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Spells
Spells
Spells
Audiobook8 hours

Spells

Written by Aprilynne Pike

Narrated by Mandy Siegfried

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

""I can't just storm in and proclaim my intentions. I can't ‘steal' you away. I just have to wait and hope that, someday, you'll ask,"" Tamani said.

""And if I don't?"" Laurel said, her voice barely above a whisper.

""Then I guess I'll be waiting forever.""

Although Laurel has come to accept her true identity as a faerie, she refuses to turn her back on her human life—and especially her boyfriend, David—to return to the faerie world.

But when she is summoned to Avalon, Laurel's feelings for the charismatic faerie sentry Tamani are undeniable. She is forced to make a choice—a choice that could break her heart.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperCollins
Release dateMay 4, 2010
ISBN9780061983979
Author

Aprilynne Pike

Aprilynne Pike has been spinning stories since she was a child with a hyperactive imagination. She completed her BA in creative writing at the age of twenty at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. Aprilynne currently lives with her husband and children in Arizona.

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Reviews for Spells

Rating: 3.8430033624573383 out of 5 stars
4/5

293 ratings30 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is my first fae novel. I liked it. Not the best. I'm willing to bet there's probably a much better fae story but I'm invested enough in the series to buy three of them (I've read them all).
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    It just randomly stopped on chapter 26, even though there were two whole chapters left to go. While making an audiobook, make sure you read the whole thing and post the whole thing.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Read in a day. Had been waiting for this to come out. Now I have to wait immpatiently for the next one!

    I did like that Laurel didn't spend so much time dithering over which boy and made a choice. Thank you!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Even though I like this series, sometimes it's a little slow paced. In the beginning I had trouble relating to laurel's character but now there is more to her. I still can't understand the love triangle, or why she has feelings for Tamani who she barely knows, if she loves David so much.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I admit it, I picked up Wings because of the cover art - and have been pleasantly surprised with Aprilynne Pike's storytelling.

    Sure, it's a bit vanilla. But that's what makes this series so refreshing - this is a title I would have no problem recommending to a variety of ages. Having just completed Spells no less than 5 minutes ago, my only disappointment was finding no release date for the 3rd installment. It ended perfectly, leaving the reader wanting to know what's in store for Tamani, and unfortunately it looks as if I'll have a bit of a wait.

    Give this little-known author a try...she's creative and fun, knowing how to play the love triangle in a way that makes you hope no one loses. I'd love see more from her.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The love triangle continues, and it gets harsh. Laurel is in love with two very different men both fit her in different ways in different worlds. The classic triangle told many times, but it feels fresh and not repeated in this second book in the series. I really did not like what she did, but I understood it, it's who she is in the story. She spends time in Avalon, learning about her fairy powers, and about Avalon. The is beauty everywhere and she finds in overwhelming at times. There is also injustice, she feels, making it hard for her to stay in her "place". Tam, what a doll he is, has patience with her, teaching her the ways of this world. I love this character. He loves her and tries to show her, but she loves David the human. David, who puts himself in terrible danger to save Laurel and their friend is a sweetheart. (I still want him to find another LOL ) He gives her his all and more....The Trolls still hunt her, everyone is in danger. Can she stay in the human world or is it Avalon for her future ? Cliffhanger ending! What is Tam up too ? Is he giving up on Laurel ? Why was Shar so nice ?
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    OMG I just love this series! Tam and Laurel this is one of my all time favorites and it is a must read!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Just keeps getting better!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The second part in the Wings-series I loved just as much as the first one. But after finishing it I am left with so many questions! Who is Klea? Where does she come from and what does she want? Who will Laurel pick? I guess all I can do is getting the next one and continue reading.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    2nd book in a fairy series. I picked up the first book "Wings" not realizing it was a series. I am sure there are better fairy books out there but the first book hooked me enough to read on. Spells was a good follow up and again I was hooked enough to read the third book in the series "Illusions" They are all fast reads, interesting enough to keep you reading.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Spells was an excellent companion to Wings. I loved how it continued to expand on Laurel life as a faerie. Laurel's internal struggle to decide who she really is and who she really wants to be is a wonderful story line.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I didn't really like the first book, so I don't even know why I moved on to this one. I've read books about vampires, wizards, angels and was interested in seeing what faeries would be like... nothing like I had hoped.First off, I absolutely HATE how the faeries "wings" are described... I get this horrendous picture in my head every time I read about it and it totally puts me off the story. It is so weird.I don't like how Laurel spent her summer in Avalon, but hardly any detail was spent on her time there. Little explanation went into the spells that she was working on, she just kept failing over and over again. Why does everyone look at her like she is some great faerie if she can't even get a simple potion/spell/whatever it is right? I guess she must be important if she is chosen to have her memory wiped and go live in the human world... although it still wasn't explained why in this book. Maybe within the next two books, and the end of the series, some light will be shed on this.I don't get how she escapes from the trolls every time. Trolls are supposed to be these big, somewhat beastly, cunning creatures who are focused on treasures and revenge. They obviously have feelings of revenge towards Laurel, as she escaped them in the first book. I just don't get how some weak little faerie who can't master spells seems to slip by them every time.And what is with this Klea character? Hardly any explanation went into why she just suddenly showed up in the book... I hate that. Absolutely no character development.The thing I disliked most was Laurel's wavering between David (human boyfriend) and Tamani (faerie friend). I've always felt David and Laurel's relationship slightly lacking, although they do make out a lot. This isn't the case with Laurel and Tamani. Each time she travels to Avalon, we get more insight into their relationship now and before her memory was wiped. There is so much chemistry between Laurel and Tamani that doesn't exist between she and David. She us so drawn to Tamani, and those feelings don't go away when she returns "home" to David. Tamani has stood by Laurel from her life as a seedling to the wiping of her memory, and keeping an eye on her as she spent her years in the human world. He truly understands her and what she is. He has given up everything for her, and is willing to continue to do so. I don't see any of that in her relationship with David. Sure when she leaves Avalon she suddenly remembers David and cuddling and kissing... but it's nothing like what she truly feels for Tamani. Plus, her relationship with David just isn't practical. He is eventually going to age and die, while Laurel will live hundreds of years. It's not like David can become a faerie, so what is the point in continuing this charade for another... 60, 70 years?The ONE (and almost ONLY) thing I did like about this book was the explanation of the faerie hierarchy. Winter > Fall (Laurel) > Summer > Spring (Tamani). I enjoyed how the author explained about each station of faeries and their social status, how some were looked down upon while others were more revered due to what season they were born in. This made Laurel and Tamani's relationship more interesting."Are you free?" Laurel asked."I am.""How free?""As free as I want to be," [Tamani] replied a little hotly."Are you free to walk beside me?"He was silent."Are you free to be anything more than a friend to me?"...Laurel could tell he'd been avoiding a conversation like this..."If you wanted it," he finally said... "I'm not allowed to ask. You would have to ask me."I keep telling myself that I'm not going to read the next one, but I kind of enjoy Tamani... so I probably will.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    What I LikedThese books are easy fast reads, they only take me around a day or 2 days to read, depending on how much time I can devote to reading.Team BoyI'm still am not completely sure who I want Laurel to end up with. I like David because he is really sweet and very supportive. I like Tam because he is the better choice for her. Laurel and David only have so much a future together, he will grow old and age very fast and they can't have kids together. Laurel and Tam are the same species and he is also completely devoted to her. I am leaning more towards Tam, but I don't want to see David get hurt.AvalonI love that Avalon has been brought into these books. I loved that Laurel gets to go to Avalon for her summer vacation to learn how to be a Fall Faerie. I also like that she is having difficulties with her studies, it makes her seem more human and not a perfect faerie.What I Didn't LikeI still feel like the book scans over the timeline really fast. I know she is just skipping the lame day to day stuff and leaving out all the potential filler stuff, but it just seems weird to skip over full days or weeks at times.RecommendationThis is book 2 in the series, pick up book 1, Wings and read it
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was so pleased when I was able to sign up for this book as an ARC. I have been patiently waiting for it to come out so that I could continue the amazing story of Laurel and her new-found faerie blood.I loved the world of Avalon that Pike explored in this book. The new revelations and rules that Laurel had to deal with took her for a loop and created more internal struggle then ever before. How could human life compete with the new and beautiful life as a Fall faerie?The characters that were introduced in 'Wings' were explored more in this second novel. Laurel has been thrust into a position of great responsibility and is being torn between her human life and her inherent faerie gifts. David and Tamani's love for Laurel intensified greatly and had me on the edge of my seat wondering which part of her she would follow to decide who she wanted to be with. The chemistry between both these characters and Laurel was so strong and alluring it made me heartbroken at the end when she actually made her decision. Both these guys have amazing qualities that any girl would love, but as in most hard choices in life, Laurel had to be true to herself in deciding which life to lead.I love the way that Pike writes. I feel like I am actually in the imaginative world that she created through her descriptive and lovely words. And I truly loved the cover of this book. I thought it was creative and enchanting and expressed the dual feelings that Laurel endured during her internal conflict throughout the story. Should she choose to hide her faerie wings in the human world with David, or bring them to full bloom in Avalon with Tamani?Pike kept me on the tip of my toes the whole book, and then ended with a massive cliffhanger that will undoubtedly leave me suspended on my toes until the next book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I just love this book! It's so amazing! The story is sweet and interesting. I finished it last night and was actually sad because I don't have the next one on hand! If you enjoyed wings, you won't be disapointed! This surpasses it by far!Team Tam! :)
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I really liked this book. I liked how Laurel finally made a decision on which world to live in, even if it might be for the time being. I love David's character and how caring and loving he is. I think I might even like this book better than the first one.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I’m beginning to think that this is just a series that isn’t meant for me. While I wasn’t crazy about Wings, I had hope that because I was already past the introduction of the characters and world, Spells would be infinitely better. And I can’t really say that it was.I’m well aware that this series is predominantly romance, but I felt like it had its priorities for the plot way out of order. At the end of Wings, it’s easy to tell that Laurel’s issues with the trolls and Jeremiah Barnes is supposed to be this huge factor in Spells. But, to me, it wasn’t. It was shoved in the backseat, only surfacing when Laurel and David stopped having giggly/kissy/flirty scenes, which went on for basically the whole book. It was so frustrating that when the epic conclusion finally arrived, it wasn’t epic at all.It was also obvious that we only got a peek of the love triangle between David/Laurel/Tamani in Wings. It fully bloomed (pun intended) in Spells, but the execution had unfortunately ended in me putting Laurel’s name on my list of Fictional Characters I’d Like To Punch In The Face. She was just downright annoying and cruel, and I doubt that was the author’s intentions.Overall, Spells was another thumbs down for me. I’ll give Illusions a shot, but I don’t have many good expectations for it. I think if you loved the first one, you’ll probably love Spells a lot more. But for those who were kind of eh about it, approach this one with caution.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Spells is the sequel to Wings. It's not as good as the first one, but it's still captivating and interesting. It keeps you on your toes. I highly recommend it.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    It has taken me a while to gather my thoughts on this book. While I enjoyed the novelty of the first in the series, Wings, it seems this one fell a little flat. Laurel is less likable in Spells, simply because she’s teetering on being just a touch flaky when it comes to choosing her love interest. Also, while I enjoyed the descriptions of the school at Avalon, the novel itself just felt somewhat -empty- of actual content about the place. It’s quite a lot of filler and not a lot of actual events. Sure, things happen, but I’d have expected a little more to be packed in. Despite all that, I did enjoy the read, and I think Aprilynne Pike’s writing style is one I could get used to. The world of Avalon is one I’d really like to get to know more about, because it seems as though Pike’s given a lot of thought to the social structure and class systems. It could be something pretty intriguing. If there’s another in the series, I will read it, though I am not anticipating it as much as I was anticipating this one. We’ll see how it goes.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    In the sequel to Wings, Pike brings us six months since we last saw Laurel. She is heading back to Avalon to study for the summer. I was thrilled to read about Avalon and loved the Academy where the Fall faeries study. Pike's descriptions of the Academy, the land, the shops, and the other faeries are amazing. We meet the other types of faeries, the flashy Summer and worker bee Spring. I was enthralled to learn about the social cast and how life in Avalon functioned. Granted, Laurel wasn't as impressed as I was and often had debates with Tamani believing faerie life was wrong in areas when comparing it to the human world. This is when I started to have negative thoughts about Laurel. She is a faerie, not human, so how can she be so critical and judgmental from the get go? Thankfully, Tamani is patient guy, and was able to make very valid points between the two societies that Laurel could understand and reflect on. This only endured me more to Tamani.In Spells, we get to learn more about Tamani and his life. Not only is he handsome, but smart, caring, and has a strong sense of duty and place. He also has a strong sense of his feelings for Laurel, which keeps him in constant agony. This did not endure me to Laurel. She has learned the sacrifice and commitment Tamani has made his whole life for her, yet she seems to dismiss this for her human love, which she willingly fostered the past six months knowing about Tamani. She would rather not dwell on Tamani and his feelings. She does indulge her own, keeping one crooked finger beckoning Tamani at her whim, but reserving her self and love for David. Pike does let us in on Laurel's inner conflict as she realizes Tamani is hurting and he does have a life outside of her that she has taken little interest in. To her credit (which I grudgingly want to give her) she does realize what she is doing is wrong.David is in love with Laurel and they are definitely a couple. He does not like her going to Avalon or spending time with Tamani, of course jealous as any teen boyfriend would be. He also seems to think that there is nothing wrong with Laurel turning her back on her duties in Avalon to choose a life in the human world with him. The more I learned of Avalon and Laurel's assignment in the human world, the more irritated I became at Laurel's devotion to David and their relationship. Granted, this adds to the lure of Spells and showed I was way too invested in these fictional characters. This is to Pike's credit as a writer. Kudos! You have me hook, line, and sinker.The trolls have not forgotten how they were bested by Laurel and revenge is one thing they are determined to get. We learn, however, that there is much more going on with the trolls than their interest in Laurel. There is a much bigger picture and many more players involved in the trolls' quest to take over Avalon. This news alone makes me want to shake Laurel and tell her to get her head screwed on straight and commit to her duties as a faerie. Yes, my personal interest flaring up again.When it's all said and done, despite everything she knows about Avalon and Tamani, will Laurel still choose the human world and David? This will annoy me to no end. How could she hurt Tamani? How could she possibly want the human world when Avalon has so much to offer? Just questions I hope will be answered in Illusions, expected to be released May 2011. Until then, I will create my own vindication for Tamani and hope Laurel gets some of the medicine she has dealt to him. Yes, I am way too invested in these characters, can you tell? Despite my inner turmoil, I do recommend Spells. Any book that can get me this riled up is worth reading. Plus, the cliffhanger gave me a conspiratorial thrill.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Book 2 in the series, Spells delves deeper into what it means for Laurel to be a faerie, starting off with an 8 week course in Avalon to correct her woeful lack of studies as a Fall Faerie. I refuse to get into more of the plot line becauseA) it's not necessary to the review, andB) why give away anything about a book I know you're DYING to read anyhow (or at least I hope you are, because dude! I was!).Coming into this series I only knew two things about it.1- It was about Faeries and2-Aprilynne Pike puts a caste system into her faerie mythology. At the Supernatural Tour (where I first heard of the series) Aprilynne did a reading from Spells; specifically from a part talking about the caste issues. The reading was the main reason my good friend Jenna and I were intrigued by the books in the first place, and we haven't been disappointed.Fast paced, and full of complications brought on by the life of being a Faerie pretending to be a human, Laurel's story is still very absorbing in book two. Her developing love triangle springing from her two very different lives adds that little bit of tension that we all love so much, and a big cliff hanger for the ending! But most of all I really enjoy Aprilynnes take on the mythology, the caste system, the wars with the Trolls, the blossoms, these are all things done differently enough I don't feel like I'm just reading another Faerie book. It's fun and refreshing when there's an entirely new spin on something and she's managed to do that in an engaging, page turning way.Now honestly, how am I going to hold out for the next two books?
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Six months ago Laurel found out she was a faerie, she also found out about the Tolls, natural enemies to the faeries, and made a great enemy in the Troll named Barnes. But since then Laurel has returned to her human life with David, however her faerie heritage has never been far from her mind and neither has Tamani.With the threat of the Trolls still looming Laurel's choice to stay with David and her human parents has not left her exiled from the faerie world, far from it. Laurel has been summoned to Avalon to continue her faerie training so that when the Tolls strike again she will not be left helpless. However the faerie world brings her more then just new skills and new dresses, it also brings her closer to Tamani.Laurel has made a choice, she has chosen to be with David, a human, and she couldn't be happier. So why then is she repeatedly drawn to Tamani, a faerie like herself, she just can't seem to get him out of her mind. Straddling two worlds Laurel is never able to fully commit to one world or one boy. Although she is with David she is still holding onto an image of Tamani. But the time has finally come to choose, or else she threatens to put not just the humans she loves in danger but the faeries also.Spells is not just a story of potions and magic, it is an introduction into the faerie world of Avalon. Slow to start as the world of Avalon is introduced and explored, it builds up to an exciting showdown. At its heart this is a story of relationships; family and friendships and love. These faeries will give new meaning to the term flower faeries, but before you dive in make sure to acquaint yourself with book one Wings, there is a lot of history to be learnt. A gorgeous and tender story that remains pure in spite of allusions of intimacy and the constant threat of danger.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Laurel, who has just learned she is a fall fairy and will blossom every year, heads to Avalon for most of the summer to play catch up with her fairy education. Pike does a nice job of explaining the hierachy of their world and the importance of protecting the gates from outsiders. After Laurel returns home, the trolls continue to be a threat and an interesting third party, also tracking trolls, is introduced.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I'm saddened to say that I really did not enjoy this book as much as I did the first in the series [Wings]. I really loved Wings. I loved learning about faeries and their unique traits. It was nice to make these discoveries along with Laurel.Spells did have things that I did like. For instance, I loved learning more about Avalon as well as potion-making, plants, and their magical worth. But there wasn't enough Laurel/Tamani time. (Sorry, I'm a Tamani girl!) I also felt that there wasn't enough action to make it flow for me. It was very slow-paced. In the beginning it was okay, then it really nose-dived for me, then it sorta picked back up towards the latter half, but still it ended and it was just blah. The characters left off back where they were at the end of the first book. There was nothing of significance in this book to really need to read it. Laurel is still a novice at her fairy skills, Tamani and David are still part of the love triangle, and trolls are still out to get her. It felt like a filler book - which mostly consisted of a lot of information about Avalon, the different faeries (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall), etc.My final say, do you need to read this, no, not really. If you do feel the need to read it, get a copy from the library. Will I be reading the next book in the series? Absolutely. I'm still intrigued. I truly enjoyed Wings and am looking forward to how it all turns out (Enchantments - April 2011). But in the end it just wasn't my cup of tea... sorry.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I loved Wings, the first book in this series, a whole lot, so perhaps that was why this one was a little disappointing to me. It wasn't bad, by any means, but the magic had diminished. Wings felt so much like Twilight to me - the good aspects, that is. Introspective, romantic...the way you really feel what the characters are feeling. This one didn't have that for me. The romantic storyline felt strained. Just pick one of your boyfriends already, and quit whining! I suppose that may be somewhat realistic for teens, but it was still annoying. Perhaps this book just suffers from 2nd book syndrome. I will continue with the series, and hopefully it'll recapture the magic of the first one.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is the second book in the Wings series by Pike. There are four books planned in the series last that I heard; the third book is supposed to be titled Enchantments, but I couldn't find an expected release date. This book was a good addition to the series and an entertaining read.In this book Laurel spends her summer in Avalon learning what is expected of her as a Fall fairy. The tempting Tam is there to keep her company and Laurel learns there are both benefits and responsibilities associated with being a Fall fairy. The action starts when Laurel returns home and finds that the trolls from the first book are still hunting her down.I didn't like this book quite as much as the first one; I didn't think it progressed the storyline all that much. It was interesting to learn more about Fairy culture and how the four classes of fairies (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) are broken up via population and responsibility. Pike delves into the morality of class separation for the fairy race and does a pretty good job discussing the benefits and detriments of this setup. The section where Laurel was in Avalon was my favorite of the book because it was just so interesting.When Laurel gets back to the human world she spends a lot of time making out with her boyfriend David, worrying about her mother's reaction to her being a fairy, and being worried about Trolls. I thought Laurel was a little wishy washy in this portion of the book. She is trying to learn all she can about being a Fall fairy but wants to still live in the human world. She wants David to be her boyfriend, but wants Tam to keep her company. I got a little sick of this undecided attitude, but at the end of this book Laurel does make a choice...I am just skeptical that she will stick with that choice given how often she changed her mind in this book.I was also a little irritated at the actions of Tam and David. Tam is trying to constantly press Laurel into a relationship with him. Whereas David is getting pitifully clingy. By the end of the book I didn't think either man was acting in a very attractive way. Of course, I have to roll my eyes a little at the fact that we have another blatant love triangle here. I am beginning to think that is a prerequisite of all fairy young adult novels.As far as writing style goes, this story is a very easy and engaging read. A great book to read for summer. I was a little disappointed that the plot didn't move along more. Trolls do attack again, but the only realization is that the Trolls are part of something bigger and that is a realization that Laurel and crew made at the end of the first book.Overall the portions in Avalon were very interesting and intriguing. I also enjoyed some of the action in the plot when Laurel returns home (human home). I was a bit disappointed at Laurel's wishy-washiness in her decisions and with the way David and Tam are being developed...but we will see what book three brings. I am still eager to read the next book in the series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    "Wings" was so new and fresh and unexpected that it isn't surprising to find out that the follow up "Spells" isn't quite as magical. I can't point to many flaws in the pacing, plot, or characters in "Spells". Pike starts us off with a trip to Avalon (and Tamani) where Laurel starts school there for the summer, just to teach her some basic protections as well as some background into the Fae world. Laurel meets a few different fae and learns the customs and the four social castes of Avalon. Laurel is a Fall fairy and so she ranks pretty high, right under the very elite Winter fairies. Under the Fall fairies are Summer (artists, actors and other entertainers) and the lowest fairy, the Spring fae. Tamani is one of the Spring. They are assigned to mostly labor jobs and they live in simple homes and wear simple clothes. This information is all interesting and necessary. Unfortunately we move through this summer in Avalon so quickly that the reader doesn't really get a chance to become involved with these characters. Far too quickly, summer is over and Laurel is back in the human world, starting school with boyfriend David and best friend Chelsea. For some reason the time spent in the human world was much more entertaining for me and reminded me a lot of why I loved "Wings" so much. I agree that the Tamani and David triangle really become wearing but it was realistic. It would be so easy to like each one more when you are with that person, especially for a teenager. The conflicts in the story were still compelling and me on the edge of my seat. There was also a strange new character introduced without much of a purpose. I am assuming we will see more of her later. The last page or two was set up to keep the readers dangling for another year for the next book. I am totally invested in the series and I will be among the first to buy the third installment. For a YA book, this has universal appeal. Take a chance on it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Really like twilight with fairies - although in this case the girl is the vampire, I mean fairy...
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I read this because I was offered a free electronic ARC from LivingSocial's Influential Reader Program. I had heard of the first book, Wings, but only read it now, to familiarize myself with the story. I think Spells was a good addition to the series; a little bit slow moving, but still really enjoyable. I am by no means well-versed in faery mythology, but I find Aprilynne’s take on faeries really creative and different. A big part of the story is the love triangle, and I have to say that for me, this is a love triangle done right. There are good aspects to each guy, and you can totally understand why Laurel is drawn to both of them. That’s not to say I don’t have a favorite! I loved the interactions between Laurel and Tamani. By the end I was definitely curious as to what would happen in future books. The cliffhanger is very intriguing. I’m so curious to find out what will happen next, I am certain I will read the next book. I have no idea when I would have gotten around to checking out this series if I hadn’t gotten the chance to read this ARC, so I am glad I did. Overall, I thought this was a well-written, fun, quick read, and a good sequel. I think the fantasy and romance will appeal to teenagers or YA fiction readers.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    We come back to this world at the beginning of the summer where Laurel has been summoned to Avalon to take classes and learn more about her faerie heritage. This education is also supposed to help her learn how to make potions that will help her defend herself against the never-ending parade of trolls that are after her. I was eagerly looking forward to reading about Avalon in this book and hopefully getting to meet more of the fae that live there. Laurel is studying at the academy in Avalon with fellow faerie, who all remember her, but she has no clue who any of them are. I can imagine that it is hard enough to go to school and be the new kid, but to be at that school and have all of them remember you, but you have no recollection of them must be a nightmare. I felt for Laurel because she was trying hard to get to know people, but her friendliness was not always reciprocated. It was also interesting to see how the hierarchy works in Avalon, not all fae are created equal here and it shows in their houses, clothes and possessions. Things are quite different in Avalon and my only disappointment in this book is that we did not get to spend that much time there as I would have liked. I enjoyed hearing about the different types of potions, but I would have liked to see more. Maybe Aprilynne is saving that for one of the next books, I am not sure but I hope we get to go back there and explore more.I have to say though after reading this I am still team Tamani, sorry David, you are a super nice guy, but there is something about Tamani that makes me think he is a better fit for Laurel. The festival is my favorite time with Larual and Tamani, I loved how they both push each others comfort zones, I will not say anymore than that because I do not want to spoil anything, but it’s good. On the down side, throughout the story I almost feel like Laurel is trying to deny who she is, which irks me a little. I get that she is just getting used to being a faerie, but some of David’s behaviors in this book are a little strange to me and I think Laural is taking safe way out of both the love triangle situation and her being a faerie.Overall I really enjoyed this sequel; I liked getting to know some of the fae that lived in Avalon and getting a glimpse into that world. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, even though I don’t think there is even a title for the next one yet, anyone know?