What do you think?
Rate this book
Wings and Scythes
Without flight, there’s only fight. Escape comes with a price—one Avaris is willing to pay. But what if love becomes the cost?
In a post-apocalyptic world once known as Earth, two factions fight for dominance over the reign of humanity and the remaining resource that sustains life—water. Above the surface lies Deshret, a vast, barren desert ruled by the Genesirians—angelic descendants living in gleaming towers above the sand. Underground in the water-rich cities of Keket, the Demoni, descendants of demons, rule with cunning cruelty. Their tenuous peace, forged after centuries of bloodshed, hinges on the Sand Games—a deadly televised competition where humans, unwillingly chosen to fight for their lives, risk everything for a rare chance at freedom.
Avaris Gamal, a twenty-nine-year-old half-breed slave, has known more pain and betrayal than most can fathom. Betrayed by her own. Brutalized by her enemies. And disgraced by everyone but the humans. The Sand Games are her one shot at escape. If she can somehow get herself into them. But as she plans to enter the lethal contest, something unexpected happens—an attraction to someone she should hate. As a forbidden love slowly ignites between her and the very enemy she’s been taught to despise, Avaris finds herself conflicted but no one can stop fate.
Wings and Scythes is the first book in a duet called The Sand Games, a dark dystopian paranormal romance, blending angels and demons and deadly games in a post-apocalyptic world where love is forbidden. For mature readers 18+ due to adult content, darker themes, and intense emotional stakes.
In a post-apocalyptic world once known as Earth, two factions fight for dominance over the reign of humanity and the remaining resource that sustains life—water. Above the surface lies Deshret, a vast, barren desert ruled by the Genesirians—angelic descendants living in gleaming towers above the sand. Underground in the water-rich cities of Keket, the Demoni, descendants of demons, rule with cunning cruelty. Their tenuous peace, forged after centuries of bloodshed, hinges on the Sand Games—a deadly televised competition where humans, unwillingly chosen to fight for their lives, risk everything for a rare chance at freedom.
Avaris Gamal, a twenty-nine-year-old half-breed slave, has known more pain and betrayal than most can fathom. Betrayed by her own. Brutalized by her enemies. And disgraced by everyone but the humans. The Sand Games are her one shot at escape. If she can somehow get herself into them. But as she plans to enter the lethal contest, something unexpected happens—an attraction to someone she should hate. As a forbidden love slowly ignites between her and the very enemy she’s been taught to despise, Avaris finds herself conflicted but no one can stop fate.
Wings and Scythes is the first book in a duet called The Sand Games, a dark dystopian paranormal romance, blending angels and demons and deadly games in a post-apocalyptic world where love is forbidden. For mature readers 18+ due to adult content, darker themes, and intense emotional stakes.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2025
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Cres
5 books20 followersJ.L.Cres is a writer and author of romantic fantasy, epic fantasy, paranormal romance and reverse harem romances. In her stories you’ll find strong female lead characters with sometimes several love interests. She loves to develop her characters in her writing so thoroughly that you’ll feel they’ve taken up a permanent space in your mind.
She lives in Ohio with her husband, three sons, goldendoodle Freya, and several farm animals. She’s a lover of reading, red wine, dark coffee and dry sarcasm. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually toting her children to sports or you’ll find her using her medical background to treat her boys’ frequent rough-housing injuries.
https://www.instagram.com/jlcres_author/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
She lives in Ohio with her husband, three sons, goldendoodle Freya, and several farm animals. She’s a lover of reading, red wine, dark coffee and dry sarcasm. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually toting her children to sports or you’ll find her using her medical background to treat her boys’ frequent rough-housing injuries.
https://www.instagram.com/jlcres_author/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 18, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC of Wings and Scythes by J.L. Cres.
Set in a post apocalyptic Earth, the Genesirians and the Demoni fight for dominance over the remnants of humanity and water. These warring factions, one above and one below, host the Sand Games, where humans fight for their lives for the entertainment of others.
Avaris Gamal, a half-breed slave, winds up in the Sand Games as her only hope of escaping enslavement. As she schemes and plans, she slowly falls for the one person she shouldn’t: her enemy she’s been taught to despise…
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. The concept behind the story has so much potential, but the execution fell short in a few areas.
Post apocalyptic? ✅
Trials? ✅
Forbidden love interest? ✅
The set up is full of promise, but the writing didn’t quite bring all those details to life with the depth I was hoping for.
I struggled to connect with and to understand the characters, there seemed to be a lot of missing details. From what we do know, Avaris is a strong, determined woman, who didn’t let her enslavement break her spirit. She never gave up on escaping, and took care of her friends.
The writing does improve as the story progresses, but I just couldn’t fully get into it.
I felt robbed because the Sand Games itself was not in this book, it will be in the sequel. I felt like this was mostly filler and a set up, which is unfortunate because this would have been an epic stand alone.
All in all, it was a FANTASTIC idea with significant potential (it could also totally be a crazy good movie), but the execution just wasn’t on point. J.L Cres, your ideas are incredible and I appreciate the creativity that you have! I will give book two a chance, because I really do want to see how these Sand Games play out.
⭐⭐.5 → incredible idea, but the story didn’t quite live up to its potential.
Set in a post apocalyptic Earth, the Genesirians and the Demoni fight for dominance over the remnants of humanity and water. These warring factions, one above and one below, host the Sand Games, where humans fight for their lives for the entertainment of others.
Avaris Gamal, a half-breed slave, winds up in the Sand Games as her only hope of escaping enslavement. As she schemes and plans, she slowly falls for the one person she shouldn’t: her enemy she’s been taught to despise…
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. The concept behind the story has so much potential, but the execution fell short in a few areas.
Post apocalyptic? ✅
Trials? ✅
Forbidden love interest? ✅
The set up is full of promise, but the writing didn’t quite bring all those details to life with the depth I was hoping for.
I struggled to connect with and to understand the characters, there seemed to be a lot of missing details. From what we do know, Avaris is a strong, determined woman, who didn’t let her enslavement break her spirit. She never gave up on escaping, and took care of her friends.
The writing does improve as the story progresses, but I just couldn’t fully get into it.
I felt robbed because the Sand Games itself was not in this book, it will be in the sequel. I felt like this was mostly filler and a set up, which is unfortunate because this would have been an epic stand alone.
All in all, it was a FANTASTIC idea with significant potential (it could also totally be a crazy good movie), but the execution just wasn’t on point. J.L Cres, your ideas are incredible and I appreciate the creativity that you have! I will give book two a chance, because I really do want to see how these Sand Games play out.
⭐⭐.5 → incredible idea, but the story didn’t quite live up to its potential.
October 4, 2025
The reason why I picked this up as an ARC read from Book Sirens was the cover and the synopsis. Gorgeous! Interesting! It’s one of the prettiest covers I’ve seen recently, and it immediately made me curious. Add to that a promising intro with a clear explanation of the world and its hierarchy, and I was ready to be obsessed.
Unfortunately, that initial excitement took a bit of a hit once I started reading. I was expecting better writing and more elaborate world-building, but I was wrong. The bone structure was there, but there was not a lot to grab on to. .
I did appreciate the attempt to show complex dynamics between the main heroine, Avaris, and the people who are close to her, but at the end, it did feel a bit flat and mostly built on the physical aperaence. The FMC is constantly reminding us she’s beautiful and curvy, and she doesn't know how; she is a slave and doesn't eat a lot…. a bit superficial.
The writing style was… not good. Maybe it is me, but some sentences were weird, and a lot of the time we were cut short of the explanation. On the other hand, we would get rich descriptions of how curvy she is… did I mention that already?
Also, Avaris, the FMC, is constantly repeating "as humans used to say". It was just one too many times… Althou I liked the idea of implementing the human slangs as a part of an interesting history element.
The concept of the Sand Games is genuinely something I was looking forward to, and the mashup of old Earth culture with a post-apocalyptic fantasy society had potential. I loved the hints of anarchist and the idea of humans adapting in a world run by demons and angels.
The problem? We barely see any of it. After a strong intro with the glossary and the hierarchy of the Demoni and Genesirians, we even get a timeline, but after that, the worldbuilding sort of… stops.
On the other hand, it was quite easy to read. I just wanted to get to the Sand games
At the end, the story isn’t bad. The main obstacle was that I had great expectation at first, but it went the other way. There’s a deathly trial concept, hints of rebellion that I'm hoping to see a lot of in the next book, and a mystery about the main character’s origins, even though it's predictable, it's still fun to read.
I would prefer that the book had ended with a few more chapters, but we got a cliffhanger at the end that was not very surprising. As the story goes, you just know at what point it will end.
As the author said at the end of the book, this is a part of a duology; the next book will be more intense than the first one and is already written, so I will be reading the next one.
This book I received as an ARC from Book Sirens, and this is my honest review.
Unfortunately, that initial excitement took a bit of a hit once I started reading. I was expecting better writing and more elaborate world-building, but I was wrong. The bone structure was there, but there was not a lot to grab on to. .
I did appreciate the attempt to show complex dynamics between the main heroine, Avaris, and the people who are close to her, but at the end, it did feel a bit flat and mostly built on the physical aperaence. The FMC is constantly reminding us she’s beautiful and curvy, and she doesn't know how; she is a slave and doesn't eat a lot…. a bit superficial.
The writing style was… not good. Maybe it is me, but some sentences were weird, and a lot of the time we were cut short of the explanation. On the other hand, we would get rich descriptions of how curvy she is… did I mention that already?
Also, Avaris, the FMC, is constantly repeating "as humans used to say". It was just one too many times… Althou I liked the idea of implementing the human slangs as a part of an interesting history element.
The concept of the Sand Games is genuinely something I was looking forward to, and the mashup of old Earth culture with a post-apocalyptic fantasy society had potential. I loved the hints of anarchist and the idea of humans adapting in a world run by demons and angels.
The problem? We barely see any of it. After a strong intro with the glossary and the hierarchy of the Demoni and Genesirians, we even get a timeline, but after that, the worldbuilding sort of… stops.
On the other hand, it was quite easy to read. I just wanted to get to the Sand games
At the end, the story isn’t bad. The main obstacle was that I had great expectation at first, but it went the other way. There’s a deathly trial concept, hints of rebellion that I'm hoping to see a lot of in the next book, and a mystery about the main character’s origins, even though it's predictable, it's still fun to read.
I would prefer that the book had ended with a few more chapters, but we got a cliffhanger at the end that was not very surprising. As the story goes, you just know at what point it will end.
As the author said at the end of the book, this is a part of a duology; the next book will be more intense than the first one and is already written, so I will be reading the next one.
This book I received as an ARC from Book Sirens, and this is my honest review.
January 1, 2026
This is an epic of the beginning of a new series! OMG. This book is absolutely awesome. Yes, there are some triggers in this book- so read the list first.
When the Genesarians came through the Veil to save what was left of humanity during the Apocalypse due to the Moon dying, (and a few other things) which changed the Earth’s tilt, etc. As above, so below, which means that demons (Demoni) crossed over from Hell and a war began. This caused the rest of humanity to become slaves to both camps, although there are a few out there in the wastes that the Earth or Deshet, as it is now known. Water is scarce above, and the Genesarians and their human servants live in Helios cities, 13 of them, throughout what had been the United States. Underground, there is more water and more tech, in Keket, where the Demoni and the human slaves live. It has been centuries since the Gens and the Demoni came and centuries more since there was a Treaty after the War. Thus the Sand Games were born as part of it, and they are held every two years.
Avaris (Ris) is a slave working at Karma, a Demoni Club in Jhar, in Keket. She is surviving barely. She hates the Demoni and has been a slave to many. Although her current Master is not the worst one she has had. Master Youssef usually uses her as a waitress and a dancer because she has curves. However, humans only usually get one meal a day and the lack of sunlight makes them pasty. She is pretty much obsessed with pre-Apocalyptic human culture. She has two friends, Tarek who is an Ahati (gladiator) and Lupa who is a dancer and sex worker. Watching what the slaves go through is heartbreaking and just ticks me off and made me curse a lot throughout the book. (And punch things). When two Demoni corner Lupa, it triggers Avaris to disassociate and berserk with her metal tray. The fight was awesome, but, they get in trouble with their Master and are punished. Afterwards, when things go back to ‘normal,’ Lupa is disgustingly sweet and upbeat, but that is how she handles everything. She chose to do that. Avaris is just the opposite. She is a fighter and a survivor. She fell into servitude after a very traumatic experience that we find out more of, throughout the book.
Djau, we find out is Avaris’ brother (half), and Abrax is their bestie. Even though it has been a decade since what happened, happened, DJ doesn’t believe what has been told to him. Abrax has moved on, mostly, and DJ doesn’t know about his feelings for Ris. All I have to say is that both the Gens and as I call them, Dems hierarchy is just totally messed up. I cried a lot though out the book and laughed a lot too. Ris’ sarcasm and snark are hilarious. All of the besties interactions are for the most part hilarious. We meet Khyan Heedis, who is the leader of the Demoni Reapers. His bestie, is Rah Omar, an incubis who owns a Casino near Karma. They go to Karma and see Ris and Lupa in a dance off. Khy is smitten with Ris and when he touches her, he realizes who she is to him, his soul bound. But, there are many problems to that. Khy and Rah are of the few Demoni who don’t believe in keeping slaves because the Heedis family believes in paying their servants and that breeds loyalty. We learn a lot about his family.
I really want to see Khy Reap Bakari Ayad, not only because he has owned Ris, and what he did to her, but also what he did to Khy’s sister, Tuaret. Khy & Rah’s belief that slavery is not an option is a well kept secret because everyone else does believe in it. Khy does something that is just amazing for Ris. Then he does more. OMG. That made me fall for him. There are so many revelations in this book. Some are devastating. Seeing Khy in his Reaper form, Ris and I had the same reaction, lol.
Khy & Rah are just so unique, you just can’t help but fall for them. Especially Khy. When Khy & Tarek meet, it is hilarious and Ris and the reader kinda get testosterone poisoning. lol. I really enjoy when Khy and Rah are together because they are hilarious. Rah is just so outrageous with his antics. Ris & Lupa are the same, as are DJ & Abrax.
The more I learn about Ris & Djau’s Uncle, Cyril, the more I want him dead. Prejudice runs rampant in all three species. It just isn’t right!
So it is time for the Sand Games and 2 Ahati from Master Youssef are chosen= Tarek & Joshi. Then Ris does her something stupid in order to get her Plan started off. I felt sick to my stomach at what happens next. Total emotional upheaval on my part. The story is just so enthralling! From there are, everything goes crazy with what happens next. I wanted to laugh and to cry at Khy’s reaction to his finding out that Ris was there at the Sand Games. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When the Genesarians came through the Veil to save what was left of humanity during the Apocalypse due to the Moon dying, (and a few other things) which changed the Earth’s tilt, etc. As above, so below, which means that demons (Demoni) crossed over from Hell and a war began. This caused the rest of humanity to become slaves to both camps, although there are a few out there in the wastes that the Earth or Deshet, as it is now known. Water is scarce above, and the Genesarians and their human servants live in Helios cities, 13 of them, throughout what had been the United States. Underground, there is more water and more tech, in Keket, where the Demoni and the human slaves live. It has been centuries since the Gens and the Demoni came and centuries more since there was a Treaty after the War. Thus the Sand Games were born as part of it, and they are held every two years.
Avaris (Ris) is a slave working at Karma, a Demoni Club in Jhar, in Keket. She is surviving barely. She hates the Demoni and has been a slave to many. Although her current Master is not the worst one she has had. Master Youssef usually uses her as a waitress and a dancer because she has curves. However, humans only usually get one meal a day and the lack of sunlight makes them pasty. She is pretty much obsessed with pre-Apocalyptic human culture. She has two friends, Tarek who is an Ahati (gladiator) and Lupa who is a dancer and sex worker. Watching what the slaves go through is heartbreaking and just ticks me off and made me curse a lot throughout the book. (And punch things). When two Demoni corner Lupa, it triggers Avaris to disassociate and berserk with her metal tray. The fight was awesome, but, they get in trouble with their Master and are punished. Afterwards, when things go back to ‘normal,’ Lupa is disgustingly sweet and upbeat, but that is how she handles everything. She chose to do that. Avaris is just the opposite. She is a fighter and a survivor. She fell into servitude after a very traumatic experience that we find out more of, throughout the book.
Djau, we find out is Avaris’ brother (half), and Abrax is their bestie. Even though it has been a decade since what happened, happened, DJ doesn’t believe what has been told to him. Abrax has moved on, mostly, and DJ doesn’t know about his feelings for Ris. All I have to say is that both the Gens and as I call them, Dems hierarchy is just totally messed up. I cried a lot though out the book and laughed a lot too. Ris’ sarcasm and snark are hilarious. All of the besties interactions are for the most part hilarious. We meet Khyan Heedis, who is the leader of the Demoni Reapers. His bestie, is Rah Omar, an incubis who owns a Casino near Karma. They go to Karma and see Ris and Lupa in a dance off. Khy is smitten with Ris and when he touches her, he realizes who she is to him, his soul bound. But, there are many problems to that. Khy and Rah are of the few Demoni who don’t believe in keeping slaves because the Heedis family believes in paying their servants and that breeds loyalty. We learn a lot about his family.
I really want to see Khy Reap Bakari Ayad, not only because he has owned Ris, and what he did to her, but also what he did to Khy’s sister, Tuaret. Khy & Rah’s belief that slavery is not an option is a well kept secret because everyone else does believe in it. Khy does something that is just amazing for Ris. Then he does more. OMG. That made me fall for him. There are so many revelations in this book. Some are devastating. Seeing Khy in his Reaper form, Ris and I had the same reaction, lol.
Khy & Rah are just so unique, you just can’t help but fall for them. Especially Khy. When Khy & Tarek meet, it is hilarious and Ris and the reader kinda get testosterone poisoning. lol. I really enjoy when Khy and Rah are together because they are hilarious. Rah is just so outrageous with his antics. Ris & Lupa are the same, as are DJ & Abrax.
The more I learn about Ris & Djau’s Uncle, Cyril, the more I want him dead. Prejudice runs rampant in all three species. It just isn’t right!
So it is time for the Sand Games and 2 Ahati from Master Youssef are chosen= Tarek & Joshi. Then Ris does her something stupid in order to get her Plan started off. I felt sick to my stomach at what happens next. Total emotional upheaval on my part. The story is just so enthralling! From there are, everything goes crazy with what happens next. I wanted to laugh and to cry at Khy’s reaction to his finding out that Ris was there at the Sand Games. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶 (seems that there will be more in next book, but no full scene with the main MMC)
🔥🔥🔥
In a post-apocalyptic world where angelic Genesirians rule the desert surface and demonic descendants control the underground, humanity survives between two warring powers. Avaris Gamal, a half-breed slave scarred by betrayal and brutality, sees the deadly Sand Games as her only path to freedom. As she fights for a chance to enter the competition, she becomes entangled in a forbidden attraction to someone she should consider an enemy. Caught between survival, vengeance, and an unexpected spark of love, Avaris discovers that fate may demand more than she ever intended to give.
I actually really liked this book. It was a fun read, I was hooked pretty much from the start, and I liked most of the characters. The dystopian world was set up decently at the beginning, with a clear timeline and locations, which helped me understand the world, but after that, it didn’t dive much deeper. I would have loved to really get a feel for the differences between the overworld and the underworld because the book only touched on them briefly. That said, it didn’t take enough away from the story for me to truly complain.
Avaris was a great protagonist in a lot of ways, but honestly her best friend Lupa sometimes stole the spotlight. Their situation is truly horrific, like full-on slave-level oppression, and while some of the darker details were only hinted at, you could still feel the weight of their pain. Avaris is combative, smart, and knows when to pick her battles, but she’s also able to submit when she needs to, which made her a layered and believable character.
That said, one thing that got on my nerves a lot was how often her body was described. It was made very clear that she is curvy but has a tiny waist, yet she’s being starved, beaten, and tortured for years. Every time I read about how she somehow kept her curves while everyone around her looked emaciated, I had to roll my eyes. And then when she starts working out for the trials, she finally loses her curves? Come on. That just did not feel realistic at all.
The writing got a little repetitive sometimes too, with phrases like “how the humans said it” or “a human saying” popping up over and over. It didn’t ruin the story, but it was noticeable enough to pull me out a bit. On the other hand, I really liked the multiple points of view, especially how the flashbacks were timestamped. It added depth, and seeing everyone searching for Avaris helped paint a bigger picture of the world and her impact.
I did wish the trials themselves were in this book, but this one is really more of a build-up. I’m hoping the next book digs deeper into the world building and gives more description, and I’m definitely curious to see how the potential love triangle plays out. Overall, it was an engaging read that kept me turning pages, even with a few things that could have been better.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Shadow Daddy
✅ 🩶 Morally Grey MMC 🩶
✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Sassy FMC
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Secret Identity
✅ Multiple POV (4 POVs in first person)
✅ Slave FMC (not to MMC)
✅ Insta-Lust (no acting on it)
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ No OW/OM drama (no cheating but FMC does think about past lover)
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Found Family
✅ He falls first
✅ Demons vs Angels
✅ Trials (not in this book but next book)
✅ MINE
✅ Dystopian Fantasy
✅ Cliff
‼️‼️‼️Trigger Warning‼️‼️‼️
I don’t have any specific triggers and was okay reading it without any warnings, but always take care of your mental health before diving in, since this book definitely has triggers.
🌶🌶 (seems that there will be more in next book, but no full scene with the main MMC)
🔥🔥🔥
In a post-apocalyptic world where angelic Genesirians rule the desert surface and demonic descendants control the underground, humanity survives between two warring powers. Avaris Gamal, a half-breed slave scarred by betrayal and brutality, sees the deadly Sand Games as her only path to freedom. As she fights for a chance to enter the competition, she becomes entangled in a forbidden attraction to someone she should consider an enemy. Caught between survival, vengeance, and an unexpected spark of love, Avaris discovers that fate may demand more than she ever intended to give.
I actually really liked this book. It was a fun read, I was hooked pretty much from the start, and I liked most of the characters. The dystopian world was set up decently at the beginning, with a clear timeline and locations, which helped me understand the world, but after that, it didn’t dive much deeper. I would have loved to really get a feel for the differences between the overworld and the underworld because the book only touched on them briefly. That said, it didn’t take enough away from the story for me to truly complain.
Avaris was a great protagonist in a lot of ways, but honestly her best friend Lupa sometimes stole the spotlight. Their situation is truly horrific, like full-on slave-level oppression, and while some of the darker details were only hinted at, you could still feel the weight of their pain. Avaris is combative, smart, and knows when to pick her battles, but she’s also able to submit when she needs to, which made her a layered and believable character.
That said, one thing that got on my nerves a lot was how often her body was described. It was made very clear that she is curvy but has a tiny waist, yet she’s being starved, beaten, and tortured for years. Every time I read about how she somehow kept her curves while everyone around her looked emaciated, I had to roll my eyes. And then when she starts working out for the trials, she finally loses her curves? Come on. That just did not feel realistic at all.
The writing got a little repetitive sometimes too, with phrases like “how the humans said it” or “a human saying” popping up over and over. It didn’t ruin the story, but it was noticeable enough to pull me out a bit. On the other hand, I really liked the multiple points of view, especially how the flashbacks were timestamped. It added depth, and seeing everyone searching for Avaris helped paint a bigger picture of the world and her impact.
I did wish the trials themselves were in this book, but this one is really more of a build-up. I’m hoping the next book digs deeper into the world building and gives more description, and I’m definitely curious to see how the potential love triangle plays out. Overall, it was an engaging read that kept me turning pages, even with a few things that could have been better.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Shadow Daddy
✅ 🩶 Morally Grey MMC 🩶
✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Sassy FMC
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Secret Identity
✅ Multiple POV (4 POVs in first person)
✅ Slave FMC (not to MMC)
✅ Insta-Lust (no acting on it)
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ No OW/OM drama (no cheating but FMC does think about past lover)
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Found Family
✅ He falls first
✅ Demons vs Angels
✅ Trials (not in this book but next book)
✅ MINE
✅ Dystopian Fantasy
✅ Cliff
‼️‼️‼️Trigger Warning‼️‼️‼️
I don’t have any specific triggers and was okay reading it without any warnings, but always take care of your mental health before diving in, since this book definitely has triggers.
October 3, 2025
A Dark, Devastatingly Beautiful Tale of Forbidden Love and Survival
Wings and Scythes by J.L. Cres is the kind of book that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go—not even after the final page. Set in a haunting, post-apocalyptic world where angels and demons walk among the ruins of humanity, this is a story that blends paranormal romance, dark fantasy, and dystopian grit into something completely captivating and unforgettable.
From the first chapter, you’re thrown into a brutal and broken world—one where deadly games decide fates, where love is not just rare but forbidden, and where survival often means sacrificing pieces of your soul. In this twisted new reality, Cres weaves together the celestial and the infernal in a way that feels both epic and achingly personal. The stakes are high, and every choice feels heavy with consequence.
The romance at the heart of this story is raw, slow-burning, and absolutely devastating—in the best way. The emotional tension between the two leads simmers with longing, fear, anger, and impossible hope. They’re enemies in a world that wants them to remain divided, but what grows between them is fragile and fierce, built on shared pain and unspoken truths. Their chemistry is electric, but it’s the emotional intimacy—those rare moments where walls come down—that truly steals your breath.
J.L. Cres doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of love, trauma, and power. This story is for mature readers (18+), as it contains adult content, intense emotional stakes, and themes of control, sacrifice, and moral grayness. There are moments that are violent, others that are deeply sensual, and many that are heartbreakingly honest. The author handles these heavier elements with care, making you feel the weight of every scar, every secret, every act of defiance.
What also stands out is the worldbuilding—rich in lore, yet grounded in raw emotion. The concept of angels and demons bound by politics, power, and ancient curses is executed brilliantly, with layers that slowly unfold as the story progresses. The deadly games, the corrupt systems, the broken faith—it all serves to heighten the isolation and urgency of the forbidden romance. Every scene, every heartbeat, feels like it’s teetering on the edge of disaster, and that tension makes this book impossible to put down.
If you’re looking for a dark dystopian paranormal romance with bite, heart, and wings, Wings and Scythes is it. J.L. Cres delivers a brutal yet beautiful journey of forbidden love in a world where hope is a weapon and trust is dangerous. It's sensual, emotional, and emotionally wrecking in the best way.
Five stars. Highly recommended for readers who crave intensity, depth, and a love story that dares to defy fate.
Wings and Scythes by J.L. Cres is the kind of book that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go—not even after the final page. Set in a haunting, post-apocalyptic world where angels and demons walk among the ruins of humanity, this is a story that blends paranormal romance, dark fantasy, and dystopian grit into something completely captivating and unforgettable.
From the first chapter, you’re thrown into a brutal and broken world—one where deadly games decide fates, where love is not just rare but forbidden, and where survival often means sacrificing pieces of your soul. In this twisted new reality, Cres weaves together the celestial and the infernal in a way that feels both epic and achingly personal. The stakes are high, and every choice feels heavy with consequence.
The romance at the heart of this story is raw, slow-burning, and absolutely devastating—in the best way. The emotional tension between the two leads simmers with longing, fear, anger, and impossible hope. They’re enemies in a world that wants them to remain divided, but what grows between them is fragile and fierce, built on shared pain and unspoken truths. Their chemistry is electric, but it’s the emotional intimacy—those rare moments where walls come down—that truly steals your breath.
J.L. Cres doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of love, trauma, and power. This story is for mature readers (18+), as it contains adult content, intense emotional stakes, and themes of control, sacrifice, and moral grayness. There are moments that are violent, others that are deeply sensual, and many that are heartbreakingly honest. The author handles these heavier elements with care, making you feel the weight of every scar, every secret, every act of defiance.
What also stands out is the worldbuilding—rich in lore, yet grounded in raw emotion. The concept of angels and demons bound by politics, power, and ancient curses is executed brilliantly, with layers that slowly unfold as the story progresses. The deadly games, the corrupt systems, the broken faith—it all serves to heighten the isolation and urgency of the forbidden romance. Every scene, every heartbeat, feels like it’s teetering on the edge of disaster, and that tension makes this book impossible to put down.
If you’re looking for a dark dystopian paranormal romance with bite, heart, and wings, Wings and Scythes is it. J.L. Cres delivers a brutal yet beautiful journey of forbidden love in a world where hope is a weapon and trust is dangerous. It's sensual, emotional, and emotionally wrecking in the best way.
Five stars. Highly recommended for readers who crave intensity, depth, and a love story that dares to defy fate.
December 5, 2025
In a lot of fantasy books lately, I struggled a bit in understand the timeline, world we are in and who belongs to which side. If that resonates with you, we can thank the author to make sure we are not getting lost.
We get:
• a map
• a timeline
• a main character page
• a page explaining the hierarchy of our main characters
On top of that the chapters also reflect the year we are currently in, allowing an easy understanding of past vs. present. We have multiple POVs, and each chapter clearly states which ones is represented.
On top of the overall timeline chart, the characters also explain their parts and events happening to us. Can I get a high five for this? If an author put that much of an effort in allowing us to understand the characters and where we are and who they are, it makes the reading experience (especially in the beginning) so much easier. Can we please try to make this normal?
On top of that we get a complex tory, that had me connected to our main characters from the beginning, especially Avaris. Her living conditions are rough and along the way we learn how she ended up in her current situation. The way she interacts with others and tries to stay true to herself had me like her a lot. She did not choose who she is, and she experienced a lot of rejection because of this.
In the world we are living in, we have opposing sides and humans caught in the middle. This represents a lot of how society works nowadays. If you belong to a ruling class, we often see how poorly they treat the *lesser* class.
I was hooked from the beginning and was rooting for Avaris to clear her name and have people at her side, that respect and treat her they way she deserves, after everything she's been through. I have a favourite male I hope she'll end up with. Looking forward to reading the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We get:
• a map
• a timeline
• a main character page
• a page explaining the hierarchy of our main characters
On top of that the chapters also reflect the year we are currently in, allowing an easy understanding of past vs. present. We have multiple POVs, and each chapter clearly states which ones is represented.
On top of the overall timeline chart, the characters also explain their parts and events happening to us. Can I get a high five for this? If an author put that much of an effort in allowing us to understand the characters and where we are and who they are, it makes the reading experience (especially in the beginning) so much easier. Can we please try to make this normal?
On top of that we get a complex tory, that had me connected to our main characters from the beginning, especially Avaris. Her living conditions are rough and along the way we learn how she ended up in her current situation. The way she interacts with others and tries to stay true to herself had me like her a lot. She did not choose who she is, and she experienced a lot of rejection because of this.
In the world we are living in, we have opposing sides and humans caught in the middle. This represents a lot of how society works nowadays. If you belong to a ruling class, we often see how poorly they treat the *lesser* class.
I was hooked from the beginning and was rooting for Avaris to clear her name and have people at her side, that respect and treat her they way she deserves, after everything she's been through. I have a favourite male I hope she'll end up with. Looking forward to reading the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2025
Avaris (which side note, I think is a really beautiful name) is a enslaved human in a dystopian future where Earth, now known as Deshret, was invaded by Angels and Demons. This is her story as she unveils the now new horrors of humanities situation, some persona secrets, and copes with the trauma imposed upon her. Eventually, she decides The Sand Games will be her escape. One way or another.
The set up took some time to fully wrap my head around. It's simple enough but includes some nuances that needed the story to pull together. The story reminds me so much of Ugly Angel by Brien Feathers with the devilish Khyan reminding me of Hades from A Game of Fate by Scarlett St Clair. While a little rugged, it all come together and Avaris became a character I cared for. She's spunky, relatable. Hurt and ready to hurt back.
While Khyan was more of love at first sight and not true enemies to lovers, given the tension the species, Avaris' distrust is founded. I did love that the author used the term soulbound over fated mates to describe them. It feels more intimate and meaningful. Spicy level, no doubt, a 3.
I enjoyed reading. It had enough that was familiar to not feel completely foreign with plenty that I feel was unique to this story. It was left in cliffhanger- this is the build, the main of Sand Games to come.
The set up took some time to fully wrap my head around. It's simple enough but includes some nuances that needed the story to pull together. The story reminds me so much of Ugly Angel by Brien Feathers with the devilish Khyan reminding me of Hades from A Game of Fate by Scarlett St Clair. While a little rugged, it all come together and Avaris became a character I cared for. She's spunky, relatable. Hurt and ready to hurt back.
While Khyan was more of love at first sight and not true enemies to lovers, given the tension the species, Avaris' distrust is founded. I did love that the author used the term soulbound over fated mates to describe them. It feels more intimate and meaningful. Spicy level, no doubt, a 3.
I enjoyed reading. It had enough that was familiar to not feel completely foreign with plenty that I feel was unique to this story. It was left in cliffhanger- this is the build, the main of Sand Games to come.
December 13, 2025
This chapter was the moment the book fully locked me in.
The pit isn’t just a setting, it feels alive. The image of the narrator clinging to a rope over a deep, uncharted cavern, peeling spongy moss from the walls just to squeeze a few drops of earthy water into their mouth, is haunting and intimate in the best way. You can feel the thirst, the desperation, the slow mental unraveling that comes from days in total darkness.
What really stayed with me, though, was the fight in the dark. After days of starvation and injury, when something unseen attacks and sinks its teeth into the narrator’s ankle, the instinct to grope through the blackness for a human bone and sharpen it into a weapon is both brutal and believable. There’s no heroics here, just raw survival. The fact that the creature is never clearly identified makes it even more terrifying; in the pitch-black pit, imagination does the worst work for you.
By the time the wounds begin to scab and the limp becomes part of daily movement, the pit has already left its mark. This chapter doesn’t rely on spectacle, it relies on atmosphere, physical suffering, and the quiet horror of being forgotten in a place no one wants to enter. Unsettling, immersive, and hard to shake.
The pit isn’t just a setting, it feels alive. The image of the narrator clinging to a rope over a deep, uncharted cavern, peeling spongy moss from the walls just to squeeze a few drops of earthy water into their mouth, is haunting and intimate in the best way. You can feel the thirst, the desperation, the slow mental unraveling that comes from days in total darkness.
What really stayed with me, though, was the fight in the dark. After days of starvation and injury, when something unseen attacks and sinks its teeth into the narrator’s ankle, the instinct to grope through the blackness for a human bone and sharpen it into a weapon is both brutal and believable. There’s no heroics here, just raw survival. The fact that the creature is never clearly identified makes it even more terrifying; in the pitch-black pit, imagination does the worst work for you.
By the time the wounds begin to scab and the limp becomes part of daily movement, the pit has already left its mark. This chapter doesn’t rely on spectacle, it relies on atmosphere, physical suffering, and the quiet horror of being forgotten in a place no one wants to enter. Unsettling, immersive, and hard to shake.
January 5, 2026
I really enjoyed the book, the idea is entertaining, the writing is good, and you do connect to the characters.
Unfortunately I'm unable to offer this higher than 3 stars. If you do NOT like things being repeated to you, this is not the book for you. The phrase "you know that old human expression?" and variations were used so often throughout the book, there was even one instance where it was on the last page of a chapter, and then on the first page of the next chapter. It's a lot. References to the FMC's health were repeated multiple times, her and her brothers childhood issues were ALSO repeated multiple times. There's even a few conversations where they say the same thing over and over in the same paragraph but just worded differently.
There also isn't much of a plot to this book, it's all setting the ground for the second book, which is fine and for me that's good, but if you don't like slower books, you also won't enjoy this. You don't get to the main premise until the second book.
Overall, this is a very niche book in the romance genre, but if you like it slow paced and an easy read, this is the one for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Unfortunately I'm unable to offer this higher than 3 stars. If you do NOT like things being repeated to you, this is not the book for you. The phrase "you know that old human expression?" and variations were used so often throughout the book, there was even one instance where it was on the last page of a chapter, and then on the first page of the next chapter. It's a lot. References to the FMC's health were repeated multiple times, her and her brothers childhood issues were ALSO repeated multiple times. There's even a few conversations where they say the same thing over and over in the same paragraph but just worded differently.
There also isn't much of a plot to this book, it's all setting the ground for the second book, which is fine and for me that's good, but if you don't like slower books, you also won't enjoy this. You don't get to the main premise until the second book.
Overall, this is a very niche book in the romance genre, but if you like it slow paced and an easy read, this is the one for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 5, 2025
I was offered an opportunity to read as an ARC thanks to Author J. L. Cres and Booksirens
First day I am up to 13%. I am really liking it so far. It’s easy to follow and understand. If you have anything that confuses you or you need to be reminded of there is a quite extensive summary of timelines and maps and glossary of terms in the front of the book for reference
I am loving the world building.
The FMC is tough without being reckless and I feel like I am getting to know the characters, there are a few typos but so far nothing to bad. There are quite a few characters and that can get a little confusing for me especially in fantasy books but I’m really enjoying the story.
I am loving the MMC and the love story is developing nicely.
The characters are interesting and I am able to follow the intricacies of this world.
Finding it harder to put down each time. Can’t wait to find out what happens
Okay!
Wow. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book
I really enjoyed this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First day I am up to 13%. I am really liking it so far. It’s easy to follow and understand. If you have anything that confuses you or you need to be reminded of there is a quite extensive summary of timelines and maps and glossary of terms in the front of the book for reference
I am loving the world building.
The FMC is tough without being reckless and I feel like I am getting to know the characters, there are a few typos but so far nothing to bad. There are quite a few characters and that can get a little confusing for me especially in fantasy books but I’m really enjoying the story.
I am loving the MMC and the love story is developing nicely.
The characters are interesting and I am able to follow the intricacies of this world.
Finding it harder to put down each time. Can’t wait to find out what happens
Okay!
Wow. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book
I really enjoyed this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2025
This was an amazing read! I cannot wait to dive into the next book in the series. I really enjoyed the way the backstory to these characters slowly unfolded through flashbacks throughout the main story line. The story flowed very well and kept me engaged right to the very end. It was easy to follow with the time jumps and locations clearly annotated at the beginning of each chapter.
This story is told from 4 different POVs which alternated throughout the book. There are also a lot of names and locations to keep track of, however the author left some helpful maps and pronunciation guides with definitions at the beginning of the book which helped tremendously. I really liked getting to read from the perspective of the 4 different characters.
This is a post-apocalyptic story with interesting characters, betrayals, trama, heart-break and glimmers of hope. There are friendships in a hopeless place and multiple love interests. This story ends on a cliff-hanger, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This story is told from 4 different POVs which alternated throughout the book. There are also a lot of names and locations to keep track of, however the author left some helpful maps and pronunciation guides with definitions at the beginning of the book which helped tremendously. I really liked getting to read from the perspective of the 4 different characters.
This is a post-apocalyptic story with interesting characters, betrayals, trama, heart-break and glimmers of hope. There are friendships in a hopeless place and multiple love interests. This story ends on a cliff-hanger, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 26, 2025
Story 5 ⭐️
Spice 3.5 🌶️
Wings & Scythes is the introduction and backstory to several characters leading up to the bi-annual Sand Games and Avaris’s goal to enter the games to win her freedom from the Demoni.
Avaris is a half Genisirian trained warrior turned slave to the Demoni under the pretence of being human.
As the games get closer, not all is as it appears.
This book does end on a cliffhanger right before the games are set to start and before you can learn of how Khyan, Abrax, and Djau react to learning Avaris is going to be in the games.
There is a great balance between world building, back story, action, and spice with the promise of a lot more action in part 2 of the duet. I will definitely be reading part 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spice 3.5 🌶️
Wings & Scythes is the introduction and backstory to several characters leading up to the bi-annual Sand Games and Avaris’s goal to enter the games to win her freedom from the Demoni.
Avaris is a half Genisirian trained warrior turned slave to the Demoni under the pretence of being human.
As the games get closer, not all is as it appears.
This book does end on a cliffhanger right before the games are set to start and before you can learn of how Khyan, Abrax, and Djau react to learning Avaris is going to be in the games.
There is a great balance between world building, back story, action, and spice with the promise of a lot more action in part 2 of the duet. I will definitely be reading part 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2025
If you are looking for an action packed, minimal twists, and easy to deduce book this is NOT it! This book is EPIC! It has so many layers built in that it takes time to get into it. Nothing is clear, nothing is solved at this point. What really happened with Zya? Why wasn't Abrax there? Who is Avaris really? What secret is DJ hiding? I have so many questions!
The world building is extensive! There is so much that happens in this book between the multi-POV and the flashbacks and yet it almost feels like so little happens. This book is all set up for what comes next and I can't wait! J. L. Cres took pity on us and says the next one is written so I can only hope that I get to read it soon!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The world building is extensive! There is so much that happens in this book between the multi-POV and the flashbacks and yet it almost feels like so little happens. This book is all set up for what comes next and I can't wait! J. L. Cres took pity on us and says the next one is written so I can only hope that I get to read it soon!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2025
*ARC Review*
I was completely infatuated with this book, to the point that I had to put it down halfway through, and after not touching it for a few days. I backed up an started all the way from the beginning again.
I liked the world building facts and names at the front of the book, but if you can’t be bothered to read them, the story does a pretty good job of providing the necessary details without being overwhelming.
Thank god this is a Duology though, I don’t think I could go much longer without closure. Especially after that cliff hanger. It can go in so many directions and at this point there’s about 3 that I’m banking on.
Also…
“You taste like heaven, little soul catcher, and I’m holding on to you”
I love it.
I was completely infatuated with this book, to the point that I had to put it down halfway through, and after not touching it for a few days. I backed up an started all the way from the beginning again.
I liked the world building facts and names at the front of the book, but if you can’t be bothered to read them, the story does a pretty good job of providing the necessary details without being overwhelming.
Thank god this is a Duology though, I don’t think I could go much longer without closure. Especially after that cliff hanger. It can go in so many directions and at this point there’s about 3 that I’m banking on.
Also…
“You taste like heaven, little soul catcher, and I’m holding on to you”
I love it.
December 14, 2025
This book was fan-freaking-tastic!!!! Seriously, it was soooooo good! First time J.L. Cres reader and I am 100% hooked! I absolutely love her writing style! It just flows and is so easy to read and follow!
This was a post apocalyptic romance like I have never read before. Genesirians (descendants from angels) and Demoni (descendants of demons) rule what used to be earth (now called Deshret). Humans are slaves/servants to one of the races.
Avaris is our FMC and the story revolves around her. There is so much depth to this book. Layers of grief, betrayal, anger, suffering, etc…. I cannot express how much I liked this book! I am so glad that book two is already out, otherwise that cliff would’ve killed me!! 😁
This was a post apocalyptic romance like I have never read before. Genesirians (descendants from angels) and Demoni (descendants of demons) rule what used to be earth (now called Deshret). Humans are slaves/servants to one of the races.
Avaris is our FMC and the story revolves around her. There is so much depth to this book. Layers of grief, betrayal, anger, suffering, etc…. I cannot express how much I liked this book! I am so glad that book two is already out, otherwise that cliff would’ve killed me!! 😁
October 11, 2025
This story had me hooked from the first few pages! With a brutal, post-apocalyptic world, high-stakes deadly games, and non-stop twists, it’s the kind of book you don’t want to put down. Avaris is a strong and compelling lead, and the tension between survival, rebellion, and love made every chapter hit harder.
The world-building is unique and layered—Deshret and Keket felt so real, and the contrast between them added depth to the story. It’s gritty, fast-paced, and full of surprises. If you love dystopian fantasy with deadly competition and morally gray characters, this one’s worth diving into. Can’t wait to see where this series goes next!
The world-building is unique and layered—Deshret and Keket felt so real, and the contrast between them added depth to the story. It’s gritty, fast-paced, and full of surprises. If you love dystopian fantasy with deadly competition and morally gray characters, this one’s worth diving into. Can’t wait to see where this series goes next!
January 4, 2026
J L Cres has the best imagination: this story is beautifully written, the characters capture my heart, and the settings are brought to life in technicolor! Avaris lives in a bleak brutal world, but her spirit is still bright. I love her tenacity, her strength and courage, and her insatiable curiosity! This is a PNR filled with an incredible cast of beings, slow burn, treachery, and mystery! I have so many questions, hopes for Avaris, and dreams of a better world! I can’t wait for her to find her men, watch her learn how to trust, and become the person she’s supposed to be!! Definitely a must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2025
This is a unique world that I was not expecting. I find the higher Arcy is well designed and easy to follow. The main characters are strong and vibrant. You got to see Angles, and Demons in a different way. It was a very unique way of see them. I was very happily surprised with this and need the second book now. The plot twist in this was so unexpected. I'm sure I will think about this book every day.
November 18, 2025
This had me hooked from page 1. I love the world and characters the author has built. It does have a cliffhanger, lol. Oh, those authors! The spice level is low, and things are definitely a slow burn. More adventure than romance but a nice mix. I am rooting for Avaris and Ky, and can't wait to continue the journey in book 2. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 6, 2026
I loved this post apocalyptic romance story and I did not want to put it down. This story is unique and complex, with twists and turns that made my head spin, in a good way. I love this story and the world the author created! I am excited to see where it all goes. I will be waiting at the cliff for what comes next. I Loved It!!! I Recommend!! No Spoilers!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2025
She wants to enter the games to get the chance to escape. Her life is not easy and she feels close to the humans. She is shocked when she finds herself falling for him despite him being the enemy. Now what will she do so see what fate has in store for them both
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant read
October 4, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down. Holy consuming. The story line had me wanting and wanting. I love the fire in the FMC and how she perseveres through the turmoil and traumas. It’s captivating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2025
I like this spunky heroine. The story jumps the past to present and is read from different perspectives. There are lots of elements in this fantasy world that I enjoyed. Cliffhanger alert. 4.5 stars
November 21, 2025
This was so promising, but it didn't deliver.
The blurb promised some kind of trial, the sand games, but other than the mention that she wanted to get there, they are not in the book.
I DNF'd at 50%. Until then, it's written from four POVs, where two of them weren't necessary at all.
But my biggest issue is the writing. Infodump over infodump. There is a lot of repetition of the same information, and sometimes obvious things are stated. There is infodump in the dialogue and in the inner thoughts. If you cut the infodump, the book would lose about 80% but would become interesting.
And one thing: They have to save water, so they are only allowed 15 (!) min of showering per day. Clearly written by an US American. Make it 2 min for the slaves every other day and 5 min tops for the angels. Then it would be believable.
I guess this could be a great story, and I wanted to know what happens to the characters, but I just couldn't stand the writing anymore.
The blurb promised some kind of trial, the sand games, but other than the mention that she wanted to get there, they are not in the book.
I DNF'd at 50%. Until then, it's written from four POVs, where two of them weren't necessary at all.
But my biggest issue is the writing. Infodump over infodump. There is a lot of repetition of the same information, and sometimes obvious things are stated. There is infodump in the dialogue and in the inner thoughts. If you cut the infodump, the book would lose about 80% but would become interesting.
And one thing: They have to save water, so they are only allowed 15 (!) min of showering per day. Clearly written by an US American. Make it 2 min for the slaves every other day and 5 min tops for the angels. Then it would be believable.
I guess this could be a great story, and I wanted to know what happens to the characters, but I just couldn't stand the writing anymore.
November 16, 2025
This was such a good read! I was engaged from beginning to end. I loved the thorough explanations of the world and the hierarchies, ever once did I have to stop to try and remember what was being referenced. There was time jumping and memories brought forward which was easy to follow. There was such a great attention to detail. Character development, relationships, and the world building were wonderful.
I felt very comfortable in the authors hands, which I actually didn’t realize was something I treasured until reading this book! Thank you for that J. L.! I CANNOT wait to continue on in this series, I am fully invested and need to know how this all plays out!
I was lucky to receive an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt very comfortable in the authors hands, which I actually didn’t realize was something I treasured until reading this book! Thank you for that J. L.! I CANNOT wait to continue on in this series, I am fully invested and need to know how this all plays out!
I was lucky to receive an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews