5 Stars: Incredible
Series: Wicked Lovely #1
Hardback: 328 Pages
Publication: June 12, 2007 by Harper Teen
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 21st century faery tale.
I ordered this book from Harper Teen sometime last Fall after it was recommended to me. Shortly after, I ordered the rest of the series through Radiant Shadows and pre-ordered Darkest Mercy. Wicked Lovely is the first faery book that I read, and it is one of the best paranormal books that I have read. Considering how many paranormal books I read and love, it is no small feat. Melissa Marr is one brilliant writer!
Wicked Lovely is darker and more psychological than action-packed, compared to other paranormal books on the market. The title captures the essence of the fey in that they are beautiful yet dark. They will seduce and deceive to get what they want. Immortal, few regard mortals as more than playthings. It is no wonder then that Aislinn, who grew up with the ability to see them, wants nothing to do with them. Aislinn is one of my favorite YA heroines. She possesses strength of mind and character, yet she is also vulnerable and lost. She’s grown up learning that if she follows the rules, the fey will leave her along. However, everything is changing now that Keenan has showed up.
Usually, I don’t like books with two points of view. Melissa Marr uses the three perspectives to keep the plot moving and developing, and it is easy to follow along. In fact, if the story were told only through Aislinn’s perspective, I would have hated Keenan and doubted Donia.
Through their narrations, I was able to better understand and appreciate their characters. Keenan is so honest and frustrated that I couldn’t help supporting him. On the other hand, Donia is still struggling to cope with her divided feelings towards Keenan after failing to prove that she can be what he needs. She is a strong girl like Aislinn and also possesses the qualities one would expect in a monarch.
Dark forces. A throne… lives… at stake. A mortal girl fighting against dangerous odds.
If you like paranormal books with intrigue and manipulative forces. If you’re looking for a dark kind of read. If you want to read something a little different… and you haven’t reading this book yet… you should definitely give Wicked Lovely a try. This is my fourth or fifth time rereading this book in just over a year, and I’m still very much in love with this book!
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Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Giselle says
I really enjoyed this one as well I loved the lore and the characters. Book 2 though was really disappointing I couldn't even finish it. Hopefully you'll enjoy it more 🙂
Giselle
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Natalie Aguirre says
I really enjoyed this series. I read most of it as audio books. I agree that Melissa Marr did a great job with the alternating POV. Love watching them all grow through the series. Thanks for the review.