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Für alle Ewigkeit (Wicked Lovely #3)

by Melissa Marr (Goodreads Author)

3.81 of 5 stars 3.81 · rating details · 23,805 ratings · 1,492 reviews

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone - but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her - but that was before Keenan. He stole her...more

400 pages

Published by Carlsen (first published April 21st 2009)

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Dec 17, 2008 Karin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: youngadult, faeries, 2008-reads

The long awaited sequel to WICKED LOVELY is here. Melissa Marr was kind enough to give us INK EXCHANGE, a companion to WICKED LOVELY, where we met other characters from this wildly inventive and tantalizing world, but a true sequel is what we really wanted and now we have it.

Aislinn (Ash) is dealing with what being the Summer Queen means. She has both physical changes and emotional adjustments to come to terms with. She is spending more and more time with Keenan because of Summer Court business...more

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Jun 08, 2009 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: people who love being in love

Shelves: 2009, in-by-of-the-americas, reviewed, fantasy-sci-fi, fey

Why do people turn into such whiney brats when they get what they want? At the end of Wicked Lovely, Aislinn gets everyone to agree to do things her way. Fragile Eternity picks up with everyone suffering for it. Her way involves a whole bunch of people (and fairies) falling in and out of the beds of other people (and fairies) that they know just aren't right for them somehow and everyone (and fairies) is denying herself in some way so that balance can be maintained and war prevented. Because, ev...more Why do people turn into such whiney brats when they get what they want? At the end of Wicked Lovely, Aislinn gets everyone to agree to do things her way. Fragile Eternity picks up with everyone suffering for it. Her way involves a whole bunch of people (and fairies) falling in and out of the beds of other people (and fairies) that they know just aren't right for them somehow and everyone (and fairies) is denying herself in some way so that balance can be maintained and war prevented. Because, everyone is a fairy, pretty much, and the embodiment of something that if not balanced by someone else, all the fragile humans are going to die and there will be much suffering among the fairy courts.

If this book were set in rural Yorkshire in the mid-nineteenth century, there would be much wuthering and moaning and grinding of teeth. There'd be a priest who loves the local school teacher but doesn't think he's worthy of her (bet she's pledged to the local mill owner's son) and so he spends his time flagellating himself or washing in ice-cold streams. Meanwhile, the doctor's daughter is in love with the priest but he is sending her mixed signals because he's hanging out there all the time (infection from his back, right?) and she thinks maybe, but then maybe not. If someone doesn't end up floating in a lake, I'd be surprised.

Since it's set in Western Pennsylvania, in a time of cell phones and piercings, there is just a lot of moaning and weeping and offering oneself to somebody else only to be rejected for very justifiable reasons.

The whole lot of them needed a good dunking in that lake.

I think that I may just not be interested in the struggles of people who love one person but feel it is a duty to be somewhere else. And the people whose insecurities ruin their relationships. And people who sit and moan and cry about it all the freaking time. This is the type of book that makes me think that my Jane Austen obsession not withstanding, I'm not really much of a romantic.

And you know what, that makes this book rock! Yes, really. This book came out of the young adult section. This book isn't required to make me think too much about anything. It could have been just about how a bunch of fairy rulers struggle with their natures and new responsibilities and the threat of war (as personified in one of the best-realized fairies I've ever read). It could have been all I'm a slut because I care about two different men or he's gone, I'm going to jump off a cliff just to hear his voice or any of the other REALLY DUMB SHIT we've had to put up with lately because young-adult-authors think that the "authentic voice" of a teenage girl isn't complex, just self-reproaching and suicidal.

Melissa Marr gave me a complex, well-realized fantasy world and characters and if I was a little less than interested in all the whiney (there really was a lot of it), at least she gave me something! As I read this book I was thinking about the nature of romantic love and assessing what I would do and what I wouldn't and what choices I would make. Isn't that better than suggesting I jump off a cliff just because a boyfriend dumped me?(less)

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Feb 05, 2009 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009-mt-bookpile

I was feeling unsure about this series, because I loved Wicked Lovely but felt "meh"-ish about Ink Exchange. Fragile Eternity is a return to the former, but without the wonder (probably because I know that world now).

Seth's journey to be closer to Ash, despite the presence of Keenen and the approach of Summer, is at the heart of this book; the choice he makes is not unexpected, but the ending did take me by surprise. And I have to say I never liked Keenen, so his little "oops" that cost him Don...more

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Apr 20, 2009 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, signed-books

If you are a fan of the Wicked Lovely series, you are going to love this sequel. It’s the best book of the series by far. Fragile Eternity begins right where we left off on Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange. I’d recently read Ink Exchange, but it had been a while since I’d read Wicked Lovely, but fortunately I didn’t have any problems getting right back into the story.

I love Melissa’s Marr’s writing, and I think I enjoyed it even more this time after reading her previous two books. It’s very lyric...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 26, 2012 Michele (Reading Lark/CanadianTwiMom) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-it, fey-faeries, read-more-than-once, double, reading-lark, hardcover, softcover

My review can also be found on Reading Lark: http://readinglark.blogspot.ca/2012/0...

When the last book in the Wicked Lovely series came out, I reread (mostly skimmed) all the previous books so the story would be fresher in my mind. Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying these books much more the second time around. Perhaps it was because I was already familiar with the general story line, but I found the more minor details made a lot more sense already knowing the bigger picture.

As much as I int...more

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Jan 07, 2010 Mindy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, paranormal-or-urban-fantasy, romance, faerie-pixie, smart-chicks-kick-it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 04, 2010 Lady Valee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adults

I absolubtely loved this book. The first two books were really good, but this one was superb. After twilight, this series has become my fave YA series.Although you should read the first two books in order to apreciate well this one, do not read this book without haven't read the first two.

I usually read paranormal romance for adults, so I wasn't expecting to find this series that interesting. But I did. I love everything about it: The characters, the story, the events, everything. I couldn't s...more

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Feb 01, 2010 kari rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, ya

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Not sure why I'm continuing this series. Curiosity, maybe? There are few characters in this book or series that I even like. Most of the fey are so self-absorbed with their constant 'what's good for my court, what my court needs,' is just boring. I get it, they do what's best for their court, but seriously, I don't need to be beaten over the head with the idea. I get it.
The plot of this one takes far far too long to take off. Until Bananach(How do you even pronounce this? Like banana?)takes Seth...more

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Feb 13, 2009 Robbie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Fragile Eternity" is the sequel to "Wicked Lovely", but the third in Melissa Marr's "Tales of Faerie". Chronologically, it takes place after both WL and "Ink Exchange", although you do not need to read INK to understand this book. However, this book relies heavily on events from WL, and having read INK will allow you pick up on some subtleties.

After the events in "Wicked Lovely" (and "Ink Exchange"), Aislinn is now the Summer Queen, Donia is the Winter Queen, and Seth is still just a mortal (al...more "Fragile Eternity" is the sequel to "Wicked Lovely", but the third in Melissa Marr's "Tales of Faerie". Chronologically, it takes place after both WL and "Ink Exchange", although you do not need to read INK to understand this book. However, this book relies heavily on events from WL, and having read INK will allow you pick up on some subtleties.

After the events in "Wicked Lovely" (and "Ink Exchange"), Aislinn is now the Summer Queen, Donia is the Winter Queen, and Seth is still just a mortal (albeit a Sighted one who is best friends with the king of the Dark Court). As Summer nears, Aislinn feels a pull toward Keenan, but she and Seth are starcrossed lovers. Aislinn and Seth are thus each searching for a way to be forever. Their eternity is, appropriately, fragile and finite.

"Fragile Eternity" is longer than either of the previous two novels, and I'm not entirely sure it needed to be. The first half of the book reads rather slowly, and it seems bogged down by lots of internal monologues that aren't always needed. The first half is very much "conversation, thought, thought, conversation, thought", and it gets old quickly. However, this leads us to the latter half of the novel, where things begin to happen. I absolutely could not put this book down after page 234. I just couldn't, I was flipping through it as quickly as possible.

Marr's writing style is very much character reliant, and the multiple points of view reinforce this. Each character, especially the faeries, has motive behind every tiny movement, thought, and word. Luckily, the characters that inhabit Marr's world are in turn joyous, interesting, original, coloured, scary, intriguing, and captivating. Every single character is well thought-out, and it shows.

Seth is just the sexiest thing ever. Move over, Edward Cullen, because this guy will work just as hard to stay with the one he loves, although this time it is he that is mortal as opposed to the girl. So romantic.

I have another beef, though. The ending is quite possibly the biggest cliffhanger since the last episode of "The Sopranos", and we already know that the sequel will be book FIVE, so we have approximately two years to wait. *cries inside*

Anyway, totally the most awesome urban fantasy series of Right Now, Melissa Marr's "Tales of Faerie" continue to capture my imagination.

4 Quality
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Feb 03, 2009 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: faeries-and-fey, 2009, pub-harp, audio-book, read-in-2009, read-in-2010

Can't wait for this book! It is a true sequel to "Wicked Lovely"!! (Unlike "Ink Exchange" that was just a companion novel.)

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Wow! As much as I loved the previous books by Melissa Marr, this one is even better! And it's LONGER, too! 390 PAGES!! FRAGILE ETERNITY is such a perfect title for this book. It describes so many parts of the story. It really dives into Aislinn adjusting to being the Summer Queen, Seth dealing with her new life and responsibilities, Keenan coming into his own wit...more

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Jan 24, 2012 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009, ya, urban-fantasy, paranormal-romance

Fragile Eternity is the best installment of Marr's chronicles of faerie to date as Marr ups the ante in this beautiful tale of love and choice. Marr is a brilliant writer and has the marvelous ability to wind delicious threads of tension and inevitability into her novels despite all of the choices available. That's the thing that I love most about her books so far. The choices you want to make are never the choices available. More importantly, every character remains a delicious shade of gray. E...more

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Jan 28, 2009 Faith rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult

The sequel to Wicked Lovely, Fragile Eternity picks up a few months after book #2 in the series, Ink Exchange ends. The courts are in disarray due to the new monarchs. War is using this to its advantage. Until one thing changes it all and changes the was Aislinn looks at her future and the future of her world.

To say any more would give away so much of the plot. But rest assured that when you finish this you will be clamoring for the sequel to it, and the series, not due out for almost two years....more

4 likes · like · see review

May 03, 2010 Kim rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, ya, read-in-2010

I'll be honest and just say that my only reason for reading this is Seth. I wish I hadn't =/

It's like he's not even the same guy. Being in love is not a good look for him apperently, because it turns him into a lovesick puppy. I wonder at what point he lost his balls. ~~maybe Aislinn accidentally burned them off~~ I kept thinking 'BE A MAN AGAIN DAMMIT'. I got fed up with him pretty much when he decided he wants to be a fairy. -insert laughter here- The way I see it: well Seth... with that kind of b...more

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Jan 19, 2012 Elphaba J rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Um amor eterno e uma vida finita são os motivos que levarão Seth a comprometer o seu futuro, mais do que nunca, na tentativa quase vã de não perder o seu Verão, o seu felizes para sempre…

Frágil Eternidade remete-nos para as personagens que tiveram em destaque no primeiro livro da série Wicked Lovely e o resultado é bastante positivo. Mais intrigas, personagens mais maduras e bem estruturadas dão vida a uma narrativa repleta de momentos de perigo constante. A verdade é que quando todos os interve...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 16, 2013 Renae M. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2013, fairies, paranormal

As with the two previous books in the series, Fragile Eternity and I have an extremely touch-and-go relationship. There are parts of this book that I loved, parts I hated, and parts I just didn’t get. As a whole, I liked this book and enjoyed the majority of the story; at the same time, I’m probably not the biggest fan of this series.

Fragile Eternity picks up shortly after the conclusion to Ink Exchange, and this time, Marr’s main protagonist is Seth Morgan, Aislinn’s mortal boyfriend. Except, w...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Rebecca ♥ Ash, Jem, Warner ♥ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of tumultuous romance

Shelves: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, faeries, local-library, memorable-men

Melissa Marr once again gave us a very unexpected and sad ending. All three books so far did not end as you would expect a YA to end. The first wasnt quite sad but just really unexpected, the second was the most sad, and this one is more of a cliffhanger. Its sad because we dont get to find out the fate of Aislinn and Seth. I thought that was what the whole book was leading to so I feel like I've been ripped off, like the ending was missing. Aislinn, Seth, and Niall are the only characters in th...more

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Apr 16, 2012 nxlee rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In a Nutshell: Bananananach (whatever her name was) is trying to cause chaos and bring a war because she's bored and basically announces what everyone knows. Seth is a danger to their world because he knows much about them and has a lot of privilege/freedom within it because of the people who knows. After all, he is going out with Aislinn, total BFFLs with Niall and on relatively good terms with Donia. Aislinn and Seth are trying to stay together regardless of the fact that Aislinn is going to r...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Kyle rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: awesome-cover, boring, fey, massive-dissapointment, overhyped, paranormal-romance, really-excited, sequel-not-as-good, so-so-reviews, unique-setting, where-for-art-thou-plot, 2012

2.5

God, will they just go to war already?! We know it's going to happen!

To say I'm dissapointed would be putting it lightly. The book lacks an actual plot for one thing. A lot of it WAS in fact Aislinn's romantic dabblings, not so much during the last 100 pages, but that was becuase the shift of perspective was focused mainly on Seth.

Here's another issue: Keenan is an asshole. I liked him enough in Wicked Lovely, but I don't know what went wrong. All of a sudden he's going around acting like he...more

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Oct 10, 2009 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: PNR fans, urban fantasy fans

Shelves: reviewed-books

Fragile Eternity brought to fruition all the hopes that I had after reading Wicked Lovely. I've heard from a lot of people that this is truly the second book in the series, instead of Ink Exchange, and for the most part I agree. However, I appreciate Melissa Marr's way of telling the story, through bits and pieces and from different peoples' perspectives. I like that we as readers get to see the same world and same events from a number of different perspectives.

If the monster theme of A Great an...more Fragile Eternity brought to fruition all the hopes that I had after reading Wicked Lovely. I've heard from a lot of people that this is truly the second book in the series, instead of Ink Exchange, and for the most part I agree. However, I appreciate Melissa Marr's way of telling the story, through bits and pieces and from different peoples' perspectives. I like that we as readers get to see the same world and same events from a number of different perspectives.

If the monster theme of A Great and Terrible Beauty was the need for choice, Fragile Eternity's was a cautionary tale about the danger and unexpected effect of inaction. There are several huge decisions that have to be made by various characters: Ash has to choose between Keenan and Seth, Seth has to choose whether to go the distance to pursue a relationship with Ash, Donia has to decide whether to protect her heart from Keenan, Niall has to decide where his loyalties lie and whether or not to articulate them, and Sorcha has to decide whether or not to become involved in the politics and goings-on at the other courts. Some of the characters rise to the occasion and make their own decisions; some of them refuse to act and have the decision made for them. The lesson of the story is definitely that choosing not to act is still a choice, and if you don't make decisions then someone else will definitely make them for you.

One of my favorite things about Melissa Marr's characters in these novels is that they are richly drawn, struggling, and definitely not perfect. I spent a sizeable amount of time while reading Fragile Eternity wanting to smack the stupid out of Ash and Keenan. I understand completely that Ash has had a lot thrust on her in a short amount of time and that Keenan has been around for centuries and views people as disposable for a reason, but their apparent surprise at the outcomes of their treatment of other people was frustrating to the extreme. I will admit, too, that the constant "I love you Seth but I'm attracted to you Keenan, I don't love you Keenan!" business did get tiresome after awhile, and it was difficult to be sympathetic to Ash. She relegated the supposed love of her life to basically being a combination therapist/pool boy, and then was surprised and brokenhearted when he took his fate into his own hands! Keenan treated Niall and Donia like crap with a capital C, whether it was on purpose or not, and then he's shocked and heartbroken when they are looking out for themselves and their courts. These aren't necessarily flaws in the writing, though, just illustrations that everyone had their own imperfections that had to be dealt with and overcome.

I'm definitly interested to see what direction the series will go in next, and will definitely be reading Radiant Shadows (the next book in the series) when it comes out in April 2010. I would advise, though, that if you're interested in Fragile Eternity that you start at the beginning of the series with Wicked Lovely and go from there.

Overall Grade: A

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May 25, 2009 Katie(babs) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fragile Eternity begins where Ink Exchange ends. The young Aislinn has taken on her new role as the Summer Queen and has accepted her transformation as a faery queen. She is still coming to grips with her new life that is filled with both wonderment and danger. Aislinn wants to stay as close to mortal as she can but each day she is one step closer to turning her back on her human side. Her anchor is her mortal boyfriend, and love of her life, Seth keeps her grounded. Seth adores Aislinn and want...more Fragile Eternity begins where Ink Exchange ends. The young Aislinn has taken on her new role as the Summer Queen and has accepted her transformation as a faery queen. She is still coming to grips with her new life that is filled with both wonderment and danger. Aislinn wants to stay as close to mortal as she can but each day she is one step closer to turning her back on her human side. Her anchor is her mortal boyfriend, and love of her life, Seth keeps her grounded. Seth adores Aislinn and wants to stay with her always. But Seth knows he has so much going against him because he is a mortal. He also has to fight for Aislinn’s heart as she is courted by Keenan, her Summer King.

Aislinn may love Seth and not Keenan, but she knows by denying Keenan she could tear apart her court. It is one thing to care for Keenan, but they need more a bond between them, which is sex. Aislinn refuses to be intimate with Keenan and only gives that part of herself to Seth. (The sex between Seth and Aislinn is very, very subtle. It is a YA after all)

Keenan needs Aislinn desperately and wants to love and cherish her but she keeps turning away from him and will only settle for friendship. Keenan is uneasy because he also loves. He longs for Donia, the Winter Queen who was once mortal. Because they are total opposites, Keenan and Donia can never be together the way they long to be. Aislinn tries to push Keenan toward Donia, but even touching Donia is dangerous. And because Donia can’t be with Keenan, she decides to do what is best for her court and refuses to even see Keenan. Because of the turmoil between these two, the Winter and Summer courts are on their way to becoming enemies.

There is one who would love nothing better than having the Summer and Winter courts destroyed and that is Bananach, the twin to Sorcha, the Queen of the High Court. Bananach is blood thirsty and as close to deranged as one can be. Bananach loves pain, violence, chaos and destruction because it resides deep inside her soul. Bananach exists because of the pain others feel. She wants her sister to join her in starting a war with all the courts which also includes the Dark Court that is ruled by Niall who used to serve Keenan, but now has become his adversary. Sorcha longs for harmony and peace because that is her nature. She wishes to stop Bananach, but can’t and because of that Bananach could start a chain of events that may destroy all the faery courts.

There is much unrest and instability among the faeries. Seth feels he is losing Aislinn. Keenan taunts Seth because he knows in the end that Aislinn will be his, because Seth will age and die. Seth refuses to leave Aislinn and comes to a disturbing decision. He will turn into a faery and goes to Sorcha who can change him. She is willing to do this, but for a price. And that price will alter Seth and Aislinn’s relationship forever.

Melissa Marr has created a very dark world where faeries and mortals collide. Even though Fragile Eternity is a Young Adult book, there is some heavy subject matter such as sex and violence. Marr handles these issues with great skill. Once you start reading, you will not want to stop. You will become lost in the world Marr has penned.

There are so many characters in Fragile Eternity who walk a fine line between good and evil. There is an undercurrent of constant pain and suffering from all the rulers of each individual faery court because one wrong move could end their lives. There is no lasting peace because a war is brewing and the outcome is unknown.

Aislinn and Seth will tear at your heart because they are star crossed lovers. Because they are so different from one another, their love is not meant to be. Seth makes the ultimate sacrifice because of his love for Aislinn that may destroy everything between them. Aislinn has so much responsibility and many relying on her to make the right decisions. Every movement she makes is watched and she has no choice but to welcome Keenan who wants Aislinn for his own greedy means. I found Keenan to be a very interesting character in the sense that he may be a bit unscrupulous in his regard to Aislinn, but he is also very tortured. His relationship with Donia is very much like the one Aislinn and Seth have. Seth and Aislinn may be together where they can be intimate and share their love, but there is a feeling of desperation between the two because in the end, they may be separated. Keenan and Donia long for one another deeply, and have been together for some very short periods of time, but their love affair is doomed because Winter and Summer cannot be together.

Sorcha the High Queen at first comes across as devious, especially when she gives Seth his wish. But as we see Sorcha and Seth together, your opinion will change. Sorcha is everything that is good and right with the faery. She counteracts her sister Bananach who is evil and wrong. These two sisters are the yin and yang of this tale. Sorcha is my favorite character in this book because everything she mentions makes perfect sense. All the main characters have a need to gain something and because of it, they act in ways that place them at odds with their humanity. Can faeries be humane? That is the main question that arises throughout Fragile Eternity.

Fragile Eternity has a nice balance with Marr’s characters and the world she has written. Fans of fairy tales will not want to miss out on this reading experience(less)

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Mar 13, 2009 Steph Su rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You would think that once the malevolent Winter Queen Beira’s reign was destroyed and the Summer King, Keenan, was restored to full power when he found his Summer Queen, Aislinn, that the this alternative faerie world, located in Philadelphia, would be peaceful again. But it’s not. The monarchs of all three faery courts have changed hands, and former friendships (Niall, Keenan’s former advisor, now the king of the Dark Court) and flames (Donia, the new Winter Queen) will become enemies to be war...more You would think that once the malevolent Winter Queen Beira’s reign was destroyed and the Summer King, Keenan, was restored to full power when he found his Summer Queen, Aislinn, that the this alternative faerie world, located in Philadelphia, would be peaceful again. But it’s not. The monarchs of all three faery courts have changed hands, and former friendships (Niall, Keenan’s former advisor, now the king of the Dark Court) and flames (Donia, the new Winter Queen) will become enemies to be wary of.

Meanwhile, in between adjusting to being a faery and learning her duties as Summer Queen, Aislinn struggles to find balance between Keenan—her king, her partner, her friend, to whom she experiences an undeniable attraction—and Seth, her wonderful mortal boyfriend. Seth is frustrated that his mortality hinders his ability to protect Aislinn from faery threats. With a hint from Bananach, the dangerously insane faery of Chaos and War, Seth goes to Sorcha, the faery queen of Reason, in order to be changed into a faery, so that he and Aislinn may stay together forever and equally.

What none of them except Bananach know, however, is that every one of their actions takes them all a step closer to a war that could destroy everything they knew…

If you thought the world of faerie couldn’t get more dangerously sexy and alluring than Melissa Marr’s first book, Wicked Lovely, well, you’re wrong. Fragile Eternity focuses mostly on the characters’ relationships with one another. And what brilliantly hot and tension-filled ones they are! Lengthy conversations between Keenan and Aislinn, Keenan and Donia—okay, Keenan and anyone—should come with a “sexual tension!” warning/preview. Melissa Marr definitely writes wonderfully complex characters who are stuck in situations that have no easy solutions.

The writing of Fragile Eternity is fantastic: lyrical, magical, completely befitting the ideas it wants to express. This is poetry in motion, beauty in black and white. (And this is not mentioning the gorgeous cover that this book is graced with.)

When I read Wicked Lovely I thought it was a decently written urban fantasy novel but nothing special. That’s why I was so surprised at how much better I thought Fragile Eternity was. Parts of the story are still frustrating to me—despite how well drawn the characters are and how good the writing is, I still can’t seem to fully connect with them—but I have no doubt that fans of Wicked Lovely will run out to buy this one. The ending, while rather anticlimactic after so much buildup over 300+ pages, promises a possibly even more exciting and tension-filled sequel. This may not be a hands-down favorite fantasy series of mine, but the love triangle and Melissa’s beautiful writing are enough to keep me reading, and far less picky fantasy lovers will passionately declare their ardour for Marr’s faerie world.
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Mar 28, 2009 Yan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So I may be the only girl alive who has qualms with this book. In fact, I had so much trouble that it took me a whopping 5 days to read. Although I read Graceling over the span of 3 months, I actually had only spent 2 days actually reading it because it was a huge read. This means that Fragile Eternity was by far the longest book it has ever taken me to read. If I had it my way, meaning I did not have to mail this book out to a friend, I would have taken another week or so, hoping to drag the pa...more So I may be the only girl alive who has qualms with this book. In fact, I had so much trouble that it took me a whopping 5 days to read. Although I read Graceling over the span of 3 months, I actually had only spent 2 days actually reading it because it was a huge read. This means that Fragile Eternity was by far the longest book it has ever taken me to read. If I had it my way, meaning I did not have to mail this book out to a friend, I would have taken another week or so, hoping to drag the pain out over the course of time.

Fragile Eternity takes off immediately where Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange left off. So if you are like me and read those books ages ago, read it again before starting Fragile Eternity. Or you will be lost. Case in point, me. I had trouble beginning the book because I forgot some of the events that happened in those prior books which forced me to be completely and utterly lost. It took about 100 pages in that until I got comfortable again.

Give me another hundred pages and the plot begins to pick up. That is right. More than halfway through the book, page 250 or so, did the actual storyline make any sense. It was a grueling pace from the start. Excessive descriptions, unneeded dialogues, and bouts of what did I just read? I can basically sum up the entire first half in a few sentences. In fact for a hefty read like this, around 400 pages, the entire series moved 3 steps forward and 2 steps back.

Is anyone else not overly obsessed over the characters like me? Aislinn is too naïve for me like she has on a pair of rose-tinted glasses in every wake of her life. Keenan is just a shy of being a gigolo for me just a bit more before I stick a label on his forehead. Seth was kind of there. Well some times. I just see no appeal to him compared to others who fawn over his hard rock appearance and multiple piercings. I mean really though!? I get that he has a lip piercing, but can you please stop mentioning it every other page! For me the real star was Niall. He was the mighty stone who made sense! He who does not whine and complain every few pages shines like a thousand stars! (does anyone else see the irony of me saying this and what I am saying?)

So that was the bad parts of Fragile Eternity. The good news was that the book defiantly had the drama aspect down pat. The relationships between every character had its ups and downs, its hugs and kisses to pain and anguish. I found the brotherhood between Seth and Niall refreshing. There were no love quarrels and no dramatic scenes of “I love you!” and “I hate you!” Simple gestures that make me smile. There were also bits of surprises mainly involving Seth and Sorcha which never would I have imagined! And also a very cute cameo from the cover, the iron flowers of Wicked Lovely in the book.

The ending screams SEQUEL!

Overall: Fragile Eternity definitely could have done better. Too much fluff and not enough of an actual plotline happening. (less)

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May 02, 2010 Carrie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

Melissa Marr is the first author that I have ever come across that has a true gift in placing her readers into the fairy world. I didn't really like many of the characters, (Aislinn drove me nuts. I liked her better when she was human), but fairies are different then us mortals and they do have selfish personalities. Keenann was a little whiny, but for me it fit. I wonder what Marr's will do with Seth...I hope this series won't end like a certain vampire series that has consumed the YA and adult...more

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Feb 02, 2009 Alia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, fantasy-supernatural

Having already read Melissa Marr's other books, the beginning of Fragile Eternity moved slowly for me. I think the story suffers from a bit of the mid-series slump. There was a lot of repetition about the complicated relationship between Aislinn, Keenan, Seth, and Donia; all stuff that is already explored in Wicked Lovely. But once I got about half way through the book things picked up. In fact, I was a little disappointed because the end is a real cliffhanger. And just when things start getting...more

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May 10, 2009 Madalina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, supernatural, female-protagonist, faery, war, teen-literature

I'm glad all the characters got a touch of personality, even Keenan. Who would've tought the spineless sod would have a comeback as a Machiavelli? Aislinn got a bitter touch of humanity from he-who-ceased-to-be-human for her, and Seth sacrificed his life for her only to understand afterwards that he did it only to have the strength to make choices. After being made fae, he is the one who made the rules, and he gets to spend eternity with Sorcha and Niall who love him for who he is not what he is...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If Wicked Lovely was Aislinn's story, and Ink Exchange was Leslie's story then Fragile Eternity is Seth's story. While the recently-settled-down Seth knew his relationship with Aislinn was going to be complicated, there was no way he could have prepared for a girlfriend who happens to be a faerie queen. Or a best friend who happens to be a faerie king. Since everyone around him possesses some type of fantastic strength and/or power, Seth tries to fit into a world where mortals typically do not b...more

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Mar 09, 2009 46milestogo rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not as bad as Ink Exchange, but nowhere near as well done as Wicked Lovely, this series is becoming a real disappointment. Too much recapping and then a rush to the inevitable cliffhanger, which is always a danger with series books and a real disaster with this one.

I don't see true long-term success for this series unless Marr can find a way to deliver endings that offer a little closure for readers or at least refine the writing so it isn't all recap, recap, tiny bit of plot, and then the part...more

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Mar 16, 2013 Grace rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: heavy-romance, paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy, in-a-series, read-in-2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The first time I read FE, I got about halfway through. It wasn't until the second time I picked it up that I managed to finish it.
Just like Ink Exchange isn't a direct sequel to Wicked Lovely, Fragile Eternity isn't a direct sequel to Ink Exchange. It's probably more of a direct sequel to WL. The only problem is that if you don't read IE first, some details may not make sense, especially involving the changes in the Dark Court. If you can just go along with them, you'll probably be fine, but if...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Ralala rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: toleratable, boring, faeries, fantasy, romance

Hmm, I did find this book more interesting than the others but unfortunately - still boring. I get the relationship between the characters - wait I do get but I absolutely hate it.

Marr was trying to include that besides what the character's want for themselves they have to consider what's best for the court - so basically balance their love life with responsibililty. Unfortunately I don't think she conveyed it that well at all. I mean the book was so focused on the romance side of things that I...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Tanja rated it 1 of 5 stars

Nach Gegen das Sommerlicht und Gegen die Finsternis, handelt es sich hierbei um den dritten Teil der so genannten Sommerlicht-Serie. Diese handelt von Ashlyn, Seth und Keenan und ihrer Dreiecksbeziehung.

In Teil eins ging es hauptsächlich um die Verwandlung Ashlyns zur so genannten „Sommerkönigin“, deren Schicksal an der Seite des „Sommerkönigs“ Keenan ihre Bestimmung fände. Allerdings stellt Ashlyn fest, dass sie Keenan gar nicht liebt, ihn bestenfalls als Freund sehen könnte. Der, den sie liebt...more Nach Gegen das Sommerlicht und Gegen die Finsternis, handelt es sich hierbei um den dritten Teil der so genannten Sommerlicht-Serie. Diese handelt von Ashlyn, Seth und Keenan und ihrer Dreiecksbeziehung.

In Teil eins ging es hauptsächlich um die Verwandlung Ashlyns zur so genannten „Sommerkönigin“, deren Schicksal an der Seite des „Sommerkönigs“ Keenan ihre Bestimmung fände. Allerdings stellt Ashlyn fest, dass sie Keenan gar nicht liebt, ihn bestenfalls als Freund sehen könnte. Der, den sie liebt, ist Seth, der als Künstler in einem alten Eisenbahnwaggon lebt und der überdies schon lange Ashlyns bester Freund ist. An sich gefiel mir der Auftakt der Reihe noch am besten, da ich Ashlyns Motive ganz gut nachvollziehen konnte. Und selbstverständlich konnte auch ich mich Seths sympathischen Charakter nicht entziehen.

Teil zwei der Sommerlicht-Serie handelte dann von den Versuchungen, die von den unterschiedlichen Elefenhöfen ausgehen, in deren Welt Ashlyn nun vollends eintaucht – als Sommerkönigin, an Keenans Seite und Freundin von Seth. Denn außer dem Hof des Sommerkönigs gäbe es da schließlich auch noch den der Winterkönigin, die ebenso neu in ihrem „Job“ ist wie Ashlyn, da die vorherige – Keenans Mutter – von Ashlyn und ihren Freunden getötet wurde – im Übrigen ist eben jene Winterkönigin die Geliebte und eigentlich große Liebe von Keenan. Ein Kampf zwischen Sommer und Winter, in den bisweilen auch noch der Hof der Dunkelelfen involviert ist. Dort nämlich herrscht Irial, der Meister der Manipulation. Ihm gar nicht einmal so unähnlich ist da Niall, der sich vor Jahrhunderten von seinem Herrn und Freund abwandte und nun Keenans Vertrauter ist. Aber die Jahre am Hof der Dunkelelfen haben ihre Spuren hinterlassen und strecken ihre Fühler nun nach Ashlyns Freundin Leslie aus.

Nachdem mir schon das Lesen des zweiten Bandes vorkam, wie sich immer mehr in die Länge ziehender Kaugummi, kann ich nicht unbedingt behaupten, dass es mich tatsächlich überrascht hat, dass es Januar werden musste, bis ich Band drei endlich fertig gelesen hatte – und das, obwohl ich bereits Mitte November zu lesen angefangen habe.

Die Sympathien für Ashlyn und Seth, die im ersten Buch aufgebaut wurden und im zweiten ziemlich zurückgegangen sind, gehen während des Lesens des dritten Buches fast gänzlich verloren. Ashlyn entpuppt sich als egoistisches Paradebeispiel eines hormongeladenen Teenagers, Seths Selbstbewusstsein und sein Vertrauen in Ashlyn wirken alles andere als authentisch und die Geschichte wirkt im Allgemeinen reichlich konstruiert, was auch dadurch nicht besser wird, dass erstmals die bisher nur erwähnte Königin der Lichtelfen in Erscheinung tritt, ihrem Ruf als eiskalte Monarchin so gar keine Ehre macht und Seth urplötzlich als ihren Sohn sieht.

Alles, was mir zum dritten Teil dieser Reihe einfällt, ist Folgendes: Was soll das? Ich mochte das erste Buch wirklich gerne. Doch entweder fehlen Melissa Marr im Moment gute Ideen, oder sie hat nur noch den Profit im Kopf. Mir graust es ja schon vor Teil vier der Serie, den ich aber wohl trotz allem lesen werde, weil ich nun einmal das Laster habe, immer jede Reihe zu Ende lesen zu wollen – ganz gleich, wie mies sie auch sein mag.

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About Melissa Marr

5 stars= If I love you, I'll buy you a copy from this list of books. (Pls note, if you are my family or dearest friends, feel free to remind me to do so. I am lousy w remembering birthdays/holidays.)

4 stars= Don't even ask to borrow it. You should prob buy it though.

3= If you borrow it, you better not lose it, mangle it, or keep it too long.

2 or 1 star= I don't use these. If it's not a 3 star or...more

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“Just be you-strong and honest. The rest falls into place if you do that. It always has. It always will. Remember that. No matter what happens over the . . . centuries ahead of you, remember to be honest with yourself. And if you fail, forgive yourself. You'll make mistakes. The whole world is new, and they have so many more years in the then you.” — 243 people liked it

“Choose to be happy. It is what we have all done.” — 230 people liked it

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