Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead
Book Stats:
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bantam
Release date: March 1st, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0553826104
Series: Dark Swan #3
Reviewed by: Tynga
Purchase: Amazon US / CAN || Book Depository US / UK
Source: Personal Shelf
Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land’s queen, she’s fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear…
Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown’s ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation--one that will put her soul and the fate of two worlds in mortal peril…
Eugenie and Dorian’s army are fighting against Katrice’s army in a war over her son’s death. He got what he deserved if you ask the Thorn Queen, but the Rowen Queen begs to differ. Eugenie would like to stop this war and avoid losing so many lives on the battlefields but can’t find a way… until a seer brings up a mystical object. The Iron Crown. According to Dorian, it’s possession could inspire enough fear to end the hostilities. So Eugenie sets out on a quest – with unexpected back-up – to retrieve the crown. But this trip will have a lot more consequences than she expected.
Oh.My.God. Iron Crowned, my friends, is the best installment in the Dark Swan series.
Eugenie went through a rollercoaster of emotions and I have no choice but to respect how she handled things (except maybe one scene in the Honeysuckle Land, if you’ve read the book, you’ll know what I’m talking about). I think she gained a lot of maturity during this ordeal and I’m excited for the sequel. Her relationship with Jasmine took an interesting turn that I really like and saying things got complicated with Dorian and Kiyo would be an understatement. Both man, or should I say gentry?, have their flaws, and I’ve been ambivalent between the two the whole series. But once it’s all said and done, I have to side with Dorian, even though I don’t thrust him completely.
The plot was amazing. The twist and turns were completely unexpected and every element worked perfectly to create a fabulous set-up for the next book. I don’t want to go into details ‘cause it would spoil the fun, but Eugenie took a decision that will change everything.
Even though there are some battles, the action isn’t what engrossed me. The betrayals, the strong emotions and Eugenie’s turmoil is what stood out for me. Each emotion was rendered amazingly by Mead, picturing as-real-as-it-gets drama.
The Dark Swan series will forever change you perception of faeries, will you dare that that step?
My favorite quote, it’s spoilery so read at your own risks (highlight to read):
“Queen Eugenie,” he said formally. “Don’t trouble yourself over my “feelings.” Replacing you in my bed isn’t that difficult. You have too high an opinion of yourself in that regard.”
Watch me read an excerpt
Richelle talks about the book
Absolutely adored this series/book. When I was finished reading the book, I had to sit there and contemplate what happened in the book. The twist and turns had me in emotional turmoil. Seriously, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger should be the quote for this book. Definitely cannot wait until January when the new book is released.
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