Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Book review: Black Wings Beating by Alex London

Hey guys! Katie C. here with another Wednesday review! Today I’ll be talking about Black Wings Beating by Alex London.

The people of Uztar have long looked to the sky with hope and wonder. Nothing in their world is more revered than the birds of prey and no one more honored than the falconers who call them to their fists.

Brysen strives to be a great falconer--while his twin sister, Kylee, rejects her ancient gifts for the sport and wishes to be free of falconry. She's nearly made it out, too, but a war is rolling toward their home in the Six Villages, and no bird or falconer will be safe.

Together the twins must journey into the treacherous mountains to trap the Ghost Eagle, the greatest of the Uztari birds and a solitary killer. Brysen goes for the boy he loves and the glory he's long craved, and Kylee to atone for her past and to protect her brother's future. But both are hunted by those who seek one thing: power.

This isn’t my first Alex London book; way back during my first year at TBF when I went to London’s panel, I had read his book Proxy and instantly fallen in love. So when I heard that Alex London was releasing a brand new series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the first book. And boy oh boy was i not let down!!!

Probably the greatest thing about Black Wings Beating is the world building. This story is set in a fantasy land that's centered around birds (if you couldn’t tell from the cover and description). While reading this book, I was introduced to legends centered around birds, games and fights centered around birds, jobs centered around birds, the entire story itself is centered around a fantasy bird like creature called the Ghost eagle. The incredible world building really sets this book apart from the rest and makes it truly unforgettable.

Another thing I loved about this book was the characters, specifically Brysen and Kylee, who dual narrate the story. Brysen and Kylee are twins and each respond to the conflict in different ways and go off into the mountain for different reasons. That’s what makes this novel so interesting; the fact that we can see the story through two totally different eyes! There’s Kylee, who’s practical and serious and who just wants to be free of the family business and other powers she represses. And there’s Brysen, who’s romantic and impulsive and who chases after his dreams despite the lack of reality they contain.

Overall, this book was absolutely fantastic and if you’re a huge fan of fantasy, birds, or a breathtaking story in general, I highly recommend Black Wings Beating!

That’s all I have for today. Until next time, this is Katie C., signing off!

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