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Errant Wings
Wings aren't supposed to be this much trouble...
On their sixteenth birthday, foundlings grow wings—either angel wings or devil wings—and their value to the city depends on which one.
To Asher, devil wings mean the freedom to do what he pleases: using the city as a canvas for his graffiti art; being with his loving, devil-winged boyfriend; riding the dark, glittering streets without a care in the world.
But when his wings finally sprout, already three years late, they’re angel wings. Now, the city expects his obedience. His freedom. His everything.
Bowing to the system and being a proper angel wing is the last thing Asher wants, except now with every plan he’s ever made in pieces, he doesn’t know what to do or where he belongs. He’d rather burn it all to the ground, but that’s not an option…
Or is it?
On their sixteenth birthday, foundlings grow wings—either angel wings or devil wings—and their value to the city depends on which one.
To Asher, devil wings mean the freedom to do what he pleases: using the city as a canvas for his graffiti art; being with his loving, devil-winged boyfriend; riding the dark, glittering streets without a care in the world.
But when his wings finally sprout, already three years late, they’re angel wings. Now, the city expects his obedience. His freedom. His everything.
Bowing to the system and being a proper angel wing is the last thing Asher wants, except now with every plan he’s ever made in pieces, he doesn’t know what to do or where he belongs. He’d rather burn it all to the ground, but that’s not an option…
Or is it?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
S. Jean
10 books31 followersS. Jean (she/they) is a queer sci-fi & fantasy author writing whatever strikes their fancy at any given moment. When not writing or dreaming of what to write, they can be found dabbling in game dev and drawing!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 28, 2025
Errant Wings is an emotional coming-of-age story about taking your life into your own hands, expectations be damned.
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I beta/proof read this book and I really enjoyed it despite it being younger than my normal reads. I love the way S. Jean depicts the absolute emotional turmoil of being on the cusp of adulthood. And though he is whiny and short-sighted, I really loved Asher. His soft romance with Raum and friendship with Amy carry the book as much as his bottled-up angst.
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I beta/proof read this book and I really enjoyed it despite it being younger than my normal reads. I love the way S. Jean depicts the absolute emotional turmoil of being on the cusp of adulthood. And though he is whiny and short-sighted, I really loved Asher. His soft romance with Raum and friendship with Amy carry the book as much as his bottled-up angst.
May 29, 2025
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review; this does not affect my opinion of the book.]
ERRANT WINGS is a fun read that also packs an emotional punch--something I've come to anticipate from S. Jean's books! I loved following Asher, Raum, and Amy on their mischievous misadventures, but more than that I loved the coming-of-age aspects of this story and how messy they were. Asher is put in an impossible, infuriating, and outright devastating situation, and those fears of losing your freedom and control over your own life hit HARD. I loved how strong and fiery Asher was, but I also loved that he had moments of realization that he wouldn't have that strength without the people who love and support him--
This book shows up to say "be yourself and stick it to the system" and "if the world doesn't have a place for you, create one" and it's fantastic.
ERRANT WINGS is a fun read that also packs an emotional punch--something I've come to anticipate from S. Jean's books! I loved following Asher, Raum, and Amy on their mischievous misadventures, but more than that I loved the coming-of-age aspects of this story and how messy they were. Asher is put in an impossible, infuriating, and outright devastating situation, and those fears of losing your freedom and control over your own life hit HARD. I loved how strong and fiery Asher was, but I also loved that he had moments of realization that he wouldn't have that strength without the people who love and support him--
This book shows up to say "be yourself and stick it to the system" and "if the world doesn't have a place for you, create one" and it's fantastic.
February 12, 2025
Received "Errant Wings" as an ARC. I previously read "Wherever The Stars Call" by S. Jean and enjoyed it, so I was glad to see the opportunity to pick up an ARC of "Errant Wings."
To make this a very short and summarized review that's spoiler-free: I enjoyed the plot of the overall book. The close bond that Asher, Raum, and Amy shared with each other was a definite highlight of the entire book, and its strongest element.
One or two elements of the latter half of the book's plot were slightly predictable and didn't surprise me much. However, the story overall is a nice read! If you liked reading the author's other books, you'll enjoy reading this one.
To make this a very short and summarized review that's spoiler-free: I enjoyed the plot of the overall book. The close bond that Asher, Raum, and Amy shared with each other was a definite highlight of the entire book, and its strongest element.
One or two elements of the latter half of the book's plot were slightly predictable and didn't surprise me much. However, the story overall is a nice read! If you liked reading the author's other books, you'll enjoy reading this one.
March 13, 2025
I tore through Errant Wings in a single afternoon after being given an ARC copy. It's a lovely short book that reads away easily, with an adorable relationship between the three main characters (of which Asher and Raum are in a cute gay relationship, and Amy is essentially their sister). I love how uplifting and supportive the three are of each other. Really happy with the epilogue too--it's so cute!
I enjoyed the strong theme of "choose your own path and fuck whoever tries to make you something you don't want", but it felt like it was repeated a bit much sometimes. To be fair, Ash needed it.
Some plotlines did feel unresolved, though. Like what happened with Harvey and the other devil wings? They kinda disappeared midway through. It's also a shame the major plotline of Bartholomew was resolved off-screen, and we never got to find out what actually happened to his previous angel. Still really enjoyed the book, though.
I enjoyed the strong theme of "choose your own path and fuck whoever tries to make you something you don't want", but it felt like it was repeated a bit much sometimes. To be fair, Ash needed it.
Some plotlines did feel unresolved, though. Like what happened with Harvey and the other devil wings? They kinda disappeared midway through. It's also a shame the major plotline of Bartholomew was resolved off-screen, and we never got to find out what actually happened to his previous angel. Still really enjoyed the book, though.
April 17, 2025
This short read blew me away with it's interesting world.
Feeling like your life suddenly isn't going the path you expected it to go is hard. But when then the whole world sees you differently too, that's even harder. And that struggle is clearly visible in this book. Asher struggles with his huge change of getting angel wings and I felt so much for this young man. His boyfriend suddenly acts differently, his adoptive mother doesn't treat him the same way and the government is on his ass for him to fit this perfect mold of an angel wing. This plot gripped me so hard and had so many interesting hooks it kept me thinking about the story until I finished it.
Asher is a grumpy teenager, and rightly so in my opinion. I loved how he is a teen that doesn't care to be a good boy, but at the same time cares so deeply. He tries so hard to do right by his friends and family, but massively struggles along the way. Picking the right choices in life is hard, especially when the whole world is against you, but I think he managed quite okay and figured out a path for himself, even if it's fulled with mayhem.
The way Asher and Reed interact and have their relationship is very wholesome, even though they both struggle with the sudden change of Asher getting angel wings. The sibling bond with Amy is also so full of love, and seeing these three together made my heart feel full. I also gained a soft spot for the trio's dad who seems to be such a wonderful grounded man, would love to meet him.
Concluding this is a story about deep bonds between family and figuring out a way of life when the world is against you.
Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up
I received this eARC and this was my honest review.
Feeling like your life suddenly isn't going the path you expected it to go is hard. But when then the whole world sees you differently too, that's even harder. And that struggle is clearly visible in this book. Asher struggles with his huge change of getting angel wings and I felt so much for this young man. His boyfriend suddenly acts differently, his adoptive mother doesn't treat him the same way and the government is on his ass for him to fit this perfect mold of an angel wing. This plot gripped me so hard and had so many interesting hooks it kept me thinking about the story until I finished it.
Asher is a grumpy teenager, and rightly so in my opinion. I loved how he is a teen that doesn't care to be a good boy, but at the same time cares so deeply. He tries so hard to do right by his friends and family, but massively struggles along the way. Picking the right choices in life is hard, especially when the whole world is against you, but I think he managed quite okay and figured out a path for himself, even if it's fulled with mayhem.
The way Asher and Reed interact and have their relationship is very wholesome, even though they both struggle with the sudden change of Asher getting angel wings. The sibling bond with Amy is also so full of love, and seeing these three together made my heart feel full. I also gained a soft spot for the trio's dad who seems to be such a wonderful grounded man, would love to meet him.
Concluding this is a story about deep bonds between family and figuring out a way of life when the world is against you.
Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up
I received this eARC and this was my honest review.
August 3, 2025
(I bought my copy from Itch.io!)
A quick and wholesome read! (Ignore my start and finish date, I'm just awful at sitting down and finishing books in a reasonable time.)
It didn't blow me away or anything. BUT. The opening is a little gross with the wings exploding out of Asher's back and blood going everywhere, and I always appreciate a little grossness >:3c The book also has some neat little touches with the little feather / wing art, since it changes partway through the book to reflect happenings within the plot! I also always appreciate neat little touches.
Since Goodreads doesn't allow 3.5 stars or anything, I'll round up to a fourth star for those two tidbits.
The worldbuilding is interesting but not overbearing compared to the plot. The "angels" and "devils" have it two different kinds of bad, where one is locked in a cage and one is utterly neglected except to get yelled at. While it seems the cage is the nicer option (and in many ways I imagine it is), the book does a good job showing why it's not all its cracked up to be, and why Asher is 1000% against that idea.
There is also the short lifespan of foundlings (winged people), a bit of lore that strengthens the theme of "figuring out what to do with your life" given the characters have so much less time to do that. And it's much scarier than it already is when you're also considered a Thing to be squeezed into a rigid Good or Evil totally-not-religion-based mold!
A quick and wholesome read! (Ignore my start and finish date, I'm just awful at sitting down and finishing books in a reasonable time.)
It didn't blow me away or anything. BUT. The opening is a little gross with the wings exploding out of Asher's back and blood going everywhere, and I always appreciate a little grossness >:3c The book also has some neat little touches with the little feather / wing art, since it changes partway through the book to reflect happenings within the plot! I also always appreciate neat little touches.
Since Goodreads doesn't allow 3.5 stars or anything, I'll round up to a fourth star for those two tidbits.
The worldbuilding is interesting but not overbearing compared to the plot. The "angels" and "devils" have it two different kinds of bad, where one is locked in a cage and one is utterly neglected except to get yelled at. While it seems the cage is the nicer option (and in many ways I imagine it is), the book does a good job showing why it's not all its cracked up to be, and why Asher is 1000% against that idea.
There is also the short lifespan of foundlings (winged people), a bit of lore that strengthens the theme of "figuring out what to do with your life" given the characters have so much less time to do that. And it's much scarier than it already is when you're also considered a Thing to be squeezed into a rigid Good or Evil totally-not-religion-based mold!
February 5, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you to the author for very kindly giving me an ARC.
This was a really sweet and well-written book based on a very unique premise about people getting angel or devil wings. I adored all of the characters and I was equally as invested in all of their stories. I loved the realism of Asher and Raum's relationship and the struggles they went through made me even more invested in their relationship. I loved the overall theme of staying true to yourself and refusing to meet the expectations others have of you. This was such a lovely read and I'm excited to keep up with new releases from the author.
Thank you to the author for very kindly giving me an ARC.
This was a really sweet and well-written book based on a very unique premise about people getting angel or devil wings. I adored all of the characters and I was equally as invested in all of their stories. I loved the realism of Asher and Raum's relationship and the struggles they went through made me even more invested in their relationship. I loved the overall theme of staying true to yourself and refusing to meet the expectations others have of you. This was such a lovely read and I'm excited to keep up with new releases from the author.
April 14, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from the author. Thank you!
This was a very cool take on a story about finding yourself, standing up for yourself and not being forced to confirm into what the rest of the world thinks you should be.
(Although one thing I wonder about was the thing about the angel and devil wings just up and vanishing at a certain point in their lives. I would love an explanation of that! It was brought up several times, and I wondered if any reasoning would be given.)
Definitely recommend checking this one out!
This was a very cool take on a story about finding yourself, standing up for yourself and not being forced to confirm into what the rest of the world thinks you should be.
(Although one thing I wonder about was the thing about the angel and devil wings just up and vanishing at a certain point in their lives. I would love an explanation of that! It was brought up several times, and I wondered if any reasoning would be given.)
Definitely recommend checking this one out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
3.5 rounded 4
"I know it's scary, but do it scared."
I picked up Errant Wings from the author's itch.io page. It's a cute coming-of-age story. There are a few parts that, for me, were dragging a bit, but I enjoyed the characters. It's a story about finding your place and fitting into society. I honestly liked the author's take on this. Ash wants to carve its own path, and I'm here for it.
"I know it's scary, but do it scared."
I picked up Errant Wings from the author's itch.io page. It's a cute coming-of-age story. There are a few parts that, for me, were dragging a bit, but I enjoyed the characters. It's a story about finding your place and fitting into society. I honestly liked the author's take on this. Ash wants to carve its own path, and I'm here for it.
April 11, 2025
Read in one sitting- absolutely could not put it down 😂 Asher and Raum are perfect for each other and I loved seeing Amy start to get a little more ‘rebellious’ in the end/epilogue.
So thankful for the chance to get to ARC read and cannot wait until it comes out to order the paperback!
So thankful for the chance to get to ARC read and cannot wait until it comes out to order the paperback!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
sweet and cute! the plot meandered along a little slower than i usually go for, but the expansive worldbuilding & ride or die characters are really where the book shines. the epilogue wrapped things up beautifully, with just about all i could ask for in an ending <3
April 7, 2025
This is an awesome story.
February 13, 2025
Errant Wings beautifully captures the weight of expectations unwanted dropped onto one's shoulders, uncaring if the person wants to fulfill these expectations. Asher had his life planned out, expecting devil wings fitting his personality, but his belated wings turn out to be angel wings.
The problems he faces, being forced into a mold he's not happy in, are wonderfully depicted, as is his relationship with his boyfriend Raum and heart-sister Amy. They're a tight trio, all with their own struggles and wishes.
The whole worldbuilding was interesting, exactly the right amount of contemporary and fantasy elements. We have tattoo parlors, motorbikes, and of course the wings with their lore.
Allover, I very much enjoyed Errant Wings, and hope to meet the characters again.
I was lucky enough to have read a beta version of Errant Wings.
The problems he faces, being forced into a mold he's not happy in, are wonderfully depicted, as is his relationship with his boyfriend Raum and heart-sister Amy. They're a tight trio, all with their own struggles and wishes.
The whole worldbuilding was interesting, exactly the right amount of contemporary and fantasy elements. We have tattoo parlors, motorbikes, and of course the wings with their lore.
Allover, I very much enjoyed Errant Wings, and hope to meet the characters again.
I was lucky enough to have read a beta version of Errant Wings.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews