Review: Wings by Elizabeth Richards

Book Description:

Hardcover, 400 pages
Expected publication: June 12th 2014 by Putnam Juvenile

Following the cliffhanger ending of Phoenix, Natalie finds herself separated from Ash and unexpectedly reunited with her parents, including the father she thought was dead. But she can only think of Ash. She hasn't heard a word of him since she and Elijah were brought to the underground headquarters of the Sentry Rebellion. But she vows to find him.

Ash, meanwhile is back in Black City; it's the perfect place to hide from the Sentry government. But not for long. He won't give up on Natalie or bringing an end to the terrible reign of Purian Rose.

A pulse-racing end to an exciting series.

Reviewer's Copy: ARC

Source: Elizabeth Richards (Thank you!!)

My Thoughts:

Warning: Do not read this review if you have not read Black City.

Elizabeth Richards did it again. Black City and Phoenix captivated me and led me deeper into my obsession with Ash, Natalie and their unique story world. Wings took my hands and did not let me go, opened my eyes to the truth and made me fall in love all over again.

The world as they knew it was on the brink of war. Everything was either in chaos or coated in fear. There was a stronghold of rebels nestled within Gallium, the non-human races were looking for avenues where there voice could be heard and Workboots were persistently being hunted down and even more determined to start a revolution that would end their suffering. Wings had cinematic action, a dash of gore and raw violence, and slow-motion-effects and racing narration. The other half of the story was also unraveled, the side of the antagonist, - plans, plots and principles.

Richards presented a better, complex version of her characters in Wings. Ash and Natalie went through all the trials, obstacles and issues in the first two books. After all the loss, pain, hurt, betrayal, sadness, numbness and exhaustion, they have been driven to a state of peace, the calm before the storm, before eventually being thrust into the now-or-never-situation: trying to stop the dictator, Purian Rose. From. Wing separated to finally being united, and tried once again. The swell of emotions and the blast of ideas came not only from the main characters but from the entire cast. A this point, every character had a voice and a constant presence in my head. I knew them well enough that I have come to expect their reactions in every scene. Aside from this, I have completely explored the worlds of all races at this point: Sentry, Workboots, Darklings, Lupines and Bastets.

The narration also varied this time around and came from three points of views: Ash, Natalie and Edmund. Exploring Ash and Natalie's past, worlds and thoughts gave me a balanced look on the story. As a Sentry, Natalie was privy to governmental and elitist information. Meanwhile Ash was one of the outcasts and hunted Darklings. He was in the lowest rung of society. Edmund's narrative were carved out from the past - flashbacks sandwiched between chapters. It was interesting to get a look at the history of their world and the events that lead to the present.

Ash and Natalie's relationship deepened even further, but instead of the usual Twinblood-Sentry-race-traitor-situation, their relationship molded into a more mature version, in the sense that they were both future-focused, revolution-considering and pondering over every decision thoroughly. The romance took a bit of a backseat as they focused on the rebellion but that did not mean there were no sparks. There were constant fireworks, as their connection remained intact. Going through hardships together strengthened their bond and I just love seeing it manifest throughout the story.

The latter part of the novel was intense and quite cinematic. Richards managed to pull off the slow-motion-scene, that I was mentioning above, just before zooming fast back in track. I only had a few pages left to read and yet I was treated to surprises, both good and bad. The ending was particularly striking for me, as it marked the completion of one of the major issues and endeavors that started in Black City.

Wings is the epic ending to my favorite dystopian romance series. Pulse-racing, shockingly jaw dropping, edge-of-your-seat-read, and heart achingly romantic, Wings will satisfy readers who are hungry for revolution/dark reads and romance. I highly recommend this to post-apocalyptic and dystopian enthusiasts.

Rating:

5 Cupids = Eternal book love.
I will never ever, ever forget this book. I highly recommend this!