ARC Review: Warriors of Wing and Flame by Sara B. Larson

Title: Warriors of Wing and Flame

Author: Sara B. Larson

Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light (Book 2)

Publication Date: Oct. 27, 2020

Publisher: Tor Teen

Synopsis: The doorway between the magical Visempirum and the human world has been reopened. Paladin are once more living in the citadel where Zuhra and Inara grew up completely isolated by the magical hedge that trapped them there. Amidst the brewing conflict between the Paladin and humans looms the threat of Barloc, who has stolen Inara’s immense power and continues to elude the Paladin who are desperately searching for him.

In this sequel to Sisters of Shadow and Light, Inara and Zuhra must navigate the treacherous paths of self-discovery, their love for each other, and for the boys who have captured their hearts. Together, they search for the strength within themselves to bridge the divide between the two worlds they inhabit, even as war threatens to destroy everything—and everyone—they love.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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My Review:

Oh, my heart! Warriors of Wing and Flame picks up where Sisters of Shadow and Light left off, and I loved every action-packed second of it! Barloc escaped, and Zuhra and Inara must work together with friends and family to defeat him before he destroys all that they hold dear.

Sara B. Larson creates a magical world with cool powers and fantastic magical beings. Her writing is beautiful and immersive, easily pulling the reader into a world with gryphons, magic portals, murderous monsters, and more. Larson’s skillful use of imagery and sensory language creates a rich and vivid world and fantastically developed characters. Her books are so easy to get lost in.

The story switches perspectives between Zuhra and Inara, which gives the reader a look at the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of each sister. It is fascinating to see these young women experience the world around them, especially considering how sheltered their lives have been. Both sisters grow from naive, frightened girls into assured and brave women.

The sisterly bond is at the forefront of the novel, and it is one of my favorite relationships in the duology. Zuhra and Inara have a beautiful relationship, and it is clear that they love each other very much. Zuhra and Inara love each other unconditionally, and this love is their main motivation throughout the story. They understand each other well, and they remain a wonderful support for each other. I like how the sisters bring out the best in each other, and that, even though they are very different, they are also quite similar. They are intelligent, loyal, adaptable, and fierce young women who value family and friendship and find pleasure in helping and developing relationships with others.

The book also explores several other relationships in the story, from a new, budding romance to the rekindling of a long-lost love to life-long friendships. I liked this aspect of the story, as it highlighted the impact that different types of love have on a person’s life. Zuhra and Inara’s confusing relationship with their parents, Raidyn’s friendships, and more are exceptionally written.

Of course, I always love the romance, and this story has many to root for. Inara, her parents, her grandparents, and others deal with the ups and downs of romance. I loved Zuhra’s budding romance with Raidyn. They have a deep bond, and it is lovely to see their relationship grow stronger. Take a look at this swoon-worthy scene.

Our first kiss had been desperation and heat and need, a crashing of wills and hearts; this kiss was softer, his lips moving tenderly on mine, a meeting of souls, a celebration of survival, a surrendering that was like falling and being caught all at once.

A beautifully written story with amazing world-building, fascinating characters, and strong messages about love, prejudice, and the bonds of family, Warriors of Wing and Flame is a poignant and powerful YA fantasy. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Tor Teen for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Rating:

Favorite Parts:

The sisterly bond. This is a beautiful relationship that I loved!

The romance, of course! Or should I say romances….

The world-building. So immersive and fascinating!

The writing! Sara B. Larson is an amazing writer, and I love her immersive, beautiful style.

Favorite Lines:

Memories were a tricky thing. They could elude you-or refuse to leave you alone. They could linger and linger-or refuse to return, no matter how hard you tried to recall them.

Raidyn-the one who looked at her with eyes that burned with far more than just Paladin fire.

The magical beings who had abandoned their home had returned, breathing life back into the stifling emptiness that had suffocated me.

An hour could pass like a dream, speeding by, blurry and unreal. And a minute could stretch for an hour, chokingly slow, painful in its passing. I’d experienced both in my life.

Recommendations:

If you haven’t read Sisters of Shadow and Light, the first book in this duology, I recommend reading that first. This is not a standalone. If you like young adult fantasy with amazing characters and world-building, then this is the series for you!