Feathers and Scales

by Jessica Krueger

Feathers are her salvation.

Scales are his burden.

Together, they must balance each other or spiral into the monsters they fear becoming.

Fallen angel Izzy traded her wings for lab coats, using science to discover a path back to heaven. But when an Archfiend attacks, intent on stealing her spirit energy, Izzy is left bleeding out—until a mysterious stranger intervenes.

Daxton is a dragon shifter on the edge. If he can’t tame the beast within, he’ll become a danger to everyone around him. But something about Izzy calms the fire. Her presence soothes the dragon, and her intellect stirs something deeper. Their bond is instant, inexplicable...and possibly fatal.

Her emotional distance may not be a match for his fiery passion and unwavering support. He’s determined to win her hardened heart, but can he tame his beast to do so? When the Archfiend returns with vengeance in mind, Izzy must guard her heart, or unleash it.


Spice, violence, blood, mental illness, eating disorders, and body hatred.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

Jessica Krueger has lived all across the United States, traveling with her military husband and her fur-covered editor—a bark-at-nothing specialist—but she still calls Illinois home. A chemist by training, she’s always been fascinated by what makes things tick—whether molecules or hearts. When she couldn’t find the stories she craved—romantic, mythic, a little weird—she started writing them herself.

When she’s not writing or reading, Jessica can be found solving puzzles, playing board games and video games, or soaking up the sun on long walks with her dog. She believes in the magic of storytelling, the comfort of a good trope, and the thrill of a well-placed plot twist.

Reviews

[Amanda Luevano · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Rating: 3.65/5 ⭐️

**NON SPOILER REVIEW**

The beginning was rough for me. The first few chapters didn’t really grab me and some of the writing felt a little young. Not terrible, just not super polished. I did keep going though because the ideas themselves felt like they could turn into something interesting.

Once I got further in, it started to pick up. Still felt a bit high school feeling at times, but I was getting more intrigued. The story definitely has a cool concept, and even when I wasn’t fully obsessed, I was not bored either.

Daxton, the MMC, is definitely attractive in my brain, so that helped a lot. Book boyfriend material 👀 I did not dislike any of the main characters either, actually I quite liked a few of the side characters. Silas and Seraphina have a story I’d be interested in learning more about. Also, loved Simon. Who doesn’t love the geeky best friend sidekicks?

By the end, I felt like it was an enjoyable read. Not a new favorite, but I do not regret reading it. I would love to read the second book because I’d like to see where things go next.

**SPOILERS BELOW**

Now, for some criticism as to why it didn’t quite hit the four ⭐️ mark for me.

I got a little irritated with how much Izzy refuses to feel anything emotionally, and how often we circle around it without really delving into deeper reasons. I just wanted more of a deeper explanation rather than the short and fast one we get.

What bugged me the most was with Daxton being “lost”. The book built up that dragons being lost was a big deal, a serious thing, then it just gets resolved within two short chapters. This made it feel rushed and kind of weak compared to how important it was supposed to be.




OVERALL, even with the bumps, the concept is still there. I definitely think it’s worth reading, just wish it had been a little more polished

[Jenny Hoards Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this story absolutely grabbed me and refused to let go. From the very start you're pulled in to this world where the lore is both familiar and new. You have fallen angels, dragon shifters, and demons all in a modern world that is oblivious to them. There is A LOT of world building and backstory but I love the way it was handled. You are learning about the history of these races as they are learning about each other, and I really appreciated the amount of thought and effort was put in to the descriptions. There is fantasy mixed with theology and the concept was absolutely addicting.

Izzy had me very curious as well. Our FMC is very Sherlock Holmes inspired, brilliant and deductive but has the social skills of reclusive book nerd. Paired with Daxton, our possessive fiery shifter, who is waging an internal war with a dominant dragon. These two have immediate chemistry and I loved every minute of it. They balance each other in such an incredible way and their banter has me kicking me feet. Add in dear sweet loveable Simon and these characters really did just win me over.

I really enjoyed this book and I am glad to see that there is another coming! While this one didn't end on a cliffhanger ( thank you) there is much more plot to plot and a mystery to solve. I can't wait to continue and see more of all of these amazing characters!

[Gabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you for the opportunity to read this book as part of the ARC team!

This ARC completely won me over with its confident writing and characters that feel thoughtfully built rather than sketched. What really stood out to me is how human the character interactions feel—conversations unfold like real people talking, emotional honesty that make the relationships feel lived-in.

The heart of the book is the push-and-pull between its central pair, a cautious, task-driven fallen angel and a dragon shifter who is equal parts protective, loving, curious and witty. Their accidental bond creates a delicious tension without ever losing its sweetness. The shifter’s promise to help the angel find answers sets them on a shared journey where trust grows slowly and naturally. Watching them learn each other, challenge each other, and ultimately fall in love is deeply satisfying. This is a story that understands that romance shines brightest when character comes first—and it absolutely delivers.

[Jaz Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I’m such a sucker for shifter books and this one really tops it off. Not only do you have dragon shifters but fallen angels and archfeinds which are when fallen angels turn evil. I’m not usually an angel trope kinda girl but this one has some unique aspects that really keep your attention. The plot and storyline are seriously amazing and so interesting that you never get bored and you are always dying to keep reading and know more! Add onto the dragon shifter hottie who is a patient man that makes the slow burn so worth it and add some emotions and craziness and a seriously happy ending and you’ll absolutely love this book! Lots of action and fighting and old unsuspecting enemies and newfound friends and hey there’s even demon hunting involved! This book really has it all and I can’t wait for the rest of the series !

[Marjorie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feathers and Scales is a strong and compelling first installment in Jessica Krueger’s fallen-angel series. Krueger crafts a world where exiled angels have spent centuries trying—and failing—to claw their way back to Heaven, their mortality both a curse and a constant reminder of what they’ve lost. The story wastes no time drawing the reader in: early on, Izzy narrowly escapes death at the hands of an Archfiend, surviving only by forging an unexpected bond with a human who is far more powerful than he first appears. This moment sets the tone for a fast-paced, emotionally charged narrative filled with tension, mystery, and a growing sense that nothing in this universe is as simple as it seems. A gripping start that promises even more intrigue in the volumes to come.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Fallen angels and dragon shifters? Sign me up immediately.

This book checked so many boxes for me, starting with the fallen angel trope—which I’ve loved since I was younger and am more than ready to see make a comeback. Pleasssseeeee

As the first book in a series, there’s a lot of world building, but it never felt overwhelming. Which to be honest can sometimes really make it hard for me to enjoy the book.

I LOVE ME A SLOW BURN ROMANCE OKAY?! But with that being said I know some people don't so I always like to mention it.

By the time I reached the end, I was ready for the next book. Please. Drop it in my hand. Thank you.

This was a strong start to what promises to be a compelling series, and I’m very excited to continue both this story and explore more books from this author.

Thank you to booksirens and the author for this eARC! 🪽✨

[JaimiRidgeway · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader/Spoiler free- I loved this book. Once I started reading, I did not want to stop. The tension and yearning between the FMC/MMC is all I wanted in a book, their story is perfectly paced. Not rushed but also not overly delayed, the plot was laid out very nicely and enjoyable. The main “side” character, it’s a real treat as well, I love his addition to the story. As for spice, it isn’t closed door but also not very explicit, I think it would be great for someone just getting into spicy reads. If you’re looking for something darker and 5/5 peppers spicy, this is not the book for you-though you should still give it a shot as it is a very very good read. 4/5 read for me, I read it as an ARC reading on KU but I will be buying a physical copy as well!

[Auttie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to start this off by saying this, this book is very clearly the first book in a series. Lots and lots of world and story building. The characters are well written and I really liked the “opposites attract” vibe to it. I love when a MMC is a bit of a chaser. I also really enjoyed the supporting characters. I think that the other books in the series will be better because this one had so much build up. That being said, not a bad read. I wanted to give 3.5 stars.

Extremely slow burn, if that’s not your vibe don’t pick it up. I also found that the characters relied pretty heavily on their “link” the romance didn’t feel genuine until closer to the end, another reason I think the next books will be better. Overall I’m excited to read the second one!

[Desiree Glauner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. I need part two. I was not expecting to love this as much as I did!
The plot? Fallen angels, dragons, demons, and a secondary evil? Yes please.
The romance, the confusion, the undeniable bond between Daxton and Izzy? Uhhhh yes.
Izzy is a fallen angel who has lived centuries trying to collect feathers to go home to heaven. She didn’t care much about the human world. Just needed her feathers..
Then here came Daxton out of no where. Her knight who saved her life.
Where do they go from there? What does a dragon have to offer a fallen angel who doesn’t necessarily care about the tribulations of the “humans”?
Read the book to find out

[Makenna Moffat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The put of this book had me intrigued. I'm not a huge fan of the angel trope, but pairing it with a dragon shifter romance definitely made it more enjoyable. I liked how Izzy and Daxtons personalities played off of eachother. I personally thought the first chapter was confusing, it was hard to tell what was even happening and I found myself having to reread it a solid 3 times before understanding what was going on. In the end I wasn't devouring the book like i had hoped, but it was still a nice read. The plot just wasn't sucking me in like i wanted it to and i found that it was talking me longer than usual to get through a book this size.

[2DMAE · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️s
I was lucky enough to received this as an ARC. If you are into fantasy with human aspects, shifting, high risk, & a roller coaster of emotions, then Feathers and Scales is for you. The emotional turmoil the FMC & MMC go through separately AND together come together perfectly. The yearninggggg was *chefs kiss*. The way it read was as if there was a narrator, which I wasn't expecting. By the end, I don't think it would have been as good in first person. I had to really pay attention at the beginning to not be totally confused going forward. I am super excited for the next book. Daxton has become one of my newest book boyfriends.

[Raefield Schulz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the characters and the whole premise of the book! the first couple chapters I felt a little confused trying to wrap my head around what was going on initially. And the story did at times felt like it wasn't flowing smoothly. But I overall did enjoy the read. It was definitely something new having Fallen angels and dragon shifters in one book! The chemistry between the MMC and MFC was good and their development is throughly enjoyed. I will be reading book two!

[Kathryn Paluszak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the plot. This was a whole new world I’d never seen before with dragons and fallen, the concept was amazing! I loved the relationship between Dacron and Izzy, how they help each other grow and become what they need to be. Simon was funny and so smart, he really was the best coherent. I will say I wish there was more detail. The book jumped around and didn’t flow super well. It could totally be fleshed out more. Overall I really enjoyed reading it and can’t wait for book two!

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy and Daxton story had danger, adrenaline, suspense, betrayal, insecurities, and a happiness that was hard earned.
A clever enemy that proved to be someone hold dear, challenges that chipped at her heart, a couple of mysteries that needed to be solved, and some discoveries that tipped the balance.
Their relationship is slow developing but the end result is ever lasting and brings them completion.
Amid their happiness a new mystery forms that will need to be solved.

[Erica L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow burn that I didn’t know I needed with a story that had me genuinely interested.

Izzy, the hard shelled but internally soft FMC had only one purpose to fulfill - get her feathers and get to heaven. Little did she know just how drastically different her life would turn out after a chance encounter in a cave. Daxton was what most girls dream of. Kind, hardworking and helpful to all those around him all while having a raging dragon inside that he was afraid to uncage. Together these two find out that what they’ve needed all along was each other for a purpose far greater than themselves.

Definitely looking forward to the next book!

[audiobookaddictnohely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy is determined to reclaim her feathers and a ticket to heaven... even if the quest seems impossible.
Fate detours her into Daxton’s path and the dragon he fears to unleash, sparking secrets neither can ignore. Suddenly wings aren’t the only thing worth chasing. Feathers and Scales delivers exiled angels, deadly Archfiends, and a bond that flips everything upside down.

[The Book Haven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read—I’d definitely recommend it. The pace is smooth, the plot is gripping, and the romance is honestly my favorite part. It all comes together in a way that feels real and keeps you hooked from start to finish.

✨️ I received an ARC copy, and I'm giving my honest opinion in this review. ✨️

[Erin Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love Izzy. She try’s so hard to stay detached. I can’t imagine how hard things were for her before she meets Daxton. All he wants is for her to just feel and keep her safe. The way they grow together was perfect. Light spice. I loved this book and can’t wait for book 2.

[Njuwe Precious · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great blend of dark magic and science! I loved how Jessica included real medical terms and science concepts into the book. If you're into dark magical books, it's a must read! Looking forward to seeing more of Izzy and Thea duo.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story! It’s was kind of hard to understand the concept of what she was. But once you understood it, it was great! I loved the tension between the main characters. I love how the Mmc character struggled to contain how possessive he was of the fmc. Can’t wait for book 2!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was intense! I was enthralled by the characters. the magic system was unlike anything else I've ever read. If you want dragons and angels with an incredibly intelligent FMC, this is the book for you.

[Monica Minniti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Izzy and Daxton. How do you even start— she is a member of the Fallen and he is a a dragon shifter. The storyline is amazing, I couldn’t stop reading. The interplay between these two is top notch. Even the supporting cast is dynamic. Such a great read. Spice is 🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

great!

I really love the yearning between the FMC and MMC and the slow burn. The story is a great fantasy book there’s some spice and the plot is great I really enjoyed the book and I cannot wait for the next one!