Early praise for Rocco’s Wings: “This book was a delightful find, coming of age and a hidden message about tolerance undercut an impassioned story and solid writing.” – David Robert Lewis, UK, Netgalley Book Reviewer, January 16, 2015.
Rocco is the only villager with wings. His wings are blue, and at night also bioluminescent (glowing). Rocco is captured by urvogels — winged human-like creatures — living on the cliffs of Upper Terrakesh. He witnesses the horrid punishment of urvogels getting their wings cut off – punishment for so-called vanity crimes. The Archurvogel Harpia has decreed that solitary reading and music making are forbidden as contrary to colony or flock principles. Rocco’s new friends, Basalt, Vesta, Magna and Iggy are about to stand trial. If convicted, they will lose their wings. Rocco must decide if he should help them, or escape on his own.
Excerpt:
‘Does it hurt, coming out of a mammal?’ asked Vesta.
Rocco snickered.
‘What?’
‘No one remembers that. We’re too small,’ said Rocco.
‘How big?’
Rocco lifted his forearm. ‘Like this.’
‘Our birth eggs are way smaller. Want to see part of my shell?’ Vesta pulled a chain around her neck. A medallion dangled into view.
Scooting over, Rocco took the smooth rock-like stone in his hand.
‘It’s frozen, inside amber resin,’ said Vesta.
The flecked shell was no bigger than the tip of his finger. ‘It looks like a bird’s egg,’ said Rocco.
‘It’s interesting, how things grow,’ said Vesta dropping the chain back inside the top of her tunic.
‘I guess Harpia’s not worried about being invaded,’ said Rocco, turning his attention back to the wall. ‘There aren’t any guards on patrol.’
Vesta’s and Magma’s heads bobbed up.
‘They’re inside for the shift change.’ Magma turned back to his collection of bones.
