In My Mailbox -23-

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren every Sunday. In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that lets everyone see what books you have received or bought that week.

For Review

1. Presidential Risk - Michael Bronte

2. Homecoming - Jason Garrett

Many thanks to Ryan from Yorkshire Publishing for these books for review.

Won

1. The Sisters from Hardscrabble Bay - Beverly Jensen

I won this through Penguin Canada's Exclusive Reads program. Thank you Penguin!

Bought

1. The Ark - Boyd Morrison

That is what I received in my mailbox this week, what did you get in yours?

The Iron King - Julie Kagawa

MEGHAN CHASE

HAS A SECRET DESTINY-

ONE SHE COULD NEVER

HAVE IMAGINED...

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school...or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth--that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face...and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

Title: The Iron King

Author: Julie Kagawa

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Faeries

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: February 1, 2010

My Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this book and don't know why I waited so long to read it! It starts out with Meghan being ridiculed at school, so immediately we are sympathizing with her and rooting for her. She realizes that things are decidedly peculiar, especially when her brother has been replaced with a changeling. She embarks on a journey to Faery to save him, all the while learning a few startling facts about herself along the way.

The detail was amazing, it felt like I was part of the entourage, and was experiencing everything firsthand. The characters were well developed, though I didn't actually like Meghan on the first leg of her journey. As she grew as a person, I found that I enjoyed reading about her more and more. I absolutely loved Grimalkin, and found his mannerisms completely true in keeping with his breed. Why? Because he is a cat. He definitely acted like one, and I loved his sarcastic and all-knowing voice.

I haven't decided yet whether I like Ash or Puck more. They both bring different qualities to the table. They are both intricate characters, and I can't wait to learn more about them throughout the rest of the books.

I enjoyed the references to Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Stardust.

The only thing that I thought detracted from the story, was the ending. There was a lot of build up, and I was waiting, and waiting for Meghan to come into her own, and realize her potential, especially in the final "fight" scene. For all of the buildup, the scene was too short. I would have enjoyed it more had it been fleshed out more and the struggle more of a struggle. Things just seemed to be too easy. However, the attention to detail with the Iron King's territory was excellent.

All in all, I'd say that this was an excellent debut. The story was fresh, fun, and enjoyable. I felt we were immersed fully into the Faery world, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I look forward to the next book in the series, as well as any future works from Kagawa.

Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch - Douglas Rees

Kestrel (don't call her Susan) Murphy is angry. Forced to leave her posh San Francisco Bay Area home by her father's illness, she's living in Jurupa (sounds like vomiting), Southern California. It's too hot. The people are stupid. And you have to chew the air to get the oxygen out of it. On the plus side, Kestrel is a witch. Well, a witch-in-training. And she's going acquire the magic she needs to get her life back to normal. At first, she barely notices the people around her-Aunt Ariel, who's taken her in and is herself a well-known white witch; Jose Iturrigaray, the quiet, talented young artist; Blake Cump, troublemaker extraordinaire; Laura Greenwood, who wants to be Kestrel's friend. But life has its own magic, and gradually Kestrel finds that much of one's success as a witch lies in being open to it.

(Synopsis taken from goodreads.com)

Title: Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch

Author: Douglas Rees

Genre: Young Adult, Witchcraft

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: July 1, 2010

My Rating: 3/5

The book opens up and we find Kestrel stating that she isn't a white witch, she's leaning more to the dark side. She has been sent away from her parent's house and is living with her aunt temporarily. She starts writing her own grimoire and this book is the sum of her journey. We follow her path as she discovers certain truths about life, and herself; all the while battling school, bullies, and learning what witchcraft really is.

Kestrel has a strong voice, and is very independent. Her story is enjoyable, and the lessons learned are applicable to all of us. I found the story humorous, lighthearted and engaging, and I couldn't help but root for her, and hope that everything turned out well for her. I think younger teens would be able to relate to this story well.

All in all, this book is a coming of age story, with a sarcastic, and humorous bent. It is definitely a cute and enjoyable read.

Disclaimer: This book was obtained through netgalley, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Harlequin Teen for sending me this copy to review.