Dark Days of Summer Interview with Laural

 

Hello everyone! I have a great interview with one of my fave characters from the Wings series, Laurel!

Laurel, after finally learning the truth (Winter Faerie, Who you are, etc) did you ever think you end up where you are today?

Absolutely not! Honestly, I thought my life was planned out and that I would have to fight for any choice. A lot of people don't like the choices I've made, but the freedom to make them is worth it! And even though I know I have work to do in Avalon one day, I'm happy where I am for now--learning and preparing so that when everything is ready, I'll be full prepared too.

 You made a big decision in Destined. What's one thing you like to do to keep some normalcy in your life?

Honestly, my schooling. Living around humans and having a normal life while still coming home to Tam every night may sound like a daily culture shock, but actually, it reminds me that I am a blend of two world and that it's okay. Even though I hide my true nature, I don't with Tamani. And even though our life together in the privacy of our apartment is very faerie-centric, we go out a lot with friends. Tamani is learning to appreciate humans and I hold onto Avalon and my faerie heritage by holding on to him.

 If you can describe Tamani in one word what would it be?

Intense. He gives everything his full 857%! He jumps in with not only both feet, but arms and hands and head too! He never does anything halfway.

 What is your happiest moment in your life?

After the hell of fighting for Avalon, of seeing the destruction that greed and selfishness can bring, it's the small things that make me happy. A kiss from Tam, a call from Chelsea, an A on a paper I worked hard on. Those are the moments life is built on and that is truer to me now than it ever was before.

And the last question is for the author J

 Any spinoffs in the works?

Nope! I think Laurel and Tam and David and Chelsea have come to the end of their story. Is there more to the story? Certainly. Do I feel the need to lay it all out and tie it up with a ribbon? Not at all. Sorry to disappoint!

Thanks so much for answering my questions!

About the author:

"Critically acclaimed, #1 New York Times best-selling author Aprilynne Pike has been spinning tales since she was a child with a hyper-active imagination. At the age of twenty she received her BA in Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. When not writing, Aprilynne can usually be found out running; she also enjoys singing, acting, reading, and working with pregnant moms as a childbirth educator and doula. Aprilynne lives in Arizona with her husband and four kids; she is enjoying the sunshine."

Happy Reading!

Dark Days Of Summer

Hello everyone and Welcome to The Dark Days of Summer!

Dark Days wants to know this:

"Like all book lovers, you choose your vacation destination based on what you're reading. Lucky you— a magical genie is granting you and your copy of DESTINED a summer trip. If you could read DESTINED anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?"

One place that I always wanted to visit is Greece.

There is something about the past, the culture, the beautiful buildings that holds me captive.

Check out the author of Destined!

Buy the book:

Amazon | B&N |

Happy Reading!

Review: Destined

Title: Destined
Series:Wings # 4
Genre: Young Adult- Fantasy/Paranormal
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Book: ARC sent by publisher

"Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face.

Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless.

Tamani looked at her gravely, and reached up to touch her hair behind her ear. He hesitated for an instant, then his hands found the sides of her face, pulling her to him. He didn't kiss her, just held her face to his, their foreheads resting together, their noses almost touching.

She hated how much it felt like good-bye."

I have read this series since the very beginning before I was a book blogger! An employee recommended it to me when it had just came out. The Wings series is my all-time, hands-down favorite faerie series. Even before I picked up this book my heart was pounding. How in the world can an author make me anticipate a book even before I pick it up?? It isn't just the characters or the plot line. It's the story telling. And Ms. Pike has got that down to a T.

War. The beginning of the end. The plot pacing in this book is superb. Ms. Pike careful weaves every single, plot twist to fall at the right moment. I loved being shocked but most of all amazed! Every thing that happen with each page turn left my heart pounding faster.

 I want to take the time to talk about the plot twist. Cause I really do admire how well it was done. I like how certain things happen in order for others to take affect. And even though it was fast, it was subtle to. You know what I mean? Ms. Pike took her writing and brought it to life before you very eyes.

Now the love interest! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I loved it. Everything is at it should be. I'm I happy with it? You bet.The ending was bittersweet and so wonderful! I can't wait to read it one more time!

Destined is a faithful adaptation of faeries that dazzles the reader. Destined will leave a mark on you.
 With a striking ending, Destined is a touching and commanding story that everyone will enjoy!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Illusions

Title: Illusions
Series: Wings # 3
Genre: Young Adult- Fantasy
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Book: ARC sent by publisher

"Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail."

This is another one of my favorite series that I have followed from the very beginning. I remember standing in front of the bookshelf at the store and one of the employee's recommended it to me. I went home skeptical about it, but after a few pages in I was hooked! This is one of the first book that I have read about fairies where they aren't all the deceitful. The have a home. That they have honor. And their rules of life are still breaking ground in some issues.


This book follows where it left off. Now, if you have haven't read the first two books I suggest you do.You will be able to catch up as you read this one, but it will take a while. What I like most about this book is the jealousy that is seething off the pages. Man, I love reading the narrow looks, the fists fights, and just plain good 'ol drama.  My only gripe is Laurel's back and forth feeling decisions. I just want her to make her choice and be done with it!


The plot went fairly well. There was some stuff going on with Avalon as well as the major stuff going on with Laurel. Laurel as usually does her best to juggle both life's that she is living, but you can clearly see how it gets in the way of everything. I think she may have to make choice as to which one she wants to live in. The line gets crossed in both of her life's and that causes major trouble.


The ending is just wow! There was so much going on that I didn't even see it coming. The ending leaves the reader with your mouth hanging open and a big ??? I'm dying to know what happens! Illusions is great faerie book with lots of jealousy, angst, and lots of secrets sprouting out. Ms. Pike wrote an thrilling, captivating book that leaves me wanting more!


 I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!