Wings of Ebony - by J Elle (Hardcover)
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5.0 out of 5 stars with 14 reviews
100% would recommend
1 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
18 January, 2023
4.5 Stars
4.5/5 Stars 1st Person; C/W- Violence, Gangs, Death of Parent I have to admit that urban fantasy isn’t a genre that I read often, but I love how this one was done. This is told between a modern day inner city and a hidden magical island, with flashback to the past as the story unfolds. Rue’s character felt so real, I’m sure that there are a lot of kids out there that could relate to her and can see themselves reflected in her story. I can also appreciate the part that East Row as a community played in shaping these characters and their story. I also loved all of the symbolism that was written into Wing of Ebony. So many social issues were woven into this story, some more obvious than others. There were several moments where I though “I see what you did there J. Elle”. I really enjoyed this book by itself, but I appreciate it even more for the representation that it brought with it.
5 out of 5 stars
29 October, 2020
An Epic Debut!
Poignant and timely, Wings of Ebony is a literary battle cry for the ages. J. Elle constructs a story of ancient magic, corrupt gods, and contemporary issues, caping it off with a heroine that rivals Katniss Everdeen and Harry Potter. The first volume in the Wings series takes on a journey with Rue, a spitfire teenager with epic magic powers who’s navigating recent traumas and questions of her own identity. Throughout this story, we’re caught between two lands, a mythic island called Ghazan, filled with fascinating magic users, and East Row, a hood with a a lot of heart and soul, who needs a hero that actually cares to save it and not destroy it. A hero that sees its worth and beauty despite its cracks and hemorrhaging. That hero is Rue. A heroine whose passion and love for her family and people make her the ultimate warrior to unite a divided world. What J.Elle presents us with is a saga that confronts racism and prejudice, explores what it means to be a Black teen in America, and what can happen when Black kids are literally given the power to change their world. Wings gives us a battleground where Black kids finally have the chance not just to be the victor in an unjust world, but they can also shatter the systems that hold them down entirely. If you’re looking for a work that embodies heart, soul, honesty, and Black magical excellence, then Wings of Ebony is the book for you.
5 out of 5 stars
19 October, 2020
An immersive and enthralling read!!
Rue, the main character of this book has something important to say and everyone needs to listen. This book was breathtaking. J.Elle masterfully weaves a powerful story of resistance and community activism through a relatable cast of characters. Prepare to fall in love with Rue and the incredible world of Ghizon. You can't help but root for Rue as she reclaims her voice and power to save her community and ultimately, herself.
5 out of 5 stars
14 October, 2020
One Of The Next Big Moments In Literature
Move over YA-book-to-Hollywood-blockbusters of the past. And readers, I recommend you jump on this bandwagon now. Wings of Ebony is one of the next big moments in literature. This poignant, layered, at times also funny, and heart-racing fantasy will stick with you long after you finish reading. It is impossible to miss the passion that author J. Elle pours into this #ownvoices story, and I’d be remiss not to mention the high relevance and timeliness of her compelling tale that shows make-believe is unfortunately not that far off from real life. She is a true champion and advocate for marginalized voices in publishing. There will be scenes and chapters and moments that make you take pause. As much as I wanted to finish the book in one sitting, it took me three for that very reason. I encourage you to go on this magical adventure with one the savviest, strongest, realest heroines to grace our pages. My copy is well worn from a tight grip throughout experiencing the power J. Elle delivers through words (and it’s holding some of my tears, too). I hope every reader can find their magic.
5 out of 5 stars
10 October, 2020
THE BOOK THE WORLD NEEDS!
There aren’t enough words for how your book moved me and changed me. Rue is absolutely astonishing. Her character development goes unparalleled in a world that constantly tries to push her back.
5 out of 5 stars
3 October, 2020
Stunning debut fantasy
WINGS OF EBONY is a fast-paced, thrilling YA fantasy from an incredibly talented debut author. J.Elle has crafted a story full of twists and turns and exciting magic, perfect for fans of BLACK PANTHER. One of my favorite aspects of the novel is the pacing. A lot of the fantasies I've read start off slower, taking time to build the world and save the action for later. Not WOE. The action starts literally on page one and keeps your attention until the very last page. The plot dips in and out of past and present, leaving enough questions and intrigue to keep turning the pages! Also, Rue is a FANTASTIC narrator, full of anger and grit, heart and humor. Her voice shines on the page, and I love how loyal she is to her sister and friends. The ending was beautiful and full of hope and will undoubtedly resonate with a lot of people. Readers will be left eager for the sequel. Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC for review!
5 out of 5 stars
27 September, 2020
A touching read
I truly feel sorry for everyone who has to wait until February to read this book because it was freaking phenomenal. The voice was so compelling it felt like I was sitting there with Rue while she told me her story. It was heartbreaking and so full of hope all at the same time. I cried and laugh and held onto every page waiting to see what would come next. I loved following Rue as she navigated her complicated life to try to piece everything together and protect those she loves. She was fierce and a true warrior who could find a way to do anything when she believed in herself. I think we could all learn a lesson from this book. To see things from a different point of view from our own. You never truly know what others are going through. I cant wait for everyone to read this book and I cant wait for the next one. What a read!
5 out of 5 stars
1 September, 2020
I love this book
The main character, Rue, is a beacon of love, hope, and righteousness. It's a heart aching page-turner that ripped tears from my eyes. Rue is a powerhouse that every young person needs in their life. She stands up for what's right, even when it will rip her own soul to shreds in the process. This story is a disruption to the status-quo of everyday life. It is a story this world desperately needs. I highly recommend this read. This is a book I needed as a teenager and one I know will change lives.
5 out of 5 stars
29 August, 2020
This book will steal hearts and change minds
I had the pleasure of reading the working draft (well, several) of Wings of Ebony and I don't know if words can do it justice besides the ones J.Elle wrote herself. Rue's voice is deep, real, true, and relatable all at the same time.
On the surface, Wings of Ebony is a young black heroine's wild quest for justice that teeters between realistic and fantastical worlds. J.Elle sweeps you into the magic, plopping you on to an emotion-ridden rollercoaster you don't notice until you're plummeting headfirst into truths that, by then, you're flying along too fast to avoid.
You'll follow Rue's deep love for her sister to the ends of the earth and back. You'll see the world through eyes that see in equal parts dream and skepticism. You'll sink deep into her relationships (the good and the bad), so much so that you won't see the full truth of the humanities she's drawn until they're punching you in the gut.
This is a book that will steal hearts and change lives—I'm 100% sure about that.
5 out of 5 stars
29 August, 2020
AMAZING!!!
THIS. BOOK. WILL. MAKE. YOU. FEEL.
Rue's powerful voice that is unapologetic and determined to seek justice for her people is what shines here. This book doesn't hold back on tough issues and weaves them beautifully within a magically thrilling adventure. J. Elle grabs you by the hand and pulls you through her book in a way that makes it accessible and very personal. Sometimes so personal that you have to sit back and reexamine yourself.
I liked the dynamic between the real world scenes and those of Ghazan. Plus the twists and turns as you learn more about the world and magic are great! Rue is a strong protagonist who has a lot to learn and discover about herself, and I was rooting for her the entire time. 100% recommend this!
5 out of 5 stars
29 August, 2020
This BOOK
Oh. My. God.
Okay, where do I even begin?
Rue is going to change lives. Her rage, her courage, her struggle, her power--I can't wait for my kids to read about this. This is a game changer.
It also is going to rip all of your hearts out in the best way possible. I was so, so privileged to read an early draft of this--actually a few--and I've been so immersed every. Single. Time.
It's compelling and haunting and electrifying. Rue--and J. Elle--are here to change the game.
5 out of 5 stars
28 August, 2020
Exciting fantasy with heart of pure gold
I was privileged to read an early version of this book and I loved WINGS OF EBONY! The characters (especially Rue!) are authentic and sympathetic. I found it easy to identify with Rue's desires and struggles and found myself in her corner cheering her on from very early in the book. WINGS OF EBONY is so very well-written and I loved the way the world felt so real to me through vivid imagery and description. The action is fast-paced and exciting and the story is a real page turner! J. Elle is a fantastic writer with a story full of heart. You will never regret reading this fantastic book.
5 out of 5 stars
27 August, 2020
Powerful, Magical Must-Read!
This book!! Wow. It left me breathless and stunned and utterly shaken, in the best possible way.
J.Elle’s writing is fast-paced and rich in detail. It immersed me deep into the story and settings.
As we follow the main character Rue through the stunning but cold world of the gods, Ghazan, as well as her old neighborhood in the human world, poor and plagued with crime but also filled with love, J.Elle proves a fine sense for “what makes us human.” Her sensitive portrayal of poverty looks beyond the headlines in the newspapers and asks the fundamental question of “why is this happening?”
The answers, though wrapped in a rich blanket of fantasy and magic, are very much relatable to the real world, tackling racism and oppression, never losing focus of what matters the most—the people in Rue’s hood.
Rue’s dedication to her people, her profound love and care, her longing for her roots, makes her relatable to young people all over the world. She has a big heart, that girl, and she’s not afraid to fight the injustice she sees, to speak up and to use her voice.
Her voice is her power as much as her magical abilities, and THAT is the hope that young people around the globe need, whether they fight for equality or the future of our planet.
Rue’s emotions are raw and strong, and they will take you on a rollercoaster that breaks your heart and then puts it back together.
This book stayed with me long after I finished it—in fact, it will always have a special place in my heart. We need books like this, where young Black people will find themselves represented in empowering stories, where teenagers of any background will be able to say “I feel this!” and take with them the hope that they have the power to create change.
J.Elle gave us this gem of a story—read it!
5 out of 5 stars
27 August, 2020
Gorgeous
Wings of Ebony is unputdownable, action-packed, and raw. You will root for Rue, for Tasha, Ms. Leola (who I think I may be in the future) and for their magic, both marked on the outside and found deep within their relationship. It draws parallels to the world we live in so well that you can't help but gasp how J.Elle wrote it. It's beautiful, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. I can't wait to read more by this author