Review: Wings of Arian by Devri Walls

*Cover and Synopsis from Goodreads
Kindle Version 2012

Synopsis

Kiora thought she had never heard a lie until she was sixteen. But she was wrong. Her entire existence was based on nothing but. She thought that evil did not exist. Lie. That magic was not real. Lie. And that the land of Meros was all there was. One more lie.

With Aleric telling her that evil is knocking on the door and that she is the only one who can stop them she has a choice to make. Refuse, or start the wildest most painful ride of her life.
She reluctantly dips her toe into her new existence of magic and threads, dragons and shapeshifters, and the person who wants to take control of it all: the evil Dralazar.

However, this journey was never meant to be hers alone. She will be accompanied by a Protector. To her disbelief, and utter irritation they name the hotheaded, stubborn, non -magical, (albeit gorgeous) Prince Emane. They will have to trust each other with their lives, but right now Kiora would settle for a non hostile conversation.

And now it comes down to this, If you had never heard a lie, would you know when you heard one? Is knowing good from evil innate? Kiora finds herself having to decide who lives and who dies on those very questions.

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon

My Review: 4 Delectable
I love stories where the main character has no idea who they really are. Especially when they have no idea they are magical. I really enjoy getting to watch them grow into their powers and morph into the strong leading character that the story needs.

And that's exactly what happens in this book. Kiora led her whole life never really knowing why she was different. She saw things, often times bad things. And they always happened. But she didn't understand why or what it was. Thinking something was wrong with her and blaming herself for all the bad she saw Kiora hid her ability away. Until the day that Aleric shows up and tells her all about the world of magic and the role that  she is destined to play.

In the ultimate battle of good versus evil, Kiora races to learn all there is to know about the magical world around her and of her abilities that lay within. But she can't do it alone. A Protector is summoned, one who is a pain in her side and doesn't particularly care for her either. Will they be able to learn to work together for the sake of themselves and the world around them? Or will they be their own downfall?

I have to say that I liked Kiora. I thought that she was a relatively strong character who did a good job of overcoming the diversities in her life. Despite struggling with her role in this battle of good and evil Kiora stays true to herself never allowing evil to change who she is. Though she is emotional, it doesn't bug me. Devri Walls does such a good job making the emotional outbursts of Kiora work for the story. For once we don't just have a spoiled, emotional girl throwing tantrums just because things didn't go her way. Kiora uses those emotions to help her advance magically and win over the hearts of many.

And I really wanted to love Emane. And part of me did love him. I mean he is sarcastic, strong, dedicated to his job and kingdom, a prince, a swordsman, and he's handsome. All qualities that I love in a male character. Well this character anyway. But the thing that kind of bugged me was the way he was portrayed as the Protector. There were times when I wondered why Kiora even needed one. After all she was far more powerful than Emane. I just felt frustrated that Emane didn't get to shine more in this tale. I mean he is the Protector after all. I would have liked to have seen him kick a little more butt and take a little less orders I guess.

Overall I loved the story and I thought that Devri Walls did a great job of putting a spin on the battle of good versus evil. Keeping readers in the dark while revealing the information to both the characters and the readers at the same time, but in a good a way. Normally this would cause the reader to be confused, but I found that it added a certain level of suspense to the story. And I really enjoyed finding things out as Kiora and Emane did. It really helped me feel like I was part of the story.

The Wings of Arian is a refreshing tale on the battle between good versus evil and I love the way that Devri Walls describes the world in which her characters live allowing the reader to travel these lands as well. A tale of adventure, magic, suspense, action and love; Wings of Arian is a story not to be missed by young adult fantasy lovers!!

Favorite Character Moment:

"Let your magic help you." She touched his forehead, "Change what's in here," she touched his heart, "and listen to what is in here," she touched the band wrapped around his arm, "and feel what is in here." (kindle, loc. 3420). 

I picked this moment from Kiora because I think it really shows how strong she is as a character. Despite all that she has been through Kiora continuously shows leadership and strength especially when it comes to helping others.

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."