Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Review + Giveaway: The Iron Queen

THE IRON QUEEN (Iron Fey #3)
Julie Kagawa
Paranormal Young Adult
384 pages
Harlequin Teen
Releases TODAY!
Received from publisher

THE STORY
Meghan Chase's life couldn't be more different from the way it was a year ago. Then she was just an almost sixteen year-old girl wanting desperately to escape the swamp she lived in with her family and have access to the little technological comforts like a cell phone. Now, she's the daughter of a faery king, the girlfriend of an exiled faery prince, and perhaps the only one that can save Faery from the toxic expansion of the iron kingdom and its false monarch.

Not only does she have the fate of an entire realm weighing her down, but she also is struggling with the aftermath of her romantic decision to leave Faery with Prince Ash, leaving best friend Puck behind with memories of a kiss that will never be repeated.

Never one to miss out on the action though, Puck returns in grand style to help Meghan and Ash formulate a plan to destroy the false king and those who follow him. New and old friends join the fight, but with every war there are casualties, and as her friends and allies begin to fall around her, Meghan realizes the power to stop the false king lies not in the battle, but with her alone.

MY THOUGHTS
The Iron Queen is a story rich with eye-widening and jaw-dropping creativity, one that invites us to participate in its world as it shows us how to not simply be a stationary observer to the action, but to stretch the limits of our imaginations and fall through the pages to encounter the events from all sides and from multiple dimensions. This book seems to alter in appearance while reading, the black and white words slipping away as vibrant pictures take their place, telling their story in unparalleled detail and with undeniable skill as we watch the story unfold with rapt fascination. The fey in Ms. Kagawa's world are not merely characters, they are our own personal actors, drawing us into the action as they seem to speak only to us individually, knowing just what will elicit the greatest emotional response from us and delivering it with a flawless efficiency. The reading of this tale is more than a mere illusory journey from which we get up and walk away upon conclusion, it is an epic voyage we experience with all the senses we possess.

Meghan has come a long way since stumbling into Faery in search of her little brother. No longer content to rely on Ash or Puck for protection, she takes up arms and fights her own battles, shedding the limitations of being a half blood, shattering the illusion that a woman must always be protected from harm, and finally embracing the reality that the home she was born into may not actually be the world for which she is destined. The barrage of uncertainty previously assaulting her–questions as to whether she is more Summer or Iron fae, confusion as to her feelings for both Ash and Puck, and a helplessness with regard to saving the Nevernever–is stripped away and the Meghan we've known has been there all along makes a memorable appearance.

Ash is truly something to behold in this story, the personal glamour–his air of frigid indifference and detached calm–fading to nothingness as a result of the strength of his feelings for Meghan. We get the opportunity to see not just the resplendent prince, but also the man beneath the title long since buried in layers of ice and consumed previously by the frigid chill of a soulless Winter royal. He bares himself to our waiting gaze, exposing the man who's given his heart away once and paid dearly for the gesture, and who fears the undefinable girl currently in possession of it might also slip from his grasp. Where we cared for him before despite the frostbite we repeatedly received for our efforts, we can't help but love, appreciate, and respect the man standing before us in this tale, emotionally bare, unerringly dedicated, and poignantly sincere.

Just when we think our passionate attachment to these spectacular figments of the author's imagination can get no stronger and our relationship no deeper, Ms. Kagawa deftly plays the strings of our hearts like the finest of harps in the final pages. She skillfully conducts an emotional symphony, culminating in a single harmonious note so powerful it sends all our feelings of sorrow, joy and hope rippling through us until our entire bodies hum with the force of the reverberation, and we read the last few pages utterly spent and shaking from the aftershocks of what we've experienced. Ms. Kagawa is a master storyteller, a true visionary, and a woman to whom I will always be grateful for creating a world I enjoy so immensely.

Rating: 5/5


GIVEAWAY




Thanks to the wonderful people at Big Honcho Media and Harlequin Teen,
I have a copy of The Iron Queen to give away along with a very cool coordinating t-shirt! This contest is open to US and Canadian residents only and will run through midnight EST on Tuesday, February 1st. To enter, just leave a comment on this review with a valid email address and one winner will be chosen by Random.org next week. Good luck everyone!

The Iron Fey on Facebook
The Iron Fey trailer on YouTube

101 comments:

  1. This series is awesome! I loved the first two books and can't wait to get to my galley of Queen.

    Cade
    ArcadiaWearsPrada@yahoo.com

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  2. Oh sweet I would love to put some thermals on under that shirt with my book in hand accosting people while talking about this series.

    Teri C
    terilhack at gmail dot com

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  3. Ohh I cannot wait just one more day!
    I have to wait a while to afford my own copy so I would love one plus a shirt! Great conversational topic!

    Kaya H
    kasuranna at yahoo dot com

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  4. Sounds like an awesome continuation of the series. And OMG the shirt i would so wear me likey! :)

    khyla_808ATyahooDOTcom

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  5. Cool. This is a great giveaway XD

    Mariya
    mystifyingparanormalreviews@gmail.com

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  6. Looking forward to it. Thanks for the chance!

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  7. This books looks so good! Thanks for the giveaway!! :)
    rosashah@gmail.com

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  8. Great review. This really is one of the most amazing series. Julie Kagawa has created the most amazing world. I am so excited there is another one in the series!

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  9. Fabulous review. I love the world created by Kagawa. Her prose is vivid and lyical and her characters richly developed. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.

    vonharzj@gmail.com

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  10. Like always, GREAT review, Jenny! I also just recently finished the Iron Queen and I am sad to see this series end... although I am very excited for the spin-off Iron Knight books :) Hopefully Meghan will get her "happily ever after" after all....! Thanks so much for doing this giveaway, hope I win :)haha!

    Diana
    lovelygeatway@gmail.com

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  11. Good review! I'm glad to know this book is where Meghan comes into her own.
    I think I should re-read the first one to refresh my memory!
    deepalipratap@gmail.com

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  12. Yay! I cannot wait to see the ending to this fantastic series. I love me some ASH!

    britneywyatt[at]gmail[dot]com

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  13. I loved this book. I was heartbroken at the end. But I did love Razor. That guy was funny!!

    bwithbite (at) gmail (dot) com

    I can't wait to see what happens next! Great review Jenny :)

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  14. Not entering but great review!

    This was probably my favorite of the series so far!

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  15. Cute shirt!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    chellie83 at gmail dot com

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  16. What a fantastic, well-written review! I was so happy to see that you didn't include too many spoilers - I've put off reading the second book in this series until the third one comes out, as I wanted to read them both together. Glad to hear you loved it!

    amandasbookblog[AT]gmail[DOT]com

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  17. I can't believe I haven't started this series! I did make a decision though - I'm buying the books today! Excellent review, Jenny...this sounds like something I would really enjoy, and hey, it's a 5/5, which I can't pass by! Also, thank you for the giveaway :)

    iswimforoceans(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. Thanks for the giveaway! I can't wait to read Iron Queen!

    daniellesaunders1984(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  19. That shirt is awesome-- just like Ash was in this book.
    Like you, I am glad that Meghan fought some of her own battles in this one!
    brandileigh2003@yahoo.com

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  20. As always, your review is amazing. Your reviewing skills make me totally envious. I can't believe I haven't picked up this series yet. I've heard so many good things about it. I think a purchase might be in my near future.

    Thanks for hosting an awesome giveaway!
    tealeafreview(at)gmail(dot)com

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  21. Great Review! My copy is on its way. I should receive it today or tomorrow! I cannot wait to devour it. Then, I'll have to wait for Iron Knight and then the next in the series. Oh,if only I'd been born with patience...

    Heather

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  22. Great review, I can't believe the last book in this series is out. So exciting. I would lOVE to win that shirt-too cool!
    zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom

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  23. Love reading your review and as always you did a wonderful job with this one!

    preternaturalprimer(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  24. Can't wait to read it!
    forever062400(at)aol(dot)com

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  25. I'm SO excited about this book I can barely control myself!! :D

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    nadjscr at hotmail dot com

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  26. My darn library is taking forever to get me these books... :/ I have seen them everywhere and they look fantabulous!
    Thanks for the giveaway Jenny (and Big Honcho Media and Harlequin Teen)!
    ;)

    averys.book.nook(at)hotmail.ca

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  27. I have not read this series yet, but after reading so many wonderful reviews (this one included)...I have added it to the top of my tbr list!

    Thank you! mmafsmith@gmail.com

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  28. Yay for a 5/5! I haven't read your review yet because I still have to read The Iron Daughter. I'm reading the novella now.

    imagesandwords at optonline dot net

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  29. I am just starting this series! It sounds so good!
    NC
    boookishlilly@gmail.com

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  30. what a beautiful review. Thanks for the warning too - I can expect my wife to cry when she finishes the book. LOL.
    kjovus
    kjovusatgmaildotcom

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  31. Can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway!
    lexie.bookbug(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  32. Can't wait to read this one and get everything resolved! So sad that this is the last in her POV...

    Great giveaway...love the shirt! :)

    jasminediana13(at)gmail(dot)com

    Jasmine
    The Reading Housewives

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  33. I cannot even begin to explain my excitement in getting to read this book. Your review is fantastic and I must say, you have such a wonderful way in expressing how you feel. You have a true gift with words :)

    -Ashley

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  34. Thanks for hosting this!

    laceyintheskywithbooks at gmail dot com

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  35. I must say: I'm absolutely dying to read this series now after reading your review! It sounds awesome! I was thinking I would put off reading this series for awhile because I'm a bit faerie'd out but now I'm really into it!

    ayleejaine(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. I can't wait to read this. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    erinberry12 at charter dot net

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  37. I love this series. Thanks for the great giveaway.
    Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot}com

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  38. Don't enter me for the giveaway, Jenny. You solidified my decision to read this series. I've been debating about whether or not to pick it up but now I will, especially when the final book is out. Thanks!

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  39. Great review. I agree! Oh and I admit that Ash rocked in this one. :) I can't wait for the Iron Knight. And even though I've read it, I do want a hard copy of it. So, I'm entering! :D
    books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  40. I just finished reading this book and desperately want to own it.
    hopelovehappyendings(at)gmail(dot)com

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  41. I just got into this series and am totally hooked! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
    ireadtorelax@yahoo.com

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  42. What a great review thank you so much for this great giveaway I love these books and can't wait to read it!Thanks for the chance :)
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  43. Great review.Sounds really good.
    please count me in for the giveaway
    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

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  44. Awesome review!! This was probably my fave of the series so far! But I'm sure The Iron Knight might change my opinion!

    jessbess2505[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  45. Really can't wait to read this myself. Its one of my favorite fae series.

    jen4777[at]hotmail.com

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  46. Another great review, yay! Please count me in for the giveaway. :)

    always.and.never AT gmail DOT com

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  47. 5 by 5!!!!!

    I really can't wait to read this one, Jenny! Especially after your wonderful review. You're right, reading this series is much like watching actors play on the pages.

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    missie at theunreadreader.com

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  48. I LOVE this series! It is so amazing! So glad you like The Iron Queen. I would be ecstatic to win!

    kira(dot)thomas(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  49. I can't wait to read this book! I love the series! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    lvtink21@wi.rr.com

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  50. great review, can't wait to read it!
    thanks for the giveaway!

    blue_star_10@hotmail.com

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  51. Great review. I love the last paragraph! Very well written. Cannot wait to read this series.

    robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

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  52. Great review and giveaway, thanks!

    caldellizzi(at)gmail(dot)com

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  53. Thank you for the chance to win my own copy of the book! Great review! seescootread[at]gmail[dot]com

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  54. Wow Jenny- I think you need to write reviews for a magazine or something...that was a really awesome review.

    Team Ash..:* (thats a kissy face)

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  55. Awesome review! I LOVE this series and i cant wait for Iron Knight! =D

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  56. Awesome review!
    I've been dying to read this one. the first two books are Amazing <3

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  57. I can't wait to read this book!!! Thanks so very much. It'd be great to wear the shirt whilest reading the book. I like to accessorize my clothing with my books...

    mrsderaps @ hotmail . com

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  58. great review. I so need to start this series. I also need to pick up this series for my teen son. He loves the books I do so we shart YA books lol.

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  59. Great giveaway!!

    GFC follower

    vidishamun at gmail dot com

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  60. Awesome giveaway! Thanks so much for the chance to win The Iron Queen and that awesome tshirt :D

    Ambur
    ambiepie_6(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  61. Great review and thanks for the giveaway, I have been wanting to read this.
    folksohana(at)gmail(dot)com

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  62. I must get around to reading this series - the first two books are both in my TBR pile - and see why everyone is in love with Ash! Great review, Jenny, and thanks for the giveaway.

    ayareader@hotmail.com

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  63. I'd love to win a copy of The Iron Queen - what a wonderful giveaway.

    Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com

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  64. Your last paragraph gave me chills. I seriously hope you are dabbling in writing your own stories.

    This is my favorite of the series so far (but I've loved them all). My only complaint is really a compliment to the author, I hated the way the book ended because it completely shattered my heart... which is only because the writing and characters touched me so deeply. Thank God she is writing another book for the series!

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  65. I loved the first two books of this series and this is one of my top new releases of 2011. I'd love to win it.

    jen at delux dot com

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  66. Thanks for the great giveaway! I've never read the series but I've always wanted to.
    twigerina[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  67. I have still not read the first part of the series! Can you believe it??! I can't wait to start.
    Btw, don't enter me for the giveaway.

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  68. I also really liked how much Ash and Meghan grew as characters in this book. The ending just about killed, I can't wait for The Iron Knight, but I was so happy that all parties involved understood the choice and there wasn't a bunch of unnecessary drama.

    Jennifer (An Abundance of Books)

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  69. I'm so excited for this book! I can't wait to read it. I've heard from so many reviews (including yours) how the characters has grown/changed so much! I look forward to seeing the changes!

    Thanks for the giveaway! I'm totally crossing my fingers for this one!

    theresa9854@gmail.com

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  70. WOW - you seriously have a knack for truly beautiful writing! I really enjoyed this book and I am Team Ash with you all the way!!

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  71. Loved the review! :)

    jacindahinten(at)gmail(dot)com

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  72. Amazing giveaway and review!

    ekapalmer(at)gmail(dot)com

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  73. great giveaway
    follow via gfc
    drakebdog@gmail.com

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  74. Love the review.
    Thanks for the contest
    Pokadots1121@yahoo.com

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  75. I seriously can never get over how beautiful your reviews are. I totally agree with this one; The Iron Queen was a great book!

    asherz86[at]gmail[dot]com

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  76. Hey sweet I'd love to win this :)
    Yusra A.
    rubyyusra@hotmail.com

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  77. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :D I loved the Iron Queen sooooo much!!!

    aprilxu2222@gmail.com

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  78. OMG! Thanks so much!! I love the series!!! I'm waiting for the book!! It's always full of suprises!!! I always reccomend this book to my friends!! They loved it too!!! So now I'm waiting for The Iron Queen!




    misscuti3@gmail.com

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  79. OMG I WOULD DIE IF I WON THE SHIRT.

    AWESOME!

    Yara @ onceupontwilight(at)live.com

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  80. I want to read The Iron Queen so badly! And the shirt looks cool; I'd totally walk around school like a nerd wearing it xD

    chacelilyvale(at)gmail(dot)com

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  81. This was an amazing review. I got chills at the end and my eyes watered. I didn't read the whole thing, though, since I'm not that far in the Iron Daughter. But still, you've made me extra excited to read the Iron Queen! The series is just so original and lovely. That shirt is really cute, by the way. Thanks for the contest!

    Alison
    paper_flowers5295@yahoo.com

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  82. I'm a 30-something guy and I can't wait to read this series. I've just been busy with other books!

    barmak.kusha@gmail.com

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  83. Eek so excited to read this book!

    kellyoram1@yahoo.com

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  84. Please enter me, I can't wait to read this series!

    Kayla
    midnighttwilight101 {at} yahoo {dot} com

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  85. I have The Iron King sitting in my TBR pile. I've heard so many good things about this series, so it's definitely my next read!

    germaine.dulac@yahoo.com

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  86. It sounds great. Please count me in. Thanks for the chance to win.

    bdecouverte@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. Ohhh thanks so much! My email is Mirielle83@yahoo.com

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  88. Thanks for the giveaway!

    jessica b
    jecca.0104[at]gmail[dot]com

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  89. It's good to know that Meghan begins to step up for herself. Your review was really good and it makes me even that much more excited to read it!

    jen72684(At)hotmail(dot)com

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  90. Great giveaway. Thank you.

    jlynettes @ hotmail . com

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  91. I didn't know they made shirts! Love it! Would love to read this book!

    TaraTagli at gmail dot com

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  92. Would love to win this! I read The Iron King and loved it.

    angeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com

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  93. I would love to read this series. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I love this series! thanks for the giveaway!

    crazypplrok@gmail.com

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  95. Very cool giveaway, I would love to win this.

    miztik_rose@yahoo.com

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  96. Just started this series-excellent!! The covers are beautiful as well

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  97. I absolutely love this series! Great review.


    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

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  98. I'm just now reading the second book in the series and I love it! Thank you for the review, I'm sure I'll love the third book also!

    Mary Ellen
    methom@earthlink.net

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  99. Great review and giveaway! Count me in!

    drensbspot at gmail dot com

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  100. I love the cover of the books in this series!

    Thanks
    heidivargas [at] live dot com

    ReplyDelete