Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Review + Giveaway: The Lost Prince

THE LOST PRINCE
(Call of the Forgotten #1)

Julie Kagawa
Paranormal Young Adult
379 pages
Harlequin Teen
Available October 23rd
Received from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Harlequin Teen)

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

 
That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.


MY THOUGHTS
 
The Lost Prince is a treat for fans of the Iron Fey series, allowing us a glimpse at a world we love from a different angle and providing us with a fresh perspective on familiar characters and problems to enrich a reading experience we already treasure. Unlike the Iron Fey books, Ethan's story takes place predominantly in the mortal world, making us instantly aware that this is in no way a continuation of Meghan's story, but a new story entirely; the story of a young man fully human who fights tooth and nail to keep the fey from poisoning his life any more than they already have. Ms. Kagawa's imagination is in no way limited by the parameters of the real world versus the Nevernever, instead she delights yet again with an unnerving new (or old, depending on how you look at it) breed of fey even as favorites from past books make brief but memorable appearances.

Ethan captures our interest from page one simply by being who he is—Meghan's little brother—but as we read he proves fascinating for reasons all his own, the loneliness his Sight has forced him to embrace practically begging us to reach in and wrap our arms around him to show him he's never as alone as he thinks. Meghan's abandonment (as he sometimes sees it) as well as an incident with a friend when he was younger have left their indelible marks on his person, giving his fear of all things fey an almost anthropomorphic quality to it as it's always by his side, leading him to make the decisions he does and strengthening its hold on him every time he bends to its will. He at times can slip into a melancholy, brooding state, flooding his mind with images of all the ways he's messed up in his young life, but thankfully love interest Kenzie is there to figuratively slap him in the face, shaking him out of his stupor before we all slip too far down his shame spiral and wallow in collective misery.

Kenzie is a young woman it's nearly impossible not to like, someone who never lets the force of Ethan's bad attitude make her stumble back in fear, instead she stands even taller after the onslaught, calmly informing him that his attempts to push her away will continue to be ineffective, and recommending he just welcome her into the fey fold with open arms as an alternative. She's not without her own vulnerabilities however, a few revelations toward the end making our fingers itch to have the next book in our hands already so we can see how she's going to tackle a seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

A minor complaint with this story is a somewhat anti-climactic conclusion, the threat from the new “glamour-eating” fey easily neutralized even though it's clear we've not seen the last of them. The terror we've felt on behalf of their victims fizzles away quickly and quietly in the last chapters as we finally come face to face with them, causing us to be just a touch let down after the build up. Additionally, one of the most interesting aspects, Ethan's anger with Meghan for leaving all those years ago as well as with Ash for taking her away, is mentioned briefly but is never fully explored in this first installment, leaving us wishing we were able to dig under the surface of at least one of the big elements rather than simply skimming our hands over the top. That being said however, The Lost Prince is still a highly enjoyable read, touching on some extremely intriguing emotional intricacies within the Chase family we can only hope will be given more page time moving forward.

Rating: 4/5


 GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the wonderful people at Harlequin Teen, I have 2 copies of The Lost Prince to give away on the blog today! To enter, please just leave a comment on this post with a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. Giveaway is open to US residents only and will run through midnight on Sunday, October 21st after which time a winner will be chosen and emailed. Good luck everyone! 


THE IRON FEY SERIES

The Iron Fey saga follows half-human, half-faery Meghan Chase as she fights to claim her magical birthright.

Meghan’s journey begins in the mortal world, when her half-brother Ethan is kidnapped. The mission to rescue the innocent child draws Meghan into the Nevernever—the magical world—where the never-before-seen Iron fey are raining destruction upon traditional faeries. Meghan’s quest is fraught with unimagined dangers, unpredictable powers…and an utterly forbidden love.

Now little Ethan is all grown up—and a new breed of fey has come for him. Bound by blood to a world he despises, Ethan plunges into the Nevernever searching for answers: who are the ghostly assassins hunting him? Who controls them? And why are exiled and half-breed faeries vanishing from the mortal world?

With a vulnerable human girl to protect and an enigmatic faery ally he could never have imagined, Ethan embarks on his own Fey saga. Along the way he will encounter kin, comrades and deadly new enemies. He will discover his formidable strengths, and his deepest weaknesses—and he will fight for his life against the Forgotten.

 
Find more information on the Iron Fey here:
Website
Facebook 

And don't forget to look for book to in the Call of the Forgotten trilogy in November of 2013!

73 comments:

  1. I've only read the first book of The Iron Fey, but I really enjoyed it, so I'm eager to read the rest and this one!

    pinkindle[at]hotmail[dot]come

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  2. I'm glad to hear that most of this story takes place in the real world because the copious descriptions of fairy sort of weighed the Iron Fey series down for me. Wonderful review, Jenny and thanks for the giveaway. :)

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  3. Omg! I can't wait for the release! thanks for the giveaway!
    iboughtcupcakes@gmail.com

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  4. Very nice review. Sounds like a good book.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  5. I just got Iron King and can't wait to read anything by this author. She's had such awesome reviews.

    Laceysvette at hotmail dot com

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  6. I so need to finish Meghan's story!

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  7. Wahoo. Thanks for the giveaway! I'm super excited for this book and glad you liked it.

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    1. Stupid. I forgot to leave an email address, although you know it anyway :-)
      alisoncanread at gmail dot com

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  8. Oh awesome! I looooved the Iron Fey books!

    jessica(DOT)agreatread(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  9. I love love love the Iron Fey series! I was so happy when Julie announced she would write again the series, now with Ethan's story.

    -Len of Musings of a Reader Happy
    maidenveil(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. I've heard that this one is almost better than The Iron Fey Series was which makes me excited since I wasn't a huge fan of them. While I have to admit that the anticlimactic conclusion is a little off-putting, I'm glad you enjoyed this one, dear! Wonderful review, as usual, Jenny!(:

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  11. I Love the original series! So excited for this new one!! Thank you! Jzmick@gmail.com

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  12. Thank you so much for the giveaway. I loved the Iron Fey series so much. Can't wait for this one :).

    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

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  13. I love the Iron Fey books and can't wait for this one. :) I can't begin to tell you how many times I've reread them all! Thank you so much for the giveaway!

    silvershiara(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  14. Oh, I am so excited that you liked this boom Jenny! I gave up after the second book in the Iron Fey becuase they were taking forever to be released BUT I will try and read them (I have all of them except this one).

    kailiasage@gmail dot com

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  15. Thanks for the giveaway! ♥

    kassiah at fictionators dot com

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  16. Dude! OMG! This series is soooo awesome! The new characters (the one that starts with a K...AHHH!) I was so excited jumping up and down in my seat. I can't wait to read more about him! Awesome review as always Jenny!

    bwithbite at gmail dot com

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  17. My sisters love the Iron Fey, could be a surprise for them
    Trina.wings@yahoo.com

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  18. So glad you loved this. Your review is wonderful! Thanks for the giveaway!

    theirishbanana.review [at] gmail [dot] com

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  19. SOOOoo bloody glad you loved it. I cannot wait to read another book by Julie!!

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

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  20. I would love to win a copy!!! LOVE this series!!
    pcemom11@gmail.com

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  21. Iron Fey is one of those series that I keep telling myself I will start soon (I have the st book on my shelf) but for some reason it keeps being pushed down on my TBR. I enjoyed but didn't adore The Immortal Rules...so maybe that is my hesitation? Or just too many books!!! LOL

    (not an entry)

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  22. This book sounds like it will be a great start to the new series.

    pixiepuff2006@yahoo.com

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  23. I would love to win! :D

    stacey (dot) marin (at) laverne (dot) edu

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  24. I LOVE the Iron Fey series. Perfect blend of beautiful fantasy and angsty romance. Can't wait to get my hands on The Lost Prince. Thanks for the chance to win!
    blackeyedsue21(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. I love the Iron Fey series but I am glad that this is in no way a continuation of Meghan's story, I am excited to see it go in a new direction. Yes, I would agree about Ethan's feeling of anger needing to be resolved but I know I will be amazed at the world building as always with a Kagawa title. Enter me please! rnydayramblings@gmail,com

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  26. It looks so good! tommyprather@cox.net

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  27. I loved the Iron Fey Series! Its one of my favorites! Im so glad Kawaga is continuing this story through The Lost Prince and I cant wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway! gootsie_2004@hotmail.com

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  28. The Iron Fey series was fantastic! I will have to add The Lost Prince to my list of books to read.
    ajaym_129@yahoo.com

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  29. Well, you touched on what I was afraid of... that we would want much more in information. However, it sounds so good and I'm so curious as to how Ethan grows in this off-shoot series. I'm going to read this one soon and I can't wait.

    Not an entry. :)

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  30. I found all 4 of the Iron Fey books and a second hand store and plan to tear through all of them over Christmas break!

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  31. I've been DYING for this one chick!!!!! I was nervous that there would be too little info regarding Meghan and the effects he was left with too... Looks like I was justified and at least not working myself into a frenzy for no reason!!!!

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  32. I can't wait to read this book! Ethan sounds like a relatable character. I would be scared of the fey to and understand the loneliness. I have a feeling that Kenzie is going to be my favorite character. I love a strong female lead and like the idea that she shakes Ethan out of his stupor!

    My email is Lindytgomez@gmail.com

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  33. Oh your review reminds me I really need to get back to this series stat! I think I'm on book three! I'm glad this series is still working out for you Jenny! :)

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  34. Sadly, I agree that the ending fizzled. I like loose ends tied up but not quite so easily. Really liked Ethan and it was nice to see Meagan et al again. Love the world!

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  35. New fey? *squee* That's so exciting!
    And, you know, I would want to give Ethan a hug too, if he looked anything like he does on the cover... ;)
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    rivrewrites(at)gmail(dot)com

    ~Riv Re
    Riv Reads

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  36. I didn't get farther than book one for the Iron Fey series, but I did get to meet Ethan, and that's enough to make me want to read this one. I can't tell why I find it more interesting, but I sure do!

    Rubysreads@gmail.com

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  37. I haven't read the Iron Fey series though I after reading several book reviews for book 1 I know it's going to be a shaky start, but I'm curious to see how the fey mythology is used. I hope to pick the first series soon so I can meet Ethan.

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  38. My sister has the Iron Fey series and I know she really liked it. I guess I should pick it up so that I can get the background before this series. Thanks for the review.

    geoarchs(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. This is awesome. I loved the Iron fey series. :D YAY!! Thank you! :D

    thunter_5@yahoo.com.

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  40. thanks for the fabulous giveaway! This book sounds fun ;)

    efender1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  41. Awesome giveaway! This book sounds great!

    stephward84(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  42. I can't wait to read this one! I just finished The Iron Prophecy's so I'm ready to go! Though now I'm realizing from your review that one has nothing to do with the other. But that means more Ash/Meghan/Puck books which is always welcome!

    you know my email addy
    Heather!

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  43. BEST SERIES EVER! I'm so excited for this book!

    eden_g77@hotmail.com

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  44. Thank you so much for the giveaway! I really love the cover art for the book :D.
    ssweett_rebelde@hotmail.com

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  45. I'm so excited to read this one! I didn't realize it was mostly on the real world but that's okay by me. :) Very eager to see how this one shapes up!

    candace_redinger at Yahoo dot com

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  46. I love the Iron Fey series, and am so excited to read this. I always wondered about Ethan and really glad that now we get his story!! Cannot wait to read this!
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!

    nancyl9108@gmail.com

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  47. I've read the complete Iron Fey series except this one. I'd love to win one of the books to add to my already burgeoning home library

    NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com

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  48. Thanks for the chance to win! I can't wait to read this one!!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

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  49. It sounds wonderful. Julie Kagawa is such a master of her art. I'd love to win a copy of this new book. Thanks.

    carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx

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  50. Thanks so much, I would love to read this!
    cassinz10 at gmail dot com

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  51. The Iron Fey series was one YA series I absolutely adored. I loved Ash. You can never be to old to read YA. I'm very happy to see another book set in the wonderful world that Julie created. Thank you so much for hosting a giveaway for an awesome read. Please count me in :)
    Tanyaw1224(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  52. I am going to admit that I stopped on Book 3 of the Iron Fey series (hey I was team Puck) but this one does sound fantastic. I am a big fan of JK's writing and her storytelling. Don't enter me as you know I will just go buy it cause I am that kind of person :)

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  53. Aaaaaahhh! I can't wait to read this. Please please please pick me!! :)

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    Replies
    1. Darn it. Forgot my email - drey at dreyslibrary dot com

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  54. Adriane dot marshall at gmail dot com

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  55. Thanks for the great giveaway! I have only read the first book in the Iron Fey series, but LOVED it. I don't know what I am waiting for- I need to read the others too! Chris327@mac.com

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  56. Finally read the Iron Knight a few weeks ago. Cannot wait for this one :)

    bluej4oxox@aim.com

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  57. I loved the Iron Fey series and I am excited to see what happens with Ethan
    delivery.RN at gmail dot com

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  58. Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to read this book. Sounds very good. Tore923@aol.com

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  59. Thank you for having the giveaway, I've heard so many great things about the Iron Fey series.

    dmr8888@yahoo.com

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  60. I have to say that I'm not a big fan of most fey books but Julie Kagawa has redefined the fey world with these books and I am so looking forward to reading this book Thank you.
    wendyrailey@yahoo.com

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  61. I love the Iron Fey series - I would love to win this book!

    Thanks so much for the giveaway!
    Leanne
    leannessf at gmail dot com

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  62. Love the series! WOO!

    katvela12345 AT hotmail.com

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  63. Love the covers on these books they always catch my eye, can't wait to read this. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Annwitch707@ aol.com

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  64. Gorgeous cover

    kassandralopez32@yahoo.com

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  65. I WANT TO READ THIS BOOK SO BADLY but I can't because I still have to read The Iron Knight and apparently there are spoilers for that book in this one!!

    Krazyyme @ Young Readers

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  66. I think this book will be fantastic. I love Ethan and can't wait to read more.

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  67. I just bought the first book in the iron fey series! Would love to win this one :)

    Email is kpoo18 at gmail dot com

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  68. This series is very interesting and different. I've never really read anything like it and enjoy reviewing it. I hope I win!

    princesstah1998 {at} gmail {dot} com

    ^_^

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  69. I'm dying to read this book! Thanks so much for the giveaway, love your blog!

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  70. Sorry, forgot to leave my email:

    tamsparks(at)att(dot)net

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