The Recommended Reading Order for Wings
To fully experience Laurel Sewell's journey from an ordinary teenager to a powerful faerie guardian, you should read the Wings series in order of publication. Because the narrative flows chronologically, this order aligns perfectly with the timeline of events. The main quartet tells a continuous, serialized story, while the final book serves as a companion novel set a decade later.
Here is the recommended reading path for the series:
- Wings (2009)
- Spells (2010)
- Illusions (2011) – Note: Published as Wild in the United Kingdom.
- Destined (2012)
- Arabesque (2016)
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Unlike some fantasy series that feature prequels, spin-offs, and short stories scattered throughout the timeline, the Wings series keeps things simple. The chronological order of the series is identical to the publication order. The first four books follow Laurel's high school years and her escalating battle to protect the gateway to Avalon. After the high-stakes resolution in Destined, the timeline jumps ahead ten years for the companion novel Arabesque, which shifts the spotlight to a new protagonist while bringing back beloved characters from the original quartet in supporting roles.
The Wings Book-by-Book Guide
1. Wings (2009)
Laurel Sewell has lived a relatively normal life, homeschooled by her hippie parents in the forests of Orick, California. But when she transitions to a public high school at age fifteen, her life turns upside down. A giant bump on her back rapidly sprouts into a beautiful, flower-like set of wings. Laurel soon discovers she is not human at all, but a faerie sent to live among humans to guard a crucial, hidden gateway to the magical realm of Avalon. As she struggles to understand her nature, she finds herself caught between two worlds and two boys: David, her sweet and supportive human classmate, and Tamani, the mysterious, summer-born faerie sentry who has been guarding her from afar.
2. Spells (2010)
Now fully aware of her heritage, Laurel travels to the magical realm of Avalon to undergo formal training. Here, she learns the complex science of faerie biology and refines her magical skills in mixing potions and elixirs. The deeper she goes into the faerie world, the more she realizes the imminent danger threatening the gateway back on Earth. As Laurel's magical capabilities grow, so does the tension in her personal life. She is forced to navigate her intense, growing bond with Tamani while trying to hold onto her human life and her relationship with David back in California.
3. Illusions / Wild (2011)
Laurel returns to her human high school, but danger follows close behind. A new student named Yuki arrives, and Laurel quickly senses that she is not what she appears to be. Trolls are still hunting for the gateway to Avalon, and the magical defense of the human world is growing increasingly fragile. To protect Laurel, Tamani goes undercover at her high school, forcing Laurel, David, and Tamani to work together under immense stress. Note: Readers in the UK and select international markets will find this book sold under the title Wild, but the text and story are identical to Illusions.
4. Destined (2012)
The stakes reach their absolute peak in the final installment of the main quartet. The gateway to Avalon is under direct threat, and Laurel must prepare for an all-out battle to protect both her faerie homeland and the human family she loves. Sacrifices must be made, and the long-standing love triangle between Laurel, David, and Tamani finally reaches its emotional and definitive resolution. Destined ties up all the major plot threads of Laurel's primary story arc, offering a satisfying conclusion to her journey.
5. Arabesque (2016)
Set more than ten years after the events of Destined, this companion novel focuses on Rowen, an orphaned Summer faerie who dreams of dancing ballet at a prestigious human academy in California. Rowen must learn to blend in with humans, a species she deeply distrusts. However, when an ancient mystery threatens the peace between Avalon and the human world, Rowen is forced to step up. Laurel and Tamani return as mentor figures (acting as Rowen's aunt and uncle) to help her navigate her magical duties while she strives to achieve her dreams on the dance floor.
What to Know Before You Start
Aprilynne Pike’s Wings series stands out in the young adult fantasy landscape due to its highly unique take on faerie biology. Instead of traditional magical spirits, the faeries of Avalon are plant-based organisms. They do not have blood, bones, or internal organs; instead, they possess sap, photosynthesize light, and reproduce via seeds. When they enter their dormant cycles, they shed petals from their backs. This scientific approach to magic caught the attention of Twilight author Stephenie Meyer, who praised the debut as a remarkable and fresh entry in the genre.
Because the main storyline is heavily serialized, we highly recommend against reading these books out of order. Skipping from the first book straight to the third or fourth will leave you confused by the rapid escalation of the conflict with the trolls and the evolution of Laurel's relationships. While Arabesque features a new main character, it contains significant spoilers for the ending of Destined, so it is best enjoyed as a post-series treat rather than a starting point.