Title: Destined
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Series: 4th and final book in the Wings series
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Source: ARC
Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face.
Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless.
First, let me preface this review by saying that if you haven’t read the other three books in this series, don’t read any further. I wouldn’t ever intentionally spoil something for you, but as I’ve been reading this series slowly over the last few years, I don’t remember what happens or what’s revealed in each book.
Now that that’s out of the way…where do I begin? How do I put my thoughts into coherent sentences so you know how much this series meant to me? Because you can’t really review a series finale without looking back on the series as a whole and evaluating it as such. Yes, all of my questions were answered. Yes, Laurel finally made her choice. But am I satisfied?
For the most part, yes. I had a good idea how things were going to play out, but it was still interesting to see how it all came to fruition. I liked getting to see Laurel making some actual decisions and, even if they did frustrate me at times, it was interesting to see why she did what she did. Laurel’s always been thoughtful, and even with one of the biggest decisions she had to make in this series, she didn’t rush into it. I’m just glad she finally made her choice and everyone involved can move on with their lives.
The author included some really unique plot twists in this final installment, some of which I NEVER saw coming, and they only enhanced the world she has created. I have always loved her version of Avalon, with its season-based sectors and caste system, but one twist after another nearly leads to the destruction of this utopia. Once again, it’s up to Laurel and her loyal-as-ever best friends to save the day. And this is where things get really exciting.
Except that they kind of don’t. The majority of the book is one intense battle. That might sound intriguing, but I could have done without all of the fighting. It would have been enough for me to simply see a bit of the battle and then jump to the ensuing aftermath. The devastation is massive, as is the loss of life, and yet I felt that was only lightly touched upon, considering how much time was spent deliberating on the mêlée itself.
I wanted to know more about the enemy, about Yuki, and about how things turned out after the war against the trolls. But after that’s over, things just kind of end. We know who Laurel chooses and who’s left to pick up the pieces, but I wanted more of a resolution for Laurel. How will she fit into this new world? What will become of her existence in the human world? The ending doesn’t really answer these questions…but there is an afterword of sorts told from David’s perspective, and it provided me with a sense of finality that I didn’t quite get from the rest of the novel.
Illusions was probably my favorite novel in this series. I loved seeing Tamani pretending to be a typical human in high school, and I loved seeing how Laurel and David adjusted to this change. I missed all of the mishaps and trouble this threesome got themselves into while both boys vied for Laurel’s affections, and so I simply can’t rate Destined as highly.
Though, if you’ve already started this series, or even if you haven’t -- and you’re still reading this even though I warned you against it – you absolutely must read this final chapter in the Wings series. I may have loved this book in a different way than I loved the previous installments, but it was still an exciting conclusion to one of my favorite series, and I’d definitely say it’s a great read for anyone who likes a slightly different take on faeries.
Rating: 
Book-A-Likes: The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Review: Destined by Aprilynne Pike
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Series: 4th and final book in the Wings series
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Source: ARC
Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless.
First, let me preface this review by saying that if you haven’t read the other three books in this series, don’t read any further. I wouldn’t ever intentionally spoil something for you, but as I’ve been reading this series slowly over the last few years, I don’t remember what happens or what’s revealed in each book.
Now that that’s out of the way…where do I begin? How do I put my thoughts into coherent sentences so you know how much this series meant to me? Because you can’t really review a series finale without looking back on the series as a whole and evaluating it as such. Yes, all of my questions were answered. Yes, Laurel finally made her choice. But am I satisfied?
For the most part, yes. I had a good idea how things were going to play out, but it was still interesting to see how it all came to fruition. I liked getting to see Laurel making some actual decisions and, even if they did frustrate me at times, it was interesting to see why she did what she did. Laurel’s always been thoughtful, and even with one of the biggest decisions she had to make in this series, she didn’t rush into it. I’m just glad she finally made her choice and everyone involved can move on with their lives.
The author included some really unique plot twists in this final installment, some of which I NEVER saw coming, and they only enhanced the world she has created. I have always loved her version of Avalon, with its season-based sectors and caste system, but one twist after another nearly leads to the destruction of this utopia. Once again, it’s up to Laurel and her loyal-as-ever best friends to save the day. And this is where things get really exciting.
Except that they kind of don’t. The majority of the book is one intense battle. That might sound intriguing, but I could have done without all of the fighting. It would have been enough for me to simply see a bit of the battle and then jump to the ensuing aftermath. The devastation is massive, as is the loss of life, and yet I felt that was only lightly touched upon, considering how much time was spent deliberating on the mêlée itself.
I wanted to know more about the enemy, about Yuki, and about how things turned out after the war against the trolls. But after that’s over, things just kind of end. We know who Laurel chooses and who’s left to pick up the pieces, but I wanted more of a resolution for Laurel. How will she fit into this new world? What will become of her existence in the human world? The ending doesn’t really answer these questions…but there is an afterword of sorts told from David’s perspective, and it provided me with a sense of finality that I didn’t quite get from the rest of the novel.
Illusions was probably my favorite novel in this series. I loved seeing Tamani pretending to be a typical human in high school, and I loved seeing how Laurel and David adjusted to this change. I missed all of the mishaps and trouble this threesome got themselves into while both boys vied for Laurel’s affections, and so I simply can’t rate Destined as highly.
Though, if you’ve already started this series, or even if you haven’t -- and you’re still reading this even though I warned you against it – you absolutely must read this final chapter in the Wings series. I may have loved this book in a different way than I loved the previous installments, but it was still an exciting conclusion to one of my favorite series, and I’d definitely say it’s a great read for anyone who likes a slightly different take on faeries.
Rating:
Book-A-Likes: The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa
Saturday, March 31, 2012
In My Mailbox #25
In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a weekly meme where we all get to brag about the books and swag we got in the mail, for review, won in contests, etc.
For Review:
Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen from HarlequinTeen
Destined (Wings #4) by Aprilynne Pike from Harper Teen
On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves from April at Sim~Sational~Books (actually won this a couple of weeks ago but finally checked my email and got around to downloading it :P)
Cloaked by Alex Flinn from a HarperTeen Twitter giveaway
Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
So, so, so excited to read both Destined and Spell Bound. Both are the conclusions of two series that I've adored. Haven't heard much buzz on Destined yet, but I've read some very mixed reviews of Spell Bound. I'm crossing my fingers that I'm not disappointed. If you've read any of these, what did you think?
As always, share the goodies you found in your mailbox this week in the comments below. I can't wait to be jealous of your haul! :D
Saturday, June 25, 2011
In My Mailbox #4
Since my last IMM post, I've been on a bit of a buying binge. After buying (and reading) all of the Nook book versions of The Forest of Hands and Teeth trilogy, I went to the bookstore on my Nook and found the following:
Nook Steals N' Deals:
Evermore (The Immortals #1) by Alyson Noel for $2.99
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald for $0.99
Hollowland (The Hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking for $0.99
The Warrior Heir (The Heir Chronicles #1) by Cinda Williams Chima for $2.99
Also, because I like pretty covers and have an indescribable need to have a complete series displayed on my bookshelf, I bought the following:
Passion (Fallen #3) by Lauren Kate
Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma
Blood Magic (The Blood Journals #1) by Tessa Gratton
Signed ARC of Cara Lynn Shultz' Spellbound (courtesy of Anne Riley)
Signed copy of Wings by Aprilynne Pike (courtesy of Rachel Bateman)
Team Tamani and Team David temporary tattoos (from the Wings series by Aprilynne Pike, also courtesy of Rachel Bateman)
Signed Shiver bookmark from Maggie Stiefvater
Signed The Near Witch bookmark from Victoria Schwab
Set of Solstice trading cards from P.J. Hoover
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Review: Illusions (Wings #3) by Aprilynne Pike
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Series: Wings
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Rating:
From Goodreads:
Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.
But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.
Oh, my. If I thought I was going to get any answers in book three, boy, was I mistaken. I now have more questions than ever! And I have to wait an entire year before I'll get any type of resolution? After that cliffhanger?!? Oh, my.
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***Don't read any further if you have not read the other books in the series. I would hate to spoil anything for you!***
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So, Laurel made her decision at the end of Spells and is living as normal a life as possible as a human with David and the parents who raised her. All is right in Laurel's world, until Tamani shows up at her high school and enrolls as a foreign exchange student. Things are about to get complicted.
It's engaging to read how the scenario plays out. I mean, David, Mr. Perfect GPA, has a little green-eyed monster tucked safely away after the incidents of last summer, but Tamani's reappearance in Laurel's life triggers some not-so-nice behavior from him. It's quite entertaining and it actually made me like David better because he's not as perfect as his spotless reputation thus far has portrayed. (I'm still Team Tamani, though!)
The characterization in these novels is fantastic. I truly feel as if I know the characters, though their actions are not always as predictable as one might expect. And the addition of new characters (friend or foe, who really knows?) only adds to the fun. Ms. Pike really knows how to round out her characters and make them feel like old friends.
As usual, Laurel doesn't only have to deal with having her heart torn between two boys. There are other dangers looming on the horizon, though it takes getting to that cliffhanger of an ending to truly find out who the enemy is. This latest installment, and my favorite in the series by far, is full of plot twists, complex relationships, and developments that shake Laurel's world to its core.
Illusions is a great addition to the series, which only seems to get better with each book. The author has created a spectacular new faerie world of her own with this series.
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Side note and then I'm done: After the revelations in Illusions, what with Laurel breaking up with David and leaning heavily toward Tamani, and Chelsea's plans to break up with Ryan in hopes that David will finally notice her, I won't be surprised if the series ends happily ever after with Laurel & Tamani heading home to Avalon and David & Chelsea heading off to college together as a couple. I hope it's not as predictable as all that, but I suppose I shall find out eventually.
*I won an ARC of this novel from Pitch Dark Books/Harper Teen in their Dark Days of Supernatural promotion.*
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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