Wicked Lovely – Melissa Marr
Harper Collins, 2007
Aislinn can see faeries and has been able to see them all her live. Her grandmother has educated her about them and warned her never to show them that she can see them. So when two faeries suddenly start to show particular interest in Aislinn, she is not sure what to do..
Wicked Lovely is a popular Young Adult book, but somehow I completely missed out on the hype surrounding it. What made me pick it up was Amy’s review of Radiant Shadows (the latest book from this series). I trust Amy’s choices in Young Adult and I’m trying to read more in the genre myself. Amy’s advice once again proved right. I loved Wicked Lovely. Allow me to tell you why.
First of all, the plot does a good job in portraying the feeling of being caught in a web of other people’s decisions. It shows that whatever happens around you, you always have a choice to turn things your way, if only a little. I loved that. There is no inevitability, there is no fairyland in which everything is possible. Instead, Melissa Marr succeeds in portraying a world with fantasy creatures in it, and make it very realistic.
Second, she uses quotes from historical texts on faeries. I can’t be a history student and not love that right? Through the use of these quotes she provides the reader with some information that is relevant to the plot and creates a setting for each chapter.
Third, and I think this is what really stood out for me: Aislinn is a strong female character. She resists the lure of the faerie king and negotiates her way through most situations. Yet, she never turns into a super hero. We are shows her insecurities as well. It is so often that Young Adult books portray girls as depending on a boy to solve her problem and Wicked Lovely isn’t like that at all. Aislinn does have a boy she is attracted to, Seth, and does get comfort from staying with him, but he is never the solution to all her troubles and she always makes her own decisions.
Speaking of Seth, I loved that there was an “alternative” boy in this novel. Somehow, I have never come across a romantic interest in a book for teenagers that has a piercing and doesn’t turn out to be a “bad boy”. It was refreshing. And even if Seth’s feelings for Aislinn seem a bit unrealistic at times, the relationship between them reads like a good portrayal of what love feels like when you are a teenager.
There are minor things I did not enjoy about Wicked Lovely, for example some of the writing could have done with just a little more editing. Nevertheless, it made a great read.
I love these books so I’m happy to hear you enjoyed this one! I’ve loved them all so if you continue the series I’ll be interested to read your continuing thoughts.
I liked Aislinn a lot too. And I loved what you said about being caught in a web of other people’s decisions! So glad you enjoyed this
I enjoyed this one, but I didn’t love it. I was really sick when I read it though so that may be why.
Great review, agree with all your points and especially about Seth being refreshing and Aislinn being a strong character.
I tried to pick up the next one in this series, Ink Exchange, but I just couldn’t get into it. I might still give it another go though.
Haven’t read them yet but your review reminded me that I have to get around to read them. Thanks
I really enjoyed this one and felt the same way about Seth, so relieved to see him be a good guy. Later on, I read the next two books in the series. Ink Exchange was good, but I had some issues with it, and Fragile Eternity drove me batty. I probably won’t read any further. To me, Wicked Lovely was the best of the series!
I’m really glad that you liked it! I really liked Seth too, and enjoyed that they weren’t completely joined at the hip and dependent on each other. It was a nice change!
I saw the cover for Radiant Shadows, and it looked gorgeous, but where I’d read enough about other books I reckoned I could overlook it. A recommendation by you however has changed that. For some reason I never thought about fairy fiction being written, but now I’ve discovered it I want to read more!
Interesting to hear your opinion of the male character. I’m reading If I Stay at the moment and think Adam is kind of like that (and indeed I have to go back and read your review in full later once I’ve finished).
Looks like everyone who read it, really enjoyed it! One more reason for me to get this book. Thanks for the great review Iris
I haven’t read this one yet but I think I have a copy here somewhere. My apprehension however stems from the fact that it’s part of a series and gee, it’s kind of daunting to start reading a story knowing that the resolution will occur some two or three books thereafer
But yes, I heard good things about this too. Maybe that’s why I bought this (and somehow buried it under tons of other not-quite forgotten books).
Actually, this story can be read as a stand alone. As far as I know, the other books in the series deal with different characters. So.. that’s no excuse
I started listening the the audio version of this recently (very well read, by the way) but didn’t finish. Your comments about Seth make me want to return to it. I like defiance of stereotypes!
I’m the odd man out on this one :p I really didn’t like this one at all and had major issues with it. But everyone else I know has loved it!! I think this is the only time I’ve ever really gone against the grain, lol.
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