The Iron Prince: The Iron Fey, Book 5

All right, two things I want to start off this review with, I think I'll choose the confession first: I loved "The Lost Prince." Did not go in knowing what to expect and it ended up blindsiding me. Though I really liked "The Iron Fey" original series - I'll admit something about "Lost Prince" drew me in and didn't let go until the last page - for the journey, narrative, and the characterization. I kept late hours reading this book, and usually when that happens, especially if it ends up being a book I read through twice, even more of a sign that it'll be among my favorites.If you haven't read the Iron Fey series, I don't think starting this book will jar you too much, but reading the previous series would give you background on some of the characters and developments in the world of the Nevernever, as well as insight on some of the character struggles and their respective roles in this particular book . This story begins with Meghan Chase's little brother, Ethan, who's now 17 and all grown up to be - well, a bit of a rebel kid. (He's also pretty easy on the eyes judging from the awesome cover.) Ethan's not really that far from being in the same predicament as Meghan was when "Iron King" began - he's getting into trouble at school, and after moving around constantly, he's hoping to stay out of trouble long enough to at least appease his parents. But the secret that Ethan has that actually gets him into this kind of trouble: he can see the fey. He tries to pretend he can't, though they are around his life more than he would like. He keeps others away with his blunt attitude and quick dismissal because he doesn't want to be hurt or have anyone hurt on his behalf. But behind the rough facade, Ethan's a boy who's hurting. He's lost his sister to the world of the Fey, and he lives with the childhood nightmares of being tortured in the Nevernever when he was four and kidnapped by fey before being saved by his sister (which was the premise to the original first book in the Iron Fey series - "The Iron King"). Yet when a new kind of Fey show up in Ethan's town and not only kidnap a friend of his, but also threaten his life and the people he loves, Ethan has no choice but to journey into the Nevernever and find his sister to warn her kingdom of the danger, as well as find pieces to the whereabouts of his friend.All right, unpopular opinion time: I liked Ethan in reflecting upon this book; I really did. He made a much fuller narrator than Megan did for me in places of the Iron Fey series. Some might argue that Ethan's a bit too gruff and angst-ridden, but I saw the reasons behind his behavior. He's an appropriately flawed character - that gave him a layer of honesty in his perception of things and navigating around his relationships, alongside the difficulties he has with them. I also liked the attention to his characterization - he does have redeemable factors in his personality (geeking out over Firefly and Serenity included) and willingness to step up to the plate to help when he has to.The flow of the action is very well done in this book - transitioning from some of the relationships that Ethan has to the relevant danger he faces with the new Fey creatures and the potential discovery of his secret (particularly by the rather inquisitive Kenzie). You can tell Ethan doesn't want to be drawn into the world and has intense sentiments against it, but even then you understand why and how he progressively transitions to the point of going into the Nevernever, and not only being in (reluctant) awe of it, but also transitioning to its environment.Kenzie is a new character in this series and is a journalist who isn't afraid of trying to find out everything she can about Ethan Chase. Even when Ethan tries to push away, she pushes back, and I like her feisty character. There is a revelation about her that really got to me, and it made everything in the rest of the novel in terms of her character make sense when reflecting about it - I really liked her. The dynamic between Kenzie and Ethan as they journey together is actually quite strong. Completing the journeying trio is Kierran - the Prince who has a much closer tie to Ethan than he realizes at first. Kierran has a stable enough character establishment, probably not as strongly asserted as Ethan or Kenzie, but he has his likable moments. I expect that we may learn a lot more about Kierran's motives as the series moves forward.Thank goodness for no love triangles in this book. The romances in this felt so much more naturally developed than in the Iron Fey series, which in the latter it was one of my biggest qualms because it felt that the relationship dynamic forced its hand in places. Here, Ethan's relationship grows over time, and the connection does progressively develop, even with some rather jarring revelations that come to pass in the plot.I think the one downside in this novel was that there wasn't enough scene time with some of the old characters from the Iron Fey series. Sure, the focus on the main characters were interesting enough to me, but I would've expected to see a little more of Ash, Puck (because I adore Puck, personally), and Meghan herself. Grimalkin, the cat that accompanied Meghan, Ash, and Puck on their journeys in the Iron Fey series, makes the most frequent appearance here, and is entertaining as always. He's followed by other familiar characters like Lenansidhe. But I'll admit for the main three of the previous series - they really aren't as significant of a role as they were in the previous series or what would probably be expected for the follow-up series. Thus, I can see where people might be disappointed in that to a degree, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of this book that much.Overall, I think those who want a story that's well written, easily digested YA fantasy with decent character focus would likely enjoy this series. I would also certainly recommend it for those who are fans of the Iron Fey series. Julie Kagawa creates a wonderful realm and character narrative in "The Iron Prince" and I loved so much about the story. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.Overall score: 4.5/5Note: I originally read this as a galley, but bought a copy from Amazon for my own library.

[...]Don't you just love a good urban fantasy book? I just finished "The Lost Prince" this morning, and the elated feeling in my chest hasn't gone away yet. The imagination it takes to combine two very dissimilar worlds--in this case the land of faeries and the human world we live in--is no small thing, but its results are all-encompassing. After gobbling down the parent series "The Iron Fey" in just a couple of short weeks, I knew I was enamoured with the world of Nevernever. When I saw that the story was continuing from the heroine's brother's perspective, I think I squealed and did a little shimmy--it's that fun.Seventeen-year old Ethan Chase isn't your typical bad boy. Sure, he has the rep and the attitude to go with it, but when your life is spent avoiding mischievous fey, nothing is really ever as it seems. Don't look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them. That is Ethan's one unbreakable rule. But when half-breeds and exiled fey begin to disappear from the human world, Ethan must abandon his instincts and seek help from his sister Meghan in the one place he has vowed never to return to: the Nevernever. There, he will meet friends from Meghan's own journey, and make new ones himself as he tries to protect the one girl he never thought he'd dare fall for--and save all fey.Having read the first "The Iron Fey" series from Meghan's point of view, I found it exciting to be in the mind of her little brother (though not so little anymore!) in the "Call of the Forgotten" series. It's thrilling to see how characters from the previous series have developed and grown, and I'm extremely happy that I won't have to fully say good-bye to Meghan, Ash and Puck yet! The fact that the book was told from a guy's perspective added a fresh twist as well, because it's not really something that you see in many urban fantasy novels. Ethan as a narrator is personal and wry, which gave me a particularly vivid understanding of what he's like: bad-ass but with a caring, more vulnerable side to him. Ms. Kagawa makes it seem as if Ethan's really talking to you as a speaker would to a listener, and this really drew me into the story. I feel like we're somewhat best buds!The other characters in the novel were equally as fun to be with. I think I'll start off with Razor, even though he's not technically even a main character. I have such a great image of him as an electrical, mechanized Furby, hopping around everywhere and yelling "bad kitty, bad kitty!" in a cute, well, Furby-like voice. He's just such an endearing little critter and makes me wish I had my very own Razor to accompany me on my journeys and such! But moving on. Kenzie to me is a pretty likable character, but not someone I'm dying to meet or anything. She's pretty cool, but at times she just seemed almost a little annoying with her constant upbeat attitude and stubbornness. Though maybe that makes me a little bit of a cynic or something. Kierran is an incredibly interesting character, with many different facets to him that are revealed throughout the story. After reading "The Iron Prophecy", the 'epilogue novella' to "The Iron Fey" series, I kind of know what may happen sometime in the later books (don't worry, no spoilers!), and I'm curious to see how everything plays out.Plot-wise, "The Lost Prince" never dipped in tension to make me lose interest. In fact, I became so invested in what was happening that I had to force myself to stop reading at times! Everything is consistently fast-paced, and altogether makes for a fun ride. My one complaint is that the apparent climax of the story was over too quickly--it just seemed like Ethan and his gang got out of the mud too easily, without any major obstacles or trials.Overall, "The Lost Prince" is a must-read for any urban fantasy lovers out there. With an engaging, interesting narrator, fun characters, fast-paced action and an enchanting world, the "Call of the Forgotten" series is not to be missed! Plus, if you haven't read the first "The Iron Fey" series, I highly recommend reading that first before starting this one. Trust me, you'll whizz through the books in a matter of days--they're that fun.Rating: 5/5

To say I was excited to be approved for The Lost Prince via NetGalley would be an understatement. I was squeeing and jumping in my seat, earning me strange looks from my toddler (don't judge me!). Needless to say, I wasn't at all disappointed in the least. I really don't think that Julie Kagawa can write anything that I won't like. I'm absolutely in love with her Fey series and the Blood of Eden series. The only problem, I have to wait for the new books to come out. I'm glad that I've already ordered a copy of this one, it will look great beside the rest of her books on my shelf. I don't think That I had ever even read a Faery book before these ones. It's going to be terrible, I'm going to be judging everything against these ones. Also, did you see that cover?? *drool*The Lost Prince has Ethan Chase (You know, Meghan's kid brother who the Fey stole in the first book) as the protagonist. Ethan hates everything Fey, for good reason. They stole him AND Meghan prefers their company over her family's. He resents Meghan for abandoning him, so the last thing he wants is to go asking for her help when his new "friend" Todd, a half phouka, who was kidnapped by a new type of fey he's never seen before. A type of fey that is draining the exiles and half bloods of their glamour. So Ethan once again finds himself in the Nevernever, this time dragging a friend, Kenzie, with him. We get to meet some of our favourite characters again, including a certain snarky cat and trickster. So Ethan has to step up to save a world he despises, but will he do it. The story is fairly fast paced and will keep you wanting more.I just adore Julie Kagawa's writing. I mean, how did it take me so long to pick up one of her books? They are amazing and she's going to be one of those authors for me that I'll read anything by her, I just know it. Her writing just pulls me in and keeps me there until I finish the book. This book is no different. Once I started it, I had to finish it. Unfortunately, things like sleeping, eating and work got in my way (although I love my job as a mommy!). If you're going to read this one, make sure you have the time to sit and read it, or else you're going to be thinking about it none stop. If you haven't checked out Julie Kagawa's writing yet, what are you waiting for?

Very good book. Really liked it, though not as much as the earlier books in this series. Would still recommend it though.

Interesting to read through the eyes of Meghan Chases brother who we vaguely meet in book one. Great novel, can’t wait to read the next book!

love the whole series, very well written. always keeps you interested. a real page turner, i couldn't put it down.

This book was straight up terrible