YA – Wings of Shadow

Preto, Nicki Pau. Wings of Shadow. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2021. 978-1-665-90762-0. 617 p. $21.99. Grades 9-12.

Wings of Shadow picks up right where Crown of Feathers left off, with Veronyka having to face her sister Val, along with all the new responsibilities that come with being the last queen of the Golden Empire, and none of it is as easy as it looks. Everyone is treating her differently, except for Tristan, but he is still a hostage of Lord Rolan, which means Veronyka feels very alone when the book starts. Veronkya is determined to bring back Tristan, even if that means putting herself onto a throne that she never wanted. However, she is also faced with the revelation that her sister has bonded with a strix, a creature that was made from darkness and evil. Val is willing to do whatever she needs to in order to get her revenge on Veronyka and anyone else that Val thinks did her wrong. Will Veronyka be able to face her sister and bring peace to the world?

THOUGHTS: This was an amazing conclusion to one of the most fast paced young adult fantasy trilogies that I have picked up. Nicki Pau Preto does an amazing job with world building and character development. Honestly there could have been more books in this series, and I would happily read them and recommend them!

Fantasy          Mary Hyson, Lehigh Valley Regional Charter Academy