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Violet Wings #1
Violet Wings
For Zaria Tourmaline, the three years without her mother and brother have been lonely ones, living with a cold and distant guardian while she completes her education. Just as she is ready to join the world of adult fairies and genies, she finds a spellbook written entirely in her mother’s hand. But this treasured object is not safe from a new enemy, a fairy with more power than Zaria ever dreamed existed. Only among the humans–who must never know fairies and genies exist–can Zaria hide the spellbook; but hidden magic, it turns out, can expose a fairy in ways she never thought possible.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2009
24 people are currently reading
1329 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 9, 2012
If Harry Potter and Tinkerbell had a love child, Zaria Tourmaline, would be it!!
With a nose for mischief and a healthy appetite for adventure, Zaria finds herself in a constant battle between right and wrong. Orphaned at nine-years-old, Zaria is left in the care of her guardian, who just also happens to be her teacher. At the tender age of fourteen she is handed her powers, only to find out that the very place she calls home is filled with "people" who would do just about anything to control her magic. Along with her friends, Zaria uncovers a plot that may very well destroy Feyland.
But who can she trust? And with all the trouble she has caused, will anyone believe her?
I got this book as a gift for my niece, who is twelve, and she was so excited by it I just couldn't ignore giving it a read. The story is so refreshing and I loved every minute of exploring Feyland with Zaria and her friends. What I really enjoyed was that the story is set in a fantasy world filled with genies, fairies, gnomes etc. There are moments spent on Earth and it was a fun way of seeing the things we take for granted on a daily basis, seen through the eyes of these creatures. Even simple things like coffee and chocolate, which are considered contraband in Feyland.
Although I think this story aims at readers between the ages of ten and sixteen, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to feel the excitement of reading a truly innocent, but adventurous fairytale.
With a nose for mischief and a healthy appetite for adventure, Zaria finds herself in a constant battle between right and wrong. Orphaned at nine-years-old, Zaria is left in the care of her guardian, who just also happens to be her teacher. At the tender age of fourteen she is handed her powers, only to find out that the very place she calls home is filled with "people" who would do just about anything to control her magic. Along with her friends, Zaria uncovers a plot that may very well destroy Feyland.
But who can she trust? And with all the trouble she has caused, will anyone believe her?
I got this book as a gift for my niece, who is twelve, and she was so excited by it I just couldn't ignore giving it a read. The story is so refreshing and I loved every minute of exploring Feyland with Zaria and her friends. What I really enjoyed was that the story is set in a fantasy world filled with genies, fairies, gnomes etc. There are moments spent on Earth and it was a fun way of seeing the things we take for granted on a daily basis, seen through the eyes of these creatures. Even simple things like coffee and chocolate, which are considered contraband in Feyland.
Although I think this story aims at readers between the ages of ten and sixteen, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to feel the excitement of reading a truly innocent, but adventurous fairytale.
December 26, 2009
This book was a struggle for me. It had a lot of good reviews so I kept reading, waiting for it to get good. Sadly, it never came.
Violet Wings has 61 chapters in book that has 357 pages. How can that be? Easy, each chapter is only 2-4 pages....each!
Now normally that isn't a problem with books. For instance, Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver and James Patterson's Sunday at Tiffany's are examples of books that have some chapters that are 2-4 pages long. The only difference is, it was written with effect to the plot and made it stand out. The odd chapters in Violet Wings didn't capture anything. In the few chapters we were told what was going on and that's about it.
In short, the book was very rushed and therefore the characters were not very well developed which made the plot dull.
The world would have been beautiful if I understood it, but it fell flat and some of the terminology for this world was never even explained.
Violet Wings is one of those books that held a lot of potential, but at last I couldn't even finish it!
On the plus side, the cover art is very cool, but that's the only thing I liked about it.
Violet Wings has 61 chapters in book that has 357 pages. How can that be? Easy, each chapter is only 2-4 pages....each!
Now normally that isn't a problem with books. For instance, Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver and James Patterson's Sunday at Tiffany's are examples of books that have some chapters that are 2-4 pages long. The only difference is, it was written with effect to the plot and made it stand out. The odd chapters in Violet Wings didn't capture anything. In the few chapters we were told what was going on and that's about it.
In short, the book was very rushed and therefore the characters were not very well developed which made the plot dull.
The world would have been beautiful if I understood it, but it fell flat and some of the terminology for this world was never even explained.
Violet Wings is one of those books that held a lot of potential, but at last I couldn't even finish it!
On the plus side, the cover art is very cool, but that's the only thing I liked about it.
December 12, 2025
Eine Elfenwelt, die etwas anders ist, als man es gewohnt ist. Ganz gut zu lesen, jedoch mit einigen Schwächen 🧚🏻♀️
Zaria, das junge Elfenmädchen, ist eine Waise und wird von ihrer Lehrerin aufgezogen. Ihre Eltern sind vor Jahren verschollen, als sie sich zur Erde begeben haben, um ihren vermissten Bruder zu suchen. Zaria ist ebenfalls fasziniert von der verbotenen Menschenwelt und kann es kaum erwarten ihre Magiestufe zu erfahren und sich eventuell auch auf die Suche zu machen. Und tatsächlich, sie ist eine Violette, eine mächtige und starke Elfe, ebenso, wie ihre beste Freundin. Doch die Stimmen werden laut, dass die beiden keine Freundinnen sein dürfen und alle haben es auf einmal auf Zaria abgesehen. Als Ausbilderin erhält sie dann auch noch eine Elfe, die nicht so nett ist, wie es scheint, denn eigentlich will sie nur an die Macht von Zaria, um diese für sich nutzen zu können...
Dieses Buch ist mir zufällig in die Hände gefallen und ich habe auch vorher nie etwas davon gehört, daher war ich gespannt ganz unvoreingenommen in eine neue magische Welt abtauchen zu können.
Die Idee an sich ist mal etwas anderes. Magie, die man zwar ausüben, aber nach ihrem Verbrauch nicht neu generieren kann, ist etwas, was ich so noch nicht gelesen habe. Hier gilt das Motto: wenn leer, dann leer. Umso spannender also, was für Zauber und Stufen es gibt. Darüber wird auch relativ viel erzählt, jedoch mehr durch die kurzen Einführungen aus der Chronik am Kapitelanfang, als durch Zaria oder andere Charaktere selbst. Leider war mir dann nur nicht klar, weshalb Zaria mit ihren Magieeinheiten so umsich wirft. Sie ist noch jung, ja, aber sie erwähnt andauernd und ewig, wie kostbar die sogenannten Radia-Einheiten sind und schmeißt dann wie Konfetti damit um sich. Das habe ich nicht so ganz verstanden und irgendwo hat es mir die Glaubwürdigkeit davon auch etwas zerschossen.
Generell ist Zaria ein Charakter, mit dem ich nicht so gut warm geworden bin. Sie ist halt jung, das ist in Ordnung, aber ihre Naivität und wechselnde Dickköpfigkeit und Resignation fand ich anstrengend. Manche Gedanken sind zwar irgendwo nachvollziehbar, aber ihre Handlungen sind fast durchweg unüberlegt und explosiv. Halt einfach unlogisch. Auch die weiteren Charaktere empfand ich größtenteils einfach als anstrengend: Eitel, überkandidelt und eingebildet. Meteor fand ich einzig und allein toll, er ist im übrigen auch das, was man als Freund bezeichnet und nicht diese fürchterliche Leona...
Auch die Handlung war dann insgesamt nur OK. Es ist zwar schon etwas passiert, aber mir war da zu viel Spitzelei und Hin und Her fliegen durch einen Welt, die mehr zu bieten hatte, als genutzt wurde. Die Geschichte an sich war ein wenig 0815 und man weiß wohin die Reise geht. Es gibt auch einen weiteren Band, den ich mir wohl nicht beschaffen werde und ich muss auch ehrlich sagen, ich ahne auch so, wie es ausgeht.
Der Schreibstil ist einfach gehalten und die Kapitel sind nicht wirklich lang, was einen angenehmen Lesefluss ausmacht. Die Einführung am Anfang der Kapitel der Chronik erklären die Dinge in der Magiewelt und lassen immer einen kurzen Einblick in das nächste Kapitel zu, man kann sich praktisch damit auf den Inhalt vorbereiten.
Insgesamt ein Buch, was man lesen kann, aber definitiv nicht muss. Vielleicht bin ich der Zielgruppe auch einfach entwachsen oder es war der falsche Zeitpunkt. Für mich jedoch nicht so gut, wie erwartet (2,5 Sterne) 🌳
Zaria, das junge Elfenmädchen, ist eine Waise und wird von ihrer Lehrerin aufgezogen. Ihre Eltern sind vor Jahren verschollen, als sie sich zur Erde begeben haben, um ihren vermissten Bruder zu suchen. Zaria ist ebenfalls fasziniert von der verbotenen Menschenwelt und kann es kaum erwarten ihre Magiestufe zu erfahren und sich eventuell auch auf die Suche zu machen. Und tatsächlich, sie ist eine Violette, eine mächtige und starke Elfe, ebenso, wie ihre beste Freundin. Doch die Stimmen werden laut, dass die beiden keine Freundinnen sein dürfen und alle haben es auf einmal auf Zaria abgesehen. Als Ausbilderin erhält sie dann auch noch eine Elfe, die nicht so nett ist, wie es scheint, denn eigentlich will sie nur an die Macht von Zaria, um diese für sich nutzen zu können...
Dieses Buch ist mir zufällig in die Hände gefallen und ich habe auch vorher nie etwas davon gehört, daher war ich gespannt ganz unvoreingenommen in eine neue magische Welt abtauchen zu können.
Die Idee an sich ist mal etwas anderes. Magie, die man zwar ausüben, aber nach ihrem Verbrauch nicht neu generieren kann, ist etwas, was ich so noch nicht gelesen habe. Hier gilt das Motto: wenn leer, dann leer. Umso spannender also, was für Zauber und Stufen es gibt. Darüber wird auch relativ viel erzählt, jedoch mehr durch die kurzen Einführungen aus der Chronik am Kapitelanfang, als durch Zaria oder andere Charaktere selbst. Leider war mir dann nur nicht klar, weshalb Zaria mit ihren Magieeinheiten so umsich wirft. Sie ist noch jung, ja, aber sie erwähnt andauernd und ewig, wie kostbar die sogenannten Radia-Einheiten sind und schmeißt dann wie Konfetti damit um sich. Das habe ich nicht so ganz verstanden und irgendwo hat es mir die Glaubwürdigkeit davon auch etwas zerschossen.
Generell ist Zaria ein Charakter, mit dem ich nicht so gut warm geworden bin. Sie ist halt jung, das ist in Ordnung, aber ihre Naivität und wechselnde Dickköpfigkeit und Resignation fand ich anstrengend. Manche Gedanken sind zwar irgendwo nachvollziehbar, aber ihre Handlungen sind fast durchweg unüberlegt und explosiv. Halt einfach unlogisch. Auch die weiteren Charaktere empfand ich größtenteils einfach als anstrengend: Eitel, überkandidelt und eingebildet. Meteor fand ich einzig und allein toll, er ist im übrigen auch das, was man als Freund bezeichnet und nicht diese fürchterliche Leona...
Auch die Handlung war dann insgesamt nur OK. Es ist zwar schon etwas passiert, aber mir war da zu viel Spitzelei und Hin und Her fliegen durch einen Welt, die mehr zu bieten hatte, als genutzt wurde. Die Geschichte an sich war ein wenig 0815 und man weiß wohin die Reise geht. Es gibt auch einen weiteren Band, den ich mir wohl nicht beschaffen werde und ich muss auch ehrlich sagen, ich ahne auch so, wie es ausgeht.
Der Schreibstil ist einfach gehalten und die Kapitel sind nicht wirklich lang, was einen angenehmen Lesefluss ausmacht. Die Einführung am Anfang der Kapitel der Chronik erklären die Dinge in der Magiewelt und lassen immer einen kurzen Einblick in das nächste Kapitel zu, man kann sich praktisch damit auf den Inhalt vorbereiten.
Insgesamt ein Buch, was man lesen kann, aber definitiv nicht muss. Vielleicht bin ich der Zielgruppe auch einfach entwachsen oder es war der falsche Zeitpunkt. Für mich jedoch nicht so gut, wie erwartet (2,5 Sterne) 🌳
October 24, 2009
Victoria Hanley creates a great new world. I loved the "historical" excerpts at the beginning of each chapter. My only complaint is that the book isn't over. I rest assured that there have to be more books, but I wanted a romance and a conclusion.
August 20, 2009
Hanley transported me on a fantastical journey in the world of Feyland where I glimpsed an enchanting tale of friendship, discovery and betrayal.
In the world of Feyland, Zaria has become one of the most powerful fairies in Feyland’s history and you know what they say “With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility.” Zaria discovers a diabolical plot spinning its web over Feyland. Her life has become infested with wicked deeds and her will is about to be tested. Can she survive the tyrannical labyrinth that’s trying to influence her? Zaria enlists her closest allies to help uncover the conspiracy that has be leeching off of Feyland and the mysteries surrounding her family’s disappearance.
Instead of and world building background descriptions, Hanley cleverly introduces a world full of magical creatures with fascinating entries by Feyland’s Historian to intertwine perfectly with the magical background of this novel. I love everything about Hanley’s world of Tirfeyne especially the descriptions of differences between each magical creature and their perceptions of other species’ magical capabilities. I also enjoyed reading about the inner workings of the Council and how Feyland’s magical hierarchy was determined. The magical spells were even great!
I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed reading this book, but then I would be spoiling it for everyone else, so I’m going to leave you with – Hanley crafted a wonderful tale of unforgettable characters in a world where fairies, genies, gnomes, humans and magic collide to transport readers on a magical journey where you’re compelled to turn the pages only to realize that once the story ends you were left Feyland-Struck.
With the way Violet Wings ended, I can’t wait to devour the pages in the sequel!
Rating: 4.5 out 5 Stars
In the world of Feyland, Zaria has become one of the most powerful fairies in Feyland’s history and you know what they say “With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility.” Zaria discovers a diabolical plot spinning its web over Feyland. Her life has become infested with wicked deeds and her will is about to be tested. Can she survive the tyrannical labyrinth that’s trying to influence her? Zaria enlists her closest allies to help uncover the conspiracy that has be leeching off of Feyland and the mysteries surrounding her family’s disappearance.
Instead of and world building background descriptions, Hanley cleverly introduces a world full of magical creatures with fascinating entries by Feyland’s Historian to intertwine perfectly with the magical background of this novel. I love everything about Hanley’s world of Tirfeyne especially the descriptions of differences between each magical creature and their perceptions of other species’ magical capabilities. I also enjoyed reading about the inner workings of the Council and how Feyland’s magical hierarchy was determined. The magical spells were even great!
I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed reading this book, but then I would be spoiling it for everyone else, so I’m going to leave you with – Hanley crafted a wonderful tale of unforgettable characters in a world where fairies, genies, gnomes, humans and magic collide to transport readers on a magical journey where you’re compelled to turn the pages only to realize that once the story ends you were left Feyland-Struck.
With the way Violet Wings ended, I can’t wait to devour the pages in the sequel!
Rating: 4.5 out 5 Stars
August 19, 2009
I started this book a few days back, but got distracted by Fire (Kristin Cashore) coming in the mail. When I started it back up yesterday, I found myself engrossed in the novel.
Zaria is the last in her class to turn 12 - the age at which fairies get their crystal watches and wands. She almost misses her chance by taking a trip to Earth with her friend Leona. Her parents and brother all died on trip to Earth.
Zaria finds out she has more power than she imagined. She's a rare Violet fairy, as is her friend Leona. But Zaria's mentor seems to have her own interests in mind when she takes the young fairy on. The question is, how will Zaria be able to find out just what that is?
I really enjoyed the blurbs of history at the beginning of each chapter. It really set up the world nicely and I loved the consistency of information coming from the famous genie historian.
My only complaint, as usual, is that I want more. The author wrapped up the first book nicely, but there is a lot of unanswered questions and tons more adventures for Zaria to have. Can't wait to see what Victoria Hanley has in store for this world next.
Zaria is the last in her class to turn 12 - the age at which fairies get their crystal watches and wands. She almost misses her chance by taking a trip to Earth with her friend Leona. Her parents and brother all died on trip to Earth.
Zaria finds out she has more power than she imagined. She's a rare Violet fairy, as is her friend Leona. But Zaria's mentor seems to have her own interests in mind when she takes the young fairy on. The question is, how will Zaria be able to find out just what that is?
I really enjoyed the blurbs of history at the beginning of each chapter. It really set up the world nicely and I loved the consistency of information coming from the famous genie historian.
My only complaint, as usual, is that I want more. The author wrapped up the first book nicely, but there is a lot of unanswered questions and tons more adventures for Zaria to have. Can't wait to see what Victoria Hanley has in store for this world next.
May 6, 2010
A well-constructed, original middle-grade novel, a bit light on length and a bit more could have been going on, especially as regards the status issue (violet fairies are "better" than a "green" or "red"). I liked the emphasis on Feyland, rather than on Earth, though the importance of human happiness + godparents + sonnia + fate of fairies should be explored in greater detail as it is a unique (to my experience thus far)facet of their world and race.
Is this the first in a series? Because my first reaction was that the story is far from resolved. Lily Morganite is still on the loose.The Council is questionable. Zaria's parents are still missing/trapped by glacier time magic. Why is Zaria so gifted - able to improvise her own spells? Why are magically gifted faeries born less often? Just what was it that Jett thought was going to change? All these questions deserve answers and I hope we get them.
Cover: Font and picture slightly hoky.
Is this the first in a series? Because my first reaction was that the story is far from resolved. Lily Morganite is still on the loose.The Council is questionable. Zaria's parents are still missing/trapped by glacier time magic. Why is Zaria so gifted - able to improvise her own spells? Why are magically gifted faeries born less often? Just what was it that Jett thought was going to change? All these questions deserve answers and I hope we get them.
Cover: Font and picture slightly hoky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2009
Zaria is a four-teen year old fairy who just learned she is a very powerful fairy. Zaria uses her magic to try to learn about her parent's and brother's disappearance five years ago and explore the human world. These are activities that put not only Zaria in danger but also all of Freyland as well.
As much as I liked this book there were parts that seemed to drag on for me. This book was written as so there sounds like there will be a book to follow. I felt like the end did not answer Zaria's quest totally and that there will be more to follow...I would look forward to reading on .....
As much as I liked this book there were parts that seemed to drag on for me. This book was written as so there sounds like there will be a book to follow. I felt like the end did not answer Zaria's quest totally and that there will be more to follow...I would look forward to reading on .....
July 20, 2009
I managed to get an advance copy of this book and actually really enjoyed it. It's definitely meant for younger readers, but I thought it was a cute, well-written story. The only bad thing is that this book is set up for a sequel and I already want to know what happens next!
June 9, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the way Victoria Hanley built the world. I love the rules, it's like a video game almost or a survival world. You have a certain amount of resources and certain areas that you can go in this world. You are limited with these things to make your decisions in this world. Yeah so I loved this world. Very interesting.
October 13, 2019
I have not finished reading it but the all I had read is amazing ,interesting, and the story about the of earth is also interesting . After reading it , it feels like there is a place like Feyland some where around....
November 11, 2019
Victoria creates an amazing world of fairies that you just want to visit! This is a great story of a group if teenagers rising above to do what is right in the world. I could not put it down. While recommended for ages 10+ I read it as a grown adult and absolutely LOVED it!!!!
March 17, 2021
I remember reading this book when I was younger although I forgot what happened, but recently I had the cover picture in my head so vividly that I decided to read it again, I'm glad I did, this book is so good and could be one of my favourites.
June 1, 2023
I hate to say this but i struggled to even read half of it, the writing and sentence structure was horrific, I couldn't get past the absolutely cringe descriptions, all of them were so cliche, everything was predictable or worse it would fly off the rails.
It's a no from me.
It's a no from me.
March 1, 2020
Pas trop aimé j'espère que le tome sera mieux
January 2, 2022
I think I read this 10+ times from ages 6-11, it made me the woman I am today.
June 21, 2024
This book was everything to me as a child
August 16, 2024
Honestly one of my favourite books growing up, am now rereading it at age 19 and I still love it. Although a bit simple, but that’s to be expected, no other complaints!
September 7, 2024
I have not read this book for years and years but this had such a major impact on my childhood psyche. I MUST find a copy and read it again to see if it lives up to my memory.
November 19, 2024
my favourite favourite favourite book as a kid
January 14, 2025
I don’t care what anybody says about this book, I like it. I always need a nice little fairy fantasy novel lol.
Read
December 9, 2025I just remembered this book & I was OBSESSED 🥹 read it a lot at Nan’s house so I have very fond memories 🥹🥹🥹💜💜💜🧚🏻♀️🦄
February 1, 2018
I loved the first one, it had me rooting for the sequel and excited. But then... the ending of the second one frustrated me to no end. We're left with unanswered questions, and an unclear view of what is actually the ending. The first book is excellent, the second book... not so much.
August 20, 2009
Ever since the invention of guns, fairies, leprechauns and genies have been forbidden from allowing themselves to be seen by humans, a race considered to be extremely dangerous. In fact, after going missing for some time, authorities declare Zaria Tourmaline's own fairy parents to have been captured and killed by humans. Over the next three years, the newly orphaned Zaria ends up living a detached, lonely life with a distant guardian. But at the age of twelve, she is suddenly able to join the adult world of fairies and genies.
When she receives her fairy wand, Zaria is shocked to learn that both she and best friend Leona have extraordinary high levels of magic and power, something that is rare in Feyland. Almost immediately Zaria starts getting into trouble with the authorities and endangering her friends in the process. But is she just being picked on by fairies jealous of her abilities, or are there more sinister forces at work? What really happened to her parents and why are powerful fairies trying to take away her magical powers?
Victoria Hanley wove a clever narrative in Violet Wings that expertly drew me in from the start. This novel is aimed at a younger teen audience but that didn’t hinder me from eagerly gobbling up the story in a short time period. The fun, fast paced plot was never weighed down with too much fairy lore or back story, (something which often loses me in fantasy novels). I was also pleasantly pleased to discover the fresh take on fairy mythology that was incorporated into the book. In the alluring world of Tirfeyne, fairies have inborn, nonrenewable magic reserves which are measured in units of “radia”. Everyone is assigned a wand for performing magic and a watch for measuring radia. There are levels and classes among the fey. Those with those most magic are markedly more powerful and respected than those with less. This imaginative take on fairy magic is one that I haven't seen done before and I enjoyed reading about the unique aspects of radia that were presented within the novel.
Each chapter of Violet Wings is prefaced by an excerpt from a book written by Orville Gold, the genie historian of Feyland. These segments were not only illuminating in understanding the complex dynamics of Zaria’s world, but they also upped the suspense of the novel by hinting at what was to come next. The names of the characters, such as Meteor, Banburus Lazuli and Wolframite, to name a few, were gratifying and added to the enchanting climate of the story as well. I also appreciated the descriptions of the fairies and their different colorings. Zaria, for instance, had the unusual trait of being a one-shade fairy, meaning her eyes, skin and even hair all had a violet sheen to them, something which was unusual for her kind.
Zaria was a spunky, cute and loveable fairy and I couldn't help but root for her. Her best friend Leona added a lot of zing to the novel with her fiery temper and the havoc she caused on earth with Sam and Jason. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of them either. But I really appreciated how Hanley chose to focus less on the possible romantic aspects of the plot and onto more pressing issues – such as what really happened to Zaria’s family when they went missing and the real reason as to why forces were aligning against her. These were more important and puzzling matters.
To sum up, from the onset of the novel to the conclusion, Violet Wings inflamed my curiousity and I found myself anxiously flipping through the pages in the hopes of unlocking its secrets! I'm eagerly awaiting the second installment and can't wait to find out where Zaria's story will take us next!
When she receives her fairy wand, Zaria is shocked to learn that both she and best friend Leona have extraordinary high levels of magic and power, something that is rare in Feyland. Almost immediately Zaria starts getting into trouble with the authorities and endangering her friends in the process. But is she just being picked on by fairies jealous of her abilities, or are there more sinister forces at work? What really happened to her parents and why are powerful fairies trying to take away her magical powers?
Victoria Hanley wove a clever narrative in Violet Wings that expertly drew me in from the start. This novel is aimed at a younger teen audience but that didn’t hinder me from eagerly gobbling up the story in a short time period. The fun, fast paced plot was never weighed down with too much fairy lore or back story, (something which often loses me in fantasy novels). I was also pleasantly pleased to discover the fresh take on fairy mythology that was incorporated into the book. In the alluring world of Tirfeyne, fairies have inborn, nonrenewable magic reserves which are measured in units of “radia”. Everyone is assigned a wand for performing magic and a watch for measuring radia. There are levels and classes among the fey. Those with those most magic are markedly more powerful and respected than those with less. This imaginative take on fairy magic is one that I haven't seen done before and I enjoyed reading about the unique aspects of radia that were presented within the novel.
Each chapter of Violet Wings is prefaced by an excerpt from a book written by Orville Gold, the genie historian of Feyland. These segments were not only illuminating in understanding the complex dynamics of Zaria’s world, but they also upped the suspense of the novel by hinting at what was to come next. The names of the characters, such as Meteor, Banburus Lazuli and Wolframite, to name a few, were gratifying and added to the enchanting climate of the story as well. I also appreciated the descriptions of the fairies and their different colorings. Zaria, for instance, had the unusual trait of being a one-shade fairy, meaning her eyes, skin and even hair all had a violet sheen to them, something which was unusual for her kind.
Zaria was a spunky, cute and loveable fairy and I couldn't help but root for her. Her best friend Leona added a lot of zing to the novel with her fiery temper and the havoc she caused on earth with Sam and Jason. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of them either. But I really appreciated how Hanley chose to focus less on the possible romantic aspects of the plot and onto more pressing issues – such as what really happened to Zaria’s family when they went missing and the real reason as to why forces were aligning against her. These were more important and puzzling matters.
To sum up, from the onset of the novel to the conclusion, Violet Wings inflamed my curiousity and I found myself anxiously flipping through the pages in the hopes of unlocking its secrets! I'm eagerly awaiting the second installment and can't wait to find out where Zaria's story will take us next!
December 24, 2024
An interesting and unique take on casting spells and fae society. The description of the nest beds in this made me want a circular bed with ALL the pillows as a kid.
March 12, 2010
I've been reading a lot of good fairy stuff lately and add Violet Wings to my list of Feyland treats. It's an endearing tale with lots of magical creatures, lovable characters and enchanting lands. Hanley puts in some fresh takes on fairy lore, such as fairies are the female of the species and have wings, while genies are the males and have magic feet, but both can fly. It's a delightfully woven tale.
Zaria has been an orphan since her parents and brother went missing three years ago, presumably killed by humans. Fairies and humans used to live harmoniously but as technology advanced and humans became more scientific than imaginative, they became dangerous to fairies.
Consequently, for many years now, fairies and genies have been forbidden from letting humans see them and travel between the two worlds is restricted. For a look at Earth and humans, fairies can go to a viewing station and look through magical scopes.
Zaria has been well taken care of since her family's disappearance but by a somewhat detached guardian and therefore, she's been rather lonely. When she comes of age and finally gets her magic wand, excitement ensues. She gets herself in trouble and puts herself and others in danger.
Each fairy has specific gifts and their magic is measured in radia, a precious commodity in Feyland. There are many classes of fey which pertain to their gifts and power. The level of magic is inborn and since magic levels have been decreasing for years, those with high levels are treated with more respect. Zaria turns out to be extremely powerful but, along with her best friend, Leona, a fiesty, hot-tempered cutie, must understand how and when to use the power for good.
There is fairy court intrigue, sinister plots. But as she pushes the envelope of irresponsible behavior Zaria uncovers evidence of nefarious deeds by those in the high court. Could all of this be connected to her long lost family? And she needs to find out why high level individuals seem to have it out for her.
Zaria is spunky, fun and clever, as well as being a loyal and loving friend. She's adorable! Leona gets herself in several tough spots but both girl's are innately good and trying to mature and learn from their mistakes.
The fairy world is complicated so Hanley uses a clever device to help the reader understand the complexities. At the beginning of each chapter, there is an excerpt from a Feyland history book. It provides interesting details of the fairy world that not only explains a multitude of fairy stuff but hints at what's to come in the next chapter. I thought it was very clever and appreciated the insights.
The ending is satisfying with a few bittersweet overtones, but also leaves enough unanswered questions to have me ready for a sequel.
Violet Wings is geared toward younger teens and an extremely enjoyable read. A fun adventure with just a hint of romance, it focuses more on Zaria figuring out the puzzle of what intriguing plots are simmering under the Feyland surface. It's a treat!
Zaria has been an orphan since her parents and brother went missing three years ago, presumably killed by humans. Fairies and humans used to live harmoniously but as technology advanced and humans became more scientific than imaginative, they became dangerous to fairies.
Consequently, for many years now, fairies and genies have been forbidden from letting humans see them and travel between the two worlds is restricted. For a look at Earth and humans, fairies can go to a viewing station and look through magical scopes.
Zaria has been well taken care of since her family's disappearance but by a somewhat detached guardian and therefore, she's been rather lonely. When she comes of age and finally gets her magic wand, excitement ensues. She gets herself in trouble and puts herself and others in danger.
Each fairy has specific gifts and their magic is measured in radia, a precious commodity in Feyland. There are many classes of fey which pertain to their gifts and power. The level of magic is inborn and since magic levels have been decreasing for years, those with high levels are treated with more respect. Zaria turns out to be extremely powerful but, along with her best friend, Leona, a fiesty, hot-tempered cutie, must understand how and when to use the power for good.
There is fairy court intrigue, sinister plots. But as she pushes the envelope of irresponsible behavior Zaria uncovers evidence of nefarious deeds by those in the high court. Could all of this be connected to her long lost family? And she needs to find out why high level individuals seem to have it out for her.
Zaria is spunky, fun and clever, as well as being a loyal and loving friend. She's adorable! Leona gets herself in several tough spots but both girl's are innately good and trying to mature and learn from their mistakes.
The fairy world is complicated so Hanley uses a clever device to help the reader understand the complexities. At the beginning of each chapter, there is an excerpt from a Feyland history book. It provides interesting details of the fairy world that not only explains a multitude of fairy stuff but hints at what's to come in the next chapter. I thought it was very clever and appreciated the insights.
The ending is satisfying with a few bittersweet overtones, but also leaves enough unanswered questions to have me ready for a sequel.
Violet Wings is geared toward younger teens and an extremely enjoyable read. A fun adventure with just a hint of romance, it focuses more on Zaria figuring out the puzzle of what intriguing plots are simmering under the Feyland surface. It's a treat!
April 1, 2015
Dunia milik Zaria yang dijabarkan oleh penulis mengambil tempat di sebuah dunia peri yang mirip dengan film tinkerbell. Tak jarang, aku membayangkan keindahan tempatnya seperti keindahan tempat di negeri tinkerbell.
Namun dalam dunia Zaria, peri dibedakan berdasarkan tingkatan warna dan jumlah radia (kekuatan yang mereka miliki)
Peri yang paling kecil berada di warna merah. Ada juga hijau, biru, serta ungu. Peri Ungu adalah jenis peri paling langka. Dan kekuatannya begitu penuh, radianya mencapai jumlah jutaan.
Setiap peri berusia 14 tahun, akan mendapatkan jam tangan pengukur radia. Jam tangan ini juga akan menunjukkan di warna mana tingkatan mereka berada serta berapa jumlah radia yang mereka miliki. Selain itu, mereka akan mendapatkan tongkat sihir. Tongkat ini berfungsi untuk menyalurkan radia yang mereka keluarkan melalui sebuah mantra.
Zaria Tourmaline betubuh ungu. Sayap dan rambutnya juga ungu. Dia yatim piatu. Saat berumur 9 tahun, kakaknya menghilang. Ibu dan ayahnya kemudian menyusul kakaknya, dan tak terdengar pula kabarnya. Semua peri di Feyland mengklaim mereka sebagai Bumi-Mania, dan terbunuh di tangan manusia.
Semenjak itu Zaria pun diasuh oleh sahabat orangtuanya, Beryl Danburite. Sikap Beryl yang tegas dan dingin membuat Zaria menjadi penyendiri.
Namun walau begitu, dia memiliki 3 sahabat yang menyayanginya. Andalonus, Meteor, dan Leona.
Tiba saatnya mereka semua beranjak 14 tahun. Tahun di mana mereka akan dikategorikan menjadi peri tingkat sekian.
Tak disangka, ketika diperlihatkan kekuatan Zaria, ia mendapat warna Ungu penuh dengan tingkat 100. Radia yang dimilikinya pun berjuta-juta. Selain dirinya, Leona juga diklaim sebagai peri ungu, dengan tingkat 200. Mereka berdua menjadi kebanggan Feyland. Karena belum ada peri ungu lagi sejak bertahun-tahun silam.
Sayangnya, kekuatan Zaria menimbulkan kebencian dari berbagai orang, terutama anggota dewan peri yang bernama Lily Morganite.
Berawal dari pesan sang wali, Beryl, yang menyatakan agar Zaria berhati-hati terhadap sang penasihat, Zaria menjadi begitu takut untuk bekerja sama dengan Lily.
Belum lagi tampaknya Bumi-Mania juga melandanya. Suatu hari, sebelum hari pengangkatan, dia dan Leona bermain ke bumi. Walaupun hal itu dilarang, tapi mereka penasaran akan bentuk bumi. Dan tak disangka-sangka, mereka malah bertemu dengan manusia. Perbuatan mereka mendapat hukuman keras dari guru-guru mereka. Namun justru setelah pengangkatan, Leona dan Zaria lebih sering lagi mengunjungi Bumi.
Terutama Zaria, yang tak bisa melupakan Sam dan Jenna. Anak manusia yang tak sengaja melihat dirinya.
Namun walau begitu cerita di buku ini tidak berkisar mengenai kunjungan-kunjungan Zaria ke bumi demi memanjakan Bumi-Manianya. Cerita di buku ini lebih fokus mengenai perseteruan para peri. Kebusukan mereka. Kenakalan peri-peri remaja, termasuk Zaria. Serta kekuatan yang mereka salah gunakan karena keegoisan mereka sendiri. Hingga terungkapnya misteri hilangnya orangtua Zaria...
*my proofread*
Namun dalam dunia Zaria, peri dibedakan berdasarkan tingkatan warna dan jumlah radia (kekuatan yang mereka miliki)
Peri yang paling kecil berada di warna merah. Ada juga hijau, biru, serta ungu. Peri Ungu adalah jenis peri paling langka. Dan kekuatannya begitu penuh, radianya mencapai jumlah jutaan.
Setiap peri berusia 14 tahun, akan mendapatkan jam tangan pengukur radia. Jam tangan ini juga akan menunjukkan di warna mana tingkatan mereka berada serta berapa jumlah radia yang mereka miliki. Selain itu, mereka akan mendapatkan tongkat sihir. Tongkat ini berfungsi untuk menyalurkan radia yang mereka keluarkan melalui sebuah mantra.
Zaria Tourmaline betubuh ungu. Sayap dan rambutnya juga ungu. Dia yatim piatu. Saat berumur 9 tahun, kakaknya menghilang. Ibu dan ayahnya kemudian menyusul kakaknya, dan tak terdengar pula kabarnya. Semua peri di Feyland mengklaim mereka sebagai Bumi-Mania, dan terbunuh di tangan manusia.
Semenjak itu Zaria pun diasuh oleh sahabat orangtuanya, Beryl Danburite. Sikap Beryl yang tegas dan dingin membuat Zaria menjadi penyendiri.
Namun walau begitu, dia memiliki 3 sahabat yang menyayanginya. Andalonus, Meteor, dan Leona.
Tiba saatnya mereka semua beranjak 14 tahun. Tahun di mana mereka akan dikategorikan menjadi peri tingkat sekian.
Tak disangka, ketika diperlihatkan kekuatan Zaria, ia mendapat warna Ungu penuh dengan tingkat 100. Radia yang dimilikinya pun berjuta-juta. Selain dirinya, Leona juga diklaim sebagai peri ungu, dengan tingkat 200. Mereka berdua menjadi kebanggan Feyland. Karena belum ada peri ungu lagi sejak bertahun-tahun silam.
Sayangnya, kekuatan Zaria menimbulkan kebencian dari berbagai orang, terutama anggota dewan peri yang bernama Lily Morganite.
Berawal dari pesan sang wali, Beryl, yang menyatakan agar Zaria berhati-hati terhadap sang penasihat, Zaria menjadi begitu takut untuk bekerja sama dengan Lily.
Belum lagi tampaknya Bumi-Mania juga melandanya. Suatu hari, sebelum hari pengangkatan, dia dan Leona bermain ke bumi. Walaupun hal itu dilarang, tapi mereka penasaran akan bentuk bumi. Dan tak disangka-sangka, mereka malah bertemu dengan manusia. Perbuatan mereka mendapat hukuman keras dari guru-guru mereka. Namun justru setelah pengangkatan, Leona dan Zaria lebih sering lagi mengunjungi Bumi.
Terutama Zaria, yang tak bisa melupakan Sam dan Jenna. Anak manusia yang tak sengaja melihat dirinya.
Namun walau begitu cerita di buku ini tidak berkisar mengenai kunjungan-kunjungan Zaria ke bumi demi memanjakan Bumi-Manianya. Cerita di buku ini lebih fokus mengenai perseteruan para peri. Kebusukan mereka. Kenakalan peri-peri remaja, termasuk Zaria. Serta kekuatan yang mereka salah gunakan karena keegoisan mereka sendiri. Hingga terungkapnya misteri hilangnya orangtua Zaria...
*my proofread*
June 4, 2018
violet wings by Victoria Hanley.
zaria is a young fairy who just learned she is very powerful. She uses her magic to learn more about her parent's and brother's disappearance five years ago and explore the human world. I recommend this book to young readers and adults who like reading fiction or fantasy fairy books.
zaria is a young fairy who just learned she is very powerful. She uses her magic to learn more about her parent's and brother's disappearance five years ago and explore the human world. I recommend this book to young readers and adults who like reading fiction or fantasy fairy books.
August 18, 2009
Usually, when someone says a book is a fun read, I don't take much notice of the title. I like my books to be funny and exhilarating with a theme that keeps me picking apart the meaning of the story well after I've finished it.
Violet Wings turned out to be those things on top of being fun. Fun to read and fun to think about. The descriptions of faeries and genies being two genders of the same species and the different amounts of magic assigned to each.
In Zaria's Feyland, each faerie or genie has innate magic that gives them a level, much like in a video game, from 1 to 100. They also have a limited amount of "radia," which must be spent in order to cast spells. Radia amounts come in six divisions, each with a different color (lowest to highest): Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Violet.
This is where that theme I was talking about comes in. In Feyland, there is a lot of elitism among faeries and genies with higher amounts of radia who look down upon those with lesser amount. So that means there is tension between faeries and genies who are, yes you've got it, different colors.
Excerpt:
"Obviously, not all fairies and genies are equal. In fact, the differences in our levels of magic and reserves of radia make us quite unequal."
I got goosebumps when I read that.
The racial/class tension isn't in your face. Victoria slips it in smoothly, yet I think it is an enormously important issue that I applaud her and her characters for fighting to be friends despite being ordered not to associate with those vastly different in color.
So back to the fun.
Victoria doesn't hold back with great names for her characters like Zaria, Magistria, Meteor, and Wolframite, which all added to the magic of being in Feyland. There are also a lot of character types I wouldn't expect in a middle grade novel such as a gambling genie who will be your friend at a high price.
I was happy to see a lack of romantic plot is this book. There are some hints as to who Zaria has feelings for, but no subplot tacked on while she is worrying about far more important things like her missing family and an evil faerie.
Each chapter is preceded by an except from a book by Orville Gold, genie historian of Feyland, and it really builds suspense because the excerpts hint at what is coming next in the story.
The prose is less eloquent than I prefer, but Victoria does have some lovely passages, including those about seeing trees in person for the first time after living life in Feyland where trees cannot grow.
While some secondary characters seem underdeveloped and interchangeable, Victoria still does a good job of giving everyone their own quirks. I also noticed a distinct difference between the way humans and faeries/genies speak, both very believable and interesting.
The tone of the book reminded me of Artemis Fowl, so if you like him, you might like this.
I'm looking forward to a sequel!
Violet Wings turned out to be those things on top of being fun. Fun to read and fun to think about. The descriptions of faeries and genies being two genders of the same species and the different amounts of magic assigned to each.
In Zaria's Feyland, each faerie or genie has innate magic that gives them a level, much like in a video game, from 1 to 100. They also have a limited amount of "radia," which must be spent in order to cast spells. Radia amounts come in six divisions, each with a different color (lowest to highest): Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Violet.
This is where that theme I was talking about comes in. In Feyland, there is a lot of elitism among faeries and genies with higher amounts of radia who look down upon those with lesser amount. So that means there is tension between faeries and genies who are, yes you've got it, different colors.
Excerpt:
"Obviously, not all fairies and genies are equal. In fact, the differences in our levels of magic and reserves of radia make us quite unequal."
I got goosebumps when I read that.
The racial/class tension isn't in your face. Victoria slips it in smoothly, yet I think it is an enormously important issue that I applaud her and her characters for fighting to be friends despite being ordered not to associate with those vastly different in color.
So back to the fun.
Victoria doesn't hold back with great names for her characters like Zaria, Magistria, Meteor, and Wolframite, which all added to the magic of being in Feyland. There are also a lot of character types I wouldn't expect in a middle grade novel such as a gambling genie who will be your friend at a high price.
I was happy to see a lack of romantic plot is this book. There are some hints as to who Zaria has feelings for, but no subplot tacked on while she is worrying about far more important things like her missing family and an evil faerie.
Each chapter is preceded by an except from a book by Orville Gold, genie historian of Feyland, and it really builds suspense because the excerpts hint at what is coming next in the story.
The prose is less eloquent than I prefer, but Victoria does have some lovely passages, including those about seeing trees in person for the first time after living life in Feyland where trees cannot grow.
While some secondary characters seem underdeveloped and interchangeable, Victoria still does a good job of giving everyone their own quirks. I also noticed a distinct difference between the way humans and faeries/genies speak, both very believable and interesting.
The tone of the book reminded me of Artemis Fowl, so if you like him, you might like this.
I'm looking forward to a sequel!
September 19, 2016
Zaria Tourmaline is a fairy. That isn't so strange, as she lives in a world of fairies and genies, in fact, she is rather invisible next to most of them. However, during the coming of age ceremony, she discovers that she and one of her friends have some of the largest magic reserves of any living fairies! In a happy-go-lucky fairy world, this would merely be a grand adventure, but Feyland is a far from easy place to live, as magic has been dwindling and the power-hungry are on the prowl.
Interesting premise right? Well, I skipped the first third of the book; beginning: Zaria is a moody, angsty, shut-down pre-teen orphan who only seems to be surrounded by authority figures and guardians who don't care about her/don't see her/want her power and a powerful friend who is on the edge of turning into a raging psychopath. When the story finally gets going is when Zaria get's over herself enough to actually pay attention to the dark things hinted at happening around her and starts to actually try listening to the only adult who's ever tried to help her. Then, Zaria has to start taking note that her friend is on the verge of turning seriously evil, which is a bit of a wake up call, on top of Zaria's evil mentor starting to act more overtly against her. Added to that (I know, MORE?) the Sam story line helps Zaria see how she could and should be using her powers.
Whew! In other words, the first 100-ish pages I was ready to be done with this book and ignore any sequals (even considered dropping the book before finishing it!), last 200 pages, the world, the changes in character and growth and actually doing something productive instead of blundering in circles brought this read up two stars! (Yeah, the beginning was gonna be a one star, and if there had been a tiny bit more plot resolution the end may have made it to four stars; problems with opening a series, you start loose ends instead of tying them up.)
Content notes: No language issues; though there are a lot of angry people using words hurtfully. There is a rumored kiss, but nothing else. Several instances of spells and enchantments used against people, mostly to control them, though one does cause a death, it is not detailed; there is a short section of physical violence, with clubs and fists being swung around, as well as a laser gun in the hands of an idiot, but mostly just recoverable injuries (though there will be scars).
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