Review: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

You know what? Julie Kagawa is an evil genius. If that wasn’t evident with the ending in The Iron Queen or even with The Immortal Rules, she definitely drove the point home with The Iron Traitor‘s ending. I’m a little stunned this time around because I’m left wondering how she’ll manage to end this thing in the next book. You’ll have to excuse me if this review seems a little scattered, but the last few pages blew my little socks off into next Tuesday.

It’s interesting that I’d have such a strong reaction to this installment because for the majority of the novel, I didn’t feel it was as strong as Kagawa’s previous works. The tone is more subdued, the witty banter is not as frequent and the overall novel just feels, for a lack of a better word, low. In hindsight, I guess that all makes sense because THAT ENDING. But it’s also more than that, I realize. I knew this novel carried heavy implications for the characters. The title itself clearly gave that away as did the foreboding mannerisms of the original trio: Ash, Puck and Meghan. However, even going in knowing this, I’m still impressed that Kagawa went there. Brutally.

I realize that this review is not being very helpful, so allow me to backtrack and give you a little something about the book. But it’s probably not a good idea to read the rest of this review if you haven’t read The Lost Prince.

What I loved:

As usual, Kagawa writes fun, relatable characters. I always know when I pick up one of her books that I’m going to laugh and fall in love with her cast. It’s unavoidable and lovely. Ethan just wants a normal life with his girlfriend, Kenzie, the girl who is dying. He’d like nothing more for the fey to leave him and, more importantly, Kenzie alone. But Kenzie wants to live the rest of her life free from restrictions and craves the adventures the Nevernever provides. After trying his hardest to keep her away from Their world, they set out to look for Keirran, who has not returned to the iron realm after their last adventure. As always, there is a prophecy involved that neither Ethan or Keirran is aware of, one that has the potential to bring an end to everything. Ominously awesome, right?

I loved Keirran especially. He’s mysterious, broken, tortured and b-b-bad to the bone. Well, not really that last one, but I just wanted an excuse to say that. That is, unfortunately, the impression that he gives everyone, including Ethan, who internally struggles with his feelings of both resentment and family duty. The dynamic between Keirran and Ethan allowed for two deeper messages in the storyline, more so than I remember in Kagawa’s other novels.

1. How far do you go to help out a family member? There’s no doubt that Ethan has the most to lose and little to gain from helping Keirran. Ethan blames Keirran’s existence for the reason why he lost his sister Meghan to the Nevernever. Interestingly, while he remains deeply bitter about the ordeal, he always comes through for Keirran when he needs the help, even against better judgement.

2. How do you let the one you love go? What I didn’t expect to find in this spin-off was the underlying message of letting loved ones go. Ethan and Keirran aren’t so different. They are both outsiders and in love with girls who are terminally ill. It’s a terrible situation to see one character in, let alone two. (In case you missed it, please refer to my second sentence: Julie Kagawa is an evil genius.) The difference between the two guys is their readiness to let their love interests go. I’m not entirely convinced that Ethan is ready, but there are certain lines he has made clear he won’t cross, even if that means prolonging Kenzie’s life. The same can’t be said for Keirran, who would destroy the world if that meant he could spend just an hour more with Annwyl.

There’s no doubt in my mind that the next book will make me cry a river, but I’m left wondering: At whose loss? How can any of this possibly end well? At least with The Iron Fey series, you had an idea of how things could conclude, though, of course, Kagawa didn’t go that route.  But with The Call of the Forgotten, I’m mystified and worried because THAT ENDING. There’s only one thing left I can do: Hold out until the next book and hope my heart can take whatever Kagawa decides to dish.

*ARC was received from YABC and the HarlequinTeen. Thank you! No monies or gifts were exchanged for this review. I am genuinely a Kagawa fangirl!