Rocco's Wings

Set in the world called Terrakesh, humans and Urvogels live. The main difference between the two species is that Urvogels have wings. Rocco, however, has a human Mum and his father was a warrior Urvogel though he died before Rocco could get to know him. This has meant that Rocco has never been totally accepted in the human world, often being the victim of bullying, because he is a hybrid, a mammal with wings. He loves to fly and one day, escaping bullies, he accidentally flies to a Urvogel stronghold where he gives in to the temptation to look what life is like there, spying on children of around his own age but avoiding the notice of their security forces. This visit leads to tragedy, his capture and return to actually live there under threat of being killed should he try to escape. He makes friends with Basalt, Vesta, Magma and Iggy, learning more about their lives and how cruel their leaders are. I’d certainly not be happy in their society where quiet, solitary reading, playing musical instruments for your own pleasure and the like are called vanity crimes, punishable by having your wings cruelly cut off, expulsion or death. When he learns what the leaders plan for him, he decides to escape with some of his new friends and the tale of survival, adventure, war and heroism commences big time! There are some fantastic illustrations in the book, too.

This is a fantastic, fast moving story that is the first book in a new series that is aimed at middle-graders but is also a great read for adults, too! I thoroughly enjoyed it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it!

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rocco's Wings started out a little slow for me. I wasn't sure I'd ever get into it, much less enjoy it, but the descriptions of stark landscapes, colorful plumage, children who ached with emotion and fierce battles fought in mid-air drew me in. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

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AJ http://bittenbybooks.com Established 2008

This is a a story about Rocco who has wings; his mother is mother and his father was Urvogel. He is bullied by others because of his differences and when his mother dies he decides to go to the Urvoel. The Queen agrees to take him in but he finds that because he is expected to learn their rules. This is a coming of age story that teaches the importance of tolerance. It is easy to tell that this is written for a younger audience and I found it slow and had a hard time getting in to it and then finishing it. Also, parents should be aware that there are some violent, gory scenes and that it may be disturbing for some children. The pictures are wonderful and added to my overall enjoyment. I do think that it could have been cut some and nothing would have been lost.

3.25/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/ cr publisher for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**

Rocco's Wings (Tales of Terrakesh #1)
by Rebecca Merry Murdock (Goodreads Author)
Rocco's wings have always been what separate him from those around him. Rocco who was born with wings which makes him an outcast in his small town separates him from all but his closest friend and his mother. When the Krakatoan Air Marshals kidnap him killing his friend and mother he thought the world was ending. He believes he is haunted by death. His attempt to save the Krakatoan white cloaks will be the test of his resolve. This is a great story of redemption and personal sacrifice.

The beginning of the story was quite slow for my taste and it was hard to stay interested. Towards the middle, the story picks up and becomes a fast-paced read that is great not just for middle-graders, but for adults as well. The story focuses on Rocco, half human-half Urvogel on a world called Terrakesh. Urvogels have wings, which is where Rocco's came from, but because his father died before he could meet him, Rocco lives in the human world with his mother where is not totally accepted. When Rocco is kidnapped by the Urvogel's, he must plan an escape before the leaders try to cut off his wings.

Rocco's Wings is a fantasy story that featured a young boy that does not fit in and is trying to find his own way. While experiencing many hardships, Rocco starts to discover who he is and where he fits in this world.

A little slow to start with, this book leads to a tale of redemption and personal sacrifice. Where the meaning of acceptance and family is tested for Rocco.