3.5 debut-stars

A good debut for a new M/M writer.


I stumbled over this one, and was intrigued. Derek, a young man who could've had everything he wanted, leaves his life and love in New York behind and goes home. Means back to the South, his mother and curious Uncle, a bunch of true friends and most importantly, getting away from his fiancé. And he loves it, all of it. The food, the language, the nights out with his friend and his new job as a teacher. The only blib on his negativity-radar? His old high school crush and former tormentor.

I enjoyed reading this debut of Jordan Nasser. I liked the groundwork Nasser layed out, and I warmed up to Derek after a little while. He isn't bad, he's just not the easiest character to like. He has his issues, one of them running away every time it get's too hard to try. Which is not one of the most admirable personality traits in my book. On the other hand, Derek is sweet and caring, if a little self-absorbed. What made me really like the story though, were the side characters. Granted, some of them might come over as clichéd a time or two. But in the grand scheme of things, it was an adorable, wildly mixed bunch. They made me laugh and chuckle a lot.

It would have been nice to get to know a little more about Derek's motivations. Why all the running? Why the need to go back to "safety" when you already know it's a bad idea? But maybe stuff like that could be part of a second part in the series? *wink-wink-nudge-nudge*

Why "only" 3.5 stars? I liked the story, just had some issues here and there with Derek. But mostly, I was not really satisfied with the ending. It didn't feel right to have Derek "switch" sides like it was nothing. You don't want me anymore? Fine, I'll go back to my ex - and vice versa. In a heartbeat. Alright, not really in a heartbeat - he took his time and it was written in a somewhat believable manner. I just didn't like it.

The other thing? Tenses! I'm not that nit-picky when it comes to grammar or vocabulary - I'm not a native speaker mayself. But here, I was irritated every so often because the tenses were all over the place. Past, present, perfect - you name it, you got it and not always in the correct way. So yes, I was a little distracted by that.

All in all, a really good debut novel that I enjoyed quite a bit. Looking forward to the second installment in the series and other works by this author.

You know what I loved about this book? It’s world-building. Julie Kagawa can write a world so good. I was rereading descriptions throughout the entire book, because they were all so good! I was actually pretty surprised how much I enjoyed the world of the faerie.

Our main character, Meagan Chase, is a regular high school student living with her family on their farm. Even though her four-year-old adorable brother Ethan always says that he sees monsters in their house, she doesn’t believe him. Until one day one of those “monsters” take him (aka faeries). Meagan obviously goes after him, and learns things about herself and the world she’s ventured in to get her brother back.

I was thinking the entire story would just be of Meagan getting Ethan back, it was that, but still! There were snippets of things I loved! I loved the political tension between the courts. I liked how there was the Spring court and the Summer court, and the Seelie! It’s so cool!

There were a lot of side characters I enjoyed. I can’t decide between Puck and Grim, because they’re both so funny!

Oh, I found the love story so insta-lovey! I mean, the love-interest is okay, but not anyone that blows my mind away . . . hopefully, I’ll enjoy him more in the next book?

Overall, The Iron King was okay for me. If you like faeries and stuff, you’ll really like this book!

So, that it! Thanks for reading my review everyone and hope you have a great day! Until the next one! :D