The first story simply felt like an out take that fell to the cutting room floor during editing. The second was better, although I'm somewhat glad we don't get Puck narrating often simply because his thought process are erratic at best. The final story was much more interesting, however, compared to the novels this only gets a 3 star rating from me rather than 5, it just didn't have the same omph as the novels. ( )

I've read the first two stories before, and didn't really enjoy the first one, "Winter's Passage", so I skipped it this time. I re-read "Summer's Crossing" though, since its always fun to spend more time with Puck. He is never not entertaining and I particularly enjoy his interactions with Ash now that they are no longer at each other's throats. But more than that, getting a story from Puck's perspective means that we get to see so much more than the irreverent prankster persona he wears... It's clear that he is not only capable of having deep feelings as shown by his love for Meghan but he also harbours genuine concern for Ash, too. It's really a shame Julie Kagawa never wrote anything else from Puck's perspective as there's a lot of possibilities to explore, whether its about his past before meeting Meghan or his future post-series, not to mention his notorious reputation. And you know any book about him would be absolutely hilarious and he would have the best adventures-- ahhh, the more I think about it, the more I want a full novel about him!!

"Iron's Prophecy" was a good read as well. It was nice to see what Meghan and Ash are up to now that they've reunited and Meghan is ruling the Iron Kingdom. While there weren't a lot of opportunities to show Meghan's competence as a queen (something which I honestly have doubts about, given her behaviour in the previous novels), it's very obvious that her confidence, at least, has grown considerably since the start of her adventures in the Nevernever.

Ash has mellowed a lot and is far more open about his emotions now, especially when it comes to his feelings for Meghan. Frankly, I feel like he has lost some of his edge, because practically every other line he says is "my queen" and "I will always stand beside you" and other similar things. It's meant to be romantic-- and the first couple of times it is!-- but I feel like Kagawa went a little overboard and it just sounds like Ash's whole world revolves around Meghan now (or maybe this was the author's intention?). I mean, give the poor boy some other lines to say!!

In terms of the prophecy itself, well, it's not something I predicted but I'm not too surprised either. It's standard fare for YA fantasy, I guess. But it has re-kindled my interest in the next books, so nice work, Julie Kagawa! I'll also say here that one thing I appreciate about this author is that she managed to expand on the world-building even in these short novellas-- and her version of fairy land is endlessly magical, whimsical, and intriguing to me.

This book also comes with some extra content-- the author's illustrations (of Ash, Puck, and Grimalkin), a survival guide to the Nevernever, character and location descriptions, a glossary, a quotes recognition quiz, a Q&A with the author, and even an excerpt from "The Lost Prince"-- some fun bonuses for a dedicated Iron Fey fan! (...most of which I skimmed over, ha. I am dedicated but not that dedicated. I didn't do too badly on the quiz though.) ( )

Winter's Passage is a nice short novella, telling the story between The Iron Knight and The Iron Daughter. It starts out with a summary of the last book, which is kind and great if it's been a while since you've read it and if you, like me, have a really bad memory!

I didn't really care for Meghan during The Iron Knight and frankly nothing really changed in the short story. She is so pathetic most of the time. Yes, she honors her promise and follows Ash to Winter Court, but she doesn't do anything besides whine during the entire journey. She so passive and expects Ash to do everything and take care of her. Ugh, take some responsibility! Besides, I really don't understand why Meghan left without a sweater. I mean, she knew she was going to Winter Court - was she expecting a lot of sunshine? She is freezing her ass off (obviously) only 'cause she's stupid. Sigh, I really don't like Meghan!

Ash, on the other hand, I kind of like. He struggles with his feelings for Meghan - they shouldn't be together and feelings aren't really appreciated at Winter Court. Yet, he can't stay away from Meghan. But once again she shows how dumb she is; even though he explains to her, why he has to keep a distance, she constantly questions his feelings and intentions. Ugh, I still don't like Meghan. No need for Captain Obvious!

The story is action packed and rather enjoyable. The writing improved even if it isn't as good as The Immortal Rules. It's recommendable, if you want to know more about Meghan and (especially) Ash.
( )

Ik heb genoten van deze drie krte verhalen, een leuke aanvulling van de serie ( )

Winter’s Passage-I don’t feel that anything happened in Winters Passage that you coudn’ have gotten from reading the main series.

Summer’s Crossing- Oh, Puck! It was really cool getting Puck’s POV for this one. It *Kind Of* reminded me of Part 2 from Breaking Dawn, the bit from Jacob’s POV.

Iron’s Prophecy:
No! No! No!

I just—no!

I REFUSE to believe anything that just happened. I am taking none of this shit at face value. I just—no. no. I refuse. Everything that the oracle was gonna happen, IS A LIE. It just is. If I let myself anything else—you know what, I can’t believe it, BECAUSE IT’S NOT TRUE. It’s not!

I-it—it’s not true, okay? That’s not gonna happen!

It’s not gonna happen right?

Ethan! My precious, precious, hot, bad-boy, bad-ass Ethan.

I-i-it can’t happen, okay? Okay?!?

Sorry, I’m getting super overemotional here.
I’m gonna go away now.

UGH. So—long—until—the—Traitor—Son--

Why, Julie Kagawa, why?????????????????????????????


( )