Author: Alex London
Publication Date: 25 September 2018
Publisher: FSG Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 432
Reading Method: Digital
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.
Review:
Back Wings Beating was enjoyable, but not an instant favorite. It took a while to get into the story and the world building felt very slow and confusing longer than I would have liked. There are words that are unique to the world that aren’t really explained, so the reader has to rely heavily on context to discern what they are reading. Once you get the hang of what is happening and get a sense of the world we are in, it does pick up.
Our characters are quite diverse and each feels like their own, unique person. Brysen is reckless and kind of annoying, but he would do anything for the boy he loves. This leads him on a mission into the mountains in search of the legendary Ghost Eagle. His sister, Kylee, is a caretaker by nature and follows him into the mountains to assist. Kylee is far more likeable than her brother. Throughout their journey we meet several other interesting characters – the Owl Mothers, a fierce clan of women, and Jowyn, one of the Owl Mother’s covey .
I really felt like there was so much build up in this story, but the resolution was a bit unfulfilling. It’s a bit hard to get into this without spoilers. But I do hope to feel a little more satisfaction from the next book. I will definitely be continuing this journey.
You can purchase a copy of Black Wings Beating here
