A review by solaris_zip
The Wingless King by K.C Wassem

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

“Tell me, handsome boy.” … “why do you smell like a human but also reek of immortality?”

The wingless king is a fast paced, YA dark fantasy, mixing science-fiction and religion. Questioning and challenging the views of the gods and brining to question demons and the occult, you will immerse yourself in a multi POVs story that will make you yearn for more. 

We have three main characters, Seren, Jude and Mila. Seren, whom we don’t know if he is human or something more, has lost his memories due to some excruciating circumstances. As the book progresses it’s up to us, alongside Seren, to understand who he really is, what happened to him and what has he done. 

The book is not a standalone, and the end is left open to be followed up by in the second book of the series and I am DYING to receive answers. 

To understand more about Seren’s parents, especially his father. To understand more about Seren’s powers and who he is. He had wings, his mother is a reborn and his father is most likely a god… so what does that make him? And what about the deal with the demon Emeryn took? The book is slightly complex in the sense there are a lot of names and characters, so you find yourself a bit discombobulated at times from the amount of information you receive, but as you progress with the reading I found myself lost in this new world that I cannot stop thinking about. I grow to love Jude (I mean, is there someone who doesn’t?) and his bubbly personality which definitely hides a more complex and dark past. I grew to love and look up to Mila, such a complete character with layers upon layers. But most of all, such a badass. Headstrong, proud, brave but also keeping her caring side, her gentle nature hidden sure, but still present and I think that’s a beautiful way of portraying such a strong woman. 

I also loved the romance bit, not too strong or overwhelming, very subtle. Will Seren end up with Jude or Mila? I personally believe they ALL have chemistry. Especially towards the end I found myself picking up on small cues on how Seren would blush or feel embarrassed when Jude would flirt with him or just do anything remotely “romantic”. But, his little fake romance with Mila is also very cute, though as of now I do believe Mila has a strong relationship/connection with Jude which is more than just a friendship, emotionally wise at least. Interest to see how it develops and honestly, I am rooting for all of them three to end up together. We need more polyamory representation.

Little note I would like to add, I read six of crows in 2021, over three years ago now and since then I have looked and researched for a book that could recreated the same feelings I had while I read Leigh Bardugo’s book. Unsuccessfully, until I read the wingless king. The way the characters are build, from the writing style that’s extremely well crafted, to the religious theme and just the found family vibes (despite the shortness of the book) made me feel those same feelings I felt 3 long years ago. A mix of middle age feel, heist, banter, angst, religious theme, magic and the occult and so much more. 

“We're both lonely people, simply trying to find our place in this world..." Jude paused. "But isn't it better to be lonely than to truly be alone?" ….

"I'm not sure," he murmured. "I think l've always been lonely.'

"Not anymore" Jude said. "We'll have each other."

The words struck a chord, and a strange sensation washed over Seren.”