Wednesday, April 15, 2009

A "Wicked" Faerie Tale


Another book review?? Well....it's certainly about time!! Especially since it's the Once Upon a Time season!! Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (352 pgs, Harper Collins, 2008) could probably fall into more than one Fantasy Subgenre. Urban Fantasy is probably where I would leave it. Is there a better way to kick off the Once Upon a Time Challenge than with book about Faeries? I think not!

The Summer King knelt before her. "Is this what you freely choose, to risk winter's chill?" She watched him -- the boy she'd fallen in love with these past weeks. She'd never dreamed he was something other than human, but now his skin glowed as if flames flickered just under the surface, so strange and beautiful she couldn't look away. "It's what I want." "You understand that if you are not the one, you'll carry the Winter Queen's chill until the next mortal risks this? And you'll warn her not to trust me?" He paused, glancing at her with pain in his eyes.

Every since Aislinn could remember, she's had The Sight. Like her Grandmother and her mother before her, Aislinn has the ability to see Faeries. You see, Faeries inhabit the world we live in....only we can't see them. But Faeries aren't cute little creatures Walt Disney would have us believe. Oh no. Faeries are mischievous at best. At worst, they are cruel creatures that have no sense of right or wrong. No moral compass.

Aislinn's Grandmother taught her at an early age, the only way to survive in a world with The Sight is to not let anyone know about it. Especially, the Fey. Never stare at the faeries; never speak to the faeries, but most importantly, Don't EVER attract their attention. Aislinn took this advice to heart, and it worked for her...until the day the Summer King started stalking her.

You see, Keenan, the Summer King, needs to find his Summer Queen. He has been searching for 9 centuries and has yet to find the woman who will break the spell his mother, the Winter Queen, has placed on him. His powers are bound, and unless he finds the Summer Queen, Summer will eventually fade away and the Earth will grow colder. Keenan believes that Aislinn is the one he is searching for, but now he has to convince her to take a chance.

I love a good faerie story. Especially one that is this well-researched. Marr begins each chapter with a snippet of faerie legend. And she has created some great characters in Donia, the Winter girl and Keenan, the Summer King. It was their story that really sucked me into this book. Donia, the once mortal girl who took a chance and lost, was tragic and yet endearing. Her love for Keenan, even after she found she wasn't meant to be his queen was almost heartbreaking. For me, I didn't appreciate Aislinn until later in the book. She was a bit too timid and mild at first. But when her back was against the wall, she came out swinging....and that's a sign of a great female protagonist!!

As with most fantasy books these days, there is never a solid ending. They all seem to be under the category of series...and this one is no exception. I find myself entrenched in yet another series! This was a quick read, but a good one nonetheless. I'm really glad I chose to start this series.....it left me wanting more....so I guess Marr did her job well!! 4.5/5

12 comments:

Melissa O. said...

Ooh! I'm reading this one now and so far am really enjoying it. I actually haven't read too many fairy stories over the years, but I find that I really enjoy them.

Great review!

S. Krishna said...

I want to read this one, thanks for the great review!

Amy said...

Fantastic review! I love this book and the one that follows!

chrisa511 said...

I just ordered this one from Book Closeouts! Got it for cheap :) Can't wait to read it now...great review, Steph.

Kailana said...

I really liked this book, so I am glad you did, too! I guess it is a series and not a trilogy like I first thought, so that's exciting!

Ana S. said...

wow! Now I'm even happier that I got this book today :D

Stephanie said...

Melissa - Faery tales have become a true love of mine!! I hope you enjoy it!

S. Krishna - Thanks! I'm going to feel like you...posting a whole heap of reviews this week!

Amy - Thanks! I have an ARC of Fragile Eternity which actually has Aislinn in it. Can't wait to read it!

Chris - I think you'll like it. It's a good story.

Kailana - I knew if you liked it, I probably would too!! I'm going to try to get Ink Exchange from the library tonight...

Nymeth - Talk about timing!! I hope you like it!

Anonymous said...

I thought this one was better than the sequel. I noticed too lately everything seems to come in series.

Debi said...

Would you mind reading something crappy next, so you'll quit making my wish list grow? ;)

Stephanie said...

Debbiesworld - You know, I think it might be refreshing to actually pick up and read a book that ENDS!! Just one book!! It seems that everything I'm reading these days is part of some series or another!

Debbie - Um...No!! I don't like to read crappy books!! Besides, I get just as many recommendations from you!! So...here is me sticking my tongue out at you!!

Ladytink_534 said...

I really, really loved this story. I really need to pick up the last two!

Anonymous said...

This is high on my list of books to read this year. Everyone has been raving about this series and I can't wait to get started on it.