So this is my entry for the contest Ms. Julie Kagawa is holding for a chance to win a copy of the Iron Legends - suffice to say, I'm pretty excited.
As I'm sure many have already done, I chose to write about Ash - but let's be honest, there isn't much to not like about him. Ash may very well be distant and often times cold, but he's also a very caring and loyal companion when you get past his barrier. I absolutely adore his relationship with Meghan and his sweet side that he shows her when she needs it (or even when he just needs to show it). One of the best parts about our dear (ex) Ice Prince, is that he is so incredibly talented with combat and is just plain EPIC. There really is no better way to explain it.
Now to say this in a way that makes more sense:
Ashallyn'darkmyr Tallyn is the former Prince of the Winter Court under rule of Queen Mab, and was a very good one at that. In all of his time that he existed as a winter sidhe, this guy learned some pretty phenomenal battle skills. With his trusty ice sword always at his side, Ash knows how to take care of himself in a fight and how to keep a cool head and think through things. He rarely becomes lost in his efforts and is more determined to do anything than any character I've read about in a while (sure, there are always those, but to me, he has way more conviction). Never one to depend on people, he's someone who will do whatever it takes to get what he needs/wants to done. And the best part is that he is willing to literally go through anything to achieve what he desires most. I always loved getting to read the action scenes and tid-bits in which he showed his strength and will.
How about his loyalty? It's not often that Ash follows his heart in anything he does (since nothing strikes him enough to drive him this way), but when he does, he's a force to be reckoned with. Even in cases when it doesn't involve his heart, Ash is someone who knows what he needs to do and how he's meant to act to keep himself in the regard he has built for himself. When in the Winter Court, Ash was someone who obeyed all orders when given to him, didn't question it, and who was always dependable (when present to accept the tasks) since he got it done. Even when his motives changed, Ash still followed through with any deal he struck. The Iron Knight was the best example of his determination and loyalty he showed in keeping his promise to someone; the whole thing was his adventure to go to extreme lengths (as far as turning himself mortal) so that he could be with his special someone again. And to me, that's something to marvel at.
The last big reason that I fell in love with this character is his love for Meghan. Remember how I kept referring to him being an Ex Prince? That's because he fell in love with a half human (and the daughter of the Summer King at that). After no longer being able to run away from his feelings anymore, Ash gave up everything to be with Meghan and follow her wherever she she was going to go. The romance and care he showed throughout all of these books made my heart swell and break at the same time. It's was almost a tangible thing, his feelings, for me when I read through this series. Even the novellas never lacked in his power to capture me in his resolve. Even with his tough outer exterior, I was very nearly ready to melt about anytime he said a sweet word to Meghan or brought her in his embrace (what can I say? I'm a sucker for a good romance). And the best best part is that he was willing to go through so much for her. He searched all over Faery, faced ridiculous threats and challenges and gave up his immortality so that he could be with his Queen in the Iron Realm.
If that doesn't show how much I care for this guy and his role in this series, I'm not really sure what more will. I thank the day that Julie Kagawa decided to write this series and even more the day she got the inspiration to create Ash's existence.
For the creative part of this entry, though, I decided to combine my two favorite things: reading and music. So, without further ado, I give you the songs that I thought captured significant parts and feelings of Ash's life! :D
Song for Ash to Meghan:
Winter's Passage/Iron Daughter - "Don't You Ever Forget About Me" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEZywCjW02I or http://www.plyrics.com/lyrics/sleepingwithsirens/scenefourdontyoueverforgetaboutme.html
Iron Daughter/ Iron Queen - "Stomach Tied in Knots" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aRPubjYboA or http://www.plyrics.com/lyrics/sleepingwithsirens/scenethreestomachtiedinknots.html
End of Iron Daughter/Beginning of Iron Queen -"The Left Side of Everywhere" http://www.plyrics.com/lyrics/sleepingwithsirens/theleftsideofeverywhere.html
Iron Queen - "James Dean and Audrey Hepburn" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71SvPulAyZI or http://www.plyrics.com/lyrics/sleepingwithsirens/sceneonejamesdeanaudreyhepburn.html
End of Iron Queen/Iron Knight (when he was finally supposed to be with Meghan and her almost dying) - "Lets Cheers to This" http://www.plyrics.com/lyrics/sleepingwithsirens/letscheerstothis.html or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dryZg_Ro2GE for a listen (some screaming involved, but not too bad)
Songs for Ash to Puck: Considering the animosity the Ash holds for Puck, I decided to throw some songs in for them, too (though they're best read than listened to to get the proper affect).
"Tally It Up, Settle the Score" - http://www.plyrics.com/lyrics/sleepingwithsirens/tallyitupsettlethescore.html
"Vengeance" - now it's important to remember with this song, the comparisons I'm going to explain or this song seems more of a stretch: when they compare the subject to his draw to fame, I think of when Puck was too impatient to get to the Golden Fox that he wasn't willing to go around the gorge (or whatever). When it says that "I told you that you'll reap what you sew", that part goes with Puck not listening about going around and plunging in anyway and leading to Ariella's death. - http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/woeisme/vengeance.html (FYI: There are a few curse words - sorry about that if you find it offensive :/)
