Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Yet again, I have enjoyed a book I refused to read when recommended by a student last year.  The same student, in fact, who recommended two years ago that I read Twilight (and I refused to read that too, and now it’s one of my favorites). I will remind myself from now on that I should take my students’ advice. The latest book that has proven my stubbornness to be ridiculous is Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr. I had no intentions of reading this book for the simple fact that it’s about faeries. I’m not big on faeries. This one, however, was pretty good. As usual, the faeries in this novel are wreaking havoc on humans who can’t see then, poking them, pulling their hair, bumping into them. The twist, however, unfolds as an ancient battle for power hinges upon the choice of a mortal–Aislinn, a teenager who can see faeries. In order to save the Summer King and indirectly, the world, she must join with Keenan to oust the evil Winter Queen and let summer rule again. The problem is, of course, that Aislinn wants nothing to do with the faeries and is happy with Seth, her true love.  Unfortunately, Aislinn is bound by limited choices, none of them pleasant. But this strong, independent girl will not be manipulated. Aislinn must determine her own future.  I wouldn’t say this is the greatest book I’ve ever read (but maybe that’s just because I’m not into faeries), but the characters are cool, I enjoyed the struggle, along with Aislinn’s fierceness and determination. It’s a quick read, full of tough decisions and action, which balances out the romance. And I especially love that Aislinn doesn’t automatically swoon over the faerie king, regardless of his magical manipulations. I would recommend this novel for anyone fourteen and up, and I enjoyed it enough that I plan to read the companion novel, Ink Exchange, along with the sequel, Fragile Eternity, which hits the shelves in April.