Destined by Aprilynne Pike

Rating: 4.25/5.0

Release Date: May 1st, 2012

Age Level: Young Adult

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 320

Recommend? Since this is the last book in a series, I recommend this series to fans of Wicked Lovely and other fey related books. 

Synopsis:

Tamani looked at her gravely, and reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear.
He hesitated for an instant, then his hands found the sides of her face, pulling her to him. He didn't kiss her, just held her face close to his, their foreheads resting together, their noses almost touching.
She hated how much it felt like good-bye.

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and Klea plans to use her to help conquer and destroy Avalon. But Klea's reach extends far beyond one wild Winter faerie. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares to face what may be Avalon's final days, in the stunning conclusion to the Wings series. 

My Thoughts:

Destined was a pretty good ending to an excellent series. I have been looking forward to this book since the day after Illusions came out (I read it in one day) and it did not disappoint. I read this non-stop the day I got it and could not put it down. I simply had to know how she ended it!

There were a few things that I did not like how she concluded in this final novel. First off, there was something missing from the feel of this book. The other books had my heart pounding (for various reasons!) but this book was missing that element. I found it lack luster in that department. However, my loyalty to the series kept me reading.

Everything turned out exactly how I wanted it to! There were a few surprises, but other then that I had the ending pretty well predicted. This is good in a way that everything I was hoping for came true, but bad in a sense that there wasn't much unpredictability involved. I like it when books surprise me and this one didn't. However, I was NOT expecting how she would achieve all of these ends, so it was interesting enough to follow along on Laurel's journey to see her through to the end.

I LOVE Tamani and that doesn't change in this novel. I still adore him to death and he remains my favorite character. I also grew to really like Chelsea in Destined, while I had never been fond of her in prior novels. I am still neutral about David, however I believe she had the perfect ending for him. I can't imagine anything going differently.

Destined was definitely not my favorite book of the Wings series, however, it was definitely a page turner that I enjoyed greatly. I highly recommend the Wings series!

Details:

Cover: 5.0

Plot: 3.5

Characters: 5.0

Writing: 3.0

Source: Purchased from store.

Illusions by Aprilynne Pike

Rating: 4.75/5.0
Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Age Level: Young Adult 14+
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 384

Recommend? I definitely recommend the Wings series! Illusions was a fantastic third novel in this increasingly enticing series. I highly recommend reading Wings and Spells before reading Illusions.

Synopsis:

"I don't do patrols, I don't go hunting, I just stick close to you. You live your life. I'll keep you safe," Tamani said, sweeping a lock of hair from her face. "Or die trying."

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 returns to normal, Laurel realizes 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.

My Thoughts:

Illusions, the third novel in Aprilynne Pike's Wings series, was just as amazing as its predecessor. While Spells, the second novel, is still my favorite of the series (I loved the Avalon setting), Illusions comes in a very close second.

Those who have yet to read Wings or Spells, tread carefully. This is the Third book in the series and plot WILL be spoiled (unintentionally and nothing more then you would learn from the synopsis) if you continue reading.

I cannot say his name enough. Tamani. Tamani! TAMANI! (Ok, I won't fangirl rant this time...) Those who are fans of Tamani will definitely enjoy his presence throughout the novel. I loved how the POV shifted between Laurel's and Tamani's so that you had a grasp on exactly how both of them were truly feeling. I definitely would have had issues with Tamani getting so close to Yuki (the new girl introduced in Illusions) had I not known through his POV that he had no real intentions/feelings for her. Being able to get into his head definitely saved me a few headaches.

The relationship between David and Laurel gets really complicated when Tamani is thrown into their everyday life and Laurel begins to struggle through some pretty hard decisions. Personally, I agree with her on most of them towards the end. I love how her mom is able to pick up on her inner angst and try and help her work through it. I love that they emphasize her closeness with her mom after all the past issues there. It was something small that I believe made a huge impact on the believability of Laurel's world and life.

Talk about a cliffhanger-- If you thought Spells ended on a cliffhanger, I actually kept flipping back and forth between the last page and the acknowledgements trying to comprehend how the book ended without me noticing. I had read the whole book in one sitting and just as things were beginning to unfold, it ends! I was hanging off every last word, too!

Illusions was a fantastic third novel in the Wings series and now I am holding my breath waiting for the fourth!

Details:

Cover: 5.0

Plot: 5.0

Characters: 5.0

Writing: 4.0

Source: Purchased from store.

400 Followers Giveaway Winner!

And the winner is...

Ashley H.!!

Congrats!! You've won Wings, Need, and Blue Bloods! I'll be contacting you soon!

Thank you everyone who participated in my 400 Followers Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for Holly Black's White Cat! Ends April 30th!

Eli's Weekly Post -19

Hello everyone! So, there have been quite a few new changes here at The Tainted Poet and I just wanted to put some light on them!

-I've recently reached 400+ followers! So I'm giving away 3 Books: Wings by Aprilynne Pike, Need by Carrie Jones, and Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz. Click here to enter! If I get more then 100 entries, I will throw in a 4th book and there will then be two winners! 1st place will have choice of 3 of the books and second place will receive the remaining book.

-I've cleaned up my sidebars a bit. I'm thinking about getting rid of my chatbox-- anyone agree I should?

-I've changed the way I format my reviews, hopefully making them easier to read and navigate. Let me know if you think differently! (Like, if you don't like the purple font or what not).

-I'm working on a list of Books for Boys that you can find here. If you have any suggestions, please comment! I am currently putting everything together but I would LOVE more suggestions!

I think that is everything important that has been going on here at The Tainted Poet. Please comment if any of my changes are displeasing! I REALLY want to change my header but I can't come up with a better one, so that is currently in the works! Oh, and have a fantastic St. Patrick's Day!

Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Rating: 4.0

Re-Read? I have actually already re-read bits and pieces. I have a few favorite parts I like to revisit.

Recommend? Spells is the second in the series, so I suggest reading Wings first.

Release Date: May 4th, 2010

Publisher: Harperteen

Pages: 368

Synopsis:

"I can't just storm in and proclaim my intentions. I can't ‘steal' you away. I just have to wait and hope that, someday, you'll ask," Tamani said.

"And if I don't?" Laurel said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Then I guess I'll be waiting forever."

Although Laurel has come to accept her true identity as a faerie, she refuses to turn her back on her human life—and especially her boyfriend, David—to return to the faerie world.

But when she is summoned to Avalon, Laurel's feelings for the charismatic faerie sentry Tamani are undeniable. She is forced to make a choice—a choice that could break her heart. (From Amazon).

My Thoughts:

First off, I am going to try and write this review without fangirling all over Tamani. Do I love Tamani? Yes. Did Spells make me fall even deeper in love with his character? Of course! Well with one last fangirl squeal-- Tammmmmaaaaaanniiiii-- I shall begin this review.

Spells was just as enchanting as Wings-- even more so because the story delved deeper into all things fey, which I felt Wings lacked. With Laurel going to study in Avalon, of course she was going to get to know Tamani even more personally. I really loved the friction between them. It made the whole book that much more interesting! I guess I'll never get tired of love triangles. I can't exactly say poor David, because he IS the boyfriend, but I really couldn't begin to guess who she'll end up with by the end of the series.

While Spells has neither an exceptional writing style nor a completely original plot, I couldn't put the darn fluffy thing down. Spells wove a spell around me that was only released on that final page, WHICH, by the way, is a cliffhanger! I cannot express my impatience to read the next in the series. This is definitely a series to keep an eye on.

Details:

Cover: 4.5

Plot: 4.0

Characters: 4.5

Writing: 3.0

Source: Purchased from store.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Re-Read? Since this is the first in the series, it would be quite handy to have around to refresh my memory when the next comes out!

Recommend? I really do recommend this book-- I fell in love with the story. Again, Faeries. <3

Publisher: Harper Teen/290 pages

Synopsis:

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever. (amazon product description)

My Thoughts:

Puberty takes on a whole new form in this debut novel, Wings, with a faerie spin. The first book in the series, we are introduced to a slew of characters, our main heroine being the lovely Laurel. Having just moved from a small town, home schooled (and vegan) Laurel is introduced to the public school system of Crescent City. Being the new kid on the block is hard enough, but when a flower literately sprouts up from Laurel's back, fitting in is the least of her worries (or is it the largest?).

Wings, in my opinion, contained everything that the first in the series should contain-- background, introduction to plot and of course a thorough introduction to our main characters (Laurel, David, and Tamani). I really do feel the characters were well developed (which is important to me). The story was kind of slow in the beginning (though personally, I couldn't put the book down) but I think it picked up pace pretty well. It all depends on what kind of reader you are and what you expect of a novel. The writing was simple, but I enjoyed it for what it was. For those who get easily fustrated by this, you do get used to it and I hardly noticed it since I was so engrossed in the plot.

Pike really created a totally new spin on Faeries, which now that I think about it, only makes sense! The world she invisioned, I can tell, is only going to get more intricate and detailed as the story progresses through the various novels. Wings really has me excited for a sequal! I absolutly fell in love with both Tamani and David-- I really don't know which I would choose! Both are polar opposites but both contain qualities that I (and Laurel!) find attractive. Love, growing up, faeries, trolls (???) and adventure-- Who wouldn't want to read this book?

In My MailBox -1

So this is my first time doing the In My Mailbox meme! Today I had just received a few books from the book store. I hope to read them by next week and have a few new reviews!



-Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner

Summery:

The war between humanity and Faerie devastated both sides. Or so 15-year-old Liza has been told. Nothing has been seen or heard from Faerie since, and Liza’s world bears the scars of its encounter with magic. Trees move with sinister intention, and the town Liza calls home is surrounded by a forest that threatens to harm all those who wander into it. Then Liza discovers she has the Faerie ability to see—into the past, into the future—and she has no choice but to flee her town. Liza’s quest will take her into Faerie and back again, and what she finds along the way may be the key to healing both worlds.

Janni Lee Simner’s first novel for young adults is a dark fairy-tale twist on apocalyptic fiction—as familiar as a nightmare, yet altogether unique.



-Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Summery:

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21^st century faery tale.

-Wings by Aprilynne Pike:

Summery:

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

(All synopsi are from inside of the book jackets.)