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Black City #3
Wings
Following the cliffhanger ending of Phoenix, Natalie finds herself separated from Ash and unexpectedly reunited with her parents, including the father she thought was dead. But she can only think of Ash. She hasn't heard a word of him since she and Elijah were brought to the underground headquarters of the Sentry Rebellion. But she vows to find him.
Ash, meanwhile is back in Black City; it's the perfect place to hide from the Sentry government. But not for long. He won't give up on Natalie or bringing an end to the terrible reign of Purian Rose.
A pulse-racing end to an exciting series.
Ash, meanwhile is back in Black City; it's the perfect place to hide from the Sentry government. But not for long. He won't give up on Natalie or bringing an end to the terrible reign of Purian Rose.
A pulse-racing end to an exciting series.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2014
71 people are currently reading
6569 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Richards
4 books879 followers*** NOTE TO REVIEWERS***
If you would like a review copy of BLACK CITY, PHOENIX or WINGS, please contact Penguin's marketing department at YRmarketing@us.penguingroup.com. Happy reading! :)
***************************
Elizabeth Richards is a YA author who loves books about supernatural boys, kissing and blood.
Her debut novel, BLACK CITY (Book #1 of the BLACK CITY trilogy) was published in November 2012 and was selected as one of Penguin's Fall 2012 Breathless Reads. Her second novel, PHOENIX, was released in June 2013, and the last novel in the series, WINGS, is out in June 2014.
Film rights optioned by Screen Gems.
www.officialelizabethrichards.com
If you would like a review copy of BLACK CITY, PHOENIX or WINGS, please contact Penguin's marketing department at YRmarketing@us.penguingroup.com. Happy reading! :)
***************************
Elizabeth Richards is a YA author who loves books about supernatural boys, kissing and blood.
Her debut novel, BLACK CITY (Book #1 of the BLACK CITY trilogy) was published in November 2012 and was selected as one of Penguin's Fall 2012 Breathless Reads. Her second novel, PHOENIX, was released in June 2013, and the last novel in the series, WINGS, is out in June 2014.
Film rights optioned by Screen Gems.
www.officialelizabethrichards.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
May 27, 2014
Loved loved loved loved this. Did not love Edmund so much at first because his chapters kept me from my Ash, but I guess I understand why he was included, though I would have liked Elizabeth to fill those pages with many sketches of Ash instead ;-) Okay, I'll stop being silly. Twists, turns, and ending that felt like the perfect culmination to this trilogy. I can't wait to read it again in hardcover. I can't wait to read them all again. The richly imagined gothic world and unique cast of characters was everything I wanted in a series.
Also, Elizabeth Richards, if I did not like you so much, I would hate you because I have cover envy and your covers are so freaking gorgeous that I want to blow them all up into posters (or maybe paintings!) and hang them in my apartment. That's not weird, is it? :) I mean, I <3 my covers too, but yours belong in an art museum.
Rating: 10 stars. (5 stars for book. 5 more stars for cover.)
Also, Elizabeth Richards, if I did not like you so much, I would hate you because I have cover envy and your covers are so freaking gorgeous that I want to blow them all up into posters (or maybe paintings!) and hang them in my apartment. That's not weird, is it? :) I mean, I <3 my covers too, but yours belong in an art museum.
Rating: 10 stars. (5 stars for book. 5 more stars for cover.)
March 19, 2014
9/12/13
JUNE 2014
I guess...
Hurry up 2014
Update: 12/2/14
I HAVE AN ARC OF WINGS COMING NEXT WEEK THIS IS NOT A DRILL OMG I'M SO EXCITED
18/2/14
IT CAME IT FINALLY CAME. THEY'RE ALL TOGETHER NOW
And I have finished reading. I'll do a proper review later on in the week but... it was AMAZING. You all wait. You're gonna be well and truly mindf****d with some stuff.
It's over. The Black City trilogy is over. Goodbye friends, for I am gone. [shrivels up]
One last note-
THANK YOU SO MUCH ELIZABETH RICHARDS FOR SENDING ME THE ARC, AND FOR WRITING THIS AMAZING TRILOGY. I LOVE YOU LIKE I LOVE ICE CREAM. A FREAKING LOT.
27/2/14
It's here! My final review. Last book of the trilogy... very very very sad days.
Thank you to the author for sending me an advance copy!
First of all, have you seen that cover? It's literally eyeporn. Also, it's very relevant to the story. Once you've read it, you'll certainly look at it with new eyes.
WINGS was a thrill ride with twists and turns I never could have even imagined in Black City and Phoenix. The secret of the Ora is revealed, and I tell you right now, you won't believe half of what you read.
Also in WINGS, there is a new POV! His name is Edmund and his POV is set 30 years, and that is all I'm saying. Prepare for screaming, book throwing and jaw dropping where he's concerned. Ash and Natalie POV is, of course, included again. Separated at the end of PHOENIX, Ash is carrying on looking for the Ora while searching for Natalie along the way. Natalie is stuck in the Sentry rebel stronghold, going out of her head wanting to search for Ash with Elijah in tow.
For me, this book was messier than the other two. Things were wrapped up somewhat nicely throughout the book, but there's still something about it that I didn't like.Certain parts seemed thought up at the last moment rather than thought out since the beginning. Not my favourite book of the trilogy, but still an amazing read and the fact there will never be another Black City novel saddens me immensely. There is so much more that could happen after the ending of WINGS. Questions I had throughout the book sadly didn't get answered, which did frustrate me, because they're the questions all fans will be wondering when they finish WINGS.
The story itself is 4 stars and the cover gained a 0.5 stars all by itself. Amazing book and this, sadly, marks the end of the Black City trilogy
(a more detailed review will come when the book has been published)
17/3/14
I had a great deal of unanswered questions at the end of WINGS, which Elizabeth answered. Plus... went above and beyond, telling me and my friend what happened after WINGS. I'm hoping she decides to share all of this with everyone once it's out, because it's amazing. Seriously, what came after WINGS, no spoilers, was scream-worthy.
June is coming people! Don't fret! It's well worth the wait!
You can read this review on my blog as well here
JUNE 2014
I guess...
Hurry up 2014
Update: 12/2/14
I HAVE AN ARC OF WINGS COMING NEXT WEEK THIS IS NOT A DRILL OMG I'M SO EXCITED
18/2/14
IT CAME IT FINALLY CAME. THEY'RE ALL TOGETHER NOW
And I have finished reading. I'll do a proper review later on in the week but... it was AMAZING. You all wait. You're gonna be well and truly mindf****d with some stuff.
It's over. The Black City trilogy is over. Goodbye friends, for I am gone. [shrivels up]
One last note-
THANK YOU SO MUCH ELIZABETH RICHARDS FOR SENDING ME THE ARC, AND FOR WRITING THIS AMAZING TRILOGY. I LOVE YOU LIKE I LOVE ICE CREAM. A FREAKING LOT.
27/2/14
It's here! My final review. Last book of the trilogy... very very very sad days.
Thank you to the author for sending me an advance copy!
First of all, have you seen that cover? It's literally eyeporn. Also, it's very relevant to the story. Once you've read it, you'll certainly look at it with new eyes.
WINGS was a thrill ride with twists and turns I never could have even imagined in Black City and Phoenix. The secret of the Ora is revealed, and I tell you right now, you won't believe half of what you read.
Also in WINGS, there is a new POV! His name is Edmund and his POV is set 30 years, and that is all I'm saying. Prepare for screaming, book throwing and jaw dropping where he's concerned. Ash and Natalie POV is, of course, included again. Separated at the end of PHOENIX, Ash is carrying on looking for the Ora while searching for Natalie along the way. Natalie is stuck in the Sentry rebel stronghold, going out of her head wanting to search for Ash with Elijah in tow.
For me, this book was messier than the other two. Things were wrapped up somewhat nicely throughout the book, but there's still something about it that I didn't like.Certain parts seemed thought up at the last moment rather than thought out since the beginning. Not my favourite book of the trilogy, but still an amazing read and the fact there will never be another Black City novel saddens me immensely. There is so much more that could happen after the ending of WINGS. Questions I had throughout the book sadly didn't get answered, which did frustrate me, because they're the questions all fans will be wondering when they finish WINGS.
The story itself is 4 stars and the cover gained a 0.5 stars all by itself. Amazing book and this, sadly, marks the end of the Black City trilogy
(a more detailed review will come when the book has been published)
17/3/14
I had a great deal of unanswered questions at the end of WINGS, which Elizabeth answered. Plus... went above and beyond, telling me and my friend what happened after WINGS. I'm hoping she decides to share all of this with everyone once it's out, because it's amazing. Seriously, what came after WINGS, no spoilers, was scream-worthy.
June is coming people! Don't fret! It's well worth the wait!
You can read this review on my blog as well here
March 3, 2014
OMG SO PLEASE LET ME JUST TRY AND RECOVER FROM THE ENDING OF THAT BOOK
This non-spoiler review may not make entire sense. But that is because I cannot coherently describe the perfection of this book without dissolving into a mess.
THIS BOOK.
Okay, first, Wings isn't due for release until June 2014. I am basing my review on an uncorrected ARC, but that's okay, because it is still perfection.
Don't worry, there are no spoilers in this review.
The Plot
Okay, so after a certain illness hit a certain character in Phoenix, I was pretty sure I was not going to enjoy the plot of Wings. I thought i'd get bored. I WAS SO GODDAMN WRONG. Whilst the romance does lack slightly in Wings, the action, suspense and sheer anticipation of the main plot totally made up for it. There were moments where I was actually quivering with excitement and expectation and suspense. I just wanted my brain to be able to read quicker so I could see what happened! I haven't found THAT in a book in ages!
THE ENDING
SO PLEASE HELP ME RECOVER FROM THAT ENDING BECAUSE IT HIT ME RIGHT IN THE FEELS. Yup. RIGHT THERE. There are 382 pages in my uncorrected copy. From about page 329, I was a mess. Like, I just had to finish it because I JUST HAD TO KNOW HOW IT ENDED AND I COULDN'T GO ANOTHER SECOND WITHOUT KNOWING DAMN I WISH I COULD READ FASTER. You know? You feel me?
But the actual ending of the book was everything I could possibly want...for the main characters. I have some unanswered questions about the side characters, and tinsy tiny little snags about the sub-plot endings...but honestly? Not enough to dock it down a star. I literally loved this book. So much I can't explain.
The Characters
SO I HAVE SO MUCH LOVE FOR THE CHARACTERS IN THIS BOOK. ASH, NATALIE, ELIJAH, EVANGELINE, BEETLE, DAY, ROACH, SIGUR OMG I LOVE THEM ALL. THEY ARE ALL SO STRONG WITH SUCH INDIVIDUAL PERSONALITIES AND I FELT LIKE THEY WERE MY BEST FRIENDS, YOU KNOW?
Basically, this series of books, the BLACK CITY series by Elizabeth Richards really are underrated. IT DESERVES SO MUCH MORE ATTENTION THAN THIS. YOU GUYS, YOU ARE MISSING OUT IF YOU DON'T PICK UP BLACK CITY AND PHOENIX NOW. AND WINGS WHEN IT COMES OUT IN JUNE.
I'll probably end up updating this review if anything else comes to my over-fangirly mind. Just know that this book is one of the best I've read in the last 6 months and has topped it to my 'favourites' shelf. A MUST READ.
This non-spoiler review may not make entire sense. But that is because I cannot coherently describe the perfection of this book without dissolving into a mess.
THIS BOOK.
Okay, first, Wings isn't due for release until June 2014. I am basing my review on an uncorrected ARC, but that's okay, because it is still perfection.
Don't worry, there are no spoilers in this review.
The Plot
Okay, so after a certain illness hit a certain character in Phoenix, I was pretty sure I was not going to enjoy the plot of Wings. I thought i'd get bored. I WAS SO GODDAMN WRONG. Whilst the romance does lack slightly in Wings, the action, suspense and sheer anticipation of the main plot totally made up for it. There were moments where I was actually quivering with excitement and expectation and suspense. I just wanted my brain to be able to read quicker so I could see what happened! I haven't found THAT in a book in ages!
THE ENDING
SO PLEASE HELP ME RECOVER FROM THAT ENDING BECAUSE IT HIT ME RIGHT IN THE FEELS. Yup. RIGHT THERE. There are 382 pages in my uncorrected copy. From about page 329, I was a mess. Like, I just had to finish it because I JUST HAD TO KNOW HOW IT ENDED AND I COULDN'T GO ANOTHER SECOND WITHOUT KNOWING DAMN I WISH I COULD READ FASTER. You know? You feel me?
But the actual ending of the book was everything I could possibly want...for the main characters. I have some unanswered questions about the side characters, and tinsy tiny little snags about the sub-plot endings...but honestly? Not enough to dock it down a star. I literally loved this book. So much I can't explain.
The Characters
SO I HAVE SO MUCH LOVE FOR THE CHARACTERS IN THIS BOOK. ASH, NATALIE, ELIJAH, EVANGELINE, BEETLE, DAY, ROACH, SIGUR OMG I LOVE THEM ALL. THEY ARE ALL SO STRONG WITH SUCH INDIVIDUAL PERSONALITIES AND I FELT LIKE THEY WERE MY BEST FRIENDS, YOU KNOW?
Basically, this series of books, the BLACK CITY series by Elizabeth Richards really are underrated. IT DESERVES SO MUCH MORE ATTENTION THAN THIS. YOU GUYS, YOU ARE MISSING OUT IF YOU DON'T PICK UP BLACK CITY AND PHOENIX NOW. AND WINGS WHEN IT COMES OUT IN JUNE.
I'll probably end up updating this review if anything else comes to my over-fangirly mind. Just know that this book is one of the best I've read in the last 6 months and has topped it to my 'favourites' shelf. A MUST READ.
November 5, 2014
Rating: 3.5 stars
This book was okay in the beginning... but then as I got closer to the last page (literally the last couple chapters) it was insanely jaw-dropping!! It got ridiculous and I totally enjoyed Richards' approach to ending such an awesome series.
There was a new feel to the third book that didn't seem to exist in the previous two. The author takes us back in time, 30 years before all that went down in the strange world of Black City. Edmund, a new character is introduced and you really think you don't know who this guy is but the more Richards shares, the more you start to realize, this character was there all along! I loved that new twist she added.
What didn't sit well with me was how slow most of the book was especially when compared to Black City and Phoenix. I guess because Edmund's story needed to be known, it kind of took you a step back and therefore slowed things down.
All in all, good book. I would reccomend to fans of Urban Fantasy or Young Adult dystopia.
_______________________________________
2013 Review:
I LOVE THE COVER & TITLE!!! AHHH! CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS :D
This book was okay in the beginning... but then as I got closer to the last page (literally the last couple chapters) it was insanely jaw-dropping!! It got ridiculous and I totally enjoyed Richards' approach to ending such an awesome series.
There was a new feel to the third book that didn't seem to exist in the previous two. The author takes us back in time, 30 years before all that went down in the strange world of Black City. Edmund, a new character is introduced and you really think you don't know who this guy is but the more Richards shares, the more you start to realize, this character was there all along! I loved that new twist she added.
What didn't sit well with me was how slow most of the book was especially when compared to Black City and Phoenix. I guess because Edmund's story needed to be known, it kind of took you a step back and therefore slowed things down.
All in all, good book. I would reccomend to fans of Urban Fantasy or Young Adult dystopia.
_______________________________________
2013 Review:
I LOVE THE COVER & TITLE!!! AHHH! CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS :D
June 29, 2018
A great finale and I'm so happy on how we left on a high note and this might have not been the most satisfying ending, it was still really good.
August 21, 2015
2.5 stars
As the final book of the series, I think it's understandable if I expect it to be grand, or at least better from the previous books. Both Black City and Phoenix didn't impress me that much but I can say that I enjoyed reading them and were nice dystopian books. I cannot say the same thing with this book, in fact am a bit disappointed by it.
For me, the good thing from the book was it described and mentioned again the characters from previous books which I completely forgot and got to figure out of who is who. If I read this book right after I finished book 2, I don't think I'll like it, as it means I have to read the same thing again. But since it took me 2 years to pick this book up after I finished Phoenix, I was so happy the author provided the information of the characters, so that I don't have to reread the previous books, though I did skim them before I read this one.
The writing is still like in the previous books which is what I liked but it was the opposite for the story and the pace.
As the final book, it couldn't engage me while usually I'm so excited with the final book. The pace is slow and there isn't much tension in it. It was just too bad considering this is about the fall of the tyrant ruler.
Well there are guns shooting and explosion but they felt flat. I felt like they were there just to show that this is about rebellion so there supposed to have explosion and all but at the same time lack of feeling. I felt like I only watch it happened without being there with the characters. And worse was when the death of some of the characters. I want to feel sad or even angry to the antagonists because they kill the good characters but again I didn't feel it. Some of them happened when Ash and Natalie weren't there when it happened, and even when it happened in front of them, they couldn’t make me feel what they feel . So as the eye of the story, their POV didn't provide much for me.
I also didn't quite like when the characters happen to be in the right place at the right time it makes most of everything easier for them. I want the characters more struggle and avoid the coincidence for their convenience. Ash and Natalie's journey a little bit too coincidence for my liking I didn't buy it. It felt like it was all staged.
All in all, I think this is not that bad of a final book, especially when I see it from technical aspect. But if you ask me whether I like it, I'll say that I didn't quite like it. It was disappointing, I didn't like the story and the ending felt anticlimactic.
As the final book of the series, I think it's understandable if I expect it to be grand, or at least better from the previous books. Both Black City and Phoenix didn't impress me that much but I can say that I enjoyed reading them and were nice dystopian books. I cannot say the same thing with this book, in fact am a bit disappointed by it.
For me, the good thing from the book was it described and mentioned again the characters from previous books which I completely forgot and got to figure out of who is who. If I read this book right after I finished book 2, I don't think I'll like it, as it means I have to read the same thing again. But since it took me 2 years to pick this book up after I finished Phoenix, I was so happy the author provided the information of the characters, so that I don't have to reread the previous books, though I did skim them before I read this one.
The writing is still like in the previous books which is what I liked but it was the opposite for the story and the pace.
As the final book, it couldn't engage me while usually I'm so excited with the final book. The pace is slow and there isn't much tension in it. It was just too bad considering this is about the fall of the tyrant ruler.
Well there are guns shooting and explosion but they felt flat. I felt like they were there just to show that this is about rebellion so there supposed to have explosion and all but at the same time lack of feeling. I felt like I only watch it happened without being there with the characters. And worse was when the death of some of the characters. I want to feel sad or even angry to the antagonists because they kill the good characters but again I didn't feel it. Some of them happened when Ash and Natalie weren't there when it happened, and even when it happened in front of them, they couldn’t make me feel what they feel . So as the eye of the story, their POV didn't provide much for me.
I also didn't quite like when the characters happen to be in the right place at the right time it makes most of everything easier for them. I want the characters more struggle and avoid the coincidence for their convenience. Ash and Natalie's journey a little bit too coincidence for my liking I didn't buy it. It felt like it was all staged.
All in all, I think this is not that bad of a final book, especially when I see it from technical aspect. But if you ask me whether I like it, I'll say that I didn't quite like it. It was disappointing, I didn't like the story and the ending felt anticlimactic.
July 28, 2014
Although this trilogy was pretty great, I felt like each book got worse and worse. There were many positive and good reviews of this book all over the place, but I felt somewhat left behind and not enjoying it.
From the whole experience of reading this book, I feel like it should've stayed as just one novel. Okay, yes, Elizabeth Richards did leave us with a pretty large cliffhanger at the end of it, but, just a few more chapters later would've just finished it all. Ugh, trilogies...
Natalie is now separated from Ash and is with both of her parents who mysteriously disappeared before. Her mom escaped from prison and her dad was supposedly dead, right? Blocking out all of the drama that's been going on, Ash is the only thing on her mind. They've been separated for a while now, and no word has been found. She needs to find him, and he's back in Black City, where he's been hiding from the government. Everyone wants to see an end to Purian Rose, the villain that began everything from the beginning.
A pulse-racing end? Not really. I mean, this book did have its moments where it could be classified as action-packed and heart-racing, but that wasn't even a bare 5% of the book. A lot of this book was mumbo-jumbo and info-dumping about the history of this, and the history of that.
I understand that the author would've liked to answer all of the readers's questions in this final anticipated novel, but she should of answered some of the stuff in the sequel, because all of the answers were all squished together in this large book. But because of that, a lot of this book could've been taken out, with only a few questions asked from the reader.
The plot and its info-dumping was my main problem. The book was fine until 50 pages, and then it all went downhill, but I kept on reading until the end because I love this series, and need to see what will happen to these characters I've learned to love over the past few weeks. It got slow-paced, and I began to get bored with what was happening. There were some action moments, but the writing made me zone out a lot and I ended up reading paragraphs over and over again.
The characters have gotten even BETTER in this finale. Ash finally knows who he is and what he wants, and so does sensitive Natalie. They both make a gorgeous couple, and a perfect team.
If you read the first two books in this trilogy, then I recommend reading this one, obviously. But beware of: info-dumping and a sucky plot. But the characters and premise were good, and so was the ending, which stunned me. Overall, this was a fabulous trilogy!
From the whole experience of reading this book, I feel like it should've stayed as just one novel. Okay, yes, Elizabeth Richards did leave us with a pretty large cliffhanger at the end of it, but, just a few more chapters later would've just finished it all. Ugh, trilogies...
Natalie is now separated from Ash and is with both of her parents who mysteriously disappeared before. Her mom escaped from prison and her dad was supposedly dead, right? Blocking out all of the drama that's been going on, Ash is the only thing on her mind. They've been separated for a while now, and no word has been found. She needs to find him, and he's back in Black City, where he's been hiding from the government. Everyone wants to see an end to Purian Rose, the villain that began everything from the beginning.
A pulse-racing end? Not really. I mean, this book did have its moments where it could be classified as action-packed and heart-racing, but that wasn't even a bare 5% of the book. A lot of this book was mumbo-jumbo and info-dumping about the history of this, and the history of that.
I understand that the author would've liked to answer all of the readers's questions in this final anticipated novel, but she should of answered some of the stuff in the sequel, because all of the answers were all squished together in this large book. But because of that, a lot of this book could've been taken out, with only a few questions asked from the reader.
The plot and its info-dumping was my main problem. The book was fine until 50 pages, and then it all went downhill, but I kept on reading until the end because I love this series, and need to see what will happen to these characters I've learned to love over the past few weeks. It got slow-paced, and I began to get bored with what was happening. There were some action moments, but the writing made me zone out a lot and I ended up reading paragraphs over and over again.
The characters have gotten even BETTER in this finale. Ash finally knows who he is and what he wants, and so does sensitive Natalie. They both make a gorgeous couple, and a perfect team.
If you read the first two books in this trilogy, then I recommend reading this one, obviously. But beware of: info-dumping and a sucky plot. But the characters and premise were good, and so was the ending, which stunned me. Overall, this was a fabulous trilogy!
March 27, 2020
What a great end to this trilogy!!!
Ash and Natalie finally got what they wanted! They get to live happily ever after with each other. I absolutely loved this trilogy and am so happy I finally decided to read it!
Ash and Natalie finally got what they wanted! They get to live happily ever after with each other. I absolutely loved this trilogy and am so happy I finally decided to read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2015
Its the game changer of the entire series
I think I m going to eat my words.
Yes I have been pretty vocal about the fact that I was not a big fan of the series but that was until I read wings. I wish the author had used the power of plot that was in wings in her previous books as well
Lets go back to the previous books.
Black city, the very first book was nothing but a different version of twilight set in dystopian world with pretty much nothing new to offer and I still stand by that. Phoenix, the second book was a cliche romance but somewhat had a little plot in working very discretely in the back.Now the third and the finale book, Wings was like the author gave the entire series a 360 degree makeover (that or I just came back to the series in the new year with a fresh mind after a long hiatus)
Wings had finer and interesting plot than the previous book. So much that I wish we could escape the first two and jump into the third directly but the fact is that the events in wings had all been a gradual progress from the previous two books.
There are whole set of old and new characters that bring so much to the plot that you instantly forgive the author for the lack luster prequels.
I am still miffed about the whole dystopian world that forms the backdrop of the story. The reason being the inability of the author to shed the stark similarities to our present world and making it impossible for me to fully believe that this is a post apocalyptic world.
Also by the third book. there are a whole set of jargons and terminologies meant for the dystopian world which comes without any explanations.The plot halts in between to describe dresses and surroundings which is like stopping your car right in the middle of a heavy traffic because you wanted to stretch your legswhich is something you never do
The romance part still irks me with insta-love syndrome plaguing it
Natalie the female character is still a struggle for me to cope with but hey there are always weird characters in real life too. In fact some are so bad that I quiver with the sight of their mere shadows but still I survive and hence I survived Natalie through the book as well.
Also I felt the narration and scene settings were a bit "movie-ish".Fit for screen but not a bright idea when it comes to a book. Both have a complete different style of narration.
Hold on before you roll your eyes and say that then how come the book is good
The book is good because the series finally has come out of cliche romance and have actual solid plot which is filled with so much thrills and turns that it is nothing less of a roller coaster ride.
I love as how towards the end the author completely threw in a new revelation making it so damn good that I was bouncing like a monkey on my chair for having rewarded for sticking with the series.
Yes the book has stuff I hate like an annoying female lead, creepy romance stuff but in spite of that Wings is the best in the entire black city trilogy with a rock solid plot filled with elements that you could not possibly imagine would happen. So many revelations, twists and turns made this book good and I am finally happy that I stayed with the series with a truck load of patience. Wings survive because of its plot
how was it?
I think I m going to eat my words.
Yes I have been pretty vocal about the fact that I was not a big fan of the series but that was until I read wings. I wish the author had used the power of plot that was in wings in her previous books as well
Lets go back to the previous books.
Black city, the very first book was nothing but a different version of twilight set in dystopian world with pretty much nothing new to offer and I still stand by that. Phoenix, the second book was a cliche romance but somewhat had a little plot in working very discretely in the back.Now the third and the finale book, Wings was like the author gave the entire series a 360 degree makeover (that or I just came back to the series in the new year with a fresh mind after a long hiatus)
Wings had finer and interesting plot than the previous book. So much that I wish we could escape the first two and jump into the third directly but the fact is that the events in wings had all been a gradual progress from the previous two books.
There are whole set of old and new characters that bring so much to the plot that you instantly forgive the author for the lack luster prequels.
I am still miffed about the whole dystopian world that forms the backdrop of the story. The reason being the inability of the author to shed the stark similarities to our present world and making it impossible for me to fully believe that this is a post apocalyptic world.
Also by the third book. there are a whole set of jargons and terminologies meant for the dystopian world which comes without any explanations.The plot halts in between to describe dresses and surroundings which is like stopping your car right in the middle of a heavy traffic because you wanted to stretch your legswhich is something you never do
The romance part still irks me with insta-love syndrome plaguing it
Natalie the female character is still a struggle for me to cope with but hey there are always weird characters in real life too. In fact some are so bad that I quiver with the sight of their mere shadows but still I survive and hence I survived Natalie through the book as well.
Also I felt the narration and scene settings were a bit "movie-ish".Fit for screen but not a bright idea when it comes to a book. Both have a complete different style of narration.
Hold on before you roll your eyes and say that then how come the book is good
The book is good because the series finally has come out of cliche romance and have actual solid plot which is filled with so much thrills and turns that it is nothing less of a roller coaster ride.
I love as how towards the end the author completely threw in a new revelation making it so damn good that I was bouncing like a monkey on my chair for having rewarded for sticking with the series.
Yes the book has stuff I hate like an annoying female lead, creepy romance stuff but in spite of that Wings is the best in the entire black city trilogy with a rock solid plot filled with elements that you could not possibly imagine would happen. So many revelations, twists and turns made this book good and I am finally happy that I stayed with the series with a truck load of patience. Wings survive because of its plot
how was it?
November 15, 2019
A world without sin.
A world in her image.
A world united.
So sayeth us all
I really loved how the author wrote about Edmund Rose's point of view. It gives a clear back-story about why Rose did what he is doing. It makes the reader understand Edmund a little more.
I feel like the end of the story is rushed. A couple chapters before the ending, Natalie & Ash are in a big massacre. But some how the end of the story ends up fine.
I really loved how the book was laid out. The puzzle pieces fit perfectly. The reader gets excited when they discover two pieces that fit together.
I slip my fingers into my pocket and find the blade concealed there. I'd made a promise to my sister that day. I told her I wouldn't stop fighting until Centrum was nothing but burning rubble around Purian Rose's feet. And when that moment came, I was going to stride up to that son of a bitch and drive a dagger straight through his black heart. We approach the tool-shed and I walk past it, my hand still clutched around the knife.
A world in her image.
A world united.
So sayeth us all
I really loved how the author wrote about Edmund Rose's point of view. It gives a clear back-story about why Rose did what he is doing. It makes the reader understand Edmund a little more.
I feel like the end of the story is rushed. A couple chapters before the ending, Natalie & Ash are in a big massacre. But some how the end of the story ends up fine.
I really loved how the book was laid out. The puzzle pieces fit perfectly. The reader gets excited when they discover two pieces that fit together.
I slip my fingers into my pocket and find the blade concealed there. I'd made a promise to my sister that day. I told her I wouldn't stop fighting until Centrum was nothing but burning rubble around Purian Rose's feet. And when that moment came, I was going to stride up to that son of a bitch and drive a dagger straight through his black heart. We approach the tool-shed and I walk past it, my hand still clutched around the knife.
February 4, 2015
*Genre* Young Adult, Dystopian
*Rating* 3-3.5
*My Thoughts*
"It's easy to hate. The true test of our hearts is to forgive."
Wings ends the Black City trilogy tying up loose ends, introducing a key figure's background and his diabolical plans, while bringing an end to Natalie Buchanan and Ash Fisher journey that started in Black City. When last we left the Black City series, Natalie was taken away from Ash by Garrick, along with Elijah, and brought to a Sentry Rebellion Headquarters where she got a rude and shocking surprise.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published June 12th 2014 by Putnam Juvenile
*Rating* 3-3.5
*My Thoughts*
"It's easy to hate. The true test of our hearts is to forgive."
Wings ends the Black City trilogy tying up loose ends, introducing a key figure's background and his diabolical plans, while bringing an end to Natalie Buchanan and Ash Fisher journey that started in Black City. When last we left the Black City series, Natalie was taken away from Ash by Garrick, along with Elijah, and brought to a Sentry Rebellion Headquarters where she got a rude and shocking surprise.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published June 12th 2014 by Putnam Juvenile
January 17, 2016
I absolutely loved this series. I'm usually not a huge fan of books like this but GOOD GOD DID I LOVE THIS SERIES!
Ash and Elijah be still my beating heart!
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Ash and Elijah be still my beating heart!
b>Read this review and others on our blog:
http://southernbredsouthernread.blogs...
http://southernbredsouthernread.blogs...
http://southernbredsouthernread.blogs...
February 6, 2014
Simply amazing. I loved getting the answers to why things were happening and there were so many twists. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something would happen.
Love love love the ending. A truly satisfying ending to the series.
Love love love the ending. A truly satisfying ending to the series.
May 27, 2014
(View this review on My Library in the Making.)
If not for this tour, I probably would have put off reading Wings for a long time - that's what I usually do with series enders. Leaving behind beloved characters is a very unpleasant experience for me, as I'm certain it is for all of us readers, and the Black City trilogy is no different.
Wings opens with Natalie in a rebel camp and Ash on the run, but even with the distance between them, they do everything that they can to aid in the efforts to bring down Purian Rose, the tyrant who insists on purging the world of Darklings and everyone else he deems unworthy of living. As the two lovers and their friends race to stop their enemy before he brings the entire world to its knees, there is a constant worrying for the lot of them that makes for one intense, unputdownable read.
I've said this before in my reviews of the previous books but I feel the need to say it again: I love how Natalie and Ash are both proactive, brave and determined to get things done whether they're together or apart - which had me pulling at my hair the entire time (no, seriously) because I was like what the fragg you can't get blown up into pieces before you two bump into each other! God. Theirs is definitely one epic romance that had me tearing up so many times because of the feels. Ash, you're the man. Err, half-man, half-Darkling.
Aside from Natalie and Ash, the other characters also really shine in this book. Each of them plays a huge part in the tight plot, but I would advise against investing your feelings in any of them because the author had no problem torturing them. No one is safe, definitely not the reader's heart. I kept gasping and flailing every few pages or so; the story's that good.
Although the first two books were both truly amazing, Wings, for me, is the best in this trilogy. It further cemented Black City as one of the twistiest, most heart-pounding series I've ever read, and I cannot recommend it enough to everyone looking for the perfect balance of romance and action in their reads. The ending is more than satisfying and wraps up the series very well, but it's still an ending, and I'm still feeling bittersweet.
MY FAVORITE PART was Ash saving Natalie. *sobs*
If not for this tour, I probably would have put off reading Wings for a long time - that's what I usually do with series enders. Leaving behind beloved characters is a very unpleasant experience for me, as I'm certain it is for all of us readers, and the Black City trilogy is no different.
Wings opens with Natalie in a rebel camp and Ash on the run, but even with the distance between them, they do everything that they can to aid in the efforts to bring down Purian Rose, the tyrant who insists on purging the world of Darklings and everyone else he deems unworthy of living. As the two lovers and their friends race to stop their enemy before he brings the entire world to its knees, there is a constant worrying for the lot of them that makes for one intense, unputdownable read.
I've said this before in my reviews of the previous books but I feel the need to say it again: I love how Natalie and Ash are both proactive, brave and determined to get things done whether they're together or apart - which had me pulling at my hair the entire time (no, seriously) because I was like what the fragg you can't get blown up into pieces before you two bump into each other! God. Theirs is definitely one epic romance that had me tearing up so many times because of the feels. Ash, you're the man. Err, half-man, half-Darkling.
"You were brain dead for a few minutes," Beetle says. "Of course, nobody noticed any difference at first..."
Aside from Natalie and Ash, the other characters also really shine in this book. Each of them plays a huge part in the tight plot, but I would advise against investing your feelings in any of them because the author had no problem torturing them. No one is safe, definitely not the reader's heart. I kept gasping and flailing every few pages or so; the story's that good.
Although the first two books were both truly amazing, Wings, for me, is the best in this trilogy. It further cemented Black City as one of the twistiest, most heart-pounding series I've ever read, and I cannot recommend it enough to everyone looking for the perfect balance of romance and action in their reads. The ending is more than satisfying and wraps up the series very well, but it's still an ending, and I'm still feeling bittersweet.
MY FAVORITE PART was Ash saving Natalie. *sobs*
May 9, 2020
2.75 Stars
I couldn't really connect with this book because I had read Phoenix a very long time ago and I didn't really remember the events from that book or even from Black City for that matter. It was hard to jump into Wings when I couldn't remember what had happened in the previous books. Still, I tried my best to connect with the story and the characters.
I did remember some of the key incidents from the previous two books but I had a hard time remembering the names of the side characters and what species they belonged to or how they were connected to the plot.
I guess it isn't the author's fault that I couldn't remember her characters but I felt that there were too many characters in the first place and maybe that's why I couldn't remember most of them, not to mention the unholy number of side characters that died in this book. That death toll was very large and it felt like we had barely gotten to know the characters before they were ripped away from us.
But the thing that bothered me the most in this book was the writing. It was very vague, non descriptive and dull. I don't remember how the writing was in the previous two books but in this book it was not engaging at all. Wings did not have the appeal and the suspense that was ever present in Black City, it felt weak in comparison.
Even the second book was dull compared to the first and this makes me wonder if the author could've finished the story in one book instead of dragging it and making a trilogy out of it.
Overall, I did not enjoy Phoenix and Wings as much as I enjoyed Black City.
I couldn't really connect with this book because I had read Phoenix a very long time ago and I didn't really remember the events from that book or even from Black City for that matter. It was hard to jump into Wings when I couldn't remember what had happened in the previous books. Still, I tried my best to connect with the story and the characters.
I did remember some of the key incidents from the previous two books but I had a hard time remembering the names of the side characters and what species they belonged to or how they were connected to the plot.
I guess it isn't the author's fault that I couldn't remember her characters but I felt that there were too many characters in the first place and maybe that's why I couldn't remember most of them, not to mention the unholy number of side characters that died in this book. That death toll was very large and it felt like we had barely gotten to know the characters before they were ripped away from us.
But the thing that bothered me the most in this book was the writing. It was very vague, non descriptive and dull. I don't remember how the writing was in the previous two books but in this book it was not engaging at all. Wings did not have the appeal and the suspense that was ever present in Black City, it felt weak in comparison.
Even the second book was dull compared to the first and this makes me wonder if the author could've finished the story in one book instead of dragging it and making a trilogy out of it.
Overall, I did not enjoy Phoenix and Wings as much as I enjoyed Black City.
June 22, 2015
For all people like me who were disappointed by Phoenix: Wings definitly won't disappoint you ! It was at least as good as Black City if not better.
At first I was diappointed that Ash and Natalie were apart, but that was to be expected after the end of Phoenix. Fortunately this problem dissolves realtively fast.
A diffenece to the other two books in the trilogy is that there aren't just Ash and Natalie's POVs but also Edmund's POV. I actually was really confused by that because Natalie's father's name is also Edmund and I couldn't fit her father's history and the POV together (of course). But that third POV made the book even more exciting because the story Edmund told was interesting and important for the whole story of the book.
What I really appreciated was that the realtionship between Ash and Natalie never faltered in Wings in coparison to Phoenix.
All in all the book made me laugh and brought me to tears. So many characters you came to love either in the other two books of the trilogy or in Wings are dying and the end kind of killed me eventhough it's a good end. If you enjoyed the other books in the trilogy or even if you didn't like Phoenix you should definitely read Wings, it's a perfect conclusion to a phenomenal dystopian trilogy
At first I was diappointed that Ash and Natalie were apart, but that was to be expected after the end of Phoenix. Fortunately this problem dissolves realtively fast.
A diffenece to the other two books in the trilogy is that there aren't just Ash and Natalie's POVs but also Edmund's POV. I actually was really confused by that because Natalie's father's name is also Edmund and I couldn't fit her father's history and the POV together (of course). But that third POV made the book even more exciting because the story Edmund told was interesting and important for the whole story of the book.
What I really appreciated was that the realtionship between Ash and Natalie never faltered in Wings in coparison to Phoenix.
All in all the book made me laugh and brought me to tears. So many characters you came to love either in the other two books of the trilogy or in Wings are dying and the end kind of killed me eventhough it's a good end. If you enjoyed the other books in the trilogy or even if you didn't like Phoenix you should definitely read Wings, it's a perfect conclusion to a phenomenal dystopian trilogy
October 14, 2017
I couldn't have imagined a better ending to this amazing series!
I put a lot of pressure on finales and this one was no exception. There were a lot of things to wrap up and a lot of unanswered questions. Everything was answered and completed.
But the most impressive thing is that there was never a dull moment. I was fully absorbed into every page of this book. And the pages would fly by! These novels were always such a joy to read.
I don't know why more people don't talk about this series! It's the standard I compare all other novels to when it comes to YA Urban Fantasy novels. And it has set a damn high bar at that.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-2cq
Actual Rating: 5/5
February 2, 2014
I just finished reading the ARC of Wings and gods, it was beautiful, heart breaking and indeed, a pulse racing end to the Black City Trilogy. I even cried. Gaaah! It's hard not to rave about what happened in the story but I have to keep this spoiler-free. So, yeah, I'll just post another review on June.
August 8, 2014
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Wings by Elizabeth Richards
Book Three of the Black City series
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: June 12, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by a reviewer
Summary (from Goodreads):
Following the cliffhanger ending of Phoenix, Natalie finds herself separated from Ash and unexpectedly reunited with her parents, including the father she thought was dead. But she can only think of Ash. She hasn't heard a word of him since she and Elijah were brought to the underground headquarters of the Sentry Rebellion. But she vows to find him.
Ash, meanwhile is back in Black City; it's the perfect place to hide from the Sentry government. But not for long. He won't give up on Natalie or bringing an end to the terrible reign of Purian Rose.
A pulse-racing end to an exciting series.
What I Liked:
WOAH. I did NOT see this book coming at all. When I say "this book", I mean all of the crazy plot twists and turns that Richards threw in this book. I would NEVER have predicted what she created in this final novel of the series. Everything depended on this book, and right up until the end, Richards kept surprising me. Woah woah woah.
At the end of book two, Ash and Natalie are split apart. Natalie is taken by Garrick, Elijah following behind them. Ash, Ace, and Marcel continue the journey to find the Ora, to stop Purian Rose. Meanwhile, it turns out that Garrick is working for her father - yep, he is actually alive, and not dead, like Natalie was led to believe. Natalie is reunited with her mother as well, but both of her parents refuse to let her go find Ash. But Natalie and Elijah won't sit idly while Ash is who knows where. And Ash won't stop until he finds Lucinda and Yolanda, and the Ora.
I don't even know where to begin. I almost hate reviewing conclusion novels, because so much rides on this final novel. So much matters, and if I say one "wrong" thing, I might ruin the book (and potentially the entire series!) for someone. This book was full of surprises, so I'll tread carefully. For one, Richards introduces a new perspective. Originally, she alternated the storytelling between Ash and Natalie's first-person points-of-view. But from chapter one, readers meet Edmund, from thirty years ago.
This perspective is vital to understanding the rest of the novel. At first, I was like ehhh, thirty years ago, I won't put much stock into what has happened in the past. But as I kept reading, especially the parts in the present, things started to make sense. AT FIRST, it won't make sense. Edmund's perspective seems like a sad story that takes up space and pages. But knowing his past, his actions, his struggles, is very important. It puts things into perspective, when you consider certain characters. I'm trying to be vague!
So the addition of a new perspective was great! Edmund's perspective was of the past, so the parts that he told never intersected directly with the present, told by Ash and Natalie. Not directly, anyway. As always, I really liked following Ash's perspective, more so than Natalie's. But in this conclusion novel, I think I finally liked Natalie. In books one and two, I struggled a little with her character, but I think I like her. She matured since book one, so I'm happy with the character development.
At first, the two (Natalie and Ash) are separated, so it seems like things drag a bit. But even with the two of them separated, I couldn't stop reading. I had to know where Ash was going. I had to know how Natalie would leave her parents and go find Ash. I had to know what the Ora really was.
You'll never believe how Richards twists the story over and over, especially when it comes to the Ora. I so did not see that coming - and you all know that I'm a pretty astute reader. I pick up on foreshadowing really well, and see predictable plot twists from ways off. But Richards did an AMAZING job of throwing certain curveballs into this book. But I also like how things come full circle. Little details from books one and two come back in book three, which is really cool. The only thing I saw coming was something to do with the necessity of the twin-blood at the climax of the book - totally called that one. But no biggie! I'm so glad that the certain thing was spun in that direction. Vagueness, I know.
That being said, the plot was excellently written and crafted. I was never bored, throughout the entire book. I was thoroughly entertained! I mean, there was a lot of death and violence and hurt. Soooo much death. I thought by the end, EVERYONE would die! Richards has no fear when it comes to axing her characters. But it definitely added authenticity to the world that Richards has created. Death is a constant at Black City.
The romance is superb, throughout this series. Book two was a bit weird, in terms of the romance, because of Natalie's stupid trust issues, and Ash's sadness over what he perceived was Elijah and Natalie's relationship. But this book showed a strong romance, a strong connection between Ash and Natalie. Insta-love is not what happened in this series, despite what one might think, judging from book one. It's very obvious at the end of the book. Very obvious indeed.
I like how things weren't cookie-cutter perfect, at the end. Ash is damaged throughout the series. Natalie is damaged throughout the series. Both are physically, mentally, emotionally scarred. All of the characters bear battle scars, and all of them suffer somehow. I like how imperfectly perfect the ending is. You all know how I hate it when series end too perfectly - well, this one ended perfectly imperfectly!
What I Did Not Like:
There really wasn't anything that stuck out to me, that I didn't like! I'm giving this one four stars based on how I feel, versus how many things I did not like. It was a great novel!
Would I Recommend It:
DEFINITELY! I would recommend this novel, if you've read books one and two, or even just book one. This is a series that you should keep reading! There really is no slump in the series, and the conclusion isn't terrible or bittersweet or cruel. This is definitely one of the most consistently "good" series I've read - meaning, all three books of the series were excellent.
And if you haven't started this series, I would consider doing so, if I were you! I remember when the book one first came out, people were turned off by the vampire aspect - trust me, in this book, it's nothing like what the world has commercialized vampires to be. Don't let the "vampire" thing stop you from trying this series! Believe me, I was so sick of vampires after reading like, three series involving them. I would never lead you all astray, especially when it comes to vampires. I promise!
Rating:
4 stars. I'm so impressed! This was such a great book, such a fantastic end to a wonderful series. It won't leave you heartbroken or raging or confused! I'll definitely be following Richards for more novels - she has me hooked!
Thank you, Jane, for the opportunity to read this book!
Wings by Elizabeth Richards
Book Three of the Black City series
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: June 12, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by a reviewer
Summary (from Goodreads):
Following the cliffhanger ending of Phoenix, Natalie finds herself separated from Ash and unexpectedly reunited with her parents, including the father she thought was dead. But she can only think of Ash. She hasn't heard a word of him since she and Elijah were brought to the underground headquarters of the Sentry Rebellion. But she vows to find him.
Ash, meanwhile is back in Black City; it's the perfect place to hide from the Sentry government. But not for long. He won't give up on Natalie or bringing an end to the terrible reign of Purian Rose.
A pulse-racing end to an exciting series.
What I Liked:
WOAH. I did NOT see this book coming at all. When I say "this book", I mean all of the crazy plot twists and turns that Richards threw in this book. I would NEVER have predicted what she created in this final novel of the series. Everything depended on this book, and right up until the end, Richards kept surprising me. Woah woah woah.
At the end of book two, Ash and Natalie are split apart. Natalie is taken by Garrick, Elijah following behind them. Ash, Ace, and Marcel continue the journey to find the Ora, to stop Purian Rose. Meanwhile, it turns out that Garrick is working for her father - yep, he is actually alive, and not dead, like Natalie was led to believe. Natalie is reunited with her mother as well, but both of her parents refuse to let her go find Ash. But Natalie and Elijah won't sit idly while Ash is who knows where. And Ash won't stop until he finds Lucinda and Yolanda, and the Ora.
I don't even know where to begin. I almost hate reviewing conclusion novels, because so much rides on this final novel. So much matters, and if I say one "wrong" thing, I might ruin the book (and potentially the entire series!) for someone. This book was full of surprises, so I'll tread carefully. For one, Richards introduces a new perspective. Originally, she alternated the storytelling between Ash and Natalie's first-person points-of-view. But from chapter one, readers meet Edmund, from thirty years ago.
This perspective is vital to understanding the rest of the novel. At first, I was like ehhh, thirty years ago, I won't put much stock into what has happened in the past. But as I kept reading, especially the parts in the present, things started to make sense. AT FIRST, it won't make sense. Edmund's perspective seems like a sad story that takes up space and pages. But knowing his past, his actions, his struggles, is very important. It puts things into perspective, when you consider certain characters. I'm trying to be vague!
So the addition of a new perspective was great! Edmund's perspective was of the past, so the parts that he told never intersected directly with the present, told by Ash and Natalie. Not directly, anyway. As always, I really liked following Ash's perspective, more so than Natalie's. But in this conclusion novel, I think I finally liked Natalie. In books one and two, I struggled a little with her character, but I think I like her. She matured since book one, so I'm happy with the character development.
At first, the two (Natalie and Ash) are separated, so it seems like things drag a bit. But even with the two of them separated, I couldn't stop reading. I had to know where Ash was going. I had to know how Natalie would leave her parents and go find Ash. I had to know what the Ora really was.
You'll never believe how Richards twists the story over and over, especially when it comes to the Ora. I so did not see that coming - and you all know that I'm a pretty astute reader. I pick up on foreshadowing really well, and see predictable plot twists from ways off. But Richards did an AMAZING job of throwing certain curveballs into this book. But I also like how things come full circle. Little details from books one and two come back in book three, which is really cool. The only thing I saw coming was something to do with the necessity of the twin-blood at the climax of the book - totally called that one. But no biggie! I'm so glad that the certain thing was spun in that direction. Vagueness, I know.
That being said, the plot was excellently written and crafted. I was never bored, throughout the entire book. I was thoroughly entertained! I mean, there was a lot of death and violence and hurt. Soooo much death. I thought by the end, EVERYONE would die! Richards has no fear when it comes to axing her characters. But it definitely added authenticity to the world that Richards has created. Death is a constant at Black City.
The romance is superb, throughout this series. Book two was a bit weird, in terms of the romance, because of Natalie's stupid trust issues, and Ash's sadness over what he perceived was Elijah and Natalie's relationship. But this book showed a strong romance, a strong connection between Ash and Natalie. Insta-love is not what happened in this series, despite what one might think, judging from book one. It's very obvious at the end of the book. Very obvious indeed.
I like how things weren't cookie-cutter perfect, at the end. Ash is damaged throughout the series. Natalie is damaged throughout the series. Both are physically, mentally, emotionally scarred. All of the characters bear battle scars, and all of them suffer somehow. I like how imperfectly perfect the ending is. You all know how I hate it when series end too perfectly - well, this one ended perfectly imperfectly!
What I Did Not Like:
There really wasn't anything that stuck out to me, that I didn't like! I'm giving this one four stars based on how I feel, versus how many things I did not like. It was a great novel!
Would I Recommend It:
DEFINITELY! I would recommend this novel, if you've read books one and two, or even just book one. This is a series that you should keep reading! There really is no slump in the series, and the conclusion isn't terrible or bittersweet or cruel. This is definitely one of the most consistently "good" series I've read - meaning, all three books of the series were excellent.
And if you haven't started this series, I would consider doing so, if I were you! I remember when the book one first came out, people were turned off by the vampire aspect - trust me, in this book, it's nothing like what the world has commercialized vampires to be. Don't let the "vampire" thing stop you from trying this series! Believe me, I was so sick of vampires after reading like, three series involving them. I would never lead you all astray, especially when it comes to vampires. I promise!
Rating:
4 stars. I'm so impressed! This was such a great book, such a fantastic end to a wonderful series. It won't leave you heartbroken or raging or confused! I'll definitely be following Richards for more novels - she has me hooked!
Thank you, Jane, for the opportunity to read this book!
October 6, 2023
Woooooooooooweeeeee this was an amazing trilogy, I think it will live with me for the rest of my life as my favorite books ever. These were so amazing, filled with detail, and not to mention filled with my amazing Ash😊💜
I removed a star for all the times rape popped up. I just felt it didn't fit in with the story and where it was going. I loved that they added Edmunds backstory, it really helps you grasp why he is the way he is. I don't believe this could have ended in a more perfect way, honestly everything got wrapped up perfectly, answering all the questions I had.
I truly think this was amazing and I will be recommending this till the end. It sucked Elizabeth didn't write anymore, and I will be begging for more until the end. Honestly she did a fantastic job with these books and I wish there were more by her that I could enjoy as much as I did this one.
Ps. Also, I will 100% be adding Ash into a list of males I will be making into sims. 😁
I removed a star for all the times rape popped up. I just felt it didn't fit in with the story and where it was going. I loved that they added Edmunds backstory, it really helps you grasp why he is the way he is. I don't believe this could have ended in a more perfect way, honestly everything got wrapped up perfectly, answering all the questions I had.
I truly think this was amazing and I will be recommending this till the end. It sucked Elizabeth didn't write anymore, and I will be begging for more until the end. Honestly she did a fantastic job with these books and I wish there were more by her that I could enjoy as much as I did this one.
Ps. Also, I will 100% be adding Ash into a list of males I will be making into sims. 😁
May 27, 2014
After reading the last book of Black City series, I can't seem to waste a chance of writing this review. So here is what I am feeling at this very moment. (May 27, 12:42 AM)
No. No. No.
It's finished.
Following Ash and Natalie's love story and life for eve just a year( since I read Black City and Phoenix last year only), I don't know if I can let them go easily. Probably this would last for years. I just love the whole series and I know this feels will certainly keep on coming back.
Wings, probably a very fitting title for this one. I really think it should be named what it was named. The title constitutes the very conflict of the book, the very reason why a lot of things happened in the book. I couldn't find a better title for this one. Perhaps, Rose could be. I don't know. Rose can also be a very beautiful title. I can now imagine the cover for it. And perhaps also, this book also uncovers the history of Purian Rose-- who he was and what he was 30 years ago, and how he came up to who he is right now. But hey, Wings is a very good title for it!
I would also like to praise the cover of this book. It is so beautiful. It's a picture of the butterfly Night Whisper. It is really pretty! To whoever designed the cover of this book, job well done!
Now the real story...
Liz really did a very great job with this book. She started this book with what is the current state of Elijah and Natalie's life as rebels in the secret compound created by The Commander. They are living in Gallium with Nat's parents and the Lupines who snatched or rescued them from Viridis. It has been already weeks since they have accidentally left Ash and Elijah's brothers, Marcel and Acelot. Now they are trying to convince the commander that they need the Phoenix and the Ora to win the fight against Purian Rose.
To make things easier for me, lets do the Positive and Negative sides of the book.
Positive first:
I must say that Liz has very good knack for plots. It was well-organized. You could really see the whole parts coming into view, perfectly described and designed and unpredictable at times.
The characters are so believeable and true. Most parts of the book, I sobbed because some the best characters died. SPOILER ALERT: ______ died. Gah! I was really hooked with the characters and it pains me a lot that Liz got to kill them! This book really made me sad.
You could really see how determined and willing these characters are to fight Purian and they would do anything just to get there. They sacrificed a lot and they felt really genuine. You can't resist to get them close to your heart, if you have one, or if you are a twin blood darkling just like Ash whose heart doesn't beat before.
Te action scenes. OMG. They are so bloody amazing and fast. Description wise, perfect! You could really imagine anything here. From the crossfire and the running and the turnings and the jumping of walls and the flying of transporters and especially the blood! This book makes me thirsty. (Gets synth o blood). And wait, the world building is so amazing as well. We have come to unravel them with Black City and Phoenix but we also come to discover more with Wings. I really love the idea of the whole series, different creatures in the same world. Favorite creature: Bastet. I just love cats. Maybe if I will throw them a ball of thread, they would play with it. Funny.
Also, the history of how Purian came to be who he is right now was uncovered. You will know him wholly and you would understand why he is like that right now. The parts of the book where he got to narrate his own life and feelings pass as the most interesting ones.
And now, let us go to the negative parts. Sorry to say but there are bad parts for me with this book. I know nothing will be perfect but i just need to point some things.
First, there are parts of the book where it gets low after a very exciting and heart-racing scenes. Though that would be giving a chance to relax us first but I don't want to relax. I want more action. There are parts where there are more talk and planning for the attack though they really need those parts.
There are also parts where I thought the book should already end and there should be another book for a sequel. Pardon me, I don't want this series to end. :(
And lastly, the parts before the ending(4 chapters before). It was not what I was expecting for parts before an ending. It was really unpredictable, but it wasn't that strong. I was looking for a more bloody scene. But on a positive note, it brought closure to the conflicts of the book.
And lets end this positively, the last 2 chapters are really WTH?! Heart-racing. I almost died with those chapters. I though everything would be unhappy and pointless but no! It was so beautiful to make the love story of Ash and Natalie unbreakable and legit.
The ending really gave me a peace of mind. It relaxes all the tension and I hope there would be a spin-off or something.
I really wish this wouldn't end but just like all stories, this needs to end. And not just that, it ended with a happily ever after.
I wouldn't forget this series and I am so happy and proud that I have been part of the last two book tours for this one.
4/5
No. No. No.
It's finished.
Following Ash and Natalie's love story and life for eve just a year( since I read Black City and Phoenix last year only), I don't know if I can let them go easily. Probably this would last for years. I just love the whole series and I know this feels will certainly keep on coming back.
Wings, probably a very fitting title for this one. I really think it should be named what it was named. The title constitutes the very conflict of the book, the very reason why a lot of things happened in the book. I couldn't find a better title for this one. Perhaps, Rose could be. I don't know. Rose can also be a very beautiful title. I can now imagine the cover for it. And perhaps also, this book also uncovers the history of Purian Rose-- who he was and what he was 30 years ago, and how he came up to who he is right now. But hey, Wings is a very good title for it!
I would also like to praise the cover of this book. It is so beautiful. It's a picture of the butterfly Night Whisper. It is really pretty! To whoever designed the cover of this book, job well done!
Now the real story...
Liz really did a very great job with this book. She started this book with what is the current state of Elijah and Natalie's life as rebels in the secret compound created by The Commander. They are living in Gallium with Nat's parents and the Lupines who snatched or rescued them from Viridis. It has been already weeks since they have accidentally left Ash and Elijah's brothers, Marcel and Acelot. Now they are trying to convince the commander that they need the Phoenix and the Ora to win the fight against Purian Rose.
To make things easier for me, lets do the Positive and Negative sides of the book.
Positive first:
I must say that Liz has very good knack for plots. It was well-organized. You could really see the whole parts coming into view, perfectly described and designed and unpredictable at times.
The characters are so believeable and true. Most parts of the book, I sobbed because some the best characters died. SPOILER ALERT: ______ died. Gah! I was really hooked with the characters and it pains me a lot that Liz got to kill them! This book really made me sad.
You could really see how determined and willing these characters are to fight Purian and they would do anything just to get there. They sacrificed a lot and they felt really genuine. You can't resist to get them close to your heart, if you have one, or if you are a twin blood darkling just like Ash whose heart doesn't beat before.
Te action scenes. OMG. They are so bloody amazing and fast. Description wise, perfect! You could really imagine anything here. From the crossfire and the running and the turnings and the jumping of walls and the flying of transporters and especially the blood! This book makes me thirsty. (Gets synth o blood). And wait, the world building is so amazing as well. We have come to unravel them with Black City and Phoenix but we also come to discover more with Wings. I really love the idea of the whole series, different creatures in the same world. Favorite creature: Bastet. I just love cats. Maybe if I will throw them a ball of thread, they would play with it. Funny.
Also, the history of how Purian came to be who he is right now was uncovered. You will know him wholly and you would understand why he is like that right now. The parts of the book where he got to narrate his own life and feelings pass as the most interesting ones.
And now, let us go to the negative parts. Sorry to say but there are bad parts for me with this book. I know nothing will be perfect but i just need to point some things.
First, there are parts of the book where it gets low after a very exciting and heart-racing scenes. Though that would be giving a chance to relax us first but I don't want to relax. I want more action. There are parts where there are more talk and planning for the attack though they really need those parts.
There are also parts where I thought the book should already end and there should be another book for a sequel. Pardon me, I don't want this series to end. :(
And lastly, the parts before the ending(4 chapters before). It was not what I was expecting for parts before an ending. It was really unpredictable, but it wasn't that strong. I was looking for a more bloody scene. But on a positive note, it brought closure to the conflicts of the book.
And lets end this positively, the last 2 chapters are really WTH?! Heart-racing. I almost died with those chapters. I though everything would be unhappy and pointless but no! It was so beautiful to make the love story of Ash and Natalie unbreakable and legit.
The ending really gave me a peace of mind. It relaxes all the tension and I hope there would be a spin-off or something.
I really wish this wouldn't end but just like all stories, this needs to end. And not just that, it ended with a happily ever after.
I wouldn't forget this series and I am so happy and proud that I have been part of the last two book tours for this one.
4/5
September 13, 2016
With Wings as the final book in the Black City series, writing this review is a bittersweet moment for me. As a parting gift to a beloved series, I wrote a lengthy review containing everything that my heart wants to say.
Wings takes readers on a thrilling ride of stressful conflicts and startling discoveries leading to the final destination—the fate and future of the United Sentry States and of Ash Fisher and Natalie Buchanan. The book has an array of diverse secondary characters that added zing to its brilliantly crafted plot. Each secondary character plays a significant role in the story’s intense sequence of events. I’m in awe with how characters like Beetle, Day, and Elijah contributed to the rebellion’s efforts in fighting for peace and unity in their country. Day is a fantastic surprise! Fans of the series know that Day’s a girl with beauty and brains. But in Wings, she is more than that. Day has a lot of fire in her that uncloaked her fearless side.
Aside from the three previously mentioned characters, other familiar faces that readers met in Black City and Phoenix also make an appearance. What’s more, Wings introduces new and intriguing characters that make up the series’ well-constructed history. In addition, it enables readers to connect significant episodes in the past to the present and tie all loose ends until the biggest shock in the whole series is unveiled. My whole world stopped breathing when the pieces of puzzles finally came together revealing the picture of the big and horrible truth. It’s undeniably insane, you guys. Believe me.
As always, Elizabeth Richards’ writing is gorgeous, effortless, and authentic. She describes people, scenes, and emotions with a natural aesthetic touch. The originality of Elizabeth’s style never fails to enchant me with its impeccable beauty. Moreover, I love how she tells the past through one of the new characters named Edmund. Incidentally, Edmund is a giant time bomb whose explosion would send you flying out to space. When you realize his true identity, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the series’ history as well as why Edmund conducts himself in a particular way.
Ash and Natalie’s romance is so genuine, believable, and very natural in this book. I’ve been on Team Nash since Black City and I feel privileged to witness how far their relationship has come. In Wings, the bond that Ash and Natalie share is so much more than what they had in the first two books. Their love strengthened into something with greater depth and meaning—going beyond limits, taking risks, and devotedly trusting each other in spite of the odds. Two hearts beating as one, Ash and Natalie are unbreakable. Nothing—not even the people around them—can come between both characters.
My admiration for Ash grew stronger in Wings because of what he did for Natalie in the end. Throughout the years I’ve read young adult fiction, it is in Wings that I encountered the most immeasurable and selfless act that a YA fictional boyfriend can do for the love of his life. It’s an incredibly beautiful and moving expression of true love. A heavy stream of emotions coursed through me while reading that part. The intensity of the scene consumed me and when my heart couldn’t hold any longer, my eyes unleashed a waterfall of tears.
Thank you, Elizabeth Richards, for creating a brave and extraordinary world that inspires readers to fight for what they believe in and not let their fears reign over them. Never give up. And most of all, never back down! The Black City series is a huge part of my book blogging journey being the first paranormal/dystopian that I loved. I’ll definitely miss the thrill of being in the Black City world.
Charged with electrifying action, mind-blowing revelations, and passionate romance, Wings is a breathtaking grand finale to a series that’s too remarkable to be forgotten. Captivating until the end!
This review is also posted on my blog, The Lifelong Bookworm.
Link: http://jessellelovesbooks.wordpress.c...
Wings takes readers on a thrilling ride of stressful conflicts and startling discoveries leading to the final destination—the fate and future of the United Sentry States and of Ash Fisher and Natalie Buchanan. The book has an array of diverse secondary characters that added zing to its brilliantly crafted plot. Each secondary character plays a significant role in the story’s intense sequence of events. I’m in awe with how characters like Beetle, Day, and Elijah contributed to the rebellion’s efforts in fighting for peace and unity in their country. Day is a fantastic surprise! Fans of the series know that Day’s a girl with beauty and brains. But in Wings, she is more than that. Day has a lot of fire in her that uncloaked her fearless side.
Aside from the three previously mentioned characters, other familiar faces that readers met in Black City and Phoenix also make an appearance. What’s more, Wings introduces new and intriguing characters that make up the series’ well-constructed history. In addition, it enables readers to connect significant episodes in the past to the present and tie all loose ends until the biggest shock in the whole series is unveiled. My whole world stopped breathing when the pieces of puzzles finally came together revealing the picture of the big and horrible truth. It’s undeniably insane, you guys. Believe me.
As always, Elizabeth Richards’ writing is gorgeous, effortless, and authentic. She describes people, scenes, and emotions with a natural aesthetic touch. The originality of Elizabeth’s style never fails to enchant me with its impeccable beauty. Moreover, I love how she tells the past through one of the new characters named Edmund. Incidentally, Edmund is a giant time bomb whose explosion would send you flying out to space. When you realize his true identity, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the series’ history as well as why Edmund conducts himself in a particular way.
Ash and Natalie’s romance is so genuine, believable, and very natural in this book. I’ve been on Team Nash since Black City and I feel privileged to witness how far their relationship has come. In Wings, the bond that Ash and Natalie share is so much more than what they had in the first two books. Their love strengthened into something with greater depth and meaning—going beyond limits, taking risks, and devotedly trusting each other in spite of the odds. Two hearts beating as one, Ash and Natalie are unbreakable. Nothing—not even the people around them—can come between both characters.
My admiration for Ash grew stronger in Wings because of what he did for Natalie in the end. Throughout the years I’ve read young adult fiction, it is in Wings that I encountered the most immeasurable and selfless act that a YA fictional boyfriend can do for the love of his life. It’s an incredibly beautiful and moving expression of true love. A heavy stream of emotions coursed through me while reading that part. The intensity of the scene consumed me and when my heart couldn’t hold any longer, my eyes unleashed a waterfall of tears.
Thank you, Elizabeth Richards, for creating a brave and extraordinary world that inspires readers to fight for what they believe in and not let their fears reign over them. Never give up. And most of all, never back down! The Black City series is a huge part of my book blogging journey being the first paranormal/dystopian that I loved. I’ll definitely miss the thrill of being in the Black City world.
Charged with electrifying action, mind-blowing revelations, and passionate romance, Wings is a breathtaking grand finale to a series that’s too remarkable to be forgotten. Captivating until the end!
This review is also posted on my blog, The Lifelong Bookworm.
Link: http://jessellelovesbooks.wordpress.c...
July 19, 2014
More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives
This was definitely my favorite of the series. Wings pretty much delivered everything I want in a series conclusion. I was pulled into the story and it wouldn’t let me go. This series has such an addictive quality to it. The kind of quality that even when you are aggravated with certain events, you just cannot look away. Before I go any further, I just want to say that this review may contain slight spoilers for Black City and Phoenix. It will be spoiler free for Wings.
Natalie and I didn’t really get along well in Phoenix. I truly truly struggled with her. However, I loved her in Wings. Gone is the girl who holds secrets and listens blindly. Natalie does what she feels is right and doesn’t think twice about risking herself for something she thinks is right. She has become a very strong character and the kind of kickass character I love. She stands up for what she believes in, even when standing up to certain people is difficult.
Ash remains my favorite character of the series. I just love everything about him. He absolutely adores Natalie and I love that. He is also incredibly strong and fights for what he believes in. My favorite chapters were always the ones told in his point of view. I have loved watching him grow over the course of the series. It was great watching him come to terms with who he is and what he wants out of life. He also makes some very important decisions as to what and who is really important to him. One decision towards the end left me with tears in my eyes.
Wings introduces a third point of view and that point of view was brilliant. I’m not going to say who it is, because that is part of the mystery, but just know it’s awesome. It was such a cool addition and one that left me reeling. Those chapters were very revealing and I never ever would have guessed what those chapters had to show.
Wings was full of twists and turns and honestly nothing happened like I thought it would. That made it even better. The book surprised me at every turn and I never knew what to expect. Every single revelation left my head spinning. I expected something crazy from the final installment but this was even crazier than I expected. My only complaint is that there are some things that could have been tied up neater at the conclusion. All of the main story lines come to an end and have a full conclusion. However there were a few things I would have liked to have a bow on top of the wrapping. I realize though that this is me being greedy. Really I can’t ask for more from this conclusion.
Wings was a great way to wrap up the series and I am sure fans of the series will not be disappointed. The story is great and every time you think it’s safe, it’s just not. There is so much drama and mystery and it keeps you hooked. This series is a great combination of dystopian and paranormal and is not to be missed for fans of either of those genres.
This was definitely my favorite of the series. Wings pretty much delivered everything I want in a series conclusion. I was pulled into the story and it wouldn’t let me go. This series has such an addictive quality to it. The kind of quality that even when you are aggravated with certain events, you just cannot look away. Before I go any further, I just want to say that this review may contain slight spoilers for Black City and Phoenix. It will be spoiler free for Wings.
Natalie and I didn’t really get along well in Phoenix. I truly truly struggled with her. However, I loved her in Wings. Gone is the girl who holds secrets and listens blindly. Natalie does what she feels is right and doesn’t think twice about risking herself for something she thinks is right. She has become a very strong character and the kind of kickass character I love. She stands up for what she believes in, even when standing up to certain people is difficult.
Ash remains my favorite character of the series. I just love everything about him. He absolutely adores Natalie and I love that. He is also incredibly strong and fights for what he believes in. My favorite chapters were always the ones told in his point of view. I have loved watching him grow over the course of the series. It was great watching him come to terms with who he is and what he wants out of life. He also makes some very important decisions as to what and who is really important to him. One decision towards the end left me with tears in my eyes.
Wings introduces a third point of view and that point of view was brilliant. I’m not going to say who it is, because that is part of the mystery, but just know it’s awesome. It was such a cool addition and one that left me reeling. Those chapters were very revealing and I never ever would have guessed what those chapters had to show.
Wings was full of twists and turns and honestly nothing happened like I thought it would. That made it even better. The book surprised me at every turn and I never knew what to expect. Every single revelation left my head spinning. I expected something crazy from the final installment but this was even crazier than I expected. My only complaint is that there are some things that could have been tied up neater at the conclusion. All of the main story lines come to an end and have a full conclusion. However there were a few things I would have liked to have a bow on top of the wrapping. I realize though that this is me being greedy. Really I can’t ask for more from this conclusion.
Wings was a great way to wrap up the series and I am sure fans of the series will not be disappointed. The story is great and every time you think it’s safe, it’s just not. There is so much drama and mystery and it keeps you hooked. This series is a great combination of dystopian and paranormal and is not to be missed for fans of either of those genres.
October 28, 2014
My main reaction to this is... meh. I mean, it was okay but not fabulous. Or even good. It's been a while since I read the first two books of the series, but I didn't have any trouble catching back on.
Let's start with the good stuff. I loved the world and the solution to the revolution (if you've read it, you'll get it). It was a very... different solution which was quite refreshing. Also, there were some hilarious lines that kept me laughing all throughout the book, no matter how dark it got. Almost like JLA!
The 'Wings' element was also really fascinating. I wish we could have gotten more on that. Like introduce it maybe 1/4 or 1/3 of the way through instead of halfway. The ending lines were perfection!
So my main gripe is that it just felt like the entire book was written in a hurry with less editing than usual. Like the author was tired of the world and just wanted it over and done with. There were awkward sentences, weird phrasings, hurried paragraphs, that sort of thing. And I don't think it was intentional.
Also, the ending. I loved some parts of it, but the thing with Natalie just felt like it was thrown in there because something needed to happen and that was all the author could think of. Or maybe she read and thought it was a good ending. Whatever the reason, that just had me shaking my head.
Just a quick note, I noticed an underlying theme of the Holocaust in the plot (indirect references, etc.) and I think the author did a pretty good job working that in there and it sent a really powerful message.
The Final Verdict:
This used to be one of my favorite series', but with this ending... meh. I loved most of the ending and the 'wings' element was amazing. However, the whole book felt like it was written in a hurry. I did also love the solution to the revolution (hah that rhymes!)
3 stars
Quotes: I had to return this book to the library before I could record my quotes (because I'm so organized like that). I'll update this soon as soon as a copy comes in from the library for me!
Let's start with the good stuff. I loved the world and the solution to the revolution (if you've read it, you'll get it). It was a very... different solution which was quite refreshing. Also, there were some hilarious lines that kept me laughing all throughout the book, no matter how dark it got. Almost like JLA!
The 'Wings' element was also really fascinating. I wish we could have gotten more on that. Like introduce it maybe 1/4 or 1/3 of the way through instead of halfway. The ending lines were perfection!
So my main gripe is that it just felt like the entire book was written in a hurry with less editing than usual. Like the author was tired of the world and just wanted it over and done with. There were awkward sentences, weird phrasings, hurried paragraphs, that sort of thing. And I don't think it was intentional.
Also, the ending. I loved some parts of it, but the thing with Natalie just felt like it was thrown in there because something needed to happen and that was all the author could think of. Or maybe she read and thought it was a good ending. Whatever the reason, that just had me shaking my head.
Just a quick note, I noticed an underlying theme of the Holocaust in the plot (indirect references, etc.) and I think the author did a pretty good job working that in there and it sent a really powerful message.
The Final Verdict:
This used to be one of my favorite series', but with this ending... meh. I loved most of the ending and the 'wings' element was amazing. However, the whole book felt like it was written in a hurry. I did also love the solution to the revolution (hah that rhymes!)
3 stars
Quotes: I had to return this book to the library before I could record my quotes (because I'm so organized like that). I'll update this soon as soon as a copy comes in from the library for me!
January 2, 2015
What a disaster. This one was a near DNF for me. I skimmed about half the book, which was disappointing because I had high hopes for this series. Best thing about it? The cover.
First off, way too many characters. Names were thrown out and it was difficult to keep track of who was who. And not only that, but who was what. There are several different kinds of creatures in this book and variations of the different kinds within the kinds.
The book seemed to want to evoke deep emotion from me with shocking happenings. But they lost their shock value in translation. An example:
"The Howler frantically flays about under the water. My chest tightens and I can't breathe, like I'm the drowning. Her silver eyes widen and with a terrified gasp she sucks in a fatal breath. It's over. They pull her out of the pool and dump her body by my feet. Splashes of water drip on my boot."
This is just a series of statements that describe an event. I don't care about the Howler or the character describing the scene. Within the context of the story, this is an innocent "person" who served as a scapegoat. The writing didn't communicate her terror or the horror of the situation. Later in the story, her family seems a bit distraught but we never get the sense that they are really undone by the fact that a family member has been murdered.
This whole series has been like that for me. Lots of extremes but little substance. I didn't care about the wide array of characters and I didn't care about the plot. It was a good idea, but the execution feel absolutely flat.
First off, way too many characters. Names were thrown out and it was difficult to keep track of who was who. And not only that, but who was what. There are several different kinds of creatures in this book and variations of the different kinds within the kinds.
The book seemed to want to evoke deep emotion from me with shocking happenings. But they lost their shock value in translation. An example:
"The Howler frantically flays about under the water. My chest tightens and I can't breathe, like I'm the drowning. Her silver eyes widen and with a terrified gasp she sucks in a fatal breath. It's over. They pull her out of the pool and dump her body by my feet. Splashes of water drip on my boot."
This is just a series of statements that describe an event. I don't care about the Howler or the character describing the scene. Within the context of the story, this is an innocent "person" who served as a scapegoat. The writing didn't communicate her terror or the horror of the situation. Later in the story, her family seems a bit distraught but we never get the sense that they are really undone by the fact that a family member has been murdered.
This whole series has been like that for me. Lots of extremes but little substance. I didn't care about the wide array of characters and I didn't care about the plot. It was a good idea, but the execution feel absolutely flat.
June 14, 2014
I was really looking forward to this one, but unfortunately it didn't get good until the end.
Most of this book seemed to be about characters other than Natalie and Ash, which was pretty annoying. I felt like I didn't really know most of the characters involved. Whether this wouldn't have been so bad if I had read book 2 more recently I don't know, but I read Phoenix quite close to the release date, and did the same with this one.
The storyline in this lost me for quite a while, and I had trouble working out what was going on. It wasn't until quite close to the end that we got to see Natalie and Ash together, and we got a bit of excitement, up until that point I was fairly bored. Thankfully the last 10% was good, and I did enjoy the ending.
Overall; fairly dull, but the ending was good,
6 out of 10.
Most of this book seemed to be about characters other than Natalie and Ash, which was pretty annoying. I felt like I didn't really know most of the characters involved. Whether this wouldn't have been so bad if I had read book 2 more recently I don't know, but I read Phoenix quite close to the release date, and did the same with this one.
The storyline in this lost me for quite a while, and I had trouble working out what was going on. It wasn't until quite close to the end that we got to see Natalie and Ash together, and we got a bit of excitement, up until that point I was fairly bored. Thankfully the last 10% was good, and I did enjoy the ending.
Overall; fairly dull, but the ending was good,
6 out of 10.
March 13, 2015
I am a little bit disappointed with this one. It wasn't as interesting as the other, the parts that were from Edmund point of view were boring for me to read. Sometimes I got a little bit confused with who was who cause there were a lot of characters names to memorize.
I got to give it to Natalie, she was really smart in decoding his message to her, I would't have guessed it in a million years. The only character I still don't like is Evangeline, I know what she did was honorable but what she had already done i cant like her. I was not expecting who she ended up with but it actually made sense and despite not liking her she did deserve to be happy after everything.
The ending was not how I had envisioned but it was still great nonetheless, it scared me a lot but it all made sense in the end.
I got to give it to Natalie, she was really smart in decoding his message to her, I would't have guessed it in a million years. The only character I still don't like is Evangeline, I know what she did was honorable but what she had already done i cant like her. I was not expecting who she ended up with but it actually made sense and despite not liking her she did deserve to be happy after everything.
The ending was not how I had envisioned but it was still great nonetheless, it scared me a lot but it all made sense in the end.
August 8, 2014
I was hopefull for a good ending in this story and the three POVs didn't bother me at all! While Natalie and Ash try to find each other and end the war, Purian Rose has set a lethal plan in stone. All the characters were portayed nicely with the pain, fear and anguish but I was taken back from the loss, thus the 1 star less.
And while the ending was a little too planned for my tastes, the last twenty pages had me gripping the ereader like crazy! That I liked a lot! A good recommendation to those who haven't read the series ans I hope to see more from the author! :)
And while the ending was a little too planned for my tastes, the last twenty pages had me gripping the ereader like crazy! That I liked a lot! A good recommendation to those who haven't read the series ans I hope to see more from the author! :)
December 8, 2014
DNFed at: i dont even fucking care anymore
this book, no, series was bulllllshit.
but what really grinds me gears?
she set fire
to the cafeteria
in an underground rebel facility
bc her long-dead daddy, who she does not appreciate, wont let his men risk their lives
to save her unimportant boyfriend
who she claims she loves
after knowing him for a month
and wouldnt even love him if her heart wasnt stolen
from a vampire (who now does not have a fucking heart) who is actually his soulmate
KILL THEM NOW PLS
this book, no, series was bulllllshit.
but what really grinds me gears?
she set fire
to the cafeteria
in an underground rebel facility
bc her long-dead daddy, who she does not appreciate, wont let his men risk their lives
to save her unimportant boyfriend
who she claims she loves
after knowing him for a month
and wouldnt even love him if her heart wasnt stolen
from a vampire (who now does not have a fucking heart) who is actually his soulmate
KILL THEM NOW PLS
Want to read
September 12, 2013what the hell is up with this series and having amazing covers, okay. like, this is fucking ridiculous. it's fucking ridiculous how gorgeous these covers are. i hope the books live up to them because i want to own them and like touch these covers and maybe lick them like a freak because wow would you just LOOK at this cover jesus fucking c h r i s t ugh yes, oh my god
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews