Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 304

Source: Netgalley

"The Iron daughter" picks up almost immediately after " The Iron King." Julie Kagawa has released an in-between novel called "Winter's Passage" that covers what's missing. Meghan Chase voluntarily agrees to follow Prince Ash back to Winter Kingdom when he  holds his end of the bargain and assists with getting her brother back from the Iron King.  Meghan is now in Queen Mab's court, held prisoner and Ash warns her to be strong, show no emotion and be smart. Meghan becomes more worried when a lengthily time passes, and nothing much has seemed to happen. Why is Queen Mab stalling? Meghan is at the mercy of the Unseelie court, it becomes clear that her powers have dissipated and Ash is nowhere to be found. Ash quickly becomes cold, distant and malicious, leaving Meghan to wonder where they stand- was she under the influence of his glamour? Changing of the seasons brings about changing of the sceptre and King Oberon has vowed to bring his daughter back to her rightful place-summer court after the ceremony. When King Oberon realizes that Meghan has volunteered to come to Winter Court, he is furious with her actions. At this point, there is nothing he can do to help. Meghan Chase must figure this out by herself. Suddenly, the sceptre is stolen and Prince Ash's brother lays dying while Meghan tries to convince everyone that the Iron Knights are at fault. Winter court and Summer court are quick to blame one another and war is requisitioned. 

"The Iron Daughter" did not disappointed, I honestly think it was better than the "Iron King." Where book one was more about building the fairy world, book two was all about storytelling and plot development. Meghan is a great heroine, while she is highly flawed she is relatable. I feel like she has grown a lot from book one, and has begun to distance herself from her past. While she still loves and wishes her family the best, she knows where she belongs. At times she does become whiny, but she has to deal with some heavy circumstances. Ash becomes questionable when he unilaterally decides what is best for their doomed relationship. You really will want to knock some sense into him but when the subject of his lost loves comes about, you really will have your heart break. Puck remains the best friend but clearly his heart wants more. If your "Team Puck" you will enjoy this one. New characters are introduced which adds to the Faery world and builds a solid setting. Julie Kagawa takes her readers on another wild ride and I can't wait to read "The Iron Queen."