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Broken Wings
In a magical world where being different is the norm, why must Rye Woods fear for her life if the truth about her hidden identity is revealed?
When Rye Woods, a fairy, meets the beautiful dryad Flora Withe, her libido, as squashed and hidden as her wings, reawakens along with her heart. But Rye is a poor builder's labourer with a teenage sister to raise, while Flora is a wealthy artist-celebrity with a tree-top condominium and a sporty, late-model flying carpet. If those aren't obstacles enough to the scorching attraction that rapidly develops, Rye lives under the pall of a dark secret that has made her a fugitive in the very land where she sought freedom. The more Rye reveals to Flora, the more vulnerable she is to her past catching up with her. Can she and Flora find their way to loving one another in the face of their social and cultural differences while struggling with the dark forces that threaten Rye?
When Rye Woods, a fairy, meets the beautiful dryad Flora Withe, her libido, as squashed and hidden as her wings, reawakens along with her heart. But Rye is a poor builder's labourer with a teenage sister to raise, while Flora is a wealthy artist-celebrity with a tree-top condominium and a sporty, late-model flying carpet. If those aren't obstacles enough to the scorching attraction that rapidly develops, Rye lives under the pall of a dark secret that has made her a fugitive in the very land where she sought freedom. The more Rye reveals to Flora, the more vulnerable she is to her past catching up with her. Can she and Flora find their way to loving one another in the face of their social and cultural differences while struggling with the dark forces that threaten Rye?
300 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2006
21 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
L.-J. Baker
6 books92 followersL-J Baker lives in New Zealand with her civilly united spouse, more cats than is sensible, and various other critters. She spent a long time at school pursuing studies that had nothing to do with writing. She is the site admin for the online Lesbian Fiction Forum. And, yes, L-J really is her whole name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 16, 2011
L-J Baker is one of the best writers you may never have heard of. This is her first, released in 2006, and it's a book that I still think about and re-read parts of (and yes, I just ended a sentence with a preposition. Oh, well).
Rye Woods is a fairy who escaped Fairyland in order to give her younger sister, Holly, a better life. Rye took another identity, and she keeps her wings taped securely down beneath her shirt, because fairy-phobia is alive and well in the city where they reside. Should anyone suspect her true identity, both Rye and Holly risk deportation back to Fairyland and no doubt serious and probably brutal punishment.
Rye is a laborer, and she doesn't make much money, which creates stress for her but also for Holly, who has entered her teen years with a vengeance. And Baker does such a wonderful job capturing Holly's teen character and nailing the uncomfortable family tension between the two sisters that I found myself wincing at some of the arguments, all too familiar in family dynamics.
Enter Flora, a lovely dryad, and Rye's world suddenly takes a turn for what could be better but could also be worse. Can she and Flora develop a relationship that crosses not only class boundaries, but also the boundaries between fairies and everyone else? Should Rye reveal herself to Flora? And if so, what might happen?
Baker explores the issue of "otherness" through class and species, and even casts it within a rubric of anti-immigration sentiment, which makes this spec fic book about fairies an exquisite and subtle metaphor for very human issues. It's a nuanced and multi-layered narrative, that reads so smoothly you scarcely notice you're actually reading.
That said, I read L-J because of her superb command of writing craft. This is a book in which everything works--characterization, dialogue, plot arc--and it will keep you turning pages until the end, at which point you'll start over because you'll just want to keep being part of L-J's world and the characters she has deftly created.
This is still my favorite of her books, and as I told her after I'd read it the first time, if I ever taught a creative writing course, I would use this book as one of the primary texts.
So if you have not discovered Baker's work, please do. Start here.
Rye Woods is a fairy who escaped Fairyland in order to give her younger sister, Holly, a better life. Rye took another identity, and she keeps her wings taped securely down beneath her shirt, because fairy-phobia is alive and well in the city where they reside. Should anyone suspect her true identity, both Rye and Holly risk deportation back to Fairyland and no doubt serious and probably brutal punishment.
Rye is a laborer, and she doesn't make much money, which creates stress for her but also for Holly, who has entered her teen years with a vengeance. And Baker does such a wonderful job capturing Holly's teen character and nailing the uncomfortable family tension between the two sisters that I found myself wincing at some of the arguments, all too familiar in family dynamics.
Enter Flora, a lovely dryad, and Rye's world suddenly takes a turn for what could be better but could also be worse. Can she and Flora develop a relationship that crosses not only class boundaries, but also the boundaries between fairies and everyone else? Should Rye reveal herself to Flora? And if so, what might happen?
Baker explores the issue of "otherness" through class and species, and even casts it within a rubric of anti-immigration sentiment, which makes this spec fic book about fairies an exquisite and subtle metaphor for very human issues. It's a nuanced and multi-layered narrative, that reads so smoothly you scarcely notice you're actually reading.
That said, I read L-J because of her superb command of writing craft. This is a book in which everything works--characterization, dialogue, plot arc--and it will keep you turning pages until the end, at which point you'll start over because you'll just want to keep being part of L-J's world and the characters she has deftly created.
This is still my favorite of her books, and as I told her after I'd read it the first time, if I ever taught a creative writing course, I would use this book as one of the primary texts.
So if you have not discovered Baker's work, please do. Start here.
August 14, 2015
3.6 stars.
This was a really odd ball story for me. Overall, I had mixed feelings about it.
I've read a lot of lesfic fantasy books in the last year and this is the first full-length novel involving fairies, wood creatures, goblins and the like so it definitely has a unique setting with different characters. Even the language, swear words and slang used complement the ambience of the story since it revolves around nature terms. The author tackled a lot of different issues ranging from raising a sibling, being a refugee, withstanding abuse, what it's like to live as an illegal immigrant, falling in love, class differences, grappling with internal triggers (PTSD), and more. I thought this was all handled in a fresh, interesting way and it certainly elicits empathy and reflection.
What took away from the story for me were a few things. As I was reading, even though there's strong sexual content (though, not super graphic), it felt like a young adult novel. I couldn't figure out why, at first, because the issues the characters grappled with seemed adult enough. What I finally realized, is that it's due to the main character, Rye. Even though Rye is in her 30s, she FEELS young. She's raising her younger, sixteen year-old sister, Holly but Rye's emotional maturity doesn't seem much older than her. Because of that, it felt like I was reading about two teenagers, hence a young adult book. I do read and appreciate young adult novels that have a lesbian romance at the heart of it so a young adult aspect didn't turn me off. It just felt confusing. In a way, I could see how Rye's emotional maturity could be stunted due to her background but I'm not sure that's what the author was going for.
And, of course, because of Rye's history, her self-esteem will be low and she'll have a lot of internal struggle but it was SO much. It got to a point where I wanted to grab Rye by the collar and shake her. Again, perhaps the author was going for this but, in my protagonists, I think I want to see a little more self-reflection and maturity. There are so many times where if Rye just would've had a conversation with Flora it could've stopped a lot of the conflict...and Rye being who she is doesn't rely on anyone so I could see the reasoning behind her actions but, as a reader, it was certainly frustrating! I also thought Holly was too over the top of a teenager. Yeah, she can feel stifled and have resentments but it was strange to me that she didn't have the where with all to understand the sacrifice her sister was making for her and to at least have some gratitude! So, I guess, it felt like there was unnecessary drama.
For the writing itself, there were small jumps in time and changes of scenes that I found a little jarring but, generally, the story is written well.
Overall, I do think there are a lot of interesting elements and ideas here and, though not trouble-free, the book is worth a read.
This was a really odd ball story for me. Overall, I had mixed feelings about it.
I've read a lot of lesfic fantasy books in the last year and this is the first full-length novel involving fairies, wood creatures, goblins and the like so it definitely has a unique setting with different characters. Even the language, swear words and slang used complement the ambience of the story since it revolves around nature terms. The author tackled a lot of different issues ranging from raising a sibling, being a refugee, withstanding abuse, what it's like to live as an illegal immigrant, falling in love, class differences, grappling with internal triggers (PTSD), and more. I thought this was all handled in a fresh, interesting way and it certainly elicits empathy and reflection.
What took away from the story for me were a few things. As I was reading, even though there's strong sexual content (though, not super graphic), it felt like a young adult novel. I couldn't figure out why, at first, because the issues the characters grappled with seemed adult enough. What I finally realized, is that it's due to the main character, Rye. Even though Rye is in her 30s, she FEELS young. She's raising her younger, sixteen year-old sister, Holly but Rye's emotional maturity doesn't seem much older than her. Because of that, it felt like I was reading about two teenagers, hence a young adult book. I do read and appreciate young adult novels that have a lesbian romance at the heart of it so a young adult aspect didn't turn me off. It just felt confusing. In a way, I could see how Rye's emotional maturity could be stunted due to her background but I'm not sure that's what the author was going for.
And, of course, because of Rye's history, her self-esteem will be low and she'll have a lot of internal struggle but it was SO much. It got to a point where I wanted to grab Rye by the collar and shake her. Again, perhaps the author was going for this but, in my protagonists, I think I want to see a little more self-reflection and maturity. There are so many times where if Rye just would've had a conversation with Flora it could've stopped a lot of the conflict...and Rye being who she is doesn't rely on anyone so I could see the reasoning behind her actions but, as a reader, it was certainly frustrating! I also thought Holly was too over the top of a teenager. Yeah, she can feel stifled and have resentments but it was strange to me that she didn't have the where with all to understand the sacrifice her sister was making for her and to at least have some gratitude! So, I guess, it felt like there was unnecessary drama.
For the writing itself, there were small jumps in time and changes of scenes that I found a little jarring but, generally, the story is written well.
Overall, I do think there are a lot of interesting elements and ideas here and, though not trouble-free, the book is worth a read.
October 4, 2018
5.0 stars. It gets me every time.
L-J Baker writes the world and characters in such a natural way that it reads nearly like a contemporary romance. The struggles are familiar and real, only the races and little details are different. They live in trees, they drive brooms and magic carpets, and the different species have their own forms of sexual expression. But the novel flows. I loved reading about Rye’s cooking and all the different foods she made. I was pulled along as their romance progressed and sorrowed with each obstacle they faced. There is a reason I’ve read this book more times than I can count on one hand, because I can’t put it down once I start.
Some people may have a hard time with the few scenes where Rye recounts some of the things that happened to her while she was in Faery, and growing up. The book isn’t explicit with any details, not even the intimate scenes between Rye and Flora. But Rye has real and valid fear of Fairy and those mentions of her time there may be too much for someone that triggers easily.
I've had the paperback version of the book for over a decade and I've read it over and over. I just recently purchased the kindle edition because I love it so much, and sure enough I got sucked into it right away. It touches on a lot of subjects that are close to my heart. L-J Baker writes an realistic story in a fantastical setting and I'm drawn into it every time. And of course, I can never turn down a great happy ending.
L-J Baker writes the world and characters in such a natural way that it reads nearly like a contemporary romance. The struggles are familiar and real, only the races and little details are different. They live in trees, they drive brooms and magic carpets, and the different species have their own forms of sexual expression. But the novel flows. I loved reading about Rye’s cooking and all the different foods she made. I was pulled along as their romance progressed and sorrowed with each obstacle they faced. There is a reason I’ve read this book more times than I can count on one hand, because I can’t put it down once I start.
Some people may have a hard time with the few scenes where Rye recounts some of the things that happened to her while she was in Faery, and growing up. The book isn’t explicit with any details, not even the intimate scenes between Rye and Flora. But Rye has real and valid fear of Fairy and those mentions of her time there may be too much for someone that triggers easily.
I've had the paperback version of the book for over a decade and I've read it over and over. I just recently purchased the kindle edition because I love it so much, and sure enough I got sucked into it right away. It touches on a lot of subjects that are close to my heart. L-J Baker writes an realistic story in a fantastical setting and I'm drawn into it every time. And of course, I can never turn down a great happy ending.
June 19, 2013
It was an easy read but despite generally liking fantasy and sci-fi, I just could not get into this one.
It felt as if the story suffered from multiple personality disorder. The one moment it felt like reading a fairy tale for children or young adults ---oh, they are having sex. Then, oh cute, the fairies are eating buttercups and drinking honey---oh, they are naked on the floor. Oh wow, they are flying around on brooms and living in trees---uhm, they are stripping each others clothes off.
Not that I have a problem with the sex scenes but the style of the story and the adult content did not mesh. Also, my mind could not take the name "Fairyland" seriously and picture it as a place of gross human (fairy) rights abuses, torture and rape. It is as if the words and the imagery where out of sync. (This is difficult to explain).
My other gripe was the whole theme of "Should I come out of the closet because if I do everyone will hate me/kill me?" Although relevant, I prefer a story that transcendS that, which shows queer characters who are comfortable with themselves.
Then, lastly, the use of botany terms of expletives was not very effective and it was irritating at times. Oh elm? It is not as if the writer wanted to sterilize the story because the word "F---" is used often. So the use botany terms is a bit confounding.
But I like the idea of different settings and worlds for LGBT stories. So it was a nice and relaxing read.
It felt as if the story suffered from multiple personality disorder. The one moment it felt like reading a fairy tale for children or young adults ---oh, they are having sex. Then, oh cute, the fairies are eating buttercups and drinking honey---oh, they are naked on the floor. Oh wow, they are flying around on brooms and living in trees---uhm, they are stripping each others clothes off.
Not that I have a problem with the sex scenes but the style of the story and the adult content did not mesh. Also, my mind could not take the name "Fairyland" seriously and picture it as a place of gross human (fairy) rights abuses, torture and rape. It is as if the words and the imagery where out of sync. (This is difficult to explain).
My other gripe was the whole theme of "Should I come out of the closet because if I do everyone will hate me/kill me?" Although relevant, I prefer a story that transcendS that, which shows queer characters who are comfortable with themselves.
Then, lastly, the use of botany terms of expletives was not very effective and it was irritating at times. Oh elm? It is not as if the writer wanted to sterilize the story because the word "F---" is used often. So the use botany terms is a bit confounding.
But I like the idea of different settings and worlds for LGBT stories. So it was a nice and relaxing read.
February 15, 2018
I like the premise of a supernatural world, which is why the moment I read the book's description, I immediately jumped into it.
The character I like the most is Flora (for obvious reason). Rye is too afraid, too paranoid, and she is kinda too much of a coward for my liking, at least she tried to be a good parent/guardian for Holly, but I hope she put more effort into her relationship with Flora.
From the beginning of the book until near the very end, I just don't like Holly. I know she's a kid, but holy elm! I didn't know kid at 16-17 is that unlikable. It's either Rye's a bad parent, which I don't think she is according to her action toward Holly. Being poor shouldn't be something to make a kid that rude, spoil, and entitle toward the one who took care of her. I feel like Holly ruined half of the story for me.
Even though there are good explanation to Rye and Holly's behaviors, Flora ends up to be that one savior despite all the heartbreaking moment between her and Rye.
Overall, the romance is okay, Rye never end up meeting Flora's parents officially, the true secret of Flora's bud still remained a mystery (but I kinda guess what it is).
The character I like the most is Flora (for obvious reason). Rye is too afraid, too paranoid, and she is kinda too much of a coward for my liking, at least she tried to be a good parent/guardian for Holly, but I hope she put more effort into her relationship with Flora.
From the beginning of the book until near the very end, I just don't like Holly. I know she's a kid, but holy elm! I didn't know kid at 16-17 is that unlikable. It's either Rye's a bad parent, which I don't think she is according to her action toward Holly. Being poor shouldn't be something to make a kid that rude, spoil, and entitle toward the one who took care of her. I feel like Holly ruined half of the story for me.
Even though there are good explanation to Rye and Holly's behaviors, Flora ends up to be that one savior despite all the heartbreaking moment between her and Rye.
Overall, the romance is okay, Rye never end up meeting Flora's parents officially, the true secret of Flora's bud still remained a mystery (but I kinda guess what it is).
December 8, 2017
3,5 rounded up
January 7, 2018
It’s a fantasy but it really depicts real life... people who struggle in life but continue to wake up each morning because they know their purpose. That sometimes, we focus too much in our goal, our jobs, our family, that we sacrifice our own happiness.
I love how strong and selfless Rye is... how she puts the need of her sister first before herself. And I also love to hate how stubborn she can be when receiving help. And how she grew as a person in the end is really amazing; it is really hard to accept help, but in life, you really have to face the truth that we do sometimes need a helping hand.
Flora is a dreamlike person. If she existed in this real world, it would be a better place. For a person to see beyond your status in society, your past, your job and others things, and for her to only see you as a person, that’s really rare. So if you have someone like that - hold on to them!
The book is mainly focus on the characters, I wish it could have explored more on the different species or beings in the book... but I still love it!
I love how strong and selfless Rye is... how she puts the need of her sister first before herself. And I also love to hate how stubborn she can be when receiving help. And how she grew as a person in the end is really amazing; it is really hard to accept help, but in life, you really have to face the truth that we do sometimes need a helping hand.
Flora is a dreamlike person. If she existed in this real world, it would be a better place. For a person to see beyond your status in society, your past, your job and others things, and for her to only see you as a person, that’s really rare. So if you have someone like that - hold on to them!
The book is mainly focus on the characters, I wish it could have explored more on the different species or beings in the book... but I still love it!
May 24, 2015
This was a total snooze fest. The characters absolutely annoying and frustrating, especially Rye and her sister Holly. Flora, poor poor Flora, all I felt for this woman throughout the whole book was sorry. Jeez she kept offering her unconditional love while she was constantly hurt, rejected and disregarded. Throughout their relationship, Rye was completely selfish and narrow minded. The romance was very unengaging. I was not captured by it, I couldn't feel or get a sense of their love.
This book is a complete waste of time. Unless your bored and have nothing else to do, then read this book and pass the time. Just don't expect to enjoy it much or at all
This book is a complete waste of time. Unless your bored and have nothing else to do, then read this book and pass the time. Just don't expect to enjoy it much or at all
July 13, 2015
A good book, although I occasionally wanted to slap some sense into the main character. Very well thought out.
November 7, 2024
This would've been a much better story, if the protagonist had half the brain the story says she has. She's constantly self-sabotaging in the stupidest ways, which was very frustrating to read. And all of that is sadly only partially understandable given the characters background.
The fantasy setting of the story was also.very inconsequential. There are so many different species, yet it absolutely didn't matter at all. You could've replaced any mention of "goblin" for example with "guy in jeans" and it wouldn't have changed the story at all. A carpet could've been a car, a broom a moped and a tree a house. Only the country the MC comes from and some stuff about fairies and dryads is explored in any real way.
I'm also not partial to replacing words for fantastical neologisms for no reason and without explanation. "Oh elm", who or what the fuck is elm? The teen in the story thinks of everything as "scathing", which I just find actually scathingly annoying
What I liked about the book was the honest exploration of a relationship with very difficult dynamics. Especially how impactful differences in class can be, for Rye money is everything by necessity and for Flora money isn't a problem, because she has so much of it. The book is very honest about how this can impact a relationship.
The fantasy setting of the story was also.very inconsequential. There are so many different species, yet it absolutely didn't matter at all. You could've replaced any mention of "goblin" for example with "guy in jeans" and it wouldn't have changed the story at all. A carpet could've been a car, a broom a moped and a tree a house. Only the country the MC comes from and some stuff about fairies and dryads is explored in any real way.
I'm also not partial to replacing words for fantastical neologisms for no reason and without explanation. "Oh elm", who or what the fuck is elm? The teen in the story thinks of everything as "scathing", which I just find actually scathingly annoying
What I liked about the book was the honest exploration of a relationship with very difficult dynamics. Especially how impactful differences in class can be, for Rye money is everything by necessity and for Flora money isn't a problem, because she has so much of it. The book is very honest about how this can impact a relationship.
May 4, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book.
The story was interesting from the beginning and I really enjoyed the way the world was set up. I would've definitely liked reading more about it in here or another story. Some explanations for the reader would have also been appreciated (eg. More on the different species' appearances or important differences). The book touched on the themes in a way that was easy to understand characters and their motivations even though the characters frustrated me with their way of handling things.
I didn't really like the MC Rye and her sister though and I agree with one of the other reviewers of how she read as a YA character with regards to her emotional intelligence. I spent most of the book frustrated with her in fact but there was some change so I was able to move the book from a DNF to a solid rating.
I would recommend this book mainly because of Flora. And I would've loved to see her POV for some parts!
The story was interesting from the beginning and I really enjoyed the way the world was set up. I would've definitely liked reading more about it in here or another story. Some explanations for the reader would have also been appreciated (eg. More on the different species' appearances or important differences). The book touched on the themes in a way that was easy to understand characters and their motivations even though the characters frustrated me with their way of handling things.
I didn't really like the MC Rye and her sister though and I agree with one of the other reviewers of how she read as a YA character with regards to her emotional intelligence. I spent most of the book frustrated with her in fact but there was some change so I was able to move the book from a DNF to a solid rating.
I would recommend this book mainly because of Flora. And I would've loved to see her POV for some parts!
April 14, 2018
This is the first book I've read that had fairies and gnomes and flying carpets. I was a bit hesitant at first but it turns out...I really liked it. Most of the time I forgot they were even creatures instead of human. I enjoyed the characters. Well, except the little sister. She needed a timeout. And her ass beat. And her damn stereo taken away. Little brat. The chemistry was just okay for me. But the story itself was just amazing.
There were really only 2 things I didn't like about this book. ***Slight spoilers***They never told us what the buds mean and we never really find out what happened to her mother. ***End***
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
There were really only 2 things I didn't like about this book. ***Slight spoilers***They never told us what the buds mean and we never really find out what happened to her mother. ***End***
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
November 19, 2022
I think this was a good read overall. The story is nice, however the ending is awful. The fantasy felt forced, like they wrote the book normally and then changed cars to Flying carpets. They changed weed to dreamweed. They changed different countries to different mythological creatures. Additionally, the passage of time was really distracting. One line the character is one place and then in the next line they're somewhere else. This was beyond frustrating and made it hard to follow. I could overlook these, if there was an epilogue and the story actually had an ending.
September 11, 2019
Amazing.
Books don't generally affect me like this. I was feeling each moment of joy, each anxiety-laden conversation, each bit of teenage angst. The light fantasy world allowed some very heavy subjects (PTSD, conversion therapy/torture, immigration, drug use) a soft landing that cushioned the beauty of the romance. This was simply spectacular. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Books don't generally affect me like this. I was feeling each moment of joy, each anxiety-laden conversation, each bit of teenage angst. The light fantasy world allowed some very heavy subjects (PTSD, conversion therapy/torture, immigration, drug use) a soft landing that cushioned the beauty of the romance. This was simply spectacular. Can't recommend it highly enough.
June 13, 2020
Hmm....this book was kinda not....it....for me. The characters seemed so one-dimensional. And the main character, Rye, is sort of unlikable. Like....it turns me off when a main character becomes midkey unlikable to me. But I still plough my way through the pages and finished reading it. The world building was new and interesting, but that was it. The characters...the romance...lack of emotional depth I think. They jumped in way to fast before I could feel the connection or the chemistry.
January 10, 2019
This is a superb story on so many levels. I adore the characters (though I wanted to smack Holly a few times, are teenagers really like that?! I suspect they are...)
Aside from being fantasy and a romance the books deals with a lot of other societal issues, in an excellent way.
Absolutely recommend this book, it was a joy to read
Aside from being fantasy and a romance the books deals with a lot of other societal issues, in an excellent way.
Absolutely recommend this book, it was a joy to read
January 29, 2025
I loved it! 4 and a half stars! I love baker's depiction of the fae. It's a completely different take. I wish there was a little more detail about the magic carpets and brooms they use, but I guess it's open for your own interpretation. When I got to the end, I wished there was more. F/F romance. Sexy scenes.
July 29, 2022
I really enjoyed Rye and Flora's dynamic. And how despite they were non-human creatures, their srtuggles were human. Still, I did want to slap some sense into Rye. I finished the book quite quickly and I wish it never ended.
February 10, 2025
This had a strong start and then dragged on for me in the middle. The conflict between Rye and Flora (almost exclusively on Rye’s side) got old. The setting and world building was fun though- I enjoyed the slang.
August 1, 2025
It was a little rough to get invested in this fantasy world, but once I finally got past the possibilities for interior dimensions of a flying carpet and suspended my disbelief, enjoyed the read quite a bit. Great queer summer read for NSFW-poolside book club discussions.
February 16, 2022
If you go into this book not taking anything too seriously, you will have such a treat in your hands. Look past the flying carpets and see the really beautiful love story and you won't be sorry.
May 6, 2023
I had a blast reading this. Seven well spent hours in a fictional world of elfs, gnomes, sprites and other fae creatures.
Totally worth the rating.
Totally worth the rating.
November 17, 2019
In a magical world where being different is the norm, why must Rye Woods fear for her life if the truth about her hidden identity is revealed? When Rye Woods, a fairy, meets the beautiful dryad Flora Withe, her libido, as squashed and hidden as her wings, reawakens along with her heart. But Rye is a poor builder's labourer with a teenage sister to raise, while Flora is a wealthy artist-celebrity with a tree-top condominium and a sporty, late-model flying carpet. If those aren't obstacles enough to the scorching attraction that rapidly develops, Rye lives under the pall of a dark secret that has made her a fugitive in the very land where she sought freedom. The more Rye reveals to Flora, the more vulnerable she is to her past catching up with her. Can she and Flora find their way to loving one another in the face of their social and cultural differences while struggling with the dark forces that threaten Rye?
September 13, 2017
This is the second L-J Baker's book I've read, the first being Lady Knight. The two books seems to follow a similar construction, and causes me the same reaction as well. Fun observation, L-J probably takes a real liking to hands-kissing. Props for that, author.
So, another half-good-half-bad story. This book has fine characters' dialogues and interactions, as well as charming/ interesting personalities, which guarantees a nice first half. Then the drama kicks in, and the protagonist gets... stupid. The latter half destroys every affections I gathered previously with overblown dramas and Rye being dumb for "tragedy" sake. Rye's refusal to confine in her beloveds, even with problems that concern them, is frustrating to crawl through. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with Rye's uncertainty. Have all the difficult issues in your character, but you must, and I emphasize, must ease them bits by bits out of their problems by letting them gradually putting trust in their partner (in this case, Rye to Flora). Instead, Rye's problems, which could have been heart-wrenching, just turn into excuses to increase the page number. Other major characters, Holly and Flora, is fine but not developed. It's also a minus that Holly is mildly annoying.
The theme is interesting, but not well-presented. The plot happens mostly because Rye is acting like a child, a lot of stale dramas that I do not care about because the solution is so obviously there. The world-building is nothing new. This world, to the root of it, is just another version of our own. I do think tree cities, brooms and carpets as vehicals is nice thoughts, though.
In conclusion, I didn't get much out of the book. Rye's character arc is badly done, and so does the plot. Flora is great, but more "perfect lover" great than "interesting character" great. Everything that can be interesting about Holly is glossed over at the end. Not something I'm glad I spent time on, but at least it didn't boil my blood... much.
Adding notes, L-J Baker somehow tends to have main characters with mental issues but she never fastens them out, or let those characters out of their shells, even a little bit, when the book ends. That's a lot of wasted potentials, if those characters' developments were done right, I have no doubt that Lady Knight and Broken Wings would be much much better books. Well, I don't see why an author can't improve. Even though I do not like the books I've read from L-J, I'm ready to give her books another shot, seeing how great her stories can be if treated right.
So, another half-good-half-bad story. This book has fine characters' dialogues and interactions, as well as charming/ interesting personalities, which guarantees a nice first half. Then the drama kicks in, and the protagonist gets... stupid. The latter half destroys every affections I gathered previously with overblown dramas and Rye being dumb for "tragedy" sake. Rye's refusal to confine in her beloveds, even with problems that concern them, is frustrating to crawl through. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with Rye's uncertainty. Have all the difficult issues in your character, but you must, and I emphasize, must ease them bits by bits out of their problems by letting them gradually putting trust in their partner (in this case, Rye to Flora). Instead, Rye's problems, which could have been heart-wrenching, just turn into excuses to increase the page number. Other major characters, Holly and Flora, is fine but not developed. It's also a minus that Holly is mildly annoying.
The theme is interesting, but not well-presented. The plot happens mostly because Rye is acting like a child, a lot of stale dramas that I do not care about because the solution is so obviously there. The world-building is nothing new. This world, to the root of it, is just another version of our own. I do think tree cities, brooms and carpets as vehicals is nice thoughts, though.
In conclusion, I didn't get much out of the book. Rye's character arc is badly done, and so does the plot. Flora is great, but more "perfect lover" great than "interesting character" great. Everything that can be interesting about Holly is glossed over at the end. Not something I'm glad I spent time on, but at least it didn't boil my blood... much.
Adding notes, L-J Baker somehow tends to have main characters with mental issues but she never fastens them out, or let those characters out of their shells, even a little bit, when the book ends. That's a lot of wasted potentials, if those characters' developments were done right, I have no doubt that Lady Knight and Broken Wings would be much much better books. Well, I don't see why an author can't improve. Even though I do not like the books I've read from L-J, I'm ready to give her books another shot, seeing how great her stories can be if treated right.
April 22, 2016
Broken Wings by L.-J. Baker is a fantastical tale involving fairies and dryads. As much as it is a fantasy and romance this book deals with some pretty hefty issues as well. Everything from life as an illegal immigrant, class differences, and especially abuse. All of these subjects are discussed in an interesting way that brings depth to our characters, and gives the story dimension.
The main character of the story is a fairy named Rye Woods. Rye works two sometimes three jobs as a laborer to pay the bills and to keep her teenage sister Holly enrolled in her nice private school. It is very difficult for Rye to make ends meet. Everything Rye has ever done is to protect and raise Holly. You see, Rye escaped from Fairyland as young adult woman, and as she escaped she took her kid sister with her. Rye fled after being forced to renounce being gay, and facing harsh punishments and torture. Rye's past has caused her to have very low self-esteem and she has a ton of internal baggage.
Flora With is a dryad (which apparently is tree nymph person, I had to Google this) who is well known for the artistic tapestries she creates. Flora has done well for herself financially and lives a luxurious lifestyle. Flora is immediately attracted to Rye, and pulls out all the stops to get Rye to notice her.
Rye and Flora jump into a sexual relationship very quick. This relationship is the first in many years for Rye and as amazing as it is, it brings up a lot of issues Rye struggles with. She doesn’t want to feel like she owes anyone anything. Even a simple gift of dinner out from Flora causes her to struggle.
While I loved the interactions between the characters the amount of struggle and communication issues became overwhelming to me. Rye while being very intelligent could be quite dense sometimes. Her lack of communication skills with both Flora and her sister became tedious sometimes.
Overall the story is well written and interesting. I enjoyed it being a very modern day tale but in a fantasy setting. I will say the last few chapters were very good and really sealed the book for me.
3.75 stars
The main character of the story is a fairy named Rye Woods. Rye works two sometimes three jobs as a laborer to pay the bills and to keep her teenage sister Holly enrolled in her nice private school. It is very difficult for Rye to make ends meet. Everything Rye has ever done is to protect and raise Holly. You see, Rye escaped from Fairyland as young adult woman, and as she escaped she took her kid sister with her. Rye fled after being forced to renounce being gay, and facing harsh punishments and torture. Rye's past has caused her to have very low self-esteem and she has a ton of internal baggage.
Flora With is a dryad (which apparently is tree nymph person, I had to Google this) who is well known for the artistic tapestries she creates. Flora has done well for herself financially and lives a luxurious lifestyle. Flora is immediately attracted to Rye, and pulls out all the stops to get Rye to notice her.
Rye and Flora jump into a sexual relationship very quick. This relationship is the first in many years for Rye and as amazing as it is, it brings up a lot of issues Rye struggles with. She doesn’t want to feel like she owes anyone anything. Even a simple gift of dinner out from Flora causes her to struggle.
While I loved the interactions between the characters the amount of struggle and communication issues became overwhelming to me. Rye while being very intelligent could be quite dense sometimes. Her lack of communication skills with both Flora and her sister became tedious sometimes.
Overall the story is well written and interesting. I enjoyed it being a very modern day tale but in a fantasy setting. I will say the last few chapters were very good and really sealed the book for me.
3.75 stars
January 4, 2016
The main character, Rye, is an illegal alien from Fairyland. She has been taking care of her younger sister, Holly, for 12 years since they fled their country after Rye's wings were broken as part of a gay cure when she was 19. Almost none of the book supports the idea that they could have successfully managed to avoid notice all these years.
Rye's wings are useless. They have been broken and incorrectly set for 12 years. She has to keep them binded anytime she is public. They cause her a great deal of pain and fear. These wings are attached to her back via tiny buds, so why doesn't she just cut them off?
This book has a lot cursing, but most of the cursing is 'branch' or 'elm'. Rye is the only one who does not use forest based cursing terms, instead she uses 'fey'. Yet no one around her seems to notice.
Despite Holly knowing that her sister is terrified they'll get deported, she is shocked to find out they are not citizens of the country they are currently living in. They have been living there for 12 years, how has this never come up?
Also, the romance in this book feels very forced and strangely censored. It is completely lust at first sight. That they dive into a sexual relationship is so odd considering that one of the characters is terrified people will see her wings, realize she is an illegal alien and deport her. Most of the time they see each other is spent having sex, yet Flora grows a different type of buds. These are annoyingly never explained in the book, but from other characters' reactions seem to be an indication you have meet your soulmate. Since when is your booty call your soulmate? Also, there is a lot of sex in this book, but it is so vague I have no idea what they are doing. I think once they simultaneously orgasmed by dry humping, "They writhed and strained against each other, moaning, and rising to their climaxes.", isn't exactly specific.
This book could have improved a lot if the characters had just communicated, used common sense, and went to the library more often.
Rye's wings are useless. They have been broken and incorrectly set for 12 years. She has to keep them binded anytime she is public. They cause her a great deal of pain and fear. These wings are attached to her back via tiny buds, so why doesn't she just cut them off?
This book has a lot cursing, but most of the cursing is 'branch' or 'elm'. Rye is the only one who does not use forest based cursing terms, instead she uses 'fey'. Yet no one around her seems to notice.
Despite Holly knowing that her sister is terrified they'll get deported, she is shocked to find out they are not citizens of the country they are currently living in. They have been living there for 12 years, how has this never come up?
Also, the romance in this book feels very forced and strangely censored. It is completely lust at first sight. That they dive into a sexual relationship is so odd considering that one of the characters is terrified people will see her wings, realize she is an illegal alien and deport her. Most of the time they see each other is spent having sex, yet Flora grows a different type of buds. These are annoyingly never explained in the book, but from other characters' reactions seem to be an indication you have meet your soulmate. Since when is your booty call your soulmate? Also, there is a lot of sex in this book, but it is so vague I have no idea what they are doing. I think once they simultaneously orgasmed by dry humping, "They writhed and strained against each other, moaning, and rising to their climaxes.", isn't exactly specific.
This book could have improved a lot if the characters had just communicated, used common sense, and went to the library more often.
May 21, 2013
4.5 Stars.
Fantasy is not my go to genre. Sure I grew up devouring Tolkien's LOTR and Anne McCaffrey's Dragon Riders of Pern. But then I became that boring adult who only had time for "literature."
Thank you L.J. Baker for bringing me back to a genre I forgot how much I truly enjoy. I loved the imagery and the world of dryads, fairies and sylphs. I got a kick out of the nature related expletives and the various ways to make algae and borage sound tasty. I may just start spouting Oh Branch instead of other four letter options now and astronomical and scathing will be new options for me as well.
I liked the way the Rye and Holly are portrayed. Rye's need for secrecy to protect her sister from what would await them back in Fairyland felt very real. Like illegal immigrants her job options and personal life must take a back seat to her hopes for Holly. Holly's rebellion, so typical for many teens pushes the plot and Rye to face her fears and the life she could have.
I did get a bit tired of the hand wringing thought patterns where Rye's dealing with Flora was concerned, but hung in there to get my HEA. Again the imagery of true love being as visible as the buds on your green hair was just lovely. Budmates indeed!
You've got a fan L.J.
Fantasy is not my go to genre. Sure I grew up devouring Tolkien's LOTR and Anne McCaffrey's Dragon Riders of Pern. But then I became that boring adult who only had time for "literature."
Thank you L.J. Baker for bringing me back to a genre I forgot how much I truly enjoy. I loved the imagery and the world of dryads, fairies and sylphs. I got a kick out of the nature related expletives and the various ways to make algae and borage sound tasty. I may just start spouting Oh Branch instead of other four letter options now and astronomical and scathing will be new options for me as well.
I liked the way the Rye and Holly are portrayed. Rye's need for secrecy to protect her sister from what would await them back in Fairyland felt very real. Like illegal immigrants her job options and personal life must take a back seat to her hopes for Holly. Holly's rebellion, so typical for many teens pushes the plot and Rye to face her fears and the life she could have.
I did get a bit tired of the hand wringing thought patterns where Rye's dealing with Flora was concerned, but hung in there to get my HEA. Again the imagery of true love being as visible as the buds on your green hair was just lovely. Budmates indeed!
You've got a fan L.J.
January 18, 2011
The latter third or so was what made me give this four stars instead of three. I liked the first part a lot, but for me there was far too much sex, and it started to feel gratuitous... actually, it felt that way from the first time they did it, in the flying carpet.
ALSO. Since when do *carpets* have windows and tops and doors and boots? Gah. :P
But I liked Rye a lot, she was a great character. Flora, I didn't see the huge appeal in so I wasn't as invested in their relationship as much as I would have been had they, I don't know, not done it straight away in the flying carpet? lol. I loved Rye's backstory and the information we were told about what 'Fairyland' (yeah, that's its real name...) was like. What a horrific society. I'd maybe have loved a whole book about Rye, from adolescence to now. The background was fascinating.
The language though - using words like "branch" and "elm" as exclamations... that was weird, since it was never really explained - and everyone has tree-ish sort of names themselves, so at first I thought Branch and Elm were like, nicknames. Bah.
Good stuff though.
ALSO. Since when do *carpets* have windows and tops and doors and boots? Gah. :P
But I liked Rye a lot, she was a great character. Flora, I didn't see the huge appeal in so I wasn't as invested in their relationship as much as I would have been had they, I don't know, not done it straight away in the flying carpet? lol. I loved Rye's backstory and the information we were told about what 'Fairyland' (yeah, that's its real name...) was like. What a horrific society. I'd maybe have loved a whole book about Rye, from adolescence to now. The background was fascinating.
The language though - using words like "branch" and "elm" as exclamations... that was weird, since it was never really explained - and everyone has tree-ish sort of names themselves, so at first I thought Branch and Elm were like, nicknames. Bah.
Good stuff though.
October 26, 2014
This is a fun read and at the same time a commentary on social issues. The best thing is that is wrapped up in a love story set in some futuristic fantasy land, filled with all creatures fairy and fey. Fairies with cellphones? Sign me up.
I think about every issue is covered here, from illigal immigrants to homophobia. I love it that Rey is so social awkward. I stopped counting the sentences that started with "Um." Yet at the same time she works her butt of to provide a life and education for her teenage sister, who thinks eveything is scathing. But she's completely out of her league when she meets a beautiful dryad named Flora that upturns every aspect of Rey's illegal life.
Stubborness and guilt sends Rey into a spiral of angst and her worst fears come true. That happens around chapter 15 and somehow the story looses some steam there. The writing became a bit cropped, lots of short sentences. I can't figure out if that was intentionally, to show just how ill-equipped Rey is to deal with difficult situations. The ending felt a bit rushed.
None the less, I thought it was a good story, but one thing I felt cheated out of: what the hell was the deal with those buds?
I think about every issue is covered here, from illigal immigrants to homophobia. I love it that Rey is so social awkward. I stopped counting the sentences that started with "Um." Yet at the same time she works her butt of to provide a life and education for her teenage sister, who thinks eveything is scathing. But she's completely out of her league when she meets a beautiful dryad named Flora that upturns every aspect of Rey's illegal life.
Stubborness and guilt sends Rey into a spiral of angst and her worst fears come true. That happens around chapter 15 and somehow the story looses some steam there. The writing became a bit cropped, lots of short sentences. I can't figure out if that was intentionally, to show just how ill-equipped Rey is to deal with difficult situations. The ending felt a bit rushed.
None the less, I thought it was a good story, but one thing I felt cheated out of: what the hell was the deal with those buds?
June 21, 2021
TRIGGER WARNINGS (physical and sexual abuse)
This is one of the best books I have ever read. Baker is, without a doubt, a truly genius. Since I finished I had read it a number of four times, if not more.
Rye, the main character, is a fairy. She is not 15 centimeters tall, contrary to beliefs. She is a powerful woman who was been trough a lot, and I mean it. Rapes and beatings are common things between fairies in Fairyland (hometown of our charismatic friend Rye). One day, Rye can’t take it anymore, leaves that place and starts a new life far away from there with her little sister. I don’t want to tell much more because this book is certainly a search of knowledge and the story is so captivating it wouldn’t be fair.
Point is if you are looking for a really magical story with some hard (but very necessary) topics, then this is your book. If you are looking for a beautiful written love story between two amazing women, then this is your book too. And if you are trying to find a book with a powerful (and, at times, exasperating) sister dynamic, then please read it.
This book is truly a masterpiece.
Congratulations, Baker, you did it!
This is one of the best books I have ever read. Baker is, without a doubt, a truly genius. Since I finished I had read it a number of four times, if not more.
Rye, the main character, is a fairy. She is not 15 centimeters tall, contrary to beliefs. She is a powerful woman who was been trough a lot, and I mean it. Rapes and beatings are common things between fairies in Fairyland (hometown of our charismatic friend Rye). One day, Rye can’t take it anymore, leaves that place and starts a new life far away from there with her little sister. I don’t want to tell much more because this book is certainly a search of knowledge and the story is so captivating it wouldn’t be fair.
Point is if you are looking for a really magical story with some hard (but very necessary) topics, then this is your book. If you are looking for a beautiful written love story between two amazing women, then this is your book too. And if you are trying to find a book with a powerful (and, at times, exasperating) sister dynamic, then please read it.
This book is truly a masterpiece.
Congratulations, Baker, you did it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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