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Wings #4
Likimai
Nuo tada, kai Tamenį buvo pašovęs Barnis, Lorelė nebuvo mačiusi jo tokio sutriuškinto, tad glaudėsi virpėdama iš palengvėjimo, atsikračiusi baimės, kuri stingdė ją net pačiai nežinant. Lorelė perbraukė pirštais perkirstą vaikino skruostą ir atšlijo išgirdusi tylų aiktelėjimą visai jai prie lūpų. Tačiau Tamenis nesitraukė. Netgi prisiglaudė dar arčiau. Lorelė norėjo, kad juodu turėtų daugiau laiko, kad galėtų užsimiršti nuo jo bučinių, pamiršti, jog ten kažkur dėl visų jų gyvybių kaunasi Šeris...
416 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
265 people are currently reading
16059 people want to read
About the author
Aprilynne Pike
58 books5,045 followersAprilynne Pike has been spinning faerie stories since she was a child with a hyper-active imagination. At the age of twenty she received her BA in Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. When not writing, Aprilynne can usually be found at the gym; she also enjoys singing, acting, reading, and working with pregnant moms as a childbirth educator and doula. Aprilynne currently lives with her husband and three kids in Utah, and dreams of warmer climates.
Aprilynne Pike's #1 New York Times best-selling debut, WINGS, is the first of four books about a seemingly ordinary girl with a not-so-ordinary destiny. In this tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever...
Aprilynne's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/aprilynnepike
Aprilynne Pike's #1 New York Times best-selling debut, WINGS, is the first of four books about a seemingly ordinary girl with a not-so-ordinary destiny. In this tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever...
Aprilynne's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/aprilynnepike
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,790 reviews
May 5, 2012
*****FINAL RATING: 4.55 STARS*****
CATCHALL
I've been with this series since the beginning, and I told myself I'd see it through. So I have. While it's had its ups and downs like any other series, I've found it thoroughly enjoyable and this book provided a satisfactory and bittersweet final novel. (It also has Tamani, who practically makes up for any faults, but more on that later.) I absolutely adored it.
THE HEROINE
LAUREL
While I freely admit that I often find Laurel to be too self-sacrificing and, at times, annoying, it's always been clear that she has a good heart. (Metaphorically speaking, of course.) She can be almost ridiculously reckless but at the same time I understand that she does it to protect the people she loves. She's definitely grown from the beginning of the series and now to the end, and her maturity was especially remarkable in this novel. Laurel certainly isn't a little girl anymore.
THE LOVE INTERESTS
TAMANI
I do not make it any secret that I am Team Tamani. I would follow thatman faerie to the ends of the Earth. He's just so freaking hot, and it is useless and pointless to deny it. He's sweetly protective and very strong; he's almost never afraid to back down but he picks his battles. I love that about him, and I love the fierce loyalty and the strong sense of love that I can tell he genuinely feels. He tries to do what he honestly believes to be the right thing.
DAVID
So, I have a confession: In books 1-3, I am afraid I did not like David at all. But in Destined, he absolutely grew on me. I actually really grew to love him too in this book. He's brave and not afraid to offer his life for the greater good, which is so admirable. He doesn't hesitate to stand behind Laurel and he'll be there for her when she and the faeries need him.
THE BEST FRIEND
CHELSEA
My opinion on Chelsea in the past has been volatile at best. I generally don't really like her and only every once in a while have the occasional moment where I could see through to her. But in Destined she really grew as a character and I couldn't help admiring her. She's a wonderful, fiercely loyal friend, and it's fairly obvious that she would follow Laurel over a cliff.
THE PLOT
The whole of Destined takes place in a period of about twenty-four hours.
So you can imagine how action-packed it is.
There's almost never a bored moment, and I usually had almost no time to catch my breath.
I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation at pretty much all times. I couldn't resist falling headlong into the story.
Some things were stupid. I admit it. Some things were so stupid they actually made me laugh out loud, hence the barely-five-star rating.
Still, overall, I absolutely loved the plot! It kept me entertained and interested, and I was never bored, which always counts for something.
THE ROMANCE
As it turns out, I am not telling you who Laurel ends up with. I can't even tell you if I was happy or sad with the decision because that would make it instantly obvious. I won't even put it under a spoiler tab at this time because this book is super new and I don't want to be the one who gives everything away. I will say that there's a lot of fluffy romance, but it's serious too. Some real decisions need to be made. It's not really an easy decision for Laurel but she does make it. It's logical, too. That's all I'll say.
THE WRITING
One thing that makes me strangely mother-duck proud is to see debut authors grow up. Writing-wise, obviously. Aprilynne's first book was sweet but clearly the work of an inexperienced writer; now, in her fourth book, she's a mature and established writer. Her writing voice has become absolutely beautiful and I love it so much. In Wings and Spells we get Laurel's voice; in Illusions and Destined Tamani's voice joins her, showing her increase in diversity. Tamani's voice is better than Laurel's, in my opinion, but I'm probably biased.
THE ENDING
The ending was everything one could want. It was heartbreaking in some ways but devastatingly beautiful in others. There were happy endings, there were sad ones. People died, people lived. Just like in life. It was realistic and believable and clearly well thought out. In my opinion, the letter at the back of the book cements everything as still more real and more heartbreaking, but be warned: It's not all happy, not at all. So heed Aprilynne's warning before you read the letter if you decide to do so.
WRAPUP
In general, I was very happy with the Wings series. I thought Aprilynne did a wonderful job, and I'm looking forward to seeing future works from her such as Life After Theft. The title and prospect seem interesting, and also I have a fetish for the name Jeff, because there is this cute guy named Jeff who sits next to me in my physics class and this other really handsome guy named Jeff who used to be in my class and then there's a third adorable Jeff and…uhhh, I'm rambling. So I'll stop (particularly since my boyfriend will read this). But anyway, I'm looking forward to Aprilynne's future projects.
FINE.
Read more of my reviews on Sparkles and Lightning!
----------------------------
My pre-review:
More Tam, pretty please :) He's the best part of this series. I admit it, I'm in love. Who's with me?
Oh my God, and the cover is gor-geous!!!!!!!! And I think that thinking about the blurb is going to kill me. It's so unbelievably tempting and leaves me even more eager for this book's release!!
CATCHALL
I've been with this series since the beginning, and I told myself I'd see it through. So I have. While it's had its ups and downs like any other series, I've found it thoroughly enjoyable and this book provided a satisfactory and bittersweet final novel. (It also has Tamani, who practically makes up for any faults, but more on that later.) I absolutely adored it.
THE HEROINE
LAUREL
While I freely admit that I often find Laurel to be too self-sacrificing and, at times, annoying, it's always been clear that she has a good heart. (Metaphorically speaking, of course.) She can be almost ridiculously reckless but at the same time I understand that she does it to protect the people she loves. She's definitely grown from the beginning of the series and now to the end, and her maturity was especially remarkable in this novel. Laurel certainly isn't a little girl anymore.
THE LOVE INTERESTS
TAMANI
I do not make it any secret that I am Team Tamani. I would follow that
DAVID
So, I have a confession: In books 1-3, I am afraid I did not like David at all. But in Destined, he absolutely grew on me. I actually really grew to love him too in this book. He's brave and not afraid to offer his life for the greater good, which is so admirable. He doesn't hesitate to stand behind Laurel and he'll be there for her when she and the faeries need him.
THE BEST FRIEND
CHELSEA
My opinion on Chelsea in the past has been volatile at best. I generally don't really like her and only every once in a while have the occasional moment where I could see through to her. But in Destined she really grew as a character and I couldn't help admiring her. She's a wonderful, fiercely loyal friend, and it's fairly obvious that she would follow Laurel over a cliff.
THE PLOT
The whole of Destined takes place in a period of about twenty-four hours.
So you can imagine how action-packed it is.
There's almost never a bored moment, and I usually had almost no time to catch my breath.
I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation at pretty much all times. I couldn't resist falling headlong into the story.
Some things were stupid. I admit it. Some things were so stupid they actually made me laugh out loud, hence the barely-five-star rating.
Still, overall, I absolutely loved the plot! It kept me entertained and interested, and I was never bored, which always counts for something.
THE ROMANCE
As it turns out, I am not telling you who Laurel ends up with. I can't even tell you if I was happy or sad with the decision because that would make it instantly obvious. I won't even put it under a spoiler tab at this time because this book is super new and I don't want to be the one who gives everything away. I will say that there's a lot of fluffy romance, but it's serious too. Some real decisions need to be made. It's not really an easy decision for Laurel but she does make it. It's logical, too. That's all I'll say.
THE WRITING
One thing that makes me strangely mother-duck proud is to see debut authors grow up. Writing-wise, obviously. Aprilynne's first book was sweet but clearly the work of an inexperienced writer; now, in her fourth book, she's a mature and established writer. Her writing voice has become absolutely beautiful and I love it so much. In Wings and Spells we get Laurel's voice; in Illusions and Destined Tamani's voice joins her, showing her increase in diversity. Tamani's voice is better than Laurel's, in my opinion, but I'm probably biased.
THE ENDING
The ending was everything one could want. It was heartbreaking in some ways but devastatingly beautiful in others. There were happy endings, there were sad ones. People died, people lived. Just like in life. It was realistic and believable and clearly well thought out. In my opinion, the letter at the back of the book cements everything as still more real and more heartbreaking, but be warned: It's not all happy, not at all. So heed Aprilynne's warning before you read the letter if you decide to do so.
WRAPUP
In general, I was very happy with the Wings series. I thought Aprilynne did a wonderful job, and I'm looking forward to seeing future works from her such as Life After Theft. The title and prospect seem interesting, and also I have a fetish for the name Jeff, because there is this cute guy named Jeff who sits next to me in my physics class and this other really handsome guy named Jeff who used to be in my class and then there's a third adorable Jeff and…uhhh, I'm rambling. So I'll stop (particularly since my boyfriend will read this). But anyway, I'm looking forward to Aprilynne's future projects.
FINE.
Read more of my reviews on Sparkles and Lightning!
----------------------------
My pre-review:
More Tam, pretty please :) He's the best part of this series. I admit it, I'm in love. Who's with me?
Oh my God, and the cover is gor-geous!!!!!!!! And I think that thinking about the blurb is going to kill me. It's so unbelievably tempting and leaves me even more eager for this book's release!!
Want to read
June 6, 2011OKAY. SERIOUSLY. wtf is she thinking!? 2012?!!!! she cuts us off on THE worst cliffhangar and then waits for 20394823484905840983405983 years (in the booklover's mind) to release the next one!? is she CRAZY?! BAHHHHHHHHHHH someone kill me now -__-
i'm not quite sure if i'm pro tam or david, because in the first two books i was PROPROPROPROOOO tam, but when she broke up with david and i saw how it affected him i kinda toppled, and now i'm not sure WHO i want to win.... and it was a total bitch move for chelsea to move in on david as fast as she did. and yuki is kind of tripping me out. i can understand if they didn't know about her existing like if she was a spring or something, but if there was a friggin WINTER on the loose? how in the world did they not see that? its like a giant neon sign saying "OMFG A WINTER FAERIE LOOK HERE" -_________- i'm so clueless on this.
i'm not quite sure if i'm pro tam or david, because in the first two books i was PROPROPROPROOOO tam, but when she broke up with david and i saw how it affected him i kinda toppled, and now i'm not sure WHO i want to win.... and it was a total bitch move for chelsea to move in on david as fast as she did. and yuki is kind of tripping me out. i can understand if they didn't know about her existing like if she was a spring or something, but if there was a friggin WINTER on the loose? how in the world did they not see that? its like a giant neon sign saying "OMFG A WINTER FAERIE LOOK HERE" -_________- i'm so clueless on this.
June 19, 2012
Actual rating: 1.5 stars
Oh, geez this is awkward. I've just finished Destined and can't find a single thing to say about it because it's not very memorable.
No wait. It's all coming back to me now. Mmmmmhmmmm. Let me get my glasses for this one.
Ah, that's better. And yes, there will be spoilers.
I'll be honest and admit that the Wings series has been of a guilty pleasure of mine. It's not the best written book I've ever read or the worst for that matter. But it had a level of entertainment that kept me around till the end. At least that's what I tell myself because as I dove into Destined I just couldn't help but think how incredibly boring it was. And that greatly disappointed me since I was just looking for a light, fluffy read. Instead I was left with a story cornier than a box of Kellogg's cereal.
So very, very corny.
So the plot is a simple one. We all knew based on the ending of Illusions that Yuki would eventually escape with Klea and go after Avalon. She also happens to have an entire army of trolls ready to bust the doors down. That leaves David, Laurel, Tamani and Chelsea to race to Avalon and warn everyone. Fantastic. It was a fine beginning with promise. Unfortunately, that promise died when we are introduced to the biggest cop out I've read in a long time. Jamison asks David to fight against the trolls using Excalibur. It was truly a Disney movie moment. I knew at that moment it could only go down hill from there.
"David, with the name of Kings," Jamison said formally,
>_>
"It's time to discover if you are the hero Laurel has always thought you to be. Will you join us in defending Avalon?"
It seemed that they were *thisclose* to breaking out in song and dance. Then David had his Sword in the Stone moment and was told nothing could hurt him while he wielded Excalibur. And I do mean nothing. If someone were to strike him with a sword, it would conveniently miss him. Or if someone were to shoot him with a gun, the bullets would just drop in front of him. Not even poisonous AIR could harm him.
*facepalm*
David had no previous fighting experience, but all he had to do was swing the sword and trolls would just die on the spot. He went all deus ex machina throughout the entire book.
And that's when I lost all desire to finish the book.
Everything was was just too carefully placed and never felt organic to me. The Queen orders Jamison to stay out of the fight, but when she finds out he's disobeyed her she doesn't do anything. Jamison gets taken out during the battle early on and forced to rest, but when the gang goes up against Yuki, he appears out of nowhere ready to assist. Speaking of Yuki, she turned out to be the biggest disappointment of them all. She supposedly has the ability to kill other fairies or at least be really powerful. But she was pretty much useless.
Of course with any battle there are deaths. I feel the impact of a character death is at its greatest when I actually care about the character that's dying. Duh, right? Well, there are two characters who are killed that the reader is familiar with, but I never really felt any kind of sadness for them. Laurel and Tam cared deeply for them, but they weren't around enough in the previous books for me to grow an attachment to them. They were expendable characters.
Another reviewer noted that with everything that was going on, and there was a fair amount of action, it actually felt like nothing was happening. I've been pondering how that's possible and I believe it's because there didn't appear to be much anticipation or build up to any of the scenes. At least I didn't feel any. I just went through the motions of finishing the book to be able to say I completed the series. There was exactly one part where I felt a twinge of emotion and it's where Tamani thinks he sees Laurel die and goes off on his own to kill Klea or be killed by her. But before those feelings get a chance to develop, Laurel goes running after him. End scene. That left me so angry!
Then my biggest pet peeve about YA novels starts flying around left and right. The whole, "I can't live without you!" trope. I really hate when that's used because it gives off the appearance of teens ready to end their life over a boyfriend/girlfriend. They're in the midst of a battle for Avalon, saving other fae's lives, and they start wondering why they would bother if the other were to die. Ummm... because your friends and family are still in danger?!
Gah!!!
Then we get to the ending where there is a deadly toxin seeping into the land and killing Tamani courtesy of Klea. It's up to Laurel to save not only Tamani, but all of Avalon. And she's all:
"She wasn't sure if it mattered if the toxin infected her. Was her life worth living without Tamani? Was the risk worth one last kiss? One final embrace?"
So, you're just going to forget about Avalon then?
"He had to be alive. She wasn't sure if she could live another moment if he wasn't with her. What did any of this matter if, in the end, she was too late to save Tamani?"
FFFFFUUUUUUUU!!!!!
*inhale, exhale*
*whoosah*
Whew, sorry about that. I started seeing red again.
The ending was your typical "... And they lived happily ever after" in true Disney fashion. In hindsight, there were casualties, but none that anyone cared about (I find it interesting that Tamani never went back to check on his niece after she lost her mother! O.o Laurel was more important, I guess.). The only thing that mattered is that Tamani got to be with his one true love forever and ever. The end. Lame.
So, I guess if you enjoyed the first three books, you'll probably enjoy this one to some extent. But for everyone else, I wouldn't go into this one expecting much. Overall it was a big ol' pile of MEH.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss. Thank you!
More reviews at Cuddlebuggery Book Blog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2017
P.S... funny how you come back to some reviews and go "I really felt like that?"... I guess its the magic of books ;D
BEFORE READING:
PRO TAM... AHAHAHAHA 'm reading the book and cannot wait to see what happens in the end!!!!
after reading:
MAJOR MAJOR SPOILERS :)
I sat their crying my eyes out... my make-up (thanks to Ms Aprilynne Pike) is messed up, my hair loose, my nose running and my eyes red. I never thought I'd feel so attached to this world of faeries and trolls ... but I feel like it's me who just went through all that and not Laurel. In a way I wish she didn't put that letter in the end and just let us to believe David ended up with Chelsea...
Characters
Although Laurel had her good times and bad, I loved her in this and i am going to miss her. She's loyal to her friends and doesn't hesitate to trust her friends when they want best for her. She's grown into a more calm and understanding person.
David, - started to cry already - his letter at the end is one of the most heartfelt, sad and beautiful letters ever written! The feelings I felt were very overwhelming. He's been brave and amazing and loyal in this book and he deserves the best, most respect out of the three high school friends and I still can't believe he and Chelsea didn't end up together :'(
Tamani! I love Tam and will forever and this book made me cry so much for him. He lost his sister, best friend, the sentries under his responsibility... I feel like tearing up right now - and he thinks it was all his fault. I loved the touching scene between him and Laurel at the end, oh gosh Ms Pike this series deserves a lot more credit than it has gotten.
The Book
It was beautiful and better than I expected. When people said it was based on around a period of 24hours I thought it would be very disappointing. But the writing has improved so much since the first book and it doesn't feel like only a 24hour period.
Trust me when I say, you will feel happy, scared, torn up, joy, excitement, sadness and probably will cry your eyes out... but hopefully you will be satisfied.
But I wasn't really a David fan and the ending for him made me cry like a baby... so if you are a David fan you'll probably feel angry and sorry but you'll also definitely feel proud. :')
BEFORE READING:
PRO TAM... AHAHAHAHA 'm reading the book and cannot wait to see what happens in the end!!!!
after reading:
MAJOR MAJOR SPOILERS :)
I sat their crying my eyes out... my make-up (thanks to Ms Aprilynne Pike) is messed up, my hair loose, my nose running and my eyes red. I never thought I'd feel so attached to this world of faeries and trolls ... but I feel like it's me who just went through all that and not Laurel. In a way I wish she didn't put that letter in the end and just let us to believe David ended up with Chelsea...
Characters
Although Laurel had her good times and bad, I loved her in this and i am going to miss her. She's loyal to her friends and doesn't hesitate to trust her friends when they want best for her. She's grown into a more calm and understanding person.
David, - started to cry already - his letter at the end is one of the most heartfelt, sad and beautiful letters ever written! The feelings I felt were very overwhelming. He's been brave and amazing and loyal in this book and he deserves the best, most respect out of the three high school friends and I still can't believe he and Chelsea didn't end up together :'(
Tamani! I love Tam and will forever and this book made me cry so much for him. He lost his sister, best friend, the sentries under his responsibility... I feel like tearing up right now - and he thinks it was all his fault. I loved the touching scene between him and Laurel at the end, oh gosh Ms Pike this series deserves a lot more credit than it has gotten.
The Book
It was beautiful and better than I expected. When people said it was based on around a period of 24hours I thought it would be very disappointing. But the writing has improved so much since the first book and it doesn't feel like only a 24hour period.
Trust me when I say, you will feel happy, scared, torn up, joy, excitement, sadness and probably will cry your eyes out... but hopefully you will be satisfied.
But I wasn't really a David fan and the ending for him made me cry like a baby... so if you are a David fan you'll probably feel angry and sorry but you'll also definitely feel proud. :')
July 15, 2012
whoooooo! Finished. That was awesome. perfect ending.
August 5, 2018
This is one of the best conclusions to a series!
I loved the way it ended. I loved how there was a happy ending but then some things about it were heartbreakingly sad.
If you have not read this series, or if you have started the series but didn't finish it, then I highly recommend you do.
I loved the way it ended. I loved how there was a happy ending but then some things about it were heartbreakingly sad.
If you have not read this series, or if you have started the series but didn't finish it, then I highly recommend you do.
February 23, 2013
OMG!!! MOREEEE :D :D :D
Sorry to disappoint every1, But I'm pro david!!! She should stay with him for a while and then after awhile end up with tam. Either that or she should go back to the academy and meet some other guy. On second thought, I like that!!
The problem with tamani is that he is pushy and intense, u know!! He is the sole reason she is always forced to choose. I don't blame him for jealousy or liking laurel, but I think he puts too much presure on her...
UPDATE: OMG IT HAS A TITLE!!! Hopefully the fact that it is called destined means that she is 'destined' to end up with David :))
I'm SOOO pissed and SOOOO happy coz the fact that it doesn't come out soon means I have to re-read the first books :)) :((
UPDATE: ooohhh! A cover!! Me likey ;))
UPDATE: when is this coming out again??? did I hear someone say April, coz if they did then I will MURDER MYSELF! I cnt wait that long!!
Sorry to disappoint every1, But I'm pro david!!! She should stay with him for a while and then after awhile end up with tam. Either that or she should go back to the academy and meet some other guy. On second thought, I like that!!
The problem with tamani is that he is pushy and intense, u know!! He is the sole reason she is always forced to choose. I don't blame him for jealousy or liking laurel, but I think he puts too much presure on her...
UPDATE: OMG IT HAS A TITLE!!! Hopefully the fact that it is called destined means that she is 'destined' to end up with David :))
I'm SOOO pissed and SOOOO happy coz the fact that it doesn't come out soon means I have to re-read the first books :)) :((
UPDATE: ooohhh! A cover!! Me likey ;))
UPDATE: when is this coming out again??? did I hear someone say April, coz if they did then I will MURDER MYSELF! I cnt wait that long!!
December 5, 2015
I read this one so quickly, oh my goodness. This was a perfect ending. I love Laurel and Tamani so much. David really came into his own, Chelsea is my favourite character of the whole series...it was just the best mixture of happy and sad, to really get your emotions going. Seriously, read this series if you don't mind a good old-fashioned love triangle with some faeries mixed in!
Want to read
June 5, 20112012!!!! That's a joke. That's got to be a joke. I need to know who she picks!!! Rah! This is one love triangle that I adore.= and has really kept me guessing.
Team Tam all the way!
Team Tam all the way!
June 6, 2012
Hecate's eye! WOW! I LOVED IT! What a book! All I can say is Knockout! Sensational! Smashing! A great ending to a masterpiece and I must say that I am sorry that this series is at its conclusion. But, no worry I will be reading these books for years to come. Destined has everything… war, love, romance, malice, loss, fear, bravery, courage, cowardice, and most importantly friendship and trust; plus, a better future for humans and fey.
Aprilynne Pike is the only author who has woven a tale that made me understand that a love triangle doesn’t have to be unpleasant. To me, in the end… it didn’t matter who Laurel ended up with. I loved both Hero’s or should I say love interest…Tamani and David, I loved them both… no lingering resentment and this is the first for me. EVER. Pike made sure that they all had their HEA (happily ever after) as it should be. It was flawless. Aprilynne Pike is… there are no words to justify how talented she is and I admire what she has written. I am also a fan for life. It was a perfect ending NOT a bitter sweet end, but a perfect end to a well-told story. Triumph! Well-done!
Aprilynne Pike is the only author who has woven a tale that made me understand that a love triangle doesn’t have to be unpleasant. To me, in the end… it didn’t matter who Laurel ended up with. I loved both Hero’s or should I say love interest…Tamani and David, I loved them both… no lingering resentment and this is the first for me. EVER. Pike made sure that they all had their HEA (happily ever after) as it should be. It was flawless. Aprilynne Pike is… there are no words to justify how talented she is and I admire what she has written. I am also a fan for life. It was a perfect ending NOT a bitter sweet end, but a perfect end to a well-told story. Triumph! Well-done!
November 6, 2016
3,5/5 αστεράκια
April 28, 2012
Admittedly I don't really care for this series that much, books are too 'cute' for me to really appreciate (see the cover, basically), but picked up the first one on a whim, found Pike's spin on fairies and trolls intriguing enough (science, not magic!) if the book's themselves a little slow, and decided to stick it out. Big mistake. But before you berate me for the one star, make sure you've read the real ending to this - David's letter to Chelsea at the very back. It's easy to miss.
Anyway, like I said, the fairy lore in the first three was definitely an interesting new perspective; plus, there were some good moments (against trolls) in each and a general sense that the plot was going someplace, even if I didn't know where that place was. Even more so after the cliffhanger in Illusions. Just gave the feeling that something big was going to go down.
After reading this one though - no, just no. I never expected Destined to sprint across the finish line in a blaze of glory, even if it'd tripped at the halfway point and hobbled across bruised, bloodied, and with a black eye I'd be ok with it, but it more like lurches towards the finish, collapses, and barely manages to get one lone finger unfurled across the other side of the paint. The middle finger. Because the plot goes somewhere alright - straight off a cliff.
And not only that. Besides the ending, which trashes four books worth of character development and resolves the plotlines and conflicts without resolving any of the overarching problems and causes, this book's one of the worst paced I've ever read. Forget what I ever said about these books being slow, Pike must've read my (non-existent) reviews of the earlier installments, because the first 70% of this one is crammed with action, bursting to the seams even. It's a nonstop attack on Avalon from almost the moment Yuki escapes barely a chapter in, dead fairies here, dead trolls there, hand to hand combat here, chemical weapon attack there. Not to mention attempted genocide by both sides. The whole time, Laurel and her friends are too horrified by the violence, running from warzone to warzone, and/or shouting at each other to look out to do much of anything else - leaving all the character development squeezed into the last 30%, where it just drags. Too bad. A better book would've spaced out the fighting and character scenes, mixed them up a bit so the flow doesn't go from cruising speed to a congested rush hour traffic crawl just like that.
On second thought, I think I know why Pike hides all the character development in the last couple of chapters. Book slows down so much I'm guessing alot of readers'll probably skim through and miss how awful the actual development really is. The previous books built up a couple of problems to be resolved: the relationship between humans and fairies, Avalon's caste system favoring Winter and Fall over Spring, the threat of the trolls and Yuki the rogue Winter fairy. At least , because even though Laurel figures out how important humans are to Avalon , the Queen's still the traditionalist with a stick up her a- desperate to keep Avalon the way it is. So Laurel realizes things suck, blames the attack on the way things are, confronts the Queen demanding changes, and nothing happens? Ok. Avalon's so messed up after this book I doubt even Pike knows what to do with it. Status quo for years it is.
And of course, the biggest bombshell's saved for David's letter tucked into the very back of this book, like it's a preview for some other book and not the actual ending to this one. As a guy, I don't care about David or Tam one way or the other, but... My guess? Pike wanted to end on something bittersweet and memorable. Well, it's memorable alright, as an out-of-character waste of someone who's been nothing but brave now taking the coward's way out.
So yeah, this series was a complete waste of time. Forget it, I'm wishing I had whatever David had.
Tldr: Ending sucked (the real one, David's letter, not the fake one).
Anyway, like I said, the fairy lore in the first three was definitely an interesting new perspective; plus, there were some good moments (against trolls) in each and a general sense that the plot was going someplace, even if I didn't know where that place was. Even more so after the cliffhanger in Illusions. Just gave the feeling that something big was going to go down.
After reading this one though - no, just no. I never expected Destined to sprint across the finish line in a blaze of glory, even if it'd tripped at the halfway point and hobbled across bruised, bloodied, and with a black eye I'd be ok with it, but it more like lurches towards the finish, collapses, and barely manages to get one lone finger unfurled across the other side of the paint. The middle finger. Because the plot goes somewhere alright - straight off a cliff.
And not only that. Besides the ending, which trashes four books worth of character development and resolves the plotlines and conflicts without resolving any of the overarching problems and causes, this book's one of the worst paced I've ever read. Forget what I ever said about these books being slow, Pike must've read my (non-existent) reviews of the earlier installments, because the first 70% of this one is crammed with action, bursting to the seams even. It's a nonstop attack on Avalon from almost the moment Yuki escapes barely a chapter in, dead fairies here, dead trolls there, hand to hand combat here, chemical weapon attack there. Not to mention attempted genocide by both sides. The whole time, Laurel and her friends are too horrified by the violence, running from warzone to warzone, and/or shouting at each other to look out to do much of anything else - leaving all the character development squeezed into the last 30%, where it just drags. Too bad. A better book would've spaced out the fighting and character scenes, mixed them up a bit so the flow doesn't go from cruising speed to a congested rush hour traffic crawl just like that.
On second thought, I think I know why Pike hides all the character development in the last couple of chapters. Book slows down so much I'm guessing alot of readers'll probably skim through and miss how awful the actual development really is. The previous books built up a couple of problems to be resolved: the relationship between humans and fairies, Avalon's caste system favoring Winter and Fall over Spring, the threat of the trolls and Yuki the rogue Winter fairy. At least , because even though Laurel figures out how important humans are to Avalon , the Queen's still the traditionalist with a stick up her a- desperate to keep Avalon the way it is. So Laurel realizes things suck, blames the attack on the way things are, confronts the Queen demanding changes, and nothing happens? Ok. Avalon's so messed up after this book I doubt even Pike knows what to do with it. Status quo for years it is.
And of course, the biggest bombshell's saved for David's letter tucked into the very back of this book, like it's a preview for some other book and not the actual ending to this one. As a guy, I don't care about David or Tam one way or the other, but... My guess? Pike wanted to end on something bittersweet and memorable. Well, it's memorable alright, as an out-of-character waste of someone who's been nothing but brave now taking the coward's way out.
So yeah, this series was a complete waste of time. Forget it, I'm wishing I had whatever David had.
Tldr: Ending sucked (the real one, David's letter, not the fake one).
June 4, 2012
What a fantastic end to a fabulous series.
I remember struggling slightly through book 2 and a good friend of mine persuaded me to keep at it. I did and ended up enjoying that particular story.... then along came book 3, a fabulous continuation and one well worth getting to...
......Then along comes Destined. I cannot begin to tell you how remarkable this book truly is. It simply combines all the previous books into an action packed finale...
Laurel, Tam, David and Chelsea, the turbulence they go through to try and save Avalon... the tramatic emotions they face, the battles they come through and the friendships they make... I felt as though I was there myself!!!
I was actually dreading finishing the story, I really didn't want it to end... but boy was I glad to get there because this ending was fantastic... an unexpected afterwards is what greeted me and then my tears fell!!!!
This is by far the best book of the series... one that gave me tears and goosebumps... one that I will not forget in a hurry... FAN-BLOODY-TASTIC!!!
I remember struggling slightly through book 2 and a good friend of mine persuaded me to keep at it. I did and ended up enjoying that particular story.... then along came book 3, a fabulous continuation and one well worth getting to...
......Then along comes Destined. I cannot begin to tell you how remarkable this book truly is. It simply combines all the previous books into an action packed finale...
Laurel, Tam, David and Chelsea, the turbulence they go through to try and save Avalon... the tramatic emotions they face, the battles they come through and the friendships they make... I felt as though I was there myself!!!
I was actually dreading finishing the story, I really didn't want it to end... but boy was I glad to get there because this ending was fantastic... an unexpected afterwards is what greeted me and then my tears fell!!!!
This is by far the best book of the series... one that gave me tears and goosebumps... one that I will not forget in a hurry... FAN-BLOODY-TASTIC!!!
February 13, 2017
OMG I JUST CAN'T RIGHT NOW.
May 15, 2012
finally! i get to write a real review since posting my expectation below!
let's just start off by saying that it felt like a long time coming this book. and now that it's over, it's almost a loss of sorts.
well, all good series must come to an end, so here it goes. this book without giving too much away could not have ended up any better! it kicked off from the get-go but not to the point that you couldn't follow. there were also points of down-time that enabled the reader to gather their bearings. yes, a lot of characters die but we were told that this would happen form the writer so no big surprise. although there were no major plot lines introduced, destined tied up all the strings leaving no doubt as to what happens to the characters.
the beautiful tamani just got more beautiful! his love has no bounds. and laurel, well she finally faced the truth! great book and wonderful ending to the series!
Ok!! i am having a very hard time containing myself when it comes to this series!! especially after
illusions ended. that book was AMAZING!!! i am in love with Tamani!! it's not often a character really gets to me like that!! the only comparasins i can make are alex from delirium-which is pretty hard to beat-and astley from the need series.
some may not agree, but laurel and tamani are destined to be together, even if god-forbid they didn't end up together-pls no,no,no!!!!then in my mind they will be together. he has loved her for so long and done so much that you can't help but root for him!! and come on, laurel is in love with him, though she was torn between tamani and david, illusions showed us that when tamani was finally on the same playing ground laurel not only started questioning her feelings for david but pretty much gave herself to tamani.
i only hope this final book sets the record straight and brings true the impending destiny that is laurel and tamani!! come on aprilynne, pls let this happen!!!!!!!!!!! love your work though!
let's just start off by saying that it felt like a long time coming this book. and now that it's over, it's almost a loss of sorts.
well, all good series must come to an end, so here it goes. this book without giving too much away could not have ended up any better! it kicked off from the get-go but not to the point that you couldn't follow. there were also points of down-time that enabled the reader to gather their bearings. yes, a lot of characters die but we were told that this would happen form the writer so no big surprise. although there were no major plot lines introduced, destined tied up all the strings leaving no doubt as to what happens to the characters.
the beautiful tamani just got more beautiful! his love has no bounds. and laurel, well she finally faced the truth! great book and wonderful ending to the series!
Ok!! i am having a very hard time containing myself when it comes to this series!! especially after
illusions ended. that book was AMAZING!!! i am in love with Tamani!! it's not often a character really gets to me like that!! the only comparasins i can make are alex from delirium-which is pretty hard to beat-and astley from the need series.
some may not agree, but laurel and tamani are destined to be together, even if god-forbid they didn't end up together-pls no,no,no!!!!then in my mind they will be together. he has loved her for so long and done so much that you can't help but root for him!! and come on, laurel is in love with him, though she was torn between tamani and david, illusions showed us that when tamani was finally on the same playing ground laurel not only started questioning her feelings for david but pretty much gave herself to tamani.
i only hope this final book sets the record straight and brings true the impending destiny that is laurel and tamani!! come on aprilynne, pls let this happen!!!!!!!!!!! love your work though!
April 28, 2012
Its hard to believe this series has ended.
It was only 3 years ago when i read the first book.
Times passes by so fast.
I guess i should get over the fact that every book comes to an end.
I don't really know what to say....
I warn you thought.
Do not read this if you haven't read the book yet...
From the first time i ever read about Tamani i fell in love with him and knew that Laurel deserved to be with him. So its kinda surprising that it happened. Laurel chose Tamani
This was big news for me and every other supporter of Tamani. and im glad it happened.
Glad because i knew the pain he was in.
But I made a mistake, I never gave a second thought to David. Always wanted him dead. Believe that?
however sometimes good authors like these, good books like these make you realize what is feels like to lose someone, to come in on a secret and to know how it changes your life. how it affects it
I'd like to include the authors note before saying what i mean.
Despite this being a series about faeries, ultimately the question that has always driven the story is, How would a regular human react to discovering real magic
in the world? And even more than Chelsea, this question was embodied in David’s character. In some ways, the whole Wings story is about him. And at the end of
such an epic adventure, what really does the rejected member of any supernatural love triangle have to look forward to? Especially a human.
What follows is the real and final end – the way I decided to conclude the series before the first book was even written. But because it’s very realistic, it is also
unavoidably bittersweet. So if you prefer your endings happy and without blemish, or if you simply love David as much as I do, maybe you should stop reading here.
You’ve been warned.
Every person gets a happy ending right? or is that what we think.
David was a character i could not understand he was a character i wasn't bothered with.
But i wish i could change that.
I don't know what i would do if Laurel had chosen David. I'd probably die.
But again its like what the author said What does a rejected memeber of any supernatural love triangle have to look forward to?
I really wish things had ended better for David but i guess not every guy gets a happy ending.
Thank you Aprilynne for this amazing series... I wish you'd write another one....
It was only 3 years ago when i read the first book.
Times passes by so fast.
I guess i should get over the fact that every book comes to an end.
I don't really know what to say....
I warn you thought.
Do not read this if you haven't read the book yet...
From the first time i ever read about Tamani i fell in love with him and knew that Laurel deserved to be with him. So its kinda surprising that it happened. Laurel chose Tamani
This was big news for me and every other supporter of Tamani. and im glad it happened.
Glad because i knew the pain he was in.
But I made a mistake, I never gave a second thought to David. Always wanted him dead. Believe that?
however sometimes good authors like these, good books like these make you realize what is feels like to lose someone, to come in on a secret and to know how it changes your life. how it affects it
I'd like to include the authors note before saying what i mean.
Despite this being a series about faeries, ultimately the question that has always driven the story is, How would a regular human react to discovering real magic
in the world? And even more than Chelsea, this question was embodied in David’s character. In some ways, the whole Wings story is about him. And at the end of
such an epic adventure, what really does the rejected member of any supernatural love triangle have to look forward to? Especially a human.
What follows is the real and final end – the way I decided to conclude the series before the first book was even written. But because it’s very realistic, it is also
unavoidably bittersweet. So if you prefer your endings happy and without blemish, or if you simply love David as much as I do, maybe you should stop reading here.
You’ve been warned.
Every person gets a happy ending right? or is that what we think.
David was a character i could not understand he was a character i wasn't bothered with.
But i wish i could change that.
I don't know what i would do if Laurel had chosen David. I'd probably die.
But again its like what the author said What does a rejected memeber of any supernatural love triangle have to look forward to?
I really wish things had ended better for David but i guess not every guy gets a happy ending.
Thank you Aprilynne for this amazing series... I wish you'd write another one....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
July 9, 2011when I started reading book 1, I kinda was hoping that something would happen to one of the 2, or one of them had false feelings... I sorta have mixed feelings on the subject, but I kinda think Tam and Laurel are soul mates... not to mention if Laurel ever wants to have kids (and not adopt) she'll have to chose another Fae, since faerie reproduction systems are much different then humans (Fae=Plant Human=animal)...
July 9, 2011
2012?!?!?! I cant wait that long! Aprilynne gives the worst cliffhanger and expects usto wait that long?!?! I love her, but she's gotta be crazy! I've been Pro David since day 1 and I'm obsessed with these books-she has posted that 'some major characters dont make it out' after reporting running, fighting, and death and the whole book lasts about 24 hrs. SOMEONE KILL ME NOW!!!
January 22, 2021
I just finished this and I’m speechless. As speechless as you can be! The ending... just wauw... or not wauw because I have been crying so badly for the last ten minutes. I highly recommend this!!! VERY HIGHLY!
March 24, 2015
Beter dan de vorige delen hoewel ik dat einde beetje smeriglief (nieuw woord, ik keur het goed) vind... Hier kan je mijn recensie lezen: http://nerdygeekyfanboy.com/recensie/...
October 1, 2020
1.5
The good news is I'm going to free up some real estate on my shelves once it's safe to donate these books
The good news is I'm going to free up some real estate on my shelves once it's safe to donate these books
May 19, 2012
It's so hard to say good bye to a series you've grown to love, but let me just say that Aprilynne Pike ended her Wings series on such a bittersweet note. I loved the way she wrapped things up and though some tough choices were made, and I commend her for staying true to the story with everything that happens, including Laurel's choice. There's some great plot twists, shocking revelations and some great swoon worthy scenes between Laurel and.... you'll have to read the book to find out who. I enjoyed the beginning of the book, I felt the middle slowed down the pace of the book just a bit with all the descriptions of what was happening, and I loved the ending. There's an epic battle, lives are lost, tough choices are made, hearts get broken, love grows stronger from some characters and in the end everything comes together in a nice, surprising way.
Though there were some moments that Laurel frustrated me with her decision making in this story, I did like getting to see why she made the decisions she did. I like the way Laurel has grown as a character through out the course of this series. She really steps up to the plate in this book, and FINALLY makes her decision! I seriously wish I could talk about her decision process and why she picked who she did, but that would be one huge spoiler. I'm not a huge fan on love triangles like I used to be when I first started reading YA, but I'm a fan of this particular one. Aprilynne has created two well written characters in Tamani and David that I've come to love as much as Laurel has. They're both fabulous choices, and I really liked the roles they played in this particular book. Both of them totally surprised me with some of their choices and their actions. Honestly, Laurel had a hard choice to make and I love that Aprilynne made her choose.
There are so many little things I want to talk about in my review about DESTINED, but I can't. It would spoil so much. As I mentioned above, I really like the plot twists that Aprilynne threw into the story. It kept me invested with the entire story line. I really enjoyed being back into the fey world that she's created and being able to read about characters that were introduced previously in the series. I did have a hard time staying connected with some parts of this book, because I felt it was overly descriptive with some scenes, but in the end it all weaves together to create an ending that is so fitting for this series. DESTINED is an enjoyable, fast paced, well written conclusion to a fabulous fey series.
I'm looking forward to talking about this book with Wings fans. I can only imagine the conversations that will ensue once everyone reads this and finds out who Laurel choose and why. I will say I loved the added bonus Aprilynne includes at the end of this book. Just know that in some way everyone gets their own ending, well at least one fans get to read about. If that sounds confusing it will make more sense after you read the book. If you're a fan of this series I highly recommend picking up DESTINED when it's out in May!
Though there were some moments that Laurel frustrated me with her decision making in this story, I did like getting to see why she made the decisions she did. I like the way Laurel has grown as a character through out the course of this series. She really steps up to the plate in this book, and FINALLY makes her decision! I seriously wish I could talk about her decision process and why she picked who she did, but that would be one huge spoiler. I'm not a huge fan on love triangles like I used to be when I first started reading YA, but I'm a fan of this particular one. Aprilynne has created two well written characters in Tamani and David that I've come to love as much as Laurel has. They're both fabulous choices, and I really liked the roles they played in this particular book. Both of them totally surprised me with some of their choices and their actions. Honestly, Laurel had a hard choice to make and I love that Aprilynne made her choose.
There are so many little things I want to talk about in my review about DESTINED, but I can't. It would spoil so much. As I mentioned above, I really like the plot twists that Aprilynne threw into the story. It kept me invested with the entire story line. I really enjoyed being back into the fey world that she's created and being able to read about characters that were introduced previously in the series. I did have a hard time staying connected with some parts of this book, because I felt it was overly descriptive with some scenes, but in the end it all weaves together to create an ending that is so fitting for this series. DESTINED is an enjoyable, fast paced, well written conclusion to a fabulous fey series.
I'm looking forward to talking about this book with Wings fans. I can only imagine the conversations that will ensue once everyone reads this and finds out who Laurel choose and why. I will say I loved the added bonus Aprilynne includes at the end of this book. Just know that in some way everyone gets their own ending, well at least one fans get to read about. If that sounds confusing it will make more sense after you read the book. If you're a fan of this series I highly recommend picking up DESTINED when it's out in May!
May 8, 2012
Oh boy how I loved this book! Its everything I wished this book to be ,though there is so much of sorrow and pain that Tamani went through and any pain that Tam goes through I go through it too! The loss of Shar got me on the edge of tears it was heart breaking how Tamani couldnt stand the thought of loosing his best friend almost a brother. First Shar and then Katya...really sad. Its a good ending of this book. I never in the history of Wings thought David out of all people would become the hero of Avalon it was surprising though he still annoyed me I dont know why but by the end of the book felt a little bit of sympathy towards him especially after the letter he wrote to Chelsea. Our adorable Tam and Laurel we will miss you! Well maybe I will miss Tamani more:D I don't want this series to come to an end but I guess I can't do anything about it but read the it all over again. Aprilynne thank you for such an amazing journey to the ferie world Avalon will always be there in out hearts.<3
Want to read
September 13, 2011What the??? Biggest cliff hanger ever!!! Can't this book be published any quicker I LOVED Illusions but lets not mess around here Laurel and Tam need to be together so set David up with Chelsea so they can geek-out together!
April 28, 2012
Whenever I get to the final book in a series, I'm excited to see how it concludes, and also sad that the story is ending. It's important that a final book is a strong finish to the series, and DESTINED is exactly that! Aprilynne Pike has done a marvelous job of finishing this story. This is a must for any WINGS fan.
DESTINED was a huge change of pace from the rest of the series -- the events all take place mainly in one day. And what an eventful day it is. It's jam-packed with action and adventure. Avalon is at stake, and Laurel and Crew must fight to keep it safe. The fight scenes were done wonderfully; Aprilynne Pike has such great way with words. I could clearly see everything in my mind while it was happening. There are also lots of parts told from Tamani's point of view, which I loved. It was awesome to see his perspective on the events going on.
I'm going to avoid saying too much because I don't want to give spoilers, but I was happy to find that Laurel ended up with the guy I was rooting for. I find that in love triangles I sometimes root for the guy who gets shafted at the end, and I was so happy to find that this wasn't the case with this series. I am so happy that DESTINED ended the way it did -- I feel like this decision was right for Laurel from the beginning, and I'm glad she finally realized it. I also loved the epilogue at the end -- it was very realistic and well-done.
Kudos to Aprilynne Pike for such a great series! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
DESTINED was a huge change of pace from the rest of the series -- the events all take place mainly in one day. And what an eventful day it is. It's jam-packed with action and adventure. Avalon is at stake, and Laurel and Crew must fight to keep it safe. The fight scenes were done wonderfully; Aprilynne Pike has such great way with words. I could clearly see everything in my mind while it was happening. There are also lots of parts told from Tamani's point of view, which I loved. It was awesome to see his perspective on the events going on.
I'm going to avoid saying too much because I don't want to give spoilers, but I was happy to find that Laurel ended up with the guy I was rooting for. I find that in love triangles I sometimes root for the guy who gets shafted at the end, and I was so happy to find that this wasn't the case with this series. I am so happy that DESTINED ended the way it did -- I feel like this decision was right for Laurel from the beginning, and I'm glad she finally realized it. I also loved the epilogue at the end -- it was very realistic and well-done.
Kudos to Aprilynne Pike for such a great series! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
January 12, 2012
Okay first time reviewing but SOOOOOOOOO glad this is the book i get to review. I as gifted by a friend an ARC and let me say i am so glad i did not have to wait months after reading Illusions to find out the end of this journey.
So without spoilers I can say only this. As I have read many faerie story and watch them unfold with the young girls destiny or the romantic love triangle, this one ended the with a bittersweet ending. I kept yelling at Laurel throughout the book. And in most love triangles i feel the author does something that never fully makes the girl have to choose. Where the story line or a dramatic event made the choice for them. But in this book the choice was clearly expressed and made. I am glad she did not take the cheap way out but instead created a strong and dominate young lady by the end of the series. But I am glad and the fans will not be disappointed with the end.
I will say that the middle of the book is heavy to read. Lots of description and narrative that at sometimes i found myself rereading so that i could understand the visuals or backdrop Pike was trying to create. However it was worth sticking out until the very end.
So without spoilers I can say only this. As I have read many faerie story and watch them unfold with the young girls destiny or the romantic love triangle, this one ended the with a bittersweet ending. I kept yelling at Laurel throughout the book. And in most love triangles i feel the author does something that never fully makes the girl have to choose. Where the story line or a dramatic event made the choice for them. But in this book the choice was clearly expressed and made. I am glad she did not take the cheap way out but instead created a strong and dominate young lady by the end of the series. But I am glad and the fans will not be disappointed with the end.
I will say that the middle of the book is heavy to read. Lots of description and narrative that at sometimes i found myself rereading so that i could understand the visuals or backdrop Pike was trying to create. However it was worth sticking out until the very end.
March 1, 2025
Pamiętam, że końcówka złamała mi wtedy
serce 🥺
Świetna seria na początek z fantastyką
serce 🥺
Świetna seria na początek z fantastyką
April 28, 2012
EDIT FROM APRIL 28, 2012 - Scroll down for the March 28 4-star review
I had to change my review and rating because someone just mentioned to me the letter at the end that I had totally missed! And now I have to change my rating.
I HATE THE END - ABSOLUTELY HATE IT!!! I can't believe Pike did that!!!
This series was originally supposed to be a trilogy, so when I learned she had a fourth book, I didn't have such high expectations for the book because a lot of times, it's a last push, and books like that make you wish you would have ended it with the last planned book.
So the fourth book surprised me because it was full of action. There wasn't much character building or romance, but hey, this wasn't a planned book, right? So I gave the book four stars, even though I HATED who Laurel ended up with.
Since then, I have read the letter, and I can say I'm honestly PISSED.
DO NOT READ THIS SPOILER UNTIL YOU HAVE THE BOOK.
REVIEW FROM March 24, 2012 (RATING - 4 STARS)
I've never been a big fan of fairies, but for reasons I can't fully explain, I've always had a soft spot of this series. I think it's because most fairy books have the same basic story line, and different twists are thrown in there to make it a bit different. Well this series was never your typical fairy series, and Pike did not disappoint with the finale.
This book was just FULL of action - and by that I mean from the first chapter where Book 3 left off with Yuki's capture to the last part of the book. I wouldn't say the writing of the battle scenes were exceptional, but somehow Pike managed to drag it out pretty much throughout the entire book and not leave readers just waiting for the end.
I will say I'm disappointed there wasn't more romance in the book - hey, what can I say, I'm a girl. In the first three books, Laurel loves Tam, she loves David, and she keeps going back and forth. Here, I didn't feel much of a connection to either one of them with the exception of glimpses of jealousy here and there until the big finale at the end. I'm still not sure Laurel made the right choice, but hey, everyone's happy right?
I'm sad to see a good series come to an end, but I'm glad Pike did not try to drag it out for another book. I'm eagerly looking forward to her next project - hopefully something outside the fairy realm.
I had to change my review and rating because someone just mentioned to me the letter at the end that I had totally missed! And now I have to change my rating.
I HATE THE END - ABSOLUTELY HATE IT!!! I can't believe Pike did that!!!
This series was originally supposed to be a trilogy, so when I learned she had a fourth book, I didn't have such high expectations for the book because a lot of times, it's a last push, and books like that make you wish you would have ended it with the last planned book.
So the fourth book surprised me because it was full of action. There wasn't much character building or romance, but hey, this wasn't a planned book, right? So I gave the book four stars, even though I HATED who Laurel ended up with.
Since then, I have read the letter, and I can say I'm honestly PISSED.
DO NOT READ THIS SPOILER UNTIL YOU HAVE THE BOOK.
REVIEW FROM March 24, 2012 (RATING - 4 STARS)
I've never been a big fan of fairies, but for reasons I can't fully explain, I've always had a soft spot of this series. I think it's because most fairy books have the same basic story line, and different twists are thrown in there to make it a bit different. Well this series was never your typical fairy series, and Pike did not disappoint with the finale.
This book was just FULL of action - and by that I mean from the first chapter where Book 3 left off with Yuki's capture to the last part of the book. I wouldn't say the writing of the battle scenes were exceptional, but somehow Pike managed to drag it out pretty much throughout the entire book and not leave readers just waiting for the end.
I will say I'm disappointed there wasn't more romance in the book - hey, what can I say, I'm a girl. In the first three books, Laurel loves Tam, she loves David, and she keeps going back and forth. Here, I didn't feel much of a connection to either one of them with the exception of glimpses of jealousy here and there until the big finale at the end. I'm still not sure Laurel made the right choice, but hey, everyone's happy right?
I'm sad to see a good series come to an end, but I'm glad Pike did not try to drag it out for another book. I'm eagerly looking forward to her next project - hopefully something outside the fairy realm.
March 28, 2012
THE FAERYS VIEW
Destined by Aprilynne Pike is the final book in the Wings series and I’m so very sad about that! I have followed this series from its inception and loved every single word that Ms. Pike has written.
Loving all things Fae, the biggest draw for me is that Laurel, the main character gets to spend time in Avalon aka Faery and it’s just such an amazing world to be in. Ms. Pike has absolutely amazing skills at creating this Faery world that is so rich in detail that I can almost smell the blossoms and see the sugar-pane glass.
Laurel, Tam, David and Chelsea have quite the school dance when they discover that Yuki’s been playing them all along and working with Klea in Illusions. Klea’s plans to destroy Avalon come down to one thing and it all makes sense in Klea’s bizarre and twisted mind. War is coming to Avalon and they are sorely unprepared for it.
David and Chelsea are the only humans to enter Avalon aside from King Arthur, who never left but they love Laurel enough that they risk entering with the possibility of having to stay in Avalon forever in order to help with the upcoming war. Amidst the war between Klea’s army of trolls and Avalons Fae, it seems hopeless but some remarkable things happen. David play’s an incredibly crucial part-I’ve always been pro-Tam but I loved seeing David get to play the ‘Man’ for awhile.
Ms. Pike didn’t make this war an easy one, one very beloved character dies and I shed tears over this loss. There was tremendous death and destruction but there was also triumph and joy. I loved the ending and I feel like maybe Ms. Pike isn’t quite finished with Avalon’s story quite yet…
THE FAERY SAYS THAT DESTINED BY APRILYNNE PIKE SET MY WINGS A’FLUTTER!
Destined by Aprilynne Pike is the final book in the Wings series and I’m so very sad about that! I have followed this series from its inception and loved every single word that Ms. Pike has written.
Loving all things Fae, the biggest draw for me is that Laurel, the main character gets to spend time in Avalon aka Faery and it’s just such an amazing world to be in. Ms. Pike has absolutely amazing skills at creating this Faery world that is so rich in detail that I can almost smell the blossoms and see the sugar-pane glass.
Laurel, Tam, David and Chelsea have quite the school dance when they discover that Yuki’s been playing them all along and working with Klea in Illusions. Klea’s plans to destroy Avalon come down to one thing and it all makes sense in Klea’s bizarre and twisted mind. War is coming to Avalon and they are sorely unprepared for it.
David and Chelsea are the only humans to enter Avalon aside from King Arthur, who never left but they love Laurel enough that they risk entering with the possibility of having to stay in Avalon forever in order to help with the upcoming war. Amidst the war between Klea’s army of trolls and Avalons Fae, it seems hopeless but some remarkable things happen. David play’s an incredibly crucial part-I’ve always been pro-Tam but I loved seeing David get to play the ‘Man’ for awhile.
Ms. Pike didn’t make this war an easy one, one very beloved character dies and I shed tears over this loss. There was tremendous death and destruction but there was also triumph and joy. I loved the ending and I feel like maybe Ms. Pike isn’t quite finished with Avalon’s story quite yet…
THE FAERY SAYS THAT DESTINED BY APRILYNNE PIKE SET MY WINGS A’FLUTTER!
February 29, 2012
I have read this series since the very beginning before I was a book blogger! An employee recommended it to me when it had just came out. The Wings series is my all-time, hands-down favorite faerie series. Even before I picked up this book my heart was pounding. How in the world can an author make me anticipate a book even before I pick it up?? It isn't just the characters or the plot line. It's the story telling. And Ms. Pike has got that down to a T.
War. The beginning of the end. The plot pacing in this book is superb. Ms. Pike careful weaves every single, plot twist to fall at the right moment. I loved being shocked but most of all amazed! Every thing that happen with each page turn left my heart pounding faster.
I want to take the time to talk about the plot twist. Cause I really do admire how well it was done. I like how certain things happen in order for others to take affect. And even though it was fast, it was subtle to. You know what I mean? Ms. Pike took her writing and brought it to life before you very eyes.
Now the love interest! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I loved it. Everything is at it should be. I'm I happy with it? You bet.The ending was bittersweet and so wonderful! I can't wait to read it one more time!
Destined is a faithful adaptation of faeries that dazzles the reader. Destined will leave a mark on you.
With a striking ending, Destined is a touching and commanding story that everyone will enjoy!
War. The beginning of the end. The plot pacing in this book is superb. Ms. Pike careful weaves every single, plot twist to fall at the right moment. I loved being shocked but most of all amazed! Every thing that happen with each page turn left my heart pounding faster.
I want to take the time to talk about the plot twist. Cause I really do admire how well it was done. I like how certain things happen in order for others to take affect. And even though it was fast, it was subtle to. You know what I mean? Ms. Pike took her writing and brought it to life before you very eyes.
Now the love interest! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I loved it. Everything is at it should be. I'm I happy with it? You bet.The ending was bittersweet and so wonderful! I can't wait to read it one more time!
Destined is a faithful adaptation of faeries that dazzles the reader. Destined will leave a mark on you.
With a striking ending, Destined is a touching and commanding story that everyone will enjoy!
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