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Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales #2
Challenge
The world of Melissa’ Marr’s New York Times bestselling dark fantasy series Wicked Lovely comes to manga! This three-volume series focuses on Rika, a minor character in Wicked Lovely : formerly a mortal, formerly a Winter Girl, and formerly loved by the Summer King.
In this second book in the series, the stakes are rising, and Rika finds it harder to ignore Faerie politics. As a former mortal and now a solitary faery, she has relished the isolation and freedom of the desert. But new players are seeking power, and old allies are imperiled. As tensions mount, Rika must decide whether—and how—to act to save her independence and her romance with Jayce.
In this second book in the series, the stakes are rising, and Rika finds it harder to ignore Faerie politics. As a former mortal and now a solitary faery, she has relished the isolation and freedom of the desert. But new players are seeking power, and old allies are imperiled. As tensions mount, Rika must decide whether—and how—to act to save her independence and her romance with Jayce.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2010
7 people are currently reading
1190 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Marr
105 books13k followersMelissa Marr writes fiction for adults, teens, and children. Her books have been translated into 28 languages and been bestsellers in the US (NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal) as well as overseas. Wicked Lovely, her debut novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller and evolved into an internationally bestselling multi-book series with a myriad of accolades.
In 2024 she released a queer fantasy (Remedial Magic via Bramble), a picturebook about a wee one and his two moms (Family is Family via Penguin), and a DC Comics graphic novel about teen Harley & Ivy (The Strange Adventures of Harleen & Harley).
An Illumicrate edition of 6 Wicked Lovely books will release in 2025.
If she's not writing, you can find her in a kayak or on a trail with her wife.
In 2024 she released a queer fantasy (Remedial Magic via Bramble), a picturebook about a wee one and his two moms (Family is Family via Penguin), and a DC Comics graphic novel about teen Harley & Ivy (The Strange Adventures of Harleen & Harley).
An Illumicrate edition of 6 Wicked Lovely books will release in 2025.
If she's not writing, you can find her in a kayak or on a trail with her wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 29, 2012
Man, am I glad I continued on with this series. This volume was a lot better than the first, in my opinion. I thought it was a lot more organized and put together than the last. It seemed more cleaner... more smooth. I know there are times when I am reading manga and it seems to only get worse and worse with each volume. However, with this one, it just went from being okay to something good. I think there are still some areas that needs improvement on but it is nothing compared to the first volume. I wonder if maybe Melissa Marr took what was lacking and just worked on that more? Or maybe it was because this volume focused a lot more on my favorite character so I'm just being a tad biased. Either way, I really think this volume was good and I just want to let out a sigh of relief because I thought it was going to suck. XP
Melissa Marr did a great job with this volume. But do you see what I meant when I said in my last review that I had a love/hate relationship with her? Sometimes I just can't stand the work that she writes. Other times, like this time, I just love it. It's such a strange relationship to have with an author. I usually love an author's work all the way or hate it all the way. Obviously, that's not the case with Marr. I think she did a lot better with telling the story this time around. Mind you, it still starts off confusing but I think that's the point. Later on in the manga things are revealed to you so you know what's going on. However, you still will need to have read the books to know EXACTLY what's happening. The only thing that I did not like about this volume was that there was a lot of mush towards the beginning of the manga, not enough action. I know some people like having romance in their manga... I'm not one of them. Sure, I can appreciate a good love story, but if that's the only thing that's going on without much else... just proves to be boring after a while. So when all I saw was Rika and Jayce being all lovey-dovey... I wanted to hang myself. There was literally nothing happening between those scenes. All the good stuff starts taking off towards the middle of the book, which is better than no having anything happen at all. I just wish it wasn't so forced down your throat. I'm also not a fan on how Marr portrays women (more on that later). Everything else was pretty good, however. The story started to feel like what Wicked Lovely is all about. I quite enjoyed myself with the manga's plot this time a lot more.
Xian Nu Studio did it again with it's amazing art! I just really like this art style. It's so cute! Despite the main guys looking like girls still, it's just beautiful! I noticed that when they were drawing the henchmen of Maili, they looked a lot like men. Maybe it was just the way they were told to draw the male leads... who knows? Point is, I don't really have any complaints towards the art. I like it. It suits my tastes and I feel it goes well with this type of manga. The scenery is another favorite of mine. I'm like the character designs, especially of the faeries, but the scenery to a lot of the panels are just gorgeous. I might be the only one who thinks so since a lot of it is wasteland so it's plain and barren... but I don't care! I like the simplicity of it all. Just love it! I can't wait to see more art done by this group.
Character time! Rika annoys the hell out of me. She's the main character and I will have to deal with her but sometimes I wish I could just smack the stupid out of her. As I said in my previous review, I love that she can fight. She knows how to hold her own when push comes to shove. The only thing that really gets to me about her is how weak she seems to be with men. (And this is where I have issues with Marr's portrayal of women.) She doesn't seem to know which guy she wants. Sometimes she wants Jayce, others Sion. There are points where she lets Keenan, the one she has no interest in anymore, get the better of her. What? Pathetic much? Girl if you're strong enough to kick some ass, then you are strong enough to not lower yourself to a bloody man. I hate how she seemed to boy hop a lot in this volume. From Jayce to Sion to back again. It was disgusting. -_-" Jayce is not the best character. I find him to be very bland. I thought he might have improved int his volume but he didn't. He's nice and all... but I need a little bit more out of my leading man. There's just something missing from him. Like... a personality. I don't hate him... I just find him boring. Keenan... he's a douche. Moving on. Maili appeared again! Yay! The one with the BEST character design! I just love her look. Her attitude is pretty good, too. She's a bit of a weakling but that's to be expected. She was created like that. *Shrugs* I still like her, though! She has so much fire to her~ My favorite character is Sion! He's just too cute! He's a fox faery for crying out loud! (I don't think that's a spoiler seeing as how you can see his ears on the cover of the book.) I love his personality a lot! He fun, courageous, intelligent, witty, manipulative, strong, hilarious, sweet, cute, he's everything I love in a man! I love how he himself tells people how he's not a nice person and he will deceive you if he had to. Just seeing someone have the balls to say that makes me feel really happy. In fact, he tells Rika that he's not good for her because he's not the type to go for long-term relationships. I respect that in a person. He cared enough to let her know instead of doing what Keenan did and played with her emotions. (It's probably the only reason why Rika hasn't thrown herself completely at Sion in the first place.) In short, he's awesome and I'm glad I was able to see more of him in this volume.
Seriously, guys... if you are a fan of the series, pick this up. You will enjoy yourself a whole lot. You get to see a little bit more between what was going on in the Summer Court as well as the rogue faeries. Mind you, there are still some minor flaws with this manga series but I don't feel they are big enough to hinder you from enjoying your experience with it. Give it a try! I have a feeling you might enjoy it quite a bit. Whoo! I am off to check out the third and final one to this manga. I'm both excited and bummed that this is coming to an end. I was enjoying myself. XP
Melissa Marr did a great job with this volume. But do you see what I meant when I said in my last review that I had a love/hate relationship with her? Sometimes I just can't stand the work that she writes. Other times, like this time, I just love it. It's such a strange relationship to have with an author. I usually love an author's work all the way or hate it all the way. Obviously, that's not the case with Marr. I think she did a lot better with telling the story this time around. Mind you, it still starts off confusing but I think that's the point. Later on in the manga things are revealed to you so you know what's going on. However, you still will need to have read the books to know EXACTLY what's happening. The only thing that I did not like about this volume was that there was a lot of mush towards the beginning of the manga, not enough action. I know some people like having romance in their manga... I'm not one of them. Sure, I can appreciate a good love story, but if that's the only thing that's going on without much else... just proves to be boring after a while. So when all I saw was Rika and Jayce being all lovey-dovey... I wanted to hang myself. There was literally nothing happening between those scenes. All the good stuff starts taking off towards the middle of the book, which is better than no having anything happen at all. I just wish it wasn't so forced down your throat. I'm also not a fan on how Marr portrays women (more on that later). Everything else was pretty good, however. The story started to feel like what Wicked Lovely is all about. I quite enjoyed myself with the manga's plot this time a lot more.
Xian Nu Studio did it again with it's amazing art! I just really like this art style. It's so cute! Despite the main guys looking like girls still, it's just beautiful! I noticed that when they were drawing the henchmen of Maili, they looked a lot like men. Maybe it was just the way they were told to draw the male leads... who knows? Point is, I don't really have any complaints towards the art. I like it. It suits my tastes and I feel it goes well with this type of manga. The scenery is another favorite of mine. I'm like the character designs, especially of the faeries, but the scenery to a lot of the panels are just gorgeous. I might be the only one who thinks so since a lot of it is wasteland so it's plain and barren... but I don't care! I like the simplicity of it all. Just love it! I can't wait to see more art done by this group.
Character time! Rika annoys the hell out of me. She's the main character and I will have to deal with her but sometimes I wish I could just smack the stupid out of her. As I said in my previous review, I love that she can fight. She knows how to hold her own when push comes to shove. The only thing that really gets to me about her is how weak she seems to be with men. (And this is where I have issues with Marr's portrayal of women.) She doesn't seem to know which guy she wants. Sometimes she wants Jayce, others Sion. There are points where she lets Keenan, the one she has no interest in anymore, get the better of her. What? Pathetic much? Girl if you're strong enough to kick some ass, then you are strong enough to not lower yourself to a bloody man. I hate how she seemed to boy hop a lot in this volume. From Jayce to Sion to back again. It was disgusting. -_-" Jayce is not the best character. I find him to be very bland. I thought he might have improved int his volume but he didn't. He's nice and all... but I need a little bit more out of my leading man. There's just something missing from him. Like... a personality. I don't hate him... I just find him boring. Keenan... he's a douche. Moving on. Maili appeared again! Yay! The one with the BEST character design! I just love her look. Her attitude is pretty good, too. She's a bit of a weakling but that's to be expected. She was created like that. *Shrugs* I still like her, though! She has so much fire to her~ My favorite character is Sion! He's just too cute! He's a fox faery for crying out loud! (I don't think that's a spoiler seeing as how you can see his ears on the cover of the book.) I love his personality a lot! He fun, courageous, intelligent, witty, manipulative, strong, hilarious, sweet, cute, he's everything I love in a man! I love how he himself tells people how he's not a nice person and he will deceive you if he had to. Just seeing someone have the balls to say that makes me feel really happy. In fact, he tells Rika that he's not good for her because he's not the type to go for long-term relationships. I respect that in a person. He cared enough to let her know instead of doing what Keenan did and played with her emotions. (It's probably the only reason why Rika hasn't thrown herself completely at Sion in the first place.) In short, he's awesome and I'm glad I was able to see more of him in this volume.
Seriously, guys... if you are a fan of the series, pick this up. You will enjoy yourself a whole lot. You get to see a little bit more between what was going on in the Summer Court as well as the rogue faeries. Mind you, there are still some minor flaws with this manga series but I don't feel they are big enough to hinder you from enjoying your experience with it. Give it a try! I have a feeling you might enjoy it quite a bit. Whoo! I am off to check out the third and final one to this manga. I'm both excited and bummed that this is coming to an end. I was enjoying myself. XP
October 8, 2011
Volume two of Desert Tales, Challenge, introduces the series conflict, and that's when things get really interesting. The best part of the Wicked Lovely series has always been the faery politics, so I was glad to see that it, not romance, would be the focus of Desert Tales. Rika is unwillingly sucked into a power struggle in the desert that she's spent her entire post-Winter Girl life trying to avoid, and it's rather fascinating to see how she deals with it, to see the choices that she has to make because of it. Choice and freedom have been common themes throughout the Wicked Lovely series, and Desert Tales is no exception.
For once I'm not going to spoil the rest of plot, because part of Desert Tales' fun is the surprising turns it takes. The story takes place sometime between the events of Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity, I believe, and there are cameos from other familiar characters besides Keenan. But the spoilers for the series proper are kept to a minimum, and it's not completely incomprehensible if you haven't read Wicked Lovely at all.
The art, done by Xian Nu Studio, is a worthy stand-in for Melissa Marr's elegant prose. It's clean and professional, and the character designs are uniformly, well, cool. My single favorite thing, aesthetically, about Desert Tales has to be Rika's hair. I love it, it's awesome, I would steal it if I could.
I'm sure some people will have complaints about Keenan, and admittedly I didn't quite picture him as a tall, lanky bishounen, either, but you know what? It works. Marr's the writer so of course he acts like Keenan, and his expressions are so arrogant and absurdly perfect that after a while, the long golden mane, willowy frame, and sweater-duster (wut?) didn't bother me...
Read more at You're Killing.Us.
For once I'm not going to spoil the rest of plot, because part of Desert Tales' fun is the surprising turns it takes. The story takes place sometime between the events of Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity, I believe, and there are cameos from other familiar characters besides Keenan. But the spoilers for the series proper are kept to a minimum, and it's not completely incomprehensible if you haven't read Wicked Lovely at all.
The art, done by Xian Nu Studio, is a worthy stand-in for Melissa Marr's elegant prose. It's clean and professional, and the character designs are uniformly, well, cool. My single favorite thing, aesthetically, about Desert Tales has to be Rika's hair. I love it, it's awesome, I would steal it if I could.
I'm sure some people will have complaints about Keenan, and admittedly I didn't quite picture him as a tall, lanky bishounen, either, but you know what? It works. Marr's the writer so of course he acts like Keenan, and his expressions are so arrogant and absurdly perfect that after a while, the long golden mane, willowy frame, and sweater-duster (wut?) didn't bother me...
Read more at You're Killing.Us.
July 28, 2010
This second book is way better than the first one.
If the first book is way too emo nemo, hard to understand & doesn't seem o go anywhere, well, at least we know where this one is going. I still dislike Jayce's hair & still don't really like the graphic.
But hey, Donia makes an appearance here!
If the first book is way too emo nemo, hard to understand & doesn't seem o go anywhere, well, at least we know where this one is going. I still dislike Jayce's hair & still don't really like the graphic.
But hey, Donia makes an appearance here!
December 19, 2010
Good story. Donia's house looks just like I imagined, a nice touch. Good cliffhanger ending, I'm looking forward to the next book.
August 15, 2023
Rios is now officially dating Jayse. They are in a happy bubble. When Shy is attacked and gravely injured they have to separate. Roma has to decide what she wants to do about the dessert and it’s inhabitants. Keenan shows up with a deal for his former winter girl. The manga style is strong and beautiful. I can’t wait to finish this manga series.
June 26, 2018
Terjemahannya kurang luwes jadi membingungkan (^.^);a
Btw, ada Keenan. Raja musim panas itu memang memorable banget padahal bukan karakter favorit saya. Akhirnya timbul mood untuk lanjut membaca seri Wicked Lovely.
Btw, ada Keenan. Raja musim panas itu memang memorable banget padahal bukan karakter favorit saya. Akhirnya timbul mood untuk lanjut membaca seri Wicked Lovely.
February 24, 2018
View review for #1 of series
August 30, 2018
Not as good as the actual book but the art is nice
September 10, 2020
Good manga
November 17, 2022
Same story as Desert Tales
July 28, 2024
Kinda confused as to what’s going on but I’m glad RIka isn’t giving in to Keenan and Donias going to come into the picture ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2011
In this second graphic novel the storyline finally becomes more interesting because we learn tiny scraps of information about Shy. His character has such potential just like Rika's and I want more!! I want to know more about the fox faeries, the little bit we learn is very interesting! I wish more time had been spent on this little spin off because these graphic novels only skim the surface. While I want to know all about the history of the different faerys and faery courts, I especially was especially looking forward to learning about Rika and the desert faeries because we get such little info about them in the books... At least this time after reading the 2nd one I am looking forward to diving into the 3rd one! Perhaps this only because Donia is going to make an appearance but either way I'm mad my library doesn't seem to have the 3rd one!
September 25, 2015
not as good as the first one...some of the story-telling was lacking, but i liked learning more about shy and am definitely interested in what will happen in the next book.
where the first book was more about rika and jayce, jayce spends most of the time in the background in this book. he's there, but a lot of times, he's just sketching rika and shy as they interact. i'm hoping that there's a purpose behind these sketches that we'll learn in the 3rd book - otherwise i feel like it's a waste of real estate on the page.
as for the artwork, it didn't seem as consistent as the first book. it's possible that the artists were under deadlines, but still...
still interesting and a good effort, but more care could have been put into the storytelling and the artwork.
where the first book was more about rika and jayce, jayce spends most of the time in the background in this book. he's there, but a lot of times, he's just sketching rika and shy as they interact. i'm hoping that there's a purpose behind these sketches that we'll learn in the 3rd book - otherwise i feel like it's a waste of real estate on the page.
as for the artwork, it didn't seem as consistent as the first book. it's possible that the artists were under deadlines, but still...
still interesting and a good effort, but more care could have been put into the storytelling and the artwork.
March 14, 2014
I have determined I will pretty much read anything that Melissa Marr writes. Evidenced by this is the manga Wicked Lovely Desert Tales series. Challenge follows Rika, Shy, and Jayce after Shy is stabbed by Maili, a desert fey. Much of the novel is spent during Shy's convalescence, and a visit from Keenan, the King of the Summer Court.
Again, beautifully drawn. There are lots of panels with no dialogue, so the novel goes very fast. I enjoy it. Enough to read the next one, but I'm very glad that I had a friend to borrow it from. As a general rule with books I can read in under a half hour. There's very little reason to hang on to them.
Still, 5 of 5 stars. This helps to nicely round out the far corners of Marr's Faerie Courts.
- review courtesy of www.bibliopunkkreads.com
June 28, 2011
It is safe to say I am a closet graphic novel/anima freak. I love the art of it all and even most of the story lines. Well with that said, this series just gets more addicting as it goes on. I love Rika but I have to say so far my favorite character is Shy. He does what he feels he has to with no remorse. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
September 7, 2014
3.5 stars for the second manga. Sionnach is a fox fairy (kitsume in other fey stories) which really just makes me like him more. Jayce is supportive, Keenan is his usual ass of a self, and DONIA pays a visit at the end! More plot in this installment than in the first. Rika's starting to stand up for herself more & it's fun to see.
October 12, 2015
The relationship drama from the first book has mostly been resolved by now (except for some jealousy from Jayce towards Rika's flirty male faery friend Shy). In this book, Maili, a desert faery, is stirring up trouble by trying to beat up Shy in order to get the alpha position.
There's a lot less romantic angst, so I prefer this book over the first one.
There's a lot less romantic angst, so I prefer this book over the first one.
March 10, 2016
I would have enjoyed this book so much more if there had been a brief recap of the previous story at the beginning. It has been a long time since the last book came out, and I found I really didn't remember what was going on. I spent a good bit of the story trying to reconstruct events and it was very distracting and frustrating.
March 16, 2011
Rika wants to remain a free fairy in the desert, but she and her friends are being challenged. Does she want to remain independent or will she join with the conniving politics of an official Fairy Court.
Great manga and expands the Wicked Lovely universe.
Great manga and expands the Wicked Lovely universe.
April 10, 2015
This was better the one. More story more action and it leaves you like the other wicked lovely books wanting more. I wish there was a way the artist had shown time or scene changes because parts jumped a head leaving me a little lost. Other wise great and i'm sure i'll finish the 3 rd tomorrow.
Want to read
February 8, 2010I think the first manga book was the best ever!!!!!!! CAn't wait for this one!!!!!!!!!
February 13, 2012
Like the artwork in this series. Nice characters.Wicked plot. Can't wait to read more.
September 17, 2010
this is a cute story. Really makes me dislike the summer king even more! I do like how he looks. he reminds me of david bowie's goblin king in the Labyrinth movie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2010
This series is kind of crappy, but since it looks like Donia is going to be in the next one, I'll probably read it.
January 6, 2011
Once again, not much actually happens and not much is explained, but it's so easy to read that I'll continue with the series as long as my library keeps getting them in.
January 8, 2011
This was ok, but I think one read was enough. I guess I'm just not a fan of the choppy Manga style.
February 6, 2011
Loved the whole series.
August 5, 2011
Quick read. It's better than the first one, but still it's almost a waste of time. I don't understand the drawings. Why would Keenan have ear piercings?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews