Iron Crowned (Dark Swan #3) by Richelle Mead

Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead

New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead takes readers back to the Otherworld, an embattled realm mystically entwined with our world--and ruled by one woman's dangerous choice. . .

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land's queen, she's fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear. . .

Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown's ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation--one that will put her soul and the fate of two worlds in mortal peril. . .

"I see. It's your turn again."

Wow, what a book! This is another terrific installment in Mead's urban fantasy love triangle series, Dark Swan.

Eugenie is still struggling with her new attachment to the Otherworld and her role as Queen of the Thorn Land. She is struggling even more with the war that has begun with Katrice from the Rowan Land. Katrice is still quite upset over her son Leith's 'untimely' death (you might remember Leith from book two as the guy who seriously deserved to be killed...). Dorian has a plan to possibly bring an end to the war. He convinces Eugenie to go after the mysterious Iron Crown, attainment of which would show Eugenie's power and strength. Of course, Dorian has some ulterior motives for wanting Eugenie to go on this quest as well. Since he cannot go along himself, Dorian suggests that Kiyo go with Eugenie to help her fight and keep her safe.


Now, does that sound like a good idea?

There is not much I can say about most of the rest of the plot because it would ruin all the surprises. I can tell you, however, that I was very disappointed in Eugenie's decisions for some of this book (although I think she redeems herself by the end). However Eugenie's flaws are one of the things I love most about the character, so I suppose I can't really complain when she makes flawed decisions. I can also tell you that this book continues to perpetuate the back and forth we've seen throughout the rest of the series (Kiyo-Dorian-Kiyo-Dorian-Kiyo-Dorian......you get the idea). 

If you're a regular Mead reader, you know that the third book in the series is typically where the bottom drops out and Mead leaves you with a big cliff hanger. This one is no different. Mead continues the Dark Swan series with just as much action, romance, and tension filled moments as the first two books, and this one is my favorite of the trio. There is one character who I am particularly angry (furious, enraged) with...but of course I can't spoil it for you...

You'll just have to read Iron Crowned.