Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr: Young Adult Fantasy Book Review

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Wickely Lovely by Melissa Marr is a young adult fantasy novel about the Faerie Court and a teenage high school girl named Aislinn. It is set in modern times and start from the last time the Summer King, Keenan, found a mortal girl who just might be the Summer Queen.

What first attracted me to this urban fantasy novel was the brilliant title "Wicked Lovely" and the pretty cover art. Check this out:

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

The synopsis at the back of the Wicked Lovely book was also very intriguing.

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.

The book has several things going for it - good world-building, a very nice plot, sympathetic characters and nasty villains that you love to hate. The best part of it for me was the Faerie Court, Keenan, Seth and Donia. Although the main character is Aislinn, I found her to be rather boring. At least Seth has hobbies like music and tattoos plus he can actually do useful things like cooking, research and money management. It's mentioned that he lives alone and is good with his personal finances.

What about Aislinn? She is like a cardboard cutout of a girl who has no interests, hobbies or skills. I find it laughable that she had to have Seth do all the research in the library. Aislinn can't Google? *rolls eyes*

Nonetheless, despite all that Aislinn is still properly modern and independent. I loved how she is so active in the plot and doesn't do anything foolish. It's so completely refreshing when characters act grown up and don't whine, throw tantrums or rush in and mess things up.

Overall, Wicked Lovelywas great and I will be reading the other books in the series which are Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity, Radiant Shadows and Darkest Mercy.