Dark Wings Descending

Wings #1

by Lesley Davis

Goodness may appear in many forms; evil need only take one.The Chicago PD Deviant Data Unit specializes in the dark and cruel aspects of criminal behavior. When a serial killer who leaves his victims oddly posed starts terrorizing the city, Detective Rafe Douglas leads the team tasked to find this sadistic killer. Still recovering from severe injuries sustained in the line of duty, Rafe’s tenuous hold on what is real is further tested by someone who wants in on the case and won’t take no for an answer.Private Investigator Ashley Scott experiences the world through unveiled eyes. She alone can see that Hell’s inhabitants are breaking free from their confines and are bringing their evil to Earth. She believes the killer isn’t human and knows she has to convince Rafe there are more things happening in the Windy City than anyone could possibly realize. Only together can they solve the secrets revealed in the killer’s brutal slayings.

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, LGBT, Romance, Demons

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Lesley Davis lives in the West Midlands of England. She is a die-hard sci-fi/fantasy fan in all its forms and an extremely passionate gamer.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 Stars. This is book one in the Wings series. The third book is coming out soon, so I needed to read these earlier books. I won’t know for sure until I read the second book, but I think these books stand on their own, though they are in the same “universe”. I’m too anal not to read books in order, so I’ll mention in my review of book two if my opinion changes.

The best way to describe this would be light urban fantasy, mystery/crime book with a romance. I was very excited about the premise as I love all three categories, it just didn’t quite come together as much as I hoped. I did like this, I was entertained, but there are some bumps.

The book starts off with a detective and her small team trying to hunt down a serial killer. What gives this story a twist is that angels and demons are walking around. I think the biggest let down for me was the mystery part. The serial killer was very easy to figure out and it took some of the fun out of it for me.

When it came to the romance, I had mixed feeling about it. I liked the characters together, but it felt too speeded up U-Haul soul mate type of romance. I did think they had some chemistry and the sex scenes where pretty good, it just felt a little forced.

I noticed some other reviewers mentioned the dialogue. I’m not surprised by that. It seemed a bit off at times. Sometimes I really enjoyed it, other times it didn’t seem realistic. There were some lines and dry humor I liked, but other times it just didn’t fit. I’m hoping this improves in the next two books.

Overall, the premise was great. And this is an entertaining read, it just had some issues. I’m crossing my fingers the next books are better because this could be a really fun series if Davis fixes up a few things.

[Lissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had really high hopes for this book! It had everything I was looking for in a book - lesbian romance, angels, demons, a serial killer on the loose, etc. And then it kind of fell flat for me. I won't bother with the summary; I'm getting straight to my thoughts.

First, I never connected with either of the main characters. I found Ashley to be rather annoying, and Rafe felt underdeveloped to me (even though, arguably, she is more the "main character" than Ashley). I think part of it has to do with the dialogue; it just felt so unrealistic to me at times and quite stilted. Many of the conversations felt very scripted to me and they didn't flow well. I'm not sure if it's because the author is British and was trying to write in American English or what, but it just came across as odd.

It was also pretty clear who was committing the murders as soon as that character's name was introduced, and it was so blatantly obvious that I wondered why in the heck neither of the two main characters put the dots together.

I also felt that the romance was sloppy. The book really did start out well, but the author reverted to the "there are literal soulmates and we are divinely meant to be together" trope, which translated into there not being much romantic development between the two. They went from barely knowing each other to being ready to Uhaul within a few chapters, with virtually no development in the between.

As I said, I really did have high hopes for this book, but they mostly fell flat. I wavered between a two- and three-star rating, and I ended up going with three stars because it's lesbian fantasy and I freaking love that genre. But I wouldn't recommend this book.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book although it’s a touch outside my usual realm. I read it because I so liked her other “real life” books. I was also attracted to that whole free will why bad things happen sort of vibe. It’s interesting to ponder what things go on in our world of which we are unaware. Has a nice romance. Overall, it was a good read for me.

[Celina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. The paranormal bit was awesome. I don't think I have ever read a sapphic with Angel/demon as theme. And I love those. Rafe, my sweet woman.

Now, the serial killer was one son of gun, like what the actual fuck? Boy, was messed up. I actually guessed who the killer was in same chapter before it was revealed.

[Bugs · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This commentary applies to all three books in this "Wings" trilogy.*

After coming off a reading high with Lesley Davis' latest brilliant romance novel, "Playing with Fire," I wanted to explore more of her writing and stories. Imagine my delight when I saw that she also wrote in the paranormal genre! Why, it's only one of my favourite genres! And it was a trilogy! Plus, when mixed with crime/mystery and romance, too?! Cor! Not only that but....

Angels & Demons?! Gods & monsters?! Demigods?! Oracles?! Immortals?! Awakened (humming "was blind but now I see....") souls?! Possessions?! All congregated in the same time-space with, dare I say...(gasp!)...Ordinary humans running around, too?! Good vs Evil?! Heaven & Hell?! The Underworld?! Bloody hell!

Also, maybe it's the fact that I've just recently watched Amazon's Neil Gaiman/Terry Prachett-adapted mini-series, "Good Omens," which I absolutely adored because of its sheer audacity, satire and endlessly hilarious presentation! So, that "heavenly/hellishly," "divine" feel prolly lent to my immediate pounce on Davis' Trilogy, besides my obvious interest in the genre! Either way....

3 words: Hook. Line. Sinker.

By the end of the trilogy, I was well and truly entertained, satiated, satisfied. In ALL aspects of what I was looking for in this particular paranormal angle, including obviously, a delish romance wrapped around every installment! Best few hours spent devouring all three books back-to-back, in one fell swoop! End of. 

Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed. I thought the premise was a good one but the writing just didn't pan out. The foreshadowing regarding the mystery may as well have been bolded, highlighted, and spelled out in all capitals. There was no element of surprise for the reader at all. The romance aspect of the book was very rushed and the characters, to me, felt flat.

One of my pet peeves - yes, I know, there are many - is having American characters who are so very obviously British. They even had accents in my head because they spoke like no Chicagoan, or any native born American, I've ever met. I've heard that some American readers don't like to read books set in the UK but I would much rather have that and have the characters feel more genuine than having to ignore that they're supposed to live in a major American city down the road from where I'm sitting.

There were some good lines in the story but the things that didn't work - the mystery, the romance, just about anything related to the police procedures - made it impossible for me to enjoy it. The end also screamed series so maybe the author will take care of some of these issues before the next one comes out.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to have enjoyed this book a lot ore than other reviewers. Both the characters and plot worked for me, each felt very human (well half) and really reasoned in what and how they acted. Hope to have a sequel to this book soon. Off to find an other book from this author to read.

[Carrie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read books about demons, angels, or stuff of that nature. I don't. Nothing against them, they're just not my cup of tea.

That being said, I was gentled prodded by someone to at least try reading this book. After the first chapter, I was totally hooked. Okay, so after the second page.

Lesley Davis has a great way of developing characters the reader can care about, without having to navigate half the book first. They quickly become three-dimensional and interesting. I will admit to figuring out the killer fairly quickly, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.

I look forward to the rest in this series, as well as anything else Lesley Davis writes. I'm a fan!

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Promising premise, but it just fell flat for me. The dialogue felt forced and I feel as though it could have benefited from a much more stringent editing process. The romance factor was extremely rushed and the crime/sci fi angle left much to be desired. I knew who the killer was way too fast and the author left the most obvious bread crumbs for her characters to discover that I was smacking my head against the wall when they STILL couldn't find the connection.

[Frank Van Meer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story about a demon killer on the loose in Chicago, a half-demon PI and a detective that barely survived a demon attack and suddenly finds herself seeing things.

Quick, entertainig read, but nothing special

[Evren (Nonbinary Knight Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Pale Wings Protecting and knew that I had to read the book where Rafe and Ashley got together. It was a nice book, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the other book.

Rafe is a detective with a sweet side who has to solve a series of murders occurring in her city. Ashley is a PI with an otherworldly helper and boss who want her to find out who’s committing the same killings. The two meet and are instantly drawn to each other even though they are both dealing with confusion about how they met. They realize that they have to work together in order to bring the killer out and make him pay for his crimes.

One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book, and the sequel, is the way Lesley Davis writes the paranormal creatures. It’s a normal world just with demons and angels walking amongst us. It’s nice that it’s not high fantasy and that there are moments of doubt and skepticism as Rafe comes to terms with what she can know see. I also partly enjoyed the idea of people having their One. It’s a nice sentiment but it felt a bit forced or like more could have been done with it.

I personally also really enjoyed who the culprit turned out to be. I could just be clueless at mysteries, but I was surprised when the person was revealed. Davis also wrote it in such a way where the person made sense for the killings.

Rafe and Ashley are nice characters, together and separately. They did seem to move fast, probably because of the idea of being each other’s One, but that didn’t bother me too much. The two felt nice when paired up together. I didn’t really love either character, but I enjoyed them. I liked that Rafe had a sweet, romantic side and that Ashley only playfully teased her about it.

It’s a nice read to kill some time but it wasn’t my favorite. Pretty well-written with characters I enjoyed but didn’t love.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I realized that I had already read the book but nothing was familiar.

[Lynn Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and enthralling series!

You'll love the lead characters and they're Angelic help.

[E.M. Hodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good Beach Read, Although Not Much More than a Dark Urban Fantasy Police Procedural

One classic form of dark urban fantasy novel twists the typical police procedural story. In the twisted form, the police detectives tend to form a special task force whose focus rests on solving crimes of a supernatural nature. The detectives in the unit generally often take on two types: the believer (who may possess some type of magical skill) and the skeptic put in the unit as a form of punishment. Generally, crime investigation revolves around a heinous serial killer, who represents the epitome of evil. What makes this rather formulaic sort of novel compelling rests in portrayal of evil/magic in a unique manner, the skill set of the investigators as dynamic, entertaining, or provocative, and that the plot takes the reader on an unexpected path, despite following a procedural formula.

Getting that teaser on the back cover or in the front synopsis about what may emerge, with all the potential fright, demons, and a glimpse into the psyche of the kick ass detective gives the reader the incentive, the thrill to not just pick up the book, but to dive in and get lost in the plot. Dark Wings Descending, by Leslie Davis gave just that tease, the promise of an exciting journey into deviant, realms of evil. The lure of having a two female detectives, each with her own connection to the crime, and then, of course, their intersection with one another, made the book an instant grab for this reader.

However, shortly after starting Dark Wings Descending, the formulaic, procedural nature of the plot took control, offering nothing new to the genre. Adhering to the stereotypical big city (Chicago) police department who has a Deviant Data Unit that investigates criminal behavior, speaks to the norm, rather than a twist. Having the lead inspector as a burn out, returning too early to work after an injury, thus vulnerable, as Det. Rafe Douglas does, has occurred in many other books; along with the standard serial killer who poses bodies. The book simply lacked inspiration, as well as finesse. Dark Wings Descending offered the reader a plot that was hackneyed, in a genre that is quickly becoming passé because of the overwrought usage of such things.

If one seeks to get lost in a simple plot, procedural, and have a little fun with searching for evil serial killer, then the book will serve that purpose. A quick indulgence of Dark Urban Fantasy reading (because it is fun, isn’t it, to explore the psyche of the killer?), then pick up Dark Wings Descending, by Lesley Davis. However, for something a bit more provocative, then maybe this may be a pass.

[Cab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the author had me sucked into the story almost immediately. We meet both Ashley Scott and Rafe at the most recent murder scene of a serial killer and I found myself intrigued by both Ashley and Rafe. I especially liked how the author, Lesley Davis, introduces the reader to Rafe. She, hobbles into the murder scene still recovering from injuries sustained in another police incident.

I did struggle in the 1st few paragraph’s trying to keep straight that we were seeing the murder scene through Ashley Scott’s eyes, but people on the scene were referring to her as “Jim”. As a result, I found myself re-reading the 1st few paragraphs because I thought I missed something. My advice, plug along it clears up quickly.

Definitely a fun murder mystery; well if murder can be fun.

[Leisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise and good execution of it, even if, at times, it felt like a sequel (was it a sequel - did I miss something?). ***SPOILERS**** I pretty much figured it all out right away (it seemed obvious that the blood was "painted" to look like wings) and the reason for the choice of victims was practically shouted in hints. But that's okay, I still enjoyed the story. Decent world-building, and I could see it being part of a series, but I do not feel like the love-story between Ashley and Rafe was at all developed, and "soul mates" felt like an excuse to just hurry it along. Overall, I did enjoy the book, and I would read more if this becomes a series, but it's not going on my list of favorites or the list of books I would read again.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. The premise of the book is really intriguing, but the actual telling of the story, not so much. I had a hard time buying into the characters, and was disappointed that the "mystery" was incredibly easy to figure out. I wanted more from the story than was offered.

[Pogue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book as an easy summer read. I thought that the mystery was a bit to easy to figure out, but it was ok for a book that took abuot two hours to read.

I liked the idea of the characters, and how it was played out. I do wish that the mystery had been more in the for front of the book.

[Feliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid mystery, even though the villain's motives and identity were a little too easily revealed. Suspenseful and enticing.
Two very very likeable main characters, nice supporting cast and a suitably nutty villain.
Fluent writing, fast-paced as befitting the plot and pleasant to read

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

started really well & I couldn't put it down.. but ended lamely

[Shiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need. A. Sequel.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

It gets a 3 because I loved the premise. It had a lot of potential but in the end I was just disappointed. I thought I was going to see a better version of fallen series, sigh!

[CM Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect pairing of romance and the supernatural.

Great story line, fast-paced and well written. Rafe and Ash matched each other well. This book is a must read.

[MEC · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the premise but the delivery was lacking.