Review: Wings by Elizabeth Richards

Wings by Elizabeth Richards

Book Three of the Black City series

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Publication Date: June 12, 2014

Rating: 4 stars

Source: ARC sent by a reviewer

Summary (from Goodreads):

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.

What I Liked:

WOAH. I did NOT see this book coming at all. When I say "this book", I mean all of the crazy plot twists and turns that Richards threw in this book. I would NEVER have predicted what she created in this final novel of the series. Everything depended on this book, and right up until the end, Richards kept surprising me. Woah woah woah.

At the end of book two, Ash and Natalie are split apart. Natalie is taken by Garrick, Elijah following behind them. Ash, Ace, and Marcel continue the journey to find the Ora, to stop Purian Rose. Meanwhile, it turns out that Garrick is working for her father - yep, he is actually alive, and not dead, like Natalie was led to believe. Natalie is reunited with her mother as well, but both of her parents refuse to let her go find Ash. But Natalie and Elijah won't sit idly while Ash is who knows where. And Ash won't stop until he finds Lucinda and Yolanda, and the Ora.

I don't even know where to begin. I almost hate reviewing conclusion novels, because so much rides on this final novel. So much matters, and if I say one "wrong" thing, I might ruin the book (and potentially the entire series!) for someone. This book was full of surprises, so I'll tread carefully. For one, Richards introduces a new perspective. Originally, she alternated the storytelling between Ash and Natalie's first-person points-of-view. But from chapter one, readers meet Edmund, from thirty years ago.

This perspective is vital to understanding the rest of the novel. At first, I was like ehhh, thirty years ago, I won't put much stock into what has happened in the past. But as I kept reading, especially the parts in the present, things started to make sense. AT FIRST, it won't make sense. Edmund's perspective seems like a sad story that takes up space and pages. But knowing his past, his actions, his struggles, is very important. It puts things into perspective, when you consider certain characters. I'm trying to be vague!

So the addition of a new perspective was great! Edmund's perspective was of the past, so the parts that he told never intersected directly with the present, told by Ash and Natalie. Not directly, anyway. As always, I really liked following Ash's perspective, more so than Natalie's. But in this conclusion novel, I think I finally liked Natalie. In books one and two, I struggled a little with her character, but I think I like her. She matured since book one, so I'm happy with the character development.

At first, the two (Natalie and Ash) are separated, so it seems like things drag a bit. But even with the two of them separated, I couldn't stop reading. I had to know where Ash was going. I had to know how Natalie would leave her parents and go find Ash. I had to know what the Ora really was.

You'll never believe how Richards twists the story over and over, especially when it comes to the Ora. I so did not see that coming - and you all know that I'm a pretty astute reader. I pick up on foreshadowing really well, and see predictable plot twists from ways off. But Richards did an AMAZING job of throwing certain curveballs into this book. But I also like how things come full circle. Little details from books one and two come back in book three, which is really cool. The only thing I saw coming was something to do with the necessity of the twin-blood at the climax of the book - totally called that one. But no biggie! I'm so glad that the certain thing was spun in that direction. Vagueness, I know.

That being said, the plot was excellently written and crafted. I was never bored, throughout the entire book. I was thoroughly entertained! I mean, there was a lot of death and violence and hurt. Soooo much death. I thought by the end, EVERYONE would die! Richards has no fear when it comes to axing her characters. But it definitely added authenticity to the world that Richards has created. Death is a constant at Black City. 

The romance is superb, throughout this series. Book two was a bit weird, in terms of the romance, because of Natalie's stupid trust issues, and Ash's sadness over what he perceived was Elijah and Natalie's relationship. But this book showed a strong romance, a strong connection between Ash and Natalie. Insta-love is not what happened in this series, despite what one might think, judging from book one. It's very obvious at the end of the book. Very obvious indeed.

I like how things weren't cookie-cutter perfect, at the end. Ash is damaged throughout the series. Natalie is damaged throughout the series. Both are physically, mentally, emotionally scarred. All of the characters bear battle scars, and all of them suffer somehow. I like how imperfectly perfect the ending is. You all know how I hate it when series end too perfectly - well, this one ended perfectly imperfectly!

What I Did Not Like:

There really wasn't anything that stuck out to me, that I didn't like! I'm giving this one four stars based on how I feel, versus how many things I did not like. It was a great novel!

Would I Recommend It:

DEFINITELY! I would recommend this novel, if you've read books one and two, or even just book one. This is a series that you should keep reading! There really is no slump in the series, and the conclusion isn't terrible or bittersweet or cruel. This is definitely one of the most consistently "good" series I've read - meaning, all three books of the series were excellent. 

And if you haven't started this series, I would consider doing so, if I were you! I remember when the book one first came out, people were turned off by the vampire aspect - trust me, in this book, it's nothing like what the world has commercialized vampires to be. Don't let the "vampire" thing stop you from trying this series! Believe me, I was so sick of vampires after reading like, three series involving them. I would never lead you all astray, especially when it comes to vampires. I promise!

Rating:

4 stars. I'm so impressed! This was such a great book, such a fantastic end to a wonderful series. It won't leave you heartbroken or raging or confused! I'll definitely be following Richards for more novels - she has me hooked!

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Review: Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

Book Two of the Black City series

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Publication Date: June 4, 2013

Rating: 4 stars

Source: Goodreads giveaway

Summary (from Goodreads):

Ash and Natalie are just starting to build a life together when things in the United Sentry States go from bad to worse. Ash and Natalie find themselves at the center of turmoil when dictator Purian Rose threatens Natalie’s life unless Ash votes in favor of Rose’s Law—a law that will send Darklings and other dissenters to a deadly concentration camp known as the Tenth.

When Ash can’t bring himself to trade Natalie’s life for those of millions of Darklings, her fate is sealed. Enter Elijah Theroux, the handsome Bastet boy Natalie once saved from her mother’s labs, where he’d been experimented on and tortured. It was his venom the Sentry used to create the lethal Golden Haze, the heart of the government conspiracy that led to Black City’s uprising and Ash’s rebirth as the Phoenix, the face of the rebellion. Elijah is back and Ash doesn't like him; it’s clear he’s taken with Natalie, and Ash fears she may have feelings for him as well.

But Elijah also may have the answer to taking down Purian Rose for good—a powerful weapon called the Ora. Ash, Natalie and Elijah just have to escape Black City undetected to find it. But fleeing the city and finding this weapon (if it even exists) are easier said than done, and the quest could tear Ash and Natalie apart, even pushing them into the arms of others.

This enthralling sequel to Black City is just as absorbing, delicious and steamy as the first book, leaving readers hungry for the series conclusion.

What I Liked:

I don't know what I was expecting when I started this book, but it certainly was not what I got! I remember starting this series, thinking that I wasn't going to be too invested in this series, because it hadn't been a series that I had been dying to read. BUT. I loved Black City, and I really enjoyed this book! As a sequel, it was outstanding, and it functioned really well as a sequel. It sets up beautifully for the finale, Wings.

Ash is the Phoenix, the boy who rose from ashes. But Purian Rose will not let Ash and Natalie get away with leading the rebellion against his government. It's time to vote for or against Rose's Law, and Purian Rose is out to guarantee that the law will pass. And that's what he does - he messes with the elections, and when Rose's Law passes, Purian Rose gives Natalie, Ash, and the rebels seventy-two hours to submit to his control. But Ash and the rebels hit back, obliterating Black City and fleeing to seek a biological weapon that will infect Trackers with the v gene. With the help of Elijah, the Bastet that Natalie freed in book one, Natalie and Ash set out to find the weapon.

I really like the plot of this book - many things happen, and constantly. First we're in Black City, then Destroyer ships, then Natalie and Ash are leaving, and then they're being chased by Lupines and Trackers, and then they're trying to find people from Ash's mother's past. I feel like this book and plot were constantly moving, things were always happening. People died left and right, which was sad, but definitely necessary. Richards gave the ax to so many characters, and she sure knew how to make them count.

This book is a great sequel - it advances the series' plot well, and it has a plot of its own. Find the weapon - that's the plot of this book. BUT, find the way to destroy Purian Rose and his regime - that's the plot of the entire series. This book sets up really well for the conclusion novel, which is exactly what a sequel novel should do. I can't tell you much about the ending of this book, because that will involve spoilers, but let's just say that you'll want Wings really badly once you finish this book. Really REALLY badly.

The romance takes a weird turn in this book. Enter Elijah, the Bastet Darkling that Natalie freed in book one. He definitely has a crush on her from the start, but it turns into more than a crush. And then Natalie finds out something horrible, and she doesn't want to tell Ash, so she confides in Elijah instead. This is bad, because Ash feels like Natalie is pulling away from her, AND he catches her ad Elijah together, alone, in weird situations. So Ash gets jealous, then heartbroken, Natalie is blind to this, and thinks he is grumpy or whatever. Meanwhile, Elijah is enjoying himself and the attention he is getting from Natalie.

Again, the romance is weird. But I'm glad Ash treated Natalie coldly at times - she deserved it. She should have just told him everything as soon as she found out! I'm being vague, I know. It's on purpose. I know all of this sounds like negative stuff, but it was good in a way. It taught Natalie to grow up and really trust Ash. I like Ash a lot. How dare Natalie hurt him!

The romance was the only thing that bothered me - and it wasn't too bad. I liked the flow of this book, the way this book worked with the rest of the series, the writing style (so great!), the characters. I'm definitely NOT a fan of Elijah (I was in the beginning though), so I'm curious as to what his role will be in book three. Book three! Must read immediately! 

What I Did Not Like:

The romance irked me a little. Natalie was keeping secrets from Ash, and that made Ash suspicious of Natalie - which he was totally within his rights. Natalie kept putting herself in awkward positions with Elijah, and Ash would catch and/or see them together, so what was he supposed to think?! Even though Natalie was relying on Elijah as a friend, Elijah legitimately liked Natalie in that way, so it wasn't all that innocent.

So that bothered me a bit. I like that Natalie got the cold shoulder from Ash though. Ash didn't deserve to not get the truth from Natalie for so long. She should have told him from the start what had happened. But eh, whatever! It didn't bother me too much. I know it will bother other people though.

Would I Recommend It:

I would high recommend you read this book! Especially if you loved the first book (or read the first book, not even liked it or anything). This book definitely does not suffer from sequel slump, which is fabulous! The ending will leave readers wanting more, but hey, only a few weeks left until the final book is available! So basically, yes, read it. 

And if you haven't read either book, DO IT! Don't miss this series! 

Rating:

4 stars. An interesting, engaging sequel that is definitely worth the read! I cannot wait to read Wings - check back next week for my review of the final book in this series!

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Review: Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Book One of the Black City series

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR

Publication Date: November 13, 2012

Rating: 4 stars

Source: Goodreads giveaway

Summary (from Goodreads):

A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-old Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

What I Liked:

Why, oh WHY, didn't I read this book sooner?! I won a review copy from a Goodreads giveaway, and kind of just held onto it. Then, the next year, I won a Goodreads giveaway of book two, Phoenix, and the same deal happened. You'd think that winning those giveaways TWICE (one for each book) would have pushed me to read them... oops?

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book! The power struggle between humans and Darklings, the romance between Ash and Natalie, the scheming, the secrets, the politics - this is definitely a book for me! Ash is a twin-blood (half-human, half-Darkling), but in the city, he always feels like a Darkling. Natalie is a Sentry, human, and daughter of the Emissary (someone super powerful). She feels trapped in her life, trapped into watching her mother and ex-boyfriend and ex-boyfriend's father hurt Darklings mercilessly. When Ash and Natalie meet, it isn't love at first sight - they hate each other. But they grow closer. As they grow closer, things get more dangerous for them, and in general, the city becomes more dangerous. It is clear that humans and Darklings will not live as they are (segregated), and war is coming.

The beginning - really, the first half - of the book is deceptive. It would appear that the first half is all about Ash and Natalie hating/growing to like each other. The two of them did NOT hit it off at first, though there is an odd physical connection between them. Ash's best friend Beetle used to date Natalie's new best friend Day, and Day hates Ash, because she thinks Ash got Beetle hooked on Haze (think: heroine or ecstasy or something). So, Natalie doesn't like Ash. Ash definitely doesn't like Natalie - she's a Sentry. Her ex-boyfriend Sebastian is a Tracker and totally heartless. 

But as the story progresses, Natalie and Ash keep finding themselves in each other's paths. There is the physical connection, but slowly, they develop feelings for each other. It feels kind of sudden, kind of insta-love-y, but this is addressed throughout the book. The two of them keep wondering, do we really know each other? What would we do for each other? By the end of the book, they know just how far they would go for each other.

But I was saying that the first half of the book is deceptive. It is. It's not just about Ash and Natalie's relationship (initially, lack thereof). Richards sets up the scene perfectly. The world-building is flawless. Every encounter, every event, every plot twist, gives readers more insight into the world, the city, the attitudes of humans, of Darklings, and so on. The first half of the book has readers following Ash and Natalie's relationship, but if you read beyond that, you'll see that Richards is subtly painting the picture of Black City, a divided stronghold of humans and exiled Darklings.

I am a HUGE FAN of Ash. I love his strong, selfless personality. He didn't get Beetle hooked on Haze - he's helping Beetle wean off the Haze. He saved Natalie more than once. He takes beatings and harsh treatment for being a Darkling, even though he's a twin-blood. He has a good heart (hearts?) and a strong characters. And yes, apparently he is QUITE good-looking, nothing wrong with that!

I think I liked Natalie overall, but at times, she was hard to like. You can't really blame her, because she grew up very well-off, very privileged. She also grew up in the home of the Emissary, her mother. Obviously, Natalie is going to be obtuse and ignorant at times. But Natalie sees and knows enough to know better, which she does. She acts on her rebellious nature towards the end - but towards the end. This is interesting to see - that Natalie isn't a complete rebel from the beginning. Richards breaks her down slowly. That's a bit of a change, from what YA novels usually feature.

I love the plot of this book. It's part romance, part feuding. The struggle between humans and Darklings is intense, and it's almost reminiscent of real-life history. The Darkling are physically different beings - not human at all - but that doesn't mean they are ALL dangerous or malicious. Yet there are all forced to live on the other side of the Wall. It's interesting to see how Ash's two sides collide and pull him in both directions. I can't wait to see how that works out in the next two books. Poor Ash.

I liked this book a lot. Is that enough to say? :D

What I Did Not Like:

I remember WHILE reading the book, I thought the romance was kind of insta-love-y. And it is, ish. But the characters keep asking themselves, do we even know each other? Do we like each other, beyond the physical connection? For me, this was good enough to rectify the insta-love issue. By the end of the book, I'm convinced that Ash and Natalie really do care for each other. So there's that.

Also WHILE reading the book, I remember thinking, why does Natalie has ZERO backbone? She's quite spineless at times, it's sad. It made it a little difficult to like her. However, by the end of the book, I think her character developed pretty well, so I forgive her. Mostly.

Would I Recommend It:

I most certainly would! I had a feeling that I would enjoy this book, and so I'm pleased that I liked it a lot. It's not straight-up dystopia like I thought it would be - and you all know I'm sick of dystopia, so that worked out really nicely. I love the paranormal aspect of this book - it's almost science-fiction-like. And the romance is intriguing, to say the least. So, there is something for everyone! It makes a nice combination, as a whole. Seriously, I think this book is a hit!

Rating:

4 stars.  Why didn't I read this one sooner?! I'm kind of ashamed of myself. I have wonderfully high hopes for Phoenix, and Wings!

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Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Wings by Elizabeth Richards!

(Unfortunately, that is not my banner. I'm working on it, I promise!)

Today, I am really excited to help reveal the cover of Wings, the third and final book in author's Elizabeth Richard's Black City series!

Ready to take a peek?

It's gorgeous, I promise ;)

Check out this beauty! 

Wings by Elizabeth Richards

Book Three of the Black City series

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR

Get the first two books in the series!

OPEN INTERNATIONAL!!!

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Feature and Follow Friday (#23)

The Feature & Follow is a creative meme that allows bloggers to get to know each other, and gain more followers! It is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

If you would like, it would be great if you followed me via Email, GFC, Linky, Bloglovin, or Google+ (all on the right). Let me know in the comments if you did, leave a link to your blog, and I will comment and follow back! I always do, I promise! Thank you!

Q: Activity: Spine Poetry. Create a line of poetry with your book spines (take a picture). Not feeling creative? Tell us about your favorite poem.

I LOVE POETRY! Truly, I do. I write poetry for my high school's magazine. Well, WROTE poetry for my high school's magazine. I graduated a few weeks ago.

Anyway. Here is just ONE of the stacks of books I have sitting around my room.

My untitled poem:

These broken stars shall never fade

Into a transparent dust.

They burn like a phoenix,

Like poison down a victim's throat,

Their dark triumph long awaited.

The lone stars will never fall,

Though broken, they remain alienated.

COPYRIGHT ALYSSA SUSANNA 2013

a.k.a MINE. 

;)