Book Review: Fragile Eternity

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr is ranked at the bottom of the Wicked Lovely books, but it is still an amazing installment. I think that really says something about the series and Melissa as an author… when you can still love the one you like the least.

This book goes back to the Summer and Winter Courts and the protagonists from Wicked Lovely. Ash still loves Seth, but is drawn to Keenan. And then there’s Donia who has been in love with Keenan for a long time. The story grows more complex as new obstacles are thrown in the way.

The most exciting thing about this book, though, is the new court. The High Court. Not new as in newly formed, but new to the series. The High Court is run by Sorcha, one of the first faeries, and right now they live in Faerie. So not only do we get to meet new characters, but we get to see an entire new world.

I'm really enjoying re-reading this series! Don’t forget to check out this entire amazing series: Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity, Radiant Shadows, and Darkest Mercy. And while you’re at it be sure to read the manga trilogy and “Stopping Time” and “Old Habits”, short stories set in the Wicked Lovely world.

US Cover

Synopsis:

Seth wants to be with Aislinn forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Keenan stole Aislinn's mortality to make her a monarch. Now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.

In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and to each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

US  Hardback (under the dustjacket)

Book Review: Ink Exchange

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr is the second book in the Wicked Lovely series. It’s more of a companion than a sequel. While Aislinn, Keenan, Seth, and other characters from Wicked Lovely are present, they are in the background while the Dark Court steps front stage.

We get to learn a lot about Leslie, who we met in Wicked Lovely. However, we met her through Aislinn’s eyes, so not everything about her is as we thought. She has a painful background, and in this book, her life doesn’t get easier. She is pulled into the world of the faeries, to the Dark Court. The Dark Court is the court of shadows and nightmares, pleasure and pain, where faeries feed on emotion. And the Dark King needs humans to help feed his court.

Leslie feels safe in Pins and Needles, with tattoo artist – and halfling – Rabbit. But using the blood and tears of the Dark Court, Rabbit binds Leslie to the Dark King, changing Leslie’s life forever.

I’ve heard many people say they weren’t going to read this book because the main characters change. Don’t let that stop you from reading it. I loved Wicked Lovely, but I loved Ink Exchange more. I didn’t think that was possible. The story is dark and compelling, amazing and powerful… and possibly my favorite of the five.

US Cover

Synopsis:

Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.

Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.

The tattoo does bring changes—not the kind Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils. . . .

 UK Cover

Book Review: Wicked Lovely

Despite the fact that I’ve already read Darkest Mercy, I’m rereading the entire series to prepare for the release. I just finished rereading Wicked Lovely. This is the third time I’ve read it, and I love it more every time.

One thing that I love about this story is the modern story-telling mixed with centuries old faery lore. I’ve always had an interest in faeries, and I love researching when it comes to folklore. It’s very interesting to me the way Melissa weaves old tales with something new.

In the beginning of the series we meet Aislinn, a mortal with the Sight. She can see faeries, and she was raised to believe they are all dangerous. Keenan, the Summer King wants her for his queen. He normally doesn’t have much of a problem with girls, but Aislinn knows what he is. And she knows to stay away.

Not only is the story-telling amazing, but the characters are interesting and well-developed. I love the descriptions of the faeries… beautiful and terrifying. Faeries (like other supernatural beings) have a different idea of what is right and wrong. Their behavior is fun to watch. Although, if I was Ash, I doubt it would be so fun.

If you need another reason to read this book… a movie is in the works. And you want to read it before you see it, right?

Synopsis:

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21^st century faery tale.

Book Review: Darkest Mercy

I got a chance to read an ARC of Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr months ago. The Wicked Lovely series is without a doubt one of my favorite series. So when this book came in the mail, I hugged it, and then I had dinner with it sitting next to me, and then I dove in. I was excited and afraid. I devoured the book in one evening, staying up late to finish. I didn't want to finish, but I didn't want to put it down. I needed to know how it all ended.

This is quite possibly the hardest review I've ever had to write. I want to just gush and gush and gush. Because I thought it was absolutely amazing. But I'm really trying to stay away from the fangirling as a general rule. When I'm reading a book that is part of a favorite series, I find I have higher hopes than I do for other books. So I'm always nervous. But this being the final book in the series caused me to be extra nervous. Of course, once I dove in all nerves ran away with my eyes glued to the page.

The Wicked Lovely community is the one place I hang around online the most, so I'm worried about saying too much. Too many people who haven't read it know what I wanted to happen. Some of it did happen. Other things didn't. There was some disappointment when things didn't go the way I wanted, but I have to admit... the choices Melissa made, the way she took the story made more sense than some of the things I wanted. I am more than pleased with the final book in the series. 

If you've read the four first books in the series, you know what's coming. You knew there would be deaths and sadness. But I actually didn't cry during the book. One part shocked me so much I had to put the book down and walk away for a few minutes. It wasn't one of the sad parts, though. But once it was over... when I finished the epilogue, I cried. I put the book down and cried. Because it was amazing. Because one of my favorite series is over. Because I ate it all up in a few hours instead of savoring it over the course of a few days.

Despite the fact that I've read the book, February 22 is still bittersweet. That's the day this book hits the shelves. And it's not really the end. I still have the third manga, Resolve. I still have the short stories that are set to come out digitally, and then in an anthology spring 2012. 

I can in no way be disappointed. This series ended on a high note. Is there more story? Yeah... there could be. But I have to commend Melissa on ending it where she did. Nothing is worse than seeing a series so drawn out that no end is in sight and the writing/story grows boring and monotonous. I really can't put into words how much I love this series and this book in particular. I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite of series. 

So... if you haven't read this series, you have just enough time to read Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity, and Radiant Shadows before Darkest Mercy hits the shelves.

Thank you, Melissa, for writing this amazing series. It's been such an important part of my life, I can't even say. 

Synopsis:

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.

The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

Darkest Mercy Contest Winner!

Congrats to...

Andy Mendoza!!!

Book Giveaway: Darkest Mercy

Contest Closed! Thanks for entering.

My amazing contact at Harper Collins was able to score me an extra copy of DARKEST MERCY by Melissa Marr! I was surprised to see it in my mailbox. So I am giving it to you... Maybe... Depends on if you're my lucky winner.

To enter, fill out this form. If you leave your entry in a response, and don't fill out the form, you won't be entered.

Must be a follower of my blog.

US/Canada only. Sorry. Rules for ARCs.

Winner announced midnight EST when 2011 rolls in for me!

Short Story Review: Stopping Time

One of my favorite authors is the fabulous Melissa Marr. Her Wicked Lovely series is fantastic, as is her manga trilogy set in the same world. With the release of FRAGILE ETERNITY into paperback, a new short story was printed in the back. It's called "Stopping Time", a sequel to INK EXCHANGE.

If you want to read the series, here is the order:
WICKED LOVELY
INK EXCHANGE
FRAGILE ETERNITY
RADIANT SHADOWS
DARKEST MERCY (out spring 2011)

The manga trilogy fits in around the time of RS/DM.

And "Stopping Time" comes after INK.

(And since I love my selchie, Murrin. Check out "Love Struck" in the anthology, LOVE IS HELL. It's not set in the WL world, but it is faeries... so close enough.)

I was so thrilled to see a new Leslie story. She's one of my favorite characters in the series. As you'd hope, Irial and Niall make an important appearance, and we also get to see Gabe. Leslie was once part of the Dark Court. Now she isn't, but she still considers it "her court", which I love. I'm probably the only one, but I was never a huge Irial or Niall fan. I was so blinded the my love for the Summer King. But after reading this, I decided I do, in fact, love them.

You can find this amazing short story in the back of the paperback, FRAGILE ETERNITY. Or you can download it for free from Amazon, either for Kindle or PC Kindle. You can pay $1.99 to download the entire thing or you can download part one for free and then part two for free.

Synopsis:

Leslie walked away from the Dark Court, determined to reclaim her life and live it on her own terms - even if it meant leaving ebhind the two faeries who love her. She knows Niall and Irial watch over her, and she would give almost anything to keep them from hurting. But she resists the pull to be with either one of them.

Someone knows about leslie's past, however, and is intent on using her to reach the fey. And he doesn't care who gets hurt.

Manga Review: Sanctuary and Challenge

I recently discovered that I loved manga. This happens to be one of my favorite series. It's a part of the WICKED LOVELY series. It's not a re-telling in manga form; it's a completely different story.

SANCTUARY was the first one. The main character is Rika, a former winter girl. She lives in the desert. Why? Because for so long she carried the cold, she never wants to feel cold again. She is friends is Sionnach (Shy) a fox faery, and she has a thing for Jace (a human). The art is amazing and the story is great.


The story gets even better in CHALLENGE. The same characters are in this tale, but we get to see someone else we know from the main series. Jace and Rika's relationship is sweet. Maili is causing more problems than ever. And Shy, as always, is the tricky fox.

Definitly check these out, but don't forget to read the WICKED LOVELY series.!

And here is the full cover art from SANCTUARY. Shy is on the left. Then Keenan, Rika, and finally Jace.

Book Review: Radiant Shadows

OMG! I was very lucky to win an ARC (advanced readers copy) of Radiant Shadows by the absolutely fabulous Melissa Marr. And this book was definitely my favorite. I love Ani. She's one of the most interesting characters in the series. And Devlin. *swoon* He's my new favorite guy. Definitely look for this one on the shelves in mid-April. And in the meantime read WICKED LOVELY, INK EXCHANGE, and FRAGILE ETERNITY.


And don't forget the manga series: SANCTUARY and CHALLENGE (which hits stores early April).