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sometimesiread11's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
erinremen's review against another edition
4.0
What did I just read? This was insane! I have no words that will adequately summarize this in a way that will do this strange tale justice. We read it in the voice of the mother. We follow it with her eyes and the as the strangeness that is Briella makes itself known we want to deny it in our own voices. We should love our children, never doubting that, and embrace their uniqueness. But how do you embrace the disquiet you feel when you encounter this smart, unique child, doing and saying things that leave you a little uneasy, slightly sick and utterly perplexed? Seriously, this is a very strange read. Not what I expected at all. And I love the strange and otherworldly voices of many authors. I just don't know where to place it. I read it in a day. So no problems there! It speaks for itself. You just have to make up your own mind and answer the question yourself. How do you love your child, if they do jot even possess the unique qualities that make us human? Definitely a book that will make you think. I could never even being to imagine how it would be to have that question even enter my mind about my own children. I feel a disquiet, an uneasiness when evne think about it. This is well written and the characters grab you, even the Raven. Though it will give you the creeps! If you like strange and the unexplainable then this is definitely for you!
I revieved a review copy of this from Netgalley. This has in no way affected my review. It is honest and all mine.
I revieved a review copy of this from Netgalley. This has in no way affected my review. It is honest and all mine.
zarco_j's review against another edition
3.0
Really enjoyed this, and it wasn't what I was expecting at all from the blurb. I'll certainly look out for more books from Megan Hart in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
zooloo1983's review against another edition
3.0
Seriously can Flame Tress Press do no wrong! Yet another book I have read in their catalogue and another stonking book! Thankfully nowhere nearly as spooky as the last book I read by them, but just as terrifying in its own way. Plus now I am just afraid of Ravens!!!
This is not your typical ghost and ghouls story but one which is of a more ominous brew as it is a mother trying to deal with a child who is just beyond anything we could imagine intellectually. But Briella, (gorgeous name!) does not care about the lack of friends, or that she is incredibly intelligent, all she is cares about it Onyx, her raven! I loved that for a change we were not meant to “love” this little girl, in fact, I felt quite the opposite, Damien springs to mind much. Marion, the mother, my heart went out to her, I have a “difficult” little lady, in which she is so strong-willed and knows her own mind, I just hope she does not befriend any ravens, although we do have a black cat……
With the story unfolding through Marion’s eyes, we do not always have the complete picture of why Briella is behaving the way she is at times it can be frustrating only because I wanted to know what made her tick, what was going on in that brain of hers! However, I think for my sanity I am glad I did not get an insight into her brain!!
Black Wings starts slow, sucking you in before starting to unleash all the horrors we are to witness, and boy do you get sucked in. It is utterly engrossing, I did not even notice the witching hour upon me, and yet another night I was kept up past my bedtime, I promise I will get some sleep soon! Four books this week by Flame Tree Press so I think it is obvious who my favourite publisher is!
Black Wings is an intense read, as the sense of foreboding was emanating from every page, leaving you reeling especially when you know what the “secret project” is and the accidents begin…
I seriously feel like I need to get the house cleansed now from all the spooky, intense and horrifying books I have read this week!
jayfr's review against another edition
3.0
Really enjoyed this, and it wasn't what I was expecting at all from the blurb. I'll certainly look out for more books from Megan Hart in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
rock_n_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Flame Tree Press for sending me a free advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Black Wings is my first read from Megan Hart, and overall I really enjoyed it! I thought that the characters were well written and thought the story had good pacing. It was easy to tell myself, "Just one more chapter" from the beginning, but I found it especially hard to put down for the last half or so. The suspense just continued to build throughout the story. I would categorize this as more of a thriller, with some elements of horror. There are definitely some moments that left me unsettled, and I found myself able to relate to a lot of Marian's emotions (despite the fact that I'm not a mother).
I hope that the author writes more books in this genre-- I'd definitely pick up another story from her!
Black Wings is my first read from Megan Hart, and overall I really enjoyed it! I thought that the characters were well written and thought the story had good pacing. It was easy to tell myself, "Just one more chapter" from the beginning, but I found it especially hard to put down for the last half or so. The suspense just continued to build throughout the story. I would categorize this as more of a thriller, with some elements of horror. There are definitely some moments that left me unsettled, and I found myself able to relate to a lot of Marian's emotions (despite the fact that I'm not a mother).
I hope that the author writes more books in this genre-- I'd definitely pick up another story from her!
jessaca_with_an_a's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe it’s because I vividly remember my tantrum-adolescent years, or maybe it’s because I’m a parent and I finally understand the tension involved in the relationship between mother and child, but I thought Black Wings was a great character-driven novel!
I’ve read the other reviews. People hated the characters (you were supposed to). People found the science fiction/fantasy to be more in the background (also intentional). People didn’t think the “chilling” moments were actually chilling (you’re looking at the wrong things.
“We’ll be fine. We’ll all be just fine.”
What makes this book unsettling is accompanying Marian in her inner thoughts about her relationship with her troubled daughter, Briela, so if you’re looking for a supernatural thriller, this isn’t it. Marian constantly questions her love for her daughter, and doubts her abilities as a parent. This book covers themes of parenting, step-parenting, mortality, and even something akin to Asperger’s (thought Briela is never said to have Asperger’s, I found a lot of her characteristics to be similar).
I won’t ever look at crows or ravens the same way again.
I’ve read the other reviews. People hated the characters (you were supposed to). People found the science fiction/fantasy to be more in the background (also intentional). People didn’t think the “chilling” moments were actually chilling (you’re looking at the wrong things.
“We’ll be fine. We’ll all be just fine.”
What makes this book unsettling is accompanying Marian in her inner thoughts about her relationship with her troubled daughter, Briela, so if you’re looking for a supernatural thriller, this isn’t it. Marian constantly questions her love for her daughter, and doubts her abilities as a parent. This book covers themes of parenting, step-parenting, mortality, and even something akin to Asperger’s (thought Briela is never said to have Asperger’s, I found a lot of her characteristics to be similar).
I won’t ever look at crows or ravens the same way again.
erweatherburn's review against another edition
3.0
When I first began Black Wings, I was expecting to read a story that would unsettle me. The book's premise, along with its subject, suggested it would tell a story that was truly chilling. For the most part, I believe Black Wings lived up to its reputation; any gothic novel involving a child sets itself apart as a story which has the potential to make its audience feel distinctly uncomfortable. Throughout the novel, I felt a sharp curiosity, wanting to uncover Briella's mysteries, but I was restricted by the ignorance of her own mother. We see through Marian's eyes, and so when Marian doesn't question her daughter's behaviour, we, as readers, are unable to understand what the mysterious girl is planning. This makes for quite an effective narrative technique, because it means that a sense of mystery can be maintained throughout the story. The downside of this is, of course, is that the narrative can, at times, come across as a little frustrating.
Yet Marian is not a totally despicable character; it is easy to understand why she is unable to give her daughter the attention she deserves - she doesn't understand her, and although she tries her hardest to connect with her, it may just be that no one can understand Briella. The result is a somewhat morally ambiguous character; I disapproved of the way Marian seemed to neglect her daughter, but I also understood her actions; she is a mother placed in an impossible situation, and so it is easy to redeem the way she decides to handle it. This moral ambiguity resulted in a character who was compelling and interesting to read about.
As for the supernatural aspects of this novel - they were of good quality, but I must say that I was expecting more. Onyx made for an interesting character, and he was certainly eerie, but I feel as though I wanted more of a focus on him, and less of a focus on Marian sneaking off for a cigarette in the middle of the day. It's also worth mentioning that, as the book is written from Marian's perspective, many of Briella's actions - as well as her motivations - are concealed. I expected many of these to be resolved towards the end of the novel, but I was left a little disappointed. I liked the ending, but it didn't offer many explanations as to what Briella had actually been doing. This may have been a purposeful decision, as it did help maintain the mystery of the story, but I can't help from wondering whether there are a few loose ends still lost somewhere around the middle of Black Wings.
Despite a few negatives, I cannot deny the fact that I really enjoyed reading this novel. It is exceptionally dramatic, capable of keeping its readers engaged even during the slower parts of the narrative. There is a tension that runs throughout this story, and it is impossible not to admire it. The book is well-written, too; there were a few periods of odd phrasing, but, for the most part, I was pleased with the style of writing. In fact, I was pleased with most of this book; it didn't outstand me, but it certainly engaged me, and I have had a pleasant time reading it. Despite its connections to the gothic genre, I would argue that this is quite a light read; it has relatively short chapters, and is sure to delight anyone interested in a story filled with drama.
Yet Marian is not a totally despicable character; it is easy to understand why she is unable to give her daughter the attention she deserves - she doesn't understand her, and although she tries her hardest to connect with her, it may just be that no one can understand Briella. The result is a somewhat morally ambiguous character; I disapproved of the way Marian seemed to neglect her daughter, but I also understood her actions; she is a mother placed in an impossible situation, and so it is easy to redeem the way she decides to handle it. This moral ambiguity resulted in a character who was compelling and interesting to read about.
As for the supernatural aspects of this novel - they were of good quality, but I must say that I was expecting more. Onyx made for an interesting character, and he was certainly eerie, but I feel as though I wanted more of a focus on him, and less of a focus on Marian sneaking off for a cigarette in the middle of the day. It's also worth mentioning that, as the book is written from Marian's perspective, many of Briella's actions - as well as her motivations - are concealed. I expected many of these to be resolved towards the end of the novel, but I was left a little disappointed. I liked the ending, but it didn't offer many explanations as to what Briella had actually been doing. This may have been a purposeful decision, as it did help maintain the mystery of the story, but I can't help from wondering whether there are a few loose ends still lost somewhere around the middle of Black Wings.
Despite a few negatives, I cannot deny the fact that I really enjoyed reading this novel. It is exceptionally dramatic, capable of keeping its readers engaged even during the slower parts of the narrative. There is a tension that runs throughout this story, and it is impossible not to admire it. The book is well-written, too; there were a few periods of odd phrasing, but, for the most part, I was pleased with the style of writing. In fact, I was pleased with most of this book; it didn't outstand me, but it certainly engaged me, and I have had a pleasant time reading it. Despite its connections to the gothic genre, I would argue that this is quite a light read; it has relatively short chapters, and is sure to delight anyone interested in a story filled with drama.
annarella's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this creepy and engaging book. I don't know if it's a sort of psychological thriller or a horror but I suppose it doesn't matter.
What really matters is that book is really good and it creates a growing level of creepiness always keeping you on the edge.
I loved the style of writing and I liked how the characters were developed.
I look forward to reading other books by this writer.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Flame Tree Press and Netgalley for this ARC
What really matters is that book is really good and it creates a growing level of creepiness always keeping you on the edge.
I loved the style of writing and I liked how the characters were developed.
I look forward to reading other books by this writer.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Flame Tree Press and Netgalley for this ARC