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Wings of Steel & Fury
The human world is no place for a god, but toiling on Earth may just teach an angel how to fly once again…
Eleazar Starson, prince of Splendour and heir to the Great Throne of Honor, is living his worst nightmare. Betrayed and grievously injured, he has been cast from a world of light and beauty to suffer in the Below, a world of darkness and despair populated with demonic ghouls and vile creatures. It is a terrible world, a human world. It is an awful place for a god, especially one as beautiful and brilliant as Eleazar.
But, broken and lost, he is a god struggling in the muck, his only allies a pair of atheist siblings who would sooner worship a burnt ghoul than show him proper obeisance and the closest gateway back to Splendour is half a world away through a wild and daunting landscape of chaos, monsters and men. He has no choice but to endure the unspeakable horrors of this human place, this war-torn world of carbines and steel rails and smoke-belching factories, not if he wishes to return to Splendour and reclaim his place among the Angelus.
And he will, Eleazar the Fallen, for the desire for vengeance glows like molten metal in his godly veins. Crippled as he is, a half-angel, no better than a human, he must find a new way to fly. Even if it means depending on the strange and frightening technology of the beastly humans. He will return to Splendour. Or bring Splendour crashing down around him.
Eleazar Starson, prince of Splendour and heir to the Great Throne of Honor, is living his worst nightmare. Betrayed and grievously injured, he has been cast from a world of light and beauty to suffer in the Below, a world of darkness and despair populated with demonic ghouls and vile creatures. It is a terrible world, a human world. It is an awful place for a god, especially one as beautiful and brilliant as Eleazar.
But, broken and lost, he is a god struggling in the muck, his only allies a pair of atheist siblings who would sooner worship a burnt ghoul than show him proper obeisance and the closest gateway back to Splendour is half a world away through a wild and daunting landscape of chaos, monsters and men. He has no choice but to endure the unspeakable horrors of this human place, this war-torn world of carbines and steel rails and smoke-belching factories, not if he wishes to return to Splendour and reclaim his place among the Angelus.
And he will, Eleazar the Fallen, for the desire for vengeance glows like molten metal in his godly veins. Crippled as he is, a half-angel, no better than a human, he must find a new way to fly. Even if it means depending on the strange and frightening technology of the beastly humans. He will return to Splendour. Or bring Splendour crashing down around him.
416 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2025
5 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Sarah J. Daley
3 books31 followersSarah J. Daley is a former chef who lives and writes in the Chicago Metropolitan area with her husband and teenaged son. She earned a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Though she still enjoys the heat and chaos of a professional kitchen, she is now writing full-time. She enjoys traveling, creating costumes for comic con, riding the occasional horse, and streaming old sitcoms for background noise.
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August 5, 2025
Wings of Steel & Fury by Sarah J. Daley
4.25 rounded down to 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My toes relished in their solid footing upon the brown, muddied soil. I gazed through a telescope up into the starry night to discover what might appear through the lens. Indeed, the land beyond was a mystery; a place simply known as Splendour exists, where the winged Angelus live. The universe split into two, white and black backdrops, often blurring its inhabitants below in an existence of dreary grey. Color indeed exists if one looks, in the form of feathers or scales, or more morbidly in pools of crimson blood dotted throughout Avernus. With a sudden turn to my right, I noticed a majestic white flash hurtling towards our land. What I find is one of…them.
Living below in Avernus, inhabitants toil as playthings to the Angelus. They supply Angelus with an endless Hallow Tithe in exchange for sustenance, in the way of manna, food that humans can eat during these difficult times. The Hallow Tithe is a non-negotiable agreement, and any deviation comes with detrimental results: an onslaught of scourge attacks brought forth upon humanity by the Angelus. Turmoil is opening her curtains as I gaze upon the crown prince of Splendour itself, Eleazar Starson, lying upon the ground, a wing severely damaged and oozing with the remnants of jealousy and deceit. Barely alive, the life is being slowly choked out of Eleazar; I witness one of us, Private Diver Barrett-Cree, jump to the aid of the prince.
The story begins as Diver and his sister, Fury, both Gullan, are subsequently non-believers in the faith of the Angelus; however, their sympathetic sides override, and they nurse Eleazar back to health. Surrounded by those who loathe the Angelus, it is paramount to find a way to return Eleazar to Splendour quickly and safely.
Sarah J. Daley, author of Wings of Steel & Fury, unfolds her literary wings in an astounding world-building story that captivated my heart from the onset. Each flap of magically tinged wings presented more knowledge of an emotionally charged world on the brink of catastrophe. Soaring through the clouds, I floated somewhere between Splendour and Avernus. Below in Avernus, chaos had been commencing between occupants of varying opinions. Opposing factions are vying for scraps from above while attempting to survive a zombie-apocalypse-type outbreak, with seemingly the only place of refuge being Trin, a city or neutral haven. Be wary, I reminded myself, for corruption exists in even the most desirable locations. Venturing further towards the heavens, I spotted Rast, Eleazar’s brother, with ambitions to rule all of Splendour. His vindictive and ego-driven nature has kick-started a series of repercussions unfathomable by both sides.
As I finished this story, I remained in my cloud-like existence. Flying beasts, known as the Travelers, soar near; their protective scales radiate a kaleidoscope of colors, in sharp contrast, dizzying my senses. Loyalty and betrayal become a common theme, often lightly coated with traces of romance and filled with a sense of wonderment. Compliments to Sarah Daley, the chef, for the creative ingenuity that had me on pins and needles throughout.
Highly Recommended!
Many thanks to Angry Robot for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.
4.25 rounded down to 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My toes relished in their solid footing upon the brown, muddied soil. I gazed through a telescope up into the starry night to discover what might appear through the lens. Indeed, the land beyond was a mystery; a place simply known as Splendour exists, where the winged Angelus live. The universe split into two, white and black backdrops, often blurring its inhabitants below in an existence of dreary grey. Color indeed exists if one looks, in the form of feathers or scales, or more morbidly in pools of crimson blood dotted throughout Avernus. With a sudden turn to my right, I noticed a majestic white flash hurtling towards our land. What I find is one of…them.
Living below in Avernus, inhabitants toil as playthings to the Angelus. They supply Angelus with an endless Hallow Tithe in exchange for sustenance, in the way of manna, food that humans can eat during these difficult times. The Hallow Tithe is a non-negotiable agreement, and any deviation comes with detrimental results: an onslaught of scourge attacks brought forth upon humanity by the Angelus. Turmoil is opening her curtains as I gaze upon the crown prince of Splendour itself, Eleazar Starson, lying upon the ground, a wing severely damaged and oozing with the remnants of jealousy and deceit. Barely alive, the life is being slowly choked out of Eleazar; I witness one of us, Private Diver Barrett-Cree, jump to the aid of the prince.
The story begins as Diver and his sister, Fury, both Gullan, are subsequently non-believers in the faith of the Angelus; however, their sympathetic sides override, and they nurse Eleazar back to health. Surrounded by those who loathe the Angelus, it is paramount to find a way to return Eleazar to Splendour quickly and safely.
Sarah J. Daley, author of Wings of Steel & Fury, unfolds her literary wings in an astounding world-building story that captivated my heart from the onset. Each flap of magically tinged wings presented more knowledge of an emotionally charged world on the brink of catastrophe. Soaring through the clouds, I floated somewhere between Splendour and Avernus. Below in Avernus, chaos had been commencing between occupants of varying opinions. Opposing factions are vying for scraps from above while attempting to survive a zombie-apocalypse-type outbreak, with seemingly the only place of refuge being Trin, a city or neutral haven. Be wary, I reminded myself, for corruption exists in even the most desirable locations. Venturing further towards the heavens, I spotted Rast, Eleazar’s brother, with ambitions to rule all of Splendour. His vindictive and ego-driven nature has kick-started a series of repercussions unfathomable by both sides.
As I finished this story, I remained in my cloud-like existence. Flying beasts, known as the Travelers, soar near; their protective scales radiate a kaleidoscope of colors, in sharp contrast, dizzying my senses. Loyalty and betrayal become a common theme, often lightly coated with traces of romance and filled with a sense of wonderment. Compliments to Sarah Daley, the chef, for the creative ingenuity that had me on pins and needles throughout.
Highly Recommended!
Many thanks to Angry Robot for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.
June 25, 2025
When Diver finds a fallen Angelus and drags him back to his sister, Fury, the world is changed.
Prince Eleazar is known as a coward and feckless, so it takes him by surprise when his brother, a sadistic fiend, shoots him so he falls to the humans in the Below out of their haven - Splendour.
Fury is trying to survive as one of the only atheists in her small village lamenting her younger brother, Diver, who is fighting a pointless war for the Angelus.
This reminded me of The Wings Upon her Back - steampunk, rebellion, dystopian - with more going on behind the scenes those ‘worshipped’ are hiding for their own gain.
This is a unique take on the idea of angels, but doesn’t fall into the 2010s angsty category.
We have a one side love triangle with both siblings pining for Eleazar which wasn’t my favourite. It felt like unnecessary drama that wasn’t properly explored to mean more.
”I hate everything about you.” There was an ache in his throat, a shuddering fire rolling up and down his limbs. He moved his hand, tilting her face closer to him. “I hate your eyes…so dark and deep and angry. Always seeing straight into my soul. Daring me to be better.”
This is almost broken in to two parts with Eleazar’s fall and recovery and the trio’s slow, unwanting alliance and connection, and then their assimilation into the rebellion.
The first half was my favourite. It was slower and more character-focused showing why our characters react the way they do. Eleazar goes from an assuming, selfish, demanding Prince to someone who appreciates humanity and the siblings grit.
Fury gave me major Katniss Everdeen vibes.
Diver is left broken after the war, but still has a protective streak.
The second half was foot to the pedal as we get a rushed conclusion to Splendour’s treachery. I wish this was more detailed as I felt like important pieces of information was rushed over.
There could easily be a sequel, yet could also work as a standalone.
I do wonder if this could have been paced better as a duology as so many interesting concepts were introduced, but not adequately fleshed out towards the end.
Arc gifted by Angry Robot.
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Prince Eleazar is known as a coward and feckless, so it takes him by surprise when his brother, a sadistic fiend, shoots him so he falls to the humans in the Below out of their haven - Splendour.
Fury is trying to survive as one of the only atheists in her small village lamenting her younger brother, Diver, who is fighting a pointless war for the Angelus.
This reminded me of The Wings Upon her Back - steampunk, rebellion, dystopian - with more going on behind the scenes those ‘worshipped’ are hiding for their own gain.
This is a unique take on the idea of angels, but doesn’t fall into the 2010s angsty category.
We have a one side love triangle with both siblings pining for Eleazar which wasn’t my favourite. It felt like unnecessary drama that wasn’t properly explored to mean more.
”I hate everything about you.” There was an ache in his throat, a shuddering fire rolling up and down his limbs. He moved his hand, tilting her face closer to him. “I hate your eyes…so dark and deep and angry. Always seeing straight into my soul. Daring me to be better.”
This is almost broken in to two parts with Eleazar’s fall and recovery and the trio’s slow, unwanting alliance and connection, and then their assimilation into the rebellion.
The first half was my favourite. It was slower and more character-focused showing why our characters react the way they do. Eleazar goes from an assuming, selfish, demanding Prince to someone who appreciates humanity and the siblings grit.
Fury gave me major Katniss Everdeen vibes.
Diver is left broken after the war, but still has a protective streak.
The second half was foot to the pedal as we get a rushed conclusion to Splendour’s treachery. I wish this was more detailed as I felt like important pieces of information was rushed over.
There could easily be a sequel, yet could also work as a standalone.
I do wonder if this could have been paced better as a duology as so many interesting concepts were introduced, but not adequately fleshed out towards the end.
Arc gifted by Angry Robot.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
August 25, 2025
A darkly imaginative spin on angels and humanity.
Wings of Steel and Fury was such an intriguing read. This story takes the idea of a “fallen angel” and turns it into something layered, emotional, and at times heartbreaking. Eleazor’s fall from Splendour and his uneasy alliance with siblings Fury and Diver made for a tense but compelling journey. Their mistrust, clashing beliefs, and reluctant partnership gave the book a sharp edge that kept me engaged.
What I appreciated most was the way the author tackled heavy subjects like PTSD, addiction, and grief. Instead of glossing over them, they’re central to the story, shaping the characters in raw and very human ways. It added a surprising depth that grounded the more fantastical elements.
The world itself felt fresh with mythology, politics, rebellion, and even touches of steampunk blended together to create a backdrop that was unlike anything I’ve read before. At times the pacing felt uneven and a little heavy on detail, but the originality and emotional weight more than made up for it.
Overall, this was a unique and impactful read. If you enjoy fantasy that challenges expectations and mixes big, imaginative worldbuilding with very human struggles, I’d definitely recommend it. Thanks to Angry Robot for the gifted arc
Wings of Steel and Fury was such an intriguing read. This story takes the idea of a “fallen angel” and turns it into something layered, emotional, and at times heartbreaking. Eleazor’s fall from Splendour and his uneasy alliance with siblings Fury and Diver made for a tense but compelling journey. Their mistrust, clashing beliefs, and reluctant partnership gave the book a sharp edge that kept me engaged.
What I appreciated most was the way the author tackled heavy subjects like PTSD, addiction, and grief. Instead of glossing over them, they’re central to the story, shaping the characters in raw and very human ways. It added a surprising depth that grounded the more fantastical elements.
The world itself felt fresh with mythology, politics, rebellion, and even touches of steampunk blended together to create a backdrop that was unlike anything I’ve read before. At times the pacing felt uneven and a little heavy on detail, but the originality and emotional weight more than made up for it.
Overall, this was a unique and impactful read. If you enjoy fantasy that challenges expectations and mixes big, imaginative worldbuilding with very human struggles, I’d definitely recommend it. Thanks to Angry Robot for the gifted arc
September 7, 2025
Thanks so much to Angry Robot for the advanced copy of Wings of Steel and Fury by Sarah J. Daley! I received in exchange for an honest review and as always, all opinions are my own ⚔️
I liked Sarah's first book, Obsidian, quite a bit, and jumped at the chance to read her follow up novel (not even slightly related). Wings is a different take on Angels and humanity, in a world where humans are oppressed and constantly instigated by these god-like overlords.
When an Angelus falls to the world below, both he and the humans he encounters have to clear a lifetime of misconceptions and figure out what is real, and what is propaganda to keep the world in line.
It's not really the book's fault that I struggled. I am having a hard time focusing on anything recently. I liked the story and the idea and the characters. All the right parts were there but.until the last 25% when things got really dicey, was I reading nonstop.
I think if you like fantasy with military and light horror elements (parents turned into ghouls for example, and limbs and blood and military PTSD), this would be a great book to try. I liked seeing everyone's perspectives shift and realign as they learned how brainwashed both humans and Angels really were. The final battle was pretty epic too.
There's also a small amount of spice, f/m and m/m, that I personally could have gone without, but it's very minor and not as descriptive as it could have been. Overall, I'll definitely keep reading anything Daley writes and would recommend this one if it sounds up your alley ⚔️
#sarahjdaley #wingsofsteelandfury #angryrobot #angryrobotbooks #fantasybooks #fantasyreader #militaryfantasy #standalonebooks #standalonefantasy #newbookrelease #2025bookreleases
I liked Sarah's first book, Obsidian, quite a bit, and jumped at the chance to read her follow up novel (not even slightly related). Wings is a different take on Angels and humanity, in a world where humans are oppressed and constantly instigated by these god-like overlords.
When an Angelus falls to the world below, both he and the humans he encounters have to clear a lifetime of misconceptions and figure out what is real, and what is propaganda to keep the world in line.
It's not really the book's fault that I struggled. I am having a hard time focusing on anything recently. I liked the story and the idea and the characters. All the right parts were there but.until the last 25% when things got really dicey, was I reading nonstop.
I think if you like fantasy with military and light horror elements (parents turned into ghouls for example, and limbs and blood and military PTSD), this would be a great book to try. I liked seeing everyone's perspectives shift and realign as they learned how brainwashed both humans and Angels really were. The final battle was pretty epic too.
There's also a small amount of spice, f/m and m/m, that I personally could have gone without, but it's very minor and not as descriptive as it could have been. Overall, I'll definitely keep reading anything Daley writes and would recommend this one if it sounds up your alley ⚔️
#sarahjdaley #wingsofsteelandfury #angryrobot #angryrobotbooks #fantasybooks #fantasyreader #militaryfantasy #standalonebooks #standalonefantasy #newbookrelease #2025bookreleases
August 27, 2025
Wings of Steel & Fury by Sarah J Daley is a fabulous fantasy that gave me hours of reading pleasure. We have a lot of characters and each has a special place and purpose in the story. We have Eleazar Starson, a prince and heir to the throne of Honor, but he must earn it. Little does he know, those closest to him will betray him. He falls to Earth, to the human world, where someone who was used to light and beauty will have to learn to survive in a world of darkness, with monsters and chaos. Lucky for him, he meets Fury.
…she’d come into the world screaming and her mother had anointed her ‘Fury’ and she’s spent her life living up to the name.
Diver, Fury’s brother, Fury will work together to keep Eleazar alive. Eleazar’s brother will be back to finish off what he started, so he may have the throne. Diver is a lovable character, and, though Fury felt he had been spoiled rotten, he will rise to the occasion and become one of my favorite characters.
Wings Of Steel & Fury felt like fantasy, and steampunk rolled into one, with a splash of the apocalyptic/dystopian genre. The battles between the ‘gods’ and the humans are brutal, savage, and amazing. It is a fight to the death and I feel the loss of many of those who fall, who willing give up their life to save others. Both sides see things from their own perspective, instead of how they really are and much will be learned as they have to work together to survive.
I want to thank Angry Robot and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Wings Of Steel & Fury by Sarah J Daley. I was sad to come to the end of this wonderful novel.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
…she’d come into the world screaming and her mother had anointed her ‘Fury’ and she’s spent her life living up to the name.
Diver, Fury’s brother, Fury will work together to keep Eleazar alive. Eleazar’s brother will be back to finish off what he started, so he may have the throne. Diver is a lovable character, and, though Fury felt he had been spoiled rotten, he will rise to the occasion and become one of my favorite characters.
Wings Of Steel & Fury felt like fantasy, and steampunk rolled into one, with a splash of the apocalyptic/dystopian genre. The battles between the ‘gods’ and the humans are brutal, savage, and amazing. It is a fight to the death and I feel the loss of many of those who fall, who willing give up their life to save others. Both sides see things from their own perspective, instead of how they really are and much will be learned as they have to work together to survive.
I want to thank Angry Robot and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Wings Of Steel & Fury by Sarah J Daley. I was sad to come to the end of this wonderful novel.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
August 28, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
Wings of Steel and Fury is a dark fantasy novel written by Sarah J. Daley, published by Angry Robot Books. A different twist on the myth of the fallen angel, an emotional and layered story that is not afraid to include dark themes such as PTSD, grief and addiction in the narrative, following two siblings, Diver and Fury, reluctantly partnering with Eleazar, a fallen Angelus, in a tense and compelling journey.
Eleazar was meant to be the next ruler of Splendour, but instead, he finds himself betrayed and fallen to Below, the disgusting (according to their teachings) world of the humans; badly hurt, he's taken into care by Diver and Fury, two siblings, and probably the only two atheists of their country. Balance and trust are not easy to find between the humans and the Angelus, but they will need to learn to collaborate while journeying through a torn war country, in order to get Eleazar back to Splendour and if possible, to learn more about Diver and Fury's mother.
It is interesting how raw the main characters are: all of our three characters are struggling with their own demons, battling to overcome them, but not being shy of portraying the most difficult aspects attached to them. While the trust is lacking at the start between Eleazar and the siblings, we will see how mutual cooperation will be the seed needed for a good relationship to grow. A trio of characters that definitely was one of the highlights of the book.
I've also found the setting to be quite interesting, a secondary world in constant war (around pre-WWI technological level), all while resources are funneled to Splendour in order to avoid a punishment from heaven; a dystopic situation where only a few ones know the truth. The departure from more classical settings definitely picked my interest.
In terms of pacing, we could say the book has two clear halves, with a clear first one that is slower, with the trio recovering and journeying, while the second one packs most of the action and the tension.
Wings of Steel and Fury is a dark twist on the fallen angel myth, a great fantasy novel that you might enjoy if you like messy and complicated characters, and suffering together with them.
Wings of Steel and Fury is a dark fantasy novel written by Sarah J. Daley, published by Angry Robot Books. A different twist on the myth of the fallen angel, an emotional and layered story that is not afraid to include dark themes such as PTSD, grief and addiction in the narrative, following two siblings, Diver and Fury, reluctantly partnering with Eleazar, a fallen Angelus, in a tense and compelling journey.
Eleazar was meant to be the next ruler of Splendour, but instead, he finds himself betrayed and fallen to Below, the disgusting (according to their teachings) world of the humans; badly hurt, he's taken into care by Diver and Fury, two siblings, and probably the only two atheists of their country. Balance and trust are not easy to find between the humans and the Angelus, but they will need to learn to collaborate while journeying through a torn war country, in order to get Eleazar back to Splendour and if possible, to learn more about Diver and Fury's mother.
It is interesting how raw the main characters are: all of our three characters are struggling with their own demons, battling to overcome them, but not being shy of portraying the most difficult aspects attached to them. While the trust is lacking at the start between Eleazar and the siblings, we will see how mutual cooperation will be the seed needed for a good relationship to grow. A trio of characters that definitely was one of the highlights of the book.
I've also found the setting to be quite interesting, a secondary world in constant war (around pre-WWI technological level), all while resources are funneled to Splendour in order to avoid a punishment from heaven; a dystopic situation where only a few ones know the truth. The departure from more classical settings definitely picked my interest.
In terms of pacing, we could say the book has two clear halves, with a clear first one that is slower, with the trio recovering and journeying, while the second one packs most of the action and the tension.
Wings of Steel and Fury is a dark twist on the fallen angel myth, a great fantasy novel that you might enjoy if you like messy and complicated characters, and suffering together with them.
August 1, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for a review.
This is a new (to me at least) take on the fallen angel theme. Eleazor Starson is meant to be the next ruler of Splendour, instead he finds himself betrayed and fallen to Below, a world that Angelus are taught is a dark disgusting place full of beasts. Fury and Diver are siblings, and probably the only atheists in their country, are the ones to find Eleazor and nurse him back to health. They have to work together, journeying through a war torn country, to try and return Eleazor to his home in Splendour.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, I was invested in the main characters, I liked that PTSD is explored in this story - and that addiction due to PTSD is a large plot point rather than just a sudden and miraculous recovery, the world building was very well done at the start of the story but it started to get tangled and confusing towards the middle and end of the story. The "love triangle" felt very shallow and just thrown in just to say it has a romance subplot rather than to add to the story. The ending wrapped the story up in an unexpected way and I am curious to see if there will be a sequel to this story.
This is a new (to me at least) take on the fallen angel theme. Eleazor Starson is meant to be the next ruler of Splendour, instead he finds himself betrayed and fallen to Below, a world that Angelus are taught is a dark disgusting place full of beasts. Fury and Diver are siblings, and probably the only atheists in their country, are the ones to find Eleazor and nurse him back to health. They have to work together, journeying through a war torn country, to try and return Eleazor to his home in Splendour.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, I was invested in the main characters, I liked that PTSD is explored in this story - and that addiction due to PTSD is a large plot point rather than just a sudden and miraculous recovery, the world building was very well done at the start of the story but it started to get tangled and confusing towards the middle and end of the story. The "love triangle" felt very shallow and just thrown in just to say it has a romance subplot rather than to add to the story. The ending wrapped the story up in an unexpected way and I am curious to see if there will be a sequel to this story.
July 3, 2025
4.5
This new fantasy novel put a twist on the "fallen angel" myth. It reflected the reality of people and all their imperfections beautifully.
This novel did what I have never seen a book do before: it gave us a raw, unfiltered look into addiction and how it can turn people into someone they are not. The struggle of PTSD and substance use is crafted brilliantly into this story, not diminishing the characters in any way, but showing us that they are even stronger now because of what they have overcome.
Wings of Steel and Fury also comes with an intriguing mythology of Leviathans and Angelus', interactions between two realms, and a variety of human cultures on Earth with their own belief systems.
Overall, I loved this book. I found the characters compelling, the world building fascinating, and the cultural substance hearty. It has a masterful blend of action, horror, fantasy, and sci-fi.
This new fantasy novel put a twist on the "fallen angel" myth. It reflected the reality of people and all their imperfections beautifully.
This novel did what I have never seen a book do before: it gave us a raw, unfiltered look into addiction and how it can turn people into someone they are not. The struggle of PTSD and substance use is crafted brilliantly into this story, not diminishing the characters in any way, but showing us that they are even stronger now because of what they have overcome.
Wings of Steel and Fury also comes with an intriguing mythology of Leviathans and Angelus', interactions between two realms, and a variety of human cultures on Earth with their own belief systems.
Overall, I loved this book. I found the characters compelling, the world building fascinating, and the cultural substance hearty. It has a masterful blend of action, horror, fantasy, and sci-fi.
October 4, 2025
Very enjoyable after a somewhat rocky start. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
I found the beginning of this novel to be a bit tricky to get into. I thought the three character introductions in three very different locations made it a bit challenging to get into the flow of the book. Eleazar's introduction suffers from this the most because his perspective is the most alien. Fury and Diver both have the grounding of a human POV character, while Eleazar keeps throwing things at the reader. I think the fact that there's so little description of the physical features of his world makes it all feel a little floaty and difficult to wrap your head around. There isn't much suggestion of "vibes" for the reader until we get to Diver's fantasy WWI experience, so I at least had a hard time figuring out what Daley was going for. The vagueness of Eleazar's surroundings also extended to his character. I found the reveal of him as a hedonist who is apparently totally uninterested in the political duties of a prince to not mesh particularly well with what read to me as a rather nervous and philosophical young man. It feels so informed because Rast is telling Eleazar and the reader this; the reader hasn't really seen any evidence that Eleazar doesn't care about ruling. This gap could very well be the point, i.e. Eleazar isn't as useless of a person as Rast considers him, but it didn't really feel that way to me.
I'm glad I persevered, because this was a genuinely fun read. The relationships that Diver and Fury had to Eleazar were intriguing and messy, and I liked the exploration of those relationships, even if I found the eventual romance to be a bit anemic. The romance was fine; I didn't actively hate it, but it did not do too much for me. I liked how messy each main character felt, without it feeling required for the plot to happen. The treatment of angels was unique; some of the lore reveals later on in the novel are very fun. The WWI parallels were also interesting and thematically worked well. The ending was a little abrupt, but it makes sense given what the characters valued.
Not a life-changing read by any means, but a fun way to spend an afternoon. I don't think there needs to be a sequel, but I wouldn't mind another look-in on this world and characters.
I found the beginning of this novel to be a bit tricky to get into. I thought the three character introductions in three very different locations made it a bit challenging to get into the flow of the book. Eleazar's introduction suffers from this the most because his perspective is the most alien. Fury and Diver both have the grounding of a human POV character, while Eleazar keeps throwing things at the reader. I think the fact that there's so little description of the physical features of his world makes it all feel a little floaty and difficult to wrap your head around. There isn't much suggestion of "vibes" for the reader until we get to Diver's fantasy WWI experience, so I at least had a hard time figuring out what Daley was going for. The vagueness of Eleazar's surroundings also extended to his character. I found the reveal of him as a hedonist who is apparently totally uninterested in the political duties of a prince to not mesh particularly well with what read to me as a rather nervous and philosophical young man. It feels so informed because Rast is telling Eleazar and the reader this; the reader hasn't really seen any evidence that Eleazar doesn't care about ruling. This gap could very well be the point, i.e. Eleazar isn't as useless of a person as Rast considers him, but it didn't really feel that way to me.
I'm glad I persevered, because this was a genuinely fun read. The relationships that Diver and Fury had to Eleazar were intriguing and messy, and I liked the exploration of those relationships, even if I found the eventual romance to be a bit anemic. The romance was fine; I didn't actively hate it, but it did not do too much for me. I liked how messy each main character felt, without it feeling required for the plot to happen. The treatment of angels was unique; some of the lore reveals later on in the novel are very fun. The WWI parallels were also interesting and thematically worked well. The ending was a little abrupt, but it makes sense given what the characters valued.
Not a life-changing read by any means, but a fun way to spend an afternoon. I don't think there needs to be a sequel, but I wouldn't mind another look-in on this world and characters.
July 23, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Angry robot for the free ARC,
I liked this! I haven't read a non-traditional Angel story since Nalini Singh! which is why I picked it up, the premise is cool, the world feels fresh, and to me the themes around trauma, grief, and recovery are handled with care. I really appreciated how it explored addiction and PTSD without turning the characters into stereotypes.
That said, the pacing was a bit uneven for me a bit, the first arc was slower and focused on introducing the characters and the setting, which I liked to be fair, but the second felt very rushed in comparison - the worldbuilding was great but I think with the speed at which the middle of the story came, it got a bit tangled, but I did like how the story resolved towards the end. There’s a lot of mythology and politics packed in, right up my alley! so I appreciated this a lot.
The sibling dynamic was great, I liked both sets of key siblings dynamics, didn’t fully connect with the romance, it might be due to the rushed feeling, I think if there was a bit more groundwork into like setting up the budding romance it would have been a lovely cherry on top.
Overall, I think this book has emotional weight, I loved the setting but it would have benefitted from like a tighter middle part! Still, if you’re into fantasy with a twist on angel mythology, some political maneuvering and hijinks, it’s worth checking out.
I liked this! I haven't read a non-traditional Angel story since Nalini Singh! which is why I picked it up, the premise is cool, the world feels fresh, and to me the themes around trauma, grief, and recovery are handled with care. I really appreciated how it explored addiction and PTSD without turning the characters into stereotypes.
That said, the pacing was a bit uneven for me a bit, the first arc was slower and focused on introducing the characters and the setting, which I liked to be fair, but the second felt very rushed in comparison - the worldbuilding was great but I think with the speed at which the middle of the story came, it got a bit tangled, but I did like how the story resolved towards the end. There’s a lot of mythology and politics packed in, right up my alley! so I appreciated this a lot.
The sibling dynamic was great, I liked both sets of key siblings dynamics, didn’t fully connect with the romance, it might be due to the rushed feeling, I think if there was a bit more groundwork into like setting up the budding romance it would have been a lovely cherry on top.
Overall, I think this book has emotional weight, I loved the setting but it would have benefitted from like a tighter middle part! Still, if you’re into fantasy with a twist on angel mythology, some political maneuvering and hijinks, it’s worth checking out.
Read
September 15, 2025DNF
Thanks to NetGalley and the editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I DNFed this one, not because I think it is a bad book, but because it wasn't working for me, at all. I loved the idea and the world seems fascinating, but I guess that my problem was the writing. I am not saying that it is poorly written, that's not the case, but the author's voice is quite dry and... I guess that was the main problem. I didn't care for the story or the characters; I wasn't interested in them, and I wasn't really motivated to pick up the book again when I had to put it down.
Simply put, we didn't click, so I decided to let it go.
Thanks to NetGalley and the editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I DNFed this one, not because I think it is a bad book, but because it wasn't working for me, at all. I loved the idea and the world seems fascinating, but I guess that my problem was the writing. I am not saying that it is poorly written, that's not the case, but the author's voice is quite dry and... I guess that was the main problem. I didn't care for the story or the characters; I wasn't interested in them, and I wasn't really motivated to pick up the book again when I had to put it down.
Simply put, we didn't click, so I decided to let it go.
June 20, 2025
Wings of Steel & Fury was an interesting read. The world-building was intriguing and I liked what the author revealed, however this story is definitely character-focused more than setting- or plot-focused. The novel is written in 3rd person omniscient with the three main characters alternating as the character of action. It is categorized as an urban fantasy, but I am not sure if I would agree with that.
The world is divided between Splendour - a heavenly realm populated by the winged, immortal Angelus - and Avernas - populated by humans. A mysterious portal separates the two, and the Angelus descend once per season to gather a tithe from the humans. The humans are divided into various nations that are constantly at war with each other, vying for the favor of the Angelus that they worship as gods.
Our MCs are: Eleazer Starson, an Angelus prince betrayed by his brother and lost, injured and alone, on Avernas; Fury Barrett-Cree, a half-Gullan woman trained as a healer and more by her long-vanished mother; and Diver Barrett-Cree, brother to Fury, a private in the Koine Army who deserts after finding Eleazer in the woods. Fury and Diver reunite and work to help Eleazer recover from the loss of one of his wings, while Eleazer plots revenge against his traitorous brother and a return to Splendour.
The characterizations were moderately engaging. I found Fury to be the most well-rounded and relatable of the characters, and enjoyed her scenes the most, having a relatively satisfying character arc. Eleazer had the most dramatic arc, showing growth and change, but never really managed to be endearing, with his attitude towards Fury and Diver being more possession than friendship or affection. Diver was the most obnoxious, and I found his interactions to be similar to Eleazer in that he wanted control/possession as the primary driver for interaction.
The premise of the story is really interesting, with the divided world, and there are some neat reveals and interesting mechanics. It felt similar to Metal from Heaven by August Clarke, and Star Wars: Rebels. However the writing style often got in the way of the writing itself. I think the Author hasn’t quite found their voice, and that their previous writing in other IPs like Warhammer is bleeding over a bit. The language went from overblown to slang-y and a good bit in between, and it made some of the dialogue clunky. The descriptions were often cumbersome and didn’t feel natural or proportionate.
The romantic subplots felt more like insta-lust than any genuine romantic feeling; there was an awkward attempt at a love-triangle that didn’t quite work for me, feeling neither believable or necessary for the plot.
The ending was satisfactory and wraps up the plot well. I didn’t feel like anything was left hanging or undone, which is fantastic for a standalone. The major conflict didn’t feel particularly urgent for me, and I wasn’t really surprised or involved in the plot twists.
The book was quick-paced and kept me entertained, and in general a solid novel.
The world is divided between Splendour - a heavenly realm populated by the winged, immortal Angelus - and Avernas - populated by humans. A mysterious portal separates the two, and the Angelus descend once per season to gather a tithe from the humans. The humans are divided into various nations that are constantly at war with each other, vying for the favor of the Angelus that they worship as gods.
Our MCs are: Eleazer Starson, an Angelus prince betrayed by his brother and lost, injured and alone, on Avernas; Fury Barrett-Cree, a half-Gullan woman trained as a healer and more by her long-vanished mother; and Diver Barrett-Cree, brother to Fury, a private in the Koine Army who deserts after finding Eleazer in the woods. Fury and Diver reunite and work to help Eleazer recover from the loss of one of his wings, while Eleazer plots revenge against his traitorous brother and a return to Splendour.
The characterizations were moderately engaging. I found Fury to be the most well-rounded and relatable of the characters, and enjoyed her scenes the most, having a relatively satisfying character arc. Eleazer had the most dramatic arc, showing growth and change, but never really managed to be endearing, with his attitude towards Fury and Diver being more possession than friendship or affection. Diver was the most obnoxious, and I found his interactions to be similar to Eleazer in that he wanted control/possession as the primary driver for interaction.
The premise of the story is really interesting, with the divided world, and there are some neat reveals and interesting mechanics. It felt similar to Metal from Heaven by August Clarke, and Star Wars: Rebels. However the writing style often got in the way of the writing itself. I think the Author hasn’t quite found their voice, and that their previous writing in other IPs like Warhammer is bleeding over a bit. The language went from overblown to slang-y and a good bit in between, and it made some of the dialogue clunky. The descriptions were often cumbersome and didn’t feel natural or proportionate.
The romantic subplots felt more like insta-lust than any genuine romantic feeling; there was an awkward attempt at a love-triangle that didn’t quite work for me, feeling neither believable or necessary for the plot.
The ending was satisfactory and wraps up the plot well. I didn’t feel like anything was left hanging or undone, which is fantastic for a standalone. The major conflict didn’t feel particularly urgent for me, and I wasn’t really surprised or involved in the plot twists.
The book was quick-paced and kept me entertained, and in general a solid novel.
January 11, 2026
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
Prince Eleazar, an Angelus to the humans, is sent out of the Angelus haven known as Splendour by his fiendish brother. The fall to the humans in Below damages him and he finds he is lost, stuck among humans.
Broken after the fall, Eleazar is found by Diver, a young human male who has been fighting in a war on behalf of the Angelus. Diver drags the Angelus to his sister, Fury – perhaps the only atheist in many leagues.
It’s hard not to be attracted to an Angelus, and both Diver and Fury find themselves with feelings for the being. Eleazar, however, seems to have nothing but contempt for humans and finds his time, stuck in the Below a certain kind of hell that he wouldn’t wish on anyone (except for his lowly brother).
It will take some time for Eleazar to appreciate and trust the humans, but he and the humans will need to ally in order to take on and fight the treachery that exists in the ill-named Splendour.
I really appreciated this take on ‘heaven’ and ‘angels’ as beings. Eleazar’s fall definitely came across as a fall from grace, and I wondered if he was going to become a devil, having been outcast from heaven, but author Sarah J. Daley takes this to a more fantasy-oriented story.
I also appreciated the pan sexuality – that no one found it strange that both Fury and Diver were attracted to the Angelus. Perhaps there needed to be a different word for attraction to an angel? But I wasn’t sure why we needed it at all. It didn’t really add anything to the story, though it did create some character dynamic.
The difficulty with a story like this is that it’s fairly predictable. From the moment Eleazar is cast out of Splendour and shows his distaste for humans, we pretty much know that he’s going to change and he’s going to need the humans to be made whole again. Right? So what has to keep us reading is strong, enviable characters (which is not going to be Eleazar) and a strong interest in what they do and how they over-come the Angelus’s attitude. Author Daley established the characters nicely at the start, and the action at the end of the book, is definitely strong. But there’s a patch in the middle that gets a bit muddy – we know who the character are but the engagement to the conclusion hasn’t happened yet.
Is this the reason for some slight romantic interest? To help us get from one place to another?
I enjoyed a lot of moments here but it wasn’t quite as tightly bound as I would hope in a fantasy with such lofty characters.
Looking for a good book? Wings of Steel and Fury by Sarah J. Daley is fun fantasy of gods and mortals with a fresh approach, but falls a bit short in the middle of the book.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Prince Eleazar, an Angelus to the humans, is sent out of the Angelus haven known as Splendour by his fiendish brother. The fall to the humans in Below damages him and he finds he is lost, stuck among humans.
Broken after the fall, Eleazar is found by Diver, a young human male who has been fighting in a war on behalf of the Angelus. Diver drags the Angelus to his sister, Fury – perhaps the only atheist in many leagues.
It’s hard not to be attracted to an Angelus, and both Diver and Fury find themselves with feelings for the being. Eleazar, however, seems to have nothing but contempt for humans and finds his time, stuck in the Below a certain kind of hell that he wouldn’t wish on anyone (except for his lowly brother).
It will take some time for Eleazar to appreciate and trust the humans, but he and the humans will need to ally in order to take on and fight the treachery that exists in the ill-named Splendour.
I really appreciated this take on ‘heaven’ and ‘angels’ as beings. Eleazar’s fall definitely came across as a fall from grace, and I wondered if he was going to become a devil, having been outcast from heaven, but author Sarah J. Daley takes this to a more fantasy-oriented story.
I also appreciated the pan sexuality – that no one found it strange that both Fury and Diver were attracted to the Angelus. Perhaps there needed to be a different word for attraction to an angel? But I wasn’t sure why we needed it at all. It didn’t really add anything to the story, though it did create some character dynamic.
The difficulty with a story like this is that it’s fairly predictable. From the moment Eleazar is cast out of Splendour and shows his distaste for humans, we pretty much know that he’s going to change and he’s going to need the humans to be made whole again. Right? So what has to keep us reading is strong, enviable characters (which is not going to be Eleazar) and a strong interest in what they do and how they over-come the Angelus’s attitude. Author Daley established the characters nicely at the start, and the action at the end of the book, is definitely strong. But there’s a patch in the middle that gets a bit muddy – we know who the character are but the engagement to the conclusion hasn’t happened yet.
Is this the reason for some slight romantic interest? To help us get from one place to another?
I enjoyed a lot of moments here but it wasn’t quite as tightly bound as I would hope in a fantasy with such lofty characters.
Looking for a good book? Wings of Steel and Fury by Sarah J. Daley is fun fantasy of gods and mortals with a fresh approach, but falls a bit short in the middle of the book.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2025
I love a good book tour, for me there is nothing better than sharing an intriguing new read that oftentimes will go unnoticed amidst all the angst and romantasy that has overtaken the fantasy reading world. Now, I’ve got nothing against romantasy, as you’ll see from my reading history I’ve most definitely read and enjoyed my own fair share but, I also love moving beyond this to epic fantasy, steam punk and dystopian fantasy and wider genres. Life would be boring if we just kept reading the same things!
Wings of Steel and Fury by Sarah J Daley is exactly one of those different reads and I was so grateful to be offered a chance to join the book tour by Angry Robot Books, so first things first, please be assured that this is my honest review and not influenced by this. I haven’t got the time patience or energy to make stuff up when I don’t like something.
So what did I think of this book, intrigue was definitely a key reason for why I wanted to read it and Wings of Steel and Fury is definitely intriguing. A story that turns what could be a seriously trope heavy story of a ‘fallen angel’ into a story that captured my heart, delivering a few cracks and a little trauma along the way. Eleazor’s story from his fall from Splendour to his alliance with the siblings Fury and Diver, which at the best you could call reluctant, had me on on the edge of my seat.
This story made for an emotional journey that did not shy away from tackling seriously hard and heavy topics including addiction, grief and PTSD, which only made the characters more real and emotive, transforming them from what could be just a simple and two dimension view to truly multi-faceted, human and truly raw, even when they are as far from human as could be.
I absolution loved how Daley’s world-building was beautifully weaved together (yes, I know, I love a good tapestry analogy,) to create a world that reflected mythological elements amidst the politics, rebellion and struggles that we understand and see in the world today. The distinct steampunk vibe only added another facet to the challenges both internal and external and emotional journeys that Eleazor and the siblings faced in their endeavours to restore Eleazar back to Splendour.
There’s a lot to this story and I can truly say that this isn’t a sit down, no brain required read but, this is a story that will transport you, touch you and challenge you. I know that this book had a real impact on me and if you are looking for your next read that will take you on a truly unique journey with great world building, emotional weight and a step away from the usual tropes, then I highly recommend picking up Wings of Steel and Fury.
Wings of Steel and Fury by Sarah J Daley is exactly one of those different reads and I was so grateful to be offered a chance to join the book tour by Angry Robot Books, so first things first, please be assured that this is my honest review and not influenced by this. I haven’t got the time patience or energy to make stuff up when I don’t like something.
So what did I think of this book, intrigue was definitely a key reason for why I wanted to read it and Wings of Steel and Fury is definitely intriguing. A story that turns what could be a seriously trope heavy story of a ‘fallen angel’ into a story that captured my heart, delivering a few cracks and a little trauma along the way. Eleazor’s story from his fall from Splendour to his alliance with the siblings Fury and Diver, which at the best you could call reluctant, had me on on the edge of my seat.
This story made for an emotional journey that did not shy away from tackling seriously hard and heavy topics including addiction, grief and PTSD, which only made the characters more real and emotive, transforming them from what could be just a simple and two dimension view to truly multi-faceted, human and truly raw, even when they are as far from human as could be.
I absolution loved how Daley’s world-building was beautifully weaved together (yes, I know, I love a good tapestry analogy,) to create a world that reflected mythological elements amidst the politics, rebellion and struggles that we understand and see in the world today. The distinct steampunk vibe only added another facet to the challenges both internal and external and emotional journeys that Eleazor and the siblings faced in their endeavours to restore Eleazar back to Splendour.
There’s a lot to this story and I can truly say that this isn’t a sit down, no brain required read but, this is a story that will transport you, touch you and challenge you. I know that this book had a real impact on me and if you are looking for your next read that will take you on a truly unique journey with great world building, emotional weight and a step away from the usual tropes, then I highly recommend picking up Wings of Steel and Fury.
July 12, 2025
A story about a fallen angel fueled by vengeance having to come to terms with his injuries and two atheist siblings trying to get him back to his own world.
We get introduced to Eleazar, the prince of Splendour, moments before he gets betrayed by his own brother, causing him to fall to the humans in the Below. There he’s found by Diver who is struggling with coming to terms with everything he witnessed during the war. He brings the badly hurt and unconscious Angelus to his sister Fury, who is both happy to finally be reunited with her brother and amazed by having proof of the existence of angels.
They quickly learn that an angel who was raised as a prince and told about how “beastly” the humans are, is not easy to get along with. Eleazar is arrogant and rude with some of the offhanded comments he makes but beneath all of that the siblings see someone lost and scared, someone who found himself in a strange world he doesn’t know.
The beginning of this story is super character focused, the reader gets introduced to our three characters through their own POV’s, making it easier to understand each of their motivations and fears.
Sadly, I couldn’t really connect that well with the characters and found myself not caring all that much about their every thought, this might just be because I love going deep with character studies and this at times felt really surface level. The relationship between the characters also felt underdeveloped and I felt myself not believing how much they cared about Eleazar because we never really got to witness/explore a reason on why their feelings towards him changed. Having sympathy for someone because you can relate to some of their pain and actually caring about them on a deeper level are two different things for me that felt like they were treated the same in this book.
Some parts of this book also dragged on in a weird way? I would suddenly feel really disconnected to the story and just want things to move along, only to then be really invested again.
I think the author did an incredible job with the world building and keeping the reader engaged enough in wanting to find out more about this world.
TLDR: a solid read, with great world building and a character focused story. Dragged on in some parts but kept me interested in getting answers to all the questions.
Thank you Angry Robot and NetGalley for the E-Arc
We get introduced to Eleazar, the prince of Splendour, moments before he gets betrayed by his own brother, causing him to fall to the humans in the Below. There he’s found by Diver who is struggling with coming to terms with everything he witnessed during the war. He brings the badly hurt and unconscious Angelus to his sister Fury, who is both happy to finally be reunited with her brother and amazed by having proof of the existence of angels.
They quickly learn that an angel who was raised as a prince and told about how “beastly” the humans are, is not easy to get along with. Eleazar is arrogant and rude with some of the offhanded comments he makes but beneath all of that the siblings see someone lost and scared, someone who found himself in a strange world he doesn’t know.
The beginning of this story is super character focused, the reader gets introduced to our three characters through their own POV’s, making it easier to understand each of their motivations and fears.
Sadly, I couldn’t really connect that well with the characters and found myself not caring all that much about their every thought, this might just be because I love going deep with character studies and this at times felt really surface level. The relationship between the characters also felt underdeveloped and I felt myself not believing how much they cared about Eleazar because we never really got to witness/explore a reason on why their feelings towards him changed. Having sympathy for someone because you can relate to some of their pain and actually caring about them on a deeper level are two different things for me that felt like they were treated the same in this book.
Some parts of this book also dragged on in a weird way? I would suddenly feel really disconnected to the story and just want things to move along, only to then be really invested again.
I think the author did an incredible job with the world building and keeping the reader engaged enough in wanting to find out more about this world.
TLDR: a solid read, with great world building and a character focused story. Dragged on in some parts but kept me interested in getting answers to all the questions.
Thank you Angry Robot and NetGalley for the E-Arc
August 30, 2025
Wings of Steel and Fury is a dark fantasy set in a world where angels live and lord from above while humanity gives them offerings as tithes in exchange for a bounty of manna. After being betrayed by his half-brother, Angelus Eleazar Starson, the crown prince of Splendour, falls to the industrial human world. Injured and near death, he is found by a pair of atheist siblings and nursed back to health. Determined to return to Splendour and reclaim his place, they must travel across the war-torn land full of armies in conflict and hords of goulish undead to the only portal back to his world. But the siblings have an agenda of their own and a rebellion against the Angelus is brewing among humanity.
This is a very different take on the fallen angel story that also has an unconventional industrial setting plus zombies. It starts off with this very intimate, almost post-apocalyptic feel as the story is isolated just between the three characters as the siblings Diver and Fury take care of Eleazar and each grapples with their new reality—Diver with his trauma from all he witnessed in battle as a solder turned deserter, Fury with her own identity and feelings towards her lost mother and this angel, and Eleazar with his injury and the human world he knew nothing about. This focus on character and isolation felt intense and delivered an incredibly claustrophobic atmosphere that allowed for us to understand them and their motivations well.
The second half of the book takes a turn when they go on their journey to help Eleazar get back above. It becomes this harrowing journey then into this guerrilla-style conflict with the rebels. This is where the book falters a bit. It just had too much going on between the human politics, the angel-human dynamics, the rebellion, and the frankly unnecessary zombies. It goes from this slow, intimate and tense setting to just speed running through revelations and events in its final third with no time to process much less to appreciate. As a result, the ending felt incredibly rushed leaving so many elements underutilized, and it left me wondering if this was not actually a standalone. I liked what the story was going for and its direction, but it may not have been a good fit for just a single book.
Wings of Steel and Fury has great ideas that made it onto the page but needed more space to unfurl.
*Thank you to Angry Robot Books for the eARC via NetGalley
This is a very different take on the fallen angel story that also has an unconventional industrial setting plus zombies. It starts off with this very intimate, almost post-apocalyptic feel as the story is isolated just between the three characters as the siblings Diver and Fury take care of Eleazar and each grapples with their new reality—Diver with his trauma from all he witnessed in battle as a solder turned deserter, Fury with her own identity and feelings towards her lost mother and this angel, and Eleazar with his injury and the human world he knew nothing about. This focus on character and isolation felt intense and delivered an incredibly claustrophobic atmosphere that allowed for us to understand them and their motivations well.
The second half of the book takes a turn when they go on their journey to help Eleazar get back above. It becomes this harrowing journey then into this guerrilla-style conflict with the rebels. This is where the book falters a bit. It just had too much going on between the human politics, the angel-human dynamics, the rebellion, and the frankly unnecessary zombies. It goes from this slow, intimate and tense setting to just speed running through revelations and events in its final third with no time to process much less to appreciate. As a result, the ending felt incredibly rushed leaving so many elements underutilized, and it left me wondering if this was not actually a standalone. I liked what the story was going for and its direction, but it may not have been a good fit for just a single book.
Wings of Steel and Fury has great ideas that made it onto the page but needed more space to unfurl.
*Thank you to Angry Robot Books for the eARC via NetGalley
August 11, 2025
I first spotted this book on Threads, recommended by a fellow book lover whose tastes often align with mine—so when I had the chance to request an ARC from NetGalley, I jumped on it.
The premise immediately grabbed me: a fallen angel saved by atheists who despise his kind. That hook alone promised something unique, and Wings of Steel & Fury definitely delivered a different kind of angelic tale.
A Strong Start with a Bold Premise
Eleazor Starson is destined to be the next ruler of Splendour, the shining city of the Angelus. Instead, betrayal sends him plummeting to Below—a place angels are taught to fear and revile, full of supposed beasts and filth. You get a fresh take on the mythology of Leviathans and Angelus', interactions between two realms, and a variety of human cultures on Earth with their own belief systems.
Instead of monsters, he’s found by Fury and Diver, atheist siblings in a deeply religious country, who decide to nurse him back to health. Despite their differences (and mutual distrust), the three must journey across a war-torn land to return Eleazor home.
It’s a compelling setup—blending political tension, faith, and survival—with a backdrop of steampunk dystopia and rebellion brewing both on Earth and in Heaven.
Themes Handled with Care
While the adventure is front and center, the book also digs into deeper issues:
- Trauma and grief shape the characters’ decisions.
- Addiction and PTSD are explored in a way that feels sensitive and layered, not reduced to clichés.
- Corrupt leadership and discrimination add real-world weight to the fantasy setting.
I appreciated that the characters, despite their fantastical circumstances, felt human in their pain and resilience.
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...
The premise immediately grabbed me: a fallen angel saved by atheists who despise his kind. That hook alone promised something unique, and Wings of Steel & Fury definitely delivered a different kind of angelic tale.
A Strong Start with a Bold Premise
Eleazor Starson is destined to be the next ruler of Splendour, the shining city of the Angelus. Instead, betrayal sends him plummeting to Below—a place angels are taught to fear and revile, full of supposed beasts and filth. You get a fresh take on the mythology of Leviathans and Angelus', interactions between two realms, and a variety of human cultures on Earth with their own belief systems.
Instead of monsters, he’s found by Fury and Diver, atheist siblings in a deeply religious country, who decide to nurse him back to health. Despite their differences (and mutual distrust), the three must journey across a war-torn land to return Eleazor home.
It’s a compelling setup—blending political tension, faith, and survival—with a backdrop of steampunk dystopia and rebellion brewing both on Earth and in Heaven.
Themes Handled with Care
While the adventure is front and center, the book also digs into deeper issues:
- Trauma and grief shape the characters’ decisions.
- Addiction and PTSD are explored in a way that feels sensitive and layered, not reduced to clichés.
- Corrupt leadership and discrimination add real-world weight to the fantasy setting.
I appreciated that the characters, despite their fantastical circumstances, felt human in their pain and resilience.
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...
August 25, 2025
This read like two different books.
The first half was more character driven, exploring the relationship between the siblings, Fury and Diver, and the fallen angel Lee. We also got some delicious world building and setting the stage for a world where war was all they had known and angelic beings flew in the sky. I wish we could have spent a little longer in the wonderful heaven like world, to really explore Lee's character and what drove the start of the plot. Not to mention just a chance to take some time in the above, to build up our villains accordingly. I really liked our two villains, I just wish we could have spent more time with them.
The second half was all action, the plot sped along at easily a full book's worth, if not more. It meant that characters had to react to things at hyper speed and character arcs were reduced to a couple of pages. This made their behaviour seem a little off at times, due to the sheer speed. There was no opportunity for moments to breathe, for revelations to be given their due because we had to move on. The ideas were great at times and there were so many twists, that deserved more time spent on them. This is one of those books that would have benefited from being two because the author clearly had more than enough ideas for the story.
The relationship between 'Lee' and the siblings felt... uncomfortable at times. There was certainly a toxic power imbalance there, talks of acolytes and gods, and both Diver and Lee thought of relationships in terms of possessions which didn't help.
There was plot being crammed into the story as late as the last 10 or so pages of the book which meant the ending was less a conclusion and more a pause. Maybe there is going to be another book in this series?
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
The first half was more character driven, exploring the relationship between the siblings, Fury and Diver, and the fallen angel Lee. We also got some delicious world building and setting the stage for a world where war was all they had known and angelic beings flew in the sky. I wish we could have spent a little longer in the wonderful heaven like world, to really explore Lee's character and what drove the start of the plot. Not to mention just a chance to take some time in the above, to build up our villains accordingly. I really liked our two villains, I just wish we could have spent more time with them.
The second half was all action, the plot sped along at easily a full book's worth, if not more. It meant that characters had to react to things at hyper speed and character arcs were reduced to a couple of pages. This made their behaviour seem a little off at times, due to the sheer speed. There was no opportunity for moments to breathe, for revelations to be given their due because we had to move on. The ideas were great at times and there were so many twists, that deserved more time spent on them. This is one of those books that would have benefited from being two because the author clearly had more than enough ideas for the story.
The relationship between 'Lee' and the siblings felt... uncomfortable at times. There was certainly a toxic power imbalance there, talks of acolytes and gods, and both Diver and Lee thought of relationships in terms of possessions which didn't help.
There was plot being crammed into the story as late as the last 10 or so pages of the book which meant the ending was less a conclusion and more a pause. Maybe there is going to be another book in this series?
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
December 5, 2025
On one hand, I would love to see this story expanded into a two or three book series to fully explore the complex societies and worlds Sarah introduces. On the other, the brisk pacing kept me engaged throughout. The time spent in Green Hollow with Eleazar and the siblings felt justified by his injury, but once the journey began, scenes often jumped quickly from one to the next. This style works well cinematically, though it left me wishing for more detail and depth.
The Trin chapters were relentless in their action, carrying the story to a satisfying conclusion. While the ending didn’t feel rushed, the sheer amount of revelations and resolutions packed into the final two or three chapters made it feel compressed. I wasn’t ready to leave this world or its cast just as they were beginning to truly develop.
Eleazar is, frankly, insufferable for much of the book. His arrogance and constant reference to the siblings as “acolytes” undermined the believability of their devotion. Though he has flashes of kindness, he often backpedals immediately, which made his bond with Fury and Diver confusing—even with his charisma powers. I kept waiting for the siblings to challenge him with tough love, but that moment never arrived. Their blind loyalty weakened the emotional core of the story.
A pleasant surprise was the inclusion of romance. The “spice” is subtle, integrated naturally into the narrative rather than feeling forced or gratuitous. It complemented the story instead of overshadowing it.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable ride that caught me off guard with its energy and ambition. Sarah’s ability to craft multiple societies and weave them together hints at a larger tapestry I’d love to see expanded. If a sequel happens, I’ll be first in line to grab it.
The Trin chapters were relentless in their action, carrying the story to a satisfying conclusion. While the ending didn’t feel rushed, the sheer amount of revelations and resolutions packed into the final two or three chapters made it feel compressed. I wasn’t ready to leave this world or its cast just as they were beginning to truly develop.
Eleazar is, frankly, insufferable for much of the book. His arrogance and constant reference to the siblings as “acolytes” undermined the believability of their devotion. Though he has flashes of kindness, he often backpedals immediately, which made his bond with Fury and Diver confusing—even with his charisma powers. I kept waiting for the siblings to challenge him with tough love, but that moment never arrived. Their blind loyalty weakened the emotional core of the story.
A pleasant surprise was the inclusion of romance. The “spice” is subtle, integrated naturally into the narrative rather than feeling forced or gratuitous. It complemented the story instead of overshadowing it.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable ride that caught me off guard with its energy and ambition. Sarah’s ability to craft multiple societies and weave them together hints at a larger tapestry I’d love to see expanded. If a sequel happens, I’ll be first in line to grab it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2025
Thank you to Angry Robot Books for including me on this tour and providing a copy of the novel! Here are my thoughts:
Eleazar is an angelus, who is destined to sit upon the heavenly throne as prince of Splendour, when he is betrayed by his fiancée and brother and is thrown down to Earth. Diver, a deserter from war, finds Eleazar and brings him to his sister, Fury, who has healing skills that could save the angelus. Now Eleazar wants to return to Splendour and right the wrongs, but can he survive the risky trek through Earth?
Right from the start of the novel the author builds intrigue by laying down the plot immediately and adding to it continuously. The plot basics seem simple and straightforward but a lot of thought and planning clearly went into this book.
I liked this take on angels and a heavenly body. I feel that the author took classic views but put her own, almost steampunky vibe on it. The three main characters were all very different and felt real, in that there were times where I really enjoyed reading them and other times that I thought their lines of thought and action were super frustrating. Then I would go back to liking them again. I am very like this with people outside of books, so this felt like a win for me.
There is a complicated little love (or maybe lust?) story involved too, and I don’t know if it landed for me, but I think many will enjoy it. I would have loved some more details about this steampunk Earth as well as Splendour so I could feel completely immersed in the world. But if you are intrigued by fantasy character pieces, this is one to add to your TBR!
Eleazar is an angelus, who is destined to sit upon the heavenly throne as prince of Splendour, when he is betrayed by his fiancée and brother and is thrown down to Earth. Diver, a deserter from war, finds Eleazar and brings him to his sister, Fury, who has healing skills that could save the angelus. Now Eleazar wants to return to Splendour and right the wrongs, but can he survive the risky trek through Earth?
Right from the start of the novel the author builds intrigue by laying down the plot immediately and adding to it continuously. The plot basics seem simple and straightforward but a lot of thought and planning clearly went into this book.
I liked this take on angels and a heavenly body. I feel that the author took classic views but put her own, almost steampunky vibe on it. The three main characters were all very different and felt real, in that there were times where I really enjoyed reading them and other times that I thought their lines of thought and action were super frustrating. Then I would go back to liking them again. I am very like this with people outside of books, so this felt like a win for me.
There is a complicated little love (or maybe lust?) story involved too, and I don’t know if it landed for me, but I think many will enjoy it. I would have loved some more details about this steampunk Earth as well as Splendour so I could feel completely immersed in the world. But if you are intrigued by fantasy character pieces, this is one to add to your TBR!
July 9, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for the e-arc of this novel.
Wings of steel and fury is a story about falling from grace (literally) and having to rebuild; having to question what you knew as fact, and then having to decide on how you’ll react to reality.
I enjoyed the premise of this novel, with the Angelus taking on the extractor role, with the human population kowtowed into submission. As with all things involving humans, there is revolution formenting(complimentary), and all it takes is a magical saviour angel to push it over the edge (scornful).
I think the main shortcomings were:
1.the ups and downs with the plot, which could have been tidied up - there were way too many attempted explanations and caveats which could have been left out, i.e. we are fighting a war because of x, we have to do y, our obstacle is z. Instead there was a lot of exposition about the war between the humans, and then the humans vs the angels, and then the angels vs the leviathans, and then the leviathans actually needing the humans; all of which unnecessarily confused the story
2. There seemed to be some confusion on who was actually the main character, and all three of the leading characters were their own versions of ‘special’, which becomes irritating when the main storyline becomes muddied because you don’t know which narrative to focus on.
3. The relationship dynamic was weird, I won’t spoil it but it was weird
The ending was satisfactory and the story felt generally complete, but it would have been so much stronger with the author pulling back just a little bit
Wings of steel and fury is a story about falling from grace (literally) and having to rebuild; having to question what you knew as fact, and then having to decide on how you’ll react to reality.
I enjoyed the premise of this novel, with the Angelus taking on the extractor role, with the human population kowtowed into submission. As with all things involving humans, there is revolution formenting(complimentary), and all it takes is a magical saviour angel to push it over the edge (scornful).
I think the main shortcomings were:
1.the ups and downs with the plot, which could have been tidied up - there were way too many attempted explanations and caveats which could have been left out, i.e. we are fighting a war because of x, we have to do y, our obstacle is z. Instead there was a lot of exposition about the war between the humans, and then the humans vs the angels, and then the angels vs the leviathans, and then the leviathans actually needing the humans; all of which unnecessarily confused the story
2. There seemed to be some confusion on who was actually the main character, and all three of the leading characters were their own versions of ‘special’, which becomes irritating when the main storyline becomes muddied because you don’t know which narrative to focus on.
3. The relationship dynamic was weird, I won’t spoil it but it was weird
The ending was satisfactory and the story felt generally complete, but it would have been so much stronger with the author pulling back just a little bit
August 2, 2025
The concept of the plot is a take of the 'fallen angel' myth, and drew me in to want to read this book.
It has such a strong start, diving straight into the story involving a fallen angel being saved by atheists who hate his kind.
Some possibily uncomfortable topics are covered, such as addiction and the emotional side of war, and I think they were written really well.
The ending is fast-paced and full-on, which I welcomed after a slower middle.
I could't get invested in the romance side of the book. I think if there was more tension and more build-up, then I would understand where it stemmed from. It would have been a nice addition to really see the acceptance of the two sides connect slowly romantically because it's hard to believe the two individuals, who were so hellbent on hating each other, wanted to be lovers. I think I felt like this because Eleazar was naturally kind-natured in his own world in comparison to his kin. I would have preferred it I think, if Eleazar was more cold towards humans initially.
That being said, I completely understand the need to separate Eleazar from his kin. It was great seeing he wasn't so set in the ways of his kind and was capable of change if the opportunity presented itself.
Thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for this digital advanced reader's copy of this book on exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are expressed as my own.
This book is expected to be published 26th August 2025!
It has such a strong start, diving straight into the story involving a fallen angel being saved by atheists who hate his kind.
Some possibily uncomfortable topics are covered, such as addiction and the emotional side of war, and I think they were written really well.
The ending is fast-paced and full-on, which I welcomed after a slower middle.
I could't get invested in the romance side of the book. I think if there was more tension and more build-up, then I would understand where it stemmed from. It would have been a nice addition to really see the acceptance of the two sides connect slowly romantically because it's hard to believe the two individuals, who were so hellbent on hating each other, wanted to be lovers. I think I felt like this because Eleazar was naturally kind-natured in his own world in comparison to his kin. I would have preferred it I think, if Eleazar was more cold towards humans initially.
That being said, I completely understand the need to separate Eleazar from his kin. It was great seeing he wasn't so set in the ways of his kind and was capable of change if the opportunity presented itself.
Thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for this digital advanced reader's copy of this book on exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are expressed as my own.
This book is expected to be published 26th August 2025!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
Wings of Steel & Fury is one of the most unique sci-fi fantasy stories I've read in a long while! The worldbuilding and lore was well established and more details were revealed over time, so there wasn't any issue with info-dumping and the story was fascinating from the get-go. Eleazar's introduction had me hooked immediately, his character was delightfully cocky and I was curious to see where his unfortunate circumstances took him. Fury was definitely my favorite character - she's so badass, I want to be just like her!! Driver is a soft, traumatized boi who I want to protect from the awful world and suffering he's faced. I won't lie, the whole Fury and Driver being atheists thing cracked me up! The story wasn't necessarily humorous, but just the whole thought and dynamic of two atheists healing a god and helping him seek vengeance just made me giggle. Once we get deep into their journey, a lot more action takes place and I found myself a little lost at times in the battles, seeing as so much was happening, but I still overall enjoyed the crazy events leading up to the cliffhanger ending. There is a very small romantic subplot and tension between the siblings and El - which if they don't end up as a sort of poly-dynamic, I'm going to be SO SAD!! I genuinely have no idea where the story is going but I absolutely plan on reading the sequel!
Thank you to Angry Robot, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!
Thank you to Angry Robot, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!
August 5, 2025
Splendour: the glorious heavenly realm, where winged Angelus play their games and hunt amongst the stars. The Below: the mortal realm, where humans are locked in territorial battle for resources, and pay a Hallow Tithe to their angelic gods in return for the holy gift of Manna. And the Black Silence: a dread portal which separates them both, and which cannot be crossed except by the drachen-ships at need…
Eleazar Starson is an Angelic prince, an heir to the throne, but spoiled, arrogant, hedonistic. When a terrible betrayal befalls him, he finds himself in the mortal realm: injured, broken, and with his only hope a pair of siblings who do not even believe that the angels are gods. Fury, well-named, passionate and a survivor; and Diver, shell-shocked by war and escaping from the battlefield. But Eleazar is not content just to survive. He is determined to fly again: and to wreak a terrible revenge.
This was an absorbing read, with worldbuilding I liked a lot. There are lots of things to explore: a steampunk dystopia, with rebellion on Earth and in Heaven; corrupt leadership, exploitation, romance, addiction, discrimination, war and epic battles… honestly, a whirlwind, but it all felt rich and rewarding. Some of the love story felt a little unresolved, but there was care given to the trauma bonding element. It’s hard to get standalones right, but the pacing and the vivid world carries this through excellently. The characters are painted in broad but lively strokes: the villains are extra detestable, whilst the heroes are clearly flawed, and all of them are broken in ways that aren’t narratively brushed away. Strong work, and a book I enjoyed.
Eleazar Starson is an Angelic prince, an heir to the throne, but spoiled, arrogant, hedonistic. When a terrible betrayal befalls him, he finds himself in the mortal realm: injured, broken, and with his only hope a pair of siblings who do not even believe that the angels are gods. Fury, well-named, passionate and a survivor; and Diver, shell-shocked by war and escaping from the battlefield. But Eleazar is not content just to survive. He is determined to fly again: and to wreak a terrible revenge.
This was an absorbing read, with worldbuilding I liked a lot. There are lots of things to explore: a steampunk dystopia, with rebellion on Earth and in Heaven; corrupt leadership, exploitation, romance, addiction, discrimination, war and epic battles… honestly, a whirlwind, but it all felt rich and rewarding. Some of the love story felt a little unresolved, but there was care given to the trauma bonding element. It’s hard to get standalones right, but the pacing and the vivid world carries this through excellently. The characters are painted in broad but lively strokes: the villains are extra detestable, whilst the heroes are clearly flawed, and all of them are broken in ways that aren’t narratively brushed away. Strong work, and a book I enjoyed.
July 30, 2025
I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.
This is a hard book to review ( for me anyway), there was so much I loved and so much I didn’t.
The bits I loved- the world building was intriguing. I loved the ideas of heaven being described as another country of angels who just happened to have powers. The concept of ‘manna’ and how it works, as well as the way angels keeps the humans below compliant, and the ongoing wars. The last few chapters were definitely unexpected and original- to say anymore would be spoiling the story but it is definitely worth sticking to the end of the book. The story doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war including the effects it can have after you are done fighting.
I didn’t enjoy the romance between two of the main characters, that could be me but it just felt out of place with the overall tone but there will be so many fantasy readers who will enjoy the love story. I didn’t really connect with the main leads especially the fallen angel, but the secondary characters were interesting, and I would love loved to spend more time with them.
Perfect for Fans of
Fantasy with a strong dose of romance, or fantasy featuring brooding angels who want revenge.
This is a hard book to review ( for me anyway), there was so much I loved and so much I didn’t.
The bits I loved- the world building was intriguing. I loved the ideas of heaven being described as another country of angels who just happened to have powers. The concept of ‘manna’ and how it works, as well as the way angels keeps the humans below compliant, and the ongoing wars. The last few chapters were definitely unexpected and original- to say anymore would be spoiling the story but it is definitely worth sticking to the end of the book. The story doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war including the effects it can have after you are done fighting.
I didn’t enjoy the romance between two of the main characters, that could be me but it just felt out of place with the overall tone but there will be so many fantasy readers who will enjoy the love story. I didn’t really connect with the main leads especially the fallen angel, but the secondary characters were interesting, and I would love loved to spend more time with them.
Perfect for Fans of
Fantasy with a strong dose of romance, or fantasy featuring brooding angels who want revenge.
September 11, 2025
Wings of Steel and Fury was an unexpected jewel of a read. I went in to this ARC not knowing what to expect, just trusting Angry Robot for publishing it, and came away in awe and with zero regrets!
The story flawlessly layers politics, mythology, morality, romance - all with a refreshing originality, without being too complex, and all wrapped up in one book.
The worldbuilding is phenomenal, balancing fantasy and grittiness. The world is split between two realms: that of the humans "Below", and that of the Angels "Splendour". The human side has a gritty coldness to it, echoing early 1900s industrialisation, scarred by war and tension, while Splendour feels outer worldly and ethereal. A really strong, striking contrast.
The characters bring the story to life: Eleazar, our angel, falls from grace and struggles with his own arrogance, while siblings Fury and Diver add the human element to the story. Fury is an incredible character, the emotional heart of the story and experiences a strong journey of her own, not just an add on to Eleazar's.
Wings of Steel and Fury's strength is the blending of themes and settings that feels fresh and immersive. While it stands strong as a standalone, I would love to see more of the world and the lore woven throughout it!
The story flawlessly layers politics, mythology, morality, romance - all with a refreshing originality, without being too complex, and all wrapped up in one book.
The worldbuilding is phenomenal, balancing fantasy and grittiness. The world is split between two realms: that of the humans "Below", and that of the Angels "Splendour". The human side has a gritty coldness to it, echoing early 1900s industrialisation, scarred by war and tension, while Splendour feels outer worldly and ethereal. A really strong, striking contrast.
The characters bring the story to life: Eleazar, our angel, falls from grace and struggles with his own arrogance, while siblings Fury and Diver add the human element to the story. Fury is an incredible character, the emotional heart of the story and experiences a strong journey of her own, not just an add on to Eleazar's.
Wings of Steel and Fury's strength is the blending of themes and settings that feels fresh and immersive. While it stands strong as a standalone, I would love to see more of the world and the lore woven throughout it!
July 1, 2025
If you want a book that destroys you and puts you back together, read Wings of Steel & Fury.
It took me 2 chapters to fully grasp what was happening. I read the blurb of the book, but there were a lot of names and places thrown in the first few pages. Once Eleazar has fallen, everything starts making sense. This is a story of revenge and love. Each chapter felt like a discovery, and I was eager to read more. There might have been some parts toward the end where it felt a bit dragging, but otherwise, it's a solid book.
I loved the character of Eleazar, but I have a weak spot for morally grey or underdog characters. Put some wings in there, and I will root for them until the end. I liked the romance bit of the story (it's subplot and plot at the same time, but without overdoing it, the right balance). So many villains to hate. This book has strong political vibes and reflection.
Pick it up if you like:
- Fantasy
- Intrigue
- Character growth (and it's a whole journey)
- Romance (and it's cute)
I received an e-ARC from Angry Robot via Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book before its published date.
It took me 2 chapters to fully grasp what was happening. I read the blurb of the book, but there were a lot of names and places thrown in the first few pages. Once Eleazar has fallen, everything starts making sense. This is a story of revenge and love. Each chapter felt like a discovery, and I was eager to read more. There might have been some parts toward the end where it felt a bit dragging, but otherwise, it's a solid book.
I loved the character of Eleazar, but I have a weak spot for morally grey or underdog characters. Put some wings in there, and I will root for them until the end. I liked the romance bit of the story (it's subplot and plot at the same time, but without overdoing it, the right balance). So many villains to hate. This book has strong political vibes and reflection.
Pick it up if you like:
- Fantasy
- Intrigue
- Character growth (and it's a whole journey)
- Romance (and it's cute)
I received an e-ARC from Angry Robot via Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book before its published date.
July 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars, this book was outstanding.
Wings of Steel and Fury by Sarah Daley is a gritty, occasionally violent, expertly written delight.
What I loved in particular:
- I liked the unexpected relationship between Fury and Lee. Given his arrogance when they first met and her steadfast refusal to worship him, I didn’t see that coming.
- The characters are so well written. Everyone (with the possible exception of Fury and Diver) are morally a very dark grey in this book and I love it.
-The world building is complex but absorbing. I found the idea of a race of Angelus residing in a heaven-like world and bestowing manna on the people below in exchange for worship and tithes fascinating. I liked it even more when the story developed to show us that the angelus might not be as benevolent as they first seemed.
- the second half of this book is also seriously addictive, I couldn’t put it down.
I adored this book, I really hope there might be more to the story when Fury flies again.
Thank you to Angry Robot, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Wings of Steel and Fury by Sarah Daley is a gritty, occasionally violent, expertly written delight.
What I loved in particular:
- I liked the unexpected relationship between Fury and Lee. Given his arrogance when they first met and her steadfast refusal to worship him, I didn’t see that coming.
- The characters are so well written. Everyone (with the possible exception of Fury and Diver) are morally a very dark grey in this book and I love it.
-The world building is complex but absorbing. I found the idea of a race of Angelus residing in a heaven-like world and bestowing manna on the people below in exchange for worship and tithes fascinating. I liked it even more when the story developed to show us that the angelus might not be as benevolent as they first seemed.
- the second half of this book is also seriously addictive, I couldn’t put it down.
I adored this book, I really hope there might be more to the story when Fury flies again.
Thank you to Angry Robot, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
July 8, 2025
Wings of Steel and Fury completely blew me away. It opens with a war weary brother returning home and enlisting his sister’s help to save an injured angel. What unfolds from there is a breathtaking journey of healing, high stakes battles, and fierce sibling loyalty. The story weaves through childhood scars, searing conflict, and a romance so intense it radiates touch her and die energy. It doesn’t just reach for your heart, it strikes like a hurricane, breaking through every barrier and flooding you with feeling.
Our new book boyfriend has officially arrived. Swoon-worthy doesn’t even begin to cover it.
My favourite part (condensed to avoid spoilers):
I hate everything about you. I hate your eyes... so dark, deep and angry. Always seeing straight into my soul. Daring me to be better. I hate your need to see goodness in me. I am not good. I hate your mouth. Always full of bitter words, when it was made to speak of sweet things. Made to give and receive joy.
I’m obsessed and I think you will be too. Whatever you do, don’t miss this book.
Thank you so much for the arc. All thoughts are my own.
Our new book boyfriend has officially arrived. Swoon-worthy doesn’t even begin to cover it.
My favourite part (condensed to avoid spoilers):
I hate everything about you. I hate your eyes... so dark, deep and angry. Always seeing straight into my soul. Daring me to be better. I hate your need to see goodness in me. I am not good. I hate your mouth. Always full of bitter words, when it was made to speak of sweet things. Made to give and receive joy.
I’m obsessed and I think you will be too. Whatever you do, don’t miss this book.
Thank you so much for the arc. All thoughts are my own.
August 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot for the E-Arc,
What if your life, your faith was based on a lie?
Wings of Steel and Fury is an interesting twist on the concept of angels, heaven and the miraculous divine manna.
Eleazar is an angel that has fallen to earth and is saved by Diver and Fury, atheist siblings.
Despite being arrogant, acting entitled and stating humans are “beasts” the siblings, who see angles as a curse, agree to help Eleazar return to heaven.
Whilst travelling they bond and we find out heaven is nothing but a scam and angels are not immortal beings with godlike powers but just beings from another realm. A faction of humanity has worked this out and are prepared to revolt….. down with heaven!
We have a love triangle of sorts as both brother and sister fall for Eleazar but I couldn’t get onboard with it. I think this is mainly cause I didn’t really like Fury the FMC. I found her annoying and found myself looking forward to the parts Diver was in more.
Overall it was interesting read with twists and revelations, so if you want a book with a theological twist this could be for you.
What if your life, your faith was based on a lie?
Wings of Steel and Fury is an interesting twist on the concept of angels, heaven and the miraculous divine manna.
Eleazar is an angel that has fallen to earth and is saved by Diver and Fury, atheist siblings.
Despite being arrogant, acting entitled and stating humans are “beasts” the siblings, who see angles as a curse, agree to help Eleazar return to heaven.
Whilst travelling they bond and we find out heaven is nothing but a scam and angels are not immortal beings with godlike powers but just beings from another realm. A faction of humanity has worked this out and are prepared to revolt….. down with heaven!
We have a love triangle of sorts as both brother and sister fall for Eleazar but I couldn’t get onboard with it. I think this is mainly cause I didn’t really like Fury the FMC. I found her annoying and found myself looking forward to the parts Diver was in more.
Overall it was interesting read with twists and revelations, so if you want a book with a theological twist this could be for you.
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