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Most Helpful Favorable Review
18 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
A Debut to Behold...and Read!
Aprilynne Pike has made an outstanding debut with her Novel, 'Wings'. It's a story about fairies, but not in the typical sense that, if a person hated fairies and fairy folk,they would definetly love this story. A complete reinvention of what the world has known about ...Read More
Aprilynne Pike has made an outstanding debut with her Novel, 'Wings'. It's a story about fairies, but not in the typical sense that, if a person hated fairies and fairy folk,they would definetly love this story. A complete reinvention of what the world has known about fairies and the like and made it an exciting, modern, and magical tale. Making her own world of fairies seem so entirely real and believable that you can't help but wonder that maybe your theories about your best friend- you know the insanley goregous, talented, graceful,and sweet friend of yours-being a fairy might actually be true.
I found myself liking Laurel as a best friend, falling for sweet and caring David, and wanting more of charasmatic and mysterious Tamani.I could not get enough of the mythology of fairies and fairy-folk she created in her world and I am left with wanting more!
Her writing style is wonderfully vivid and real that it transports your right from your couch, into the pages and onto the cool, beautiful breezy California coast. Her voice is charming, soft,and it pulls you in deeper into the crisp pages of the story, making it difficult NOT to keep turning the pages until your eyes are bleary and unfocused with sleep. With a bit of humor, wit, and sass thrown - oh!so cleverly- in at the right moments it's a story not to miss!
I truly loved reading this book. Getting into the mythology of what Aprilynne created for her fairies and seeing such defined, likeable, and well rounded characters, and a unique story kept me turning the pages well into the early morining hours. I cannot wait to read the next installments of this lovely story and see what the future hold for her. She defenitley has a long career ahead of her. Yay for us Idaho girls!!Show Less
I found myself liking Laurel as a best friend, falling for sweet and caring David, and wanting more of charasmatic and mysterious Tamani.I could not get enough of the mythology of fairies and fairy-folk she created in her world and I am left with wanting more!
Her writing style is wonderfully vivid and real that it transports your right from your couch, into the pages and onto the cool, beautiful breezy California coast. Her voice is charming, soft,and it pulls you in deeper into the crisp pages of the story, making it difficult NOT to keep turning the pages until your eyes are bleary and unfocused with sleep. With a bit of humor, wit, and sass thrown - oh!so cleverly- in at the right moments it's a story not to miss!
I truly loved reading this book. Getting into the mythology of what Aprilynne created for her fairies and seeing such defined, likeable, and well rounded characters, and a unique story kept me turning the pages well into the early morining hours. I cannot wait to read the next installments of this lovely story and see what the future hold for her. She defenitley has a long career ahead of her. Yay for us Idaho girls!!Show Less
posted by WinterReign on July 15, 2009
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20 out of 31 people found this review helpful.
good concept, slow start, future potential.
Aprillynne Pike is a fun new voice in the realm of modern day faery tales. Maybe that's the ultimate thing to remember - the "fun" part. If you're looking for a quick read fluent in escapism, WINGS is a good way to spend a rainy Saturday. I think it will serve particula...Read More
Aprillynne Pike is a fun new voice in the realm of modern day faery tales. Maybe that's the ultimate thing to remember - the "fun" part. If you're looking for a quick read fluent in escapism, WINGS is a good way to spend a rainy Saturday. I think it will serve particularly well as a clean summer read for middle school girls who want to slip away into a faery fantasy. However, I can't imagine this book will hook older readers. In fact, I'm a bit surprised it was already on a bestseller list. Despite an engaging concept, WINGS never took off. The writing style is a bit grating after awhile: slow start, lots of backstory dumped in awkward places, back to back chapters full of nothing but dialogue, and zero chemistry (so far) between the love interests. The book was free of purple prose, which is nice, but it was also free of most any prose at all which made for a tedious read. I also found the main character, Laurel, a bit too self-posessed. She frequently talks about how beautiful she is (blonde and fair, of course), how beautiful the faery Tamani is, how beautiful, beautiful, beautiful the world is. Even if Stephenie Meyer hadn't offered an endorsement for this book, I would have assumed Pike was a Meyer fan. Unlike Meyer's books, I didn't feel any attachment to Pike's world, or her characters, after the story ended. I see some definite potential though and I'm excited to see how Aprilynne Pike grows as a writer. If you're a younger reader, I would definitely suggest you give WINGS a try. Faery Rebels (or Knife in the UK) by RJ Anderson might be a better alternative. (Also, I've seen discussion about how Pike's WINGS compares to ED Baker's WINGS. I've read both and I don't think they don't have a whole lot in common other than title, similar character names, and the fact that both girls have some form of "wings". If you like one book though, you might enjoy the other.)Show Less
posted by hopelikefeathers on May 18, 2009
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Anonymous
Posted May 18, 2009
I Also Recommend:
good concept, slow start, future potential.
Aprillynne Pike is a fun new voice in the realm of modern day faery tales. Maybe that's the ultimate thing to remember - the "fun" part. If you're looking for a quick read fluent in escapism, WINGS is a good way to spend a rainy Saturday. I think it will serve particularly well as a clean summer read for middle school girls who want to slip away into a faery fantasy. However, I can't imagine this book will hook older readers. In fact, I'm a bit surprised it was already on a bestseller list. Despite an engaging concept, WINGS never took off. The writing style is a bit grating after awhile: slow start, lots of backstory dumped in awkward places, back to back chapters full of nothing but dialogue, and zero chemistry (so far) between the love interests. The book was free of purple prose, which is nice, but it was also free of most any prose at all which made for a tedious read. I also found the main character, Laurel, a bit too self-posessed. She frequently talks about how beautiful she is (blonde and fair, of course), how beautiful the faery Tamani is, how beautiful, beautiful, beautiful the world is. Even if Stephenie Meyer hadn't offered an endorsement for this book, I would have assumed Pike was a Meyer fan. Unlike Meyer's books, I didn't feel any attachment to Pike's world, or her characters, after the story ended. I see some definite potential though and I'm excited to see how Aprilynne Pike grows as a writer. If you're a younger reader, I would definitely suggest you give WINGS a try. Faery Rebels (or Knife in the UK) by RJ Anderson might be a better alternative. (Also, I've seen discussion about how Pike's WINGS compares to ED Baker's WINGS. I've read both and I don't think they don't have a whole lot in common other than title, similar character names, and the fact that both girls have some form of "wings". If you like one book though, you might enjoy the other.)
20 out of 31 people found this review helpful.
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A Debut to Behold...and Read!
Aprilynne Pike has made an outstanding debut with her Novel, 'Wings'. It's a story about fairies, but not in the typical sense that, if a person hated fairies and fairy folk,they would definetly love this story. A complete reinvention of what the world has known about fairies and the like and made it an exciting, modern, and magical tale. Making her own world of fairies seem so entirely real and believable that you can't help but wonder that maybe your theories about your best friend- you know the insanley goregous, talented, graceful,and sweet friend of yours-being a fairy might actually be true.
I found myself liking Laurel as a best friend, falling for sweet and caring David, and wanting more of charasmatic and mysterious Tamani.I could not get enough of the mythology of fairies and fairy-folk she created in her world and I am left with wanting more!
Her writing style is wonderfully vivid and real that it transports your right from your couch, into the pages and onto the cool, beautiful breezy California coast. Her voice is charming, soft,and it pulls you in deeper into the crisp pages of the story, making it difficult NOT to keep turning the pages until your eyes are bleary and unfocused with sleep. With a bit of humor, wit, and sass thrown - oh!so cleverly- in at the right moments it's a story not to miss!
I truly loved reading this book. Getting into the mythology of what Aprilynne created for her fairies and seeing such defined, likeable, and well rounded characters, and a unique story kept me turning the pages well into the early morining hours. I cannot wait to read the next installments of this lovely story and see what the future hold for her. She defenitley has a long career ahead of her. Yay for us Idaho girls!!18 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
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If you love fairy books, this one's for you!
This book is great! I started reading it today and can't put it down. The story sucks you in and doesn't let go! It is beautiful! A must read for anyone who loves fairytales. Twilight fans will love it too!
10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Great read!
I picked this up on a whim and I'm so glad I did. Laurel is a wonderful character. Where was David when I was in high school? This is an amazing story and I look forward to my daughters reading it. This is a fresh take on Faerie story telling. I look forward to Ms.Pike's next book.
8 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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asamum
Posted March 10, 2010
Enchanting Debut
Beautifully written debut novel.
Aimed at tweens rather than YA but it still contains some adult sexual themes.
An unusual and creative take on a faerie story. Lovely nature imagery which worked wonders with my technicolour imagination.
Clever use of science to reinforce the plot - it might even encourage tweens to study science ;)
Ingenious linking of Shakespearean characters with mythological characters added an extra dimension to the storyline.
A heart wrenching ending that lingers in your imagination long after closing the book. A truly enchanting story.5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Really Recomended
Wings was such a romantic book. It was exciting! I couldn't put it down, i finished it the same night i bought it!!! The chemistry between the characters is unbelievable!! I los my self in this book!!!! I felt like i was in the book!!! I recomend it to Everyone that loves romance as much as i do!!!! (If you like twilight, u might like this book)
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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holly_
Posted July 21, 2009
perfect.
this book is probally one of the best books ive ever read.
i couldnt get away from this book. when i read it, it felt like i was in there watchin what was happeing.
this is a reat book for anyone. and im not a little kid but this book brought back my imaganation :)4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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wings
loved it. new look at fairies. greatly written. wonderful love story. laurel,david,and tamani are amazing characters. can't wait to next. loved the wing idea.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Pennley_Love
Posted May 15, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Fab-u-lous!
Wings was one of the most amazing books i have ever read! I normally don't read faerie books, but I couldn't seem to not buy this. I was hooked from page 1, to the end. Aprilynne Pike creates an edgy, romantic, and gripping debut to her new series. I reccommend this book to everyone who likes fantasy.
It is a must-have.
Two thumbs up!3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Dichon
Posted May 15, 2009
I really liked wings.
I really liked wings, I finished it really fast and then immediatly read it over again. I had trouble putting it down. My friends all love fantasy so Im going to lend it to them. 4 Stars!!!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Great book,hope there is a sequal
Once i started reading this book I couldnt put it down. Laurel is a compelling main charecter on a mission to find out what she is and who she loves.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Will be reading again and again and again!
This book had me from the first sentence... The characters wrapped around me and haven't left yet! Miss Pike has created such a world within this world that will not be forgotten! The story of Laurel has captivated me! I will recommend this to every customer I can at the B&N I work at!
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com
What happens when you find out that you are different. Not just a little different but really DIFFERENT?!
Laurel finds herself in public school for the first time when she is a sophomore. She has been homeschooled in a small cabin in the forest. Her parents moved to Crescent City, in Northern California, about an hour away from her cabin to open a bookstore.
At her high school Laurel meets David, and he invites her to join his group of friends. He also becomes her best friend.
As she is getting settled into her new life, she gets a bump on her back - which grows bigger and bigger until she sprouts a pretty blue blossom. This blossom makes her look like she has wings.
She manages to hide it from her family and the people at school, but she and David begin to investigate. He looks at cells of her blossom and her cheeks and comes to the conclusion that she is made of plant cells.
Laurel goes back to her cabin home in search of answers. There she meets Tamani, a gorgeous young man who tells her that she is a fairy. She has been helping the fairies guard a secret that is by her cabin home.
Later, her dad takes ill and Laurel and David risk their lives fighting trolls, who are trying to acquire Laurel's forest home. These trolls are scary! They are big, strong, and the main one is smart.
WINGS is the first of four books, and it leaves us with Laurel living two different lives. Should she go back to her fairy life with Tamani, or stay and guard her adoptive parents and be with David, who Laurel also has feelings for?
I really loved this book. It had everything: love, chases, close escapes, dramatic choices, and lots of magic. The writing was very good, and at some points I had to put down the book just because I was so nervous for the characters, which for me means that I was totally involved in the story.
Laurel is someone who I would want to be my best friend. David is also fantastic. He is what I would love to meet and have in my life. He is accepting, brave, and extremely helpful. Tamani is strong, intense, and sexy! What a choice!
I highly recommend this series. It is fun and very believable. Go now and buy your copy of WINGS!3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Amazing
I found this book to be really good. A. Pike really captures your feelings toward the characters and gives you great visuals so that you feel like you are there in the story. Her imagination is remarkable and it really makes you see faeries in a different way. Though the action was not extreme, there were still parts that left you on your seat hoping for the best outcome. The love triangle is great. I cannot WAIT to start Spells!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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nancy9
Posted April 13, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Wings by Aprilynne Pike - What if the stuff of fairy tales was real?
Laurel's teenage existence is normal in extreme, until her family moves, she is forced to learn to make friends, and an odd bit of acne turns into an enormous growth which ultimately blooms on her back into something resembling wings. Thus begins an Alice-down-the-rabbit-hole adventure involving trolls, faeries, and a gate in a forest behind Laurel's childhood home which was once guarded by Arthur of Camelot.
Pike builds a world at once familiar with bicycles and cell phones and other worldly, with asymmetrical-faced trolls and green-rooted faeries in a magical forest. As Laurel is pulled into this world, she learns more about the mystery of why she was left as a foundling on her parents' doorstep and why she never gets sick, loves the sun, and dislikes swimming in salt water. The enchantments continue in this world as Laurel makes her first friends and has her first romance, all the while struggling to remember something just beyond her memory.
This is categorized as young adult fantasy but has much to offer the adult reader as well. Looking forward to more from this writer, and hopefully on this subject.2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted March 16, 2010
love it
this book was great. I thought it was very original and i couldn't put it down, read it in one day only about a month till the next can't wait
u must buy this book!!!!2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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HAYLEYMAY
Posted March 7, 2010
LOVED IT
This book is magical. If you enjoy the Sookie Stackhouse Series, Twilight Series, The House Of Night Series then you will definitely enjoy Wings.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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lovebooksDW
Posted March 2, 2010
I Also Recommend:
THIS IS A AWESOME BOOK!!!!!
Wings is one of my favorite books it is beautifully written I loved every page of it. It was a very different kind of description for what a faerie looks . In this book she is stuck between liking these two boys and her world has completely changed. And she learns new stuff about her self that she never new before. My friends all loved this book and they cannot wait for the second book called "Spells" to come out. I think Aprilynne Pike wrote a very good book that teens love.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Wingless
My two friends have been raving about this book for days. They lent me a rather battered copy, at least by my tastes (I don't even like dog-earing). The premise sounds interesting, the reviews are mixed, and the title and cover looks like something out of a Kotex add. Here we go.......
.................
All right. This book is about 15 year old Laurel, who discovers she's a faerie after a flower blooms out of her back (faeries are apparently plant people). Anyway, her old house is on some special land that trolls (aka the bad guys) want a hold of. So she has to stop them. But she is not alone in her adventures. She has her super-nice human friend David(who is in love with her) and her attractive faerie friend Tamani(who is also in love with her) to help her out.
Hey, it was okay. I thought the whole faerie mythology thing original. But that was probably the best part. The characters were a little cookie-cutterish, and Laurel was the perfect girl that everybody found likable. I guess one faerie power is to have insta-friends, because on the first day of school she already has a guy pining after her. (Guess what class they have together. That's right! Biology!) There is also a love triangle folks, between the sexy dangerous guy, and the cute dependable friend. I'm rooting for you, David! I thought Tamani was too big of a creep, and I never found Laurel's and his connection too palpable. Plus David deserves it, him being whipped and all.
The writing was pretty simple. It was a little too easy to read. More like middle-grade. Content-wise, the book is pretty clean. No swearing other than one s***, I believe. Some kissing, no real sex. Menstruation is mentioned, which might make guy-readers a little uncomfortable. But honestly, what guy would read this book?
Overall, the whole pick seemed like a set-up for a series. Just an introduction of the chracters and plot. Not all the loose ends are tied up either. I'll probably read the rest of the series, but I won't pay for the books.
On a side note, Miley Cyrus as Laurel? Yuck. I was thinking more like Anna Sophia Robb. Same look as Laurel and she can act. If Disney wants Miley in it so bad, she can be Chelsea and they can create a bigger part for her or something.2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted February 6, 2010
I Also Recommend:
It is an amazing book to read and I am normally a very slow reader and i read it so fast! I highly recomend it for teens that still wish they could go to nevrland. (haha)
This book is about a regualr 15 year old girl, named Laural. She just moved from her old house that she had lived in since she was a little girl. She doesn't know anyone, and has always been homeschooled so this is her first year of high-school and just school all together. One day she finds a mysteious bump on her back. Then one day it turns into something that looks like wings! Laural tells her only friend that she really has, David about it and he couldn't even speak! So one day when a creepy looking man, Mr. Barnes, wants to make an offer on the house, Laural and her parents go to clean up at their old house. When Laural goes to the creek at her old house, she meets someone named Tamani, who claims tat she is a faerie and she is acually a plant! Laural just thinks that he is crazy, but Davis thinks other wise. It turns out that Laural really is a faerie. So when Laural and Dvid go looking for Mr. Barnes they find out that he is a troll and he is trying to buy their land so he can destroy the faerie gateway, called Avolon. So this book includes magic, romance, action, and loads of adventure! I highly recomend it!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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