Scan barcode
leopardsummer8's review against another edition
5.0
"And then it was simple, because they were bonded, and there was no one she'd rather be more vulnerable with than him. No one she trusted more. He was a part of her, and her of him."
Wings of Shadow is the final book in the Crown of Feathers trilogy, and re-reading this for (I think?) the third time only solidified this as one of my favorite series of all time. The world-building is beautiful and I love the parallels, and overall it's just so amazing.
Tension has escalated in the empire and now there appears to be three sides: the Phoenix Riders, Avalkyra and her strixes, and the Empire. I won't go into too many details to avoid spoilers, but this book is the angstiest one yet. There are some scenes that live rent-free in my head, and there are just so many parts of this book that I adore. The ending made me cry harder this time than I had before, which doesn't make sense because I knew what was going to happen.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, one of my favorite parts of this series is the characters. Tristan and Veronyka are literally "couple goals" and I think the reason I love them so much is that despite their romantic relationship, it has the feeling of a platonic one because they're so perfectly balanced. Sev and Kade also deserve a lot of attention because Sev's angst and Kade's reassurances mean everything to me. Avalkyra's arc still intrigues me greatly because despite being the antagonist, there is still a part of her that longs to belong with the heroes. The only POVs I didn't love were Elliot and Sparrow, but I have to keep reminding myself that she's 15 (12) and that their dynamic really is unique. I don't dislike them, I just got mad when their POVs interrupted everyone else's sometimes.
Wings of Shadow is the epic conclusion to the Crown of Feathers series, and if you're love high fantasy with rich history, intriguing and beautifully written characters, and a plot involving the rise and fall of royalty, this is a trilogy you don't want to miss.
4.75/5
Wings of Shadow is the final book in the Crown of Feathers trilogy, and re-reading this for (I think?) the third time only solidified this as one of my favorite series of all time. The world-building is beautiful and I love the parallels, and overall it's just so amazing.
Tension has escalated in the empire and now there appears to be three sides: the Phoenix Riders, Avalkyra and her strixes, and the Empire. I won't go into too many details to avoid spoilers, but this book is the angstiest one yet. There are some scenes that live rent-free in my head, and there are just so many parts of this book that I adore. The ending made me cry harder this time than I had before, which doesn't make sense because I knew what was going to happen.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, one of my favorite parts of this series is the characters. Tristan and Veronyka are literally "couple goals" and I think the reason I love them so much is that despite their romantic relationship, it has the feeling of a platonic one because they're so perfectly balanced. Sev and Kade also deserve a lot of attention because Sev's angst and Kade's reassurances mean everything to me. Avalkyra's arc still intrigues me greatly because despite being the antagonist, there is still a part of her that longs to belong with the heroes. The only POVs I didn't love were Elliot and Sparrow, but I have to keep reminding myself that she's 15 (12) and that their dynamic really is unique. I don't dislike them, I just got mad when their POVs interrupted everyone else's sometimes.
Wings of Shadow is the epic conclusion to the Crown of Feathers series, and if you're love high fantasy with rich history, intriguing and beautifully written characters, and a plot involving the rise and fall of royalty, this is a trilogy you don't want to miss.
4.75/5
chl0e's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
molobs121's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
meltingpages's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I'm so mad at myself that I put off reading this for so long! This was such a satisfying ending to this trilogy, and I think it solidly puts it on my favorite series list! I loved the fighting scenes and the character development especially for Veronyka and Sev was fun to see.
This is also one of the most complex worlds that I've read in a YA fantasy in a long time, there is so much history that just adds to current events. I would absolutely love to see a prequel series about the first Phoenix rider!
I don't want to spoil anything about this series, but if you're in your dragon era I think you would really enjoy this series, there aren't any dragons but the phoenixes are a fun take on the animal companion, rider trope.
I'll never understand why Nicki Pau Preto's books aren't being raved about more, they totally deserve so much love and hype!
This is also one of the most complex worlds that I've read in a YA fantasy in a long time, there is so much history that just adds to current events. I would absolutely love to see a prequel series about the first Phoenix rider!
I don't want to spoil anything about this series, but if you're in your dragon era I think you would really enjoy this series, there aren't any dragons but the phoenixes are a fun take on the animal companion, rider trope.
I'll never understand why Nicki Pau Preto's books aren't being raved about more, they totally deserve so much love and hype!
kimcat's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
heycheline's review against another edition
4.0
more people should really read this book series, it’s quite amazing. The ending, the epilogue type chapters, were a bit cliche but nice nonetheless. I’m happy that the book was still realistic in terms of war and death even though we’re working with a fantasy world. I liked it a lot, it’s 4 stars for me !
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
An epic finale to an epic series! Nicki Pau Preto packs everything into this high stakes story. Characters who have become both old and familiar clash and collide. There are battles, romances, drama, twists, revelations, and sacrifices. This was a great conclusion to a series I will greatly miss.
The book covers a lot of ground. Characters begin scattered and are slowly brought back together. Veronkya remains one of the most selfless characters in YA fiction. Tristan works to overcome his own turmoils. Elliot and Sparrow continue forming a great bond. Sev overcomes his personal demons. Avalkyra is relentless in her pursuit of power. There are so many things going on at once, but Pau Preto manages to strike a balance with all of them.
The book moves at a steady pace until the end, when it's all hands on deck and everyone is fighting for their lives. The action scenes are intense and dramatic, though the real tension comes when Veronkya and Val face off with mage and might. They are both imposing and driven to their end goal, which couldn't be more opposite.
What I've always loved about this series are its world-building and lore. Despite the robust length, Pau Preto manages to add in new elements and twists that make it feel even grander. The use of magic and imagination is on full display and truly makes for a spectacular and magical ending.
It's clear the author put her whole heart into this series, and while I'm sad to see it's ended, I do think this was the best ending that could have been crafted. It's heartfelt, majestic, and epic. Definitely a recommendation!
The book covers a lot of ground. Characters begin scattered and are slowly brought back together. Veronkya remains one of the most selfless characters in YA fiction. Tristan works to overcome his own turmoils. Elliot and Sparrow continue forming a great bond. Sev overcomes his personal demons. Avalkyra is relentless in her pursuit of power. There are so many things going on at once, but Pau Preto manages to strike a balance with all of them.
The book moves at a steady pace until the end, when it's all hands on deck and everyone is fighting for their lives. The action scenes are intense and dramatic, though the real tension comes when Veronkya and Val face off with mage and might. They are both imposing and driven to their end goal, which couldn't be more opposite.
What I've always loved about this series are its world-building and lore. Despite the robust length, Pau Preto manages to add in new elements and twists that make it feel even grander. The use of magic and imagination is on full display and truly makes for a spectacular and magical ending.
It's clear the author put her whole heart into this series, and while I'm sad to see it's ended, I do think this was the best ending that could have been crafted. It's heartfelt, majestic, and epic. Definitely a recommendation!
jessicaalexander95's review against another edition
4.0
A strong ending to the series with a great mix of action and plot.
pinkknight's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I'm going to be sad forever now that this series is over. I love all the characters so much and I'm glad they finally got the happiness they deserve.