Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Online library loan
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: e-book, 59 pages
Release Date: June 1, 2010

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....

So, funny story. I actually did read this book when it first came out, contrary to what I had been thinking when I started reading it again a few days ago. It wasn't until I got to the end of the book and the "ancient, powerful hunter" was revealed that I went, "oh! I have read this!" Is that because this book is lame and forgettable?

A million times no.

I think it's probably just that I feel like ALL of Julie Kagawa's work is brilliant and engaging so I ignored the signs that everything was sounding a little too familiar. Winter's Passage is a brilliant edition to the Iron Fey series.

Since Winter's Passage is set between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter, I had to adjust to going backwards on Meghan's character from the completely awesome, scene-owning girl I had grown used to from The Iron Queen. Fortunately, Meghan was shown in mostly a good light and I loved the compassion and resilience she displayed.

Oh, Ash. As much as I love Puck, I'm glad that he wasn't in this novella because it means we got so much more time with the Ice Prince! It's heart-achingly clear from this read that Ash's feelings for Meghan are developing rapidly and watching them get closer was perfect and had me beaming on every page. I want to re-read this whole series!

Then, of course, there was Kagawa's signature adventure style. Winter's Passage plunges straight into an exciting, fast-paced chase back to Tir Na Nog (Fairyland!) and there isn't a moment of boredom. I loved the looming threat of the Hunter and when he was finally introduced, I was hanging on to every word. Talk about making the most of 59 pages!

A must-read for fans of The Iron Fey series.

Cover Comments: I love the wolf eyes! I didn't really understand it before reading but now that I have, it's perfect.

Wait! There's more!

I've literally JUST seen on Julie Kagawa's blog that this novella along with Summer's Crossing and a new novella (eeee!) entitled Iron's Prophecy PLUS some super special additional content - like the first chapter of the new Iron Fey book - will be published in print! This sure to be amazing anthology will be called The Iron Legends and will be out from Harlequin Teen on August 28th.

EXCITED? I am.