Sep 23, 2012

Review: The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

The Lost Prince
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 379
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Rating: 4.5/5
*A copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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’s 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 myths 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 name is Ethan Chase. And I may not live to see my eighteenth birthday.


   The Lost Prince is the first book in author Julie Kagawa's Call of the Forgotten series. The book follows the story of Ethan Chase- Meghan Chase's younger brother. Being a huge fan of the original Iron Fey series, I was extremely excited when I found out Julie Kagawa was writing another series set in this magical world. After reading this book, I can confidently say that Julie Kagawa has done it again! The Lost Prince is the perfect example on how all spin-offs should be- Iron fey fans old and new will not be disappointed!

   Before getting into the review, I will say that if you have not read the Iron Fey series, there will be spoilers in this review.  I also advise those who have NOT yet read Iron Legends (the newest Iron Fey novella) to also beware of possible spoilers. It is very important to read the Iron Legends novella before reading The Lost Prince- if you do not, I assure you that you will easily become confused. Meghan and Ash's final story in the novella (entitled Iron Prophecy) answers many questions that appear in The Lost Prince- trust me, I read The Lost Prince first and found myself feeling like a lost puppy!

   The most drastic change in The Lost Prince is that we are no longer reading through Meghan or Ash's POV- instead we are following the journey of another character, Meghan's younger brother Ethan. At first I was a little sceptical on the story being told through Ethan's POV. Not only do I usually not enjoy male POVs (except Ash's in The Iron Knight...THAT was good :P) but I also worried about whether or not Ethan had an exciting enough story to tell. Luckily I was proven wrong! Reading Ethan's opinions and experiences allows us to get a close look into a human's perspective on the faery world. Although Ethan's ways of thinking are at times frustrating, it was also a very interesting experience. You get a unique look into how decisions made in the other series have effected the lives of others. It is a point of view we rarely get to see in Y.A. Fiction.

   The Lost Prince continued to show off Julie Kagawa's unique and addicting way of storytelling. The plot contained an endless amount of mystery and suspense that leads into book two, as well as a romance that is both sweet and heartbreaking. The relationship between Ethan and Kenzie might not be as dominant or intense as the one in the Iron Fey series, but it will definitely fuel the love-metre all the romantics out there need! Ethan and Kenzie's relationship roadblock is exposed towards the end of the novel- I had tears in my eyes (as I'm sure you will too) while reading this emotional  part of the book :'( Kenzie's character was also a great addition to the series. She has a strength in her that was admirable and a personality that was loveable. She's able to transform Ethan  from a cold, dark stone, into a lighter and more understanding character.

   Iron Fey fans will be happy to know that our favourite characters all make cameos in The Lost Prince. Yes, you read that right! Meghan, Ash, Puck, Razor, and even Grimlakin make special appearances that will have you reminiscing  about the previous series. We also finally get introduced to Kierran- Meghan and Ash's son. I found it absolutely amazing reading about Kierran- his character possesses traits of both Ash and Meghan...and even a little bit of Puck! And like father like son, we also get a glimpse into Kierran's own forbidden love story! Another thing I  happened to notice was how much Meghan and Ash have definitely grown in between the two series- their new parental roles have added a maturity to them that bleeds through the page. Oh...*sniffles*...I miss you Ash and Meghan!!! *starts bawling* Plus, seeing Ash as a dad was incredibly hot....just sayin' !

Favourite Quotes...

"That was awesome," she said, weaving around the edge of the mat when I stepped off the floor, breathing hard. "I had no idea you could do...that. Congratulations, you're a certified bad ass."
~~~~~
"You appear to have the same recklessness as your sister, always rushing into things without thinking them through."
"Don't compare me to Meghan," I said narrowing my eyes. "I'm not like her."
"Indeed. She, at least, had a pleasant personality."
~~~~~
"Kierran, dove. Your gremlin. Please keep it under control." The Exhile Queen pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed heavily. "Worse than having Robin Goodfellow in my house"
~~~~~
"I want to do one more sweep, one last search around the cave, just in case we missed aything." He glanced over his shoulder, smirking. "Care to join me, Goodfellow?"
"Oh, ice-boy. A moonlight stroll with you? Do you even have to ask?"

Overall...

   Overall, The Lost Prince was filled with love, action, suspense, heartbreak, and even a blast-from-the-past that will make readers fall in love with the series! It is an emotional roller-coaster that will have readers missing  old characters, loving new ones, and enjoying the journey back into the Nevernever! A must read for all bookworms! I can't wait for the sequel! I also want to say a quick thank-you to Harlequin TEEN for giving me the opportunity to review this book before its release date! I really appreciate it! Are you excited to read The Lost Prince? Do you miss The Iron Fey gang? Be sure to let me know in the comments! Keep Reading!

Your Y.A. Bookworm,
Caitlin <3
   

9 comments:

  1. SQUEEEEEE!! The Lost Prince!! I soo wanna read this! Great review! Hop by sometime? I have a new review up on le blog ;).
    http://ebonyblacklines.blogspot.co.uk/

    Btw I have a new photography blog and I was wondering if you would follow it and tell me what you think? x Thank you!
    http://afairytaleofphotos.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, it's so exciting! I stopped by and followed your photography blog- LOVED your flower pictures :)

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  2. I'm SO excited to read this book, however I do have to read the Iron Queen and The Iron Knight first:)

    Danna

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    Replies
    1. You've got to read the last two- sooo good ! =D

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  3. My patience is really starting to run out waiting for this book...

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    Replies
    1. Hang in there! Less than a month away :D *starts countdown*

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  4. I've already heard so many good reviews about this pretty! UGH!!! Why won't the release day come faster?!?! Fabulous review!

    A Sprinkle of Books

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  5. Thank-you!! I hate waiting for release days- what really sucks about reading this early is the fact I have to wait longer for book two :(

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