Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intriguing, violent, dark fantasy about twins on bird quest.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The BLACK WINGS BEATING continue to haunt twins Kylee and Brysen long after their abusive father died trying to capture the rarest bird in the world, the ghost eagle. When Brysen's boyfriend Dymian gets into trouble over gambling debts, Brysen volunteers to capture a ghost eagle and exchange it for Dymian's life and debt. Brysen's only ever wanted to prove his falconry skills and continue the family business, but he doesn't have any real talent for it. Kylee got all the talent, but wants nothing more than to get out of their small town and see something of world. But she can't let her twin brother go on such a dangerous quest alone. They'll have to confront the Owl Mothers, cross frozen landscapes, and keep one step ahead of the gangs hoping for a chance to steal the eagle once, and if, Brysen can capture it.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of dark fantasy will no doubt enjoy this intriguing series opener with its vast world and complex, believable characters. But a couple of weaknesses might keep Dark Wings Beating from holding the interest of readers who're new to the genre. First is the sense that world of bird-worship and falconry was created not because author Alex London has a real passion for birds himself but because it seemed like a safe choice that hasn't already been done to death. Plotting is another weakness, with events unfolding pretty much along expected lines.
The strengths of the book lie in the relatable teen protagonists and the evocative, often disturbing descriptions of action and vivid, atmospheric depictions of many of the settings. Teens will relate to Kylee and Bryce as they discover who they are, what they mean to each other, what they can do with themselves and for each other, and learn how to face an uncertain future. The story doesn't end here, and those readers who've enjoyed the journey so far will be eager to see what happens next.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Black Wings Beating. How much is too much? Does it matter if it's fantasy violence or not? How is reading about it different from watching it on TV, in movies, or playing violent games?
Why are so many fantasies written as series instead of a single book? What are some of your favorite fantasy series?
Lots of books and other media make it seem like sexual activity is normal for teens, and lots of people in real life wonder if there's something wrong with not being ready or even interested in sex yet. Do you feel that kind of pressure in your life? Kylee doesn't seem to. Why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date : September 25, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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