Title: Black Wings Beating
Author: Alex London
Published: October 9th, 2018
Pages: 432
Goodreads Rating: 4.15
My Rating: 4.00
Quick synopsis: The people of Uztar have long looked to the sky with hope and wonder. Nothing in their world is more revered than the birds of prey and no one more honored than the falconers who call them to their fists.
Brysen strives to be a great falconer--while his twin sister, Kylee, rejects her ancient gifts for the sport and wishes to be free of falconry. She's nearly made it out, too, but a war is rolling toward their home in the Six Villages, and no bird or falconer will be safe.
Together the twins must journey into the treacherous mountains to trap the Ghost Eagle, the greatest of the Uztari birds and a solitary killer. Brysen goes for the boy he loves and the glory he's long craved, and Kylee to atone for her past and to protect her brother's future. But both are hunted by those who seek one thing: power.
Would I recommend?: Yes! Especially if you're a LOTR fan!
Why?: Black Wings Beating is the perfect fall read full of adventure, killer birds, family, and unrequited love. For everyone who said this was The Lord of the Rings meets birds... you are 100% correct, and no that is not a joke. There are some freakish similarities, but I’ll let you figure them out for yourself instead of having me spoil the whole story.
My Rating: 4.00
Quick synopsis: The people of Uztar have long looked to the sky with hope and wonder. Nothing in their world is more revered than the birds of prey and no one more honored than the falconers who call them to their fists.
Brysen strives to be a great falconer--while his twin sister, Kylee, rejects her ancient gifts for the sport and wishes to be free of falconry. She's nearly made it out, too, but a war is rolling toward their home in the Six Villages, and no bird or falconer will be safe.
Together the twins must journey into the treacherous mountains to trap the Ghost Eagle, the greatest of the Uztari birds and a solitary killer. Brysen goes for the boy he loves and the glory he's long craved, and Kylee to atone for her past and to protect her brother's future. But both are hunted by those who seek one thing: power.
Would I recommend?: Yes! Especially if you're a LOTR fan!
Why?: Black Wings Beating is the perfect fall read full of adventure, killer birds, family, and unrequited love. For everyone who said this was The Lord of the Rings meets birds... you are 100% correct, and no that is not a joke. There are some freakish similarities, but I’ll let you figure them out for yourself instead of having me spoil the whole story.
This book was a very well written and organized book. The writing flowed very smoothly, and there were no jumps in the storyline. Nor were there any points in the story that seemed unnecessary, which for a fantasy novel, I have found to be quite unusual since authors want to provide as much detail as possible, sometimes oversharing.
The only cons I found with this book were the brother and the ending. The brother was so unbelievably blinded by love, it led to his own downfall, (and ultimately everyone else's). However, I understand this was needed for the plot of the book, so I’m getting over it. As for the ending, it kind of just...ended. It was “Okay, let’s go do this now!” and then done. It wasn’t super promising for an epic sequel, and I’m skeptical as to where it’s going to go, but I’m excited for it’s continuation nonetheless!
