At the end of The Iron Raven we found out that Touchstone, the capital of the Forgotten had vanished and Prince Keirran, Meghan and Ash’s son and King of the Forgotten, along with it. Those were quite literally the final words of the book. There are mere seconds that pass between the events of book one and book two, that and a change of narrator. Unlike book one, The Iron Sword is from Ash’s perspective, suggesting that this series is going to be a mixture of perspectives. After reading this one, I think what Kagawa is doing is taking each character through a mini-trial in each book. In this one we learn the nature of Evenfall and once you’ve read it for yourselves you’ll understand what I mean. While it would have been nice to have more Puck, this is an event that affects every one of the Iron Fey heroes and as the tag line says it’s five legends against an unstoppable evil to save their world. Each of them are going to have to dive deep and overcome things they’ve long buried or tried to hide before they’re ready to stop Evenfall. It also makes much more sense to have swapped to Ash or Meghan for this book as the majority of it is about finding Keirran and what happened to Tombstone. While Puck cares about the Prince, he’s not as heavily invested as either of his parents.

While we’ve had a book from Ash’s perspective before (The Iron Knight), The Iron Sword is from a much older and wiser Ash. He’s a husband, a parent, a ruler alongside Meghan. While love and loyalty still drive him, we get a very different perspective in this book, a much more mature one. He’s still dealing with the same old demons though, and while time has given him perspective and a bit more patience, he has to face them just as Puck did in The Iron Raven.

When we learn the nature of Evenfall and the ancient power that is rising it makes much more sense why Kagawa is putting her characters through these personal challenges. I wonder who will be next; Meghan, Kierran or possibly the new character Nyx? The first Iron Fey series was four books long, the second was a trilogy, so it’s possible we could get one or two more books. I think it would make more sense to have one from Nyx if there’s only one more book.

I liked the way Kagawa involved events of modern society and technology, recreating what drew me to The Iron Fey series many years ago. Unlike other Fey series, The Iron Fey series merges the modern and the magic, instead of shying away from all things modern. Kagawa does so again in The Iron Sword, this time engaging the topic of online toxicity and trolling, an issue that has grown to be a huge issue in the Western world over the last decade. By doing so there’s the underlying suggestion that we look at what influences us as we all have the capability to be toxic, as seen in several scenes when fights break out among minor characters. While there’s something magical afoot in The Iron Sword, it’s confirmed that the negativity already existed. It’s just being taken advantage of, and manipulated and therefore, it has become elevated beyond normal levels.

As more of the storyline is revealed links to previous books appear, with some wonderful appearances from other characters. There’s also a fantastic look back at the past which shows us what two characters used to look like in their prime, and I know I’ll never be looking at someone the same way again. Everything has led to this event, to Evenfall, and I’m sure there will be even more nods to previous books before the series is finished. One thing is for sure, the Nevernever will never be the same again…

The Iron Sword is an enjoyable read continuing the storylines begun in The Iron Raven. The differing Fairy realms are pulled together as mysterious beings begin to infiltrate the Never, attacking at will and becoming ever stronger draining the glamour of the fairies.

Enhancing the backstories of the major characters, Kagawa weaves a rich narrative, filling the book with life. Clearly the middle book of a trilogy The Iron Sword is perhaps weaker than the first instalment, but it is still worth the effort..

Completely loved this, I thought it was a fantastic continuation of a great series. I thought this had a really great plot and soo interesting it really seems to pull this world even further. The characters are just fantastic and I love them so so much. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers and this has a really big one, but I can’t wait to see where it takes is next.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Evenfall is becoming one of my favorite fantasy series as the mix of dark fantasy, paranormal romance, horror is working well and the story are both riveting and gripping.
I had a lot of fun in reading The Iron Sword, I read it in one setting and found Ash, the main POV, a fascinating character.
The plot is fast paces and there's a lot of twists and actions. The monsters are becoming more horrifying and I appreciated how the author was able to deal with the online hatred and incorporate it into the plot.
Julie Kagawa is an excellent storyteller and develops a fascinating world building and great characters.
I can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Wow!!I love Julie Kagawas Iron series, and this was no exception. Such an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions!! Keirron is missing again and the world's of Fae and mortals are faced with a grave danger called Evenfall. The trouble is the fae don't know what what Evenfall is the name seems familiar but they can't remember anything about it!!! What is going on in.the mortal relm? People are getting so angry, so much hate and what are these creatures which seem to be feeding off these emotions? Does this have anything to do with Evenfall?
Many thanks to Net galley for letting me read this and to Julie Kagawa for writing this brilliant series. Would love for these to be adapted for tv (maybe the new Game of Thrones!!) or film. Will defiantly recommend.

Once again we're thrown back into the magnificent world of Faery that Kagawa has built. She's brilliant and I love her.

This book picks up where we left off in The Iron Raven (thankfully because that ending had me shook) and our favorite characters are thrown into more peril and doomsday scenarios. Last book was from Puck's perspective, this one is from Ash's. I know why she did it, it makes sense, but I wanted more Puck.

The doomsday threat is ever growing and the gang has to travel to the Forgotten King's realm, the Between, the Wyld, and even the mortal realm. And that is not even all the places they have to go traveling about to try and figure out what this Evenfall threat is.

I loved it when I found out what it was, incredibly clever and once more the ending is just about where you want to shout 'NO' because it's a bit of a cliffhanger. I now have to wait another year for the next book and this is unfair, haha.

Because there is so much going on, the pacing is fast and the action keeps you flying through the pages. This did have the same small issue for me as the last one. There is no denying that Kagawa is AMAZING at writing battle scenes (and we know she knows how to rip our hearts out), I just wish the depth of say her 'Shadow of the Fox' trilogy. These always feel a bit shallow compared to her other writings but they're still incredibly fun and fast to read.

3.5/5 Cups of coffee from me, thank you so much to HQ and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

My attention stated to wane with this series during The Iron Queen, I started to become a little frustrated with the drama...but I continued.

This book though was from the wonderful Ash POV and I was glad of that, I find him much better POV to read from than Meghan. Although Puck was a nice head space to be in also.

Definitely didn't see the twists and turns coming in this book. Again, this is a YA novel so there is no spice, which sometimes can work well, but often u do miss it haha.

After 9 books, we could say that the series is running out of steam, that it is no longer evolving and that it was just fan service. How can I tell you how wrong it is?

I loved this book which again puts Ash (MY book boyfriend) in the narration. The legendary trio is forced to face Evenfall and nothing is simple, quite the contrary.
This threat, which one might think came out of nowhere, is in fact much older and more serious than the Nevernever itself. A super interesting plot twist that shows that the author had really thought of everything.

With The Iron Sword, Julie Kagawa goes even further in her universe. This one is rich, complex and when you add it up, everything is connected. The 9 books follow each other, complement each other, giving the plot a deep meaning. It's just awesome. We feel here that the author comes to the end and , that the story of Ash, Meghan, Puck and all the others will definitely end in the next book.

These characters, I love them so so much. It's crazy to see their evolution! I have been reading this series for 11 years, I grew up a little, matured with these characters. They too have grown old, they too have faced many hardships and they too are looking forward to a calm life, surrounded by family and friends. They have gained in maturity, while keeping their original essence. It's pure love.

Thank you again to netgalley for this arc.

There's everything I love about this series and Kagawa's writing in this so I enjoyed it, although there's a bit more info dumping than I'd like, reminders that I didn't need.

While I absolutely love these characters I feel like I'm starting to lose interest and I need their story to come to an end (this could just be that I'm in a reading slump though)

I would love to see a continuation of shadow of the fox though or a new series entirely because Kagawa's storytelling and character development is exquisite!

When I first received this book I didn't realise that it was the second in a series. I have since listened to the first book on audiobook and then I started reading this one and I really struggled with it. I found the main character really hard to get on with, I found him immature but the premise of the story was good. I just felt that this book wasn't for me.

Written from Ash’s point of view we return to iron fey series. Kierran is missing again, Ash, Meghan, Puck, Nyx and Grim adventure together to find out what has happened and find him. There are new fae baddies that seem to feed off negative glamour, rage and hate with the Nightmare King on the verge of awakening.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, the plot and pacing was spot on, I particularly liked these new fae baddies and the internet’s contribution.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC.

In this sequel from Ash, The winter Prince's POV, the Iron Court and it's allies must seek out The missing Forgotten King and discover where the mysterious and sinister new fae that threaten the mortal world and the Nevernever are coming from.
I love Julie Kagawa's Shadow of the Fox series so I read this with excitement but was very disappointed. It's extremely repetitive and weighed down by unnecessary exposition. Although it started to pick up towards the end, amd promised more interesting things for the third installment, this was a baggy slog of a read.

'A shadow had fallen over Faery, the echo of a new prophecy hovering over it like a storm. The end has begun. Evenfall is coming. Faery and every living creature that exists under the sun are doomed.'

Me wanting to read this was a no brainer because of 1 word......Ash. (My love for him is strong!!)

Kierran is missing and something big is brewing so the crew set off to find him, Ash, Meghan, Grim, Nyx and Puck.

What follows are a series of adventures, a lot of meetings and action, creepy, dark monsters and a new foe, The Nightmare King.

Although I loved being back in this world, I did find the plot a bit slow in places but I loved seeing Meghan and Ash, Kierran, Puck and Nyx....I love them and they are close to my heart.

Another thing I loved was how this book captured a part of what SM is doing to society in a small way in real life: 'Welcome to the internet, manufactured outrage is all the rage these days.'

I especially loved the idea of Evenfall, why didn't I think of this before? But I won't say anymore about that here as I don't want to give anything away!

The ending was superb, can't wait to see what happens next!

I wasn't super in love with The Iron Raven and haven't read the previous books in the Iron Fey series so I'm not entirely sure why I requested this but I'm glad I did.

The book is written from Ash's point of view. I'm guessing if you've read the previous books in the series you will be more familiar with his character but even if not, I don't think it's essential to have read them to enjoy this book. That said, I did sometimes keep forgetting whose eyes I was experiencing the story through and lost track of his character somewhat as it took me about halfway through to really get a sense of his point of view.

I've read a lot of Kagawa's books at this point and I think her particular strengths as a writer are showcased really well in this book. Her fights scenes are always exhilarating and dynamic and far more than almost any other YA writer she is able to capture the physicality of violent conflict. Realistically as a reader we know that the main characters are going to be fine and make it through particular battles, but there was a genuine sense of peril in the battle scenes in this book. Her monsters are also always really interesting and in this instalment, creepy as hell. She also manages to make what is inevitably a rather hokey and cheesy premise (fae kingdoms) into something readable and engaging.

Although I really enjoy Kagawa's books, there is a tendency to feel that her characters are on a point to point journey with boss battles along the way. I felt like there was definitely less of that feeling this time around. The plot was perhaps less fast-paced than normal but in this instance I enjoyed it and I think it made the book a better read than the previous instalment.

The supporting characters in particular Puck and Nyx could perhaps have been developed a bit more. It was a bit strange going from Puck's point of view in The Iron Raven to suddenly not seeing much of him in this book, despite him being present the entire time. Nyx seems like a really interesting character and again I felt she was a little underused. I'm hoping that perhaps the next book will be written from her point of view and that we will get to find out more about her.

Ash, his wife Meghan,  also known as the Iron Queen are searching for their son Keirran, after Touchstone was attacked.  Keirran took as many of the Forgotten as he could through into the Between and into the Mortal Realm, but can't be found.

After a quick visit to the Exile Queen, Ash and Meghan visit her brother, Ethan to see if he has hear from Keirran. Eventually, Keirran is located with the remaining Forgotten he was able to save from the Monster that had attacked Touchstone.

A favour was called in from the Wolf in the Deep Wylde, and he was convinced to offer refuge to Keirran and his Forgotten.  While the Wolf and Keirran went to retrieve the Forgotten, Ash, Meghan, Puck and Nyx have a different mission, to warn the other Courts of the Nighmare Piskies and the Monster.

Meghan, Ash, Puck and Nyx have to fight their own personal demons an nightmares to get back to the point where they can hope to prevent the Nightmare King from appearing.

As with all great fantasy books there is an epic fight of good vs evil, and for the moment it looks as though good has triumphed, however momentarily. For the moment, the Nightmare King has been put back where he belongs, put it is not a permanent solution.

Meghan, Ash, Puck, Nyx & Kerrian has to venture underground to see if they can put a permanent end to the Nightmare King, and that is where this book leaves us - with an epic cliffhanger. I for one, can't wait to see what comes next.

Full review to come a bit nearer the release date but I love being back in the world of the Iron Fey and this was a great episode. I very much enjoy following Prince Ash’s adventures.