Stacking the Shelves (3) and an exciting book news!

Hi, my beloved damsels! I am so happy and excited to see you again. How's your weekend? Mine's very tiresome and energy-draining but it was expected. I had very little blogging and reading these days because of college so I have a very minimal report I can give you.

Blog activity overview for this week:

Review of Dearly,Departed by Lia Habel.

My Waiting on Wednesday entry. Check it out! I have 2 awesome books there.

Le books~

                                     Clicky the photos to add to your list via Goodreads.

    

 
 
                                   
My own personal thoughts on my haul: Intangible was generously offered to me by the author J. Meyers for a review. It was my very first review request because as we all know, this is still a baby blog. I was jumping and squealing all over the place.  As for the two "What a Boy..." books, I've discovered them through Twitter because of Kathleen Peacock (Hemlock) and Nyrae Dawn, the author. I stalked her for a bit and I loved the synopsis and the boy POV of the books so I have them.  If any of you already read one of the books in my haul, tell me if it's a must-read.

A DARE TO ALL MY DAMSELS: Because I noticed that these books has very little reviews on Goodreads, I want to spread the awesome. Together, let's try reading Intangible ,What a Boy Wants and What a Boy Needs. Let's make a review, whether we love it or not. Just no flames in GR please.I've had enough that drama to last me a lifetime, thank you.  And then you can contact me through Twitter and gush all you want. If you hated it, you can send flames in my Twitter. If you love it, let's swoon. That simple.

We need to publicize worthy books and support author appreciation. Because it's deeds like these that we can be proud of calling ourselves bloggers.

 BOOK NEWS BOOK NEWS EXCITING BOOK NEWS! BOOK NEWS BOOK NEWS
                                                                                                                                                  You saw this hottie right! Iron Fey lovers far and wide, WE HAVE A PUBLICATION DATE!!! It was announced on the Iron Fey Facebook Page 16 hours ago (XD) that The Lost Prince, Call of the Forgotten #1 will be published on OCTOBER 23 2012. Excuse me for a minute as I scream my heart out.

1 minute after...


It's an exact 2 days and 1 year release after The Iron Knight. My pretty damsels, this calls for some faery wine and a countdown.
Cheers and long live the fae!


PS. Thank you for reading through that rambling if you did. Oh and also, the Law of Karma= You follow me, I follow you. :) Link me up in the comments section, I would love to see your hauls this week.

Winter's Passage and Summer's Crossing (Iron Fey e-novellas)

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....
An eBook exclusive story from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series. 

Goodreads 

Series: The Iron Fey # 1.5

Published June 1st 2010 by Harlequin Teen

                                                   

“His breath hitched, and he regarded me hungrily. “You’re playing with fire, you know that?” “That’s weird, considering you’re an ice prin—” I didn’t get any further, as Ash leaned in and kissed me.” 

A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.
Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.
An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

Goodreads
Series: The Iron Fey # 3.5
Published June 1st 2011 by Harlequin Teen

“ “I would be more than her guardian and her champion and the jester who made her laugh. I would be her everything, if I could. -Puck”

The two e-novellas of the Iron Fey Series. You can read Winter's Passage after the Iron King while you MUST read Summer's Crossing after the Iron Queen. The Iron King is where Big Bad Wolf is introduced. Summer's Crossing is for all Team Puck or whatever. It is very hilarious. Will you read it or do I have to do this?

*smirks*

Oh, and I didn't have the actual review because I really, really, want you to read it. YOU CAN'T MISS THIS. Or will my gun do the talking? 

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

WARNING. Close to major spoilers ahead. On paragraph 2. Back off if you don't want to know. 

I know that this review won’t give justice to the awesomeness of the book but this is what I always feel when I read the Iron Knight. So when my father brought it from the bookstore, I was…

*My victory dance

My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn’ darkmyr Tallyn. I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her. My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…
To cold faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl—smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.With the unwelcome company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end—a quest to find a way to honor his vow to stand by Meghan's side.To survive in the Iron Realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. And along the way Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Goodreads
Series: The Iron Fey #4
Published October 26th 2011 by Harlequin TEEN

The Iron Knight is the OVERWHELMING, SPECTACULAR, EPIC TO THE nth DEGREE conclusion to the Iron Fey series. It is the book that is beyond the boundaries of my words. It totally blew me away mind, (sexy) body, and soul. I am not exaggerating (well maybe a little : )) This was bound to happen one or another. The progression of the author’s epicness is too much for my poor brain to bear.

Ash’s POV thus the title. Two characters were introduced again, this time with more depth and background. Fine! I just can’t review something without spoiling it, can I?  Ariella Tularyn, Ash’s past  love (or not) became their companion to the End of the World where he can gain a soul to be with Meghan in the Iron Realm. To be a mortal. Imagine that, from an immortal to a human, it’s amazing what love can do, I can attest to that. To y’all who had insta-hate on Ariella, that is very ungrateful : P Hell, I miss Meghan. And Big Bad Wolf is awesome. Hands down.

Moving on, describing the settings of the Iron Knight is an extremely arduous task. Simply put it this way, I was shell-shocked upon entering this deepest part of the Nevernever, thrown into this place without any preparations at all. Stupid me for not reading the guide at the back of the book. And by Jove! Only a few things shock me these days.

The urgency to read the book is unstoppable. Truth be told, I didn’t eat lunch and dinner just to finish reading. I viciously devoured it. Because it was magical and believable at the same time. Julie Kagawa’s writing style and world building is making me wonder whether she is an exiled author faery in disguise. *smirks*

The plot of the story is focused upon the different undertakings Ash had to make to earn a soul. A journey that unearthed his past, opened to the readers for the sole reason (I think) of convincing us that his sacrifices and sufferings is very well-deserved. And no, that did not deter me from fangirling still. Once a fangirl, always a fangirl.

The action, the drama, the comedy (PUCK I HEART YOU.SMOOCH,SMOOCH) and the romance is swirled in a harmonious mixture of words to form a remarkable jewel of a book. That is the Iron Knight, the surprisingly satisfying ending to the series that skyrocketed me to a horizon of imagination I embraced with my whole being. I would not forget this for a long, long time.

P.S So can I name my firstborn Ash or what? *giggles*

P.S.S I spent four freaking days mulling over this review. Don’t judge me. It’s not my fault the book is past the comprehension of my ability to review (ç==her lame excuse)

“There is nothing more terrible than a spurned faery queen, particularly if you defy her a second time. I escaped the Winter Court with my life intact, but just barely, and I won't be returning anytime soon. My loyalty - and my heart - belongs to another queen now.” 

“You realize you've been duped by a fish," I said, watching the catfish grin at me before slipping into the dark waters, lost from view. Puck shrugged."Hey, it was going to name one of its grandfish after me," he said, tossing the line into the water again. "That's one of my rules, you know. I refuse to eat anything that names its kid after me.”

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Warning. Mild bad words and super heavy spoilers ahead. You know what to do if you can’t handle those things. : )

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.

Goodreads
Series: The Iron Fey #3
Published January 25th 2011 by Harlequin Teen

*takes deep breath*

The Iron Queen. Its title says it all. The last book in Meghan’s POV. Her love, her struggles, her decisions and her sacrifices. If you remembered in the Iron Daughter (I’ll bite your head off if you’ve forgotten: P), Ash and Meghan were banished from the Nevernever because eherm, forbidden love. And of course, Paul ‘s(her adoptive father) role in her life, his disappearance was brought to light with Puck’s involvement. Wow, I’m pretty sure that (bitch) slap must’ve hurt. The events enveloping the Iron Queen is something I can describe as “full of excitement and have no dull moments at all”.Mostly, the settings were alternate between Leanansidhe’s realm to the Iron Kingdom.

The world building is still EPIC (so what if it’s a cliché?) OVERWHELMING and MIND-BLOWINGLY AWESOME. The characters were on full battle mode. I was flipping through the pages like I was running in a marathon or something. Because that’s how the Iron Queen delighted me in a way which I lose myself in wild abandon in this world. Oh, we were speaking about characters right? So in line with that, in every scene Ash and Meghan collide (err…it’s deep but I must admit that’s how I view their relationship), I go like this… 

Just like a shameless and thirsty fangirl who hungered for more of those scenes but no matter, the drama definitely covered up the missing pieces of romance I'm so fond of. And don't remind me (ooopss..too late) about the Knight and lady thingy. I might not be able to form any coherent thoughts anymore. I'm a sucker for those. Oh, and when the monarchs struck up a deal w/ Meghan and company and that their supposed-to-be-bright-because-it's-centuries-old brain finally clicked in that they need her, I almost shouted "I FREAKING TOLD YOU SO!"--almost-- because, really guys, what are my chances to live when Oberon, Titania and Mab gang up on me? I need to be discreet *thunder claps* Uh..oh...

As the story progresses closer to its conclusion, I shed some tears. No wait. I'll be going all out in the open. I bawled like a baby. I mean, come on, Julie Kagawa, how could you be so evil?! After bawling, I...

and got revived when I noticed there were a few pages left. HOPE!!! In the form honey,sweetie pie, dahling Ash's POV. Hell broke lose.

Can you even imagine my agony while waiting? Maybe you could. 

*sighs* All in all, the Iron Queen is Meghan's climactic and kick-ass (if the sword training and war did not give it away) adventure as it continues the legacy of "No, shit." and "Oh my gosh!" reaction the Iron Fey series had given me. Thrilling and packed with incomparable exploits, the Iron Queen is a (not so) satisfying completion to Meghan Chase' story. It will leave you breathless in the end. Literally. Figuratively.

P.S. Grimalkin topped my list of the most smartest animal in the world. He was supposed to get an award but oh well...

P.S.S If only Ash could be my knight *sighs dreamily* 

 “Hey, princess.“Hey,” I whispered, as Ash slipped his arms around my waist from behind, drawing me close. I could feel his glare aimed at Puck over my head, a silent, protective gesture that spoke louder than any words. Mine. Back off. 

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Warning. Heavy spoilers ahead. If you haven’t read the book yet, you better get yourself a bucket and scoop some much safer reviews out there.  So onto my review…                                                                                                                    

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.

Goodreads

Series: The Iron Fey #2 
Published August 1st 2010 by Harlequin Teen

The second installation of the Iron Fey series did not, I repeat, did not disappoint. Whilst in the Iron King, the environment in the Summer Court was focused on; here in thee Iron Daughter, the chilling and deadly splendor of the Winter Court was spread upon the senses of the reader. In regards to the setting, its inhabitants were also merciless and cold. Now imagine yourself in Meghan’s situation, abandoned right smack in the middle of a place where you are at your weakest with what, an annoying phouka as your sort-of companion. Hardly comforting at all. A Summer Fey in the Winter Court is looking more like a fish out of the water.

The plot of the Iron Daughter is centered in betrayal and sacrifice. According to Miss Julie Kagawa in an interview (if I remembered correctly), the Iron Daughter is Meghan’s transition from a whiny and stubborn human to a half-fey that grew a backbone of iron, so to speak. This is the book where the heroine learned of letting go (For me, clinging and begging desperately is sooo not letting go…but oh, well) And even if it pains me when Ash and Puck went like this,

I couldn’t help but swoon over their bloodied and fresh-from-fighting selves (Wow. That sounded so psychotic). Fangirl in me is acting up again. And of course Ironhorse, oh Ironhorse how would I go on? was introduced and believe me when I say that no one (except Ashy-poo *flees*) had struck me painfully in the chest with his loyalty and chivalry. It pains me that a character like him is killed even if his death was avenged. Did I mention anythin’ about Sage yet? *sighs*  

The melancholic heartbreak is a hazy cloud surrounding this book but it didn’t stopped Puck from literally flying through the events smoothly. Am I the only one who thought this line---

 Puck shoved the plate off the bed and leaned back, pulling me down
with him, his lips suddenly at my neck, tracing a line of fire down my skin.      

--is hot? *fans self* Ash and Ariella’s relationship was highlighted a little too. One of my favorite scenes was when Meghan pulled the coma thingy and Ash SOBBED, you heard  read that right. SOBBED. Heart-wrenching. All the main characters were given a certain level of maturity that serves as a strong base for the events that’ll happen in the next book. And yeah, FORBIDDEN LOVE LEADS TO ELOPING *smirks*

If you love the Iron King then you will love the Iron Daughter. It will grip you in its wintry and captivating arms but a friendly advice; let it pull you again to a twisted and darker part of the Nevernever where the Unseelie resides. Welcome to the Winter Court.     

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Hello,everyone! This is my first post and review to my newly-constructed blog during Labor’s Day here in our country, the Philippines. You probably already read this in my Ate (sister) Lalaine’s blog, www.ficbookreviews.com but this book is simply irresistible not to post twice. And yes, the Iron Fey is one of my favorite series of all time. There’s no denying the attraction.The book deserves it. So without further ado, I now present to you…

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

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.

Goodreads
Series: The Iron Fey #1
Published February 1st 2010 by Harlequin Teen


The Iron King is a book that tackles faeries and magic. And a brooding, hot prince. And also a super loyal charming prankster. And…okay, I’ll stop there before I start including the side characters in my fangirling as well which would lead to the eradication of all adverbs/adjectives in my vocabulary. Honestly, as a twitter friend of mine once said, Iron King has tons of reviews already. What’s there left to say? But of course, it wouldn't hurt if one itsy-bitsy review like this would add up to the pile.

The Iron King opened a new, bizarre and captivating world to me. A world full of deception hidden in beauty. A magical world full of fantasy that’ll leave you breathless with the vivid clarity of Miss Julie Kagawa’s storytelling. This is one of the books that’ll stick to your mind and to your heart for a long time.I would admit, I dreamt of it a few times. Yes, I am that obsessed. It is a book that is brewed (0_o) perfectly to suit anyone’s taste of pure fantasy addiction.The plot is amazingly woven as if to say, “I will get tastier and more colorful in the next book. Remember me.” One of the strongest assets of this book (aside from the fey boys) is the setting. Nevernever is Wonderland stretched to its full potential. A thing you should do is get lost in this world, in this book.Because, seriously, it’s freaking worth it. This book was probably one of the best I had ever read. Meghan's POV. Everything in the book is perfectly described in detail and it is guaranteed to blow you away to a world where faeries abound every secret places, where "Thank you" is consideredputting yourself in their debt and favors must always be repaid. The author wrote the book magically, letting you feel the character's emotions and you can almost visualize what they feel, see, smell, taste and hear.

The characters are unbelievably appealing. Strip away all the glamour and voila! There you have a very enviable heroine surrounded by two of the most delectable boys in YA history. Pardon me if I focus more to the guys, my only sin almost everyday is being a fangirl. Ash and Puck are two males that are undeniably equal for me. Equal I say? It’s because even after one year (being given the opportunity to review now) of obsessing the simple question “WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE?” I still haven’t got a direct answer from my inner subconscious. Even though I admit I fangirl over Ash more than Puck but it’s because I’m such a go-with-the-flow person. I mean, I so totally think the two of them are both HOT. In their own unique and smexy ways. And my oh-so-witty-and-sarcastic Grim’s dialogues always make me laugh so hard (the biggest understatement of the year) If all cats would be like Grim, this world will be EPIC. The ending will leave you craving, rolling on the floor,scratching the days on the calendar, itching every hour, for more.

Overall, The Iron King makes other books pale in comparison (well, a few escaped but whatever…) It is romance and adventure at its finest. I am confident to tell you that if you still haven’t read this, YOU’RE MISSING, I don’t know, half of your life? LOL.

“Oh, we're playing nice now? Shall we have tea first? Brew up a nice pot of kiss-my-ass?”
“Touch her, and I'll freeze your testicles off and put them in a
jar. Understand?”

*Pretty right? But even if doesn’t describe a damsel stressing, it is my Ate Lalaine’s creation so I’m using it to acknowledge the woman who started this all. Thank you, lady. I told you, your convincing powers are amazing. I will not disappoint you.*