Review: Hive Magic by Sarah K.L. Wilson

Hive Magic by Sarah K.L. Wilson
Series: Empire of War and Wings #2
Published by Sparkflight Books on 2020-09-29
Length: 227 pages
Reviewing Kindle from Kindle Unlimited
Rating:
Reading Challenges: 2020 New Release Challenge

HER NEW CONNECTION WITH THE CROWN PRINCE IS GOING TO GET HER KILLED.

Aella has already proven that she’s as relentless and determined as the rest of her family – and even more so now that she has this swarm of magic bees at her disposal. She’s determined to use them for the good of her family and the fledgling revolution.
But the measures she had to take to save herself and her friends are catching up to her. Now, the crown prince’s life hangs in the balance, and if he dies, Aella will be the one who will pay the price with her life and the lives of her family.

Bound in ways that he can’t share, her closest ally is forced to oppose her at every turn, pushing her deeper into the prince’s games.

Now, Aella must choose – save the life of the crown prince and prove her usefulness or watch her closest ally hunt down her family on his command.

Empire of War and Wings is a dramatic, fast-paced, young adult fantasy series by USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah K. L. Wilson, featuring sweeping battles, tantalizing magic, sweet romance, and an epic fantasy story that will compel you to keep reading to the very last word. Start the adventure today!

The pace set in Sting Magic continues in Sarah K.L. Wilson‘s Hive Magic, book two of Empire of War and Wings. Please note that if you haven’t read book one of this series, there may be spoilers to that book in this review. Read at your own risk. Aella and her new-found friends are fleeing downriver after their encounter with the Forbidden. With Le Majest injured by Aella’s hand, Osprey is struggling against the magic that holds him captive, the magic that demands he take Aella’s life if Le Majest doesn’t survive. New enemies, new magic, and new bonds are forged in Hive Magic. Get ready for another wild ride!

Aella is simply amazing. I love her! She is such a strong and resilient character, willing to do whatever is necessary to get back to the family she loves. She is forced to do a lot of things that she wouldn’t choose for herself in this book, and yet she comes out so much stronger for it. 

Osprey is the ship that I will go down with. He is such a complex character, but at the same time not. I think the author has done a fantastic job of showing him and his struggles through Aella’s eyes. Aella doesn’t see what he is doing, his struggles. In fact, she blames him for SO much. But as the reader you see through that blame and see him. I love it! Fantastic writing here. 

As they flee from the Forbidden, Aella and her new friends come across a tribe of people who have a unique manifestation of their magic. This group leads them to a new clue about what is happening in the empire and how the Forbidden is spreading on their shores. My favorite thing about this series is the world-building. It’s fully immersive. I lost myself in this one and I couldn’t love it more for that! 

Overall, I liked Hive Magic. I love Aella’s growth as she becomes more comfortable and begins experimenting with her bee magic. I love Osprey and hurt for him as he struggles against the ties that bind him. I adore Wing Ivo. He is probably my favorite, even though I didn’t mention him above. He’s like a father-figure type character, and honestly his relationship with Aella reminds me a little of Haymitch and Katniss from The Hunger Games. If you enjoy YA fantasy, I highly recommend this one.

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