Early Review 205. Julie Kagawa – The iron traitor.

Title: The iron traitor.
Author: Julie Kagawa.
Pages: 304.
Expected publication: October 29th 2013 by Harlequin Teen
Sort: Part two of ‘Call of the forgotten.’ Spin off to the Iron fey series.
Part one: The lost prince.
Source: Netgalley & Publisher.

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice. 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.

Rating: 

Such a cruel way to end your book, Kagawa! But credits for not frustrating me, because I kind of liked it. It seems like Kagawa is someone who knows how to handle cliff-hangers with grace. I think I liked the first book, The lost prince, better. There was something off about this book. Whether it’s the rough beginning or the fact that I miss the charm from The Iron Fey, I didn’t fully love it. (And I hate the cover, he's creepy!)

Summary.
Ethan and Kenzie are back in their world and they are in trouble. Not only is he forbidden to see her by her father, Ethan is contacted by Meghan. Keirran is missing and she has no idea where he can be. Ethan decides to find him together with Kenzie and they disappear into the land of faeries for a second time. They have no idea what they will be facing, but Keirran is deeper in trouble then they realize. A desperate person is ready to do anything – and Keirran wants to bargain everything to save the love of his life.

Review.
The first thing that surprised me is the fact that it took me a long time to get invested in the story. Kagawa normally knows how to hook me to her story, but it had to grow on me. The first half feels like a set-up for the true story, which starts towards the ending. In the beginning it’s more talking than action. It wasn’t bad, but it made the story a bit slow. When the plot finally kicked in, I remembered why I love her books. It was great to see Puck, Grimalkin and a glimpse of Ash. These characters are still my favorites. The character in this book just seem to miss something.

I was surprised by how much I liked the romance. I’m someone who prefers action, but it was adorable. Kenzie and Ethan’s feelings are growing and it was cute to watch them together. I also liked Keirran and how he is willing to do everything for Annwyl. This was one of the first times I didn’t mind how romance-based the plot was and it suited the story.

The ending is the way I like it. Be prepared for a shocker that makes you hungry for more!