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The Underground Trilogy #1
Wings of Shadow
Meghan's graduation gift is one that any eighteen-year-old would dream of: traveling abroad to England. Her journey turns into more adventure than expected when Meghan meets the mysterious Kiernan and accepts his invitation to a secret club, hidden beneath the streets of London.
By the time Meghan learns of his strange beliefs, she has nearly lost the fight for her own survival. She flees the city and seeks sanctuary with Kiernan's twin, in a remote English village. Meghan soon discovers that she is in the middle of a centuries-old battle between two groups. The first seek to maintain their traditional way of life, while the other fight against their looming extinction.
Twin brothers, separated too young to remember each other, must set aside personal loyalties and reunite to save their people and help the human they have both come to care about.
By the time Meghan learns of his strange beliefs, she has nearly lost the fight for her own survival. She flees the city and seeks sanctuary with Kiernan's twin, in a remote English village. Meghan soon discovers that she is in the middle of a centuries-old battle between two groups. The first seek to maintain their traditional way of life, while the other fight against their looming extinction.
Twin brothers, separated too young to remember each other, must set aside personal loyalties and reunite to save their people and help the human they have both come to care about.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2012
84 people are currently reading
1320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 3, 2014
I got this book for free! The cover drew my attention. I love the otherworldly androgenous look of the boy on it. It was cover love at first site for me! Then I read the synopsis. I loathe fairy stories. I'm not exactly sure why, but I have never been interested in reading any stories or novels about them. So I ignored the call to read this one. But that cover has magic woven into it and I downloaded the book. I was delightfully surprised to discover the author could write well. The story is as magical as it's cover. Anna Kyss made this fairy story a pleasure to read.
Please give this wonderful book a read. You'll be glad you did.
Please give this wonderful book a read. You'll be glad you did.
January 4, 2013
Oh my gosh, this book was pure torture!
The cover is just so wonderfully mysterious and intriguing that you feel like the story is going to be the same but then you actually read this book and you find it a huge hot ass mess.
First of all, I would have liked a lot more world building.
Things happened way too quickly and there was a lot left to explain, which I didn't like. I would have liked to stop and think about what happened and the reasons behind it but things just kept happening and happening and I just had time to think "Who? Why? How?"
And worst of all, I had no damn answers.
Second, the concept of the book is just ridiculous.
It wasn't the fact that the faeries in this book are organized in two groups - Faeries of the light (the good ones) and Faeries of the shadow (the bad ones) or whatever - because that is reminiscent of all the other fey stories that I've read of and the fact that they are divided in 2 groups too: the Summer Court and the Winter Court.
It was the fact that the good ones are some very hippie folks all worried about plants and rocks and whatever and the supposedly bad ones are some freaky bloodsuckers.
And what do I have to say about the fact that the author introduced Darwin's Theory Of Evolution among all this freakishness? Totally inappropriate and out of place.
Darwin's revolutionary ideas have absolutely nothing to do with the world of faeries and it is absolutely ridiculous for the author to use science to try to explain something that cannot be exlained with it like the faeries.
And to end all of this, I just have to say that all the characters of this forsaken book are simply a bunch of idiots.
The heroine, Meghan, is just a tstl kind of heroine. What girl, in her right mind, goes on a date with a guy she just met and even worse, goes to some freakishly suspicious place full of weird people, where incredibly suspicious events occur?
And what kind of girl, after being imprisoned, having her neck cut with a knife and having said boy drinking blood of her damn neck, still feels attracted to that boy and wants him to come back to her and "explain" what really happened.
Girl, what do you think it happened? The guys is just damn crazy and you should get your ass moving and find some way to make him stay away from you.
And you can tell by my words that Kiernan, the hero, is not much of a hero to me. He's damn weird and crazy and I would rather plunge an iron knife into his damn heart than develop some kind of romantic feeling towards him.
The only character that came close to make a good impression on me was Avery, Kiernan's twin brother.
He was sweet but, still, he had to go a long way to make me love him.
So, please, read this book at your own risk.
The cover is just so wonderfully mysterious and intriguing that you feel like the story is going to be the same but then you actually read this book and you find it a huge hot ass mess.
First of all, I would have liked a lot more world building.
Things happened way too quickly and there was a lot left to explain, which I didn't like. I would have liked to stop and think about what happened and the reasons behind it but things just kept happening and happening and I just had time to think "Who? Why? How?"
And worst of all, I had no damn answers.
Second, the concept of the book is just ridiculous.
It wasn't the fact that the faeries in this book are organized in two groups - Faeries of the light (the good ones) and Faeries of the shadow (the bad ones) or whatever - because that is reminiscent of all the other fey stories that I've read of and the fact that they are divided in 2 groups too: the Summer Court and the Winter Court.
It was the fact that the good ones are some very hippie folks all worried about plants and rocks and whatever and the supposedly bad ones are some freaky bloodsuckers.
And what do I have to say about the fact that the author introduced Darwin's Theory Of Evolution among all this freakishness? Totally inappropriate and out of place.
Darwin's revolutionary ideas have absolutely nothing to do with the world of faeries and it is absolutely ridiculous for the author to use science to try to explain something that cannot be exlained with it like the faeries.
And to end all of this, I just have to say that all the characters of this forsaken book are simply a bunch of idiots.
The heroine, Meghan, is just a tstl kind of heroine. What girl, in her right mind, goes on a date with a guy she just met and even worse, goes to some freakishly suspicious place full of weird people, where incredibly suspicious events occur?
And what kind of girl, after being imprisoned, having her neck cut with a knife and having said boy drinking blood of her damn neck, still feels attracted to that boy and wants him to come back to her and "explain" what really happened.
Girl, what do you think it happened? The guys is just damn crazy and you should get your ass moving and find some way to make him stay away from you.
And you can tell by my words that Kiernan, the hero, is not much of a hero to me. He's damn weird and crazy and I would rather plunge an iron knife into his damn heart than develop some kind of romantic feeling towards him.
The only character that came close to make a good impression on me was Avery, Kiernan's twin brother.
He was sweet but, still, he had to go a long way to make me love him.
So, please, read this book at your own risk.
April 9, 2014
I don't think I've heard any other books narrated by Meghan Lewis but I really enjoyed her narration of Wings of Shadow. Her accents were great, and I really enjoyed the sound of her voice. She did a great job with each character's voice and I felt that her pacing was comfortable. The book was a fairly quick listen, so that made it enjoyable. I wasn't as impressed with the plot line, as I found it very typical for a faery story and was hoping for something else. I did really like some of the characters, especially Avery, one of the brothers. He was so noble and made multiple sacrifices for his twin brother Kiernan. I don't know if I really liked Meghan all that much since she really didn't get a chance to be a strong character or do anything profound - everything was done to her or for her.
Since I was asked specifically to review this on audible.com, I'll just copy my responses here:
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Possibly, some people in my creatures book club might enjoy it.
Would you be willing to try another book from Anna Kyss? Why or why not?
Sure, I'm curious to see what happens next. I liked the author's writing style, but hope the future books have more plot development.
What does Meghan Lewis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Great accents, a comfortable listening pace, and a good sound to her voice. She really brings the characters to life and makes them sound individually interesting.
Could you see Wings of Shadow being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?
I think it could make a fun TV show, maybe done by SyFy channel. It made me think of the Lost Girl at times.
Any additional comments?
While I thought the narration was excellent, the plot was a little lacking for me. I guess it wasn't extremely unique for a book with faeries - human gets kidnapped, dark faeries want to do something evil with her, love interest(s) are protecting her and trying to rescue her, there's also light fae, some battles happen, some people die. In a nutshell. I was hoping for a little bit more.
Since I was asked specifically to review this on audible.com, I'll just copy my responses here:
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Possibly, some people in my creatures book club might enjoy it.
Would you be willing to try another book from Anna Kyss? Why or why not?
Sure, I'm curious to see what happens next. I liked the author's writing style, but hope the future books have more plot development.
What does Meghan Lewis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Great accents, a comfortable listening pace, and a good sound to her voice. She really brings the characters to life and makes them sound individually interesting.
Could you see Wings of Shadow being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?
I think it could make a fun TV show, maybe done by SyFy channel. It made me think of the Lost Girl at times.
Any additional comments?
While I thought the narration was excellent, the plot was a little lacking for me. I guess it wasn't extremely unique for a book with faeries - human gets kidnapped, dark faeries want to do something evil with her, love interest(s) are protecting her and trying to rescue her, there's also light fae, some battles happen, some people die. In a nutshell. I was hoping for a little bit more.
August 1, 2017
Meghan had decided to take a break after high school before starting college and journeyed from Seattle to London. On the plane over, she meets Kiernan who whisks her off her feet in a whirlwind romance, he convinces her to follow him into the London Underground where they find a wild party happening with people with odd things strapped to their backs to mimic fairy wings. Kiernan tells her that they aren’t just mimicking fairies, but that they actually are. His father insists that she stay for dinner, and more as he takes her prisoner and instructs Kiernan to drink her blood. Thankfully she eventually escapes before she is bled dry and escapes to the countryside to seek refuge with the light fae, and with Kiernan’s twin brother Avery, but she still can’t get over the fact that she’s in love with Kiernan.
I read this as included within the Love, Magic, Adrenaline! Collection. At Free, it’s a good, light read. Though I would akin this to a lighter Twilight. The girl is very much hung up on the gorgeous guy she first meets regardless of anything he does to her. She acts every inch a giggling, over-dramatic, flighty, self-absorbed, love-struck 15-year-old. (What do you mean she’s older than that and supposed to be college age? Um…) Actually all of the guys act like 15-year-olds, too. There’s really not much depth to any of the characters (except for perhaps Wish who has more secrets to uncover), so it’s really up to the plot to carry the reader’s attention and it is a diverting plot with action and adventure and romance, plenty of imagination and magic. When I first started the book, I worried it was going to spent the entire book stuck in the claustrophobic underground dance club, but thankfully it didn’t. And the countryside colony is a fascinating place, as is the delving through the history and legend of the fae people of this book. But sadly, the characters didn’t manage to convince me to follow them along on the rest of the series.
I read this as included within the Love, Magic, Adrenaline! Collection. At Free, it’s a good, light read. Though I would akin this to a lighter Twilight. The girl is very much hung up on the gorgeous guy she first meets regardless of anything he does to her. She acts every inch a giggling, over-dramatic, flighty, self-absorbed, love-struck 15-year-old. (What do you mean she’s older than that and supposed to be college age? Um…) Actually all of the guys act like 15-year-olds, too. There’s really not much depth to any of the characters (except for perhaps Wish who has more secrets to uncover), so it’s really up to the plot to carry the reader’s attention and it is a diverting plot with action and adventure and romance, plenty of imagination and magic. When I first started the book, I worried it was going to spent the entire book stuck in the claustrophobic underground dance club, but thankfully it didn’t. And the countryside colony is a fascinating place, as is the delving through the history and legend of the fae people of this book. But sadly, the characters didn’t manage to convince me to follow them along on the rest of the series.
October 12, 2020
The characters were over the top to the point of being more like caricatures. The father is super horrible. The son is trying to survive. The FMC is overly simple, naive, weak, etc. The plot and characters feel one dimension. Not a lot of real substance to it.
The son brings a girl he likes to a club where his dad is. The dad expects the son to do something that would kill the girl. The son helps the girl escapes. The father doesn't just bring in another human, which there are plenty, since it is set in London. Nope he goes and kidnaps the girl and brings her back. Then expects the son to kill her. Why doesn't the father just get another human that the son doesn't like. Seriously.
There are plenty more things like this in the book. Weak and wishy washy story with lots of plot fails.
The son brings a girl he likes to a club where his dad is. The dad expects the son to do something that would kill the girl. The son helps the girl escapes. The father doesn't just bring in another human, which there are plenty, since it is set in London. Nope he goes and kidnaps the girl and brings her back. Then expects the son to kill her. Why doesn't the father just get another human that the son doesn't like. Seriously.
There are plenty more things like this in the book. Weak and wishy washy story with lots of plot fails.
December 5, 2017
3.5 stars
I read this book as a part of the Love. Magic. Adrenaline! Collection.
I really enjoyed this story. I didn’t quite give it 4 stars because I was a little put of by Meaghan - her character was just so shallow. I loved the twists and turns with the Fae and my all time fave would have to be Wish!
I was left wanting to know more - so yes there is a little cliffhanger at the end. A good start to the series - so I may have to check out book 2.
I read this book as a part of the Love. Magic. Adrenaline! Collection.
I really enjoyed this story. I didn’t quite give it 4 stars because I was a little put of by Meaghan - her character was just so shallow. I loved the twists and turns with the Fae and my all time fave would have to be Wish!
I was left wanting to know more - so yes there is a little cliffhanger at the end. A good start to the series - so I may have to check out book 2.
March 31, 2018
The premise of this was interesting, human girl meets fairy boy, he needs to kill her to live, but loves her and can't kill her... but there wasn't enough development of love part. She appears to be a stupid girl who follows a guy she hardly knows into a scary place and then he defies his controlling father to save her from the place he took her... I wanted it to be better!
August 29, 2017
Wings in shadow
This was an awesome fae book full of mystery and intrigue will Kiernan find where he belongs or is he meant to be dark
This was an awesome fae book full of mystery and intrigue will Kiernan find where he belongs or is he meant to be dark
February 13, 2018
Some interesting and unique fae fantasy elements, but some parts just did not connect right.
August 7, 2019
Quite intriguing. Loved it!
August 23, 2015
Big fan of this story and would love to read more in this series. I wasn't the biggest fan of Meghan, she just way too naive/immature...IDK what was with her. I don't really see why Meghan had a hard time choosing between the 2 brothers, Kiernan-the manlier bad boy type, Avery-the sweet brother...but it didn't really matter anyways, since she was going back home...I really liked the end though with Kiernan's shadow wings.
Questions/Comments:
1. Here's a perfect example of Meghan's immaturity. When Killian goes to kiss her hand, her inner thoughts- "eww!" Seriously? Even if he was really ugly, unless he was getting saliva all over your hand- which I doubt was the case, had bad breath or a cold sore-but neither were mentioned, what would have been the big deal?
2. After escaping from Killian, why did Meghan not think going home was a good idea? I never understood that. Without Wish she didn't really know what to do or where to go.
3. If Kiernan had to drain Josie to become alright living in the city and Josie escaped...why wouldn't Killian have just gotten another person? I don't understand what was so special about Josie? They could have gotten a homeless person.
4. Meghan describes Kiernan as looking very Victorian due to his outfit of a suit and cravat....the cravat yes, but overall...I doubt he was Victorian looking.
5. When Meghan and Avery are brought to Killian, why is there never a mention of either Avery or Kiernan wanting to see the other? At least up until they come together during the ceremony.
6. I get the faeries had to have their wings removed or they withered away, and therefore, replaced them...but the one faeries with the bicycle tires for wings...Meghan commented on how obviously stressed he was, which made his bicycle tire wings spin faster...how was that possible?
7. So Meghan is all dirty and gets to bathe in a river? pond? Whatever...Kiernan brings clothes for her to change into. An oversized t-shirt to be precise. What about undergarments? I just found that funny that that part wasn't mentioned.
8. Why was the first thing Avery says to Meghan after returning to the light fae was "It is almost time for you to leave England" ?
Questions/Comments:
1. Here's a perfect example of Meghan's immaturity. When Killian goes to kiss her hand, her inner thoughts- "eww!" Seriously? Even if he was really ugly, unless he was getting saliva all over your hand- which I doubt was the case, had bad breath or a cold sore-but neither were mentioned, what would have been the big deal?
2. After escaping from Killian, why did Meghan not think going home was a good idea? I never understood that. Without Wish she didn't really know what to do or where to go.
3. If Kiernan had to drain Josie to become alright living in the city and Josie escaped...why wouldn't Killian have just gotten another person? I don't understand what was so special about Josie? They could have gotten a homeless person.
4. Meghan describes Kiernan as looking very Victorian due to his outfit of a suit and cravat....the cravat yes, but overall...I doubt he was Victorian looking.
5. When Meghan and Avery are brought to Killian, why is there never a mention of either Avery or Kiernan wanting to see the other? At least up until they come together during the ceremony.
6. I get the faeries had to have their wings removed or they withered away, and therefore, replaced them...but the one faeries with the bicycle tires for wings...Meghan commented on how obviously stressed he was, which made his bicycle tire wings spin faster...how was that possible?
7. So Meghan is all dirty and gets to bathe in a river? pond? Whatever...Kiernan brings clothes for her to change into. An oversized t-shirt to be precise. What about undergarments? I just found that funny that that part wasn't mentioned.
8. Why was the first thing Avery says to Meghan after returning to the light fae was "It is almost time for you to leave England" ?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2014
My review is posted on Audible.
I really enjoyed this story. I listened to it on Audible but I also have the kindle book version. I switched back and forth. I didn't read what the story was about when I started and as I listened I really thought it was about vampires. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Meghan receives a gift to travel abroad to England. During her travel she meets a young man named Kiernan. They go on a date and he takes her to a place that she didn't know existed, some club that's hidden somewhere in London.
She then finds herself held hostage against her will and Kiernan's father forcing her to be cut so his son can drink her blood. Meghan doesn't know what to do and is scared for her life.
When a chance comes for her to escape she flees. Meghan soon finds herself seeking sanctuary with Kiernan's twin in a village that's hidden from others.
The people in the village weren't keen on taking Meghan in but a meeting was held and after they discovered that it was the queens son who was holding Meghan captive they realize the village is the safest place for her. Meghan soon learns that these aren't people but Fae. Their wings are real and not fake as she once thought. She grows to love it there.
Kiernan and his twin brother have to help one another to help save Meghan once again. His father captures her and they have to put their differences aside to free her once more. They have both come to care about this human and they know that they have to set personal loyalties aside to save her and get her back.
I really loved this story. I mentioned I thought it was about vampires and soon realized I was wrong. The story tells why blood was being drank from humans but you'll have to read it yourself to find out. It was filled with adventures, excitement, and even a bit of love. It was enjoyable to listen to as well as read. The narrator did an exceptional job with the voice changes. You definitely knew who each character was speaking. I can't wait to listen to the next book Wings of Memory.
I really enjoyed this story. I listened to it on Audible but I also have the kindle book version. I switched back and forth. I didn't read what the story was about when I started and as I listened I really thought it was about vampires. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Meghan receives a gift to travel abroad to England. During her travel she meets a young man named Kiernan. They go on a date and he takes her to a place that she didn't know existed, some club that's hidden somewhere in London.
She then finds herself held hostage against her will and Kiernan's father forcing her to be cut so his son can drink her blood. Meghan doesn't know what to do and is scared for her life.
When a chance comes for her to escape she flees. Meghan soon finds herself seeking sanctuary with Kiernan's twin in a village that's hidden from others.
The people in the village weren't keen on taking Meghan in but a meeting was held and after they discovered that it was the queens son who was holding Meghan captive they realize the village is the safest place for her. Meghan soon learns that these aren't people but Fae. Their wings are real and not fake as she once thought. She grows to love it there.
Kiernan and his twin brother have to help one another to help save Meghan once again. His father captures her and they have to put their differences aside to free her once more. They have both come to care about this human and they know that they have to set personal loyalties aside to save her and get her back.
I really loved this story. I mentioned I thought it was about vampires and soon realized I was wrong. The story tells why blood was being drank from humans but you'll have to read it yourself to find out. It was filled with adventures, excitement, and even a bit of love. It was enjoyable to listen to as well as read. The narrator did an exceptional job with the voice changes. You definitely knew who each character was speaking. I can't wait to listen to the next book Wings of Memory.
July 5, 2012
When I first saw the cover of this book I just knew I had to read it. It was so pretty and mysterious looking and coupled with the blurb I was already hooked before I even started reading the book. This book had an excellent plot which was highly unique and original, coupled with amazing characters that provided the story with a lot of depth. Once I started I didn’t want to put it down until I was done.
Meghan’s date with Kiernan takes her on a crazy adventure into hidden parts of London’s underground tunnels where she meets lots of people wearing wings made from items ranging from metal to bike tires. The descriptions given of Meghan’s first encounter with these “winged” people is just amazing, it would make a stunning scene in a movie or even a supremely intriguing drawing. No explanation is given for their strange attire but shortly after she is held prisoner by Kiernan’s father where things only get weirder. I thought this book was going in one direction with the type of fantastic creatures involved but I was 100% wrong and couldn’t even have begun to guess where the book would end up. I’d love to tell you more, but I don’t want to give anything away.
If you love a good mystery/romance/magic and fantasy creatures then this book is a must read. There is also a touch of Darwinian science spoken about which I must say also fascinated me. Usually fantasy stories glaze over things and attribute everything to magic or a “just because they can” type of attitude, yet this story had real world science as a background for the “why” certain things were happening which in my opinion just makes for an even better story (but for those who hate science it was really only a small part of the book and it’s written in a way that makes it very easy to understand). I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the next book in the series. My mind is already trying to figure out what direction the next book will take.
Meghan’s date with Kiernan takes her on a crazy adventure into hidden parts of London’s underground tunnels where she meets lots of people wearing wings made from items ranging from metal to bike tires. The descriptions given of Meghan’s first encounter with these “winged” people is just amazing, it would make a stunning scene in a movie or even a supremely intriguing drawing. No explanation is given for their strange attire but shortly after she is held prisoner by Kiernan’s father where things only get weirder. I thought this book was going in one direction with the type of fantastic creatures involved but I was 100% wrong and couldn’t even have begun to guess where the book would end up. I’d love to tell you more, but I don’t want to give anything away.
If you love a good mystery/romance/magic and fantasy creatures then this book is a must read. There is also a touch of Darwinian science spoken about which I must say also fascinated me. Usually fantasy stories glaze over things and attribute everything to magic or a “just because they can” type of attitude, yet this story had real world science as a background for the “why” certain things were happening which in my opinion just makes for an even better story (but for those who hate science it was really only a small part of the book and it’s written in a way that makes it very easy to understand). I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the next book in the series. My mind is already trying to figure out what direction the next book will take.
September 25, 2018
The whole Faerie thing kind of threw me for a loop at first. I didn't read any reviews or the summary, so I didn't quite know what I was getting myself into. For Meghan being old enough for college, she acted... young. Not really immature, really, just young.
Avery is my love. Kiernan, I'm not as fond of. I get him, and I understand why he does what he does, but I am just not drawn to him. Avery, though... Selflessness, truth, and kindness are traits I looked for in my significant other, and the potentials that came before him. That could be why I am so drawn to him.
In the beginning, Lord Killian and Kiernan were so cryptic, it was hard to stay with the story. It wasn't as entertaining as it becomes later, though I'm glad I stuck with it. It started at an odd point, in the middle of a date with no backstory to figure out how exactly she ended up in the mess. I didn't much appreciate being filled in by dreams and nightmares.
I kind of enjoy the girl and two love interests scenarios in YA and Youth stories. What I don't like about it is when the love interest is one-sided and points fingers at exactly who she will be choosing. It wasn't as potent here as it has been in the past [*cough* TWILIGHT *cough* *ahem*], but it is still fairly obvious.
There is just something that just doesn't sit right with me though. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it was enough to draw one star away from my review. It just wasn't.... enough, I guess.
I would like to know more about Meghan and her background. I would hope the next novel fills us in a bit more and gives us more closure and explain how exactly a love between a human and a faerie that lives a much longer life will survive.
March 31, 2013
This was a good and easy read and if you are a fan of Faeries and fairy worlds, I would recommend this story.
Kiernan is that guy you meet when you travel abroad that everyone want to meet. Unfortunately Kiernan has some dark secrets that he sucks Meghan into and her life will be forever changed. Meghan enters a world she did think was possible, since when do faeries really exist?
This version of Faeries has them divided on the principle of survival of the fittest. Lord Killian has begun living in the normal world of humans among the iron and trying to adapt, where his former queen Alannah, believes they should live in isolation. After their twins are born, one is raised each way. This was pretty straight forward and easy to follow. Maybe a bit too easy, but easy none-the-less. This book was paced well and I found for the most part, I did not get bored. There were a few lulls in the story line such as when Meghan is in the village and living for weeks with Selena. It was an easy read.
There were tons of characters in this story and most had unusual names or spellings of their names. This made the story a bit confusing at times. I like original names, but too many can be hard to keep track of. Of the cast of characters, you get a good sense of the protagonist, her love interest, his brother, father, and her constant savior Wish, but the rest of the characters kind of fade.
Kiernan is that guy you meet when you travel abroad that everyone want to meet. Unfortunately Kiernan has some dark secrets that he sucks Meghan into and her life will be forever changed. Meghan enters a world she did think was possible, since when do faeries really exist?
This version of Faeries has them divided on the principle of survival of the fittest. Lord Killian has begun living in the normal world of humans among the iron and trying to adapt, where his former queen Alannah, believes they should live in isolation. After their twins are born, one is raised each way. This was pretty straight forward and easy to follow. Maybe a bit too easy, but easy none-the-less. This book was paced well and I found for the most part, I did not get bored. There were a few lulls in the story line such as when Meghan is in the village and living for weeks with Selena. It was an easy read.
There were tons of characters in this story and most had unusual names or spellings of their names. This made the story a bit confusing at times. I like original names, but too many can be hard to keep track of. Of the cast of characters, you get a good sense of the protagonist, her love interest, his brother, father, and her constant savior Wish, but the rest of the characters kind of fade.
May 22, 2015
I won a copy of this book in Elle Casey's 2013 Springtime Indie Book Giveaway.
If you like your YA with good-looking fae boys and maternal and/or queenly fae ladies, this book's got some good things going for it. There's also nice imagery of secret steampunk-tinged fae parties held in forgotten corners of the London Underground. I also appreciated this new vampiric take on the "dark fae" and how they've interpreted Darwinism(!).
Unfortunately, the characters and dialogue are very thinly written and stereotypical. Worst of all, worse even than the speed and ease with which the heroine, Meghan, is willing to forgive terrible wrongs done to her, is the fact that we're never given the slightest reason she -- a directionless American who comes off as far younger than her 18 years -- would have not one but two fae princes fall absolutely in love with her. She also does really dumb things in service of the contrived plot.
Meghan is a classic Mary Sue, the wish-fulfillment of countless teenage girls who dream of meeting a gorgeous guy (fae or no) while exploring a fantasy-England during their summer abroad. I get why that's appealing. I do. But there should be at least a little more depth in any literary portrayal of this girlhood dream, or else why read?
If you like your YA with good-looking fae boys and maternal and/or queenly fae ladies, this book's got some good things going for it. There's also nice imagery of secret steampunk-tinged fae parties held in forgotten corners of the London Underground. I also appreciated this new vampiric take on the "dark fae" and how they've interpreted Darwinism(!).
Unfortunately, the characters and dialogue are very thinly written and stereotypical. Worst of all, worse even than the speed and ease with which the heroine, Meghan, is willing to forgive terrible wrongs done to her, is the fact that we're never given the slightest reason she -- a directionless American who comes off as far younger than her 18 years -- would have not one but two fae princes fall absolutely in love with her. She also does really dumb things in service of the contrived plot.
Meghan is a classic Mary Sue, the wish-fulfillment of countless teenage girls who dream of meeting a gorgeous guy (fae or no) while exploring a fantasy-England during their summer abroad. I get why that's appealing. I do. But there should be at least a little more depth in any literary portrayal of this girlhood dream, or else why read?
December 1, 2016
Supernatural Touch Anthology...
Meghan is basically kidnapped while traveling abroad before college by a boy named Kiernan. Turns out he is a dark faerie and needs to drink her blood to be able to live in the city with all of the iron and such. She is rescued and sent off to live with the light faeries who are also kind of jerks but in a very hippy way. There she meets Kiernan's twin brother Avery who, much like his brother becomes completely infatuated with Maghan. Eventually the light and dark faeries clash with these three in the middle of the conflict.
This was an ok story but it didn't have any depth. Kiernan and Avery both liked Meghan and she liked both of them but there was no good reason and no feeling behind it. I thought the whole Darwin thing was a little out of place also. Mostly though, when Meghan escaped the underground after being imprisoned and someone drink her blood she decided to not contact her family or get on the next plane because....she still had to figure out college and stuff. Generally you have to be alive for college and stuff so you'd think that would be a good starting point.
Meghan is basically kidnapped while traveling abroad before college by a boy named Kiernan. Turns out he is a dark faerie and needs to drink her blood to be able to live in the city with all of the iron and such. She is rescued and sent off to live with the light faeries who are also kind of jerks but in a very hippy way. There she meets Kiernan's twin brother Avery who, much like his brother becomes completely infatuated with Maghan. Eventually the light and dark faeries clash with these three in the middle of the conflict.
This was an ok story but it didn't have any depth. Kiernan and Avery both liked Meghan and she liked both of them but there was no good reason and no feeling behind it. I thought the whole Darwin thing was a little out of place also. Mostly though, when Meghan escaped the underground after being imprisoned and someone drink her blood she decided to not contact her family or get on the next plane because....she still had to figure out college and stuff. Generally you have to be alive for college and stuff so you'd think that would be a good starting point.
March 5, 2019
This book left no impression on me.
It wasn't bad, it just didn't engage me at all. A young girl discovering a secret, magical society and falling in love with two hot supernatural guys... not the most original plot, is it? Also, speaking of plot; there didn't seem to be one until about 85 %. Unless you count running from bad guys and then ending up in their lair again.
Meghan wasn't a useless protagonist, but she wasn't memorable either. Avery was your typical nice and gentle guy, and Killian was a stereotypical brooding type. He was also wayyy too bitter for my taste. I get it, he grew up with people who he sees as evil, and that would definitely impact someone, but this wasn't explored enough, and he just came off as an asshole. Meh.
I'm also not that fond of the two opposing sides being very clearly good and evil. I know this is a very common theme in books about Fae, but since they aren't exactly my thing either, I couldn't really appreciate the division between the Light and Dark Fae. If you're a fan of faeries, though, I think you might like this more than I did.
All in all, no specific feelings one way or another.
It wasn't bad, it just didn't engage me at all. A young girl discovering a secret, magical society and falling in love with two hot supernatural guys... not the most original plot, is it? Also, speaking of plot; there didn't seem to be one until about 85 %. Unless you count running from bad guys and then ending up in their lair again.
Meghan wasn't a useless protagonist, but she wasn't memorable either. Avery was your typical nice and gentle guy, and Killian was a stereotypical brooding type. He was also wayyy too bitter for my taste. I get it, he grew up with people who he sees as evil, and that would definitely impact someone, but this wasn't explored enough, and he just came off as an asshole. Meh.
I'm also not that fond of the two opposing sides being very clearly good and evil. I know this is a very common theme in books about Fae, but since they aren't exactly my thing either, I couldn't really appreciate the division between the Light and Dark Fae. If you're a fan of faeries, though, I think you might like this more than I did.
All in all, no specific feelings one way or another.
May 1, 2014
Meghan Lewis is the narrator and does a wonderful job. Her accents are great and she really brings the characters to life.
The story itself is nice and easy to listen to.
The only complaint I would have is that the world building could have been a little better; the beginning was a bit confusing. The whole story seemed kind of rushed to me. The time span in the story is weeks and month going and sometimes it seemed like something is missing.
The characters are nicely written and easy to relate to. Although I have to say that Meghan seems kind of naïve, but maybe that is supposed to be the way.
What I personally didn’t agree with is that Meghan was gone for weeks and months and didn’t miss or contact her family in America; you would think that someone would think that some is wrong when she never calls or even just writes after all that time. Or that she would start to miss her family. But that is just my opinion and maybe that will be addressed in the second book.
Overall, I give it a 3 stars and curious to see what the second book is like.
The story itself is nice and easy to listen to.
The only complaint I would have is that the world building could have been a little better; the beginning was a bit confusing. The whole story seemed kind of rushed to me. The time span in the story is weeks and month going and sometimes it seemed like something is missing.
The characters are nicely written and easy to relate to. Although I have to say that Meghan seems kind of naïve, but maybe that is supposed to be the way.
What I personally didn’t agree with is that Meghan was gone for weeks and months and didn’t miss or contact her family in America; you would think that someone would think that some is wrong when she never calls or even just writes after all that time. Or that she would start to miss her family. But that is just my opinion and maybe that will be addressed in the second book.
Overall, I give it a 3 stars and curious to see what the second book is like.
November 24, 2016
*****SPOILERS AHEAD PLEASE DON'T READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK!
I really, really wanted to leave a good review, but unfortunately there was so many holes in this book. For example, there was no proper introduction of the main characters, they appeared to be very immature and two dimensional with no real depth. In which universe, real or fictional, a girl on a first date would jump on "live" train tracks at a busy London's underground station where there are always people/tourists going in and out, cameras, underground staff as well as trains coming and in out of the tunnels every 2 minutes?
Another issue that really bugged me was the fact that Meghan did not contact her parents at all during her stay in England...surely, Meghan's parents would be wondering/worrying why their teenage child, who has left the country and travelled all alone in a foreign country, has not contacted them for weeks ?!?
Pity that the author did not try to develop her characters to make them more alive and believable!
I really, really wanted to leave a good review, but unfortunately there was so many holes in this book. For example, there was no proper introduction of the main characters, they appeared to be very immature and two dimensional with no real depth. In which universe, real or fictional, a girl on a first date would jump on "live" train tracks at a busy London's underground station where there are always people/tourists going in and out, cameras, underground staff as well as trains coming and in out of the tunnels every 2 minutes?
Another issue that really bugged me was the fact that Meghan did not contact her parents at all during her stay in England...surely, Meghan's parents would be wondering/worrying why their teenage child, who has left the country and travelled all alone in a foreign country, has not contacted them for weeks ?!?
Pity that the author did not try to develop her characters to make them more alive and believable!
July 13, 2012
Favorite line from the book: "May her light greet us in the dark of night" :'(
Cover - Interesting, i like the colours & the model - it intrigues me & makes me want to know who the man on the cover is.
I enjoyed the story, it was not an easy breezy story filled with happiness & sunshine - instead deep emotions & darkness. I read this book with an open mind & i was surprised to find a fantastic book. The book has many layers to it that need to be read to be understood. I could try explaining the book but to be honest i would not do it justice. I understand now why it received so many 5 star reviews. It was amazingly written & edited. I urge people to give this book a try.
I would recommend this book & hope that many other read this book & "get it" the way that i do. I look forward to reading more in this series & more by this author.
(to read this review & more like it visit - http://bookprotagonist.blogspot.co.uk/)
Cover - Interesting, i like the colours & the model - it intrigues me & makes me want to know who the man on the cover is.
I enjoyed the story, it was not an easy breezy story filled with happiness & sunshine - instead deep emotions & darkness. I read this book with an open mind & i was surprised to find a fantastic book. The book has many layers to it that need to be read to be understood. I could try explaining the book but to be honest i would not do it justice. I understand now why it received so many 5 star reviews. It was amazingly written & edited. I urge people to give this book a try.
I would recommend this book & hope that many other read this book & "get it" the way that i do. I look forward to reading more in this series & more by this author.
(to read this review & more like it visit - http://bookprotagonist.blogspot.co.uk/)
November 20, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book. This is my first book by this author and also my first Fae book. I have heard other talk about Fae books, so I am happy to finally read one. This book is perfect for the entire family. It is a clean read too, so nothing embarrassing if neighbors hear it playing.
This is a story about a girl turning 18 and gets to travel. She meets some Fae fairies both light and dark. This story has danger, adventure and paranormal happenings in it. I found this book to be entertaining and light hearted. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The author, Anna Kyss did a great job writing this story. The plot is great and I find her imagination intriguing. The narrator, Meghan Lewis did a good job on the delivery with multiple voices and accents. All in all this is an very interesting book and a new genre for me. Good job!
I received this audio book free of charge in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
This is a story about a girl turning 18 and gets to travel. She meets some Fae fairies both light and dark. This story has danger, adventure and paranormal happenings in it. I found this book to be entertaining and light hearted. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The author, Anna Kyss did a great job writing this story. The plot is great and I find her imagination intriguing. The narrator, Meghan Lewis did a good job on the delivery with multiple voices and accents. All in all this is an very interesting book and a new genre for me. Good job!
I received this audio book free of charge in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
August 27, 2016
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this story. The premise intrigued me because it was not the standard vampire, werewolf, or demon fantasy story. Wings of Shadow is basically a coming of age story centering on Meghan who is an American traveling abroad in an attempt to discover herself. Along the way she stumbles across two fairy communities and twin brothers, both of whom she develops an attachment.
Anna Kyss has a real gift for creating an interesting original story and keeping the reader engaged throughout. I found myself listening in the car for "just 5 more minutes" before going into work or in the garage at home after commuting home. She even evoked memories in me of my first kiss and crushes from 30 years ago.
Meghan Lewis's narration is also excellent. She had good pace, inflections, and tone. I also liked the differing voices, not only between the genders, but the twin brothers as well.
Well done!
Anna Kyss has a real gift for creating an interesting original story and keeping the reader engaged throughout. I found myself listening in the car for "just 5 more minutes" before going into work or in the garage at home after commuting home. She even evoked memories in me of my first kiss and crushes from 30 years ago.
Meghan Lewis's narration is also excellent. She had good pace, inflections, and tone. I also liked the differing voices, not only between the genders, but the twin brothers as well.
Well done!
January 5, 2017
Book 1 in the Underground series is a well written fantasy.
Meghan travels to London before her college semester starts and is staying at a hostel. She is seeing Kiernan a guy she met on the plane. He takes her to the tube (subway) and leads her to a hidden underground club. What she doesn't know is that he is a dark Fae, until his father demands that he drink her dry. She escapes with some help and is brought to the land of the light Fae, and meets Kiernan's twin brother Avery. she is told many things while living with the Fae, and she learns that she is in love with both brothers and that they had been separated at age 3 by their parents, and that Kiernan did not have wings because they were cut off as soon as he went to live with his father. The story is one of fear, hatred, love, and redemption. An overall excellent book.
Meghan travels to London before her college semester starts and is staying at a hostel. She is seeing Kiernan a guy she met on the plane. He takes her to the tube (subway) and leads her to a hidden underground club. What she doesn't know is that he is a dark Fae, until his father demands that he drink her dry. She escapes with some help and is brought to the land of the light Fae, and meets Kiernan's twin brother Avery. she is told many things while living with the Fae, and she learns that she is in love with both brothers and that they had been separated at age 3 by their parents, and that Kiernan did not have wings because they were cut off as soon as he went to live with his father. The story is one of fear, hatred, love, and redemption. An overall excellent book.
May 25, 2015
I have to admit that the cover was the first thing that caught my attention while I was searching through the Kindle store. I was interested when I read that it was about fairies. There are not many book about the fae so I decided to take a chance with this one. The storyline was great but I would have like there to have been a little more to the story, maybe a bit longer as well. The characters had me feeling a mixture of emotions throughout the story. The author did a wonderful job putting together the romance, mystery, humor, and magic for this fictional world. This book is for both young and old readers. My only complaint being I wish there was more to it and that is was a little longer but all in all I enjoyed it.
July 6, 2014
I can be iffy when it comes to fantasy reads. This one was interesting and created intriguing world, It just didn't thrill me. The concept wan't anything new, good fae vs bad fae. It is kind of all over the place and I had a hard time keeping with the whole plot. Lots of stupid girl moments for the heroine.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meghan Lewis, who does a fantastic job. Honestly her great read is one of the things that kept me listening. She has a terrific pace that keeps the book moving. One of the highlights of this book are the narrators skillful accents. I really enjoyed her work and would love to hear more reads from her.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meghan Lewis, who does a fantastic job. Honestly her great read is one of the things that kept me listening. She has a terrific pace that keeps the book moving. One of the highlights of this book are the narrators skillful accents. I really enjoyed her work and would love to hear more reads from her.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
October 1, 2014
This girl was an absolute moron. She did everything she could to put herself in horrible danger and then she just makes it all worse by crushing on the guy that hurt her - before she knows his true intentions. Explain that to me, please. Tell me this girl is not a glutton for punishment. Please tell me that, because I really hate it when I hate the main character.
That said, I didn't HATE the story, though I did find myself rolling my eyes here and there. Part of the problem was that the narrator read the book SOOOOO SLOWLY. There are right and wrong ways to read an audiobook, and this was sooooooo wrong.
Anyway, it was short, and I felt a little gushy at moments, but otherwise it wasn't really awesome or terrible. So, 2.5 man. 2.5.
That said, I didn't HATE the story, though I did find myself rolling my eyes here and there. Part of the problem was that the narrator read the book SOOOOO SLOWLY. There are right and wrong ways to read an audiobook, and this was sooooooo wrong.
Anyway, it was short, and I felt a little gushy at moments, but otherwise it wasn't really awesome or terrible. So, 2.5 man. 2.5.
May 16, 2015
The story is as colourful as the Fae are. I loved the setting in the London underground as a total opposite of the picturesque village of Fae homeland. Got completely spooked by the story behind the wings of the black Fae and so terribly sad by what Kiernan was put trough at a very young age, especially after learning about Avery and the feeling in his wings. But perhaps it got to me more then usual since I am a mother of a 2,5 year old boy and I can't get anywhere near imagining why a parent would hurt a child like that.
One little thing: the end does not really leave you with questions. That doesn't invite you to read further books in the series but I want to read them anyway. Wonder if it's worth it.
One little thing: the end does not really leave you with questions. That doesn't invite you to read further books in the series but I want to read them anyway. Wonder if it's worth it.
June 17, 2015
This went from starting off well, to grinding to a staggering halt. All of a sudden, it seemed to dive into a quagmire of immaturity. After sticking with it a little past that point, I came to a grinding halt.
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October 3, 2016
This book had so much potential, but the characters fell flat. I loved this take on dark and light fairies, but the writing was definitely YA when the characters were NA. A love triangle developed in the novel, and the author could have developed it for more of a gut-wrenching punch in the end. The character's were expected to be loved without the depth that goes into a character to make then more rounded. The reader never really gets to know the main character. I developed more sympathy and a connection to the secondary characters.
Clean read.
Pre-teens would enjoy this novel.
Clean read.
Pre-teens would enjoy this novel.
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