Saturday 16 May 2009

Book review - Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Laurel has always been a bit different – she doesn’t like to eat much, she doesn’t need much sleep. Moving house and starting school after being homeschooled for years isn’t her idea of fun, but she goes along with it because her parents have started their dream business. David knows there’s something different about Laurel. He knows she’s special and he’s drawn to her. Now something is happening to Laurel, something impossible, something magical. And they have to find out what’s going on.

Wings is a fun, light read. It has an interesting take on faeries, but I felt there was something missing from this tale. We’ve only seen a sliver of a world that Aprilynne Pike clearly knows very well. My biggest problem is that the plot is fairly straightforward and stretched out for the size of the book. However, the plot that we do get is nicely written, with a refreshingly original take on faeries. Often books have 'original' takes on mythical creatures that are incredibly similar, but Aprilynne Pike has created a whole new species with the faeries in Wings.

Laurel is a sympathetic protagonist and her need to fit in will be understood by most teenagers. Her chemistry with David and Tam was believable, and her relationship with her parents was also nicely played out. The 'bad guys' of the book were a tad formulaic, their motives were never really explained. Other than that though, Wings has a cast of believable characters.

As I’ve said, the faeries are a stroke of genius. I just wish that Pike had packed more plot in. This is a fun, entertaining book, but I have to say that I see it appealing more to younger teens than older. Usually I ignore the distinctions between teenage books, because children’s books can be totally suitable for older readers too. In this case though, I’d say young to mid teens are the ideal audience for this book if they’re looking for light, magical entertainment.

16 comments:

  1. Interesting...and both the covers are so pretty!

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  2. Great review. This book sounds really, really good :)

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  3. I think I'm going to enjoy this one. I actually did not like Wicked lovely(melissa marr) because it didn't go into depth much about fairy's. It was more of a love story, and a dumb one at that.
    Hopefully this one will! be better!

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  4. Really interesting review - thanks! I agree with you about teen books. Sometimes you really get the feeling a book is more suited to younger readers. (But I haven't read this one yet!)

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  5. I'm currently reading this right now and I'm enjoying it so far but I find it a bit slow to read. But that's my opinion. Nice review, I agree that the relationship with the two boys is nicely written XD Good review :)

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  6. I've heard so much about this book (all positive, of course) so I can't wait to read it. Thanks for including the two covers. Is the first one you pictured actually from the ARC or was it just one of the potentially many draft covers (though I guess it could be both)?

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  7. Amy - I really liked Wicked Lovely. Though you're right about the lack of faery-depth. I hadn't even noticed it!

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  8. The first cover is the UK cover and the second is the US one (I think) The US one suits the plot much better, but now I've read it I think the UK one appeals to the right age.

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  9. I loved this book so much!!! Can't wait until the next books!!! :D

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  10. I absolutly adore this book and it is one of my favs of all time! Its even been commented by Steph M!(i totally agree with her)
    It would be absolutly amazing if there is a second one or others by Aprilynne(which i am about to look up!)
    Overall comment:
    LOVE IT LOVE IT AND LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

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  11. I certainly agree with this review! While making for a beautiful story, the plot definately lacks something and is dragged out for a little too long. I think prephaps, despite the expectations of the publishers, this book is indeed destined for a slightly younger demographic than "Twilight".
    However, if you're looking for a light, easy going piece of chick lit to pass the time, this will fit the bill wonderfully!

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  12. i just finished reading it today and i love it,i had a great 3 days reading it and i can wait for my mum to get me the lovely bones

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  13. Its a beautiful story

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  14. i really liked this book. im really into the whole mythological creatures. I have never really been into faeries though. this book gave me a new interest in them.. cant wait to read the others.

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  15. I found this book to have too simple language and a plot that was too unbelievable. The language si about the right age for 10-13 year olds but the sexual refrences are too high so I cannot understand who this book is aimed for. Although I couldn't stand this book I did finish it and the second is much better

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  16. heartsss this book! Its AMAZING!!

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