Title: Spells
Author: Aprilynne Pike
First published July 23, 2009
359 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780061668067 (ISBN10: 0061668060)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
“I know I can’t force your hand. I can’t just barge in and take what I want.
I can only hope that one day you’ll see me for who I am,” Tamani whispered. “But what if I never do?” Laurel replied, her voice barely audible.
“Then I’ll wait forever,” Tamani declared. Laurel has finally come to terms with her true identity as a faerie, but she can’t let go of her human life – or her boyfriend, David – to fully embrace the faerie world.
However, when Avalon calls for her, Laurel’s heart is torn between her loyalty to David and her undeniable feelings for the alluring faerie sentry, Tamani. Will she make the ultimate sacrifice and follow her heart, or will her decision break more than just her own heart?
About the Author
Aprilynne Pike has been crafting stories about fairies ever since she was a kid with a wild imagination. She received her BA in Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho when she was twenty years old.
When she’s not writing, Aprilynne enjoys working out at the gym, singing, acting, reading, and serving as a childbirth educator and doula. Aprilynne and her husband live in Utah with their three children, but she dreams of living in a warmer place.
Aprilynne Pike’s debut novel, WINGS, has become a #1 New York Times bestseller. The book is the first in a series of four novels about a seemingly normal girl who has an extraordinary destiny.
The story is full of magic, romance, intrigue, and danger, and will change everything you thought you knew about fairies.
You can follow Aprilynne on Facebook.
Editoral Review
Spells by Aprilynne Pike is a young adult fantasy novel first published on July 23, 2009. Pike is an American author known for her Wings series, which is heavily influenced by the world of fairy folklore.
Spells follows the story of Laurel, a fifteen-year-old girl struggling with the revelation that she is a faerie. She is forced to navigate the complex politics and prejudices of the faerie world, while simultaneously trying to fit in at her human high school.
With the help of her friends and allies, Laurel must uncover her true identity and protect herself from dark forces that threaten her and the faerie world. Pike’s writing style is both descriptive and imaginative, with a focus on detail that creates a vivid and immersive world.
The themes of identity and belonging are central to the novel, as Laurel grapples with her dual nature and the challenges that come with it. The novel also explores the cost of power and the consequences of our actions.
The setting of Spells is in modern-day America, but with a fantastical twist. Pike is skillful in creating a world where the faerie realm and human world coexist, and the blending of the two creates a unique and intriguing atmosphere.
One of the strengths of Spells is Pike’s handling of the teenage characters. They are relatable and genuine with realistic interactions and relationships.
Laurel, the protagonist, grows throughout the novel as she comes to terms with her faerie heritage and learns to navigate a world that is both strange and dangerous. That being said, the novel does have some weaknesses.
The pacing at times can be slow, and some of the relationships between characters are not fully fleshed out. The twists and turns of the plot are often predictable, and some of the magical elements seem like convenient plot devices rather than fully developed aspects of the world.
Despite these limitations, Spells is an enjoyable and engaging read that will appeal to fans of the young adult fantasy genre. The novel’s exploration of identity and belonging is particularly relevant in our current social climate, and Pike’s imaginative world-building allows readers to escape into a world of magic.
Overall, I would recommend Spells to readers looking for a well-crafted and enchanting young adult fantasy novel. While it may not be perfect, Pike’s expert handling of the subject matter, characters, and setting make it a worthwhile read.
I would give Spells a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
