Title: The Iron Traitor (Iron Fey)
Author: Julie Kagawa
ISBN: 9780373210916
No. of Pages: 352
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Origins: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 29 October 2013
Bottom Line: Dark but fast and fun read
Synopsis:
“After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as “normal” as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for—his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he’s forbidden to see her again.
But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, “normal” simply isn’t to be. For Ethan’s nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan’s and Keirran’s fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan’s next choice may decide the fate of them all.”
Thoughts: The Iron Fey series continues to be one of the most fun supernatural YA series out there. While long-time fans will miss old favorites like Puck, Ash, Meghan, and even Grimalkin, Ethan and Kenzie admirably fill the gaps left by their absences. Ethan is a psychologist’s dream character, with the unspoken but not-so-buried feelings of abandonment by his sister and very obvious anger towards the very land who claimed her. Kenzie proves to be every bit as feisty as Meghan, if not more so because she has nothing to lose. Keirran remains the wild card, more like his faery heritage than his human side. It makes for a very different and welcome dynamic with its focus on family bonds rather than on any love triangle. The only true negative element of the novel is the frustration one feels at the distinct lack of answers Ethan – and the reader – receives. Ms. Kagawa leaves a reader with many a question while the given answers that are frustratingly oblique. The ending is a killer and will leave fans howling with impatience at what it implies and the possibilities it portends. In other words, The Iron Traitor is classic Julie Kagawa.
