Book Review: Destined by Aprilynne Pike

Destined
Wings #4
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: May 1st 2012
Review Source: HarperTeen
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) 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 loved the cover of this book, even more than the other book covers in this series, and that is saying a lot since I loved all the covers! The iridescent flower on the cover is breathtaking and I want to take a picture of it, blow it up and frame it to put on my wall (yeah, I like it THAT much). Just not sure how my husband would feel about that...

I think this was my favorite book in the Wings series! It was very well written and filled with non-stop action, plot twists, heartbreak, love, loss, and difficult choices. I know I will come back to this one (and the others in this series) again and again.

This book picks up where Illusions left off with that crazy cliffhanger. Yeah, admit it-you threw the book at the wall too, right? Aprilynne does a great job of alluding to the other books in the series without re-hashing everything that happens. All our old friends are back: Laurel, Tamani, David, Chelsea...and the enemies too: Yuki and Klea. We find our way back to Avalon and much of this book is spent there as the Laurel and friends battle with Klea for Avalon.

There were parts in this book that broke my heart and I was in tears. But, this is war, as we need to realize, and we lose loved ones in times of war. A few of the times I just couldn't believe where Aprilynne went with the story and I applaud her for making the tough decision to write off a beloved character...or two. My heart also soared in parts as I saw Laurel, Tamani, Shar, David, and even Chelsea step up to help the cause for Avalon. I wanted to high five each of them and tell them what a commendable job they had done. Heck, even Yuki surprised me a few times in the story.

I cannot reveal too much of what happens because you really need to read this one for yourself. I will say that once you start turning the pages you will have a difficult time stopping. I finished this book in two days, and I probably could have finished sooner if I didn't have to go to work, sleep or spend time with my guys. :) This is a definite must-read for fans of the Wings series! If you haven't started this series yet, you don't know what you're missing! It is amazing! Loved reading these books and watching the characters learn, change, and grow throughout the series.

One warning, regarding the author's note at the end--please.do.not.read.it.before.you.read.the book (trust me, it will ruin it for you!!). Also, please listen to her warning...really, I'm not kidding...because it broke my heart to read it. You know that knot you get in your throat when you know you are going to start crying but you don't want to start because you know a whole flood of tears is ready to flow and you won't be able to stop...yeah-that's how I felt while reading this last part.

I loved this book, this series, these characters, and I think Aprilynne wrote the perfect ending to the Wings series with Destined. While I am sad that the series is over, I'm happy that I can go back and re-read the series and visit these old friends any time I want.