Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely) (edició 2009)

Fragile Eternity continues Melissa Marr's stories of Faerie that began with Wicked Lovely. The third book in the series, it moves back to focus on the triangle between Aislinn, Seth and Keenan; although this time, it's all about Seth. Seth loves Aislinn but he realizes that he is mortal and she is Faerie which means that he'll die and she'll live for eternity. As summer grows nearer, Aislinn's bond with Keenan, her summer king, continues to grow. Seth can't stand the thought of being without Aislinn or of losing her to Keenan so he sets out to seek immortality for himself. But what will he have to give in exchange for an eternity with Aislinn?

What can I say? These books are very enjoyable. They're fun, enchanting reads. It's easy to relate to the characters. I love both Seth and Keenan and can't really make a choice between the two. I keep thinking I'm going to hate Keenan and then he does something wonderful. Should I doubt his motives? And Seth, well, he's the super-sexy, faithful guy that every girl wants. I'm even drawn to the characters of the Dark Court. I keep thinking there's going to be something done that redeems Naill, Donia and Sorcha to where everybody can live together happily ever after. Actually, I think Naill is probably my favorite character in the story - there's something intriguing and alluring about him. Maybe he'll turn out to be the true hero of the story.
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Finally the thread of "Wicked Lovely" gets continued, and while this book is not action-packed, it is riveting in deeper ways.

The delicate balance between the faerie courts continues to waver dangerously; the numerous interrelationships between them becoming more strained by the day. Aislinn struggles to be a good queen to her people, trying to balance her love for her mortal best friend Seth with the inexorable pull toward her king Keenan, as summer approaches. Seth longs to find a way to escape his mortality so he can love Aislinn forever. The Dark and Winter courts are starting to itch for revenge, combat, retribution, and maybe war. Bananach, the monger of death and strife, lays bloody plans to set the entire faery world on one another. And the Unchanging High Queen Sorcha looks over it all, wondering at the future.

The best parts of this book were probably the characters and relationships. While intensely frustrating at times, I kept reminding myself how real these characters were. Some of the changes in character personalities threw me a little (why does Niall have to be so mean now?), but I continue to respect and appreciate them all in different ways. I really loved Sorcha as a newcomer character, and I loved how she grew and changed. I also continue to hold the highest respect and affection for Seth, who kicks butt in physical, verbal, mental, and emotional ways. I also loved all the different explorations of love in the novel. It really gets deep into the kinds of relationships and what defines them. What is real love, and what is just lust? What is necessary to have a true love for someone: friendship, trust, need? To what lengths do we go to to win and keep and force love? All fascinating questions that are explored in "Fragile Eternity." The ending was far from satisfying in terms of happy endings, but it left plenty of room for more to come. ( )

I can't say that I liked Fragile Eternity as well as Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange. I did enjoy Seth's story arc and what happened to Keenan (arrogant jerk!), but dear heaven, the middle was tedious! I felt as if I were reading one of Laurell K. Hamilton's books where the sex scenes are smothering the plot, only substituting angst and dithering for sex. ( )

I didn't really like this one, I'm not sure if I even like Seth. ( )

Book 3 in the WICKED LOVELY series finds Aislinn faced with a tough decision....to whom does her heart truly belong? With Keenan, her Summer King? With Seth, her mortal boyfriend? She's just trying to find where she fits in...as are several others characters, leading to a rather surprising ending. Definitely recommend this 3rd installment in the series....now working my way through book 4....YAY! ( )