Spells is an anomoly in books, movies -- heck, almost anything. It is a sequel that is actually better than its story of origin.
In this follow up to series starter Wings, Aprilynne Pike sends newly blossomed faerie Laurel away from her home, her parents and her friends in the our world to study magic in Faerie. As an Autumn faerie, Laurel is a mixer -- one of the rare, talented faeries who can combine elements to create magic through potions, tonics and enchanted elixers. With the trolls continuing to threaten both her human and faerie families, Laurel understands that learning this magic is critical to everyone's safety.
This change of venue allows readers to explore Avalon, the faerie realm from which heroine Laurel was sent years ago to live among humans. This is good for two reasons: first, it lets Pike flex her ample imagination with some serious world-building. From the flashy spun-sugar bubbles and bejewelled marketplace of the Summer fae to the simple gourd homes of the spring folk, this faerie world is gorgeous and beautifully described. It's one of the best things about the book. Pike also develops atmosphere through Tamani's anecdotes and lessons, using faerie vernacular and explaining customs to help readers learn about Avalon along with Laurel.
Second, it allows Laurel -- and readers -- a chance to learn more about Tamani. Tamani, Laurel's childhood friend (and eluded childhood love) is a breath of fresh air in the series. He provides a good perspective of the inner workings of faerie society. In addition, he has undeniable chemistry with Laurel and sets up a believable and properly conflicted love triangle -- almost a prerequisite for YA novels of this genre.
Still waiting at home in the human world is sweet, studious David. David is the perfect man-of-science foil for Tamani's man-of-magic. It's a further example of Laurel straddling both worlds, trying to live in both without committing fully to either.
If you liked Wings, Spells is not to be missed. I'll look forward to continuing Laurel's story in Enchantments.
In this follow up to series starter Wings, Aprilynne Pike sends newly blossomed faerie Laurel away from her home, her parents and her friends in the our world to study magic in Faerie. As an Autumn faerie, Laurel is a mixer -- one of the rare, talented faeries who can combine elements to create magic through potions, tonics and enchanted elixers. With the trolls continuing to threaten both her human and faerie families, Laurel understands that learning this magic is critical to everyone's safety.
This change of venue allows readers to explore Avalon, the faerie realm from which heroine Laurel was sent years ago to live among humans. This is good for two reasons: first, it lets Pike flex her ample imagination with some serious world-building. From the flashy spun-sugar bubbles and bejewelled marketplace of the Summer fae to the simple gourd homes of the spring folk, this faerie world is gorgeous and beautifully described. It's one of the best things about the book. Pike also develops atmosphere through Tamani's anecdotes and lessons, using faerie vernacular and explaining customs to help readers learn about Avalon along with Laurel.
Second, it allows Laurel -- and readers -- a chance to learn more about Tamani. Tamani, Laurel's childhood friend (and eluded childhood love) is a breath of fresh air in the series. He provides a good perspective of the inner workings of faerie society. In addition, he has undeniable chemistry with Laurel and sets up a believable and properly conflicted love triangle -- almost a prerequisite for YA novels of this genre.
Still waiting at home in the human world is sweet, studious David. David is the perfect man-of-science foil for Tamani's man-of-magic. It's a further example of Laurel straddling both worlds, trying to live in both without committing fully to either.
If you liked Wings, Spells is not to be missed. I'll look forward to continuing Laurel's story in Enchantments.
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