Latest Read: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

Here are the basics ...
The Iron Traitor (The Call of the Forgotten, #2) by Julie Kagawa
Publication date: Oct. 29, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Category: Young Adult - Paranormal
Source: Purchased

Summary: 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. 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. (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: Julie Kagawa truly created a magical world with The Iron Fey and I always look forward to a chance to dive back in. The Iron Traitor continues with Ethan Chase's story as he continues to get pulled back into the dealings of the faery world despite his misgivings. It seems like the more he struggles to be normal, the crazier his life gets. And now that both he and his girlfriend Kenzie possess the Sight, they can't escape. So when Keirran, Ethan's nephew, goes missing - they know they have to help. And let's face it, this book wouldn't be complete without an adventure! The plot is more action-packed - filled with fight scenes and hidden agendas. But I couldn't help thinking that even more so, it's an internal journey for both Ethan and Keirran as well.

Ethan continues to provide us with a different and interesting look into the fey. Kenzie is obviously fascinated by them and to a certain extent, despite Meghan's fears in the original series, she didn't hate the fey (I mean, she was in love with one!). But to Ethan the fey are a hateful, manipulative force that's taken everything from him. Which is understandable! It also makes his feelings towards his sister and nephew, especially as he finds himself helping them, so compelling. He clearly has a lot of issues to work through and I was glad that they're finally touched upon here. Although - I am still waiting for him to blow up at Meghan and ask the questions he keeps buried.

Even though the series is told solely from Ethan's perspective, Keirran is vital to Ethan's story. We've known their fates were intertwined and their meeting would probably lead to disastrous results. Because of that, I find myself watching Keirran carefully but he's still as mysterious as ever. Who is he? I mean we know the basics - he's in love with a Summer which we all know is forbidden and she's fading. He's willing to do anything to stop it. Even though I wish we knew more about him and his upbringing, the fact that I want to know more keeps me looking forward to his scenes.

(Some) reservations: Ethan and Kenzie's relationship is definitely highlighted in this book but I can't say I'm that interested. They have their sweet moments and I'm glad they have each other with all the crazy going on. But they're just not the epic love story Meghan and Ash were to me. This plus another moment in the book led me this realization: even though this is Ethan's series, I am still reading these books because of Meghan, Ash, Puck and Grimaulkin. I find myself making comparisons and hoping they'll pop up (which they do, although minimally). I loved (and still love) the original characters so much more that I can't let go of them as I read this spin-off. So if you're like me, this is an expectation I suggest trying to lower because ultimately, this is Ethan's story.

Do I recommend?: I do! If you're already reading this series, keep going! This book has one doozy of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Happy reading!

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Also, here's a clip from the audiobook: