Black Wings Beating: The Skybound Saga, Book 1

Lots of descriptions of violence, including punching, stabbing, choking, burning, being eaten alive, and killing with mentions of blood, breaking bones, and pain. A father's past brutal physical abuse is remembered with disturbing images of burning, beating, and other family members hearing screams. Pets and wild animals, mostly birds of prey, are in danger and die. A character mentions cutting himself in the past as a way of "releasing the hurt." Kylee defends herself once or twice by kneeing in the crotch.

Brysen is in a same-sex relationship in a society that doesn't care about homosexuality, so it's not discussed as an issue. Kissing is mentioned along with a few brief descriptions of physical attraction. Sex or making out are implied but not described, and there are a couple of instances of sexual innuendo. Kylee doesn't have romantic feelings at the moment but appreciates the friendship of a boy who's in love with her.

"Crap."

Brysen has a strong habit of chewing "hunter's leaf," which has a drug-like effect of helping tolerate pain and muddling the head a bit. Painful hangover symptoms are mentioned after a night at the tavern. Mention of tavern customers smoking water pipes and the "sickly sweet" aroma from them.

Parents need to know that Black Wings Beating is a dark fantasy with plenty of violence. Sometimes it's a bit graphic or gory with disturbing images, especially memories of past physical abuse. There's also punching, bones crunching, mentions of blood, stabbing, chocking, and killing. Pets and wild animals, mostly birds of prey, are also in peril and some die. Same-sex relationships are normal here, and main character Brysen, 16, is in a same-sex relationship; his twin sister, Kylee, isn't interested in romance or sex. There's some descriptions of romantic feelings and physical attraction, but most sexual activity beyond a couple of kisses is implied, not shown. Brysen's a habitual user of "hunter's leaf," which is like chewing tobacco that relieves pain and muddles the mind. Hangover symptoms are described once, although the teens aren't directly described drinking alcohol. It's intended as a series kickoff, so role models and positive messages may not be fully formed, but Brysen and Kylee model strong bonds of loyalty and family, and the story explores themes about recognizing and using your own powers and strengths, being stronger together, and that love isn't something you can earn -- it's a gift that's either given or not.