Aislynn has always been able to see faeries, much to her horror and disgust. Faeries walk among us, and they are not very nice. Grams has warned her, again and again, not to attract their attention, not to let the faeries know she can see them. That's one reason Aislynn likes to visit Seth -- he lives in an old train car, made of steel and safe from the disturbing presence of faeries.

Then the Summer King notices Aislynn, and chooses Aislynn. Her fate seems to be sealed. Keenan, the Summer King, is locked in an ages-long battle with his mother, the Winter Queen. Once he chooses Aislynn, she must either become one of the empty-headed Summer Girls or dare to take up the staff and risk the Winter Queen's chill.

Aislynn has seen the world of faerie and wants no part of it. There must be some way out. And what about Seth? Keenan has never met a mortal so good at resisting his charms.

Wicked Lovely has some dark and gritty parts, exploring the dark side of faerie. But the core of the story -- a girl grappling with love and destiny -- is intriguing and powerfully written.