 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Wicked Lovely
- By Melissa Marr
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Modern fairy tale fascinates; some iffy content.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, while there's nothing graphic, there is discussion of sex, virginity, first times, STDs, and other sexual content. There's also a bit of swearing, alcohol, and drugs. Strong, fluid, and respectful characters are an asset to this novel.
Readers will root for the smart Aislinn -- and Seth, too -- as they
tackle difficult decisions. This book has inspired sequels and an upcoming movie.
What's the story?
All her life, Aislinn has been able to see faeries, and they are everywhere, invisible to mortals except for her. And these are not your average cute Disney pixies -- they are the same size as humans, and can be very nasty, especially to those mortals who can see them. To survive, Aislinn has had to learn to pretend not to see them, and to live behind steel walls, which keep them out. All Aislinn wants is to explore her growing relationship with Seth, finish high school, go to college, and lead a relatively normal life. But now she's being stalked by the faeries, especially one, Keenan, who is the Summer King and wants her for his Queen. Keenan is able to endure steel, and will have Aislinn whether she agrees or not -- if she doesn't, the power of his mother, the Winter Queen, will be unchecked, and winter will descend on the earth forever.
Is it any good?
First-time novelist Melissa Marr hits all the right notes -- strong characters, a bit of suspense, a tinge of horror and fantasy, and romance that's not laid on too thick -- all placed in a resolutely modern setting. Unlike so many novice authors, Marr is careful and nicely restrained. She doesn't feel she has to let loose with every idea she has ever had in some sort of pyrotechnical display that leaves the reader's head spinning. She keeps her story focused, which helps build the suspense and keeps the attention on the characters.
All of them, major and minor, are interestingly complex (except possibly Seth, who's a little too much like every teen girl's fantasy), and operating with mixed motives. There's even a nice bit for Niall, one of Keenan's advisers, who stays in the background for most of the book but steps forward near the end to talk Keenan back into his better self. The book is an assured piece of work from a newcomer to watch.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the mix of content here: This book has both fairies and discussions of sex, virginity, etc. What age do you think this book most appeals to? The author says that she made her own daughter wait until she was 13 to read it. Do you agree?
Why do you think fantasy novels are so popular with teens right now? What do you find appealing about them? How does this book compare with other fantasy novels you've read? Can you think of any common elements?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
good for tweens and teens
I loved this book because of the strong message it gives that though one cannot change who they are or what they are destined to become, one can change their outlook and become accountable for their lot in life with great optimism. I really think the book is a fun, cool read for teens.
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AGE
Excellent, gripping faery tale
I really loved this book, and the others that have followed it (I'm reading Radiant Shadows right now, actually), and I feel that it has a lot of good, positive messages about staying true to yourself and your beliefs. It's a bit akward, yes, that Keenan's actually Ash's dad... ok, a lot awkward, but the series is still fantastic. Oh, and Keenan and Donia, Niall and Irial, Seth and Aislinn, and Devlin and Ani are THE BEST.
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AGE
Great book, but as CSM said there is definetly some iffy content.
Let me start out by saying that this book is definetly my favorite that i've read all school year(maybe even ever).
The content isn't really that bad.
But there is some mention of sex, as in talking a little about STDs and virginity. But the only part that was that bad was the mention of oral sex, it wasn't in there directly, but you'd after to be a pretty dumb person not to get what their doing. Wasn't in any detail though, and it was only mention in a few tiny paragraphs.
Violence is there too, which isn't suprising in these modern faerie tales, considering most faeries are evil, it's not too gruesome but is definetly pretty bed.
Language is not such a big deal, couple curse words here in there, but it's not like the book is filled with it.
There's some drinking, but it's only a little, except for when the main character gets drunk on faery wine, but other than that it's really not too bad.
I think it's definetly a good book for a mature reader, but 13+ seems reasonable.
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AGE
Nice :)
Haha the author stole my name so I expected the book to be amazing.
It was pretty good... I am yet to fail in falling in love with one of the characters. Seth is so.. wow! I loved him :D This is a book on Faeries. I love Faeries. The book was a little slow at the beginning but it was good. There ARE mentions of sex and STDs though. You might want to keep that in mind, although they aren't bad. One make-out, but no details. Just a little kissing. Um... I didn't actually realize that about Aislinns dad till I read it in another review... what a spoiler! Trust me though, if your a girl, you will be crazy over Seth. Thats not bad, he's a great character. Very loving. There's a bunch of great suprises. I love the ending. You should definitly check out the book.
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AGE
Totally amazing book, didn't want to put it down
Great book for any Fairy enthuasist or magical creature type book. Have a mature 12yo and would not mind her reading it.
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AGE
Love it! Some sexual and language stuff, but great plot and everything! I'm on Radiant Shadows (book four), and I've loved it all so far!
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AGE
AWESOME
I loved it!
It is MUCH MUCH better than twilight, and will leave readers yearning for more. Be careful though - the next book in the series talks about sex much more than this one. Almost every other page mentions it. Don't read Ink Exchange (the second) unless you are 14+. (oops on me)
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AGE
loooved the booook
This book was awesome! I never wanted the book to end. But there was some cussing and some talk about sex. So i think that 14 and older are the most appropriate ages.
:)
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AGE
The Plot was good.
Well, the plot was good but one too many "f" words. Another thing is that the Summer King ends up really being her dad. (Has an affair with her mom who later commits suicide to escape becoming a summer girl.) I think 14+ would have been better.
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| Author: | Melissa Marr |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | HarperTeen |
| Publication date: | June 11, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 328 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 13 |
| Read alone: | 13 |
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