Spells by Aprilynne Pike

 

First Line: Laurel stood in front of the cabin, scanning the tree line, her throat constricting in a rush of nerves.

It's been a year since Laurel found out she was a faerie.  She has returned to Avalon for a summer of training, the first she can remember.  She feels devastatingly behind her classmates, but is continually being reassured that all things considering she is catching on faster than anyone could  have hoped.  Her love triangle only intensifies as she straddles the fence between her human life and her faerie life.  She unintentionally, but still selfishly strings both David and Tamani along.  Most of her relationships are strained by now - especially the one between her and her mom.  Laurel feels ignored and unloved by her once thoughtful and caring mother.  Her mother feels unneeded and nervous, direct result of finding out the heritage of her adopted daughter.  The threat of trolls is a constant  cloud over Laurels life and once they make their appearance it brings with it even more stress.  

This action packed, young adult, fantasy thriller ends like it started, with lots of questions and most definitely at the edge of a cliff.

Wings Series

Wings released May 5, 2009

Spells released May 4, 2010

Enchantments expected release April 2011

Illusions expected release 2012

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

I enjoyed having this laid-back read after my last one!  
It's light, entertaining, and creative.

Oh! and it really made me crave home-jarred peaches and garden fresh veggies - good thing I was covered! 

First Line: Laurel's shoes flipped a cheerful rhythm that defied her dark mood.

Laurel is in a new school, in a new town; but it's more than that.  At 15-yrs-old this is her first time in a public school, ever!  She notices how differently she looks, how differently she eats and struggles to fit in.  She is befriended by the likable and easy-going David and even through beginning resistance they become good friends.  Just as she is feeling comfortable and getting into the routine of things she discovers a lump on her back.  Life really gets interesting when the lump blossoms and she is left with a wing like flower growing out of her back.  She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, budding romances, and of heroics.  Saving her dying father, her family estate, and the gateway to Avalon.

Wings Series

Wings released May 5, 2009

Spells released May 4, 2010

Enchantments expected release April 2011

Illusions expected release 2012