Cover Reveal: The Immortal Rules

Well hi! I haven't posted for ages but I assure you that this post will not disappoint. Julie Kagawa has released the cover of her new book, the first in her new series:



You know, I thought that The Iron Fey covers were really nice but this...wow. Tis amazing. This is the synopsis I got off FantasysInk blog:

You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.


Eee! I wonder when it comes out...and I can't wait for the Teasers to start coming!

Book Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron King

Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: Ya Paranormal
Format: Paperback 368 pages
My rating: 5/5
Synopsis:

Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined–the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his
icy heart. The Iron King is the first book in the Iron Fey series.

Now, before I start this review let me just say how awesome this series is! I have read all the way up to The Iron Queen and read all the e-novellas in between. I did a review on Winters Passage which takes place between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter. I am impatiently waiting for the next and last book in the series, The Iron Knight. And now, on with the review.

My thoughts: Mrs Kagawa has managed to make a beautifully written story that captures its audience from the first word. And I mean that literally. "Ten years ago, on my sixth birthday, my father disappeared." I mean who wouldn't be drawn in by that sentence? It was a compelling, adventure-filled ride. The ending will seriously make you tear your hair out for the next book. At least, that's what I did because I had to wait FLIPPING AGES for the next book. But I'm sure that if you're new to this series, you won't have to wait like I did and I can guarantee you will love this series as much as I do!

Favourite Lines: "Tomorrows your birthday isn't it? Floppy told me, and I remembered."
"Has anyone told you, you have the maturity level of a four-year old?"

Read and enjoy!

Cya! 

Teaser Tuesday and Deleted Scene

So today's the day for a Teaser so I shall post, and post well. This is the second teaser for The Iron Knight and Julie Kagawa also posted a deleted balcony scene between Meghan and Ash during The Iron Queen. I will post that too. So read, and enjoy. Um, the black one is the Teaser and the blue one is the deleted scene.

The door past the sphinxes opened to another narrow corridor, empty of fire-breathing dragons this time, but no less strange. It stretched away into the darkness, lit only by orange candlelight, flickering against walls. The flames seemed to float in the air, reflecting off the surfaces of hundreds of full-length mirrors lining the corridor on both sides. 

Glancing at my own image, I paused, faintly surprised at the stranger in the mirror. The pale, dark-haired reflection stared back grimly, clothes tattered around the edges, eyes touched with exhaustion. I barely recognized myself, but maybe that was a good thing. After all, that was why I was here; to become something else, someone else. If all went as planned, Ashalyn’darkmyr Tallyn, third prince of the Unseelie Court, would no longer exist. 

What will it be like as a human? I wondered at my reflection. Will I still be myself? Will I remember everything about my life in the Winter Court, or will all those memories disappear? 

I shook my head. It was useless to wonder about that now, when we were so close, but still… 

“Come on, handsome.” Puck put a hand on my shoulder, and I brushed it off. “Quit preening. I think we’re almost there.” 

As we started down the corridor, wary of traps and pits and ambushes, I thought of Meghan, back in the Iron Kingdom. It would be dreadfully ironic, I mused, if once I earned a soul, I forgot everything about being fey, including all my memories of her. That sort of ending seemed appropriately tragic; the smitten fey creature becomes human but forgets why he wanted to in the first place. Old fairytales loved that sort of irony. 

I won’t let that happen, I told myself, clenching my fists. If I have to have Puck tell me everything, even if he has to go through our entire history, I will find a way to make it back to her. I will not become human only to forget it all. 

The hallway went on. The flickering candles cast strange lights in the opposite mirrors, endless rows of flame, stretching to infinity. From the corner of my eye, I saw my own dark reflection, walking along beside me. Smirking. 

Except, I wasn’t. 


I stepped close and slipped my arms around his waist, hearing his quiet intake of breath as I pulled him against me. “That was a long time ago,” I murmured, pressing my cheek to his back, listening to his thudding heart. “You’ve changed since then. That Ash wouldn’t protect a silly human girl with his life, or become her knight, or walk into exile with her. Every step of the way, you’ve always been there, right beside me. I’m not letting you go now.”

“I’m a coward.” Ash’s voice was subdued. “If I cared for you as much as I should, I would end my life and the curse along with it. My existence puts you in danger. If I were no longer here—”

“Don’t you dare, Ashallyn’darkmyr Tallyn.” I held him tighter, even as he flinched at the sound of his True Name. “Don’t you dare throw your life away for an unknown superstition. If you die—” My voice broke, and I swallowed thickly. “I love you,” I whispered, fisting my hands against his stomach. “You can’t leave. You swore you wouldn’t.”

Ash’s hands came to rest over mine, twining our fingers together. “Even if the world stands against you,” he murmured, bowing his head. “I promise.”

For awhile, we just stood like that, content not to move, as the wind howled around us and tugged at our hair and clothes. Ash, true to form, was perfectly still. I closed my eyes and lost myself in his quiet breathing, in the rise and fall of his chest, in the beat of his heart. It was hard to believe, sometimes, that this—this beautiful, solemn, immortal prince in my arms—was mine.

“Meghan.”

His voice rumbled in my ear, low and hesitant. “Yes?” I whispered, and he shifted around to face me, taking my hands in his. For a few moments, he gazed at our interlocked fingers, running his thumb gently over my skin, as if gathering his thoughts.

“Be patient with me,” he said at last, furrowing his brow. His gaze finally shifted up to mine, bright and soulful. “It’s…difficult sometimes, to watch you fight, to see you throw yourself into danger again and again.” One hand came up, long fingers gently touching my cheek. “I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you,” he murmured. “I wish I could protect you from everything.”

“I know,” I said, smiling up at him. “But, it’s my turn now. You’ve done so much already, Ash; now it’s my turn to protect you. You and Puck and the Nevernever, and…and everyone.” I sighed and looked past him, at the clouds sweeping over the iron realm. “If I could just figure out a way to do that.”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Ash’s voice was resigned, and he drew me closer, wrapping his arms around my waist. Sighing, he lowered his head, soft strands of his hair brushing my forehead. “Just…try not to give me a heart attack when you do.”

“I can’t promise anything,” I whispered back. “But, I’ll try.”

His expression twitched in a faint smile, and he gave a tiny shake of his head. “I suppose that’s all I can ask for—” But before he could finish, I slipped my arms around his neck, leaned up, and took his lips with mine.

He made a faint noise of surprise, before his eyes fluttered shut and he leaned into me, pulling us closer. I savored the feel of his lips against mine, breathing in his scent, that sharp mix of frost and peppermint. He breathed my name, just one simple word, and it turned my stomach inside out and set my whole body on fire. It made me desperate to get closer, made me bolder then I’d ever been. I pressed forward, pushing him against the railing, standing on tiptoe to trail kisses down his neck. He groaned, tilting his head back, hands sliding up to tangle in my hair. I couldn’t get close enough, it seemed. Never close enough.

Ash ducked his head, meeting my lips again, his kisses suddenly crushing, devouring. One arm snaked around my waist, the other cupped the back of my head, pressing us together, like two puzzle pieces that finally clicked. I held him as tightly as I could, feeling the hard, lithe muscles of his back, shifting through his armor. Wishing it was suddenly gone, that I could feel his cool skin under my fingers. His cloak fluttered around us, like the edges of tattered wings, cocooning us both, and I didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.

Ash drew back suddenly, breathing deep, trying to control himself. I felt his heart beneath his armor, hammering in his chest. He dropped his gaze, shoulders heaving, though his arms didn’t loosen their grip, and resisted my attempt to pull back.

“Ash?”

The look he gave me was almost frightening in its intensity. “Command me,” he whispered, bringing his face close to mine. His eyes seared into me, challenging and pleading all at once. “Tell me to stop, and I will.”

I gazed at him, well aware that my own heart was doing its best to crash through my ribs. Ash watched me, silver eyes blazing with desire, and love. I reached up and touched his face, and he closed his eyes, putting his hand over mine, pressing it to his cheek, before his gaze flickered to me again.

Waiting. He wouldn’t go any further unless I told him to. He was letting me decide, like he’d promised. I could walk away from him now, and he wouldn’t follow. Or I could tell him to go, and he would. We could stop this, right now, if I wasn’t completely ready.

I swallowed hard, pulled his lips down to mine, and whispered:

“Stay.”


Tee hee :)

Cya!

Teaser Tuesday-The Iron Knight

Hello my fellow young ones. I have been quite sick *still am and don't know why I'm doing this* these past few days. I am about to faint at the computer so lets make this quick.
Julie Kagawa released the first Teaser for her book The Iron Knight. Tis awesome and teaserish so without further ado, here it is:

"Having second thoughts?” Puck’s voice was soft and dangerous, a far cry from his normal flippancy. “I thought we put this behind us for now.”

“Never,” I said, matching his stare. “I can’t ever take it back, Goodfellow. I’m still going to kill you. I swore to her I would.” Lighting flickered overhead, and thunder rumbled in the distance as we faced each other with narrowed eyes. “One day,” I said softly. “One day you’ll look up, and I’ll be there. That’s the only ending for us. Don’t ever forget.”

Mwuahahaha! Now wasn't that a tease? *sighs* How I love Ash...
Now off I go to faint on the couch or somewhere soft.
Cya!

Winters Passage Review

Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck-Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon-who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter-a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat....

*Spoilers for those who haven't read the Iron King*

Wow. I know this was a novella but still. Wow. This was an amazing read. Short but action packed. There were a few moments where it was just laying low, waiting but even those bits weren't boring. The action starts literally right away and this novella starts where The Iron King ends. Literally. Seriously, Meghan Chase is walking out of her door when The Iron King ends and Winters Passage starts with her going down her driveway to where Prince Ash is. Anyway, on with the review.
I loved this book. I loved it with a fiery passion. When I got it from the generous people at NetGalley, I read it straight away and finished it 15 minuets later. And do you know what I did? I read it again! *sarcastic wow* No but seriously this was the type of novella where even though it's only a few pages, you just want to read it over, and over again and memorize every single word. 
Mrs Kagawa delivered once again, a beautiful story that follows Prince Ash and Meghan Chase through the Wyld Wood, the mortal realm and Tir Na Nog. On their way, they have a little trouble with an ancient hunter who thinks that Meghan has been captured by Ash. He follows them throughout the Wyld Wood. When Meghan and Ash cross into Winters' territory, they finally come face to face, where they finally find out what the ancient hunters' real motives are. Well in the end, after a pretty cool fight scene, everything gets resolved and Meghan ends up meeting the pretty awesome but also pretty freaky Winter Queen, Mab. 
I've read all the books in the series apart from the last book, The Iron Knight, which is coming out on the 25th October 2011. So this review is a tad late *cough cough* and it's my first so be nice.
Anyway I really look forward to reading The Iron Knight soon and hopefully I'll be able to post a review of that book. I love this series and hope that Julie Kagawas' new series will be as good, maybe even better, than The Iron Fey Series. 

Awesome news :)

OK, so I got up at 5 am this morning to watch Julie Kagawa host her Livestream video....live. I was one of the many excited fans to be able to witness this and also take part in the crazy chat that went on throughout the video. Basically, the video was about Julie Kagawa's background, how she came to write the Iron Fey Series and other things about her books. But the thing that got my attention (even though everything else was extremely riviting) was the information about the Iron Knight. Now for those unlucky people who were not able to view this live video, I'm pretty sure that Harlequin Teen will post a replay of the video soon and Julie Kagawa will also post it on her blog. But hey, let me tell you, it was....AWESOME. Seriously. I was sweating all the way through because I was so nervous. That is dedication right there.
She talked about the Iron Knight and showed the cover (both front and back) and finally revealed the synopsis of the Iron Knight. Do you want to see it? OK, here it is. Enjoy :)

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Awesome, I know. I was squealing (quietly) when I heard this. But that wasn't the most exciting announcement Mrs Kagawa had in store for us. She also read an excerpt from the Iron Knight and then later posted it on her blog! So you guys can check it out there but I will also post it on my blog. So...here it is. The first excerpt of The Iron Knight.

My name, my full, True name, is Ashallayn’darkmyr Tallyn, and I am the last son of the Unseelie Court.

There were three of us at one time, all princes of Winter, myself and my brothers, Sage and Rowan. I never knew my sire, never cared to know him, nor did my siblings ever speak of him. I wasn’t even positive we shared the same sire, but it didn’t matter. In the Unseelie Court, Mab was the sole ruler, the one and only queen. Handsome fey and even wayward mortals she might take to her bed, but Mab shared her throne with no one.

We were never close, my brothers and I. As princes of Winter, we grew up in a world of violence and dark politics. Our queen only encouraged this, favoring the son who earned her good graces while punishing the others. We used each other, played vicious games against one another, but we were all loyal to our court and our queen. Or so I’d thought.

There is a reason the Winter Court freezes out their emotions, why feelings are considered a weakness and a folly among the Unseelie fey. Emotion corrupts the senses, makes them weak, makes them disloyal to kith and court. Jealousy was a dark, dangerous passion that ate at my brother Rowan until he did the unthinkable and turned on his court, betraying us to our enemies. Sage, my eldest sibling, fell to Rowan’s treachery, and he was only the first. In a bid for power, Rowan sided with our greatest enemies, the Iron fey, helping their king nearly destroy the Nevernever. I killed Rowan in the end, avenging Sage and the rest of my kin, but retribution cannot bring either of them back. It’s only me, now. I am the last, the only remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court.

And I’m already dead to her.

Rowan was not the only one to succumb to emotion and passion. My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl. A girl named Meghan Chase, the half-human daughter of our ancient rival, the Summer King. Fate brought us together, and despite everything I did to shield my emotions, despite the laws of our people and the war with the Iron Fey and the threat of eternal banishment from my home, I still found myself falling for her. Our paths were woven together, our fates intertwined, and before the last battle I swore I would follow her to the end of the world, to protect her from all threats, including my own kin, and to die for her if called to do so. I became her knight, and would have gladly served this girl, this mortal who had captured my heart, until the last breath left my body.

But Fate is a cruel mistress, and in the end, our paths were forced apart, as I feared they would. Meghan became the Iron Queen, as was her destiny, and took the throne in the kingdom of the Iron fey. A place I could not follow, not as I am—a faery creature whose essence weakens and burns at the touch of iron. Meghan herself exiled me from the lands of the Iron fey, knowing that staying would kill me, knowing I would try anyway. But before I left, I swore an oath that I would find a way to return, that someday we would be together, and nothing would separate us again. Mab tried to convince me to return to the Winter Court—I was her only prince now, and it was my duty to come home—but I bluntly stated that I was no longer part of the Unseelie Court, that my service to her and Winter was at an end.

There is nothing more terrible than a spurned faery queen, particularly if that was the second time you’d defied her. I escaped the Winter Court with my life intact, but just barely, and I won’t be returning any time soon. Regardless, I feel little regret at turning my back on my queen, my kith, and my home. That part of my life is done. My loyalty, and my heart, belongs to another queen now.

I promised I’d find a way for us to be together. I intend to keep that promise. Even if it means trekking through a sprawling, deadly marsh in search of a rumor. Even if it means putting up with my fiercest and most annoying rival, Robin Goodfellow who—despite all his attempts to hide it—is in love with my queen as well. I don’t know why I haven’t killed him yet. Maybe because Puck is Meghan’s closest friend, and she would mourn him terribly if he were gone (though I can’t understand why). Or, maybe, deep down, I’m tired of being alone.

In any case, it matters little. With every ruin we search, every dragon we slay or every rumor we unearth, I’m one step closer to my goal. Even if it takes a hundred years, I will be with her in the end. Another piece of the puzzle lurks somewhere in this dreary swampland. The only difficulty lies in finding it.

*faints* And I'm the one that's posting this! But still it is so exciting! I love, love, LOVE Ash! And here's some proof.

That little black writting all over the pencil case? Yep, thats Ash's name. I am a true fan.
Here is the version with the flash on.

And here is the version without the flash. :) I feel proud of myself. It took me a whole month to do all that.

*sighs* I do not regret my efforts. They have been well spent. But anyway, back onto Julie Kagawa news. She is releasing the Iron Knight in October so be on the lookout for it then. Oh yea, Teaser Tuesday will be commencing in August. Yaaaay!
Also, Julie Kagawa is releasing a new series in the spring of 2012. It's called The Immortal Rules and the first book is called The Blood of Eden. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world and instead of faeries...Mrs Kagawa has moved onto vampires. Tee hee. But do not fear fellow Iron Fey Fans, she is also releasing another Iron Fey trilogy that is set several years after the events of the first Iron Fey Series and stars an older Ethan Chase, Meghan's brother. *squeals* Isn't that awesome? I seriously can't wait. I don't know when the first book is comming out or what it's called but I'm sure it's gonna be as awesome as the first series. Mrs Kagawa has outdone herself, yet again.

You can check on Julie Kagawa's blog for the link to her livestream replay for all those who didn't get to see it. *sighs* I think my work here is done for the day. I'll post later.

Cya!

Back cover reveal

Ok so I know I said that I wouldn't be blogging for a while but I have free time between periods at school so I can write this. Julie Kagawa released the  back cover for the Iron Knight :) Though there's not synopsis yet, it still looks pretty cool. It features Puck so all you Puck fans out there, do not worry, he gets a part in the cover. Team Ash all the way!!



See??? Tis very cool!!

Anyway I signed up to FanFiction.net so you guys can check out my account if you want. I'm ZandyTandy *obviously*. I'll be posting my first bit of my book on my account so....yea :)

Cya!!

Cover Reveal!!! EEE

Weeelll, I know that I haven't been on this blog for a while but let me tell you, that was only because I had to hand it in to ICT...my poor poor computer...

Anny way I will get onto the exciting stuff now :D

A few days ago (6 days ago to be exact :P) Julie Kagawa released her e-novella and *drum roll* The Iron Knight's cover! *squeals* It is epic may I say :D
And now....without further ado (I love that word)....here it is!!!!!!!!




AAAHHH isn't it awesome????????? I LOVE IT! I'm so excited *squeals and runs around*

Woa I need to calm down heaps...

Blurb for Summers Crossing

I have just discovered the blurb for Julie Kagawas novellla Summers Crossing, today.

I don't know about you but after reading this I totally flipped. But only because Ash was involved :) Oh how I love Ash. *dreams*

So....here we go :) Enjoy

A Midsummer's Nightmare?Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

Oops

I guess letting my friend write something on my blog didn't go as planned. In the end she locked me in a closet, threatening to release the cupcakes....strange I know.
Anyway, Julie Kagawa has released the cover for her new novella, Summers Crossing, today. Wanna see it?





















Pretty isn't it? I'm not a Puck fan (Ash all the way!) but I have to say that this cover is quite nice. I'm looking forward to the release of it. It's free for download from June 1st onward :)

Who else is excited?