Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brave teen embraces mixed heritage in thrilling fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
When WINGS OF EBONY begins, Rue is sneaking into the Houston home where her half-sister, Tasha, lives. The girls were separated after their mother was shot dead on their stoop, because Rue's father, a god-being from a secret country, took custody of Rue. She's regarded with suspicion in his world, an island off the coast of Madagascar; there's even some talk of killing her for being half-human. She finds friends and allies and wins trust. When she learns that the evil forces from the world of gods are endangering her old neighborhood and her sister, Rue resolves to do something about it.
Is It Any Good?
This exciting fantasy has convincing world-building and offers a hero readers can aspire to be like. Wings of Ebony uses a secret world of gods in hiding as a metaphor for the unacknowledged power and magic that exists in all people, regardless of the challenges they live with and what their enemies tell them. First-time author J. Elle delivers this message clearly -- by showing not telling. The book is well-written in a first-person voice by a character with complex thoughts and emotions. It's most appropriate for strong readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sibling relationship in Wings of Ebony. How do the sisters support each other in the absence of their parents?
How does the author use the fantasy country to make commentary about the realistic neighborhood?
How has a difficult life experience made your stronger or wiser?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : March 21, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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