Sunday, August 4, 2019

Review: Taking Wing by Clemency Crow


TAKING WING
Feather Down, Book One
by Clemency Crow
Crowvus
Middle Grade Fantasy
341 pages









Twelve-year-old Freya enjoys karate and is the only one in her class who’s trusted with a part-time job. But everything changes when she meets a boy with yellow eyes. She learns about the guardians, and how an age-old fight has prevented them from fulfilling their purpose.

Freya finds new friends in the Crow tribe, but not everything in the castle is blissful. A destructive shadow lies within her and all she needs to do to release it is close her eyes.

But as the guardians’ war rages on, Freya realises that, although the shadow’s power can be useful, it can’t create peace. To do that, Freya and her friends must solve the mysterious crime that began the war. Can they bring the guardians together before they destroy each other?
 



MY TIDBITS

This is a grabbing fantasy, not only for middle graders but will hook older readers as well.

Freya is a down-to-earth twelve-year-old, who is responsible and gets along fairly well in life, but when she meets a boy with yellow eyes, everything takes a sharp spin at reality. Soon, she finds herself wrapped up in a world of magic, where a war is waging between bird tribes. Not to mention that Freya discovers a power inside of her. Not only does she need to learn about her own shadow power, but in order to help her new-found friends, is determined to get behind the secrets of the war.

From the very first page, this tale hooks. Freya is an average girl who simply is a bit more mature than many of her classmates. She's kind and determined, but never arrogant or acting older than she really is. Her decisions are understandable and age appropriate, making her easy to connect to. But then, many of the characters are a real treat. Each one comes across not only with originality but also with a naturalness, which makes them easy to love or hate.

The realm of the birds and a dab of magic are intriguing and offer an original story. There are many twists and turns along the way as well, keeping the book, for the most part, at a fast-pace. It's a fantasy which not only kids will enjoy, but adults can be drawn into as well.


You can learn more about Clemency Crow and her books...

https://www.clemencycrow.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/sprinklingmagic
https://twitter.com/MenaceCCFC

1 comment:

Clemency Crow said...

Thanks for your amazing review!

I'm really pleased you enjoyed the characters! I'd be really interested to know who people's favourite characters were. I admit I was surprised when some people told me Rald was their favourite. Surprised but delighted!

Thanks again!