The Iron Raven by Julie Kagawa

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 12

Is it really possible to forgive and forget? That is the question the characters face in Julie Kagawa’s latest novel, The Iron Raven, which takes a fantastical spin on Shakespeare's beloved A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Endearing and thought-provoking, it leaves readers craving more. 

Robin Goodfellow-or “Puck”, as he prefers to be called- has seen a lot. After living for centuries, he figures he pretty much has seen and done it all. Life is slower in recent times, as his best friends are busy ruling a kingdom and adventures are harder and harder to find. That is, until a mysterious creature arises and poses a grave threat to the Nevernever, which the Fey call home. Puck joins forces with the King and Queen of the Iron Court, a prickly cat, and long-lost sidhe to stop it--but more trouble looms as Puck is put against his greatest enemy: himself.

I loved this book. Laced with Puck’s signature inappropriateness, it balances gravity and levity beautifully. The novel is mostly description with dialogue dispersed throughout, and focuses on Puck’s internal battles and changes as he becomes his own worst enemy. The adventure serves more as a backdrop and tool to force Puck into the dark parts of himself, and he has to deal with long-held grudges he had thought were gone forever. As the journey becomes more and more dangerous, and the stakes are lifted, Puck has to decide what and who he wants to be once and for all. 

I would have loved to see more characterization of the others, such as Ash or Nyx. Kagawa just glossed over their pasts before refocusing on Puck. There was also much telling instead of showing, so I was unable to get into the story as much as I would have liked to, but those are my only complaints. 

For anyone who enjoys creative retellings and witty comebacks, I would definitely recommend The Iron Raven. Whimsical and entertaining, it will keep readers on the edge of their seats. 

What I Carry by Jennifer Longo

Reviewed by Amy P.
Grade 10

Muiriel is 17-years-old, and one year away from aging out of the foster care system. She has one year left until freedom, and she’s determined to follow her rules: keep a clean file and keep zero emotional attachments. That was how she survived in the system, but everything changes when she leaves Seattle and moves in with her new foster parent on a nearby island. And the people she meets teach her that there’s a difference between living and surviving.

Muir was left as a baby at a hospital. Even though she had a perfect record, she moved from home to home her entire life--usually whenever she thought the parents became too attached. So when she starts living with Francine, a single woman with no other kids, she doesn’t expect to stay long. But as she explores the forested island, she meets Kira, the headstrong girl who works at the cafe, and Sean, the kind boy from the wilderness education center. And she gradually learns how to break her own rules and to let her friends past the walls she put up. Eventually, when the year is up, she has to choose between her independence and her new friends and family.

This was a really touching story. Through flashbacks to her previous foster homes, the author provides an explanation for Muir’s emotional distance. But seeing her slowly let down her guard for her friends, and just her development through everything, was rewarding. As for the setting, Muir loved walking through the hiking trails and forests on the island, and these were all described vividly. Overall, the book was well-written and authentic, and it shows a different perspective on foster care that many people don’t see.

I enjoyed What I Carry a lot, and I would recommend it. It explores the power of relationships and bonds, and it’s also perfect for people who love nature, just like Muiriel and her namesake.