Wildwing by Emily Whitman
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (September 21, 2010)
Book summary: When Addy is swept back in time, she couldn't be happier to leave her miser-able life behind. Now she's mistaken for Lady Matilda, the pampered ward of the king. If Addy can play her part, she'll have glorious gowns, jewels, and something she's always longed for—the respect and admiration of others. But then she meets Will, the falconer's son with sky blue eyes, who unsettles all her plans.
My review: Talk about a fun read. Wildwing is a historical fantasy with time travel, romance, intrigue, gorgeous settings and stolen identities. This story takes you back in time and shows what happens when an unhappy fifteen year old girl gets what she truly wants--a new life.
Addy is instantly sympathetic and very likeable. She is spunky, sassy, and detests the spoiled wealthy girls of her town and their condescending treatment of her. Addy longs to live when the castle ruins she frequents were whole and truly alive, brimming with the sounds of life. When her mother makes her quit school to take a 'position' with a widower, Mr. Greenwood, Addy discovers a weird contraption in a locked up room. This 'lift' is actually a time machine and she is transported back to Medieval times to a place called Berringstoke. Life at this time consisted of females wearing form-fitting dresses called "kirtles", horses were the only forms of transportation, men of high ranking were addressed as "Sir," and each castle had its own army. This charming story will entertain many, even if you're not a history buff.
Mistaken identities, secrets, castle life, Wildwing offers a lot. And we can't forget romance. While in the other time period Addy, now regarded (mistakenly) as Lady Matilda, meets William, the falconer's son. He teaches her how to handle the birds. During their daily outdoor excursions, they fall in love. Except Addy has to remember--as Lady Matilda she is expected to marry the much older Sir Hugh--an important union upon which the continuation of Berringstoke relies).
Will Addy have a happy ending with William or will she be forced to marry a stranger? Read Wildwing to find out!
Favorite excerpt: (From page 193, ARC)
"And they might not," I say urgently. "For God's sake, William, don't you see what will happen if you if you tell? I'll never get to come out here again. Never! I'll be trapped inside the castle walls, and there'll be no more flying Pilgrim. No more being here, with you."
Will Addy have a happy ending with William or will she be forced to marry a stranger? Read Wildwing to find out!
Favorite excerpt: (From page 193, ARC)
"And they might not," I say urgently. "For God's sake, William, don't you see what will happen if you if you tell? I'll never get to come out here again. Never! I'll be trapped inside the castle walls, and there'll be no more flying Pilgrim. No more being here, with you."
We both glance at the trail ahead, and then we're running again, his hand holding mine as if to keep me safe. Along the stream, back to the edge of the field--
And there's Beatrix, snoring as safe as can be under her red and golden tree.
He turns to me, a question in his eyes.
"Let me be free," I whisper."
Rating: +++1/2
Cover comment: Pretty and interesting at the same time. Addy with a picture frame showing the two worlds, one blue sky, the other the raging ocean. I like it.
Book source: Traveling ARC tours
Thanks for the review! I just got an ARC for this and am excited to read it.
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