blo Teens Read and Write: Violet Wings

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Violet Wings

Violet Wings
by Victoria Hanley
pub: Aug 2009

368 pages

What happens when a fairy corsses the fobidden divide into Earth? In Feyland, all fairies are born with unique magical abilities. Zaria spent her childhood yearning to be like other fairies, but at twelve, she became on of the most powerful fairies ever.

Sneaking through a secret doorway to the human world, Zaria is Earth-struck: she wants to understand and experience everything about humans. But when she is seen, her exposure puts all of Feyland at risk.


With only her own judgment to guide her, Zaria must try to fix the mess she's made on Earth. Will she use her new power wisely and make the right choices?


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!

Violet Wings is one of the many great books available in our MegaBook Giveaway!


45 comments:

Ellz said...

Great review. This one was on my wish list, I love the title and the cover. Glad it is one to wiat for and I had no idea there was going to be a sequel. BONUS!

Orchid said...

Nice review! I'm glad Violet Wings was an enjoyable read. Hope my library has a copy. :)

Julie@My5monkeys said...

great review--very interested in this book.

j said...

First review I have read on this book! You make it sounds interesting. I'll have to add it to the wishlist. :)

Mariana S said...

Looks interesting ^^

Dana N. said...

I love the cover! It seems like a great book. It's added to my to-read list. :P

Kurumi said...

Another one with a gorgeous cover! Can't wait to read this. :)

aprilnichole said...

I really like the cover. I may have to check out the book. I've been trying fearie stories lately so an add to the list.

Unknown said...

Nice review! I have never heard of this book before, but it sounds interesting.

Liz @ Cleverly Inked said...

I have heard of this I think yours is the first review I have read. Sounds great

Rheanna said...

I really enjoyed your review and althoug I'm not a young teen I'm really excited to check out Violet Wings. Thx u guys are the best!

Tynga said...

Sounds good, I might give it a try. I don't know if I will like it since you said it's for "younger teens" and I'm actually 24 lol

Shy said...

I've never heard of this book before but it does sounds fascinating. Great plot, great characters and I do love the purple-y cover!

Monster of Books said...

Oooh this looks so good!! I so want to read this :) :) :)

EVA SB said...

I'm not too keen on stories about fairies but this one sounds promising

mariska said...

i can give this book a try !
sounds good.

bookaholic said...

Faeries are my most favorite PNR creatures! The cover is kinda bad...but I like the color combination! The story however sounds very promising...

Hesperus (Haya) said...

Oh This sounds interesting! I'm in a faery mood and I hope this one is good. =)

Trollololol said...

I haven't read a faerie book for a while; this one sounds fun. :)

Sandra Stiles said...

Looks very interesting and I have a group of students to recommend it to.

Tina said...

Hummm, sounds interesting! Great review :)

Tina said...

Hummm, sounds interesting! Great review :)

Anonymous said...

Well, I don't know if this is a book I would like; I've been reading a lot of "faerie" books recently and haven't found one that I have absolutely loved. The only way I can found out my feelings about this book is to read it then!

Raspberry said...

I really enjoyed this book - a bit young for me, but well written and a fun read.

Blodeuedd said...

I like the idea about every chapter staring with a chapter from their history book, sounds cool

YA Book Queen said...

This one sounds pretty cute! I'll have to keep an eye out at my library :)

Maria said...

Thanks for the great review! I have to add this book to my wishlist :)

elaing8 said...

great review.This has been on my list for a while now.I've actually forgot about it until reading your review.

Tales of Whimsy said...

Great review! I've yet to try this one. Have a wonderful weekend :)

PS I'm reading Dark Divine right now and having the hardest time putting it down! ;)

Jen said...

I've never even heard of this book before now. I'm glad I read this review because it is now on my TBR pile for my Spring Break!

A Life Bound By Books said...

Great review. I'll have to check out this book some time.

Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Great review! I'll check it out solely because I love the cover!

Zombie Girrrl said...

I've been curious about this book for some time now, so thanks for reviewing this!

Nikki (Wicked Awesome Books) said...

Thanks for the review Alyssa! I'm not all that into faeries, so I'll most likely be passing this one up, but I liked your review.

twipippi said...

Haven't heard of it before but it sounds interesting.

Sapphire said...

This sounds great, haven't read good thing about faeries, so I think I'll be checking this out

babygirlG said...

I've read this book. Though it was rather intriguing but ultimately it was meh only for me.

Kristen said...

Really enjoyed this one! It was one of the first ARCs I had ever gotten so it has a special place in my heart.

Angela @ Reading Angels said...

I've been looking for another good fey book to read. Adding this one to the WL.

Mary not so Contrary said...

The cover to this book is really pretty. I like the idea that she puts notes at the top of each chapter to help understand Feyland. Thanks for the great review!

Sherry said...

Sounds good. I'm not really a fairy person but ever since The Iron King I am willing to try anything fairy related hoping it can hold me over until The Iron Daughter is released. I'll have to add this to my tbr list! Thank for the great review! :)

L said...

I don't think i was ever really interested in this book and I don't even remember reading a review of it, but it actually sounds like something I might like.

Marlene Detierro said...

This is a page-turner, a blazing combo of imagination, fun and nail-biting. Zaria's is a unique world filled with complicated characters each struggling with their "place," and none more so than Zaria.

Marlene
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Unknown said...

Thank you, Victoria, for the pleasure of exploring Feyland and meeting its memorable characters through the vastness of your imagination.

I look forward to your future creations.

Zia
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