Melinda Salisbury

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Her Dark Wings

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

When Corey finds out the two people closest to her have deceived her, it begins a slow-winding spiral she can’t escape. And when one of them passes away, Corey is torn between feeling glad they are gone and guilty over the feeling itself. Corey’s journey of discovery will take her into the realm of Hades as she comes to terms with her feelings and discovers what she truly desires.

Her Dark Wings creates a modern day society based around Greek mythology. Melinda Salisbury has carefully incorporated beliefs and culture into the island’s people, laying the foundations of Corey’s tale. When Corey is whisked away to the underworld, the imagery paints a vivid picture for readers to become immersed in. Her new surroundings force Corey to face the bitter truths.

The themes surrounding forgiveness and overcoming betrayal create an emotionally packed story. Corey is the type of character to form bonds quickly when shown kindness, even if there are red flags. This leads to a building of tension among the characters as Corey discovers their true intentions. And even though she understands the godly being she befriends cannot relate to her human life, she wants to connect with them on an emotional level. Corey's need for companionship will lead her down darker roads. Ones that threaten to change who she is at her very core.

Her Dark Wings is a modern retelling of Hades and Persephone with all the young adult emotion one could hope for. And while one of the catalysts of the story is a relationship gone wrong, the writing focuses on Corey's recovery and ability to move forward. The story isn’t afraid to explore the darker parts of our personalities, and the struggle it can be to forgive. This is a great entry into mythology retellings.… (mehr)

CW: gun violence, death of mother (suspect was father), brutal death

Well now that I have regained my composure I can write a review.

I don't think the following section is too much of a spoiler but I will hide it anyway because I went in blind and that served me well. I think it is best to resist if you have any intention of reading this YA mystery horror book. The movie 'The Descent' scared the living daylights out of me. Maybe I am a bit traumatised by that movie because it gave me nightmares. I screamed so many times as the dark underground and it's cave dwelling carnivores terrified me. Welcome to the book version of that particular nightmare. No it doesn't have big jump scares, but the atmosphere and pacing had the hairs on my arms standing up. The story starts out pretty calmly as we get to know about Alva and her difficult life. What a cracker opening line too, “Here are the rules of living with a murderer." As mentioned in the blurb, dark forces begin to stir in the township where Alva and her father are outcasts.

Sorry, I think I have to stop here. I want to type so much more but I can't because the story just unfolds in such a beautifully menacing way and I think it is better to go in blind. Argh! I should say that it isn't too scary. I was just so invested in Alva that everything felt much more frightening if you know what I mean. Probably an unhelpful review, but I gotta say I enjoyed every gorgeous horrific moment of this book, even when it broke me in two.

It also says this is the third in a series. From the blurb of the other 2 books I can't make any connection to this novel. It was completely readable as a stand alone.… (mehr)

This novel is a 2022 Lone Star selection.

Horror remains my least favorite genre. I think the students here will absolutely love it! It has been checked out many times even before being recognized as a Lone Star novel, so I was very excited to read this popular novel. I had a terrible timer getting into it. As I discovered the mystery was one of horror, I understood why.

Alva lives with a murderer and has four rules for how to survive. Her father takes care of the loch (lake), making sure the water level doesn't fall below a certain level. The town mill has been using too much water, making the loch levels dramatically lessen. Only the Neomhfhuil (keeper of the loch) knows the importance of the water level. Meanwhile, Alva plans on escaping and living a life free and clear of her father, the murderer. Her friend Ren agrees to help her. On the day she is to leave, nothing goes as planned. Girls her own age go missing and one is found dead. Then, Alva sees something. Is it really what she thinks it is?

Now that Alva knows the truth, she can't leave without helping the townspeople. She is courageous, capable, and does not suffer fools. As the water drops and life become dire, Alva knows how to make it all stop. The question is, will it cost her everything?… (mehr)