Black Wings by Iryna K. Combs
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Science Fiction, Dystopian
A new time. A new planet. A new world. New technologies. Two new humanoid species. A new war. The two species separate, but in the removal, some of the best are left behind among the worst. Captured and held as slaves, they are treated cruelly for entertainment. Torture. Pain. Annabel, endures a year of such cruelty, kept alive only by way of syringes which, while healing, cause a greater agony. She discovers a secret held by their leader, and decides to help her own kind by escaping–even if it means a final death, preferable to the life she has endured. Her escape succeeds, and she joins her own kind at the other end of the planet. Among her new friends she meets many who help her adjust to their happier life. Will Annabel find romance? Or will another war break her down?
3 out of 5 (good)
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I usually try to write a blurby bit, but for some reason, I'm not able to word it right, so here is the official blurb: A new time. A new planet. A new world. New technologies. Two new humanoid species. A new war. The two species separate, but in the removal, some of the best are left behind among the worst. Captured and held as slaves, they are treated cruelly for entertainment. Torture. Pain. Annabel, endures a year of such cruelty, kept alive only by way of syringes which, while healing, cause a greater agony. She discovers a secret held by their leader, and decides to help her own kind by escaping-even if it means a final death, preferable to the life she has endured. Her escape succeeds, and she joins her own kind at the other end of the planet. Among her new friends she meets many who help her adjust to their happier life. Will Annabel find romance? Or will another war break her down? I need to make two points that affected my reading experience and because of that, my rating. 1. This is a first time author. It shows in places. Sometimes the story moves slowly, and others far too fast. The story jumps around alot and it took me far longer to read the 226 pages than would normally do, because I had to keep putting it down. 2. According to the bio on Goodreads, English is not Combs' first language. It shows in places where the dialogue is...clunky... and I found myself reading what it SHOULD say, rather than what it DID say, if that makes sense? It is a GOOD book though, and with some editing could be a great book. Its a little different and different is always good in my opinion. It tells Annabel's story, of her torture and her escape, of her recovery with her people. Its almost all Annabel though, and only a little bit of Dexter, Annabel's rescuer. I'm not entirely sure this tale has ended! It has a relatively happy ending for Annabel and Dexter, but the ongoing war between the Varkin and the Anlights is not over, may never be over. And the ending of this book can very easily be the beginning of a second book. I should like to read it, if there is. If only to see how Combs is progressing with her craft. Some violence, the torture is described in detail, some of it, anyway, but clean. I'd rate it upper Young Adult, 16+. 3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Originally from the Ukraine, I am still considered a new face to America. Speaking three languages including English, that became just as natural to me as my native Russian. I grew up in a town on the south of Ukraine doing the same things that other kids my age did. Dreaming, hoping and wishing. Growing up, I spoke absolutely no English and never even saw myself somewhere abroad. Nevertheless writing a novel in another language! I went to the local school that brought mostly negative experience in my life. But it shaped me throughout the years. My college life was much better. I was known to study well and to go out partying as much as it was possible. In my first year of college I began to work in the marriage agency and met my future husband. We dated and traveled to most of the Europe along with Egypt. When I finally got my fiancée visa, we both moved to the states, where soon after, got married. In the first few years I did some modeling and acting. Photo-shoots, run-way and photo in the magazine fulfilled my childhood's dream. A few years later I became a mother of a wonderful and most handsome little boy. Along with learning and experiencing motherhood, I began to make hand-made jewelry and organic soaps. This hobby turned into my small business and became bigger than I thought it would. In the last year I discovered: an author lives inside me. Never did I think that I would write an English book and that I would love doing it. But I did! And I loved it!
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