Wings of Arian (The Solus Series) (Young Adult Fantasy) [Kindle Edition]

I read a lot of young adult books because I have a 12 yr old daughter and a 14 year old sister who love to read. Plus, honestly, YA books tend to be clean and more fantasy, thus a better escape, than adult books. Since I purchased my Kindle Fire in March I can think of about 3 or 4 books off the top of my head that I really, really loved, enough to pass along to my other sisters (5 total), friends, even my mom. I just finished this book today and it's going into the keeper pile.

First, things I look for in reviews: no sex. Even though there is a romance, yes a bit too convenient and early on in the book, it works and is cute, not too unbelievable or over the top. Just the right amount for a 14 yr old in my opinion.

There are several curse words that were not necessary, in my opinion, but were at least the milder variety. And did, actually, make me laugh, so...shame on me, lol.

The theme is not new, a girl chosen to save her people from evil, but done in a sweet, refreshing voice. The author shows a great progression in the main character, a girl, from a timid, less than confident girl to a young lady who has come to recognize her own worth. I read the author's blog after finishing the book and this was no accident on her part.

Also, all the characters have depth. The Pegasus has a wonderfully dry sense of humor, the dragon is a hoot...shapeshifters, fairies, etc... A great range of characters.

This book made me smile and laugh a lot, something I really enjoy in a book. I read a review that compared it to a cross between Graceling and Eragon. I've read both, and this did remind me a bit of Graceling, which is MUCH darker than this book and not something I let my 12 yr old read.

I wouldn't quite give it 5 stars, just because I have read a few lately that knocked it out of the ballpark, but this was a close 4 stars. I will definitely read the sequel. And I just told my daughter she could read it :D

The descriptions and visuals are stunning in this book. It was amazing how every scene was so crisp and lifelike and yet it never felt bogged down by the descriptions. There are good characters and there are evil characters. They aren't many gray characters. However, the good characters have not so nice traits and the bad characters...well, they're pretty bad. I wish that there was more fleshing out with the bad characters particularly those that end up siding with Dralazar. He is a fun character, although his insistence to send minions to do his dirty work is almost humorous because of how badly it backfires time after time. I really loved Dralazar. He reminds me of Hades from Disney's Hercules. Talks way too much, underestimates the good guys, and is so cute when he's mad.

I knew generally what was going to happen but by the time it did happen, I wanted anything but. The romance is sappy and the two united faster than I liked. The banter between Kiora and Emane was really cute in the opening chapters. But it was nice to have a relationship in a YA novel that was healthy. They cared for each other without the controlling, possessive, and jealous nature that many couples have in this age bracket.

Although the characters are 17 or so, this book is a very clean read. There's hints but nothing more on screen than a kiss. There was more action on that Go Daddy Superbowl commercial than what this book shows. So, both MG and YA readers can enjoy this book. There's some violence, but again it's downplayed. The focus is more on the intent of the characters than on the gore. (A-)

4.5 Stars

In the first book of The Solus Trilogy - Wings of Arian - Kiora learns that her entire life - her entire world - has all been lies. It feels like nothing is true anymore and everything has been turned upside down in an instant. Not only that, but now it seems that there's evil demanding control of everything and she must go on a journey to save the world. Just when she finds out a bit of seemingly good news, that she doesn't have to take this perilous journey alone - that she will be guarded by a Protector - things continue to go from bad to worse. The Protector that must journey with her is non other than the very irritating and stubborn Prince Emane - whose hotness is rivaled only by his hot temper. Kiora must embrace her destiny and take the plunge into the unknown to save herself and her world from destruction. Will she be able to succeed?

This was a really wonderful fantasy that blends all the right amounts of magic, alternate realms, and strange creatures together to form an awesome novel. The characters were really interesting, if not a bit stereotypical at times. I really liked Kiora right away - she was such an innocent girl before her world got flipped upside down. She shows a lot of character growth throughout the book as she steps up to take on her tasks and face her destiny head on. I was able to identify and empathize with her early on, so I was definitely rooting for her to succeed through the story. Prince Emane was the stereotypical hottie with a bad attitude, but had so much more underneath that nobody knew about. I really loved the intricate details and descriptions that the author put into creating the world of the novel and the history and politics surrounding the characters and the storyline. It added a great depth to the novel that made it all the more believable. The writing was excellent and had a great pace - so I flew through this book fast due to the fact that I couldn't put it down. It definitely drew me in with the setting, characters, and I adored the magic aspects too. Overall, this is a really great first book in what promises to be a enchanting trilogy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.