There aren't enough positive things I can say about this book. Seriously, this is one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read. I've never done this, but I actually contacted the author to let her know how much I enjoyed this book. It's packed with action, horror, early budding romance, loyalty, and sorrow.

Meghan Chase just turned 16. On her birthday, she discovers her brother has been kidnapped by the Unseelie Fae, and her best friend isn't who she thought he was. Meghan decides to plunge forward on an epic quest to rescue her four year old brother, Ethan.

This book is action packed. Every chapter kept me on the edge of my seat. Something was always happening...there was little to no down-time, which I really liked. I haven't really experienced a book that kept moving as fluidly as this one did. On Meghan's journey through Nevernever, she is always moving around, always facing some sort of danger, always making deals to save her friends, and almost dying several times. She makes new friends, more enemies, and finds love with an Unseelie Prince who is just as likely to kill her.

I really liked the Ash-Meghan relationship. I could feel it, which is something I haven't felt in the last few YA books I've read. I liked their interaction, and I really liked Ash's character. As the Unseelie Prince, he's cold and pretty ruthless. But spending forced time with Megan thaws him out, so to speak. He shows very tender moments. The beginning of the book portrays him as a bad guy, and throughout most of the book, you aren't quite sure which way he'll go.

Even the secondary characters are nicely developed. Robin "Puck" Goodfellow is hilarious. I can see him as the guy you'd be best friends with. Always joking, but extremely loyal. Grim is also a great character. He serves as the leader figure throughout the novel. He starts on the journey by helping Meghan find her way for a price, but soon her realizes he'll receive much entertainment from watching Megan deal with Puck and Ash, who are also mortal enemies and are constantly jabbing at each other. By the end of the book, I think Grim cares for Meghan. I'm sure we'll see the sarcastic cat again. His favor from Meghan basically implies it.

All in all, WOW. I almost want to re-read this book right now, just so I can experience the novel again. I'm so happy this is book one of a 3-book sequel. "The Iron Daughter" comes out later this year, and I cannot wait.

This is Julie Kagawa's first book, and she's sure to make quite an impression in the young adult/fantasy community. I can't wait to see more from Ash, Meghan, and Puck.