This giveaway is over.
Team Puck For The Win.
Julie Kagawa's book The Iron King has divided it's fanbase up into two teams. (Three, if you are counting Team Grim, who has chosen to take no side.) They are Team Puck and Team Ash.
Ash, of course, is Meghan's main love interest in the story; he is the dark, mysterious Prince who wins her heart at the near expense of her own life. He's nice, I suppose.
And then there is PUCK. Bright, shining Puck, who has been there her entire life, quick with a smile and a joke and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her and make her happy.
Needless to say, I am Team Puck. The Page Turners and I are co-captains for this here team; it's why this post was created, to list the reasons I love Puck and introduce you to a SUPER SPIFFY CONTEST that Julie is having us host. (If you're wondering who the captains of Team Ash are, they're Erica and Gail. But I don't count them. They're delusional.) And as the first and original member of Team Puck, I feel a need to back up my precious prankster. So HERE is why I love Puck.
(Look. A VLOG. Albeit a sucky vlog. That's how much I love Puck.)
But in case you couldn't understand that - damn lisp - or can't access YouTube or believe, like my marine biology teacher, that cameras steal your soul and therefore refuse to have anything to do with them...
I pretty much say the same thing here. Just in better detail. Hehe.
Pardon the UBER LONG LENGTH. (But keep reading. There's a contest at the bottom.)
And these pictures are drawn pictures of the classic Puck.
"Robbie" cares even when nobody else does, even though that was never part of his job.
It's true. He defies orders from his King because he cares about - aka loves - Meghan. How adorable is that!? Love knows no boundaries.
I was always left behind, the backward hick girl nobody wanted to invite.
Except for Robbie, I amended with a small mental shrug. At least Robbie will remember.
- page 16
He gets jealous of a dumb human boy.
We all know that Scott Waldron - who has a tiny role in the first part of the book - is a stupid, typical jock. We all know that he and Meghan won't have a relationship. But Puck doesn't, and gets all jealous. And that is also adorable.
"What?" Robbie's lip curled in a grimace of disgust. "The jockstrap? Why, does he need you to teach him how to read?"
I scowled at him. "Just because he's captain of the football team doesn't mean you can be a jerk. Or are you jealous?"
"Oh, of course, that's it," Robbie said with a sneer. "I've always wanted the IQ of a rock. No, wait. That would be an insult to the rock." He snorted. "I can't believe you're going for the jockstrap. You can do so much better, princess."
...
"He's not going to ask me to the prom. Jeez."
"Right." Robbie sounded unconvinced. "He's not, but you're hoping he will. Admit it. You're drooling over him just like every empty-headed cheerleader on campus."
...
"It's none of your business, Rob. What do you care, anyway?"
He got very quiet, muttering something unintelligible under his breath. - page 19
He knows when she's upset. And when to hug her. And when to deal with it. And when to let it go. And when to console her. And when... you get it.
Which is a MUST in every boy.
"Sounds good. Might as well go out with a bang."
He cocked his head at me. "You okay, princess?" - page 25
Robbie sighed. Dropping his bag, he sat down and put his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. I sniffled and shed a few tears into his jacket, listening to his heartbeat through his shirt.
...
"Come on." Robbie stood, pulling me up with him. "You can do this. And I promise, no one will care what happened today. By tomorrow, everyone will have forgotten about it." - page 42/43
He grabbed my shoulders as I screamed and started hitting him, barely conscious of what I was doing. He bore the attack wordlessly, simply holding me in place, until I collapsed against him and buried my head in his chest. And he held me as I sobbed out my fear and anger. - page 60
"Don't worry, though. You have me, remember? When the time comes, we'll find the way home." - page 76
"You all right, princess?" Puck asked, green eyes bright with concern. I staggered forward and threw may arms around him, hugging him tightly,. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. I felt his warmth and the rapid beat of his heart, his breath against my ear. - page 208
He always tries to protect her, even from the little things.
And he lets her make her own decisions at the same time. Wise is our Puck.
"Don't go." His voice was quiet, serious. Surprised, I looked up at him. The perpetual goofy grin was gone, and his jaw was set. The look in his eyes was almost frightening. "This is bad, I can feel it Jockstrap is up to something - he and his buddies were hanging around the yearbook department for a logn time after he talked to you. I don't like it. Promise me you won't go."
...
"He'll break your heart, princess. Trust me, I've seen enough of his kind to know."
...
"Quit butting in where you're not wanted."
Hurt glimmered briefly, but then it was gone. "Fine, princess." He smirked, holding up his hands. "Don't get your royal pink panties in a twist. Forget I said anything."
And take revenge on her behalf when she cannot, as well.
The nurse snorted. "If the entire cheerleading squad turns into mice, Robin, I will be very upset with you."
"I heard her mom has an unnatural obsession with pigs, if you know what I mean."
The girls broke into a chorus of shocked giggles, and I almost snapped. Robbie, however, tightened his grip and pulled me away. I heard him mutter something under his breath, and felt a shudder go through the air, like thunder with no sound.
Behind us, Angie started to scream.
...
But for a split second, I saw Angie covering her nose with her hands, and her screams were sounding more and more like the squeals of a pig. - page 43/44
He tells her the truth about everything - the Faery world, who he is, Ethan, and the dangers that lie ahead...
"Shit," I whispered, falling back against the wall. I stared at Robbie with new eyes. "Robbie Goodfellow. Robin... you're Robin Goodfellow."
Robbie grinned. "Call me Puck." - page 63
"Are you trying to scare me?"
"Yes," Robbie replied, unabashed. He paused at Ethan's door, one hand on the knob, and stared at me. "These are the things you're going to face, princess. I'm giving you fair warning now. Still think you want to go? My previous offer still stands." - page 67/68
He's sexy.
He had changed. Hunter-green pants and a thick brown hoodie replaced his jeans and ratty T-shirt. I couldn't see his feet very well in the mist, but it looked like he'd traded sneakers for soft leather boots. His face was leaner, harsher, with sharp angles and pointed features. Combined with his bright auburn hair and green eyes, he reminded me of a grinning fox. - page 73/74
He always tries to protects her, even from the little things. If it means giving up his freedom. For love.
He sighed and dramatically flung his arm over his eyes. "I guess the sacrifice of my dignity is the only thing that will save us now. The things I endure for love. The Fates laugh at my torment." - page 89
See? Love.
I gaped, my mouth dropping open. "Puck?"
The raven looked at me with bright green eyes, cawed softly, and seemed to shrug. I glared back at Oberon. "What are you doing to him?"
"He was commanded never to bring you to our land." Oberon's voice was calm but pitiless. "He was ordered to keep you blind to our ways, our life, our very existence. I punished him for his disobedience. Perhaps I will turn him back in a few centuries, after he has had time to think on his transgressions."
"He was trying to help me!"
Oberon smiled, but it was cold, empty. "We immortals do not think of life in the same way as humans. Puck should have no interest in rescuing a human child, especially if it conflicted with my direct orders. That he caved to your demands suggests he may be spending too much time with mortals, learning their ways and their capricious emotions. It is time to he remember how to be fey." - page 122/123
In the confusion, the bird exploded, changing shape in midair. A body dropped between me and the redcaps, shedding black feathers and giving me a familiar grin.
"Hi, princess. Sorry I'm late. Traffic was a bitch." - page 203
"Excuse me a moment, princess. I have to go play with the puppies."
He stepped toward them, grinning, and the redcaps lunged, brandishing knives and baseball bats...
They continued this deadly dance around the room, Puck leading the redcaps on with taunts, laughter, and cheers. Grumly roared and smashed his fists at the little men scurrying around his feet, but the redcaps were quick, and now wary of to the danger. This didn't stop them from launching an all-out attack on Puck, who danced, dodged, and pirouetted his way around the ogre, almost seeming to enjoy himself. My heart stayed lodged in my throat the whole time; one wrong move, one miscalculation, and Puck would be a bloody smear on the ground." - page 204/205
"You win, princess. Freedom is highly overrated, anyway." - page 210
He's just amazingly entertaining - even while fighting
"Puck, no." I clutched at his sleeve. "Don't fight him. Someone could die."
"Duels to the death tend to end that way." - page 213
"Next time, try a hideout a little more resistant to fire than an ice cave!"
...
"Oh, that looked painful," called another Puck, a little farther down. "We really need to talk about your anger management issues." - page 221
"Brilliant," Puck said. "Can you make him crow like a rooseter, too?"
Ash and I glared at him. He blinked. "What?" - page 264
Did I mention sexy?
"So," he murmured, grinning as he tilted my chin up, "before I march off to battle, how 'bout a kiss for luck?" - page 213
He does what she wants, even when he doesn't want to.
Puck threw up his hands. "Fine, princess. I'll help the son of Mab, eternal enemy of our court. Even though he'll probably stick a sword in my back the second my guard is down." - page 225
He knows he makes mistakes sometimes, and regrets them.
"That..." Puck hesitated, and I could see I'd hit a spore spot. "That was a mistake," he went on in a quiet voice. "I didn't mean for that to happen." - page 232
"Err, how're you feeling, princess?" he asked, lacing both hands behind his head, a sure sign that he was nervous. "Those summerpod fruits sure pack quite a punch, don't they? Hey, at least it wasn't bristlewort. You would've spent the rest of the evening as a hedgehog."
I sighed, knowing that was as close to an apology as I would get. - page 239/240
And he can FIGHT.
There are way too many quotes I can use for this, so I just say GO READ THE FREAKING BOOK. That is all.
And, in my favorite scene - He actually does care about Meghan. He hurts when she chooses Ash over him.
When he straightened, his green eyes blazed with anger. Not directed at Ash, but at me.
"That's what you promised him, princess?" he shouted, throwing up his hands. "That was your bargain? You would offer yourself to the Unseelie Court?" He turned around and punched a tree, sending twigs and icicles to the ground. "Of all the stupid ideas! What is wrong with you?"
I shrank back. This was the first time I had seen him angry. Not just Puck, but Robbie, too. He never got mad, viewing everything as a colossal joke. Now he looked ready to tear my head off.
"We needed help," I said, watching in horror as his eyes glowed and his hair writhed like flames atop his head. "We have to get out of Unseelie territory and into Machina's realm."
"I would have gotten you there!" Puck roared. "Me! You don't need his help! Don't you trust me to keep you safe? I would've given everything for you. Why didn't you think I'd be enough?"
I was struck speechless. Puck sounded hurt, glaring at me like I'd just stabbed in him in the back. - page 248/249
Oh, Puck. *hugs*
And we're left not knowing if he'll live or die.
After he gets shot - oh, my poor Puck! - you don't hear much about him. And that's part of the allure. He's the mystery, not Ash. He must live, or I will cry. (And thanks to one of Julie's spoilers on her blog, I know the answer, but SHH.)
And even the author's descriptions make Puck awesome-er.
In the blog announcing this epic warfare, Julie described both Puck and Ash.
Ash: "Dark, brooding, cold, dangerous."
Puck: "Playful, devilish, sarcastic, mischievous."
Ash doesn't sound like somebody I'd wanna date. Who wants somebody so cold!? Dangerous? Who sounds strangely like the fairy version of Edward Cullen in that summary? (Oh yes, Team Ash, I just went there. Though Ash is much better than Edward can ever be. To be fair, anybody is much better than Edward could ever be.)
[Note] I read Ash's description to my sister and asked who he sounded like. She said Edward Cullen. I read Puck's description and my brother chimed in that he sounded like Dr. House. We all know who wins here.
And Puck is playful. Sarcastic. Devilish. I could have fun with Puck. You can form a relationship with sarcastic remarks and pranks. I've seen it happen. And it's a warm relationship! One with emotions and /not/ a dark, brooding nature.
Of course, Team Ash people are going to flaunt around about how Ash looks like Ben Barnes. This is only slightly true. I imagine Ash much paler. Ben Barnes fits Dimitri from Vampire Academy much better, don't you think?
But see, Puck is an adorable red head. Now, those are hard to find. Rupert Grint just doesn't fit and as much as everybody loves Chuck Norris, he's far too old to play Puck. (Sorry, Chuck. It's true. You can fight and defeat everything but age.) However, the gorgeous Xavier Samuel seems to fit Puck. Look at him! Cheery, would look epic red headed, cute, but with so much more to show...
But wait! I said something about a super spiffy contest, didn't I?
Julie has offered one winner a SIGNED copy of The Iron King! It's an uber epic book, so I would totally be entering to win if I didn't already have a copy of my own. (And it's SIGNED.) And you also get an uberly epic Grimalkin rock! The contest ends on May 3, and it's super easy to enter.
Oh, and one grand prize winner - because each of the blogs mentioned above is running a similar contest - will also win an ARC of The Iron Daughter! How awesome is that!?
Quick Glance
[1] signed copy of The Iron King and a Grimalkin rock up for grabs
[1] winner in the U.S. only
[1] grand prize winner chosen by Julie from all four blogs (here, 2, 3, 4) will win an ARC of The Iron Daughter
How To Win:
[mandatory] comment on this post with your email
[mandatory] comment on this post with what team you're on and why Puck FTW.
[+2] relink this giveaway (include location of link in comment)
[+2] tweet this contest (include location of link in comment)
[+2] follow Julie on Twitter (@Jkagawa)
[+2] follow me on Twitter (@wordforteens)
[+2] follow this blog
[+5] put a Team Ash or Team Puck button up on your blog
(Okay, it counts for Team Ash, too. But you know you don't want it.)
Readers, you can comment on all the blogs (here, 2, 3, 4) for multiple chances to win! In fact, Julie will have links on her blog directing them to all of these. You won't be allowed to win more then one Iron King, though.
Ready? Set? TEAM.
Team Puck consists of the following blogs: WORD for Teens, Page Turners Blog, Alley of Books, Yay Reads, Liyana Land, The Page Flipper, Bookalicious, The Optimistic Pessimist, LOL Shelver, Thinking Beyond The Wall, Through the Haze Reads, Reading Angel, as well as authors Chelsea M. Campbell, Beth Revis, Trish Doller, ...
Legal crap under the cut.
Julie Kagawa has given me permission to repost all of the quotes on WORD, despite the fact that I exceed the usual 250 word count. You may contact her via Twitter (@Jkagawa) or email her at juliekagawa@juliekagawa.com.