Parents' Guide to

Wicked Lovely

By Matt Berman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Modern fairy tale fascinates; some iffy content.

Book Melissa Marr Fantasy 2007
Wicked Lovely Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 14+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Jodi M.
Jodi M. Parent of 12-year-old
March 31, 2017
age 17+

Better choices available

I found this book at the thrift store along with the second in the series. The first book is just okay. While not graphic, there are a lot of negative things covered, which I would not recommend for younger teens. As the series progresses, the writing just becomes garbage. Not only is it boring, the main character is sexually trafficked by her brother to pay for his drugs. She is later sexually abused by a dark fairy king. Not a positive message. I would say that there are many far more engaging books and series for teens to read. Marr's writing style is not very noteworthy to begin with and her subject matter just makes this whole series forgettable.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
April R.
April R. Adult
February 12, 2016
age 14+
See all 4 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (12):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Book Details

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