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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
I spent 100% of this book confused. This book wasn't for me, but I finished it to see if something would click by the end. It didn't.
At 38% I still couldn't decide what this book was about. There were these immortal flying beings hanging around, and it kept jumping in time and point of views. The FMC, who is also apparently one of these flying beings, but doesn't know it yet, becomes an escort because she's struggling to make ends meet after her mother dies -- fair enough. However, the "evil" creatures that feed on her kind find her and force her into marriage and keep her subservient by essentially drugging her - vampire style. These Vrae also control one of the other flying beings, who has spent centuries essentially breeding half-Kinnari (flying beings) to be food for the Vrae -- all with the purpose of waiting for our FMC to exist so she can have children that can destroy the gods... and there's a dragon for some reason?
There was so much going on and so many problematic elements to the story. I couldn't connect to any of the characters, nor did I really want to.
At 38% I still couldn't decide what this book was about. There were these immortal flying beings hanging around, and it kept jumping in time and point of views. The FMC, who is also apparently one of these flying beings, but doesn't know it yet, becomes an escort because she's struggling to make ends meet after her mother dies -- fair enough. However, the "evil" creatures that feed on her kind find her and force her into marriage and keep her subservient by essentially drugging her - vampire style. These Vrae also control one of the other flying beings, who has spent centuries essentially breeding half-Kinnari (flying beings) to be food for the Vrae -- all with the purpose of waiting for our FMC to exist so she can have children that can destroy the gods... and there's a dragon for some reason?
There was so much going on and so many problematic elements to the story. I couldn't connect to any of the characters, nor did I really want to.
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
“Glass Wings” is not a book. It’s a plunge, headfirst, heart open, into a world where immortals bleed, fates tangle, and one girl’s scream into the void echoes louder than she ever expected.
Elle Kaelee doesn’t just write a story, she unleashes a storm. Hadley, barely eighteen and already hardened by loss, is dropped into California’s sun-bleached chaos with nothing but grit and ghosts for company. But loneliness doesn’t get to linger long. Strange shadows stalk her steps, winged beings haunt the corners of reality, and suddenly the world she thought she knew cracks wide open, revealing bloodlines soaked in war and ancient grudges that refuse to die.
And Hadley? She doesn't just survive it, she transforms. In pain. In power. In pages soaked with both metaphorical and literal blood.
Let’s talk Kinnari. These immortals are not your average paranormal archetypes. They are haunting, magnetic, and maddeningly mysterious. Some wield death with the gentleness of a lullaby. Some share souls. Others twist fate like it’s a game. You won’t forget them. I sure didn’t, Djoser owns every scene he steps into, and Reign? Reign is power in human form. There’s a whole tangle of backstory with the sisters and other key immortals, and I need more. Book two, don’t fail me.
Kaelee’s prose is lush but sharp, like silk hiding a blade. There’s beauty in every line, but also danger. The moral lines blur in the best ways, and you’ll find yourself questioning loyalties, yours and the characters'. It’s the kind of story that dares you to pick a side while knowing full well there may be no “right” one.
Now, about that ending... what the actual hell. Not a twist. Not a cliffhanger. A detonation. It felt too fast, too chaotic, like the final crescendo hit before the orchestra was ready. I'm praying Book Two slows that explosion into something that makes sense because I’m still mentally standing there, blinking in the smoke.
One personal gripe: Hadley’s age. Eighteen is young, especially for the kind of epic stakes she’s thrown into. Her inexperience shows, and at times, it's frustrating. But that’s part of what makes her real. You’ll want to shake her, sure, but you’ll also want to shield her. She’s raw. And she’s learning.
So, final word?
Read it.
Feel it.
Rage at it.
Fall for the Kinnari.
And brace yourself, for Kaelee’s world has claws, and it doesn’t let go easily.
Elle Kaelee doesn’t just write a story, she unleashes a storm. Hadley, barely eighteen and already hardened by loss, is dropped into California’s sun-bleached chaos with nothing but grit and ghosts for company. But loneliness doesn’t get to linger long. Strange shadows stalk her steps, winged beings haunt the corners of reality, and suddenly the world she thought she knew cracks wide open, revealing bloodlines soaked in war and ancient grudges that refuse to die.
And Hadley? She doesn't just survive it, she transforms. In pain. In power. In pages soaked with both metaphorical and literal blood.
Let’s talk Kinnari. These immortals are not your average paranormal archetypes. They are haunting, magnetic, and maddeningly mysterious. Some wield death with the gentleness of a lullaby. Some share souls. Others twist fate like it’s a game. You won’t forget them. I sure didn’t, Djoser owns every scene he steps into, and Reign? Reign is power in human form. There’s a whole tangle of backstory with the sisters and other key immortals, and I need more. Book two, don’t fail me.
Kaelee’s prose is lush but sharp, like silk hiding a blade. There’s beauty in every line, but also danger. The moral lines blur in the best ways, and you’ll find yourself questioning loyalties, yours and the characters'. It’s the kind of story that dares you to pick a side while knowing full well there may be no “right” one.
Now, about that ending... what the actual hell. Not a twist. Not a cliffhanger. A detonation. It felt too fast, too chaotic, like the final crescendo hit before the orchestra was ready. I'm praying Book Two slows that explosion into something that makes sense because I’m still mentally standing there, blinking in the smoke.
One personal gripe: Hadley’s age. Eighteen is young, especially for the kind of epic stakes she’s thrown into. Her inexperience shows, and at times, it's frustrating. But that’s part of what makes her real. You’ll want to shake her, sure, but you’ll also want to shield her. She’s raw. And she’s learning.
So, final word?
Read it.
Feel it.
Rage at it.
Fall for the Kinnari.
And brace yourself, for Kaelee’s world has claws, and it doesn’t let go easily.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
"....The windowlight hit them at an angle and they shimmered. Streaks of color flooded the carpet underneath her.
In that instant, she was a rainbow, yet she had a shadow so alive, currently in hiding." (Ch 26)
Kinnari and Vrae, akin to angels and demons. Dark fantasy with a bit of horror.
""....I got eaten.”
“Eaten?” Djoser raised an eyebrow. “How did that feel?”
“Like taking a bubble bath,” Reign snapped, “except worse. What kind of question is that, you f♤ck¡ng idiot?”" (Ch 28)
This book flits between multiple 3rd person POVs over different timelines. It was both intriguing and confusing, but I felt compelled to keep reading to try to figure out what was going on. And half the time, I didn't know what was going on, lol, but it really was enthralling. I know, that doesn't make sense whatsoever, but that's how it went. It's a bit complex how the components and parts work in tandem within this story. It makes you really work to unravel the whens and hows and whys.
I thought Hadley was the main character before starting the book, but though she played an integral part, she was not always the main. There were several that could be considered a main, and each had their moments.
"I was deadly, pure darkness, as she was pure light.” (Ch 25)
However, when focus was on Hadley, there was so much heartbreaking pain there, so much she had to endure her entire life. And you really started to believe as she did when things got dismal. I was rooting for her, though, rallying in my head, "Stay strong, you can get through this, you can find a way. "....
The end had me reeling. Not the HEA of fairytales.
Downloaded book 2 on KU. Hopefully, I can squeeze in time to read it soon. Looks like book 3 will come out in September.
Backlisted review. Ebook courtesy of Naught Nook PR
In that instant, she was a rainbow, yet she had a shadow so alive, currently in hiding." (Ch 26)
Kinnari and Vrae, akin to angels and demons. Dark fantasy with a bit of horror.
""....I got eaten.”
“Eaten?” Djoser raised an eyebrow. “How did that feel?”
“Like taking a bubble bath,” Reign snapped, “except worse. What kind of question is that, you f♤ck¡ng idiot?”" (Ch 28)
This book flits between multiple 3rd person POVs over different timelines. It was both intriguing and confusing, but I felt compelled to keep reading to try to figure out what was going on. And half the time, I didn't know what was going on, lol, but it really was enthralling. I know, that doesn't make sense whatsoever, but that's how it went. It's a bit complex how the components and parts work in tandem within this story. It makes you really work to unravel the whens and hows and whys.
I thought Hadley was the main character before starting the book, but though she played an integral part, she was not always the main. There were several that could be considered a main, and each had their moments.
"I was deadly, pure darkness, as she was pure light.” (Ch 25)
However, when focus was on Hadley, there was so much heartbreaking pain there, so much she had to endure her entire life. And you really started to believe as she did when things got dismal. I was rooting for her, though, rallying in my head, "Stay strong, you can get through this, you can find a way. "....
The end had me reeling. Not the HEA of fairytales.
Downloaded book 2 on KU. Hopefully, I can squeeze in time to read it soon. Looks like book 3 will come out in September.
Backlisted review. Ebook courtesy of Naught Nook PR
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
dark
This was an incredibly interesting read. Took me a while to get into it as I struggled with the time lines moving back and forth and being relatively general in dates, but once I got it more I was locked in.
It’s an incredibly interesting world - with not quite angels and demons and a really interesting take on all of it. However I really could have done with a bit more time spent to set up the world rather than the expectation that I would get it from the summary.
I found Hadley a unique-ish main character, with her struggles seeming realistic and her reactions reasonable. I’m just not sure enough happened to fully move on the plot in these 350ish pages to keep me interested enough to pick up the next in the series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Elle Kaelee for the copy of Glass Wings. All opinions in this review are my own.
I kind of went into Glass Wings blind. Although I had read the synopsis when requesting my copy of it, I had forgotten it by the time I started to read it and decided to dive in without reminding myself 😅 I'm so glad I did!
I loved the unusual take on Gods, Angels & Demons mixed into an urban setting. Our FMC has goes through multiple modern, tragic experiences and discusses the emotional trauma that accompanies them. She has the typical FMC bravery and victim/not a victim arc but doesn't come out with a hero complex!
There's three different years that we jump between and from multiple characters POVs all through the book. Personally, it took me far too long to place the prologue in the timeline and it took a good chunk of the beginning chapters to work out who was who. You do get the picture of the scene of where this book ends quite early on with the time hopping but it's the journey getting there that's important. So much of the world building and theological background is told through the middle of the book that it does require some focus to keep you going.
3.5⭐️/5
I kind of went into Glass Wings blind. Although I had read the synopsis when requesting my copy of it, I had forgotten it by the time I started to read it and decided to dive in without reminding myself 😅 I'm so glad I did!
I loved the unusual take on Gods, Angels & Demons mixed into an urban setting. Our FMC has goes through multiple modern, tragic experiences and discusses the emotional trauma that accompanies them. She has the typical FMC bravery and victim/not a victim arc but doesn't come out with a hero complex!
There's three different years that we jump between and from multiple characters POVs all through the book. Personally, it took me far too long to place the prologue in the timeline and it took a good chunk of the beginning chapters to work out who was who. You do get the picture of the scene of where this book ends quite early on with the time hopping but it's the journey getting there that's important. So much of the world building and theological background is told through the middle of the book that it does require some focus to keep you going.
3.5⭐️/5
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It took me a minute to get into it due to the changing timeline. As the story progressed I understood why it was needed to ensure the plot flowed. The story is dark and the theme could be disturbing. I suggest that everyone with a trauma background check the trigger warnings. I absolutely did love this book. The characters had me engaged and it didn't matter if it was the good guys or the bad guys. The story was multi-layered in my opinion with a underlying theme of an ethical dilemma. Overall 5 stars and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood
Minor: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Sexual assault, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
This book was difficult for me jumping back and forth between different time periods. While I understand why the author did it and how it played into the story, it just made the reading very confusing for me and it was difficult to keep my attention. I did thoroughly enjoy the more modern parts from the FMC's point of view, and I really enjoyed this author's writing style. I think a little more developmental background into exactly what Kinnaris are would likely have helped grabbed my attention better. I would definitely read more books by this author, I think just part of this one was difficult for me to get into.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a very good book. There are two different time frames for this book. One that is in the past and one that is the present. By having these time frames you are able to see why Hadley is going through some of the stuff she is. I find this book to be interesting and an attention keeper. I definitely can't wait to read the next book to see what happens to Hadley next.
This… was… not good….
I noticed so many editing and spelling mistakes on top of the fact that the author clearly has no experience even interacting with SWers from the way she’s written these scenes. Just a big old yikes.
I noticed so many editing and spelling mistakes on top of the fact that the author clearly has no experience even interacting with SWers from the way she’s written these scenes. Just a big old yikes.
It's time to get stronger, otherwise
this world will eat you alive." The moment I read the plot, I was sure it would be good but I was surprised
by how unique it was. I was immediately taken by the story and the characters. A thousand points for multi pov, for past and future time travel... Who
wouldn't want to time travel? But above all I fell in love with the characters, who I would say are realistic at times, with whom you can identify and
create a bond. The details of the magic system create events that will leave you speechless and the pace of the narrative will absolutely not make you put the book down because I always want to know
more. It ends on a cliffhanger, I can't wait to read the sequel.
My favorite character is undoubtedly Djoser, from the first page I knew he
would be the favorite bookish boy, I would almost say comforting, in this book. I felt absolute empathy for this character. "He would fight until he was completely destroyed, for that was all he would do
be without either."rating 4.5
this world will eat you alive." The moment I read the plot, I was sure it would be good but I was surprised
by how unique it was. I was immediately taken by the story and the characters. A thousand points for multi pov, for past and future time travel... Who
wouldn't want to time travel? But above all I fell in love with the characters, who I would say are realistic at times, with whom you can identify and
create a bond. The details of the magic system create events that will leave you speechless and the pace of the narrative will absolutely not make you put the book down because I always want to know
more. It ends on a cliffhanger, I can't wait to read the sequel.
My favorite character is undoubtedly Djoser, from the first page I knew he
would be the favorite bookish boy, I would almost say comforting, in this book. I felt absolute empathy for this character. "He would fight until he was completely destroyed, for that was all he would do
be without either."rating 4.5