The quotes about fairy life, which the author included at the beginning of each chapter, worked especially well in this novel; their inclusion may even lead me to investigate to W.B. Yeats' "Celtic Twilight" further. And Alyssa Bresnahan does a phenomenal job of the audio version. I was pleasantly surprised with this urban-fairy-fantasy. ( )

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires. ( )

Wicked Lovely is wicked awesome (couldn’t resist). Melissa Marr must eat and breathe faerie lore because every detail in the story shines with legit information and realism. She paints a gritty, frightening world where these freaky monsters will kill you if they so please. The reader truly feels Aislinn’s plight as the story advances and she rises in the mythical world she grew up hating. You grow to love sweet Seth, her human best friend, soulmate, and confidant throughout her faerie trials. The passion between the two is thrilling, and the pacing of the relationship is spot-on. And he’s NOT a stalker! The story moves at an average to relaxed speed but the reader doesn’t get bored that often. What I love about this book, besides Ash and Seth’s devoted and healthy relationship, is that it is an excellent faerie primer without reading like a textbook. The reader gets the atmosphere of the eerie supernatural world effortlessly. Wicked Lovely is another book that shifts POVs from chapter to chapter, from Ash to Keenan to Donia. The emphasis is definitely on the main character, Aislinn, but the forays into the other characters’ minds does help the reader understand the justifications behind behaviors. It actually decreases confusion in this case, but you’ve really got to pay attention because the author doesn’t label the narrator. The story is easy, rich, and strong from start to finish. The world invites you in and is really fun to explore. And the ending is very clear, with a good-sized surprise. It’s quite yummy.

Having started this book in late 2009 I had lost interest half way through. I finally got around to finishing it and I had to admit the ending was very unoriginal.
The plot of the story had potential but even with Melissa Marr's talent for writing the characters seemed to lack originality. However Aislinn's ability to stand up for herself was a nice change to the [self absorbed, lack of independence or no self respect] females we see in YA books today.
I would have given this 2 stars but Marr's use of semi-mature content was a refreshing change from all the YA novels where the real teenage scene of today is vastly overlooked.
Still debating on whether I want to continue the series. ( )

Wicked Lovely was, without a doubt, one of the most unique YA books I have read. First of all, there's the universe. I was a bit nervous about the idea of faeries and was pleasantly surprised. Marr does not gloss over any of the horrors commited by faeries in traditional texts, and even encourages them by beginning each chapter with a quote about faery exploits. It was all appropriately horrific and enchanting.

Then there is the romance. Marr breaks the soul-mate stereotype I usually read in YA, and instead allows the people you love to be the ones you choose. Just because someone is destined to be the love of your life does not mean they are going to be!

Something else I appreciated was the realism of the (non-explicit) sex scenes. It is reassuring to read about a character - with an interesting sexual history - getting tested for STDs and waiting 6 months to ensure their accuracy. Perhaps that doesn't sound romantic, but it was an absolutely heart-stealing scene.

Bottom line? Excellent read for young adults and adults alike - and a must it you are a fantasy fan!

http://deadbookdarling.blogspot.com/2... ( )