intimate with the cast. I applaud the author's ability to begin a new series based on an existing series and still draw in new readers. Puck's conflict with his past was intriguing enough to make me want to try to read more of the Iron Fey series.
My Thoughts:
Fantasy, fey, girl power author Julie Kagawa is the Danielle Steel of YA fantasy books. In the Iron Series, Kagawa has created a formula that will work every time for her in the same way that Ms. Steel has figured out the formula for adult romance. First, Kagawa creates a world, or series of worlds that will continue to provide enough conflict and intrigue to keep the long living fey in business for a long time (think Lord of the Rings). Second, her characters are flawed in the best way. They are both powerful and vulnerable, loving and petty. They make the best heroes because they are also at times villains.
This particular book follows Puck, or Robin Goodfellow of Shakespeare fame and enemy and bromance companion to Ash, son of Mab and prince consort of Megan, the Iron Queen. We also get to root for Megan and Ash's son Kieran, King of the Forgotten as Kieran, Puck and Kieran's silent assassin Nyx fight an evil that seems unbeatable.
Fantasy readers know that Kagawa will weave a great adventure and then leave just when another somewhat larger problems comes up. I think that Kagawa uses Grimalken as her own voice of the narrator interjecting and moving the story along just enough before the narrator fades back into the background.
Readers of Kagawa will not be disappointed, but if you are restless for Everfall Book 2, then hold off on reading this, or read it and go to other YA fantasy authors. There are many in this blog alone.
From the Publisher:
“YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF ME…”
Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Prankster, joker, raven, fool… King Oberon’s right-hand jester from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The legends are many, but the truth will now be known, as Puck finally tells his own story and faces a threat from a time before Faery began. A threat that brings him face-to-face with a new enemy…himself.
With the Iron Queen Meghan Chase and her prince consort, Puck’s longtime rival Ash, and allies old and new by his side, Puck begins a fantastical and dangerous adventure not to be missed or forgotten. Evenfall is coming, and with it a reckoning that even their combined powers and wits may not vanquish, as a shadow falls over the lands of Faery and the world slips into chaos.
There are no words to describe just how excited I was to find out that not only was there to be more Iron Fey books, but that this time Puck would be there front and centre. I have been a big Iron Fey fan for so long, after devouring the first few books back in 2012. When Julie wrote the first spin off series ‘Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten‘ I was so excited, but slightly disappointed to see it was not in fact Puck’s story. Puck has been one of my all time favourite characters ever since meeting him in The Iron King. So imagine my utter excitement 9 years later to discover not only am I getting more from one of my favourite worlds, but that my favourite character, Puck, is finally getting his own series. You could say that my expectations were sky high for this one… and Julie met and surpassed every single one. This book was absolutely brilliant.
The Iron Raven follows the beloved Robin Goodfellow… aka Puck. Yes, that Puck! Puck along with Kierran and his new Forgotten Assassin, Nyx, discover that there is a new big bad in the Nevernever and this time it seems impossible to kill. While Kierran is ruling the Forgotten, Puck and Nyx must go on a journey to warn the Iron Queen and find out what this big bad is and discover just how do you fight something that seems unkillable?
Puck is just perfection! I fell head over heels for this joker back in The Iron Queen and while in that series I was definitely Team Ash, I just adored Puck. He is hilarious and fun loving. I absolutely loved getting to know him more. I was surprised to see that The Iron Raven was told from Puck’s perspective. I was fully expecting it to be told from the heroine’s perspective. I am unsure why I thought that but I was so happy that it wasn’t the case. We see a totally different, more wicked side to Puck and see his struggle to fight it and be good. This struggle made Puck just that much more real and a character that has more depth and I loved every single moment of that journey.
Nyx is just brilliant. I am so happy to have a love interest for Puck that is just super kickass and who doesn’t need saving. Many times she is the one saving him! And that is so refreshing in a young adult series. A part of me does wish we could see some scenes from Nyx’s perspective as she goes through such a journey throughout this book. From someone who doesn’t know this world… she has been forgotten since before even the Summer and Winter kingdoms were created, to someone who is willing to fight to save it. I loved to see her weariness and her starting to gradually start to trust Puck and fight for this world.
The Iron Raven was absolutely everything. I was so excited to be back in this world and with these characters I absolutely love. This book was fast-paced and action packed with a dash of romance. Everything I adore in a book. If you’ve never read The Iron Fey you will completely understand this book without having read the other books. However, I highly recommend you to read the others, as they’re just fantastic, and it will bring so much depth and understanding to the side characters. If you are a fan of The Iron Fey series this is, without a doubt, a must-read. I loved every single moment and I am left reeling, dying to get my hands on the next book! It was utterly brilliant!
3/5 stars
Thanks for providing this precious arc in regards to the publisher and author!
A cute start that definitely shows potential for the series!
Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your titles.
I do appreciate it and continue to review books that I get the chance to read.
Thanks again!
2.5 stars. I was really bored with most of this book. I wanted to DNF, but kept reading in the hopes that it would get better. I think the main problem is that all the characters are adults, but this is targeted to YA, and the MC Puck/ Goodfellow was really immature (yes, I know that’s some of his personality, but it was over the top). Additionally, he tried way too hard to be funny, but it all just fell flat. And lastly, I found it unbelievable that Nyx would be interested in Puck considering that she’s so mature but Puck isn’t, it’s like he’s stuck at 14 years old.. I will not be reading the next book..
Will leave a review on Goodreads
We are back in Faerie for this grueling adventure featuring none other than the famous Puck! The Iron Raven showcases a lot of internal struggle but I was SO happy to see the whole gang back together again.
I adored seeing Meghan and Ash again. As much as I loved Puck in previous books, I almost felt like they were the highlight for me again in this book. Puck struggles with himself so much in this book that I just felt like I couldn’t connect with him as much as I had in previous series.
With our “love interest”, Nyx, she seems amazing, but I didn’t feel the sparks between her and Puck. At least not until the very end. She seemed “so old” with the way she spoke. Granted, I know she is “old and wise” but Puck is so youthful and I guess I expected something similar for him. I hope their connection becomes stronger in future books.
The very last paragraph was definitely a kicker and made me very excited for the next book. I think Julie did an amazing job of bringing her readers back into a world we all know and love. I am super excited to see where she takes this series!
4/5 stars - Review posting on 4/8
I think this one is very much a "it's not the book, it's me" book. I had a rough time connecting with the characters and understanding why they did certain things. This book was oddly both very immature and mature and the tone was really off for me. There was not a lot of characterization present and some of the character did not change at all through the book. I know these are characters and a world from a previous series, but some characters really had no descriptions or personality, in my opinion. The love interest and romance in general really didn't have any chemistry for me and I never bought into it.
I think that if you enjoyed the previous series and other works by this author, then you would enjoy this one, but unfortunately this was a miss for me.
I'm so excited to be a part of The Iron Raven Blog Tour celebrating the latest release from Julie Kagawa! I first read the Iron Fey back in 2011 and it's one of the first YA series that: (1) helped me to rediscover Young Adult books as an adult, and (2) made me fall in love with the paranormal romance genre. I've read every book in the Iron Fey world starting with the original four books, all the novellas, and the spin-off trilogy Call of the Forgotten.
So, how did it feel to be back in this world for Puck's spin-off? Um, awesome!
It seriously felt like reuniting with old friends! I've always loved the original set of characters and had missed Meghan, Ash (one of my OG book boyfriends), and Grimalkin so much. But I have to admit I was never a huge fan of Puck’s, mainly because I was absolutely not rooting for him to get the girl (again, this was from the original trilogy). I wondered how I would feel reading a spin-off from his point-of-view and it went fairly as expected! His perspective didn’t exactly endear him to me and at times, I wanted to reach into the book and tell him to get over his issues. But I enjoyed this new adventure and how it brought the original gang together. And I felt as though I got to understand Puck and all his deep-seated feelings even when it was frustrating.
The booked shined most though when the original four characters were together and falling into old habits. The bond between them is still so clear and fun all these years later. There’s a moment towards the end that had me grinning because it was exactly the kind of scene I was waiting for and could easily picture in my mind. I definitely plan to continue the series and I hope to see more of that and how the rest of this new fight to save the Nevernever unfolds.
*Thanks to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for the complimentary copy for my honest review*
First let me just say that if you haven't read The Iron King series that's okay, the author did a great job of making this accessible for readers to still enjoy without missing out on anything. The author's writing style is absolutely amazing and so whimsical and creative. This was very fast-paced for me to read and I loved it as a whole new series.
Julie Kagawa is truly feeding us Iron Fey fans with The Iron Raven because this just gives me an excuse to go back to the first YA series that got me into YA books and reread them all. This is the first in a new series (Evenfall) set in the same world as The Iron Fey and The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten and the best part is one of my favorite characters, Robin Goodfellow, is the main character. Cue internal screaming.
I highly, highly recommend reading the previous Iron Fey series before diving into The Iron Raven.
Honestly? You don’t have to. Kagawa does an excellent job summarizing what happened (which is also in part that Puck makes appearances in those too), so new readers to The Iron Fey world won’t be lost.
But as someone who has read both series, I definitely recommend reading those first to get a much better background of not just what happened, but also the characters and the world. I personally think it’ll be a better (and more enjoyable, if you want my opinion) experience since The Iron Raven alludes to quite a few events that are kind of sort of connected (hard to tell currently, though, with just one book) and continues to build on the world.
In addition, the story is also set not too long after The Iron Warrior, so without the background knowledge, it might feel a little disjointing since this novel doesn’t go too much with Puck’s companions that accompany him.
The Iron Raven is definitely feeding to the nostalgia.
The basic storyline is relatively the same and parallels the first in a few ways: familiar faces and characters will make a major appearance, there’s a journey across the NeverNever and there’s a prophecy involved. Depending on personal preferences, some people might feel this is repetitive, which I completely agree with, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.
Kagawa also does away with the “My name is… and…” that starts off the books for the previous two series; quite frankly, that was a nice change since I recall getting a little tired of seeing that sentence repeatedly by the time I got to The Iron Warrior. And there are also a few new characters as well, including Nyx, an assassin who is silent, deadly and gets under Puck’s skin as quickly as she pulls out knives and gives comebacks to his comments.
Puck’s voice is enjoyable to read, with charm, humor and mischief that made him one of my favorite characters and the first series one of my favorites of all time. From the moment I found out The Iron Fey: Evenfall would be about Puck, I pretty much expected him to be up to shenanigans, and it was definitely delivered.
But with The Iron Raven, I feel Kagawa is also diving into Puck as a character and making him even more well-rounded. He’s still the same court jester of the Summer Court, but he has more depth to him that we never truly got to see in the previous books (mainly because he’s not the main character). And honestly? I really enjoyed having him as the protagonist. My only issue is that I wish he would’ve been darker and that we got to see him more as Robin Goodfellow before he became Puck since it’s mentioned quite a bit but doesn’t truly happen. However, considering this is the first in a new series, I think it’s a little too early for me to be judging that just yet.
Overall, I enjoyed the newest novel in The Iron Fey world.
I think at some point I may grow out of the series (considering the vast age difference when I first started), but as of right now, I loved going back into the NeverNever and seeing my favorite characters on the page. Ultimately, I’m just really excited with how Kagawa could take the series, and The Iron Raven feels like it’s just a taste of what’s to come in the remaining novels as we get more of Puck in this new era.
Up until this book, I would’ve told you that my love for Julie Kagawa knew no bounds… But, maybe it was the anticipation of this one–but, I feel incredibly let down.
If you read the original Iron Fey series, then you know why I was so excited to read this. And, Puck was even one of my favorites in that one! Unfortunately, for me, this one just fell a little flat and I didn’t fall in love.
All our favorites were still there–Megan, Ash (yay!), and Grimalkin. But, I just felt so unimpressed when this one was over.
I admit–I’m a glutton for punishment and will more-than-likely read the rest of the series. But, that’s really only because of the nostalgia-factor. And a need to make sure none of my favorite characters get ruined.
My review will be posted at the link given on March 19, 2021.
Even though I've never read the Iron Fey series, I had SO much fun reading The Iron Raven.I loved all the characters and Julie Kagawa definitely made this accessible to new readers.
A fun novel full of adventure and wit, I am excited to see where this world and these characters go.
Great new book by Julie Kagawa.
It is very well written and yes I was hooked into this story right away.
If you are already a fan of Julie Kagawa's books you will absolutely love this book.
Another book in the amazing world of the Fae!!
I am very excited that we really saw more of Puck. His character truly came through in this one...especially with his story with Nyx. I was really happy reading these as I am a Pagan who follows Nyx anyway and lives in a place where my woods are full of Fae. <3
I have yet to find a book by Kagawa that I did not like...once again, she did an amazing job, leaving her readers on edge waiting for more.
Author interview for publisher book tour posted at novellives.com
Iron Raven is brilliant for both new and returning fans of Julie's original series. The twisted fae, fantastic and relatable themes, and an insane cliffhanger make Iron Raven an incredible start to this latest series.
Puck has a book!!
I have been waiting years for this. I’m such a sucker for the Fae and I will read all the faerie stories. The Iron Fey was one of my first YA series that I read when I became a reader and I loved it. I read the spin off a few years later and shared them both with my daughter. She was Team Puck, by the way.
When Julie announced that Puck was getting his own series we were both over the moon. When I was given an ARC I wanted to dive right in but I waited til life slowed down so I could give it the attention it required. I am so happy it did that.
I’ll admit as I reading I was a bit nervous for Puck. His story seemed to go off in a way that had me biting my nails. But I trusted Julie to spare my nerves and make things right. AND SHE DID.
We get a new batch of friends, including Keirran, Meghan and Ash’s son. We met him in the spin off series, and he caused a bit of trouble and heartache, but he’s trying to make things right.
There’s a evil that’s lurking and causing lots of issues and it’s up to Puck and his crew to make things right. I am quite excited to see where this series will go. But it definitely feels good to be back in this world.
Julie Kagawa is the Q U E E N of cliffhangers.
Honestly, it's been a hot minute since the last time I ventured into the realm of the Iron Fey. So my recollection of Things That Transpired are a little bit hazy.
Now I remember how much Grim, Ash, and Puck make me LOL. The latter two especially when they're bickering back and forth.
I'm glad that Puck is finally getting his story and--hopefully-- Happily Ever After. Can't wait to see what happens next.
I absolutely adored this book! It was such a fantastic, easy read that hooks you in from the start!
Julie Kagawa manages to incorporate darker elements through the book, whilst still keeping a light tone.
I love that there is information included throughout the story to figure out what has happened in the past, so if you haven’t read the Iron Fey series, you can still understand what is going on.
Puck was a great MC! He is such a fun, strong character and I enjoyed seeing his growth and development throughout the story! It was interesting to watch the bonds he forms with other characters and how he became involved with so many courts.
Overall this is a fantastic read that is setting up for an amazing series!! I can’t wait to see what happens next! and highly recommend this series!!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review, this has in no way affected my thoughts or opinions . Thank you to the author, Julie Kagawa, and the publisher for this opportunity