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This book was so different from the rest in the series because I was in Prince Ash's head for the duration. I will say that Kagawa does a great job of letting you know that you are with another character because the writing style was distinctive and Ash doesn't think like Meghan does so the story feels altered. It will be hard for me to review this the way that I would like to simply for spoiler's sake.
The Good
I love Ash. Getting to see how he ticks was like opening my presents on Christmas morning. He is not all unicorns and glitter, but would I want him to be? Of course not. He has some major regrets, and he should as he has done some terrible things in his lifetime. He has doubts like I do. He constantly questions everything and is deeply thinking about how useful emotions are as well as which path is really the best for him. In short, it was a very realistic journey into his psyche. Did I get upset with him some while reading? Yes. Did I wince at some of the things I learned. Yes. In the end though, I am glad for every revelation, every doubt, and every obstacle that led to the conclusion of this book.
I also loved a new character that was introduced in this one. I don't want to say a whole lot about him and give too much away. He was the perfect off-set of Grimalkin and their banter was on par with Ash and Puck's. Speaking of, Puck on the ride with Ash for the sake of Meghan's happiness was something that had my skin tingling. I loved it. These two are so good together and watching their rivalry through the books has been a tough process when I want nothing more than them to be the best of buds. From the beginning with Puck antagonizing the witch (that I am assuming is the Baba Yaga), to the end with Puck going his separate way because he's angered Oberon again, I thoroughly enjoyed their deep-seated friendship even if they don't always see it themselves.
It's hard to say everything that I really loved about this book without too many spoilers. This was a journey for Ash so that he could be with his love again. It entailed most things that journeys do...battles, hard decisions, good traveling companions, and revelations. Kagawa's writing was beautifully done. There were times when I had no idea how this was going to end up, but she pulled it off perfectly.
The Bad
There were slow moving parts as there often is in a book about a quest. I also wasn't too sure how I felt about the conflict that was added into this book. If you have read this one, you will know what I am talking about. In the end, I am glad it was done the way that it was, but I admit that I wasn't so sure how I felt about it at first.
The Romance
Since Meghan and Ash are not together in this one the romance is really not a physical aspect so much as one that is in the mind keeping Ash going. It is more about what Ash really wants and what he is willing to do to achieve it. There are some small romantic scenes though.
Conclusion
This was a fantastic conclusion to this series. I feel like I loved it more book by book. Kagawa knows how to get you fully invested into her characters and make you really want to root for them. Especially the side characters which I love more than I think any other series I've read. Recommended for anyone that enjoys paranormal reads.
“My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl.”
I love Ash and I was happy to see this from his point of view. I was really excited to see what went through our cold winter prince's mind and it didn't disappoint. I love how he was willing through all of that and risk everything even his immortality to be with the girl he loved. I also loved getting to see his relationship with Puck. Add that ending OMG it was just 'awwwwwwwwww'. The thing was the I don't think I loved it near as much as the other Iron Fey. Maybe it was the lack of Megan's presence in the story. Other than that, it was great.