Kingdom of Wings: Taking Flight

Mika Kingsson's childhood belief in magic was so deep that she didn't give up until she turned 14. Even after that, her love for folklore was strong enough to propel her to a bachelor's degree in World Mythology, though she couldn't afford to pursue life as an academic. Her uninspiring work at a 24 hour grocery store seems to be starting her off on a breathtakingly dull adult life when she suddenly meets Rostislav Voronin, a prince of a magical race known amongst themselves as Birds. His transformation from raven to man, right before her eyes, reinvigorates her faith & passion, & catapults her into a whirlwind of new experiences. When Rostislav is abruptly kidnapped by his family's rivals, she resolves to rescue him. Setting off on her very own international fairy tale quest, Mika soon discovers magic beyond her wildest dreams. She rides the Thunderbird, begs aid from the Queen of an Irish fey court, runs from a talking bear & is saved by an equally chatty wolf, meets the great witch Baba Yaga, & receives a promise of help from the mighty Firebird. Though her first attempt at rescue is unsuccessful, she perseveres, much to the chagrin of her opponents, risking life & limb to rescue the man she is increasingly convinced that -- in true fairy tale fashion -- she'll come to love. Upon the achievement of her goal, a moved Rostislav proposes marriage, preparing the pair of them to embark on a whole new series of adventures.

This fast-paced urban fantasy is suitable for fans of works like A Discovery of Witches, Gods of Jade & Shadow, & Anasi Boys.