Wicked Lovely (YA) by Melisssa Marr

Wicked Lovely.

Oh, if only stories lived up to their titles. Wicked Lovely isn't a bad story; in fact, it's quite good. But still not as good as its title.

Plot Synopsis:

Wicked Lovely is about Aislinn, a human girl, who has the ability to see fairies. Throughout her life, she has strictly adhered to the rules: Never speak with or engage a fairy. Contrary to belief, most fairies are neither kind nor complacent. They are capricious and cruel. Their viciousness may alight on anyone who rouses their interest. Unfortunately, Aislinn discovers that the dethroned Summer King, Keenan, has chosen her to be the next Summer Queen. But, of course, nothing is ever that easy. Keenan has searched for centuries for the right Queen who will help him realize his full power. Throughout the ages, those chosen girls have been given a choice: Take the challenge to see if they are truly the Summer Queen and become Keenan's true partner or turn into a Summer fairy. Those who have taken the challenge and failed become "Winter Girls." Aislinn is the Keenan's newest pick.

But Aislinn is a modern girl, and she wants to have her cake and eat it, too. Although Aislinn feels in her heart that she is the true Summer Queen, she is unwilling to give up her mortal love.


Critique:
The world of the fairies is fully flushed out and completely intriguing, which is why I'm eager to move onto the next book in the series, Ink Exchange. What isn't completely understood is how the two worlds, mortal and fairy, are related. What are the fairies' interests in humans? If the Winter Queen is getting closer to winning her battle - a win which would affect fairies and humans alike - wouldn't humans feel the change? Basically, I'm a sucker for background information.

The prose is poetic at times ("Then he bent down and kissed her, lips open against hers. It was like swallowing sunshine...p.224) and sometimes over the top, but never to the Stephanie Meyers' level.

Character development is best in Keenan, who is at times arrogant and self-centered and at other times the charming Fairy King that one would expect. It is also outstandingly developed in Donia, the Winter Girl, who is torn for her love for Keenan and her desire to have her chilly mantle taken on by a new Winter Girl.

Although Aislinn is a modern girl who refuses to give in easily to Keenan, things still work out a tad bit too well for her. Then again, this is a Young Adult novel.

Grade: B+