Iron Crowned (Dark Swan, #3)

Aug 06, 2011 The Holy Terror rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: demons, fairies, urban-fantasy, owned, bought-02-11, 2011

*2.75 Stars*
There is a recurring theme in all of Meads books that is starting to make me wonder about her personal life. Could this be wish fulfillment? Or perhaps something that happened to her in her past? For her sake I hope not.

I'm getting the feeling that Mead wants us to hate all her main characters. She has them make idiotic decisions, betray the ones who love them, and do the one thing they should have done in the first place when it's almost too late. They ignore useful advice and inst...more

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Mar 17, 2011 Laura Lulu rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, fae, i-own

Ugh. Where to begin. I'm not a great reviewer, I don't usually give a synopsis of the story, or break down the book in a nice, rational way. And I don't always leave reviews for books. Often, I feel my star rating says enough. My reviews are usually just based on how the book made me feel. So I tend to leave more reviews for books I loved, and books I greatly disliked.

This one falls into the latter. Ugh. Where to begin? Most anything I rant about will be spoilers, but suffice it to say I am com...more

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Mar 27, 2011 Chichipio rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

After reading this I have to say that Richelle Mead made the right decision when she decided to write Bloodlines and bring her adult-targeted series to an end. With only one book remaining in both this and her Succubus series, most of us will stick with them to the bitter end, if only for no other reason than to find out what happens. But, after that, I really don't see many in the adult crowd picking one of her books again. I hope her fangirls represent a good market.

A couple of years ago, when...more After reading this I have to say that Richelle Mead made the right decision when she decided to write Bloodlines and bring her adult-targeted series to an end. With only one book remaining in both this and her Succubus series, most of us will stick with them to the bitter end, if only for no other reason than to find out what happens. But, after that, I really don't see many in the adult crowd picking one of her books again. I hope her fangirls represent a good market.

A couple of years ago, when her name was already pretty big with the UF/YA readers, if you said you were reading a Mead's book, the first question you heard in return was "What is it about?" Now, instead, even before you're finished saying her name, people are already asking (tiredly and in a monotone) "which of the characters are in the love triangle?" Her writing has become that predictable.

Now, I'm not saying that love triangles are exclusively hers, but she lets them become the focus of her stories to the point where everything else is just background noise. Take her VA books; at first, there was a plot, and people would even discuss and speculate about it, but for the last two or three books, everything everyone could talk about was "Adrian or Dimitri," "Dimitri or Adrian" and nothing else. Because, frankly, there was nothing else. Using this plot device once is acceptable—I still wish she wouldn't, since I don't think much of it, but it's acceptable. Now, when you use it on every series you're writing, then Houston, we have a problem.

Also, you already know that the three participants will act in ways that will make you hate them. Since, with Mead, it's always one woman and two men, some readers—mostly women—might like one of the men—usually the underdog—but everyone, invariably, will hate the heroine and at least one of her love interests. I'm sure this sounds like heaven to the fangirls who can spend a whole year bickering online about what "team" is better and printing shirts and tattoing themselves and all that nonsense, but I, and everyone else who doesn't have the faintest interest on how the love triangle turns out, have been left with nothing to keep us entertained. The only real mystery is which guy will be lame enough to "win" the selfish and whining heroine's affection. Other than that, you can see the plot unfold from miles away.

The current quality of Mead's writing is considerably lower than when all these series started; it has devolved into childish wish fulfillment, which would not be wrong at all, if her target audience had been after that all along but she tricked us with the promise of more mature writing and then, midway, changed it into this. Not cool.

This book is a mix of the previous two. Everyone, Dorian included, tells Eugenie in no uncertain terms that Dorian will always put his agenda first. Obviously, Eugenie chooses not to believe any of this until *shocked gasp* it proves to be true. Now, if you're expecting that she takes some time to think over what's happened, the whys and the hows and maybe, just maybe, assume some responsibility for willfully disregarding everyone's warnings, you'll be disappointed. Being Eugenie, what she does is getting in the sack with, not just another guy but, the other guy. Someone with whom she had a relationship that ended abruptly and, just like this time, without giving much thought about the real reasons behind the separation. So, boom! She's back in a relationship. Again, everyone is warning her that nothing has changed, that this guy will put his own agenda before everything, too. Of course, she ignores everyone until it almost got her killed. Then, adding insult to injury, she runs back to the first guy and, without even discussing what drove them apart in the first place, they're back together. The end.

Seeing the characters running in circles, knowing what everyone was going to do and yet, having them whining for chapters on end was really annoying. The fact that I listened to this instead of reading (almost ten hours) might have contributed to the general feeling. I had too much time to ponder all the ways I would gleefully help Volusian to get rid of Eugenie in my hands. (view spoiler) When you factor in that I didn't like the narrator's voice… well, let's just say that you won't see me recommend this book to anyone.

Sadly, I have to admit that I'll probably read the final installment of the series. I just wish I could be happy about that.(less)

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Feb 26, 2011 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fantastic!!!! This was so worth the wait. Mead does not disappoint!!!

I'm reeling over this book, it might take me a while to get to sleep, so I thought I'd put a few random thought on here.

*********SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS********

First of all...I LOVE Dorian!!(xoxoxo)
Second....Kiyo SUCKS!!!!

This book continues pretty much where THORN QUEEN left off. Eugenie and Dorian have teamed up in a war waged in the Otherworld by the Rowan Queen, after her son Leith was killed by Dorian for the kidnap...more

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Apr 03, 2011 Elena R a.k.a. Lunies R rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Elena R a.k.a. Lunies R by: Rhonda

Shelves: pnr-fantasy, whatever-evil-mead, favorites, will-make-your-body-parts-quiver

What were my thoughts on this book?

Hmmmm.....Let me think for a second...............Okay! Back to my thoughts!

It was a remarkable,suspenseful ongoing joy ride read for me! I literally, no LIES,jumped in my seat with anticipation from beginning till end,along with hundreds of profanity words that I just could not help expressing while reading. So what's my point? Here goes,I don't normally get all riled up and crazed about a book; but for some bizarre reason all of Richelle Mead's series tend to...more

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Jan 15, 2011 Emilie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Based on reading Storm Born and Thorn Queen, I begged Richelle Mead not to let Eugenie end up with Kiyo. Now after reading Iron Crowned…wow!! I’ve despised Kiyo from the beginning and always thought him to be even worse than Dorian! I still do. At least Dorian doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not. At least Dorian’s actions are not meant to cause Eugenie harm, and at least they’re not tied to his loyalty for another woman!! Everything Kiyo has done or said from the beginning has disgusted me…...more

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May 07, 2011 Pamela / SpazP rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
Iron Crowned is the much anticipated third book in Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series. The series follows Eugenie Markham, newly made Queen of the Thorn Land and daughter to the epically feared Storm King. She must maintain her responsibilities in the Otherworld as Queen while also paying her bills and keeping her house as a part-time shaman in the real world. War is raging between her land and the land of Rowan. Her only hope of winning this War and mini...more Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
Iron Crowned is the much anticipated third book in Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series. The series follows Eugenie Markham, newly made Queen of the Thorn Land and daughter to the epically feared Storm King. She must maintain her responsibilities in the Otherworld as Queen while also paying her bills and keeping her house as a part-time shaman in the real world. War is raging between her land and the land of Rowan. Her only hope of winning this War and minimizing deaths is to seek the Iron Crown…

I’m just going to jump right in and say that I grew quite frustrated with Eugenie’s childish stubborness. At this point in a series we expect a character to really grow, but in Iron Crowned she does several things that truly had me disappointed in her. She turns her back on newly acquired responsibilities, taking full steps backwards instead of forwards. She starts off in the novel as this kickass Queen, and then halfway through the book she ends up an Anita Blake cliche. Nevertheless, this is her story and it was told in true *smokin hot* Richelle Mead style. There is definitely drama, and most of it was predictable, but there is one *GASP!*-style betrayal that definitely threw me for a loop. Dorian continues to be the strongest and most enjoyable character to follow. He is what he is. He has never pretended to be otherwise nor has he tricked her in to believing he is something else, like some other characters have {coughcoughKIYO}. Although he does manipulate Eugenie at times in to doing something, he makes it clear (to me!) that he sincerely does have her best interest at heart. Even if it just happens to directly effects his best interest as well . The few heart-touching moments in this one completely revolve around Dorian. At this point, HE makes the series for me. I want him to prevail, and to be happy!

The bottom line with Iron Crowned is that you might not like what you are reading with how things are playing out, but you definitely won’t be able to put it down. Without giving away too much, when you reach the last page, you will want to throw the book as it ends quite abruptly. I enjoy this series, but I really don’t feel like it holds a candle to her Georgina Kincaid series. Maybe it’s not fair to compare the two, but there you go. I still have faith that with the events in this one that Eugenie will truly rise to her potential and be the Queen the Otherworld needs her to be!

Dark Swan is set to be a 4 book series, so the next book will be the end. And we only have… 10 months to find out what happens next. *bites nails*

Storm Born
Thorn Queen
Iron Crowned
Title TBA – January 2012(less)

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Mar 01, 2011 Jade rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book deserves more than 5 stars!!! The words that came to mind while I was reading were: OMG!!, OMFG!! WOW!! I absolutely L.O.V.E.D. this book.

All I should write in order for you to believe the depth of excellency of this book should be to point out and that IT IS a Richelle Mead book. Not only a Richele Mead book, but a 3rd book in the series book. If you've read at least one of her 3 series you know that she has this thing that on the 3rd book she pulls the carpet under your feet, shreddi...more This book deserves more than 5 stars!!! The words that came to mind while I was reading were: OMG!!, OMFG!! WOW!! I absolutely L.O.V.E.D. this book.

All I should write in order for you to believe the depth of excellency of this book should be to point out and that IT IS a Richelle Mead book. Not only a Richele Mead book, but a 3rd book in the series book. If you've read at least one of her 3 series you know that she has this thing that on the 3rd book she pulls the carpet under your feet, shredding your heart, doubt your like and dislikes for the main characters, shocks you senseless with the unexpected and leaves with a WTHMFG???!!! moment. This was no exception.

I have to admit I am biased. Richelle Mead is my favoritest modern author :). She has gained that tittle by writing 3 series of which I've read every book of and have loved each and every one of them. No other author has that effect on me. I like, even love the writing of other UF, PR, SciFi writers out there, but she tops them all.

If you haven't read the first two books 1. Where have you been??,2.You should not start here.You will only get lost.

This books starts not long after book 2 left off. Dorian and Eugeine are at war with the Rowan Land. Euginie does not want the death and war this war is bringing and is given the option of looking for the Iron Crown. This crown is said to be so feared that it would stop the war by its mere sight. Eugine goes in seach for it and what happens next is a great, great ride that had me, smiling, laughing, crying and blowing my mind with excitement.
Have you ever been to that California Adventure Hunted Hotel ride? or the Superman the Ride at Six Flags?. That is kind of what reading this felt like. Interesting at first, kinky even, mellow and then, BAM you're in a free fall you can't help but enjoy.

I cannot wait for the next book,each day I wait will be torture. Good thing is that there are other Richelle Mead releases this year to ease some of the suffering. If you are a UF fan, this book (Series) is a MUST read. Drop everything and get this one. You'll only wonder why you had not done that sooner.(less)

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Jan 15, 2012 ~Mel :)~ rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: vanilla, romance, paranormal

Honestly, I want to CRY that I wasted a whole days reading on this blip in Richelle Meads Dark Swan road. Really, I would LOVE nothing more then to post all the spoilers for all to see and save you from the trauma of this disaster of a book. BUT I WON"T

I ADORE Richelle Mead, but we are all human. THis book will have to be chalked up to her one tragic mistake...

(view spoiler)...more Honestly, I want to CRY that I wasted a whole days reading on this blip in Richelle Meads Dark Swan road. Really, I would LOVE nothing more then to post all the spoilers for all to see and save you from the trauma of this disaster of a book. BUT I WON"T

I ADORE Richelle Mead, but we are all human. THis book will have to be chalked up to her one tragic mistake...

(view spoiler)(less)

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Mar 09, 2011 Marzie rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was so disappointed in how poorly written this third book was, especially after having waited so long for it. I just felt as if Mead was forced to churn it out on a deadline and couldn't devote herself to the writing as she had the first two books in the series, which I know she had in the can long ago. The grammar and even improper use of some words was really jarring to me as a reader. The storyline was predictable and in spite of the fact that this is supposedly the "strong" female of her t...more

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Mar 09, 2011 Lmb rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-pnr, overrated

This should be re-titled The Dumb Queen series.

OK I finished it - yes, it was a quick read & I felt compelled to blow through it but wow....WOW. Was it me or did Eugenie come across as fickle as a 70's housewife at a swinger party?

If you've read Mead's other series & see her character formula, I felt like this was if you took Rose & Georgie both & they had a love child - Eugenie would be the result but all of the bad & none of the good.

I had so many problems with this book &...more

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Oct 08, 2011 Fiendishly Bookish rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, urbanfantasy, faery, favorites, listed-bk-on-ebookfling-booklending

4.5 Stars

Never before has foreshadowing played such an integral role in the Dark Swan series. At the beginning of Storm Born, the first in the Dark Swan series, Mead alluded that shaman Eugenie Markham’s destiny would be turbulent, on rocky footing, and perhaps a solitary journey. With a prophecy to contend with that could end the reign of humans in their realm and put the gentry in their place, Storm Born cultivated a tall order for the series. Would the destiny of Eugenie’s offspring ever ful

...more 4.5 Stars

Never before has foreshadowing played such an integral role in the Dark Swan series. At the beginning of Storm Born, the first in the Dark Swan series, Mead alluded that shaman Eugenie Markham’s destiny would be turbulent, on rocky footing, and perhaps a solitary journey. With a prophecy to contend with that could end the reign of humans in their realm and put the gentry in their place, Storm Born cultivated a tall order for the series. Would the destiny of Eugenie’s offspring ever fulfill the prophecy? Would she be able to channel fair play into her hereditary powers? Or would she be seduced by them?

Even Eugenie’s quirky penchant for goddesses who have walked solitary paths was another insight into her potential entanglements. And Queen Maiwenn’s ominous warning to Eugenie to tread cautiously with King Dorian was not made in vain. Enemies and alliances are being formed into an all too familiar pattern reminiscent of the Storm King’s reign. For now Storm Born, Thorn Queen and Iron Crowned appear to be mere set-ups to the conflicts that will prevail in Mead’ next book, as yet untitled #4. Maybe then, we might see Eugenie’s prophetic dream emerge into a reality…Otherworld armies amassed and marching…towards the boundary of the Otherworld and ultimately to the realm of humankind.

All of these vital clues and warnings come into play with Mead’s third installment into the series with Iron Crowned. Eugenie further cements her position in the Otherworld, and her skirmishes against Queen Katrice. Finally realizing her responsibilities as a monarch, and seeking a way to end the rift to bring peace to the Otherworld, Eugenie is lured by Dorian into seeking out the fabled Iron Crown. The crown also sought after by her father, is reputed to dissolve the primal connection between noble and the land. With this dark instrument, Eugenie could wrest away the sovereignty of individual lands and make them her own. In a word, she could get Katrice to back down.

Relationships also take center stage in Iron Crowned, especially that of Eugenie, Kiyo, Dorian and Maiwenn. Mead couldn’t have wielded a hammer better than she did regarding the tangled love triangle that has lingered over the course of two books. What Mead does in Iron Crowned is distill such an acute case of uncertainty with all the players that even I have trouble guessing what the eventual outcome will be. When Thorn Queen ended, romantic aftershocks shook the pages and with the events that occur in IC, they continue still, including a jaw dropping scene with Dorian where his wrath is fully felt and deserved…it’s anything goes…a total free-for-all. Words that come to mind...thwarted. Discomfited. Can Eugenie fix it and survive?

Mead has really whetted my appetite for resolution with Dorian and Eugenie. But the overarching question throughout this series is will she ever find happiness? Will it be with him, or some other? As a character Dorian is incredibly fascinating, has an inordinate amount of patience and discipline over his sexual desires, his dominance, his kingdom and yes…Eugenie. Can Mead craft a solution now that Eugenie has thrown herself at his mercy and begged for “hospitality”? We shall see.

A Fiendishly Bookish Review (and one grumpy cat)

(less)

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Dec 15, 2010 Yui rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was in the middle of an old 20installment novel when this book has been delivered. It came really early and normally I would be reeeally grateful. But since I've been in the middle of another book(currently on book#9 in the series) I feel like this didn't live up to my expectation. I know, I know. I probably should have been patient and should have set it aside till it's reading schedule but who Dark Swan series fan can do less? Sigh.

The book started really interesting and I've been giggling f...more I was in the middle of an old 20installment novel when this book has been delivered. It came really early and normally I would be reeeally grateful. But since I've been in the middle of another book(currently on book#9 in the series) I feel like this didn't live up to my expectation. I know, I know. I probably should have been patient and should have set it aside till it's reading schedule but who Dark Swan series fan can do less? Sigh.

The book started really interesting and I've been giggling from the first few pages. I didn't feel that the story is rushed and I didn't do a scanning like I usually do when I'm excited(well, maybe I flip to the very end page when I first got my hands on it but that's it!) It was fast paced and extremely entertaining. I feel guilty giving it 3stars but I cannot bring myself to give it more as of this moment. I don't want to give any spoilers but I can say that the 3stars is more because of the conflicting emotions I have for what Eugenie's life turned out to be. This is still my favorite series among the 3 R. Mead published but I feel like I should have waited for the 4th and last book first before reading this one. The ending isn't a major cliff-hanger in an irritating way. It's actually nicely done but -Argh! It's still frustrating. I can only hope that Ms. Mead won't be consumed with her new upcoming series that the next one will take long to write. It's annoying that the best in her series is the one she doesn't spend enough time. It doesn't even have an anthology like the rest:-( If a preview of the last book comes out with G.Kincaid's S.Revealed on september I might be more forgiving.

*Spoiler Beware*

What I really hate in this book is the old 'your turn, my turn' between Kiyo and Dorian. I've been vexed with Kiyo from the very beginning and if the same cycle ever comes up in the last book It would be enough to ruin everything for me. I am truly hopeful the 'Irrevocably altered' phrase Eugenie used to describe her relationship with the blasted kitsune will stick this time. I'm a little vexed with Dorian in this book too but I can still find a way to forgive him (Blush,blush) Yes, I am biased but come on!? Who self-respecting heroine will want to end up with a fox when she can have a powerful king! Some people don't treat this series a YA novel because of all the sex but I think as long as Eugenie won't grow up and act like a proper queen it will be a YA genre for me. It isn't as if she doesn't know how to kill. She's killed humans too but when it really matters she just whines! You don't have to be evil to kill. Be Queen already FGS!

I think (Or rather really hope) Eugenie's love-life is now a battle between Jasmine and Volusian... Whose philosophy will triumph? (giggles) I hope Jasmine plays more part in the last book. I love Volusian too but my money is on Jasmine at the moment. The kid gives the most sensible advice. She's more clear-headed than her older sister. If only E will listen to her more and just 'Kill them' all.. ^-^(less)

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May 29, 2013 Joan{missing the vampire bunny slippers!} rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks-i-have, favorites, audiobooks-d

That son of a b***h!!!! That's what I said as soon as i finished the book! I never really liked him but what he tried to do takes the word 'ass' to a complete new level... What the heck???
Sorry I know i am rambling but i just haven't come to terms yet with what Kyio did!!

Ok the series definitely have started to get more interesting and I liked this book just as much as the second one, if not more!!! The next book definitely holds promise and I 'm waiting to see what happens next!

Mead has a way...more

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Mar 05, 2011 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: friendable

With her lover Dorian the Oak King at her side, half Fae Thorn Queen Eugenie has been trying to gather more allies in their war with the Rowan Queen. Eugenie can't help feeling guilt at the loss of life on both sides, even as she can not regret the act of vengeance executed on her behalf that started the war. But when a seer tells of a Fae artifact which could give Eugenie the power to end the war, Eugenie will undertake a quest to find the Iron Crown and for once her human heritage will be an a...more

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Sep 22, 2011 Book Chick City rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, book-list-2011

"Iron Crowned" is the third instalment in the 'Dark Swan' series featuring Eugenie Markham by Richelle Mead, and after reading and thoroughly enjoying the first two novels (Storm Born and Thorn Queen respectively) I was hoping for more of the same. Unfortunately this wasn't the case.

I will admit I really like Ms Mead as an author, and after reading the entire 'Vampire Academy' series back to back in the span of a week I became a total fan - the VA series cemented Ms Mead as one of my favourite a...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Mika rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cheating-heroines, books-with-stupid-annoying-heroines, tstl-heroine

Iron Crowned was fast paced and I read it in on sitting. There were many aspects of it that were shitty but in the end I decided to give it 5 stars. I thought it was the best book so far in the series. Why? Because I was proved right and Eugenie got screwed in the end by everyone and had to suck it up and beg Dorian for help. Gosh, I have zero respect for her.

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view all 4 comments

Suz Well that's encouraging. I had decided to put off reading this one due to the cliff hanger ending, preferring to either wait for the next book that di...more
Feb 25, 2011 03:35am

Mika Suz wrote: "Well that's encouraging. I had decided to put off reading this one due to the cliff hanger ending, preferring to either wait for the next...more
Feb 25, 2011 07:26am

Jan 07, 2012 Cristina rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. ok. i JUST finished this book so this will be a bit overly charged. so, this series is really enjoyable. it's pure fun. it's about a girl with crazy storm powers that can essentially do anything she tries to do. and has a great sex life all the while. with two cute boys. a japanese-hispanic one that turns into a red fox and an alabaster-skinned, red-headed 'shining one' with a kingdom. only sad part is, one SUCKS AND I HATE HIM SO MUCH (kiyo). and the other one is SO SO GREAT AND I LOVE HIM SO M...more

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Mar 06, 2011 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Antibotics? Ok come on, whatever.

Really, seriously, Kiyo again? Whatever.

Dorian, you lying hunk of badass royalty. Whatever.

Hated the book.

Love the series.

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Jul 16, 2011 erin rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: library, fantasy, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 27, 2011 Jamie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-obsess-over, books-that-break-my-heart, fae, ghosts, love-triangles, kick-ass-heroines, series-i-can-t-wait-to-continue, demons, unbelievably-sexy-heros, magic

This is the continuation of the journey of Eugenie Markham, the Thorn Queen of the Otherworld and a shaman-for-hire in the human world. When we last saw Eugenie, she was proudly wearing a new crown to legitimize her standing as the Thorn Queen. As this book opens, she is practically living with the Oak King, my beloved Dorian, and waging a war with Dorian against the Rowan Queen, Katrice (can't even remember if this is her name, but it's close). This war was set into action by the behavior of th...more This is the continuation of the journey of Eugenie Markham, the Thorn Queen of the Otherworld and a shaman-for-hire in the human world. When we last saw Eugenie, she was proudly wearing a new crown to legitimize her standing as the Thorn Queen. As this book opens, she is practically living with the Oak King, my beloved Dorian, and waging a war with Dorian against the Rowan Queen, Katrice (can't even remember if this is her name, but it's close). This war was set into action by the behavior of the Rowan Queen's son, Leith, in the previous book.

Eugenie and Dorian by this point are madly in love. They take turns showing up on the battle field, and although they appear to be winning the war, it is with a great cost of gentry life. One day, a seer tells Eugenie about a mystical object, the Iron Crown. When Eugenie asks Dorian about it, he immediately tells her that it is too dangerous to go after. As the war continues, they discuss this crown in more depth and Eugenie appears to talk Dorian into getting it. Dorian believes that the crown is a way to end the war - the other monarchs would be so terrified of the owner of this crown that it would end the war and make Eugenie the most feared Monarch in the Otherworld. Of course, the path to the Iron Crown is laced with iron, very harmful, if not deadly, to most gentry. Eugenie offers to take her sister, Jasmine with her, which Dorian shoots down. Dorian suggests she takes Kiyo (barf) because he is most capable of protecting her.

So, Kiyo and Eugenie meet up, and things are rocky at first. They eventually warm up to one another and complete the task, although Eugenie must prove herself time and time again. Once they reach the crown, the crown's guardian tells them (view spoiler). Eugenie immediately goes ape shit over Dorian not telling her this. She feels that this is a grand betrayal and as she says so many times in this book, she "mentally" breaks up with him before she can tell him face-to-face. Really? "Mentally" break up with someone? That's just a way of allowing herself to behave in any way she wants to. It's a cop out and this is the point where I really start disliking Eugenie.

On the way home to the Thorn land, Eugenie is feeling used, angry and heartbroken about Dorian's half-truths. She's so flipping mad that she (view spoiler). So, Eugenie and Kiyo make their way back to Dorian's castle where Eugenie lets loose her anger on Dorian. She does not allow him an explanation, she does not allow him to speak, she just rolls over him with her anger. She tells him they are over, and Dorian takes it all in stride. It's not until (view spoiler)

So, of course, Eugenie and Kiyo go back to the human world and continue along as if nothing happened. When word comes that the Thorn land needs her, and that the truce talks are stalling, Eugenie returns to her castle in the Otherworld. Dorian makes another appearance and tells her to get her shit together, which is the responsible thing to do. Soon, (view spoiler) Now, here's the real kicker...the entire argument she previously had with Dorian becomes a moot point. Why is that? (view spoiler)

So, back in the real world, Eugenie isn't feeling all that well. (view spoiler) This proves that Eugenie's decision making skills are questionable at best. So, in order to save herself, Eugenie must throw herself (view spoiler). But at least at this point, Eugenie is safe.

Sorry that my ~~rant~~ review is so harsh. I think this book was excellent in terms of character development, plot, cohesiveness and twists and turns, but I can't stand that person Eugenie is becoming. I think her problem is that she's more upset with herself and her situation than she is with Dorian. From the beginning of this series, she has continually questioned Dorian and refused to give him the benefit of the doubt. At every turn, Kiyo has let her down, yet she continues to trust him blindly. At this point, I hate to say it, but Eugenie is getting exactly what she deserves.

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Jan 25, 2012 Angie (Mind Malfunction) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. First Read April 22, 2011. Rereading...

Iron Crowned is book three in the Dark Swan Series by Richelle Mead.
This series is about Eugenie Markham, her complicated love life, and the otherworld prophecy potentially ending human kind.
Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman, half human and half faery with great magic over water and air elements. She is Odile Dark Swan, the daughter of the legendary Storm King, Queen and Ruler to the Thorn Lands and the most powerful faery since her father’s ruling.

In t...more First Read April 22, 2011. Rereading...

Iron Crowned is book three in the Dark Swan Series by Richelle Mead.
This series is about Eugenie Markham, her complicated love life, and the otherworld prophecy potentially ending human kind.
Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman, half human and half faery with great magic over water and air elements. She is Odile Dark Swan, the daughter of the legendary Storm King, Queen and Ruler to the Thorn Lands and the most powerful faery since her father’s ruling.

In this story, Eugenie and Dorian are a powerful couple of leaders and lover, at war with Katrice, the Queen of the Rowan Lands. As always, their love making is incredibly hot and passionate. During her mortal job as a shaman, she is injured and patched up with stitches and antibiotics. With her kingdom involved in the brutal battle, she looks for ways to end the war. When a seeher predicts the legendary Iron Crown will end the war without further bloodshed, Eugenie is sceptical but intrigued with the possibilities. Eugenie is approached by a ghost, offering her assistance to locate the entrance of the journey in return for investigating her murder. Dorian explains the crown is a symbol of power and could stop the war with its presence. He is against the journey unless she is accompanied by someone who can survive the iron fields, which are deadly to the gentry. Still torn about Eugenie risking her life, but focused on ending the war, Dorian suggests Kiyo accompany her on the journey. After consideration, Eugenie agrees and summons the ghost. Dorian gives Eugenie a gold oak leaf ring, recognizing the mortal custom of an engagement ring. Marriage is rarity among the shining people and even more so for the sexy, ladies’ man of the Oak Lands.

Eugenie, Kiyo, the murdered ghost, and Velusion begin the journey to the iron fields. They tackle a sand serpent, the iron fields, and harsh weather conditions. When they enter the cave, the spirits must stay behind and wait for their return. Eugenie and Kiyo pass through and the final test involves Eugenie using her magic without care to her companion. She passes and almost kills Kiyo. The crowns protector presents her with the Iron Crown explaining its power to unbind a Ruler from their lands. Eugenie is furious that Dorian didn’t tell her the real use for the crown and is enraged. While Kiyo stitches her shoulder wound, she breaks into a fit of rage over Dorian’s deceit and emotionally breaks up with Dorian and has sex with Kiyo. They return to the Oak Lands where she accuses Dorian of manipulating her ends their relationship. When Dorian realizes she betrayed him, he rescinds hospitality to her and her people. She is thrown out of the castle and returns home with Kiyo.

Eugenie sends word to Katrice that she now has the Iron Crown and is willing to negotiate peace. Katrice continues to stall while Eugenie and Kiyo fall into their old relationship habits. Dorian contacts Eugenie, telling her to be more active in the negotiations with Katrice, or she will continue to stall until she finds a way to defeat them. The longer the peace talks take, the less chance the war will end. Eugenie is suspicious of Dorian and ignores his advice. When her stitches begin to itch, she visits her doctor to have them removed. Seeing Eugenie weak and pale, she runs a few tests and determines pregnancy. Eugenie panics and realizes the antibiotics must have stopped the effectiveness of the birth control pill. Taking into account the start of the medication and her last menstrual cycle, she determines that Kiyo is the father. Eugenie books an appointment to determine the sex of the baby, knowing an abortion would be necessary if she carries a boy. Kiyo is furious when he discovers her pregnancy and instructs her to have an abortion, no matter the sex. Eugenie is hurt and taken back by his anger and lack of interest in their child. She reassures him she’ll abort a boy but isn’t sure the future if she is carrying a girl. Eugenie is carrying twins and when Kiyo crashes her appointment, they find she’s carrying a boy and a girl. While in the doctor’s office, Eugenie finds out that Kiyo is planning to kill her if she does not abort the babies. Jasmine is just as angry as Eugenie and they flee to her parent’s home, asking Rowland for protection. Kiyo attacks them, saying if she doesn’t abort the pregnancy than he will kill her step-father and then take her life. She grabs a wand, opens a gate, and jumps through with her sister. They’re pulled into Dorian’s castle, by way of her slinky anchor. She and Jasmine beg for hospitality just as Kiyo attacks. With fury in his eyes and ready for battle, he demands Dorian turn Eugenie over to him. She tells him she’s pregnant with Kiyo’s babies and Dorian gives Eugenie and Jasmine protection, throwing Kiyo out of the castle. Kiyo threatens him with war, but Dorian just turns to Eugenie asking if the babies could be his own. Knowing what I do about medicine, there’s a greater chance that Dorian is the father, but Eugenie doesn’t appear to realize this and apologizes, saying the babies are Kiyo’s. Eugenie is weakened from the pregnancy and battles, and passes out. She awakens in bed with Dorian by her side. His anger over her betrayal is shadowed by his love for her. I love Dorian. He asks why she chose to keep the babies after all her protests to have a child with him. She explains that once she heard their heart beats, nothing else mattered. He is warmed by this gentry trait and tells her that fathering a child is more than just sperm. He places his hand on her belly and offers to be their father. Awe, I love Dorian! She needs time to decide what is right and he puts his arm around her.

I love this story and I love Dorian. I hope Dorian is the biological father of the babies, that they raise their children together, and that Kiyo dies a painful horrible death...preferably now and not later. Oh, and Eugenie better not cheat on Dorian again. Team Dorian!
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Apr 08, 2011 Kami rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: miscellaneous-paranormal, disappointing, love-triangles

Honestly, this book just confirmed my negative feelings for Kiyo even more. I didn't like him after the second book but I would personally like to drown him now! I don't want to give any spoilers but the story was well written though sometimes predictable.I can't wait to see what happens in the fourth and final book. I really hope things work out with Dorian. He may be ambitious and somewhat deceptive/manipulative (but he states that outright so it's not exactly a secret which makes it seem less...more Honestly, this book just confirmed my negative feelings for Kiyo even more. I didn't like him after the second book but I would personally like to drown him now! I don't want to give any spoilers but the story was well written though sometimes predictable.I can't wait to see what happens in the fourth and final book. I really hope things work out with Dorian. He may be ambitious and somewhat deceptive/manipulative (but he states that outright so it's not exactly a secret which makes it seem less offensive somehow) but I really think he is the best choice for Eugenie b/c he does care about her even if he doesn't always do the right thing where their relationship is concerned. Dorian has always looked out for Eugenie even if it was to perpetuate his own schemes. As a slight aside, Eugenie royally (no pun intended) screwed over Dorian too in this book and he has a right to feel as betrayed as she does. She needs to learn some accountability for her own actions and stop blaming those around her. She overlooks her own faults but has no trouble pointing out those of others. I wasn't as excited with this book as the others probably because the events were easy to anticipate/predict. And, the most interesting things occur in the last 50ish pages of the book and it takes awhile to get to that.

Also, I realize this is an adult series but spending more time on the plot and the story seems more useful to me than all the sex scenes which are really unnecessary most of the time. We get it, already!... the reader doesn't need to be so graphically acquainted with their intimate moments. There are more tactful ways to illustrate affection between people and still get the point across.

Though this book wasn't up to Mead's usual standard, it wasn't completely awful either. I am glad there is only one more book to finish the series. I want to know what happens and read of the final events but if the series had gone on much longer, I think it would have reinforced too many cliches, unnecessary writing of scenes meant to simply fill space and predictable plot points. I really hope Mead is able to finish the story without ruining the series. As an author, she has a lot of potential but she has stretched her self thin with writing for so many different series at once. Hopefully, fingers crossed, the sereis will end well and give the characters some more depth and insight along the way.(less)

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Mar 20, 2011 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-releases, urban-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Iron Crowned begins with Eugenie, and Dorian, King of Oak Land, and Eugenie's bondage addicted boyfriend, fighting a war with the Rowan Queen Katrice. The war is in response to Dorian's killing of Katrice’s rapist son Leith, who wanted to impregnate Eugenie and be the father of her prophesized demon seed that conquers the mortal world.

As we know, Eugenie became the Thorn Queen after killing King Aeeson and then making his land into Thorn Land ala her land. She also found out that she has a sist...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Brittany rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

3 likes · like · see review

May 14, 2011 Hayden Casey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantastic-series, f-ckin-amazing, history-with-author, i-heart-the-characters, funny, favorites, lots-of-action, mega-sucky-cover, own-it

Richelle Mead does it again with IRON CROWNED. You can tell this book was actually formulated correctly and not just thrown together like recent books in some other series of hers (*coughcoughVAcough*).

Third books in Mead's series are often known as the oh-my-God-Richelle-Mead-why-did-you-do-this-to-us books, and this one doesn't fall short in that aspect at all. What happens near the end of this book is INSANE . . . but I LOVE IT. It's blatantly obvious I'll be buying the last book.

Eugenie's...more

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Feb 28, 2011 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Kiyo needs to go...I don't know why Eugenie can't see how wonderful Dorian is? This is a two star book; only getting an extra star for the final two chapters. There wasn't a good flow to the plot. Eugenie spent awkward scenes in transition to this world and the next...such as the whole dating kiyo again - "We fell into our old routine of TV and sex; or something". She wasn't even doing any banishing really; and the PI never really came into play. That made for a dull filler waiting for the (view ...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Michelle Hough rated it 5 of 5 stars

i actually loved this book! all i have to say is:
Eugenie needs to think more about her definition of 'infidelity' she cheated plain and simple!!
I LOVE DORIAN!! he tells it like it is yeah he may have told some half truths but it ended pretty much how he knew he would and he really does love Eugenie and she did a shitty thing!!
I HATE KIYO!! didnt really ever like him!! ugh i wanna kill him!! what a complete a**hole!!!!
and i love dorian sorry had to say it twice!

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Mar 10, 2011 Jenna rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is my favorite of the series so far. Eugenie continues with her shaman work in Tucson while still living part time in the Otherworld as the Thorn Queen. In order to end a war that was begun by Leith's mother after he was killed for kidnapping and raping Eugenie, she goes on the quest for the Iron Crown. As usual, Dorian doesn't tell her the whole story of what the crown can do and when she finds out, she over reacts and takes some drastic measures.

I was happy to see Kiyo back in the mi...more

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Dec 23, 2011 Wendy F rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, fae, melodrama, urban-fantasy

I'm not sure what to think of this series.

I think that Richelle Mead is sitting at home going 'How can I f*ck with my fans, giving them some and then ripping it back, then giving them some more, then RIPPING IT BACK.'

I like Mead's characters. They are all unique, but this is the first time that I feel like a character is acting uncharacteristically. I'll maybe even say that it's because I liked this character and I just can not understand what is motivating him... Animal instinct is not the act...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
I love Dorian	5	33	Sep 15, 2012 02:59pm
Payback	19	93	Jul 14, 2012 03:26pm

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Iron Crowned (Dark Swan #3)

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