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A review by swampbooks
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
2.0
The first few chapters were over-saturated with YA cliches. There was literally a “today is the day that [insert hot jock character] will notice me” scene. I didn't know if I wanted to laugh or cringe more. There were some more moments that elicited groans, but not as bad as those first initial chapters
This is advertised as a young adult book but the reading level and plot felt more like a middle reader. But like… with cuss words.
Honestly, the entire story felt like it was just pulling bits of other existing stories into one newly refurbished book. The author obviously pulled inspiration from classic Renaissance literature by using the characters Puck, King Oberon, and others, but there were also bits of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. I get paying homage, but after a point it just made the story feel unoriginal.
Meghan is an all-around average main character. My biggest gripe with her is that she has big “I’m not like other girls cuz I hate dresses and would never spend time doing makeup” energy, which isn’t very #girlboss of her.
I’m willing to try the next book but my expectations are pretty low at this point.
Minor spoilers below!
Also, the speed at which she and Ash went from enemies to lovers was ridiculous. They knew each other for what? Two weeks? He literally said he was going to kill her when they first met and less than a month later they’re practically a couple. That’s just silly! I need more evil time.
This is advertised as a young adult book but the reading level and plot felt more like a middle reader. But like… with cuss words.
Honestly, the entire story felt like it was just pulling bits of other existing stories into one newly refurbished book. The author obviously pulled inspiration from classic Renaissance literature by using the characters Puck, King Oberon, and others, but there were also bits of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. I get paying homage, but after a point it just made the story feel unoriginal.
Meghan is an all-around average main character. My biggest gripe with her is that she has big “I’m not like other girls cuz I hate dresses and would never spend time doing makeup” energy, which isn’t very #girlboss of her.
I’m willing to try the next book but my expectations are pretty low at this point.
Minor spoilers below!
Also, the speed at which she and Ash went from enemies to lovers was ridiculous. They knew each other for what? Two weeks? He literally said he was going to kill her when they first met and less than a month later they’re practically a couple. That’s just silly! I need more evil time.