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Broken Wings

L.-J. Baker

4.14 · Rating details · 594 ratings · 38 reviews

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 w

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Paperback, 210 pages

Published September 1st 2006 by Bold Strokes Books

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Oct 15, 2011 Andi Marquette rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: lgbt, spec-fic-stuff

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 resid 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. ...more

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Jul 26, 2016 K. Aten rated it it was amazing

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 romanc ...more

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May 09, 2015 lov2laf rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, lesbian-or-f-f, 200-250-pages, romance, family-theme, rape-or-molestation-triggers, drama, political, fairies

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 r 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.
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May 15, 2013 Ronel rated it it was ok

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.
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Feb 14, 2018 Lunatic rated it liked it

Shelves: paranormal, lgbt, lesbian, abuse, supernatural, angst, children

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, ...more

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Jun 22, 2011 Female Person rated it it was ok

Shelves: lgbt

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.
...more

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Jul 13, 2015 J. Judkins rated it really liked it

Shelves: lesbianfantasy

A good book, although I occasionally wanted to slap some sense into the main character. Very well thought out.

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Jan 07, 2018 Mac rated it it was amazing

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 t ...more

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Apr 14, 2018 Terri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: f-f-romance, f-f-fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, bingo

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 t ...more

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Sep 11, 2019 Christopher rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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.

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Jan 10, 2019 Caitlin Taylor rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, lgbtq, 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

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Nov 02, 2019 A Small One rated it really liked it

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

...more

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May 19, 2017 Cee Jelly rated it it was ok

Recommends it for: melodrama lovers

Shelves: femalexfemale, so-so

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... 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. (view spoiler) 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. (view spoiler) 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. (view spoiler) 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. ...more

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Sep 06, 2018 Ashley rated it liked it

I am a big fan of L-J Baker. I absolutely enjoyed Promises, Promises. That being said, Broken Wings was not a bad book. There were many good things about it: 1) the characters are relatively easy to connect to, 2) there is humor, 3) there is sadness. The book will definitely make you feel things. However, you can tell that it is one of Baker’s older works written at a time when she was still kind of finding who she is as an author. So, sometimes there are parts in this book that drag on or seem ...more

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Mar 03, 2016 Tiff rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, kids

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 pa 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
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Jul 30, 2012 Eva rated it liked it

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 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. ...more

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May 13, 2013 Agirlcandream rated it really liked it

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 Bra ...more

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Dec 25, 2010 Sally rated it liked it

Shelves: refugees, glbt-girls, fairies-and-similar, fantasy-land

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 relation ...more

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Feb 18, 2014 Frank Van Meer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, romance, all-time-favorites

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 educa ...more

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May 27, 2009 Elaine Burnes rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lesbian

I really enjoyed Broken Wings. Don't be turned off by the fact that it's fantasy with fairies (I almost was). It is a fun romp, but it also has a very serious side. The characters are extremely vivid and likable. In this fantasy world, magic brooms break down and teenagers are still teenagers. Rye Woods is just a struggling builder's laborer, trying to raise her teenage sister, Holly, who's an absolute stitch. Rye meets and falls for a successful artist named Flora, who Holly happens to idolize. ...more

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Jan 09, 2016 Krazykiwi rated it really liked it

I rarely read romance, I don't much like erotica (although, the heat level on this is pretty low). I'm not queer, and I don't like fairies much. The fae kind. So I quite literally have no idea how I ended up with a lesbian romance set in a world populated with sprites, nymphs, goblins and the occasional fairy. Not. A. Clue. Once I figured out what I had, I almost just deleted it, But oh the blurb was actually intriguing, and the author is a kiwi and I just thought why not.

Turned out, ...more

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Mar 08, 2015 Rose rated it really liked it

I really loved Baker's writing style, and the setting of the book was phenomenal. I couldn't put it down until I hit certain points. This my be weird but I don't usually enjoy when stories have truly depressing life situations, especially ones that hit home for me. I read books to escape that kind of stuff. So there was a point in this book I just had to put it down and walk away for a while before picking it back up later the same day and finishing it. It's an amazing book and well worth the re ...more

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May 20, 2013 Natasja Hellenthal rated it it was ok

Shelves: f-f-fantasy

Although I really tried to like this book and did find some things original such as having to hide her wings(but not the strange eating habits which was just weird). I just couldn't warm to the characters. There was too much swearing, which for me spoilt it and the story was a bit unbelievable and the plot hard going. I had to stop half way through, because I found myself only wanting to find out what happened to Rye and her sister (will they be deported back to Fairyland?) but did not enjoy the ...more

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Mar 03, 2009 Spectre rated it it was amazing

L-J Baker’s Broken Wings is a creative romp through a world inhabited with fairies, dryads, and numerous other mythical creatures. Have no worries about this story falling in fantasy clichés, however. These characters are rich, creative renderings while the plot is full of wry humor and thought-provoking issues. I highly recommend for any reader wanting to immerse him/herself in a truly unique world.

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Jul 21, 2014 Queen rated it really liked it

Although this was a fantasy, it is really relatable to real life. A lot of themes and ideas in this book made me think and reflect on our current world. Most of them resonated with me. It was also frustrating at times because a lot of Rye's actions were repetitive. Nonetheless, it is definitely a book I'd recommend.

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Aug 02, 2012 Tracey rated it it was amazing

This book is incredible. I rarely write a review and if there better than a five star rating I would give it. The wonderful emotional journey that Rye Woods travels will have you laughing and sobbing. The world is so realistic despite the mythological creatures inhabiting it. You can imagine the events unfolding in our own society all too easily. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone.

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Jan 10, 2017 Ry Herman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lgbt, fantasy, romance, favorites

I picked up Broken Wings on a whim, and was surprised and pleased to find it was a very well-written fantasy novel about a lesbian fairy, her society, and a romance that enters her life. Excellent characters, an interesting world, and strong themes about the effects of religious prejudice and the aftereffects of traumatic experiences.

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Jan 02, 2012 Breyonna Morgan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lesbian-fiction, fantasy

"Me In You" successfully describes the feelings that i have when I am with the one that I love. I haven't come across anything else that even comes close to describing that feeling.

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Apr 30, 2013 Rachel Miller rated it it was amazing

Broken Wings was such a fantastic book. I highly recommend it. I didn't want the story to end.

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Jun 19, 2013 David rated it liked it

Shelves: by-women, read-in-2013, bechdel-test, available-on-kindle-read, to-review, fantasy, romance, fairies, lgbt, romance-ff

2.5 stars

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About L.-J. Baker

L.-J. Baker

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L-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.