Step into the enchanting world of Wings, where a teenage girl discovers she’s not just human but a faerie tasked with guarding a magical gateway! Aprilynne Pike’s Wings series is a young adult fantasy saga that blends romance, adventure, and a fresh take on faerie lore. With its lush world-building and themes of self-discovery, it’s a must-read for fans of magical tales.
Follow Laurel Sewell, a 15-year-old navigating high school and her newfound identity as a faerie from Avalon. As she balances two worlds, a love triangle, and a destiny tied to ancient magic, the series captivates with its mix of everyday struggles and otherworldly charm.
How Wings Began
Aprilynne Pike, a creative writing graduate with a lifelong love for faerie stories, debuted with Wings in 2009. Inspired by her childhood imagination and a desire to reimagine faerie mythology, Pike crafted a unique world where faeries are plant-like beings tied to nature’s seasons. Published by HarperTeen, Wings soared to the New York Times bestseller list, launching a five-book series that enchanted readers worldwide.
Pike’s vision was to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary, setting Laurel’s story in the real-world backdrop of Orick, California, near the Redwood National Parks. Her innovative approach and vivid storytelling earned praise, including a cover blurb from Stephenie Meyer, who called it a “remarkable debut.”
The Heart of Wings
The Wings series spans five books, each weaving Laurel’s journey with magic and romance. The first, Wings (2009), introduces Laurel as she discovers flower-like petals sprouting from her back, revealing her faerie heritage. She must protect Avalon’s gateway while torn between human David and faerie Tamani. Spells (2010) deepens her training in Avalon, exploring her magical abilities and romantic tensions.
Illusions (2011) escalates the stakes with new threats and a mysterious faerie, while Destined (2012) delivers a thrilling conclusion as Laurel embraces her role to save Avalon. The final book, Arabesque (2016), set a decade later, revisits familiar characters in a reflective spin-off. Themes of identity, belonging, and choice shine through, set against a richly imagined Avalon where faeries are tied to seasons and nature.
Pike’s style is accessible yet evocative, blending teen drama with fantastical elements. The love triangle, while familiar, is grounded in Laurel’s struggle to choose between her human life and faerie destiny, making it relatable and heartfelt.
Why Wings Resonates
Wings captivated young adult readers with its unique faerie mythology, earning a spot in 29 languages across 34 publishers. Its blend of romance and adventure drew comparisons to Twilight, yet Pike’s scientific spin on faeries—plant-based beings without blood or organs—set it apart. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its creativity, with some calling it their “first fairy book” and a gateway to the genre.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its exploration of self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s true self. Laurel’s journey resonates with teens navigating their own identities, making Wings a timeless escape into a world of magic and wonder.
- Publication Years: 2009–2016
- Number of Books: 5
- Awards: New York Times Bestseller, Publishers Weekly Bestseller
Ready to sprout your own wings? Grab Wings and dive into Aprilynne Pike’s spellbinding faerie world today!