THE IRON QUEEN

Though this third volume doesn't bring the Iron Fey series, which began with The Iron King (2010), to a conclusion, faery-human cross Meghan brings part of her arc to a pleasingly unexpected closure. With Ash, boyfriend and coldly beautiful prince of the Winter court, Meghan begins her new exile in the mortal lands. Faery isn't ignoring her, though: With Meghan holding all of the power of the defeated Iron King, it seems like everyone's trying to kill or recruit her. Meghan, unwilling to bring all this faery madness down upon her mortal family, doesn't return home. She does, however, rescue her long-lost adoptive father, who'd been taken by a faery faction in her childhood. The requisite angst provided by the trio of lovers—Ash, Meghan and Meghan's best friend Puck—spices up the battles, magical journey and coming-of-age. Meanwhile, talking cat Grimalkin has his own motivations, setting the scene neatly for volume four. As in the rest of the series, the Iron Fey provide the most originality to this faery adventure and magical romance. Clockworks golems, musket elves and beetle tanks provide a touch of steampunk. Fans of Melissa Marr—and of Kagawa—will enjoy the ride, with Meghan's increased agency and growing power showing the series' maturity. Finally more than just a love triangle. (Urban fantasy. 12-15)