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Ugly Angels
To have a heart is to love, isn't it?
The faerie war has devastated the world, and what little remains of humanity lives underground as vampires.
Kara is a half-blood. Her mother was human, but her father was not. She works as a hostess in one of the many pleasure dens of Nocturne, a vampire nest in a catacomb. Earning her blood one night at a time, Kara lives as peacefully as she can in a dying world.
For decades her life has been the same... until she meets a stranger who may be able to grant her fondest wish—to be human. But nothing comes free in this brutal world, and when the faeries come knocking on the door she must choose between saving the life of a stranger or protecting her own secret.
Lucien is a powerful telepath and a pureblood vampire, meaning he was born as one. He’s never seen the sun. On a mission from his queen, he travels to the city of the undead, Nocturne, territory of a different vampire clan.
When betrayal turns a negotiation deadly, he finds an unlikely guardian in a den hostess. But can their fledgling bond survive when he learns that she’s the enemy?
Delve into the dark world of Ugly Angels, where newfound love is tested, and old loyalties are torn.
This adult dark fantasy tale comes with a content warning for strong language, graphic violence, and intimate situations.
The faerie war has devastated the world, and what little remains of humanity lives underground as vampires.
Kara is a half-blood. Her mother was human, but her father was not. She works as a hostess in one of the many pleasure dens of Nocturne, a vampire nest in a catacomb. Earning her blood one night at a time, Kara lives as peacefully as she can in a dying world.
For decades her life has been the same... until she meets a stranger who may be able to grant her fondest wish—to be human. But nothing comes free in this brutal world, and when the faeries come knocking on the door she must choose between saving the life of a stranger or protecting her own secret.
Lucien is a powerful telepath and a pureblood vampire, meaning he was born as one. He’s never seen the sun. On a mission from his queen, he travels to the city of the undead, Nocturne, territory of a different vampire clan.
When betrayal turns a negotiation deadly, he finds an unlikely guardian in a den hostess. But can their fledgling bond survive when he learns that she’s the enemy?
Delve into the dark world of Ugly Angels, where newfound love is tested, and old loyalties are torn.
This adult dark fantasy tale comes with a content warning for strong language, graphic violence, and intimate situations.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
64 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Brien Feathers
25 books216 followersBrien Feathers is a fantasy author living in the land of permanent frost, horses, and Mongols. She likes reading, writing (of course), riding, drinking dark beer, and checking things off a to-do list.
Although she claims to love everyone equally, she really loves her youngest son the most. He has autism superpowers that allow him to speak all types of rare languages including drumbeats, elevator dings, and police sirens.
Miss Feathers loves grey days, orange cats, and all creatures human or otherwise. And she hopes you will love her world (fantasy) and people (characters) as well.
Connect with the author.
Sign up for the Feathers Newsletter at https://www.brienfeathers.com.
Although she claims to love everyone equally, she really loves her youngest son the most. He has autism superpowers that allow him to speak all types of rare languages including drumbeats, elevator dings, and police sirens.
Miss Feathers loves grey days, orange cats, and all creatures human or otherwise. And she hopes you will love her world (fantasy) and people (characters) as well.
Connect with the author.
Sign up for the Feathers Newsletter at https://www.brienfeathers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 3, 2023
Nightmare after nightmare after nightmare
Set in the decadent catacomb nightlife of post-Faery war, life has turned into ‘a petty game of factions’ for those fortunate enough to have survived.
But are the survivors actually fortunate? Never seeing the sun, dancing in a drug-addled & debt-ridden haze, fearing the demented denizens of the deep.
How to survive this menacing insanity?
Beware of Faeries for they are nothing but ‘demons with white wings’.
‘Weep for the dead’ after you are safe; otherwise, you may end up being one of them.
Hold onto your dreams…even when they’re as flimsy as a house of cards built by a bunch of stoned-out drunks.
Fave line:
‘Ideas had a way of taking hold, spreading like the plague, and infecting others till everyone died of it.’
Fave snarks:
The author threw in a wee bit of humor regarding Area 51, “Meet Me in St. Louis”, and “The Wizard of Oz”.
This is my third series by this author and the darkness never seems to end…I’ll never be able to eat a green apple again.
Set in the decadent catacomb nightlife of post-Faery war, life has turned into ‘a petty game of factions’ for those fortunate enough to have survived.
But are the survivors actually fortunate? Never seeing the sun, dancing in a drug-addled & debt-ridden haze, fearing the demented denizens of the deep.
How to survive this menacing insanity?
Beware of Faeries for they are nothing but ‘demons with white wings’.
‘Weep for the dead’ after you are safe; otherwise, you may end up being one of them.
Hold onto your dreams…even when they’re as flimsy as a house of cards built by a bunch of stoned-out drunks.
Fave line:
‘Ideas had a way of taking hold, spreading like the plague, and infecting others till everyone died of it.’
Fave snarks:
The author threw in a wee bit of humor regarding Area 51, “Meet Me in St. Louis”, and “The Wizard of Oz”.
This is my third series by this author and the darkness never seems to end…I’ll never be able to eat a green apple again.
August 2, 2024
I had a hard time reading it at the beginning; something felt really off, but I was interested in the story, so I continued reading. The story is intriguing, and I couldn't stop reading later, but sometimes it was still hard to read for me. I'm not sure why.
It starts with a devastated world, without much explanation of what happened. Throughout the book, we learn about the blood war and all the paranormal elements, but it might have been better to have some kind of explanation at the beginning. Also, I didn't like the third-person POV here; it made some parts harder to understand and sometimes made me get lost in who was doing what.
Despite that, the story is great. We have characters who are supposed to be enemies actually helping each other. It started as quid pro quo. What I found really well described was the fight between vampires and fairies. And oh, I loved how Kara was protective of Riona, even though it was probably because of the wave at the beginning (but no spoilers). It's a really good story with the potential to be an excellent book.
It starts with a devastated world, without much explanation of what happened. Throughout the book, we learn about the blood war and all the paranormal elements, but it might have been better to have some kind of explanation at the beginning. Also, I didn't like the third-person POV here; it made some parts harder to understand and sometimes made me get lost in who was doing what.
Despite that, the story is great. We have characters who are supposed to be enemies actually helping each other. It started as quid pro quo. What I found really well described was the fight between vampires and fairies. And oh, I loved how Kara was protective of Riona, even though it was probably because of the wave at the beginning (but no spoilers). It's a really good story with the potential to be an excellent book.
April 16, 2024
It took me a while to get into this. I was very confused for the first couple chapters. The writing style was kinda choppy which definitely didn't help. Also the story was really dark and gritty and that's just not my cup of tea.
It started to catch me at around 1/3 and I was fairly entertained but I just wasn't emotionally invested in anything.
2.5 stars.
It started to catch me at around 1/3 and I was fairly entertained but I just wasn't emotionally invested in anything.
2.5 stars.
January 5, 2024
The first thing that I really did not like about this book was the world building. There basically was none. The book picks up and starts talking about this world that these people live in with really no explanation. The writing is very choppy and what makes books great are the descriptions. people like to read exactly what something looks like how something feels so that they are invested in the story and in this book there is none of that. there’s no descriptions I don’t feel sucked in when reading and the writing was just not great. Sometimes something would happen and I would have no idea what is going on because of the way that it was written. This book had so much potential and it really was a big flop for me.
I was given an advanced copy of this book.
I was given an advanced copy of this book.
September 22, 2023
Brien Feathers is a queen of dark and gritty. In a world currently inundated with stories about fae, Ugly Angels was a nice twist on the trope.
Reminiscent of the 80's or early 90's action horror genre, I'm talking John Carpenter's Vampires or From Dusk till Dawn, amongst others. A war between humans, fairy, and vampires has wrought destruction. Humanity is almost nonexistent. Majority are now scraping by and doing what they can, by any means necessary, to protect themselves and the little hovels they call home.
Kara, the main protagonist, is no exception. Living in squalor within a nasty den of vampires. She just wants to hide and forget. She is a shining example of Brien's wonderful character building that I love in all her stories. Imperfect characters living in disastrous worlds trying to eek by. Easily relatable but questionable all the same. Kara is formidable but infallible. An instant hit for me. I am a fool for flawed characters.
Ugly Angels leans heavy into drug use. Krystallis, a blood alternative mixed with chemicals, created for this story. It is explored on how it affects communities, and alters decision making. In Kara's case, what trauma led her to it and continues to fuel her use. It is an extra dynamic that plays well into the dystopian type future that is the setting.
Kara is living her best zoned out of reality life when Lucien steps into the picture and provides opportunity. The power to actually erase her mind.
This is just the set up within the first chapters, and they are more layered than my dumbed down summary. Intricate, but not complicated to follow, the beginning had me hooked. The ensuing action reeled me in. The promise of love kept me landed. Kara is epic and she is not short on monsters to face.
I loved her journey discovering if she has a heart, and Lucian following her for his own courage. If anything this tale was missing was that it wasn't able to delve further into the vampire and fairy history.
In the importance of honesty, I want to make it clear I received an advance review copy of Ugly Angels for free from the author through BookSirens. I choose to use the program, as well as voluntarily leave this review.
Reminiscent of the 80's or early 90's action horror genre, I'm talking John Carpenter's Vampires or From Dusk till Dawn, amongst others. A war between humans, fairy, and vampires has wrought destruction. Humanity is almost nonexistent. Majority are now scraping by and doing what they can, by any means necessary, to protect themselves and the little hovels they call home.
Kara, the main protagonist, is no exception. Living in squalor within a nasty den of vampires. She just wants to hide and forget. She is a shining example of Brien's wonderful character building that I love in all her stories. Imperfect characters living in disastrous worlds trying to eek by. Easily relatable but questionable all the same. Kara is formidable but infallible. An instant hit for me. I am a fool for flawed characters.
Ugly Angels leans heavy into drug use. Krystallis, a blood alternative mixed with chemicals, created for this story. It is explored on how it affects communities, and alters decision making. In Kara's case, what trauma led her to it and continues to fuel her use. It is an extra dynamic that plays well into the dystopian type future that is the setting.
Kara is living her best zoned out of reality life when Lucien steps into the picture and provides opportunity. The power to actually erase her mind.
This is just the set up within the first chapters, and they are more layered than my dumbed down summary. Intricate, but not complicated to follow, the beginning had me hooked. The ensuing action reeled me in. The promise of love kept me landed. Kara is epic and she is not short on monsters to face.
I loved her journey discovering if she has a heart, and Lucian following her for his own courage. If anything this tale was missing was that it wasn't able to delve further into the vampire and fairy history.
In the importance of honesty, I want to make it clear I received an advance review copy of Ugly Angels for free from the author through BookSirens. I choose to use the program, as well as voluntarily leave this review.
September 1, 2023
[TW: strong language, graphic violence, and intimate situations.]
*‘knock on the devil’s door long enough, and eventually, someone will answer you'"
Kara is a halfblood, living in a Vampire nest trying to survive. But does she belong there is the question. Does she owe her existence to a nasty vampire who runs the group? And will it always be this way?
Lucien is a young full blood who would rather learn than fight as his father insists he should. He's dissatisfied with his life but doesn't understand exactly why. He's sent as the emissary to learn from Kara's boss but things don't turn out as planned.
What is going to bring them together? However, Lucien is saved by Kara as they scramble to get out of the disaster happening behind them. And there's this growing... attraction between them.
I am a fan of Brien Feathers and this may be her best work yet. A cross between "Romeo and Juliet" and Dante's "Inferno", this book tackles race, loyalty, family, friends and love. I highly recommend it.5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSirens and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
*‘knock on the devil’s door long enough, and eventually, someone will answer you'"
Kara is a halfblood, living in a Vampire nest trying to survive. But does she belong there is the question. Does she owe her existence to a nasty vampire who runs the group? And will it always be this way?
Lucien is a young full blood who would rather learn than fight as his father insists he should. He's dissatisfied with his life but doesn't understand exactly why. He's sent as the emissary to learn from Kara's boss but things don't turn out as planned.
What is going to bring them together? However, Lucien is saved by Kara as they scramble to get out of the disaster happening behind them. And there's this growing... attraction between them.
I am a fan of Brien Feathers and this may be her best work yet. A cross between "Romeo and Juliet" and Dante's "Inferno", this book tackles race, loyalty, family, friends and love. I highly recommend it.5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSirens and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
September 4, 2023
Wow! This book was a surprise!
The seedy dystopian world was beautifully captured and the post-apocalyptic war and action were well developed and engaging to read. The cover really didn't give me any clue about the story and what a journey I was about to go on!
A sort of Romeo and Juliet re-telling with a rich and detailed history of an alternate timeline when the humans were effectively wiped out in the 21st Century. The author really built this world in my mind and I enjoyed the darker, drug addled total recall-esque settings and the refreshing take on vampire mythology.
I think for me Lucien's character and romance just didn't quite hit a 5 star for me but this was a really high 4 read. I found his character a little too tame at times although it did work well in the story I prefer a darker mmc.
I would love more time with the Ravens and a continuation of some of the historical storyline with Madea and also with Whiteswoon - there is such a depth to this world, its a shame its only a standalone! I could see a lot of stories coming from this world. A really enjoyable read, really recommend!
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review.
The seedy dystopian world was beautifully captured and the post-apocalyptic war and action were well developed and engaging to read. The cover really didn't give me any clue about the story and what a journey I was about to go on!
A sort of Romeo and Juliet re-telling with a rich and detailed history of an alternate timeline when the humans were effectively wiped out in the 21st Century. The author really built this world in my mind and I enjoyed the darker, drug addled total recall-esque settings and the refreshing take on vampire mythology.
I think for me Lucien's character and romance just didn't quite hit a 5 star for me but this was a really high 4 read. I found his character a little too tame at times although it did work well in the story I prefer a darker mmc.
I would love more time with the Ravens and a continuation of some of the historical storyline with Madea and also with Whiteswoon - there is such a depth to this world, its a shame its only a standalone! I could see a lot of stories coming from this world. A really enjoyable read, really recommend!
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review.
September 5, 2023
Home is where the heart is, and it isn't until Kara meets Lucien that they both learn to love in a world ravaged by war between fae and vampire.
This is a wonderful stand alone dark fantasy romance filled with adventure, brushes with true death, revenge, betrayal, and learning to accept a fated mate.
Our girl Kara is a bad ass, and though a bit over powered in my opinion, her need to protect and discovering a reason to live was a page-turning adventure that I was hard pressed to put down until the very end. Looking forward to whatever Brien brings to life next, it's sure to be filled with magic, adventure, and dark romance, though I thought this love story was heart warming and sweet within a world ravaged by a dark past.
Definitely check it out!
This is a wonderful stand alone dark fantasy romance filled with adventure, brushes with true death, revenge, betrayal, and learning to accept a fated mate.
Our girl Kara is a bad ass, and though a bit over powered in my opinion, her need to protect and discovering a reason to live was a page-turning adventure that I was hard pressed to put down until the very end. Looking forward to whatever Brien brings to life next, it's sure to be filled with magic, adventure, and dark romance, though I thought this love story was heart warming and sweet within a world ravaged by a dark past.
Definitely check it out!
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January 10, 2024Argh idk
Definitely could’ve used some editing and massive amounts of worldbuilding.
Interesting plot line
Definitely could’ve used some editing and massive amounts of worldbuilding.
Interesting plot line
August 14, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, but sadly it wasn’t for me. The blurb sounded really interesting and the first few pages were promising, but I had a hard time getting into the story.
Multiple times throughout the book I was confused about what was happening and who the characters were. The FMC seemed like a interesting character and I would have liked to learn more about her.
The love story between FMC and MMC wasn’t my favorite. There was some chemistry between them but again I would have liked to learn more about them. Maybe if the book was longer there would have been more time for character development and also the development of their relationship.
The storyline had a lot of potential and the world seemed really interesting and different.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
Multiple times throughout the book I was confused about what was happening and who the characters were. The FMC seemed like a interesting character and I would have liked to learn more about her.
The love story between FMC and MMC wasn’t my favorite. There was some chemistry between them but again I would have liked to learn more about them. Maybe if the book was longer there would have been more time for character development and also the development of their relationship.
The storyline had a lot of potential and the world seemed really interesting and different.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
July 22, 2024
Brien did not disappoint with this vampiric, dystopian, post apocalyptic, slow burn, dark romantasy.
100 years after the demise of the human population. This story takes place in the catacomb city of Nocturne, where Fairies and Vampires are mortal enemies and Lycan are subservient to the Fairies.
The main characters Lucian son of the Queen of Vampires and Kara, a hostess in the string of gentlemen clubs in Nocturne and the daughter of the warlord Fairie King, find themselves in an unexpected fight for their lives.
Lucian had a vision of Kara before his descent into Nocturne showing that she would mean harm to him but did not understand it and once he had met her, why he was unable to shake her.
Vitali, the head of the gang of vampires in Nocturne has betrayed the Queen and has made Kara poison Lucian so that he can gain ground over the queen.. Kara does as requested of her by Vitali but double crosses him and saves Lucian from is grips and attempts to get Lucian out if Nocturne on the promise that he would use his power to make her human. She was able to hid from her father the Fairie King in the city of Nocturne and thanks to her human side being stronger than her Fairie side, the only scent that the vampires picked up was human.
I will stop here so that I don't give spoilers and subsequently tell the story. I really enjoyed this story though I wish Brien had been more detailed in building this world. I have read 3 books by this author and she is typically more descriptive when building the worlds. With that being said, this was till an amazing and very entertaining read. The character development throughout was followable and engaging. I was invested in the out come of the over all story as well as the main characters slow burn romance.
TW: Language, cruelty, gore
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
100 years after the demise of the human population. This story takes place in the catacomb city of Nocturne, where Fairies and Vampires are mortal enemies and Lycan are subservient to the Fairies.
The main characters Lucian son of the Queen of Vampires and Kara, a hostess in the string of gentlemen clubs in Nocturne and the daughter of the warlord Fairie King, find themselves in an unexpected fight for their lives.
Lucian had a vision of Kara before his descent into Nocturne showing that she would mean harm to him but did not understand it and once he had met her, why he was unable to shake her.
Vitali, the head of the gang of vampires in Nocturne has betrayed the Queen and has made Kara poison Lucian so that he can gain ground over the queen.. Kara does as requested of her by Vitali but double crosses him and saves Lucian from is grips and attempts to get Lucian out if Nocturne on the promise that he would use his power to make her human. She was able to hid from her father the Fairie King in the city of Nocturne and thanks to her human side being stronger than her Fairie side, the only scent that the vampires picked up was human.
I will stop here so that I don't give spoilers and subsequently tell the story. I really enjoyed this story though I wish Brien had been more detailed in building this world. I have read 3 books by this author and she is typically more descriptive when building the worlds. With that being said, this was till an amazing and very entertaining read. The character development throughout was followable and engaging. I was invested in the out come of the over all story as well as the main characters slow burn romance.
TW: Language, cruelty, gore
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2023
When humans opened the “door,” the Fairie stepped through and the war that nearly destroyed the world began. A hundred years later and what remains of humanity has taken to living underground just like the vampires. In the underground city of Nocturne, Kara works as a hostess in one of the many pleasure dens, but her life will never be the same when she has to choose between the life a virtual stranger, or running when she finds that fairies are present in her safe haven. Lucien was born a vampire, and he travels to Nocturne on a mission for his queen. Unfortunately, not all vampires remain loyal to the queen, and it would have cost him his life if Kara hadn’t been able to get him out of Nocturne. Their people are mortal enemies, and they go their separate ways until their worlds collide when fairies attack. Kara hasn’t forgotten what Lucien did for her and will protect him even from the Fairie king, but their love is new, and she doesn’t know if it can survive her truth.
Wow, this author’s characters are always fascinating as well as well written and unique. I thought Lucien and Kara, and their love story were sweet and engaging even with all the violence involved in their escape from Nocturne and the appearance of the Fairie king when he invades their safe havens. Bloody violence, murder, betrayal, vampires, fairies, lycan, surprising twists in the plot, and some steam. This is a dark story, and some questionable consent may make it difficult for some to read, but I thought it was a fantastic book and if you like dark, I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Wow, this author’s characters are always fascinating as well as well written and unique. I thought Lucien and Kara, and their love story were sweet and engaging even with all the violence involved in their escape from Nocturne and the appearance of the Fairie king when he invades their safe havens. Bloody violence, murder, betrayal, vampires, fairies, lycan, surprising twists in the plot, and some steam. This is a dark story, and some questionable consent may make it difficult for some to read, but I thought it was a fantastic book and if you like dark, I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 1, 2023
Ugly Angels. A stand-alone book.
To have a heart is to love, isn't it?
The faerie war has devastated the world, and what little remains of humanity lives underground as vampires.
Kara is a half-blood. She works as a hostess in one of the many pleasure dens of Nocturne, a vampire nest in a catacomb.
For decades her life has been the same… until she meets a stranger who may be able to grant her fondest wish—to be human.
Lucien is a powerful telepath and a pureblood vampire, meaning he was born as one.
Delve into the dark world of Ugly Angels, where newfound love is tested, and old loyalties are torn.
This adult dark fantasy tale comes with a content warning for strong language, graphic violence, and intimate situations.
This is a stand-alone book.
Wonderful world-building and character development throughout this storyline.
It is a refreshingly different story of Vampires, Faeries and Humans. Following our protagonist Kara, we delve into a strange and dark world.
She fends only for herself until the fates aline and a meeting with the pure-blood vampire, Lucien transpires. Her world turns upside-down and our storyline ensues and chaos rains. With high stakes, lots of action graphic violence and steamy scenes, this is such a fantastic adventure. It will have you on the edge of your seat from the outset.
A brilliant and captivating story and I wish there was a second book. This is a wonderfully done slow-burn, HEA.
A must for fantasy fans.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
To have a heart is to love, isn't it?
The faerie war has devastated the world, and what little remains of humanity lives underground as vampires.
Kara is a half-blood. She works as a hostess in one of the many pleasure dens of Nocturne, a vampire nest in a catacomb.
For decades her life has been the same… until she meets a stranger who may be able to grant her fondest wish—to be human.
Lucien is a powerful telepath and a pureblood vampire, meaning he was born as one.
Delve into the dark world of Ugly Angels, where newfound love is tested, and old loyalties are torn.
This adult dark fantasy tale comes with a content warning for strong language, graphic violence, and intimate situations.
This is a stand-alone book.
Wonderful world-building and character development throughout this storyline.
It is a refreshingly different story of Vampires, Faeries and Humans. Following our protagonist Kara, we delve into a strange and dark world.
She fends only for herself until the fates aline and a meeting with the pure-blood vampire, Lucien transpires. Her world turns upside-down and our storyline ensues and chaos rains. With high stakes, lots of action graphic violence and steamy scenes, this is such a fantastic adventure. It will have you on the edge of your seat from the outset.
A brilliant and captivating story and I wish there was a second book. This is a wonderfully done slow-burn, HEA.
A must for fantasy fans.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2023
Kara is living her life as a den hostess, scraping enough dinne together to smoke the pain away and repeat, until everything changes.
What I liked -
The setting is so dark and gritty. I was immediately transported into a world full of drug-fueled vampires that know little of loyalty, the looming threat of the fae, the last remnants of humanity, and the power struggle of an anarchic post apocalyptic life.
The action, intrigue, and politics. Not so much that it becomes dry, not so little that i’m confused about motivation, just enough that I’m on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next.
Lucien. He’s calm, he’s stoic, he’s maybe a little naive but in such a beautiful and kind hearted way that I refuse to fault him for it.
Kara. Existence is pain, good thing she doesn’t have a heart. I loved the main character from the start. She manages to be simultaneously cold as ice, rough around the edges, kind, generous, and deeply empathetic.
What I didn’t like -
I’m scraping my brain here for criticism and I’m not coming up with much.
The battle with Whiteswoon was a bit anticlimactic, I’d have liked a bit more of a struggle. But on the contrary, I’m thankful it wasn’t the opposite problem of being overly drawn out.
It’s a standalone, so no more stories from this world. But again, contrarily, i’m thankful for no cliffhangers that leave me waiting for a new book.
In conclusion -
I ripped through this book in like 8 hours. I fell in love with Kara, Lucien, the supporting characters (even the villains), and the setting. The writing is top tier and deserves my 5 stars.
Thanks to BookSirens and the Author for the ARC! It was my pleasure to review this pleasant surprise of a book.
What I liked -
The setting is so dark and gritty. I was immediately transported into a world full of drug-fueled vampires that know little of loyalty, the looming threat of the fae, the last remnants of humanity, and the power struggle of an anarchic post apocalyptic life.
The action, intrigue, and politics. Not so much that it becomes dry, not so little that i’m confused about motivation, just enough that I’m on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next.
Lucien. He’s calm, he’s stoic, he’s maybe a little naive but in such a beautiful and kind hearted way that I refuse to fault him for it.
Kara. Existence is pain, good thing she doesn’t have a heart. I loved the main character from the start. She manages to be simultaneously cold as ice, rough around the edges, kind, generous, and deeply empathetic.
What I didn’t like -
I’m scraping my brain here for criticism and I’m not coming up with much.
The battle with Whiteswoon was a bit anticlimactic, I’d have liked a bit more of a struggle. But on the contrary, I’m thankful it wasn’t the opposite problem of being overly drawn out.
It’s a standalone, so no more stories from this world. But again, contrarily, i’m thankful for no cliffhangers that leave me waiting for a new book.
In conclusion -
I ripped through this book in like 8 hours. I fell in love with Kara, Lucien, the supporting characters (even the villains), and the setting. The writing is top tier and deserves my 5 stars.
Thanks to BookSirens and the Author for the ARC! It was my pleasure to review this pleasant surprise of a book.
December 22, 2023
The details are so poetic. Kara collects hearts because she locked hers away. And when an ambassador from another vampire coven arrives named Lucien, she lets him get “silvered” [killed]. I love her character and I hate it. I want her to find her heart and save the naive young Lucien. I want her to defy her malicious father. I want her to quietly defy Vitali. Aargh!
🌎The world building:🌎
The location is described so well you know it’s a decrepit theater without being told. Vitali’s coven may live in the dark, but they know at least one season by the annual flooding and mold on the walls.
There are at least 3 covens, of which Lucien’s mother is supposed to be queen. However, Lucien is attempting to negotiate a defense without his mother’s guidance. Her mental state is in question, and Vitali knows it.
The faerie have light, shadow, glamour, and apparently werewolf slaves that have no free will. It’s pretty depressing.
Outside they have airplanes, automobiles, and other modern technology. The flow is seamless, and I suddenly appreciate the dawn, the sluicing rain, and child laughter. It’s like an epiphany!
🥰The Romance: 🥰
Lucian thinks of Kara in the darkest moments, and she him. When the going gets rough, who do you want to comfort you?
🔫 Triggers: 🔫
⁃ They use heroin and other drugs.
⁃ Sex is a job.
⁃ Torture.
🌎The world building:🌎
The location is described so well you know it’s a decrepit theater without being told. Vitali’s coven may live in the dark, but they know at least one season by the annual flooding and mold on the walls.
There are at least 3 covens, of which Lucien’s mother is supposed to be queen. However, Lucien is attempting to negotiate a defense without his mother’s guidance. Her mental state is in question, and Vitali knows it.
The faerie have light, shadow, glamour, and apparently werewolf slaves that have no free will. It’s pretty depressing.
Outside they have airplanes, automobiles, and other modern technology. The flow is seamless, and I suddenly appreciate the dawn, the sluicing rain, and child laughter. It’s like an epiphany!
🥰The Romance: 🥰
Lucian thinks of Kara in the darkest moments, and she him. When the going gets rough, who do you want to comfort you?
🔫 Triggers: 🔫
⁃ They use heroin and other drugs.
⁃ Sex is a job.
⁃ Torture.
March 18, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I want to give it a 4 but the whole book was a bit like a really vivid dream. Once I got used to the strobe light feel of the book I really enjoyed the story. It’s a really cool concept and with some better world building, and less uses of the word “fugly”, could be an easy 4-5 star read.
BUT! The plot was at times a bit confusing bouncing from one scene to another, sometimes with no warning. Characters that popped out of nowhere with no backstory. Flashbacks and scene changes that had no lead up, they were just there. The FMC was strong one moment and incredibly naive the next. It actually felt like she got more naive as the book went on. There were pieces of the plot that didn’t get resolved but weren’t quite left as a cliffhanger. It was like the story just moved on from it.
Overall, not a bad read. Not a writing style I would enjoying reading again but it’s a cool concept.
BUT! The plot was at times a bit confusing bouncing from one scene to another, sometimes with no warning. Characters that popped out of nowhere with no backstory. Flashbacks and scene changes that had no lead up, they were just there. The FMC was strong one moment and incredibly naive the next. It actually felt like she got more naive as the book went on. There were pieces of the plot that didn’t get resolved but weren’t quite left as a cliffhanger. It was like the story just moved on from it.
Overall, not a bad read. Not a writing style I would enjoying reading again but it’s a cool concept.
February 25, 2024
I really REALLY wanted to enjoy this. There were glimpses of an amazing book, but honestly I was just a bit confused. I actually researched if I'd accidentally picked up a mid-series book, but no. It dives right into a world we know nothing about, mentioning about fifteen different characters with little to no explanation or description. I had to keep going back and forth to work out who was who, whether this person was relevant, whether I was supposed to like them or not. The main character and the love interest were almost thrown together, and while (again) there were glimpses of chemistry and backstory, it felt rushed and incomplete. The gritty, dystopian fantasy context and plotline could have had so much potential, but not delving fully into the explanation or descriptions meant that I had little investment into the struggles they faced.
September 4, 2023
This was the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. i read a lot of books with vampire and fae in them so I appreciated that this book had a bit of a different darker take on their history and them. The start of this book is set in a large vampire nest that is in catacombs I found the setting very interesting and atmospheric. I liked that this book was a standalone which meant no cliffhangers at the end and the plot moved had a good pace and I felt invested In the characters. I Liked both Kara and Lucien a lot and needed to no what would happen to them. After reading this I would definitely read more works by this author
I received a free ARC of this book from booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received a free ARC of this book from booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 1, 2023
I thought this story was a bit odd but in a good way as it combined genres to give a wild yet dark yet amazing story. It mixed Fairy, vampires, wolves, and humans with a dash of post apocalyptic together as it introduces us to Lucien and Kara. In this futuristic world trouble abounds and war brews as these two meet and craziness occurs. Both were cool characters with surprises in their pasts and futures once they meet. But I enjoyed the story and found it a bit addicting with its twists and surprises and fun times among the trouble. While not a light hearted read, it was a dark yet compelling fun read as a dark paranormal story.
October 1, 2023
I really enjoyed Ugly Angels. It's fairly dark and gritty, and the author shows us the brutality of its world from the first scene. The darkness is balanced by moments of humor, some darker than others, and of course, the budding relationship between Kara and Lucien. I loved getting to know the characters and I found the story itself deeply intriguing. The writing is evocative. Overall, the book is immersive and I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend this book to fans of dark fantasy and vampires!
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.
September 18, 2023
I am a lover of a dark spicy book but this was a different kind of dark which I really enjoyed.
The post war world and catacombs setting really intrigued me. I’ve read a lot of vampire and fae books but non with a story line quite like this.
It held my attention right the way through. There is a love interest but it doesn’t overpower the story.
The only thing that held this back from a 5 is my own need for a bit more spice 😂.
Highly recommend this book I look forward to reading more from this author.
The post war world and catacombs setting really intrigued me. I’ve read a lot of vampire and fae books but non with a story line quite like this.
It held my attention right the way through. There is a love interest but it doesn’t overpower the story.
The only thing that held this back from a 5 is my own need for a bit more spice 😂.
Highly recommend this book I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 28, 2023
So, this book took a while to get started … but when it did, WOW!!! It took me about a week to read about 35-40% of the book, the rest I did in two nights!!
Such good world and main character building. I really do wish that there were some other characters focused on in more depth though.
My two dislikes were the slow start and gaps in other character development.
Overall, a well-deserved 4 stars, and I hope there will be another.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Such good world and main character building. I really do wish that there were some other characters focused on in more depth though.
My two dislikes were the slow start and gaps in other character development.
Overall, a well-deserved 4 stars, and I hope there will be another.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2023
Do I love faeries? Yes
Do I love vampires? Hell yeah!
Does this book have both? Absolutely
Did I enjoy this book? Ehhh… it gave me Underworld vibes.
A post apocalyptic world in which faeries and vampires are fighting against each other.
The synopsis sold me right away, but the world building could’ve been a lot better.
I feel I pieced most of the story together myself and got a lot of questions that never got answered.
If it wasn’t for the ending I would’ve giving this book a lower rating
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Do I love vampires? Hell yeah!
Does this book have both? Absolutely
Did I enjoy this book? Ehhh… it gave me Underworld vibes.
A post apocalyptic world in which faeries and vampires are fighting against each other.
The synopsis sold me right away, but the world building could’ve been a lot better.
I feel I pieced most of the story together myself and got a lot of questions that never got answered.
If it wasn’t for the ending I would’ve giving this book a lower rating
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 21, 2023
The pacing seemed a little off at times. Some events seemed over with too quickly. The story arc was good.
It’s not dark with violence. I’d consider it YA fantasy grim dark. The earth had a cataclysm event and the world changed completely. No good vs evil here. Just light grey vs dark grey.
Kara was well developed although I feel I could use more books about her. It’s hard to delve deeply into a character in a 300 page novel with a wide cast of characters.
Thank you BookSirens and the author for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
It’s not dark with violence. I’d consider it YA fantasy grim dark. The earth had a cataclysm event and the world changed completely. No good vs evil here. Just light grey vs dark grey.
Kara was well developed although I feel I could use more books about her. It’s hard to delve deeply into a character in a 300 page novel with a wide cast of characters.
Thank you BookSirens and the author for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
March 4, 2024
Going with 3 stars on this one! It's a standalone book and at only 217 pages I would consider is like a short story - but gosh I wish it wasn't!!
I feel like this could be something really great!!! I absolutely loved the plot line, I just wish there was MORE. More world building, More character details, More insight to their relationships. Just More in general. I honestly think this could span over 3 books and it would be amazing! But crammed into only 217 pages it just didn't have the details I needed to really love it.
Still a great quick read, I enjoyed it!
I feel like this could be something really great!!! I absolutely loved the plot line, I just wish there was MORE. More world building, More character details, More insight to their relationships. Just More in general. I honestly think this could span over 3 books and it would be amazing! But crammed into only 217 pages it just didn't have the details I needed to really love it.
Still a great quick read, I enjoyed it!
September 17, 2023
Brien Feathers writes amazing action and fight scenes. I absolutely get drowned in her worlds that she creates. It’s fast, it’s intense, it’s emotion driving. I really really enjoyed this book. From start to finish, the story was intriguing. A new twist on vampires and faeries and Lycans. One you don’t get to read often. I loved the world building, the story line and the romance. Things worked out just right for Kara and the similarities and hints to the wizard of oz just made my heart happy.
September 28, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book - it’s one of those books where you get into the story straightaway and it gripped from the start. The main characters were actually likeable despite their obvious flaws! And it was easy to route for them unlike some books I’ve read where the main character is just too unlikable. I think this is a standalone story, but I’d actually like to read more!
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.
December 21, 2024
3.5 stars. It was good. The plot was an interesting take on what would have been the normal dark fantasy, dystopian sort of world. There was action, politics, Lycans, Fae, and Vampires. At parts, it was hard to follow. But also in parts, I felt like I was missing the “meat” of it. Kara is a headstrong FMC; Lucien was a bit of a letdown. He felt small in the thick of it. It was a quick and interesting read, so I can’t fault it too much.
September 22, 2023
It is a twist and turn of suspense as you read through it. I recommend it can be for YA and up. I think the author did a good job on the story. I personally wasn’t a big fan but I also prefer more dark then this offered. I would recommend this to friends and family that is interested in fantasy.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2023
Ugly Angels is a fascinating, dark adventure. Brien Feathers populates a wonderfully developed world with intriguing characters. Action-packed, intense, and romantic. So many elements rolled into one book. An enjoyable read from beginning to end.
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.
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