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Empire of War and Wings #2
Hive Magic
Will the bees be her salvation or her doom?
Wounded and barely escaping with her life, Aella flees downriver with her friends. Each trapped in an impossible situation, each with their lives hanging in the balance, their only hope is to find a way free from the clawing grasp of the Empire of War and Wings - a way that they are certain lies through Aella's special magic.
But when hidden enemies arise and known enemies grown stronger, will Aella choose to flee to keep herself and her family safe or will she choose to try to save everyone in a desperate gamble that might claim her life?
USA Today bestselling author Sarah K. L. Wilson weaves a tale of magic and revolution perfect for fans of A Sorcery of Thorns or Bone Crier's Moon.
Wounded and barely escaping with her life, Aella flees downriver with her friends. Each trapped in an impossible situation, each with their lives hanging in the balance, their only hope is to find a way free from the clawing grasp of the Empire of War and Wings - a way that they are certain lies through Aella's special magic.
But when hidden enemies arise and known enemies grown stronger, will Aella choose to flee to keep herself and her family safe or will she choose to try to save everyone in a desperate gamble that might claim her life?
USA Today bestselling author Sarah K. L. Wilson weaves a tale of magic and revolution perfect for fans of A Sorcery of Thorns or Bone Crier's Moon.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2020
95 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Sarah K.L. Wilson
159 books1,095 followersSarah K. L. Wilson is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes fantasy stories featuring practical heroes & heroines in the most impractical circumstances. She loves writing because it is the only way to make a living and give back to the world when your primary skill is an overactive imagination and a tendency toward violent daydreams.
Sarah can be found in the outdoors of Northern Ontario with her young boys and beloved husband, reading a book, or fending off her husband's pet turkeys with a straw broom.
You can find Sarah's books in paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook and they have also been translated into Italian, German, and (very soon) Turkish.
Please, do, enjoy the read!
*USA Today bestseller list, November 2, 2017
www.sarahklwilson.com
sarah@sarahklwilson.com
Instagram @sarahklwilson
Facebook @sarahklwilson
TikTok @sarahklwilson
Sarah can be found in the outdoors of Northern Ontario with her young boys and beloved husband, reading a book, or fending off her husband's pet turkeys with a straw broom.
You can find Sarah's books in paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook and they have also been translated into Italian, German, and (very soon) Turkish.
Please, do, enjoy the read!
*USA Today bestseller list, November 2, 2017
www.sarahklwilson.com
sarah@sarahklwilson.com
Instagram @sarahklwilson
Facebook @sarahklwilson
TikTok @sarahklwilson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 29, 2020
Fantastic sequel to an awesome series. I thought this was cleverly executed and it kept you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
I never thought I could read a book so fast as I read this book. I read in every little minute that I had, even if it was just 5 minutes I needed more of this book and now that it has ended I need more now!
Aella is on the run, with her family so far away and not knowing how they are, Aella must move on for now and fight her own battles with her enemies and discover who she can trust.
In this story, we see different manifestations occurring and what they can do to people. We see suffering and pain, we see heartache and hatred poured within these words and it is powerful. I loved the raw emotions I felt while reading this book. I could feel Osprey’s dread and doubts, I could feel Aella’s fear and fury, I could feel Le Majest’s power. This book made me feel connected to all these characters and journey with them.
Greatly enjoyed this journey and I will be there to see how this will end.
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, and this does not affect my review or rating of this book.
I never thought I could read a book so fast as I read this book. I read in every little minute that I had, even if it was just 5 minutes I needed more of this book and now that it has ended I need more now!
Aella is on the run, with her family so far away and not knowing how they are, Aella must move on for now and fight her own battles with her enemies and discover who she can trust.
In this story, we see different manifestations occurring and what they can do to people. We see suffering and pain, we see heartache and hatred poured within these words and it is powerful. I loved the raw emotions I felt while reading this book. I could feel Osprey’s dread and doubts, I could feel Aella’s fear and fury, I could feel Le Majest’s power. This book made me feel connected to all these characters and journey with them.
Greatly enjoyed this journey and I will be there to see how this will end.
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, and this does not affect my review or rating of this book.
May 5, 2023
So much better than Sting Magic! Wilson has returned to her usual, reliable readableness - yes, I'm making it a word. Onward to Wing Magic.
September 29, 2020
Things are definitely picking up in this book – Aella is finally pressing for and getting some answers to her questions, even though the answers are rarely good or even hopeful. The stakes are ramped up even higher than they already were, and Aella is finding she has much more reason to be in this chess match than before. There are some really good lines and messages about hope, about freedom, about determination, about doing what’s right even when it hurts, and just doing one’s best to do the right thing even when the deck is stacked against you. The plot of the revolution just got far more complicated with a new power rising into the mix, and seeing if Aella and her bees will be up to the new challenges racing at them. Which brings into question who has the right to claim land – think colonialism, long-term settlers, and indigenous peoples. As this unfolds, I’m also finding that Aella is becoming even more of a Katniss-like figure – she’s not just a figurehead (in fact, she refuses to just be a figurehead), but someone with agency, and someone who is going to follow her heart and do her best to do the right thing even when the entire world around her is telling her to stay quiet in her corner and play the game by following the lead of others.
I am enjoying seeing Aella take charge (though I wonder why her Guide Wing Ivo seems to be letting her call the shots about what she wants to do/where she wants to go, with minimal actual, well, guidance, it seems). The revelation regarding Juste Montpetit at the end of the first book was just the tip of a terrible iceberg to rival the one that sunk the Titanic, and I am incredibly intrigued to see how he’s going to make do on his “promises” – and how the iceberg is going to move in this sea of rising agitation across the Winged Empire. On the plus side, this iceberg is pushing Aella even further with her bees, and I like seeing how her power is growing and what she might do with it. It also fleshes out this fantasy world so that it is even less black-and-white, with a new power in play.
However, with this book I’m finding even more solidified similarities to characterizations in Tangled Fae in addition to Aella being similar to Allie Hunter (temperament, being part of a prophecy, etc.), even to some actions taken, which is…bothersome to me. The seeds of romantic interest between Aella and Osprey are only deepened here, and still feel forced to me (though the actions taken are rather opposite to how things went between Allie and Scouvrel). But what’s more is that Osprey’s actions and role even are taking on a great number of parallels to Scouvrel, the Knave whose job it is to upset the balance but finds himself hopelessly, painfully in love with Allie even though it endangers and complicates all of his plans for upsetting the Fae world: – this felt exactly like something Scouvrel would say to Allie, not to mention how both Osprey and Scouvrel . Then there’s Juste Montpetit’s decision near the end, which I will only allude to under a spoiler in relation to which Tangled Fae character’s actions it mimics – so if you’ve read Tangled Fae through, you’ll know exactly what this means: . It was a surprise that he made that decision, but not a surprising decision in itself between that parallel and his cruel, possessive nature. So despite this series having an entirely different fantasy world, an entirely different system of magic, and while I welcome the thematic continuities and similarities, I am disappointed by how similarly some of the characterization and character actions are to Tangled Fae. Aella, Osprey, Juste Montpetit are seeming more and more like versions of Allie, Scouvrel, and the aforementioned person in the spoiler above – a rinse, recycle, recolor of characterizations, when they could have been entirely their own persons in this entirely different world.
The world-building just gets better in this book with the addition of a new power to the game field. The slow yet steady reveal to Aella and the reader of how magic works in this world makes for a fun discovery, too. As for the story, it moves a lot faster than the first, with stakes getting raised ever-higher and danger slithering and darting at the heels of our main characters. So while I overall enjoyed this installment more than the first for the themes, action, and world-building, it’s 3.5 stars rounded down to equal the 3 of the first one because of the nature/number of similarities with characters/events of Tangled Fae.
I received a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. This has not affected the contents of my review or rating.
Favorite Quotes:
[Ivo said, “]It’s in us – this sky-given desire to chart our own courses[,] to be our own people[,] to make our own mistakes. It’s in every pulsing, thundering beat of our hearts, in every gasp of our breath. It’s the air we breathe and the song we sing and nothing’s ever going to stop us. They can come at us. They can carve us up and spit us out and we’ll still be singing our freedom song.” – page 76/173
I am enjoying seeing Aella take charge (though I wonder why her Guide Wing Ivo seems to be letting her call the shots about what she wants to do/where she wants to go, with minimal actual, well, guidance, it seems). The revelation regarding Juste Montpetit at the end of the first book was just the tip of a terrible iceberg to rival the one that sunk the Titanic, and I am incredibly intrigued to see how he’s going to make do on his “promises” – and how the iceberg is going to move in this sea of rising agitation across the Winged Empire. On the plus side, this iceberg is pushing Aella even further with her bees, and I like seeing how her power is growing and what she might do with it. It also fleshes out this fantasy world so that it is even less black-and-white, with a new power in play.
However, with this book I’m finding even more solidified similarities to characterizations in Tangled Fae in addition to Aella being similar to Allie Hunter (temperament, being part of a prophecy, etc.), even to some actions taken, which is…bothersome to me. The seeds of romantic interest between Aella and Osprey are only deepened here, and still feel forced to me (though the actions taken are rather opposite to how things went between Allie and Scouvrel). But what’s more is that Osprey’s actions and role even are taking on a great number of parallels to Scouvrel, the Knave whose job it is to upset the balance but finds himself hopelessly, painfully in love with Allie even though it endangers and complicates all of his plans for upsetting the Fae world: – this felt exactly like something Scouvrel would say to Allie, not to mention how both Osprey and Scouvrel . Then there’s Juste Montpetit’s decision near the end, which I will only allude to under a spoiler in relation to which Tangled Fae character’s actions it mimics – so if you’ve read Tangled Fae through, you’ll know exactly what this means: . It was a surprise that he made that decision, but not a surprising decision in itself between that parallel and his cruel, possessive nature. So despite this series having an entirely different fantasy world, an entirely different system of magic, and while I welcome the thematic continuities and similarities, I am disappointed by how similarly some of the characterization and character actions are to Tangled Fae. Aella, Osprey, Juste Montpetit are seeming more and more like versions of Allie, Scouvrel, and the aforementioned person in the spoiler above – a rinse, recycle, recolor of characterizations, when they could have been entirely their own persons in this entirely different world.
The world-building just gets better in this book with the addition of a new power to the game field. The slow yet steady reveal to Aella and the reader of how magic works in this world makes for a fun discovery, too. As for the story, it moves a lot faster than the first, with stakes getting raised ever-higher and danger slithering and darting at the heels of our main characters. So while I overall enjoyed this installment more than the first for the themes, action, and world-building, it’s 3.5 stars rounded down to equal the 3 of the first one because of the nature/number of similarities with characters/events of Tangled Fae.
I received a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. This has not affected the contents of my review or rating.
Favorite Quotes:
[Ivo said, “]It’s in us – this sky-given desire to chart our own courses[,] to be our own people[,] to make our own mistakes. It’s in every pulsing, thundering beat of our hearts, in every gasp of our breath. It’s the air we breathe and the song we sing and nothing’s ever going to stop us. They can come at us. They can carve us up and spit us out and we’ll still be singing our freedom song.” – page 76/173
October 4, 2020
This second book is just fantastic! Once again I found myself engrossed as I lost myself to this tale of magic and revolution. It’s exciting and engaging and full of danger and pain, suffering and heartache and I just could not put it down! There’s twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat as we continue with Aella and her journey! I cannot wait to read the next book!
September 30, 2020
Hive Magic is the gripping addition to Sarah K.L. Wilson’s Empire of War & Wings series and this is a book that you’re not going to want to miss. Aella is back. Juste is gravely injured…by her hand and Osprey is struggling the magical demand to harm/kill her in turn. Now, the race is on to get Juste to a city and a healer so that Aella can make an escape to get away from him and survive to be a part of the revolution. But a wicked twist of fate awaits them on their journey and it will only serve to bring to light another danger…a hidden evil that is waiting for the perfect time to strike.
Hive Magic is such an engaging novel that I honestly found it hard to put down. Aella still has her infuriating moments, but she is truly an engaging character just the same. Aella is given the task to strengthen her bees because she is going to need them and all that they can afford her. Life is really handing Aella some hard moments and tasks in this book. I was more than eager to see if she would rise to challenges ahead of her.
She’s still frustrating though even with everything that Zayana has already told her. It’s like she refuses to truly understand what she’s been told. I mean…she knows that Osprey is being held captive in some form or another magically. Something precious to him is held hostage, but still she risks her life and the life of her loved ones to lash out at Juste. I can’t help but get irritated with her when she constantly wants to get mad at him when if she would just wait for the RIGHT moment…then things wouldn’t be like they are. But then the author throws in a HUGE twist that has my jaw dropping and me almost ready to scream with excitement.
Things rarely go the way we would want to for the good guys, but I’m practically chomping at the bit because things go well for the bad guys!! I was like…say no!!! Don’t accept it!! Make him step up!! But…the author says…there is a reason for this…now just wait…and see where this goes. There is so much tension in this book that it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The cliffhanger that the author leaves this book on is one that I am eagerly and hungrily anticipating the next book in this series. I neeeeed to have it!! There is so much going on and I can’t get enough of these characters. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you read the first book and loved it then I encourage you to grab this book. If you are curious about these books, then I highly encourage you to grab book one and dive in to this world of mysterious magic and danger! You won’t be disappointed!
Hive Magic is such an engaging novel that I honestly found it hard to put down. Aella still has her infuriating moments, but she is truly an engaging character just the same. Aella is given the task to strengthen her bees because she is going to need them and all that they can afford her. Life is really handing Aella some hard moments and tasks in this book. I was more than eager to see if she would rise to challenges ahead of her.
She’s still frustrating though even with everything that Zayana has already told her. It’s like she refuses to truly understand what she’s been told. I mean…she knows that Osprey is being held captive in some form or another magically. Something precious to him is held hostage, but still she risks her life and the life of her loved ones to lash out at Juste. I can’t help but get irritated with her when she constantly wants to get mad at him when if she would just wait for the RIGHT moment…then things wouldn’t be like they are. But then the author throws in a HUGE twist that has my jaw dropping and me almost ready to scream with excitement.
Things rarely go the way we would want to for the good guys, but I’m practically chomping at the bit because things go well for the bad guys!! I was like…say no!!! Don’t accept it!! Make him step up!! But…the author says…there is a reason for this…now just wait…and see where this goes. There is so much tension in this book that it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The cliffhanger that the author leaves this book on is one that I am eagerly and hungrily anticipating the next book in this series. I neeeeed to have it!! There is so much going on and I can’t get enough of these characters. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you read the first book and loved it then I encourage you to grab this book. If you are curious about these books, then I highly encourage you to grab book one and dive in to this world of mysterious magic and danger! You won’t be disappointed!
September 29, 2020
Thank you to the author for an e-copy to review! All opinions are my own.
I’m so glad that the books in this series are being published so close together because as with any cliffhanger, I need to know what happens next!
Aella is still trying to learn to be more in tune with her magical gift of bees. In the first book we get a glimpse and this one, they are definitely a force to be reckon with. The abilities come in handy and I am sure there will be more in the next book.
She is also still being quite stubborn but I really can’t blame her. If it’s between life and death, pretty much everyone would choose life. Aella is just trying to survive and there are those who would like nothing else but to make that impossible. Juste Montpetit being one of them.
Although I can’t stand Juste Montpetit, I still find him fascinating. He’s just someone you can’t look away from because you don’t know what evil thing he will come up with next. He comes up with some interesting plot twists! That last one added the kind of shock value I needed in my life.
I’m still enamored with Ivo. He is caring and will do anything to keep Aella safe. I really hope he makes it out alive in this series or I’ll be quite sad.
Osprey is still doing his thing, being the guardian of the La Majest aka Juste Montpetit. Sometimes I like him because he can be caring and sometimes I dislike him for the actions he does to serve his master. I can understand why he feels so torn but that doesn’t mean I have to like it!
In the plot, we get more about the prophecy and a whole lot of snakes. Not an animal that makes it on any list besides the one labeled, “Things I am Terrified Of”. The ones in this book, do just that! A lot of what circled around the snakes didn’t come into play until the last bit of book two so it was nice to see them take center-stage for most of this book, even if I don’t like them haha. There are hints as to what will come in book three and it made me very exciting.
Overall, I am really enjoying this series! The world that this author created is exciting, filled with magic, and has just the right amount of adventure.
I’m so glad that the books in this series are being published so close together because as with any cliffhanger, I need to know what happens next!
Aella is still trying to learn to be more in tune with her magical gift of bees. In the first book we get a glimpse and this one, they are definitely a force to be reckon with. The abilities come in handy and I am sure there will be more in the next book.
She is also still being quite stubborn but I really can’t blame her. If it’s between life and death, pretty much everyone would choose life. Aella is just trying to survive and there are those who would like nothing else but to make that impossible. Juste Montpetit being one of them.
Although I can’t stand Juste Montpetit, I still find him fascinating. He’s just someone you can’t look away from because you don’t know what evil thing he will come up with next. He comes up with some interesting plot twists! That last one added the kind of shock value I needed in my life.
I’m still enamored with Ivo. He is caring and will do anything to keep Aella safe. I really hope he makes it out alive in this series or I’ll be quite sad.
Osprey is still doing his thing, being the guardian of the La Majest aka Juste Montpetit. Sometimes I like him because he can be caring and sometimes I dislike him for the actions he does to serve his master. I can understand why he feels so torn but that doesn’t mean I have to like it!
In the plot, we get more about the prophecy and a whole lot of snakes. Not an animal that makes it on any list besides the one labeled, “Things I am Terrified Of”. The ones in this book, do just that! A lot of what circled around the snakes didn’t come into play until the last bit of book two so it was nice to see them take center-stage for most of this book, even if I don’t like them haha. There are hints as to what will come in book three and it made me very exciting.
Overall, I am really enjoying this series! The world that this author created is exciting, filled with magic, and has just the right amount of adventure.
September 29, 2020
Sarah.K.L.Wilson has perfectly picked up from book.1. from her mesmerising poems from “the winged people” to the new challenges that start for Aella. All the great characters was there and continued to grow in strength individually and within team Aella , well those that can be anyway. Her mistake with the Royal Prince at the end of book.1. Has more consequences than she could ever imagine! Then there are the incredible revelations about the forbidding!! This book will keep you riveted heart, body and soul throughout, as so many deep and powerful emotions and pain in this new world we joined are so overwhelming. I am so glad I found this incredible series, as apart from all the surviving she has to do, the connection to Aella’s bee’s are growing quicker than she imagined could be possible as they all seem part of the hive now, with each one having a connection to her and each other as more and more discoveries are made between them. I liked seeing Osprey and Aella discover more about each other however bittersweet it was. Once again you are provided with an astonishing, startling last few chapters that set the scene for the heart wrenching cliffhanger !! Now another nail biting wait until book.3. Is released
September 25, 2020
If possible this 2nd book is even more gripping than book 1 which had really drawn me in to the series. The manifestation of the snake by the prince draws the snake people to appear from underground. They consider him their leader, the adder, but the prince wounded by Aella and needing her bees to hold him together is still his hateful, petty tyrannical self. He uses Aella and abuses her, passing her through one torture after another. He is such a despicable character, jealous, weak and arrogant, out to hurt anyone who does not bow to him. Osprey and Aella face great turmoil and pain in this book but stand relentless and defiant. Aella needs to break free from the Prince's hold over her and make her escape but will she choose to save her life over that of the freedom from tyranny for the Empire? And can she save Osprey whose blood bond to the Prince puts her in so much danger every time? This series is very captivating and riveting and I cannot wait to read book 3 as I am still waiting for the uprising and revolution by the people. Will her bees be the symbol they need to break free?
September 28, 2020
Hive Magic is the second book in the Empire of War & Wings series by Sarah K.L. Wilson, which releases on September 29. I am reading an advance review copy and I am past halfway. It's a page-turner of a story with a unique magic system and colorful characters. The violence is hectic.
Aella has become the property of Le Majest, the twisted prince, with her bee magic. She witnesses uncountable horrors and wants to fight back, but at what cost? One girl and her bees don't stand a chance against the evil empire. Osprey wants her to fight back, but he wants her to be smart about it. Things only get more tangled after the prince's magic manifests.
Aella is still sometimes hotheaded and difficult in Hive Magic, but she also experiences some character growth. She also learns more about her bee magic as it grows stronger. This was a wild ride with some crazy twists and turns. It ends on another cliffhanger. I definitely want to know what happens next!
Here's a quote from the book spoken by Osprey, "It's the air we breathe and the song we sing and nothing's ever going to stop us. They can come at us. They can carve us up and spit us out and we'll still be singing our freedom song."
Aella has become the property of Le Majest, the twisted prince, with her bee magic. She witnesses uncountable horrors and wants to fight back, but at what cost? One girl and her bees don't stand a chance against the evil empire. Osprey wants her to fight back, but he wants her to be smart about it. Things only get more tangled after the prince's magic manifests.
Aella is still sometimes hotheaded and difficult in Hive Magic, but she also experiences some character growth. She also learns more about her bee magic as it grows stronger. This was a wild ride with some crazy twists and turns. It ends on another cliffhanger. I definitely want to know what happens next!
Here's a quote from the book spoken by Osprey, "It's the air we breathe and the song we sing and nothing's ever going to stop us. They can come at us. They can carve us up and spit us out and we'll still be singing our freedom song."
September 27, 2020
After the prince hatched a snake in an obvious snake worshipping temple, Aella has stabbed the prince in hopes that he would die. However, Osprey stabs her as he is bound to the prince and he will be bound to kill her if the Prince dies. Aella instructs her bees to bind the prince's wound and they travel with their other two friends to the nearest city. On the way they are captured by an unknown race of people, who worship snakes, and who have been waiting for the Prince to lead them. They can't fix him though and the travellers are allowed to continue on their journey. When they reach the city the prince is taken away to be fixed by a healer. Then the city is attacked by the snake people. Aella is undecided whether to escape or try to save the city. Things are never as simple as that decision for Aella.
September 28, 2020
Sarah has created an intricate tale of twists and turns that gets better and better with each page turned!
This second book of the series is even more exciting than book 1 and I cant wait to see what happens to Aella and her bees in the next book.
Aella is caught in an intricate web of deceit, horror and danger as she fights for the life of herself, her friends and her missing family in this fast paced, page turner.
Sarah has created a world thats both beautiful and terrible all at once, where the people are ruled by a ruthless man-child who will throw a toddler tantrum when things don't go his way. Characters have very different personalities that come alive with the words written on the pages and you find yourself sucked into this wonderfully crafted story as easily as sucking up juice through a straw!
This second book of the series is even more exciting than book 1 and I cant wait to see what happens to Aella and her bees in the next book.
Aella is caught in an intricate web of deceit, horror and danger as she fights for the life of herself, her friends and her missing family in this fast paced, page turner.
Sarah has created a world thats both beautiful and terrible all at once, where the people are ruled by a ruthless man-child who will throw a toddler tantrum when things don't go his way. Characters have very different personalities that come alive with the words written on the pages and you find yourself sucked into this wonderfully crafted story as easily as sucking up juice through a straw!
September 29, 2020
I could not put this book down! The story was pulse pounding. Sometimes I was afraid to read the next page but couldn't stand not knowing what happened Aella is forced into keeping the hated crown prince alive to save herself and her family. The crown prince's Guardian, Osprey, is bound by magic to crush them all if Le Majest dies. Aella's only way to freedom is to somehow escape the grip of the Winged Empire and possibly figure out a way to free Osprey from what binds him to the monarchy. Will she save herself and her family or join the revolt building against the Empire - at great risk to those she loves? This story is full of twists and turns, alternately creepy and uplifting, with Aella as a strong heroine, people you love to hate, and some who's hearts and loyalties we aren't certain of yet. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
February 18, 2021
And it just gets better!
After a short hiatus of reading other things I finally made it back to this series. Oh my, and I just thought book one was good! This book was even better and I know there is a lot more story to come. Aella has barely tapped into all her bees can do and I find myself wondering just how far she can push to save her people and those she loves. The relationship between Aella and Osprey is heating up, and I think, well I hope when all is said and done, they will get to be together. I'm sure more will come up about the prophecies that seem to be arising concerning her bees. And the new threat of the snake people is interesting. As usual Sarah has me hooked and ready for more. Can't believe I read this book in one sitting. Okay, well on to the next and let's see what happens.
After a short hiatus of reading other things I finally made it back to this series. Oh my, and I just thought book one was good! This book was even better and I know there is a lot more story to come. Aella has barely tapped into all her bees can do and I find myself wondering just how far she can push to save her people and those she loves. The relationship between Aella and Osprey is heating up, and I think, well I hope when all is said and done, they will get to be together. I'm sure more will come up about the prophecies that seem to be arising concerning her bees. And the new threat of the snake people is interesting. As usual Sarah has me hooked and ready for more. Can't believe I read this book in one sitting. Okay, well on to the next and let's see what happens.
September 26, 2020
Still loving this series so far. Don't get me wrong, some of the scenes made me wanna throw my tablet because the injustice and suffering by Aella made me really wanna throat punch Le Majest.
Juste Montpetit is a monster. I hate him! The fact that I can hate a fictional character so much is just proof that Sarah K. L. Wilson is super talented and amazing at what she does.
The character development, world building, and plot are just so riveting I could not put this down. I need more.
I can not wait for the next book. I wanna know what happens next. How the revolution happens, if it happens. Will they instead be forced to fight two wars or is the enemy of my enemy my friend in the sense that the rebels will have to partner with the kingdom to stop the snakes? I need answers!!!
Juste Montpetit is a monster. I hate him! The fact that I can hate a fictional character so much is just proof that Sarah K. L. Wilson is super talented and amazing at what she does.
The character development, world building, and plot are just so riveting I could not put this down. I need more.
I can not wait for the next book. I wanna know what happens next. How the revolution happens, if it happens. Will they instead be forced to fight two wars or is the enemy of my enemy my friend in the sense that the rebels will have to partner with the kingdom to stop the snakes? I need answers!!!
September 28, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off and quickly sees Aella and her allies finding more trouble in the form of the last thing they need, new enemies and allies for Le Majest. We learn more about the world and characters as Aella faces challenge upon challenge, be it physical, mental or emotional but always (relentlessly) refuses to give up. She learns some new tricks with her bees which is great, but I'd still like to see the bees themselves develop more personality.
Overall this book (and so far the entire series) is a fast paced thrilling roller coaster ride that grabs you right from the beginning, shakes you around a bit and spits you out at the desperately wanting more.
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off and quickly sees Aella and her allies finding more trouble in the form of the last thing they need, new enemies and allies for Le Majest. We learn more about the world and characters as Aella faces challenge upon challenge, be it physical, mental or emotional but always (relentlessly) refuses to give up. She learns some new tricks with her bees which is great, but I'd still like to see the bees themselves develop more personality.
Overall this book (and so far the entire series) is a fast paced thrilling roller coaster ride that grabs you right from the beginning, shakes you around a bit and spits you out at the desperately wanting more.
September 29, 2020
I have adored prior series by Sarah K.L. Wilson but somehow missed this latest one, Empire of War & Wings . Once I heard of it I latched onto both Sting Magic (Book 1) and Hive Magic (Book 2). I fully expected to pace myself but I found I simply could not. Wildly imaginative, superbly written and filled with perfectly built characters I got totally invested in. How could I possibly not get addicted? No surprise that I ended up binge reading through both books. Totally yummy even though I ended up with maybe an hour of sleep last night. I miss the sleep but it was worth it for the reading “high”. Highly recommended? Absurdly so - but beware of the addictive aspect and leave yourself with plenty of time to read these wonderful new stories.
September 25, 2020
Hive Magic is the second book in the Empire of War and Wings by Sarah K.L. Wilson. I was lucky enough to receive an e-Arc of Hive Magic and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I thought Aella has grown more in this book, she is beginning to learn of new ways to use her bees and she is even stronger and relentless in spirit, every time the Crown Prince is determined to break her she finds the strength to keep fighting. Aella and her bees inspire hope to allies that someday they will be free from the Winged Empire.
Hive Magic was action packed and full of twist and turns that will keep you wanting for the next book in this great series!
Hive Magic was action packed and full of twist and turns that will keep you wanting for the next book in this great series!
September 29, 2020
I literally could not stop reading this second book in the series! I started it, and finished it, in one day! From beginning to end, you are on the edge of your seat. I had so much anxiety towards the end that stopping to go to bed was not an option! Aella continues to grow and learn her bees, while Juste is even worse, when you think it's not possible for that to happen. Osprey just makes you not sure what to feel! We learn so much about him in this book that sheds a lot of light onto his situation and who he is. There are still plenty of questions yet to be answered all the way around. I highly recommend this series! It has been a crazy, awesome ride so far!
September 29, 2020
Outstanding and Frustrating
On the one hand, this book is very well written, with unusual kinds of magic and interesting physical settings. The interplay between the two main characters Osprey and Aella is a kind of love/hate, life/death relationship that is fascinating. On the other hand, this book is definitely not a stand-alone kind of book. You HAVE to read Sting Magic, the first volume in the series, to understand this one, and it leaves you with a very incomplete story that will require at least another volume to satisfy you, so plan on buying Wing Magic as well.
On the one hand, this book is very well written, with unusual kinds of magic and interesting physical settings. The interplay between the two main characters Osprey and Aella is a kind of love/hate, life/death relationship that is fascinating. On the other hand, this book is definitely not a stand-alone kind of book. You HAVE to read Sting Magic, the first volume in the series, to understand this one, and it leaves you with a very incomplete story that will require at least another volume to satisfy you, so plan on buying Wing Magic as well.
September 30, 2020
I feel that, while this story is marginally less dark than its predecessor, it is still filled with venomous cruelty. However, sporadic scenes bring hope to life. Sometimes to have that hope crushed. Other times it refuses to die. Hope becomes relentless. I look forward to the continuation with hope in my heart. I hope that you do as well.
Action-packed. Entertaining. Haunting. Informative. Inspirational. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author. This is my honest review.
Action-packed. Entertaining. Haunting. Informative. Inspirational. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author. This is my honest review.
September 27, 2020
I just finished the book and I'm reeling!!! Where the first book in this series was engrossing and addictive, this second installment was one rollercoaster of a ride. The action is non-stop, the character and world building continuous and the emotional turmoil of Aella and Osprey heartbreaking! To say I read it in one breath would not be an overstatement. I just wish the next book was available right now!!!
September 29, 2020
This picks up right after book one, they should be read in order for sure. Aella and Osprey are rushing to keep the Prince alive until they can get him to safety. Osprey is fighting to keep from killing her due to his bindings. Things happen...you gotta read, can't spoil it. Ivo and Zayana are still helping and Aella is starting to understand things a bit more. She can still be stubborn and headstrong, but she's growing. Oh, that ending...I need the next book soon!!
September 30, 2020
Aella is back with her bees and striving to survive the consequences from book 1. There was danger, action, evil, and great characters that I both loved and loathed. But it was an entertaining book that was so so hard to put down. It just grabs you from the beginning and keeps you reading to the end to see what crazy thing Aella will do next and what she will have to survive this time. I loved it and thought it was a great addition to the series.
September 30, 2020
How much can one person endure before giving in or giving up?
Just when it seems as if Aella can escape, something else hinders it. Throughout the story there is no escape from action and nerve ending happenings. I was on edge all the time. Not a moment to relax. It is incredible how Sarah manages to come up with the different plots throughout the story. What is happening next? Can't wait to read book 3.
Just when it seems as if Aella can escape, something else hinders it. Throughout the story there is no escape from action and nerve ending happenings. I was on edge all the time. Not a moment to relax. It is incredible how Sarah manages to come up with the different plots throughout the story. What is happening next? Can't wait to read book 3.
October 6, 2020
What astounding storytelling and the ending had me so excited, I couldn't put the book down. Superb writing! Aella hatched bees in her hands, not birds and was told to train them. Most leaders were cruel but LeBanese was the worst and expected his body guard Osprey, to inflict the damage. However Osprey liked Aella and did not want to hurt her. This story just gets better and better! Now waiting for book 3. Great biok, good read!
September 24, 2020
The second part of Aella's story was just as thrilling as the first. The emotional rollercoaster that this book sent me on was intense. I loved seeing all the new layers of the world and characters. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I received a free advanced copy from the author, but my opinions are my own.
I received a free advanced copy from the author, but my opinions are my own.
September 24, 2020
Page turner!
This book grabs you from the very begining and doesn't let go until unfortunately in ends. It is very intense. It is not the kind of book you can pick up and put down at random. Things were intense in 'Sting Magic', but 'Hive Magic'. is even more so. I could not put the book down. Aella definately has it rough.
I received this book as an ARC from the Author.
This book grabs you from the very begining and doesn't let go until unfortunately in ends. It is very intense. It is not the kind of book you can pick up and put down at random. Things were intense in 'Sting Magic', but 'Hive Magic'. is even more so. I could not put the book down. Aella definately has it rough.
I received this book as an ARC from the Author.
September 28, 2020
Aella and her group are fighting their way through the forbidden with the hidden carvings of snakes all around them. In this book, Aella finally discovers her purpose amid the vague and often riddle like words of Osprey. This book is an excellent read and leaves you wanting to know more. I would recommend it.
September 28, 2020
This book is fantastic, it had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next, This read is definitely a roller coaster ride, that kept me inthralled from start to finish. The Author does a fantastic job at World building and Bringing the Characters to life. This is a fantastic series. I definitely recommend.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
September 29, 2020
What a book! It is a fight for survival and freedom. Not just Aella’s but all the people. A fight against tyranny, corruption, evil, greed, injustice, and so much more! It is a tale about freedom, strength, leadership, hope, and love. This was such a powerful story. I can’t wait to read the next book! I just loved this with every fiber of my being. Wow.
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