Wings of Wren

The Talonveil #1

by Alexis Player

In a land where magic is hushed, secrets prevail, and famine’s black shadow creeps over a once-rich kingdom, an orphaned servant girl’s fate gets intertwined with a life-altering book… and a mysterious prisoner. To keep the book out of the wrong hands, their journey makes them both face the very things they’ve hidden from for years.

Themselves.

Fire rages, magical creatures terrorize and protect, powerful foes become determined assassins, and both grief and love dictate their every move. Will they be able to fight their own demons as well as the ones who threaten them at every turn?

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2026

Reviews

[B.G. White]

ARC review—all thoughts are my own. Thank you SO MUCH to the author for giving me a copy of this book!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5

• Troupes •
👑 medieval vibes
🖤 grief + loss
🔥 elemental powers
❤️ ACTUAL enemies to lovers/slow burn
⚔️ quest + adventure
✨ magic

Disclaimer: This is going to be a long review, and I had way too much fun writing it, so excuse me while I talk my butt off 😀

🪶m y • t h o u g h t s •🪶
Oh. My. Goodness.
Guys, you do not understand when I say this book is AMAZING. Like, drop whatever you are doing AND READ THIS FREAKING GORGEOUS BOOK RIGHT NOW.

For a little context, Lexi and I follow each other on Substack, and when I saw the cover reveal for her book, I was thinking, "What in the world, I HAVE to read this."

**A rare moment of appreciation for an amazing book with an equally amazing cover**👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Basically, I freaked out when I got the ARC and immediately fell in love with just about e v e r y t h i n g. I don't even know what else to say other than this is one of my favorite ARCs I've ever read. And I promise I'm not exaggerating.

You know what. Yeah, just go ahead and buy the book. It's that good. Go. I command you. *shoos hands like Jack Sparrow*



🍃t h e • c o v e r🍃
No, I haven't talked enough about it. Just let me get this out of my system.

Okay, the vines. The vines, guys. They are so beautiful and whimsical and make me so happy.
And then cute little wren??? AGH. I love when covers tie into the story 🥹🥹🥹 I also love how the wings almost look like flames, and the book the wren is holding is such a big part of the story. UGH. It just makes me so happy.
And the little dagger? Icing on top 🤌🏼
And the font??? SO AESTHETIC >>>
The whole pastel-red color scheme though.... I generally don't love red covers, but I think this one looks fantastic, and again, actually ties into the story.

⚔️ w r i t i n g + p a c i n g ⚔️
I'm pretty sure Lexi's writing is the most relatable, and perfectly descriptive & paced prose I have ever read. I almost swear this is not her debut. (I mean, she has worked on it for fifteen years which IS CRAZY BTW) but like hello??? I was instantly sucked in.
The sentences flow so well and her choice of words were like actual pieces of food to chew on. It was so fun to read aloud and made me so happy.

Like I just mentioned, Wings of Wren moved at the perfect pace. It was fast enough that I could see every character's movement like watching a movie, but it was slow enough to savor the world and little scenes I love so much. 🥹
It was such a unique experience too because I would be reading and things would happen, and I'd have a thought, like "Oh my goodness, what about this?" and I kid you not--every time that happened, my thoughts would be written in the next sentence. I was mentally there the whole time, feeling every emotion and experiencing everything as it happened.
It was so enjoyable. Plus, Lexi's writing is really similar to my own (or at least what I'm going for), just another reason I ATE this book up 🥰


🔥t h e • w o r l d🔥
The setting for Wings of Wren is very medieval. Castles, forests, villages... My ultimate comfort setting. 🥲
Isla (FMC) is a maid in the kingdom's army barracks and I loved reading about her tasks and way of life. The descriptions were so vivid and immersive, especially for the landscape on her journey.
The magic system was also super interesting! It reminded me of the magic system in The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini!
I still feel like there's so much more to explore in Isla and Finn's world, something I am looking forward to in the later books!

🌙 t h e • p l o t🌙
Wings of Wren is literally such a breath of fresh air!! It's so different from other romantasies... it's raw, honest, relatable and accessible for anyone to read and relate to.
It's a quest/adventure story of two people discovering what to do with their lives and not letting grief from their past drag them down.
It's beautiful and wholesome, and I LOVED all the little moments between Finn and Isla!
I could not predict anything and that plot twist at the end-- I'M SO MAD!! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK RIGHT NOW. PLEASE. 🙏🏻

A side note: Sometimes I was slightly confused by some small details, and there was at least one instance I didn't fully understand the character's decisions... The ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the story, but this is only book 1 of a series, so I'm not too effected by it. Just so ready for book 2!! 😆

👑 t h e • c h a r a c t e r s👑
AHHH OH MY GOODNESS. Isla and Finn are my roman empire. I want them to be real so bad, lol.

Isla
This girl.... I have no words. She is so relatable. I loved it. I felt like I was in her shoes the whole story and I could understand her emotions very well. 😂 Sometimes I wanted to shake her for being so prejudiced, but she was a fantastic character and her arc was so cool. Very satisfying.

Finnian
BACK OFF. This is my new husband, guys. He is literally built entirely of husband cloth. He's dark-haired, tall, and seemingly morally gray at the beginning 🤭🖤 But neither is he perfect, and I loved how human he was.
In fact, I really did not like Finn at all at the start of the book. But as I saw more of his character and backstory, it was so neat to see how changed he was by the end.
I just wanted him to hug me, lol.
He's truly such a WHOLESOME guy, like, oh my goodness. I don't even know what else to say other than he's amazing and he's mine.

(I also loved the side-characters and really wanted to see more of them.)

❤️t h e • r o m a n c e❤️
Okay, um. HELLO???
This has got to be one of my favorite romance plot lines ever. LIKE ???
I am rereading this as soon as get my physical copy. ✨
I know I keep saying this, but I'm at a loss of words here... The natural progression of getting to know each other, comforting each other, cleaning wounds, the soft touches... IT'S SLOW BURN PERFECTION.
It's also enemies-to-lovers, and to be perfectly honest, I am not a fan of enemies-to-lovers at all. I think it's way overdone and super unrealistic.
In fact, I actually went into this book not knowing there was romance and definitely not guessing who was going to end up together.
Yet, as I kept reading, the chemistry blew me away between Isla and Finn—and THE KISSING SCENE?? Such a rewarding moment and had me giggling the whole time. I'm DYING for more!!

⚠️c o n t e n t⚠️
🤬 Language: none
🌶 Spice: none. Just light touches, hugs, and a couple passionate kisses. There is one unwanted kiss by another character, and I think two indirect references to two different men wanting to take advantage of Isla and throwing themselves on top of her and making her uncomfortable. They were breif scenes.
❗️Other: themes of grief & PTSD (nightmares, unwanted thoughts etc.) and some violence, injuries, and on-screen deaths

🥹 Again, thank you so much, Lexi!! I love Wings of Wren (def a top read of 2026) and I am so honored to be an ARC reader. You're so inspiring to me and I'm excited to see where your writing journey takes you!!

[Mandy Jones]

SO grateful to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book!!
Where do I even start? First of all, the slow burn was TO DIE FOR. Isla and Finnan’s love for each other is beautiful and I am completely obsessed. I have never shipped two book characters more!
The story had me hooked and completely invested. I LOVED the world Alexis created. The world building was easy to understand, familiar but completely unique at the same time.
The writing was so detailed and so there were so many gut wrenching, stunning, breath taking lines. An overall favorite was: “Perhaps it was time I stopped being the little girl from the Village of Fire and become Fire myself.” Absolute chills.
Absolutely worth the read. Plus, can we talk about the cover artwork?! If I saw this at the store, I literally buy it just because it’s so beautiful.
4/5 stars ⭐️ but 10/10 recommend the read!!!!

[Samantha Dillard]

Wings of Wren by Alexis Player was everything I hoped it would be and more. She wove together a romantasy with relatable characters and a meaningful plot (with twists!!) that pulls the reader in from the beginning. Tropes include elemental magic, enemies to lovers, quests, and hidden identities. And the romance is deep, true, beautiful love, not superficial.

A servant girl who owes the General everything for giving her a safe life is forced to betray him to save him from himself . . . and ends up on the run with his enemy. Isla had just lost everything when General Vaeric found her and gave her refuge. In return, she has served him faithfully for the past year, performing tasks he doesn't trust to other servants. When he asks her to talk to a man in the dungeon, offering freedom in return for service, Isla expects it to be easy. But Finnian isn't interested in the offer, having a very different opinion of Vaeric than Isla does. When the magical book Finnian wants falls into Vaeric's hands and begins changing him, not for the better, Isla has to make some hard decisions about how to save Vaeric from the book and himself. In a twist of fate, Isla and Finnian end up on the run together with the book, much to Isla's dismay. She had no desire to leave her safe life in the Fortress behind in pursuit of magic, which she has endeavored to forget is even a part of her. But she and Finnian both begin to realize they each need the other in order to survive.

The characters are many-layered and bring surprises throughout the book. The plot is engaging and also multi-faceted, so just when you think you know what's coming something surprises you. The first-person POV and writing style is immersive and allows the reader to know the two main characters well--I was emotionally invested in the characters from the start. The world, the magic, and the creatures are fascinating. The themes of loss, loneliness, betrayal, hope, life, and love are relatable and pull at the heart.

The final page of this book was just as enthralling as every other, and I can't wait for the next installment of Isla and Finnian's story!

Reading this book reminded me of all the reasons I love fantasy so much. The world, the characters, the magic, the romance--all of it wove together to craft a beautiful story I want to read and share over and over! I'm looking forward to more by Alexis Player.

If you are a fan of fantasy with (spice-free) romance, quests, a story that has you asking questions and wanting more as you turn each page, with adventures and magic (including learning magic), betrayal and mistakes and hard choices (some of them heartwrenching), hope and light, and maybe a little part with a dragon--you should absolutely read this book.

It gets 5 stars from me!

Content info: no spice, no foul language, fantasy violence/torture/injury/wounds/death (no gore), fantasy creatures

[LightningTail97]

This was a fun read! Though I didn't feel very attached to the characters at times, I still really enjoyed this read! And I'm assuming I'll get more attached during the next book! That's how it usually goes.

*SPOILER WARNING! IF YOU DONT WANT SPOILERS, DON'T READ PAST THE CONTENT WARNING*

*Content Warning!*
Language - None!
Spice - None!
Violence - Nothing Graphic.
Magic - A few spoken spells, but nothing that made me uncomfortable to read.
Other - This book deals with grief, particularly revolving around parents, so be careful if that is something that might be hard for you to read!
************************************************

What I liked:
I thought the romance was very sweet and it developed nicely. It didn't move overly fast, and they did seem like true enemies to lovers. Most enemies to lovers pretend to hate each other, but also comment on how hot the other person is all the time. Isla did notice Finn's good looks, but she also truly disliked him at the beginning.
I also enjoyed Ellervae a lot. It was a nice, cozy break from all the danger and running, and both Isla and Finn fit in so well there! I hope they can go back by the end of this series.
I loved that Isla got to talk to her father again through Issaneth. I hope she gets to do that again in the next book!
I also like Kyvan's character! I hate love triangles, mainly because I always feel bad for the one left out, but this book wasn't annoying with it. Kyvan does like Isla, but he's also just a great friend. I'm hoping he plays a bigger role in the next one, and maybe finds a woman who loves him back so that everyone ends up happy!
As always, I love when authors thank their readers for reading! Thank you, Alexis, for writing a great book!

What I didn't like:
I can't really think of specifics. I think the only reason I didn't give this five stars was pure personal opinions. Sometimes the writing style felt flowery and other times it seemed simple. There were a lot of great quotes, though!
I also didn't get super attached to the characters, but it wasn't because they were annoying or anything like that. I liked them a lot and I look forward to reading more!

Overall, it was a fun, clean read! I'll definitely be checking out book two when it releases

[Makayla Blackford Crandall]

I was one of the lucky few who got to be an ARC reader for this lovely debut book! There are two things I look for in a book: Character building/arcs and world building. This book has done both of those (and many other things) exceptionally well! This is set in a fantasy world with magic and intrigue that is unique yet familiar. The way the author introduces magic in their world makes me feel like I'm learning right along with the character, so the learning curve isn't as steep (looking at you, Brandon Sanderson lol).

I opened this book, not knowing what to expect, but right off the bat, this book draws you in. BOOM! Thrown into action with just enough questions to keep you going, but not enough to completely confuse you. I paced myself when reading this book because I truly wanted to absorb all the information, plot, and world that I was immersed in, so I could write a more thoughtful review (but let me tell you that was difficult because I wanted to just keep reading!!). The pacing was so well done that there was a good balance of introspection, relationship building, and full-on action scenes.
I love the characters too! The two main characters are so complementary to each other and work really well with each other. I also love how they get their own character arcs within the story arc. Not only that, but the side characters felt like they all had a purpose and were needed!
The only minor critique that I have (that might just be my preference, honestly, so take it with a grain of salt) is that some of the dialogue felt more "prose-y" and less like dialogue. The author's voice was so strong at times that it was hard for the characters' voices to show through in the dialogue, and it felt a bit flowery. HOWEVER, even so, the characters still managed to be distinct and have their "voice" shine through in other ways.
Amazing job! I am a picky reader and won't give a book a five-star review unless I truly enjoyed it and thought it deserves it. This book definitely deserves it! The only con is that now I have to wait for the rest of the book series to be written!!!

[Jenna]

‎ARC Review. Massive thanks to the author for sending me a copy of her novel. I had the chance to read “Wing of Wren” before its release, and here are my honest thoughts about it.
‎
‎Throughout the first few chapters, I struggled to stay hooked. Isla didn’t seem to have anything at risk or a goal to fight for, not until chapter six or seven. I found her going to prison to talk to Finnian without a plan to convince him and without right away knowing why General Vaeric wanted him and no one else kinda off. I felt it should’ve been clear from the start to build a strong beginning to the plot. Isla is not your typical FMC. Usually, I read books with strong female leads, but this time, it was different. After the loss of her parents in a tragic accident, I thought the realistic reaction would be to grow bolder and stronger, to not trust anyone, and to investigate the incident. But Isla wasn’t any of that. She was plagued by grief and self-doubt, which was relatable, but also heavy and redundant at times. I found her blind trust in General Vaeric—even though he saved her—kinda rash. Gradually, she started to find purpose with Finnian at her side, but I wish she had personal interests like every girl.
‎
‎A few things that struck me as strange: Finnian and Isla kept jumping into fights even though they knew they were weak and incapable. They were alone up against the world even though they made friends, which was unrealistic and not wise coming from them—don’t people usually make allies to fight strong opponents? Especially since they’re injured?
‎
‎The plot thickens as the story progresses, and I loved how Finnian and Isla’s relationship changed from strangers to two souls who deeply cared for each other. That scorching slow burn was magnificent, and the fact that it was built on trust and an emotional connection first made it even better. And the magic system? The temple and the tiles and the book? Just genius. Not saying more about this. Go read the book!
‎
‎All in all, it was a good read, but the story could use some editing to strengthen the style and reduce clutter and redundancy. Again, thank you so much Lexi for the copy! Rooting for ya!😘🌻

[Ryleigh JS King]

This book!
I could not put it down. If it wasn't for...life, I would have ignored all responsibilities and stayed up way too late to finish it (Okay, I did stay up way later than I should've one night, but that's not the point).
Everything from the characters to the plot to the magic system to the setting to the storyline was amazing. I loved every bit of it.
From page one, I was hooked.
The characters are well-written, believable, and absolutely lovable. The banter and dynamic between Finn and Isla is top-tier. From the moment they met, I couldn't get enough of them. I cannot wait to have more of them in book 2 (I will be impatiently waiting for it).
As for the villain, I was about ready to step into the book to drive my own sword through him. He is made from a special kind of evil. I truly hope he gets what's coming to him in future books.
I love how the storyline is well developed, focusing on the plot rather than JUST fluffy romance like some romantasys lately do. The fantasy and romance elements were well-balanced, drawing me in on both fronts. I was invested in both the characters and the plot.
Don't even get me started on the plot twists! When I thought I was safe, a new one hit me out of nowhere, throwing me totally off (in a great way).
This book was both familiar, in the sense that it feels like a TRUE romantasy, and like something I've never seen before. I am so excited to see what happens next!

I want to thank the amazing author, Alexis Player, for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into when I signed up, but I was pleasantly surprised. If I'm not an ARC reader for the rest of this series, you can be sure I'll be finding a way to get my hands on your books. Thank you so much for this amazing book!

[Emma Beut]

As an ARC reader, I had the opportunity to read Wings of Wren by Alexis Player ahead of its release, and I’m so grateful I did.

“Grief—this new emotion hit me hard and didn’t feel right in my body… It consisted of not just loss, but of anger, guilt, confusion, fear, and paralyzing sadness.”

This story pulled me in right from the beginning with its raw and honest portrayal of grief through Isla’s perspective. That opening set the tone perfectly, and I loved how her grief wasn’t just something mentioned in passing—it actively shaped her actions, her mindset, and her growth throughout the story. Watching her slowly evolve because of it made her character feel incredibly real and deeply relatable.

One of my favorite parts was the relationship between Isla and Finn. The trust between them builds so naturally over time, and it never felt rushed or forced. I loved Finn—at first, you only see him through Isla’s guarded and uncertain perspective, which made his character feel a bit mysterious. But as she begins to trust him, everything starts to shift. Getting glimpses of his POV added so much depth, and by the end, he completely stole the show for me.

The story does a beautiful job balancing emotional depth with an engaging, character-driven plot. There were moments that felt heavy in the best way, paired with just enough intrigue and development to keep me fully invested the entire time. The character growth, layered relationships, and emotional weight all came together in a way that made this feel both heartfelt and compelling. I can’t wait to read what comes next!

If you love fantasy with strong character development, meaningful relationships, and a touch of emotional intensity, this is definitely one to add to your TBR for its May release.

[Sabrina Keller]

ARC reader review- all thoughts and feelings shared in this review are my own.

Wings of Wren by Alexis Player is a fantastic story of finding power and love in the ashes left behind by grief. A refreshing no spice romantic fantasy that reflects the author’s love for the fantasy genre.

~~~
Things I Loved Most About Wings of Wren:

❤️The story takes its time to build a meaningful and deep relationship between the male and female lead, and allows the reader to fall in love with them as well. I love that it doesn’t shy away from having characters that are flawed and help each other grow; nor does it avoid moments of pain and heaviness. It takes its time to immerse you and allow you to become invested in the inner worlds and motivations of its characters. The slow burn building of trust and comfort between the two was touching and had me kicking my feet as they grew closer together!

❤️Mysterious items and articfacts that must be protected at all costs. I loved unraveling more of the mystery surrounding them throughout the story.

❤️The setting of a famine stricken magical world with whispers of discord and unrest on the wind. I am so excited to explore the world further throughout the rest of the series! The magical elements and creatures were unique, creative, and were by far my favorite part of the world building!

❤️The cover art, map, and page art. Gorgeous!! It’s the little details and elements that really show how much love went into this story.
~~~

Add it to your TBR for its May release and get ready to settle in for a fantastic ride! Wings of Wren is a stunning debut from its author Alexis Player and I’m already chomping at the bit for Book Two in the Talonveil Series!

[Mikyla Page]

I was absolutely honored to be an ARC reader for Lexi’s debut novel, Wings of Wren.

First of all — I am just SO incredibly proud of her. As someone who deeply loves books and storytelling, I truly cannot fathom the amount of creativity, vulnerability, and dedication it takes to build an entire world from scratch. To create characters that feel real, emotions that pull you in, and a story people can escape into? That’s something special. And Lexi did it.

I’ll be honest — it took me a little bit to fully settle into the story at first. The beginning felt slightly slower paced for me, and I found myself wanting a bit more clarity surrounding Finnian and the circumstances that led Isla into her task from General Vaeric. I also would’ve loved more of Finnian’s POV earlier on because his character becomes SO compelling as the story unfolds.

That being said… once this book picked up, I genuinely did not want to put it down.

The chemistry and relationship development between Isla and Finnian absolutely hooked me. The tension, the slow burn, the magic, the adventure — it all started unfolding in such an addictive way. And there were multiple lines throughout this book that genuinely made me stop and reread them because they carried so much depth and meaning.

If you love:
- slow burn romance
- enemies to lovers
- fantasy worlds
- magic
- adventure
- emotional tension

…you need to add Wings of Wren to your TBR.

And can we talk about the COVER? Because it is STUNNING.

Overall, I ended up really enjoying this story and I’m incredibly proud of Lexi for bringing her very first book to life. Such an exciting debut, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

[Jennie Jae]

This was an impressive debut fantasy adventure story that delved into some very hard human emotions and experiences like grief, anger, hopelessness, anxiety, betrayal, death, guilt and fear. The overall tone felt dark and ominous, like an impending storm, but with glimpses of light and hope that kept the story moving forward in anticipation of finding some comfort, peace, and resolution. There is no real resolution to be found (yet) as this is only the first book in the series. The cliffhanger ending left me satisfied enough for now but I am definitely eagerly awaiting the next book!

I feel like the characters were all very well developed, with distinct personalities and voice, their own flaws and quirks, mysterious and interesting backstories, and varying motivations. The relationship between the two main characters was a classic enemies-to-lovers, and the romance was actually very sweet, and no-spice/kisses only, with plenty of banter and growth.

The writing style kept me engaged, and the story moved along at a decent pace, with a good amount of action, adventure, intrigue, and peril. There was also a lot of magic, which was elements based. As far as anything to offer a warning about, this book does contain violence, assault, torture, injury, and death/murder, though none of it is too graphically described and there is no swearing. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to teens and adults who like reading somewhat darker and deeper fantasy novels with some magic and clean romance.

I received this ebook as a review copy from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given willingly.

[Cheyenne Cleveland]

First off, thank you Alexis Player for allowing me to be on the ARC team for Wings of Wren.
This book falls outside of my normal reading habits (as this sci-fi girl isn’t typically a fantasy or a romance reader), but when I saw Player’s posts on social media, I really wanted to give Wings of Wren a try!

So, without further ado, here are my honest THOUGHTS of Wings of Wren!
The opening hooked me right away, and I couldn’t wait to learn more about Isla and how she would use her fire magic throughout the story, but I had to be PATIENT! The FMC’s struggle with grief and guilt prevent her from accepting her incredible gift, and from this place of pain, she shuts herself off from the truth of the world around her and the power of magic within her. But at the end, there’s a surprising twist when Isla finally surrenders to her ability.

Her relationship with Finn gave pure Rapunzel and Flynn Rider vibes from the film Tangled. Afterall, he is a thief protecting a naive girl with magical powers. Haha. The budding romance between them was eye-rollingly sweet (which I hear is top-notch for romance reading girlies). *wink*
Some of my favorite elements of the story were the Countervail rocks (think rocks as sci-fi tech), and the descriptions of the mythical creatures, especially the Serpaseas.

Overall, this was a book that I think a lot of Romantasy readers will find REFRESHINGLY WHOLESOME!

Congratulations to the author on a job well-done!

[Natalie Morgan]

First time ARC reader here :)

I absolutely loved this book. I would stay up late into the night, forcing my eyes open so I could keep reading. I wish I saw Finnian’s point of view sooner but it did just make me want to read more so I could get to his point of view. I also wish I saw more of some of the side characters and hope they have a larger part in the next book.

However, I felt that the pace throughout the book was nice and natural. Finnian and Ilsa grow together as characters in a normal way that only aids to who they are. I am not sure if Alexis knew this when she wrote the book but they play with some grey areas of morals and it really showed me how human her characters are and helped me connect with them. The last thing I will say so I don’t ramble and spoil the book is the magic system. The magic in this book is simple yet has a depth to it that I can’t wait to see explored. It was a system that was easy to understand and made the imagery of the story easier.

Simply said this book was a joy to read. I loved this book and think anyone can enjoy it because it has a little bit for everyone. The adventure for the adrenaline junkies, romance for all wanting a little love, and magic for the fantasy fanatics, all in a world that can feel like home to those who read it.

Can’t wait for the second book!!

[Summer Hensley (TheStoryNookBook)]

What an amazing debut novel! The writing is wonderfully done, the pacing spot on, and the details were just enough to keep you guessing. And the twists and cliffhanger! Goodness! I cannot wait for the next book.

The quest and adventure in this book is based on realism and wonderfully done. And the slow build between Isla and Finnian...I loved every minute of it. This is one that I need to reread so that I can appreciate all the intricacies and to try and catch the twist. If you are looking for a clean romantsy, add this to your TBR today!

Just take a look at this beautiful and descriptive writing:
“...save for falling ash that coated the road like murderous snow.”

“But eventually, with time, grief becomes more like a whisper, a constant reminder of the impact a person had on your life.”

“My yearning was simply the fingerprints that love left behind.”

The writing in this is poetic, beautiful and impactful. I think that is something wonderful that Alexia Player has to offer in her writing that sets her apart from other romantasy authors.

Well done!

I received an advanced reader copy and these thoughts are my own honest opinions. And seriously...go add this to your TBR now! You can thank me later.

[Alexa Clark]

ARC REVIEW

this book blew me away! the story sucks you in right away and you are immediately drawn in to the main characters stories. you can tell from the beginning of the story that isla and finnian are going to become more than the strangers they are and it becomes even more apparent each time she goes to visit him in the prison. i love that it starts out just with islas pov and slowly transforms into finnians as well so we really start to learn more about him and who he is as a character.

i do wish we saw finnians pov sooner so we could understand him and his decisions a little better. we really start to understand his character when we can see his thought process more.

the character develop in both of the main characters is incredible. they both truly become better people as their relationship develops and isla transforms her relationship with her magic.

the last few chapters especially had me not wanting to put the book down because i couldnt wait to find out what would happen next!

overall i would definitely recommend this book and im so proud of lexi for accomplishing her dream in writing this.

[Kyle Voss]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review, so here it is!!

I want to start off with saying I’m generally not a romantasy or romance reader. However, I must give props to the author for writing a well made romance between two unlikely characters!
I Loved the FMC perspective and her chapters. They felt real. I could hear her voice thought out and that made me really invested in the story. I am happy none of the characters were overpowered, and lost when they were outmatched. That is something I hate seeing and was so happy when I didn’t see that here!!!
I didn’t fall in love with the MCs perspective as much. I’m not sure if it was because it took a while until he had his own perspective, or because it was out shadowed by hers, but I just never fully jived with his chapters. Not bad! Just didn’t feel as authentic as hers to me.

I think this is a solid debut and I would 100% recommend it to readers who like slow burn, romantasy, or coming of age stories. 4/5 stars for me! :)

[Laurie]

I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book from the author. What an incredible debut novel!

This is a slow burn romantasy with a great arc for Isla, who goes from being uncertain of herself and afraid to let anyone in, to embracing her Magic and opening her heart. Finn makes a mediocre impression as her opponent when he is in prison, but eventually his strengths shine through and then it’s easy to love him. 4/5 on the romance

The world creation is really amazing. My favorite magical creatures were the serpeseas! The Magic, the book, the ruins…. All of it was well planned and executed in the writing. 5/5 on the world building.

The only downside of this book is that it takes a while to get invested in the story. I felt like there was too much time going back and forth to the prison, too much time worrying about the book, too much praise of General Vaeric. 3/5 on plot/pacing for this reason. By the time they are both in the forest of the run— that’s when things started to get interesting.

Overall a fun read!

[Kate]

Thank you for the ARC copy of Wings of Wren, Alexis! This review reflects my honest opinion.

I am a picky reader, but enjoyed so much of this book. The characters feel realistic and jump off the page (Finnian is going to melt a lot of hearts, I suspect), and the plot offers a lot of time to explore their personal experiences as much as the adventure to be had. There is a bit of a slow start and the worldbuilding comes at you pretty thick at the start, but I found it laid a strong foundation that was paid off well later.

WoW's world has a lot of unique elements (new fantastical creatures made of pure magic, anyone?) but also will feel familiar to any fantasy fan. I could visualise every detail! The plot was also varied in a fun way - it covers escapes, quests, and fights, as well as romance of course. A true sl0w-burn, this one!

A book that was thoroughly readable, explored deep themes without feeling too heavy, and felt almost cozy despite the action. Fantasy readers who love character-led stories will likely love this one!

[Caroline Elizabeth Keeley]

Thank you to the author for an Advance Copy!!!

I was trying to highlight quotes while reading so I could choose one to use in my review….but I can’t pick. So I guess you’ll just need to read this beautiful book yourself!!

This was a masterpiece! The story was so intriguing and the writing pulled me in and kept me engaged the entire time. Alexis has such a beautiful, poetic way with words that makes you not only connect to the characters and their emotions but with the story as a whole!

Finn and Isla’s relationship is so perfectly well done. I love how their story supports the overall plot without taking over (and whole always keeping the chemistry and tension!!) Not a single moment feels too over the top or rushed or forced! I love the character development and how we really get to see each little piece of their walls crumbling down.

AND THAT ENDING!!??
BOOK 2!!?? WHERE ARE YOU! 🔥🔥

[Kiley Larson]

Review of advance copy received from Author

I loved this book! The pacing kept me interested the whole time, right from the start. You get the perfect blend of adventure and romance plot. I love that you get both Isla and Finnian’s POV. And the romance is CLEAN which makes it that much more beautiful. Isla and Finn grow to depend on each other and I just loved watching their relationship grow and wanting a man like Finnian in my life. Lexi has successfully created another fictional man crush. The fantasy is also fun to read about and learn how it all works in this world Lexi has created. There’s magic and monsters and adventure. She has done a great job of creating and explaining the world, it does not feel shallow at all but there is depth. She weaves in topics like grief, fear, failure, learning and accepting who you are and who you can become, and the afterlife. This book ends with you ready and wishing you could pick up the next one!

[Cassie’s Writing Corner]

From the moment Wren met Finnian in the dungeon to deliver an offer she thought too tempting to refuse, I was hooked. I had to know how his story intertwined with Wren’s.

While this book was a little slower-paced than I usually read, Isla and Finnian’s story provided a wonderful conclusion to book one in The Talonveil series. I loved reading how their relationship grew throughout the book as they both healed and learned not only to trust themselves but each other.

Alexis Player created an intriguing magic system, unique creatures, and a vivid world. If you enjoy elemental magic, slow-burn romance, and mysterious magical items, then you’ll enjoy Wings of Wren. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Contains past death of parents, some violence, attempted SA, and kisses only.

[Cassie Larson]

Ok this book is AMAZING!!! Lexi has created such a beautiful story with a beautiful fantasy world!! Now, I'm not a huge reader and when I read a book, you know it's got to be good because I actually have read it. And I've read this one twice now!! The story is just THAT good that you want to reread it (and I'm also dying for the next one haha) I love the adventure and thrill of this book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. And not to mention, I LOVE the slow burn *clean* romance! I love how Lexi explains the world because she doesn't get too technical so that you're confused. But there is just enough adventure in this book to keep you hooked the WHOLE TIME!! I seriously love this book and all the exciting parts of it that literally will make your jaw drop! You NEED to read this book!!

[Laura Combe]

I received an advanced copy of Wings of Wren and am thankful to the author for allowing me to read her book early! Wings of Wren is a CLEAN, SLOWBURN Romantasy. It has so many great things to talk about, I loved the magic and world building, especially towards the end of the book. I also love a book with dual perspectives and did enjoy having chapters from the perspective of both the FMC and the MMC. Isla coming into herself and learning to combat her anxieties and fears and grief is what makes this book, and the character development as she learns the truth is what kept me reading - and of course the romance! Swoon! I am so eager to read future books in this series, there are several cliffhangers in the story I keep thinking back on and wondering how things are going to wrap up. Congratulations to Alexis on publishing this book, I know people are going to fall in love with the story!

[Jenn]

ARC Reader Review
This book is my new favorite fantasy/romance story. The storyline hooked me right from the start. The introduction of the characters and their lives was a joy for me to experience as I read.

The magic in the story intrigued me as it developed and was revealed throughout the story.

The slow romance of the story helped me focus on the characters and the actual adventures they encountered and the trust built between them. I fell in love with the characters as I read. I was invested for the whole story as their love developed and grew.

I am looking forward to book number 2 from Alexis! I can’t wait to learn more about the magic with Isla and Finn’s story.

[Baylee Walters]

I am a huge fantasy and romance reader, and this book really hit that romantasy itch! This book has quickly become a favorite of mine, and I cannot wait for the next book, which is already in the works!

I loved the fact that this book has a slow romance and no spice. It helped me focus on Isla’s journey and character development throughout the book.

You can tell Alexis put her heart and soul into this book. The attention to detail is immaculate! And the cover and page art are beautiful. I can’t wait till release day!

[Kylee]

Isla is a girl after my own heart!! I was hooked after the first couple of chapters. The longing and emotion between the characters was amazing and I just couldn't help but smile while reading!! It was refreshing to read a romance that relies on good storytelling and intelligent writing instead of explicit scenes. I also love how the world building was done- intertwined with the story and you learned it as the plot evolved! Overall, it was an amazing book and I would definitely recommend it. I cannot wait for book two!

[Jasmine Ball]

ARC REVIEW

I had the privilege of being an ARC reviewer for Wings of Wren, a beautiful story that is largely focused on overcoming inner obstacles and the fears that hold us back. Isla and Finnian are lovable characters who have a sweet, CLEAN slow-burn romance. Their vulnerability and their arcs were thoughtfully developed, creating a more character-driven story. While the worldbuilding is not a main focus, the magic is relatively simple, and the language is more suitable for a YA audience, WoW is a delightful read for anyone. Alexis' dedication to this story shines through easily!

[Camala]

I was a little hesitant because I didn’t know much about this book or if it would be any good. But I was pleasantly surprised. It was very entertaining. A lot of excitement, never boring and I always love having romance tied in. The only thing I didn’t care for was I felt like there was a little too much description. She has a way of taking you into the story, but sometimes it can be a little too much and over the top but; overall an enjoyable book to read even though I’m not a huge fantasy reader,

[K. D. Capener]

I have to say that fantasy is not my go-to genre, but I do enjoy it occasionally. This book, though, had me hooked. I wanted to find out more about Isla and Finn and their back stories and the author did an amazing job at letting us in a little at a time. The relationship between Isla and Finn is slow burn and i just fell in love with them as I watched their relationship deepen. The author has a beautiful, descriptive writing style that I truly enjoyed. I am eagerly awaiting book two of this series! So glad I got my signed copy from the author!

[Dayl Daniels]

I was lucky enough to be an Arc reader for this novel!

This isn’t my usual preferred genre. I gave this book a chance and was not sorry about it! The lore, the character development, the plot…everything pulls you in and leaves you ready for more. I am incredibly impressed with the quality of this novel considering it is the debut novel for this author. I am on the edge of my seat for the next one!