Sting Magic 

by Sarah K.L. Wilson 

5 out of 5 

Synopsis 

She has the wrong kind of magic but the right kind of heart.

In the Winged Empire, magic comes on swift wings.

Literally.

It manifests from its bearers as a bird, granting its skills to those who wield it.

But this year, things are different.

Aella is the fiercely determined daughter of settlers on the far edge of the Winged Empire. Her huge family means everything to her and when the Empire strips them of their weapons, leaving them defenseless against the deadly magic that surrounds their settlement, she feels powerless to help.

Unfortunately, her frustration comes out in the worst way possible - as aberrant magic.

When Aella's magic manifests, it doesn't come as a bird. It comes as an angry swarm of bees.

And that aberration will threaten her life and everything she loves.

Can Aella keep her family safe by learning to control a magic born of frustration and fear before it masters her instead?

Review 

Aella is content with her harsh life on the Far Stones, until she summons magic, and is claimed as property of the empire.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Aella and her family have carved out a life for themselves in one of the harshest countries, where there is danger around every corner and the land itself is trying to kill them.

They lead a happy life, which is relatively-free. They are so far away from the Empire's capital that they are left alone. Except for taxes, and Hatching ceremonies.

After witnessing the violent atrocities that the Prince and his soldiers perform, it is Aella's turn to take part in the ceremony, where she hatches, and is taken as property by the Imperial party.

I loved the world that the author has created, an empire that is known for its use of birds in everything - in sigils, fashion, ranks and names. The most feared and respected are the magic users who hatch a spirit bird. These are always bound into service to the Emperor and his family.

For as long as anyone can remember, every magic user has manifested birds, until Aella comes along.

I liked how the history and rules of the empire were woven into the story. Having grown up on the edges of the empire, Aella has much to learn, and we learn alongside her, as she travels back to the capital.

To begin with, I thought that Juste Monpetit (the Emperor's son and heir) was just a generic bad guy; a spoiled little prince who took pleasure in bullying others, but he became very scary and interesting as the book continued.

I also liked how the empire went from Aella's view of being the generic evil oppression that must be fought against, to being a lot more nuanced. Especially with her new frenemy Zayana, Aella learns that not everyone hates the empire, and many believe their lies of peace and unity.

I thought the Forbidding was a bit vague at times. Aella mentions in the beginning that it can take over trees and living creatures, like a disease, which needs a host.

Then when it appeared a few times later in the book, I got the mental image of lava rolling over the land, having its own physical body.

Then again, there's a big scene at the end where it came across as almost an alternate reality, twisting things in its path.

I wasn't quite sure which, if any was true.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the rest of the series.

Goodreads

Amazon