Iron's Prophecy (The Iron Fey)

4.5 Stars

Yay! I love seeing Meghan and Ash together as a couple. I greatly missed Meghan in The Iron Knight and it is nice to see a part of the life that she and Ash have after being married. They are getting ready for the first Elesium that Meghan has gone to as the Iron Queen but she is feeling a little weird nausea and almost fainting….hmmm wonder what that could be.

The oracle that once asked for Ash and Meghan’s first born has bad news about their progeny and they must journey to her for the answers to their future. Again with Grimalkin and Puck we are off for another little adventure.
-- How are you doing this?” I continued, frowning at him. “And if you say ‘I am a cat,’ I swear I will throw you off this balcony.”

I loved seeing the new Ash. Sure he will always be Ice-Boy but he is a little more human now he has a soul. Plus without having to always watch his back the way he did at the winter court he had become the best version of himself and there were a lot of tender moments between him and Meghan (I eat that sappy girl stuff up) I’m really happy that I took the time to read this.

This is great set up for the new series and the troubles that Ethan and Maghan’s son could cause to the world and to Faery. I look forward to reading tales of their adventures and now I can see why some of the things I read in the Forgotten Prince happened the way they did. I probably should have read this one first and I would have better understood a few looks and ideas that weren’t clear in the first book of the new series. But I’m all in now.

This is a great read with equal parts humor/tenderness/adventure but it should probably be read before starting the new series beginning with The Forgotten Prince.

Meh...The overall thought about this was meh. I mean - yea Meghan has gotten pretty bad ass and this proves it however…. This story was just..It felt like it was set up to extend the story even further. I just don’t know why. Maybe I felt that the series was complete at the end of Iron Knight. I just wasn’t enamored with this though. Why not just give them the happy ending? Why do we drag the oracle back into this mess AND THEN make her crazy?! Why can’t they just get good news with no strings attached!? Sighs. I didn’t love this and while it was nice to see the 3 (4 if you count Grim) back together again, I wish it had been under better circumstances.

I had an interesting experience reading this short novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series because I have already read The Lost Prince, first book in the Call of the Forgotten spin-off series. This novella focuses on Meghan and Ash's quest to find out the meaning to the Oracle's prophecy that their soon-to-be-born son could cause the destruction of all of Fairy. Eventually they find that their son will be involved with Meghan's brother in some way. Tragedy might ensue. Having already finished the first book in the spin-off series, I already know how these two young men will come to know each other. It still remains to see if they will be leading themselves toward fulfillment of the scary prophetic vision.

It is a pretty strait-forward plot without a lot of bells and whistles. Meghan and Ash are there. Puck arrives to help them on their quest. Grim fades in and out to provide words of wisdom and guidance. It is all that I have come to expect from The Iron Fey series.

I loved seeing the interaction between Ash and Meghan as a married couple. It was all that I missed from The Iron Knight story that concluded this series. Meghan is a strong queen for the Iron Realm. Ash stands as her knight and protector. Their conversations were probably my favorite part of this short story. Ash has a good share of swoon worthy lines. Call me sappy, but I loved it every time he called her "my queen." And when Meghan proves her action hero awesomeness? Ash's actions toward her were AMAZING. Loved it!

Puck is Puck in this one. Maybe he was a bit too Puck, if that makes any sense. I liked seeing all sides of him throughout this series, and in this book he 'smirked' a little too often for my taste. But I still love the guy. Lots.

Julie Kagawa's descriptive language is once again perfect. She paints a picture of the world of fey that is absolutely gorgeous. I feel like I am right there with the characters.

Overall I would say that this is a great addition to the series for those who are already mega-fans. There is nothing about the story that is critical to know before beginning the spin-off series involving Ethan Chase, but it is still interesting to know the prophecy involving him. Knowing that makes me curious to see how the entire series plays out. Four stars!

Meaghan Chase has finally been reunited with her beloved Prince Ash, and he's now immune to iron. Happily ever after, right? Not exactly. Julie Kagawa's short story "Iron's Prophecy" features a new threat to the Iron Queen and her domain -- and a nice bridge into a new series featuring her brother, Ethan.

It's time for a fey holiday known as Elysium, where the monarchs of the different realms meet. For Ash and Meaghan, it's their first Elysium as newlyweds -- and to make things even more awkward, it's in the Winter Court with Ash's estranged mother. So they're already expecting problems, but nothing they can't handle.

Then the oracle interrupts the Elysium, revealing two shocking facts: Meaghan is pregnant, and her baby spells possible doom for the Fey. To avert this, Meaghan, Ash and Puck must set out on a journey to find the oracle, in hopes of avoiding whatever fate may have in store for the child. Or is it a trap?

"Iron's Prophecy" is a little frustrating as a short story, because it ends on a sorta-kinda-cliffhanger, with no resolution to the story's main conflict. It's actually less an independent story than a bridge to Kagawa's next Fey book, "The Lost Prince" -- and it does an excellent job setting up the conflict and characters that will presumably be essential for that story.

That said, it's nice to see how Meaghan and Ash have finally settled into their new life, and the rising presence of the Iron Fey in the Nevernever. It's particularly satisfying to see the vicious Mab dismissed by the newlyweds, considering how much grief she's given them.

Most of the story is made up of a grim journey to get to the oracle, and the dream-world revelation of what Meaghan and Ash's baby might someday do. It casts a grey cloud over everything. But despite the grim tone of the plot, the inclusion of Puck adds a lighter note to the story (such as his description of his adventures in Japan).

And it's nice to see how the characters have matured over time. Ash is warmer and more thoughtful, but still tough as steel; Meaghan is embracing her role as queen among other monarchs, and even becomes something of an Action Chick. And Puck... is Puck. Mischievous, irrepressible, and a little wacky.

"Iron's Prophecy" feels unfinished as a short story, but is an excellent bridge to Julie Kagawa's spin-off series. On to "The Iron Prince!"

Meghan is now pregnant! But of course the Oracle had told her back in book 2 or 3 about some future child being troublesome, and then reappears to remind her of that. Hence guess what! A new quest. By now, even though they brought back all our favorite characters for one more last hoorah, and brought back our adventurous spirit, I still could not get into it. It did not seem to NEED to be written. But I am glad that they showed how they were doing after. Overall, its a fun short story, giving us one last adventure. When it was done, I felt relief. I think I will be putting off the spin off to this series, I think just for a little while.

Iron's Prophecy, once more, takes readers to the world of Meghan Chase. She is now queen of the Iron Realm, and by her side is the ever gorgeous former prince of Winter, her knight and husband, Ash. It seems life is as it should be for Meghan Chase. Suddenly, at the night of Elysium, the Oracle appears before the crowd of Fae while they celebrate, and she says she has a very important message to the Iron Queen. Something about the one she's carrying...

I got really excited over this novella. I mean, c'mon! Kierran's going to make his debut... well, sort of. And I could never get enough of Ash. Not to mention Puck and Grim are making their appearances again. Everyone's come back together for one last hurrah! I'm a little sad about knowing this is their last appearance though but I wouldn't miss it for the world.

I didn't expect the side of Ash that I found here. He really has changed quite a lot - and when I say a lot, I really mean, A LOT! He seems very sweet and affectionate now than the previous books, a little to cheesy for my taste sometimes but with Ash and Meghan; it's about time they got to the disgustingly mushy couple atmosphere! If you've been a fan of the series, you probably know why. If not, well let's just say Ash has been the brooding, lock-up-all-your-emotions type of guy. And this is probably the only time he got that sweet with words over the entire span of the book.

Iron's Prophecy isn't as adventurous as the other novellas. But I'd say this book still gave me closure over what's happening in all the characters' lives after the events that occurred in the Iron Queen and the Iron Knight. Although Meghan, Ash, Puck and Grim's journey has come to an end, we're about to see a new adventure unveil through Ethan and Kierran... and I can't wait to see how the Oracle's vision would come to.

This novella takes place in between The Iron Knight and The Lost Prince; in fact it reads somewhat like an episode cut from the end of the former for length.

So if you are reading the Iron Fey novels, do you absolutely need to read this?

In this case, yes. Having read The Lost Prince I can now assert that it does NOT reveal the critical information found only in this story, information that will explain why all of Faery trembles at the thought of Keirran and why Meghan Chase trembles in particular at the thought of Kierran and Ethan Chase come together.

In this episode the Iron Quartet (Meghan, Ash, Puck, and Grim) suits up for one last quest. The Oracle they've dealt with before is sounding a clearer Warning of Doom for all of Faery, and Meghan is going to receive a shocking prediction and be forced to make an even more shocking decision that will set the next Iron Fey series in motion.

So what it comes down to is that you will want to read this before you read the first book of the new series.

Note: Non-Kindle users finally have an alternative: The Iron Legends: Winter's Passage\Summer's Crossing\Iron's Prophecy collects this along with the two previous Kindle-only novellas: Winter's Passage and Summer's Crossing, and Kindle users who haven't already purchased the first two novellas separately can opt for the Kindle version of the collection: The Iron Legends: Winter's Passage\Summer's Crossing\Iron's Prophecy.

Note: The question has been raised whether this can be categorized as Steampunk; IMHO based on the first three books, the answer is no, though there are "steampunkish" elements.

This novella is used as a bridge between Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series and her new spin off series, The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten.

If you have read the blurb then you know that Ash and Meghan are together and that she is pregnant with their first child. Meghan is visited by the Oracle while her and Ash are at Winter's Elysium. She is reminded of the prophecy that was so quickly forgotten before... In The Iron Queen it was told to Meghan that her and Ash's unborn child would bring them nothing but grief.

The Oracle would now like to give Meghan a glimpse into one of the possible futures that may come to pass. In this future we see a glimpse of their son standing over a bloody, dead body. Who is dead? Well I am not going to tell you that... but I strongly suggest you read this before you start The Lost Prince so that you can find out.

This is a quick read but it was nice to get a bit more of Ash, Meghan, Puck and Grimalkin. I know the spin off series is in the same 'world' but I am unsure as to who is going to play a part so any extra time with these guys is a good thing.

"This is real. This is what's important to me now. I'm not worried about the future, whatever it brings. I have all I need, right here."

Christine
Rainy Day Reads

Iron's Prophecy was interesting. I don't think it really fit as an ending novella to The Iron Fey series. It probably would work better as a prequel for the spinoff, since I suspect the Oracle's prophecy is going to one of the main conflicts of that series. Either way, I did like this glimpse into Meghan's life as the Iron Queen. Things can't stay peaceful for long, so of course the Oracle has to pop up and freak everyone out over something that might happen. Meghan has a tough decision to make though, since it all comes down to the two things she loves most in the world. She made the obvious choice, but given that futures aren't set in stone, it makes sense. I just hope that means there's exciting things to come!

Puck is awesome, as usual. He shows more depth in this story, more feeling and more heart. Ash is as icy as ever, and you'll love to hate him just like always. Meghan is still the same girl, who's clueless when it comes to Puck's feelings until they're slapping her in the face, and all of these things make this story a great bridge to the rest of the series. Prophecies are always full of vague references, suspense, and mystery- all things that make a GREAT book. If you're looking for something thought provoking- this really isn't your thing. If you like fantasy and epic adventure- pick this up and READ!

This story takes place after The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4) and if you've read thru the Iron Knight, this is an absolute MUST-READ! If you haven't read the Iron Fey series thru #4 first!

I'm so in love with this whole series. Every one has been a masterpiece of storytelling. This short story pulled at my heartstrings with the turn of every page. Meghan and Ash are just so perfect together. When Ash says..."As you wish, my queen", my heart melted. I can hardly wait to start the Lost Prince!

Thank you, Julie Kagawa for your books...

5 STARS!!!!!!

Iron's Prophecy was one of the most exciting short stories Julie Kagawa has ever written. Rather than creating a bridge between two story lines that is unessential to the plot, Kagawa essentially gives us a very important prologue to the Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten series.

While we get to see our favorite characters from the Iron Fey series, the important part of the novel is the prophecy they receive because it sets the tone for the spinoff series. While the prophecy is never specifically addressed in The Lost Prince (the first novel in the Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten series), it is the driving force behind a few of the mysteries in the novel.

While you don't necessarily have to read Iron's Prophecy in order to follow the events in The Lost Prince it would certainly behoove you to do so. There are a lot of subtle references and wary looks between the older characters that you will not understand unless you have read this novella. It is action packed and exciting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. After finishing Iron's Prophecy, you will most likely want to immediately pick up The Lost Prince.

Still swooning and so ready for The Lost Prince.
This little story brings us into the life of Meghan and Ash as a family. It's what us readers wanted from the get-go, and we all got our wish. I love how these novellas bring the stories together even more than the books already do. A clever tie-in!
Yes, Grimalkin still has my heart, but I am so eager to see what kind of a hunk Keirran turns into. Weird to say, but I have a feeling he is soon going to be my new book-crush!

A great addition to the series and a perfect opening to the spin off.

This reminded me all over again why Kagawa is a mater story teller and how very much I have missed Meghan, Ash, Puck, and even Grim.

This was awesome. It had great humor (love ya puck!) and I loved to see Meghan and Ash's happy ending, how they acted now that they were happily married. A great addition to the series, with a hint of what's to come in the future. :)

"Iron's Prophecy" was awesome and I absolutely loved it! I love Ash, Meghan, and Puck, so it was great to see their characters again and find out what happened after "Iron Knight." If you're a fan of The Iron Fey Series, then I definitely suggest reading this. You won't regret it!