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Book Reviews of Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1)

Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1)
Wicked Lovely - Wicked Lovely, Bk 1
Author: Melissa Marr
ISBN-13: 9780061214677
ISBN-10: 0061214671
Publication Date: 5/1/2008
Pages: 352
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 303

3.9 stars, based on 303 ratings
Publisher: HarperTeen
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

36 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

skywriter319 avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 784 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Aislinn, a fierce and independent girl living in the outskirts of Philadelphia, can see faeries. This is not a good thing. If the faeries find out about her Sight, she and the people she love may be in danger. So Aislinn lives cautiously, fearfully, constantly seeking refuge at her best friend Seth's living quarters, a large steel train car.

But Aislinn's anonymity is about to be threatened. She has been singled out by Keenan, the Summer King of the faeries, as The One, the mortal girl who has the power to bring back the full power of summer and defeat the icy grip of the Winter Queen, Beira, Keenan's mother.

Being the object of Keenan's attention is not a good thing, however. Just ask Donia, the last chosen girl who decided to risk mortality for her love for Keenan. Instead, she failed the test and is trapped as the Winter Girl, plagued by cold and pain constantly, until the next girl comes along and agrees to take the test.

Beira's extra-careful attention to Aislinn seems to be a good indication of her fate, though. Aislinn wants nothing to do with the faeries. She would rather stay mortal and be with Seth, who means more than a friend to her, but she has no choice. She must use her brains and courage to accept her fate, while managing to make it as good as possible for herself.

WICKED LOVELY has its moments, but for a debut novel it's not impressive enough. The concept of being unable to escape your fate is interesting, but I feel that not enough happened in the book. Nevertheless, I would still encourage any urban fantasy lovers to pick this up.
reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I read this hoping it would be a teen version of Moning's 'Fever' series, or something I could recommend to teen readers of 'Twilight'. I was right in my comparisons, but do yourself a favor and spend your time re-reading Moning or Meyers. Wicked Lovely is not mature enough to really appeal to adults, and I thought it was a little too mature for younger/mid teens. On the other hand, my 18-year-old found it, "Alright."
fireandfrost avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Wicked Lovely has an exceptional plot line that unfolds throughout the novel, but if you are a first time faerie reader, the book is not recommended. The plots and characters rely heavily on the rules and games that make the faerie fiction world what it is, and not everyone will be able to relate to that.

The novel itself deserves its spot as a NYT bestseller. I wish it is a little longer, due to its complexity, but the ending is a refreshing twist to happily ever afters. A must read for fantasy lovers!

Overall stars: 4 out of 5
TracyB avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book. I was sorry to finish it. I stayed up half the night because I had to know how it ended. If you like Stephanie Meyer or Holly Black, you will love Melissa Marr.
boxtopmom avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. I really cared about the main charachters, even the Faery King. I thought the story line was good. Scared to read the next one because it might not be as good.
daredevilgirl013 avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 746 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
If you liked Twilight you'll love this book. This book is about choices and what choices one would face if a faerie wanted to have you as his queen, but you wanted nothing to do with him as you were in love with a mortal human, and you yourself are human but turning into a faerie. That may seem complicated to some people in what I just outlined but the story flows so smoothly and the characters are memorable. A very quick paced read as you want to find out what is happening and there is also a tiny hint of a mystery involved in this book. Again a great read for fantasy readers, and if you liked Twilight give this a try.
jilld avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 156 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Grade B

Wicked Lovely is the first book in Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series. Aislinn has always been able to see faeries ever since she can remember. Her Gram taught her that no matter what, she must pretend as if they don't exist. Up until now that really hadn't been a problem for Aislinn to pretend as if they didn't exist, until Keenan the Summer King decides that Aislinn is his Summer Queen and must make it so. Keenan sets out to court Aislinn but to his dismay she doesn't want anything to do with him, no matter that he is the most beautiful man she has ever laid eyes on.

I don't usually read YA novels, but there has been a lot of buzz revolving around Miss Marr's popular series and what the hell, why shouldn't I jump on the faery train too? With that said, I liked the story. It was very captivating, although with Aislinn being so young I felt like her maturity level was difficult for me, personally, to relate too. This is one of the reasons I have hesitated to read YA. But that minor issue of mine aside, I did enjoy the story and wouldn't mind continuing with the series.

Wicked Lovely's pacing was great and the story just flowed beautifully. There is plenty of conflict between Aishlinn trying hard not to attract any attention from the faeries, Keenan not being successful with his courtship of Aishlinn and to Aishlinn and Keenan defeating the Winter Queen. I wish there would have been more description of the faery world and how everything works. Although as the series progresses, I am sure more will be revealed. Also, I thought Aishlinn was a little weak as a heroine, but that also could have been attributed to her age. I mean what teenager isn't riddled with doubts, right? Good story. Good writing. I'm definitely reading more.
niki26 avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I did not like this book. I just couldn't get into the faeries which in is weird since I'll read anything paranormal. There was nothing wrong with the book. The writing was good and at times the story wasn't half bad, but I just didn't like the fairy theme.
JennyCybulski avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
I finished this book last night and really enjoyed it. The characters are all very interesting, and the book is well written. I was impressed that the book offers 4 point of views so you get a true perspective of what is actually going on with all the main characters verses just the view of one main character. It is a fascinating modern day fairy tale telling of the mortal world and the faery world. Altohugh, I loved the book the ending did leave something to desired.
GeniusJen avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Karin Perry for TeensReadToo.com

Aislinn has always followed the rules. Her Grandmother has drilled them into her since she was a young child. Don't stare at invisible faeries. Don't speak to invisible faeries. Don't ever attract the faeries' attention. Aislinn has developed the skill to ignore them. She walks past them without flinching, even when the faeries are pinching or touching others around her like they love to do.

Faeries come in many shapes and sizes and Aislinn has seen them all. She's seen them in the glamours they wear in order to pass as humans and can pick one out of a crowd even when they are trying to blend in. Aislinn has never been surprised by what she has seen them do - that is, until they start breaking the rules.

Faeries don't like steel. It causes them pain and weakens them. Because of that, Aislinn's "safe" place has always been Seth's house. Seth is a long-time friend who happens to live in a converted steel train car. Aislinn always knew that if she could make it there she'd have peace, because the faeries could never follow her into the train yard. But, something has changed. They are creeping closer and closer and paying more attention to her. They are even gathering outside Seth's place.

Aislinn really begins to worry when two faeries, Keenan and Donia, approach her and speak directly to her. She gets away from them as quickly as possible, now hyper-aware of the growing number of faeries surrounding and following her. She hears them say things like, "Do you think she's the one?" Aislinn realizes that in order to figure out what they want from her she is going to have to break the rules she's grown up with all of her life.

Keenan is the Summer King. His mother, the Winter Queen, has limited his powers and is slowly taking over the elements. Days are colder and eventually everything will be covered in ice, unless Keenan finds the girl who is meant to be his Summer Queen. Together they would have the power to overcome the Winter Queen's chill. Keenan thinks Aislinn is the one and she is in danger because of it. The Winter Queen will do everything she can to prevent her son from getting the power he needs to overthrow her. Another problem, of course, is that Aislinn doesn't want to be Summer Queen. She has avoided faeries all of her life and she sure doesn't want to become one now. Especially when her feelings for Seth have developed into more than friendship - and becoming the Summer Queen would mean spending an eternity with Keenan.

Melissa Marr has written a wonderfully inventive story that incorporates actual quotes from books written on the subject of faeries dating back to the 1800's. Her ability to keep a complicated story with several important characters clear to the reader is phenomenal. The relationship she creates between Aislinn and Seth is heartwarming, leading the reader to fall in love right along with them. If you aren't usually a fan of faerie stories, you might want to give this one a try. The blending of the realistic world and the world of the fey is masterfully done. You'll almost believe faeries are all around you.
kathyk519 avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 111 more book reviews
This was a quick, but great read. I found myself routing for all the characters in this book. It grabs you right from the first page!
jai avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 310 more book reviews
I'd recommend this for fans of Holly Black, but I think I like Holly Black better. It has that same type of young adult in modern times with faeries feel (along with my thoughts of how are the parents letting these kids roam about so much?). There are mild allusions to sex but it will likely go over the heads of the innocent. The story had a fairy tale in modern times vibe, reminding me of stories about the struggles between two deities or royal beings over who rules the season - Summer and Winter. And the writing has a lyrical, lovely fairytale lilt which just goes with the story beautifully. There was some greying of characters - especially that of Keenen - he's not seen as the bad guy, even though he's been callous in the past, but I thought that Seth was a bit perfect, and the Winter Queen was a bit heavy handed. I also thought that every main character in this book was described as being gorgeous, so I was imagining these perfect looking beings (including Seth and Aislinn) in a semi-dramatic fantasy, doing stuff like: yearning for things that they couldn't express and being caught in a tragic game for eternity... I wish I saw less romantic characters, but I'm not sure if I'm just being old and crabby here in thinking that. Another thing - I also didn't understand why there needed to be a Summer Queen when there was no Winter King? I'm still a bit confused about that. Anyway,the ending was satisfying. A fine way to pass the time, and I'm sure it's a keeper for many, but not a keeper for me. I'm interested enough to read the next book Ink Exchange, which deals with the Dark court (I think?), but it's going to come from the library.
love2lovebooks avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 74 more book reviews
This book was a pleasure from the very start, and an unexpected one for me. I'm hard pressed to read this genre unless it's Gaimen, and I've never read Young Adult Fiction before. I absolutely loved it. I fell in love with almost every character. I hated the antagonist with every fiber of my being, as did the rest of the 'cast'. all 328 pages are gripping. I had a lot of trouble putting it down.

Marr has the ability to describe beautiful and terrifying scenes without boring at all. Giving you just enough information to get the picture, truly locked in your mind and then move on to the action.

You expect to hate characters you love, and secondary characters are well rounded and easy to 'get to know'.

The only (and I mean only) flaw I found in this book was that the author fails to truly explain some stuff. But the story wasn't hurt too much for me by this, and it made up for it ten fold.

Excellent read, I recommend it for urban fantasy/paranormal/true romance lovers of all ages.
cmoh avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 42 more book reviews
This is my first ever Fairy bookand it may be my last!

Marr is super repetitive. Im not sure if it is because the story is really small or because she was writing down (which I dont think teens need these days). I expect some reminding of important points but from page 1 all the way to the end the main character has the same thoughts making her actions in the end seem very out of character.

The love story is nice, but by no means is it a Twilight. About halfway through the book two separate and very different love lines become evident and this is what I held onto to get me through the book. Would they end up with who they should be with or would all the Fairy mumbo jumbo get in the way?

Each chapter starts off with a quote from books written on Faeries. I found this very annoying; while they were short they interrupted the story. If you were reading a chapter at a time they probably would be fine. The language these quotes are written in is much different from our modern verbiage and I believe that is what caused the slow down in reading. Eventually I started skipping them since they also did not seem to relate to what was currently going on.

As I stated at the beginning I am not sure I will be continuing with this series, I guess time will tell. There are so many great YA books out there these days with a message about choices and with great romance lines that it seems a shame to waist time reading one that is not up to par.
MeganLog avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 47 more book reviews
I liked this much better than Marr's second novel. Interesting ending, loved Seth.
solarawynn avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 724 more book reviews
Wasn't sure I would like this book,beacause it's a teen book. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, wasn't too whiny. I am ready to read the next one.
alterlisa avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 335 more book reviews
Just read this and absolutely fell in love with the fairy world. Even though I read it online and my butt went to sleep several times, I still managed to read this in two days. I like that the outcome is not obvious and there are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. A must read for lovers of paranormal romance. You can read it free at this link. The author has offered it as a free read so don't pass up the chance to get acquainted with a fabulous new(to me) writer.

http://browseinside.harperteen.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061214653&pg=147
barbsis avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 1076 more book reviews
I'm reading this because it got such great reviews on GRs. But I must say that I'm not impressed. Aislinn is finally falling in love with Seth when Keenan, the Faerie Summer King, finds her and convinced that she is his queen, he stalks her unmercifully. She's clearly not interested in him (or any of the Fey for that matter) yet she is drawn to him against her will. I think faerie enchantment is just another form of rape. No worse, because you "think" you actually want it. How can you know if your feelings are real if it starts this way?

I didn't like Keenan right from the beginning. He tried to hard to be human; his language was stilted and old fashioned; he was too forceful and instantly enamored. I just wasn't believable and I just didn't buy it. That said, I did enjoy the ending but won't be continuing the series.
aeshah avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Couldn't put it down...probably one of the best books I have read all year !!
cannotstopreading avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on
The best book I have read in a long time! Can't wait for the next one to come out!
acreech12 avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
First of all, I am a huge Melissa Marr fan. She is the author of a totally different world where faeries live on the edge of humanity. She has smoothly created a world that any reader would love to fall into and hide away in for a few weeks.

The book (and series itself) is so perfectly written it's hard to find flaws in. I will admit I disliked Keenan with a passion I've never felt for any character in my life. But that's truly what makes this series lovely: it's the fact that the characters are so wonderfully written it makes the reader love, hate, admire, and envy the people in the book all at the same time. By the end of the series, I nearly cried. I didn't want it to be over.

Aislinn begins as a shy and timid mortal, but eventually becomes a strong, caring leader of her subjects. Seth only helps to make her stronger, even though he does something that she preferred him not to. He makes for a wonderful, calm character when she needs him. His point of view in the other books was really interesting.

Overall, this book is a great read and something most readers of fiction would enjoy falling into, if not for the faerie story but also for the unique love stories in the series and the multitude of love triangles.
brokenchell avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Wicked Lovely is one of my favorite series. I love the world of Faery, and Melissa Marr has a wonderful way of introducing you to their world. I recommend this series to all who love the fae and even those who don't, you will all fall in love.
reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 67 more book reviews
This book was very engaging, and I found myself drawn in quite easily. Good characterization, nice flow for most of the story, and when one mystery is solved one or two more come in to add to the intrigue. Well-written...until the final chapters and epilogue. The climatic battle was over way too quickly, and after spending the whole book setting up the villain she was defeated almost immediately. The events after that were also a little rushed, which made it a tiny bit difficult to get involved with the new directions their lives are going.

BUT, I still enjoyed this book a great deal, even with that hiccup at the end. And I still recommend it.
2manyb00ks avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 203 more book reviews
There were such mixed reviews on this book. I debated reading it... wondering if I would enjoy it. I have read Blue Bloods and Twilight and a few other popular vampire series and enjoyed them. However, this series is something totally new and different (although many reviewers compared it to Twilight... this book is NOT about vampires.) This is the first faery novel I have read and I loved it! Melissa Marr did a wonderful job of drawing you in and explaining what was going on. Already 3 chapters into the 2nd book (Ink Exchange) and enjoying it so far. So, don't be scared to give it a try! Glad I did!
reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Loves it!!!
pommesdeterre8 avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on
I am attracted by the cover of books..can't help it. Apparently this is part of a series, only read the one. And ok book, definietly for teens.
reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 77 more book reviews
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Review: The summery of this book sounded very interest. This combined with an amazing cover led me to hope for a good book. Unfortunently the book didn't live up to my expectations. The story it self was good - a girl who has been able to see the fey her whole life suddenly finds them paying specific attention to her. She finds herself caught up in a power struggle between the Summer King and the Winter Queen - a struggle that threatens to turn her whole like upside down. That was actually well told.

I loved the fey in the book as well - they were very true to traditional Celtic folktales.

My problem with the book were the characters. The main character was flat, dull and didn't really do anything besides fret about what was going on. Her human boyfriend was a true Prince Charming - absolutely "perfect", and as a result, dull as watching paint dry. The main characters "friends" were carbon copies of each other and apparently straight out of a high school boys wet dream - slutty Catholic School girls who wear their skirts high and their shirts unbuttoned and spend the entire book talking about the cute boys and deciding which one to sleep with next. The Winter Queen was a stereotypical one dimensional bad guy. The Summer King was alright, but he was a bit too passive, just letting things come to him, instead of proactively trying to do something about it (arranging for his evil mother's death perhaps?). The only character that was really interesting was the Winter Girl. She had a bit of depth to her. Unfortunately not enough to keep me reading.
reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
I loved this book! It was better than I hadanticipated and has a great plot line! I can't wait to read the next book in the wicked lovely series!
esmestohelit avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 109 more book reviews
This was an enjoyable book. There are a lot of similarities between this book and Twilight in the beginning. That alone almost made me stop reading it, but I'm glad I didn't. About half way through it starts becoming more unique. Most of the characters are very well defined and can be related to. A few are very one dimensional and it would be nice to see then developed more in the sequels. The story flows very smoothly and keeps you interested until the very end. The ending of the book wraps up nicely. It left me interested to know what happens next, but not dying to know.
reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
The book is okay. It took me a while to really get into it, but when I did I thought it was interesting.
peacablez avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
This is such a good book and an easy read. I would recommend this to anyone who read Twilight Saga
nyteacher avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 152 more book reviews
Keenan has been searching for his queen for centuries. When he meets Aislinn he knows she's the one he's been dreaming about. The only problem is Aislinn has been taught to hate fairies and wants nothing to do with him. Besides, her heart belongs to Seth.

I loved the concept of this book and couldn't put it down by the end. So, that was enough to give it four stars. However, it took a long time to get to the point and I found that the beginning dragged. There were also parts that weren't fully explained. It's unclear how Seth and Aislinn came to be so close. I would've also liked to see a flashback to when Keenan was born and the inception of his curse.
reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
I liked this book. The plot and pacing were pretty good. The characters were maybe a little on the flat side so I'm hoping that's a little better in the next one. If you like Holly Black's faery tales, then you'll probably enjoy this one as well.
dragoneyes avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 844 more book reviews
I thought I'd like this book but I didn't know I was going to love it! I like reading young adult books and for most part I enjoy them. I tend not to love them because of the characters. The author tries to hard to think like a teen and it usually doesn't come off as believable. Also the love interests seem too far fetched. In this book though I enjoyed all the characters and the love interests were totally believable for me.
It's about a girl named Aislinn who can see faeries. So can her grandmother who always told her to pretend she can't see them. To see faeries was always a curse for Aislinn. They were terrible creatures who pinched, tripped and did other mean things to humans without their full knowing. But there is one faerie who takes an interest in her and decides he has to have her and make her into a faerie herself. But Aislinn has eyes for someone else and is not about to be tempted by his good looks and charm.
With all this going on, you throw in an evil winter queen, deception and a game in which one can lose all, you have a exciting adventure that moves at a wonderful pace. I highly recommend this book.
nicolekay1989 avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on
I really enjoyed the book but it was a little to simmular to other books i have read on the same subject.
abbykt avatar reviewed Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, Bk 1) on + 113 more book reviews
I found this book to be slow and dull. I was not convinced that Seth would believe Aislinn's story about fairies that quickly. It all seemed far fetched and I just didn't really care. I don't like books about fairies. I did not find the story well developed at all.