What I liked:
Division in the NeverNever has always been a hard pill for Megan Chase; married to the ice prince Ash, she only wants a united world. So when Megan and her companions are again pulled into yet another layer of the fairy world, this time to a world of nightmares, she has one goal to save the even fey and unite her world. The Nightmares are creepy, and there is a definite layer of horror overlying the fantasy of the evenfall land. The new characters we encounter, such as the eccentric Gileas from the library, are unique as many of the other fey Kagawa has created in her fey series. The characters in this series are as dear to me as the Shannara books, as each set of books is set within a period and place and has an end goal. Still, the one for this set is bittersweet, as we never know when we will be venturing back to the never, never, if ever.
Final Verdict:
If you have an aversion to horror elements or spiders, then this final book may be a bit much for you, it is in the dark range of the series, but that is to be expected when you travel into a world full of twisted nightmare fey. The ending wraps up on a happy note that will bring you tears if you have been a fan of this series for as long as I have. You're saying goodbye to old friends, but there always be there in the NeverNever, waiting for you.

I was not prepared for how much this book would affect me. I laughed. I cried. I was not prepared for the ending. It was wonderfully written and still had all the same notes as the previous books. But this time we follow Meghan. We started right back where we left off where our heroes need to find The Nightmare King before he wakes up and destroys the Nevernever.

We delve into the mysterious world of the Evenfey and meet a new cast of characters straight out of nightmares. There's more Elder Nightmares and Named Elder Nightmares and Meghan and Co must fight them....without any of their magic. This adds another desperate aspect for them because who are they without their magic? Who are they without the magic that makes them Fey? And can they track down the Nightmare King before he wakes up? Can they destroy him without any magic whatsoever?

This was a wonderful finale to this series and I really loved that it brought everything right back around. I cried SO MUCH at the end and it was so perfect. I think you'll love this just as much as I did.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of the iron vow by julie kagawa. this was the 3rd in a series and it was fantastic. i dont want to give much since this is late in the series but this is something to check out. i look forward to stocking them in my store.

A good end to a great series. Dangers and terrible fights for survival of Nevernever, the Earth and more. If they can't find a way to defeat the Nightmare King all may be lot. Old friends and new gather together for this grand fight. I enjoyed spending time with all the characters and it seems that a series of disasters set in course a long time ago may finally be ended. It is not only survival but forgiveness and redemption that is at stake and the way it is all wrapped up is very satisfying.

The only draw back was the series of trials seemed to drag on a little too long. That part is a bit repetitive even though I thought the different nightmare creatures were well crafted. This is the end of a trilogy which really needs to be read to understand all of what is going on. It is also part of a greater arc of stories that don't need to be read to understand what is going on here because of recaps but a lot of the context and emotional investment in the characters is missing if you haven't read them. It is a very good YA fantasy series and definitely worth reading.

It all ends here…The journey through Evenfall was as horrid as it was fascinating and made "The Iron Vow" a remarkable finale.

Told from Meghan’s pov, it’s a race against the clock to figure out how to stop the Nightmare King from waking and destroying everything. Along the way, the characters meet various Evenfey who have been surviving by vanquishing the King’s offerings (Nightmares) to obtain glamour.

The author has an impressive imagination. Her descriptions of Evenfall were masterfully written and affecting. Evenfall, a once thriving place much like the Nevernever, has become ruined, grotesque, and nightmarish. There’s been little to no hope of escaping this living nightmare for eons.

The more mind-blowing revelations and connections made, the sadder the story became. Encompassing everything Meghan and her companions have gone through since "The Iron King" (2011), everything the good denizens of Evenfey have suffered for eons, and everything the Nightmare King (yes, even him; you’ll see) had tried to do to save his people. As a whole, "The Iron Vow" reflects much of the real world. Fey living like enemies, rigid, old ways of thinking, division, and ostracization. It’s also a culmination of regrets for many of these characters - living with regret, regret for past choices, regret for what has been lost - and what they would do, will do, have done for love.

One of my favorite parts was the description during one fight scene where Meghan defeats an opponent all in one smooth move that was just so cool and badass. I like how Grimalkin and Gilleas (an Evenfey) kind of bonded over their shared annoyance of small talk and pointless conversations being a waste of time. I also liked how disarming the Bone Collector’s character (another Evenfey) was. Very polite and courteous about its thoughts and intentions as much as it was deadly serious about wanting their bones to make more stuff to curb its boredom. The interludes from an unknown’s pov (3rd person omniscient storyteller) really compliment the fairy tale aspects of the story and series altogether. The only problem I had with the story was the pacing.

When we finally do meet the Nightmare King, it was like the final boss battle of a video game: epic, arduous, exhilarating, and heart-stopping. I cried towards the end because there were way too many heart-strings being pulled. It was one of the best and most satisfying falling action arcs and conclusions I’ve ever read.

I’m so glad I picked up this series. I really enjoyed "The Iron Vow" and getting to know all of the characters, especially Grimalkin. Always, Grimalkin.

Thank you to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for the eARC to read in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley and Inkyard Press for this eARC so that I can leave an honest review.

Firstly, the horror elements were unexpected and incredibly well-executed. The different nightmares that the characters faced were varied and were absolutely the best part. The lack of magic for the characters was an interesting choice and made the story feel more grounded and interesting. The new characters in the Nightmare Lands were a welcome addition to the trilogy. Meghan's perspective was a refreshing change to the last two books, and Puck continued to be more enjoyable as a supporting character. The emotional investment in the characters was not incredibly strong, but I did almost shed a tear once toward the end.

The book did have some repetitive elements, such as the pattern of going somewhere, battling something, and moving on to the next challenge. The pop-culture references were a bit overdone at times and Puck's catchphrase "no touchie" to each baddie also got a little grating after a while. The epilogue was absolutely geared to those who have read the entire series rather than just the trilogy.

Overall enjoyable.

First book I’ve read of the series. This was read as an ARC, thank you netgalley and the author!

I don’t normally like the straight YA fantasy book, but the author did an excellent job jumping straight into the story. She had a prologue that laid the basis of the preceding books so I was not completely lost. She also had plenty of flashbacks and refreshers early in the book. The author took time here to make sure the reader understood every point of the plot and I really appreciate that since a lot of fantasy authors just throw you into their worlds.

All in all this book was a crazy never ending adventure through time, realms, magic and supernatural beast slaying. I really enjoyed the characters and I think I will go back and start at the proper book 1 and work my way back to this book. Very well written and enjoyable! Wasn’t my complete cup of tea but I can still recognize a great author and attention to detail when I see it

Over a decade later and these characters are still so lovable! What a satisfying conclusion to Meghan’s story. I laughed! I cried. While my prospective and general book preferences have changed since I was 12 years old when I first read The Iron King, I think my continued enjoyment of this world, this cast of classic and new characters, and their adventures truly demonstrates the timelessness of this tale.

I think I was in high school when the first books in this series came out...that was a long time ago at this point! I wasn't sure about revisiting a series and characters I read so long ago, but this was a nice return to this world and YA. Somehow this series still engages me many years later!

Whenever an author revisits one of their popular series, I’m always nervous, because it is so hard to capture the magic of the original series. But Julie Kagawa has done it perfectly here. It was the perfect blend of nostalgia and new adventures while also not messing with things that were gained in the original series. This is a great adventure story, packed with thrilling action and relatable characters. I enjoyed reading it, which I did in three days, because I simply could not wait to see how it ended.

The Iron Vow by Julie Kagawa is the 3rd and final book in her fantastic The Iron Fey: Evenfall trilogy. I loved that Kagawa started this book with a summary of the previous books in this trilogy, giving us a chance to remember everything. I loved this series, as Julie Kagawa has been added to my list of authors I must read.
Meghan and her group are now in Evenfall, a dangerous world filled with darkness, nightmares, creatures, and their determination to find the Nightmare King. With their magic slowly depleting, the danger escalates, as they are willing to risk everything to save the people of Evenfall, as well as Faery. It was great to see all of them (Meghan, Ash, Puck, Grim, Kieran and Nyx) again. Along the way, they face such terrifying attacks and though they survive, the battles have left them all bruised and beaten, with very little glamour left. With Evenfall slowly fading, Meghan is determined to find a way to break the curse done many years ago by the First Lady, and allow them to live again. Can they stop The Nightmare King from destroying all of Nevernever and Faery.

What follows is a fantastic, exciting, wild, action-packed dangerous adventure that brings everyone (including the courts) together to fight the evil entity that threatens the end of the world. Even with the ultra-powerful group, Meghan, Ash, Puck, Grim, Nyx, Keirran, as well as Evenfall soldiers who join them, the battles are brutal, horrific and dynamic. I do not want to give spoilers, as you need to read this book from start to finish. Fabulous finale.

The Iron Vow was a fascinating conclusion to this trilogy, and I loved all of the wonderful characters Kagawa created, such as Meghan, Puck, Ash, Grimalkin, and so many others. The Iron Vow was so well written by Julie Kagawa, with wonderful characters, fun humor, and a wild exciting, tense, action filled story. The amazing ending had a number of surprises, including the courts who needed to help to save the world. Thank you, Julie Kagawa for giving us such a fascinating series and conclusion.

I struggled with this book in ways I wasn't expecting given how much I l0ve everything Iron Fey.
I went back and reread Puck's and Ash's books and then dove into this one, and found myself frequently putting it down to read other things.
I think part of it is that I don't want this series to be over, but the other side of it may be caused by not being sure what success would look like for our weary band of mischief makers and world defenders.

I adore the teamwork between Ash, Puck, and Megan, and seeing their friendship over the years has been such a pillar of this series and was honestly the best part of this book.

Ash knows Megan so well, and the vulnerability she shows to only him really felt comfortable and familiar.

I do recommend this book to any who have loved the series, and am glad I read it. I just wish it had a little more of the spark I've felt from previous titles.

I just finished my ARC of the Iron Vow! Review below!

Such an amazing conclusion to Julie Kagawa’s 13-year long epic series! I fell in love with this series in my twenties, and I’m now in my mid-thirties - still laughing and crying with the characters I love.

We return to journey with Puck, Nyx, Keirran, Meghan, Ash, and Grimalkin as they enter Evenfall to stop the utter obliteration of Nevernever and the human world by the god-like Nightmare King. However, nothing could prepare them - or you - for the revelations that are to come. Fighting against time as the very world unravels, they are hunted by unstoppable beasts and Nightmares, While group finds surprising allies, they will also make worlds-shattering along the way. What must be sacrificed to save the Nevernever?

The Iron Vow is full of all the suspense, magic, snark, and fairytale twists and turns we have always loved from The Iron Fey world. Julie continues to show her prowess at pulling our heartstrings with even more skill and dedication than I remembered.

In addition to NetGalley, I will post my review to Instagram, Amazon, and Goodreads
I will post all reviews now except Amazon, which requires the book to be published prior to review.

I went in thinking that I wanted the characters to finally get their happy ever after. Then I realized there is no such thing in Faerie. I laughed, I cried, I fell into bliss. This series was one of my first forays into faerie and I am so glad I get to be a part of the ending. Wonderful book, it met and surpassed my expectations.

The Iron Vow is the magical conclusion to the Evenfall trilogy. Meghan and the gang find themselves in Evenfall surrounded by Nightmares with rapidly depleting glamour reserves. As the Nightmare King stirs, Meghan and her companions will learn shocking revelations and risk everything to save Faery.
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Kagawa has once against demonstrated her masterful world building skills by crafting a truly imaginative world, Evenfall. With the amount of backstories, world building, and thought to how glamour works in Evenfall, The Iron Vow at times felt like the start to an entirely new series. Unfortunately, this did seem to affect the pacing at times.
As with her previous books, Kagawa is able to balance melancholy with humor. Puck’s character is expertly used to help prevent The Iron Vow from becoming too dark. He uses his trademark charm to keep eyes rolling and bellies laughing. Grim also continues to be a wealth of knowledge popping up at just the right times to share information and disappearing just as quickly to avoid harm. Gilleas, one of my favorite new characters, proves to be an interesting counterbalance to Grim.
While I originally hoped the Iron Vow would be told from Nyx’s POV, there’s a nice balance to have each book in the Evenfall trilogy told from the perspective of the original three: Puck, Ash, and lastly, Meghan. Meghan is able to add additional depth to the choices the Fey must make. Not only does she personally care for her companions, she also has an entire Kingdom she’s responsible for. All of these elements weigh into her decisions as she tried to right the wrongs inflicted by the First Lady.
The Iron Vow proves to be a satisfying, if terrifying (so many bug Nightmares) and heartbreaking at times, conclusion to the Evenfall series. The storylines are wrapped up in a way that feels complete. However, the door is left cracked for the Iron Fey world in general should Kagawa wish to visit again.
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Overall Rating: 4.5⭐️

My review is currently available on Goodreads linked below. It will also be available on Instagram next week. I will update the review with the link when posted. Additionally, once the title is officially released, I will be posting my review to Amazon.

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Going into Julie Kagawa’s The Iron Vow was hard, knowing that this is (likely) the last installment in one of my first YA series I discovered through my blogging years. I can say that this book totally blew me out of the water and hit every right note I was hoping for with a series finale!

We come full circle with points of view, for this time we are back in Meghan’s perspective. I almost had hoped we could get a little bit of each of the original trio in this one, but at the same time, it does seem right that this last book be from Meghan’s point of view.

In this one we see Meghan, Ash, Kieran, Puck, and Nyx take on their most powerful villain yet, the Nightmare King. They are to venture into the vast Everfall and find him and destroy him before he awakens and destroys all of faerie. But the journey will be anything but easy and be their most challenging one yet. Their glamour and therefore, their powers, are at an all time low. Defeating the Nightmare King will be harder than they thought if they can’t access their powers.

Along the way they meet another group of fae that seems to have been forgotten, yet they are not Forgotten fae, they are the Everfey. Their existence is a bit tremulous as we learn certain aspects about the Nightmare King and his kingdom. Choices will have to be made, sacrifices will have to be made, not everyone will survive this battle.

This book was heavy stuff! I mean, as a reader you always have that 1% knowledge that no series will ever truly be over. I mean, yes, we also know that series do end, but I feel like the majority of authors leave just a teeny tiny crack in the door open so that that door can never be called shut. True, they might never go back to the series, but never say never! I never thought Julie would return after The Iron Knight and she went back twice!

I also want to give a note of gratitude for the small series recap we got in the very beginning. It’s not a book by book recap, but an overall sense of being caught up on all matters! It truly helped freshen my memory on a few things and it was greatly appreciated!

I almost thought that this series would end without one more glimpse of Ethan and Kenzie, but I should’ve known better that Julie would never leave us hanging like that! We do get one more proper goodbye with all our favorite characters and I was very happy with where this chapter ended. It almost feels wrong to say “series,” though I do feel like this time it could be the end. But never say never, Julie has taught me that twice now! Lol.

I will say again, that this series, the ENTIRE Iron Fey Chronicles would be best enjoyed from the beginning. While one could theoretically dive into this trilogy somewhat well, you will miss two other trilogies worth of references and histories. So there’s a lot you’ll need catching up on when certain events get mentioned. This series is one of our early days of the YA Fantasy/Paranormal genre and should not be missed! If you have ever wanted to read a book on the fae and still be in the YA realm, this would be my first recommendation to you! This incredible and amazing series is filled with such amazing characters who go through so much strife and pain, that I am happy that these heroes might finally get a break from all the chaos. You know, until Puck gets bored. Lol.

So if you are wanting to dive into the world of the fae, you could not choose better than Julie Kagawa!


Overall rating 5/5 stars


The Iron Vow releases May 9, 2023

It's been a long journey with Meghan Chase and the other principle characters of Kagawa's Iron Fey series and spin offs--a journey for me that began in 2016. I love these books-the characters and mostly Kagawa's impeccable writing. The Iron Vow was no exception--a quest to save the world with these dynamic characters, some new adventures and all the feels. It made me cry good tears. This is a lovely ending to the Evenfall trilogy with room to grow if Kagawa want to revisit the Nevernever one more time.

I received this title as a free arc in exchange for an honest review.
First off the Iron Fey series is one of all time favourite series which I reread often. This last trrilogy was a bit of a let down but not bad.
Each book was a different pov from the original 3 MC, the story line was good but I found the scenes to be very repetitive. And some of the humour was trying to hard. The iron vow was slow reading for a bit but I felt the ending tied it all together. Even though it wasn’t as great as my expectations for this I still rated it 3 stars and will include it in my rereads of the entire series. I also look forward to reading more of this world and from this author.

This was a great conclusion to the Iron Fey books, a series I've loved for almost 10 years. It was really nice having Meghan's POV again, which we haven't had since the original Iron Fey series. I think this brought the arc of the series full circle really nicely. The plot was fairly predictable since the trilogy has been leading up to the group's conflict with the Nightmare King since the beginning of The Iron Raven, but I still really enjoyed their trek through Evenfall and encounters with some really creepy creatures.

I laughed. I cried. I fell into bliss.

This Iron Fey series was one of my first YA fantasy series I’ve ever read. I fell in love with these characters from the very first page. I couldn’t put them down and I read each new spin off book as soon as I could.

This is all very bittersweet to see it come to a close. This was one roller coaster ride that I never wanted to get off. But I am so thankful I got the chance to ride in the first place.

I read an ARC and my honest opinion is that if you’re looking for a fun true YA series, look no further then these books. You can thank me later.