War of Wings

by Tanner McElroy

Two angels—Gabriel and Lucifer—face each other in battle in a “story of arrogance, spite, and betrayal [with] a truly epic feel” (Kirkus Reviews).   Written from the two opposing perspectives of Gabriel and Lucifer, War of Wings follows their paths and love stories as they face a violent war that leads to the fall of one-third of the angels from Heaven.   Gabriel, the archangel, loves life, but there is one thing in Heaven that he cannot perfection. Lucifer, God’s highest cherubim angel and “perfect image of beauty,” stands alone in the hierarchy leading praise, worship, music, and laughter in the hope that one day he will be promoted to God’s equal. War of Wings is a fast-paced journey of two battling angels yearning for change. Their destinies emerge from triumph, failure, love, and heartbreak, as they discover that even in Heaven, decisions always have consequences.   “McElroy follows in John Milton’s footsteps in this slick, contemporary recreation of the war for heaven….He writes confidently—sometimes brilliantly.”—Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Fantasy, Angels, Paranormal

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sanjeev Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don't do this, but I just want to go ahead and let you and Leah know something. Okay, so on Saturday night I tell my girlfriend that we will be meeting up at Barnes and Noble on Sunday morning from 11:30 to 1:30 to go ahead and get started reading "War Of Wings" book.....she said cool, and we would be doing that. Well on Saturday night at about 11:00 at night...I am relaxing at home and on my desk I start to look at the book and just read a little bit.....so I decided to read Chapter 1 thinking I would go ahead and read Chapter 1 only....well on Saturday night...I got so into it that I I stopped reading when I got to Chapter 7!!!!!! The next morning I wake up and then I get to reading a little bit more.....I want to let you know something....THIS IS THE FIRST TIME EVER...I REPEAT TO YOU...EVER...where I finished up reading an entire book in ONE DAY!!!!! THAT IS RIGHT....I READ YOUR ENTIRE BOOK IN ONE DAY....IT WAS TRULY THAT GOOD AND ENJOYABLE!!! I don't ready many fictional books mind you as I am more a non-fiction guy...but I have to admit something to you Tanner...the visuals that you were describing and talking about in this book were so easy for me to imagine and see that it truly kept my mind fascinated and looking forward to the next Chapter. This story sorta reminded me in a small way of Clark Kent vs. Lex Luthor in Smallville....meaning...Gabriel is Clark in a way...and Lucifer is Lex. Chapter 5 was so mesmerizing to read as you can clearly vision and see the transformation that is becoming when Lucifer begins to turn into the Satan we all know. The part of the story where Lucifer goes into the Cosmos and arrives on Terra to which he begins to destroy the trees and life on the planet and he is enjoying it and finding so much pleasure in doing that was truly a visual that when you are reading the book you can clearly see and imagine. You can clearly see the jealousy he has knowing that he was not the chosen one to be next to God....how he gets his army of Angels assembled and what all he says and does to convince Angels that God is not truthful and is a liar was interesting. I liked the relationship between Gabriel and Michael was...it was really cool!!! The one part of the book I liked was when in the war, Gabriel is being attacked by Angels and when I believe Thayeterra is praying and all of the sudden the Powers come from now where to help and attack in the fight...the part where Gabriel says, "God, thank you for the much needed help...I really love my wings and don't want to lose them" was really funny and I liked some of the modern humor that was put in the story. You can clearly see and feel for Gabriel and the love he has for Arrayah.....I liked how at the end, he asks God to please let him have the chance to talk to the Angels and allow them all to get on one knee and ask for forgiveness so that they can return to Heaven...he did that mostly for her. He truly LOVED her a lot, but you can clearly see that she could not allow herself to come to that because she knew she was in the wrong. When all the Angles and Lucifer are transported and sent away to Hell...you can see the hurt Gabriel clearly has and feels because he knows she does not belong with them. When Gabriel is sent by God to deliver the message that Man will be on the planet and that Man has the right in full to make the decisions in life he wishes...when he sees Arrayah...you can clearly see and feel that he has not given up hope on her returning back to Heaven...even though Michael tries his best to let Gabriel know that won't happen. I liked when Gabriel says to him, "God is a forgiving and good God...he is understanding"...that was AWESOME to read!!!

The book was a true pleasure and enjoyment to read. In fact, I plan to post that later today on my facebook for my friends to know about the book as well. I got and received the book at the book signing you did at the Dallas arboretum. Unfortunately, I was not able to be in line when you were signing the book for people in line as me and my Girlfriend had to be at a dinner later that evening. I wish we had gotten you to sign our books...perhaps another time!! Your book Tanner is REALLY good.....looking forward to seeing what happens in the second book and what Lucifer has up his sleeve....should be most interesting!! Thanks and Take Care!!

Sanjeev Sharma
Dallas, Texas

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of how the angels become the fallen. Everything in Heaven is perfect. Nothing dies, when someone eats some fruit the tree automatically bears another fruit, and the area is perfect, except for Gabriel. He doesn’t like how everything is perfect and has an obsession for making things less perfect. He coasts through his existence. Skipping out of work he is assigned to, eating and fighting too much, and is generally lost. Michael is trying to get him to come around but Gabriel fights him as well. But when Michael has a vision of pending doom in Heaven and Gabriel is the savior of angels, Gabriel can’t find it in himself to want to be part of the vision.

Then there is Lucifer. He is an angel one step below God and believes that through his performances and actions God will place him on the same level. But when the rumor of the Son of God starts, Lucifer can’t handle that. In a fit of jealousy and rage, he starts questioning God and believes he has found the truth of Gods betrayal to the angels. He finds the newly created planet he calls Terra and gathers an army to battle angels in heaven for their freedom from God.

I absolutely loved this book. I got sucked in right away by Gabriel. I couldn’t help feeling for him. He feels lost and doesn’t really know his place in Heaven so he slacks off and would rather play than be useful. Then there is Michael, basically a big brother to Gabriel trying to get him to start growing up but not succeeding. Lucifer was an angel you couldn’t help feeling partially sorry for but in the end it was all his pride and jealousy.

Anyone will like this book. Although it is about the angels the book was not too preachy, which is a bit sticking point to me. There is beautiful imagery and a great story. This is one book that you don’t want to miss out on.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Lenissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that I absolutely think the cover is beautiful and it had a factor in me choosing to read War of Wings.

I loved the story; it was beautifully written with just enough detail that it wasn't overwhelming. To read how Lucifer and the rest of the angels have fallen was intriguing and it was a part of why I wanted to read this. The battle scenes were written very well that I would watch unfold in my head. This story may have been about Good vs. Evil and how to not envy and pride cloud your judgement. What I took out of it, is that even though bad things happened in your life, always have hope and learn how to forgive.

In the beginning I thought of Gabriel as a immature archangel, I wished he would of listen to whatever Michael had to say. I guess it was a good thing that he didn't, because Gabriel might never experienced falling in love. As Gabriel matured, I felt so bad for him, he was so happy with Arrayah, but everything happens for a reason. He may have lost his love, but he still have hope that one day they would be reunited. I will admit that my throat is tightening up and I'm fighting back tears just thinking about it.

I love Michael's and Gabriel's friendship... well not exactly a friendship, more of them being like brothers. It was like how a normal regular brothers would treat/act with each other. When Gabriel fought Michael the last time, I screamed in my head "Why are choosing someone you barely know over your brother?", though I'm sure many did and still do what Gabriel did. I love the part when Michael scared Gabriel with sword and told him he already forgave him.

I highly recommend this book and I would read more from Mr. McElroy.

[Elizabeth Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one story I would recommend judging by its cover because both are awesome! This book tells the tale of angels fighting for their deepest desires. Some desire power, some love of other angels, and some the love of God. These desires lead to an epic battle between incredibly powerful beings. Special weapons are created to destroy the previously indestructible and hearts are broken as many angels fall from grace.

I was frequently reminded of the pettiness, anger, good, and evil of the ancient gods of Greece and Rome. While this book explores a more modern mythology with hierarchies within the angels rather than the gods, there are many parallels to the ancient tales of polytheism. I have a basic working knowledge of the tales of Gabriel, Lucifer, and Michael, but this book really grabbed my imagination and made me think a little more about these beings. I would definitely recommend reading this book. I am already looking forward to reading the next installment!

This review and others can be seen on wonbooksblog.blogspot.com

[Rachmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

ARC was provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

”Some see a hopeless end while others see and endless hope”

I don't know much about angels and their hierarchy. While I read this book, I have to look for about it to know better. And I don't think I have read any angels story like this before, either. Well, I've read books with and/or about angels, but they mostly about fallen angels, nephilim or one or two particular angels but never a book about themselves and with them as the whole characters. Hence, it feels new and is kind of refreshing story to me.

First half of the book is so slow. It can’t make me keep reading it. I got distracted and have to put it on hold and read another books a couple of times. However, I liked reading Lucifer deceptions and the way he convinced his followers. I can’t help to not believe him. I can see that he really is smart and powerful. His knowledge and curiosity lead him questioning God. In many ways I think it's true.

The pace takes turn in second part, as the battle slowly begins. However I wish it could be longer. Before the battle, the tension is there for half of the book but the battle itself is quite short, makes me wanting more. And then there is still story that needs to be told after that. It feels like I’m waiting quite long to finish the book after the climax takes place. On the other hand I really liked the way the author describes the changes of the angels and the way they think about God. They are also have flaws and are quite similar with human, with their emotion and all, which I think it suits well with the story.

When I read this book, I try to see it as a fiction without any connection with Christianity, because 1) I don't know much about it and 2) I want to enjoy it as a pure fiction without have to wonder whether it is true and stick with the bible or not. However it's quite hard to do that. I feel like the author sees his readers as someone who has already known about it. Hence, there are things that unclear to me since I'm not familiar with it. But I also enjoy my time looking for for those unclear things. This book gives me something new which is what I'm looking for when I read a book.

As a fiction I want this book has more background story for the angels, especially Gabriel and Lucifer as the main characters, to know them better. For example, it is unclear the time setting and how old the angels are. I assumed that they are old, thousand years old but Gabriel is quite naive for an angel who is thousand years old. So many times I want to tell him to look and think clearly and believe Michael. I just don't quite like his naivety. So it's quite hard to believe that he is a thousand years old archangel. I do understand it's for the sake of the story. If he doesn't that naive, there won't (might) be any big different between him and Lucifer but still reading his character in first part of the book is like reading a character from most YA books, who also has an instalove with another female character.

Yet, I really like the way the author creates the story to become connected with life now. I can see the connection when he tells me about the rose, the terra and even the seven deadly sins or seven antivirtues as he calls it. It makes me believe to the story and it just makes sense to me.

All in all, I like and enjoy reading it though in some part I feel it lack something. It's well written and has good worldbuilding. It reminds me of The Madness of God by Da'ud Ibn Ibrahim Al-Shawni which I love. So 3.5 stars for this angels story but I round it up because I love the cover!

[Roxanne Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

What made this read so fascinating was not only the thrilling story of good versus evil, but it held so much meaning, and gave me so much food for thought.

I’ve read many fantasy tales of angels and demons, the fallen and archangels; I’ve even spent hours studying the truths and myths of angels and demons, and Satan’s fall from Heaven, but never have a read a story that enthralled me so completely. It was intriguing to see how Lucifer went from being such a power and most beloved angel, to the dark, deceptive and power hungry creature that sought to over thrown God and destroy the faith of all His followers.

Gabriel was a very complex character who was faced with many tough decisions, as he discovered love, heartache, betrayal and loyalty. He also realized his true strength and self-worth within the ranks on Heaven.

This book was entertaining and gave a powerful message of holding on to one’s faith in the face of darkness. Beautifully written, it took me on an emotional ride that left me breathless. A stellar read.

[Robin Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will open with this...I will read any book about Angels. I wasn't sure what to expect about this book, but I ended up really enjoying this one!

The battle between Lucifer and the other angels was played out in a way I have never seen or predicted. This book made me want to search out other stories about specific angels the author referenced.

I can certainly imagine this book in hardcover being one of those that I keep around for a very long time.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

War Of Wings is a wonderful tale of good vs evil. A tale of Lucifer and one third of the angels fell from heaven. This book draws you in and the writer humanizes the angels. War of Wings is not a big religious book, but more of a story. I loved it and can not wait to read more from this writer.

[H.P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advance Reader Copy for honest review

The cover of this book is what drew me in when I saw it on Netgalley. Although the book is slow to pick up, it is rich with details and you can visualize the authors vision. You are on the journey of self discovery and free will in behalf of Gabriel and Lucifer. Overall I enjoyed the authors ability to visually give the reader the ability to see all the facets of these characters flaws and differences. Moreover, I love that it really put a person to evaluate their own beliefs and questions but especially that it all comes down to faith. Very interesting read and commend the authors ability to give a refreshing take on Lucifer's fall.

Cover: 5 Stars
Opening: 2 Stars
Plot: 4 stars
Conclusion: 4
Characters: 5 Stars

Bookworm Betties Rating Scale:
5 Stars (90-100) 4 Stars (80-89) 3 Stars (70-79)
Do not give 2 Star Reviews or lower.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it and am looking forward to parts two and three with much anticipation!!

[Viviane Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucifer, Michael, Gabriel, and other angels in Heaven are parties to a looming revolution against God. Heaven is described as a heady, perfect place where the architecture is rather garishly glorious and nature yields only the most succulent of fruits. God is really never actually seen because of the blinding radiance of His person and there is a touch of human envy in the way all the angels vie to be in God’s presence in order to “talk” with him. Blind faith is the heavenly, ubiquitous law and the initial hints of “trouble in Paradise” begin with multiple questions about the origin of life and Lucifer’s need to sit at the right hand of God. It all seems like petulant children vying for parental approval and favor until the initial discomfiting conversations transition to a nasty tone!
Surprisingly, Gabriel’s character is given a rather different slant in this story. He seems to be a totally self-absorbed individual who is an athletic professional and a despoiler of nature in the nonchalant way he gorges on luscious fruits and discards the rinds like a true litterer who never gets caught and penalized. Then there is the odd relationship he has with his best friend, Michael. Michael consistently berates Gabriel for a lack of responsibility and lax attitude to his work for God. Their constant bickering, however, suddenly becomes violent with physical fights and then avoidance of each other.
The fascinating part of this story, besides Lucifer’s seductive campaign to turn the other angels away from God, involves the asking of questions similar to those of the evolutionary crowd debating the creationists. If God made all, who made God? The origin of matter is never explained beyond the questions but it does succeed in getting pride to rise and rise and rise, becoming anger and then rebellion. Women are also used to exacerbate the confusion and turmoil, as well as being used as tools to tempt the faithful to the side of evil. This reviewer was reminded, while reading this novel, of the debates and declarations of the great writer, C. S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters.
War of Wings moves from a playful to serious and then dark tones. Heaven’s light begins to dim as the looming war approaches! However, even at the end, the resolution is not quite finished business and obviously seems like a transition point for a future continuation of this world-changing conflict which continues to today. Very nicely plotted mix of religious and scientific thought! Interesting, somewhat contrived but thoughtfully crafted and fascinating novel!

[Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished War of Wings (21th March 2014) and I’m very surprised ! Thanks to Netgalley and Brown Books for this book, which is very surprising and very well written. I did not expect to like so much that ! The first chapters were rather slow because they put the story, the sets and there is a lot of description then, when we enter the history books, it’s impossible to go out of it ! I really liked this novel, which speaks about angels, about Paradise, faith and God, redemption and uprising.

The author worked well his universe and explains the fall of angels, the Paradise battle, through a fascination story. We follow Gabriel, an archangel who begins to become aware that the Paradise change little by little. The angels begin to divide and everybody begin to doubt of God. But what happens then ? I cannot say it more, at the risk of revealing too big things on the story ! I liked a lot the intrigue.

She begins slowly but then, we really discover the universe of the angels and what brews and it’s impossible to take down of it. Chapters are quicky read, the suspens is for its height and the writing of Tanner McElroy is looked for and lively, its descriptions are sometimes a little bit long but really magnificent and I very well imagined the Paradise. I loved every character, they are rather different and complex, we understand their motivations and we find ourselves with something very diverse, with diverse angelic classes. Negative little point : the angels quote a little God too often and sometimes, that bored me a little that they made praises at each page.

Nevertheless, I liked well this aspect, which strengthens the characters and their faiths and chapters centered on Lucifer are fascinating, we follow its ascent, its popularity at the angels. Then, there is a twist in the drama and things really begin. I could not drop out any more! We are afraid, we laugh, we smile, War of Wings became an addicting reading.

We have an epic battle which literally scotch-taped me; I adored this battle, which is long and very described and we would really imagine there. The end of the novel is really well worked, the author leaves us tracks for the second volume with several additional chapters to conclude the events. War of Wings surprised me and I really look forward to reading the sequel! I recommend this novel to those who love angels, epic battles, twists and battle between Good and Evil !


My blog : http://throneofbooks.wordpress.com/
French and English reviews ! :)

[Shane Amazon · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book and trying to decide what kind of reader would enjoy this book the most, I walked away thinking that the book has a little bit for everyone. For the most part the book keeps from getting overly biblical and swings more to an imagining of what life was like for the inhabitants of the kingdom of God. For those who know only the basics of the Bible's teachings, you should be comfortable reading this tale. For those who have a deeper understanding of the good word, then the cast of characters and the plot points will feel very familiar.

Some minor plot spoilers ahead...

The beginning of the book tells the story of how Lucifer becomes increasing distrustful of God and his promises. Anger boils in the cherub and envy for being God's equal fuels Lucifer's quest for being His equal. But as time goes by God's plans for a new son send Lucifer in a tailspin and the march toward war begins.

While Lucifer begins on his warpath, young Gabriel sets his eyes on another type of conquest, a beautiful female. Reading much like a high school crush, the beginning of the book that details Gabriel's journey is more the young adult romance tale than a retelling of the common Gabriel as the messenger of biblical telling.

For me, the book's strengths is in the telling of Lucifer's story. The imagination in Lucifer's tale is much more bold and entertaining. Even though we are watching the fall of one of God's most glorious, we also see the affect of sin and the toll it takes. Gabriel's story doesn't really take until the second half of the book, but once it does it is the driving force for the book's explosive ending.

Plot spoilers end...

Even though the book is a light and airy read, it is also one that contains much entertainment. The book's two parts, beginning and end, are well balanced between Lucifer and Gabriel. The cast of characters is low making for a more focused tale, and the stage the story is set on is descriptive and well told.

Overall the book is a great weekend read. Little effort is needed to follow the tale and the book's focused nature makes for a great connection between reader and the characters. Perhaps a little more editing could have been done given the repetitive nature of some of Gabriel's initial story, and to perhaps drop the swollen page numbers, but all in all the book is a well written, well told story.

4/5 stars.

*I received this book in ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

War of Wings tells the story of Lucifer's fall from heaven in detail. He manages to make the angels in heaven human, yet they remain on a different level from humans. It makes the reader feel closer to God and allows them to see the concept of faith through new eyes.
The author tells us the story of Lucifer through not only his eyes, but of those around him. We are given an idea of his beauty, desires and how it transforms him to the way he is seen in most peoples eyes today. Lucifer is seen feeling love, loss, hope in addition to the hatred, spite, jealousy etc. we easily associate with him. In addition to this, we get to see the archangels Michael and Gabriel through different eyes. They are seen to have their own doubts and flaws.
To me, this was written as a childrens' story, but many adults will enjoy it also. It helps us to understand that just because we have doubts, doesn't mean we are lost to God. He loves us no matter what.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a new spin on the fall of angels in heaven. It starts off slow but gains momentum as it goes on. Gabriel is a happy go lucky angel who isn't interested in the running of heaven. But when the battle for heaven begins, it is Michael and him who is in charge of the other warriors for God. Lucifer tries every trick in the book to win but good prevails in the end. I reviewed this book for Net Galley also.

[Joanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich and wonderful story!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting

[Betty Torma · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard to get into this book. It started off slow. But the idea was so interesting that I kept going. Eventually it became really interesting and I'm glad I persisted. After I finished it, i decided it was good to read it, and I will reread it in the near future.

[Victoria Mota · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fictional adaptation of how the angels fell from heaven. Like how each angel is portrayed with their job duties and relationship to others around them. Would like this to be turned either tv show or a movie.

[Robert S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first war among the first created.

This was a story that peaks ones interest in this topic. What was the war in heaven like? What did the fall of angels look like?

[Dallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original battle of good and evil set in heaven with God and many well-known angels as characters. Read it!

[Yellow Light · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5!

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received review copy in exchange for an honest review. Review copy provided by NetGalley.

Original review located at All in a Book

When I got a review copy of this book, I didn't know what to expect. I mean, obviously it was about the fall of Lucifer, but beyond that I was in the dark. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by War of Wings. I only read the first chapter of Paradise Lost in high school (I know, the shame!), but I feel like this is a more approachable version. Don't get me wrong—I love the classics—but sometimes I don't have the patience to sit through them.

War of Wings is a seamless interpretation of the Fall and integrates a unique perspective. I'll be honest, I'm not up to date on my Sunday School teachings, but I think it is interesting that one of the main perspectives is from Gabriel and not Michael. Granted, when I think of Gabriel I think of Richard Speight Jr. in Supernatural, and that definitely warps my interpretation.

But Gabriel is a refreshing protagonist, given his juxtaposition to Lucifer and Michael. He is humble (relatively) and disbelieving of what is occurring in Heaven. He is not resolute in his beliefs at the beginning; quite contrary, he is tempted like most angels to join Lucifer. He is very much the "Average Joe" of Heaven; so to see the events of the Fall from his point of view is unique in its being ordinary.

Along the same vein of thought, Lucifer's point of view was also compelling. As someone who typically needs to "see it to believe it," it is very easy for me to follow Lucifer's logic. Don't get me wrong, he is still the bad guy, but I can sympathize with him. His shift from discontent to hatred of God is subtle at first. It is easy to see why so many angels choose to follow him... But then he starts going off the deep end. Like exhibiting classics signs of being a psychopath. It went south pretty quickly. So, ultimately the reader comes out on the right side.

One of the aspects that interests me the most is the fact the angels seem so...human. It's something I've never considered. When I imagine angels, I imagine stoic beings unwavering in their convictions. So, to see angels fight, joke, and love, just like humans, is a little shocking for me. But I enjoyed it. It makes the characters much more relatable.

In short, I greatly enjoyed this story. It is beautifully written and endlessly fascinating. I would definitely recommend to lovers of Angel Lore!

[Ravencrantz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free eBook copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Because of Supernatural, I automatically want to cheer for Lucifer. Considering that show and books like this are all I know about Bible-like stories, I'm not really one to judge.

For a book centered around a central part of Biblical history, it really didn't feel like I was reading something of the religious nature. Sure there was plenty mention of God and how He was the Creator of everything, but it just didn't have that boring droning feeling that this kind of topic usually gives me. I liked hearing from Lucifer's side. He's the one who questioned everything like a lot of people do. If God created everything, who created God? Why must the Angels follow Him? Why does He make the rules? I think that's what kept it from sounding too preachy. We heard from both sides with neither side forcing their opinion on the reader. It was simply telling a story, and I liked that. I was afraid it would sound preachy, but very happy to find it read like a story instead.

The writing style is where I found this book lacking. Although the descriptors of heaven were very nice, the action was just plain boring. It was a lot of telling what was happening instead of showing us what was happening, which is a shame because angel battles have such great potential. The dialogue wasn't much better. I understand why the author went with more formal dialogue, but the way it was written made the characters sound wooden and fake.

The ending was drawn out. The big battle happened, people died (and were brought back), good triumphed over evil, and then a good 10-15% of the book was dedicated to an epilogue sort of wrap up where nothing really happened. Gabriel discovered he was really a messenger, not a warrior, so he had to go down and send Lucifer, newly named Satan, a message from God. It was just way too drawn out, like when you're trying to reach page count for a really important paper in school.

Overall, the story was very enjoyable. I loved the imagery of heaven and newly formed Earth, but the writing style was just lacking. It was also a great change of pace from my usual reads so I in no way regret reading War of Wings

[Matiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn by the book's concept. I love an interesting good vs. evil story. This wasn't exactly what I got, but I'm not disappointed. This book's premise is the events leading to Lucifer's uprising and his subsequent ejection from heaven.

The book's story is told through the angel Gabriel and Lucifer's points of view. This gives the reader a definite contrast and allows the story to flow more smoothly. I enjoyed reading Lucifer's inner thoughts and the events as seen through his eyes.

Many of the supporting characters aren't given much depth. The primary focus being on Lucifer and Gabriel. In the beginning Gabriel is the archetypical troublesome little brother; always fighting with his older brother and rebelling against his wishes. Because others have not placed much responsibility on him, he really doesn't take any. He enjoys more leisurely activities and doesn't take much responsibility for his purpose in God's plan. Tired of the perfect existence he has been given, Gabriel constantly seeks out imperfection.

Lucifer is the highest of all God' angels. He is the most beautiful, the most powerful, and the most exalted. He feels his natural place is at God's side and cannot wait for the day he receives his just reward. However, God's plan for a Son soon throws a wrench into his plans. Lucifer quickly becomes angry at God and launches a rebellion. You don't get a deliciously evil Lucifer/Satan. Instead you get a self-centered egomaniac.

Lucifer's rebellion is when we see the book's characters begin to transform and grow. Gabriel has the most character growth throughout the book. Changing from a disgruntled worker bee to an inspiring leader.

The book has an interesting look at God's angels and the origination of all things born of Satan. The thing I liked the most was that each angel was flawed in some way. They were not the emotionless automatons we typically see. They felt, they grieved, and they loved (this ability to love is an important catalyst in the book).

I found this book to be an easy read. The story flowed nicely and was pushed along by each characters' development. Overall I enjoyed the book and give it three stars.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

The War of Wings, by Tanner McElroy, was an interesting, but not too exciting book. The novel revolves around the story of what caused Lucifer to be cast out of Heaven. It centers on the personal stories of two angels, Gabriel and Lucifer. You learn that Gabriel is kind of a lazy, happy, go-lucky kind of angel, while Lucifer is the most ambitious angel in heaven. I won't spoil the entire story for those who haven't read it. However, I will say the back story was well-developed.

The premise behind this story is sound, but some of the characters ended up feeling flat and bland. I could understand Lucifer's frustration and ambition and I could understand Gabriel's reticence to accept his responsibilities that are thrust upon him. However, Michael came off as a robot with no personality for most of the book. His blind obedience and lack of emotion was intentional, I believe, so you could see his character development in the later half of the story, but I didn't notice enough change to make a difference. The minor league villains were standard-quality, with typical lines and actions. The only villain who was really developed was Azrael. I actually pitied him because of Raphael. I understood why he made his choices. God, as a character, I would have liked to have seen be more developed. That would have been fascinating to read.

The scene descriptions were amazing, though. That was how I would have pictured Heaven if angels had built it. The buildings made of gold and the finest crystals, and fields of wonderful crops and forever-replenishing fruit trees.

The book was good, overall, but it fell short of great; not because it wasn't interesting, because it was. It was more because the story wasn't developed enough, some of the characters were one-dimensional, and the plot was kind of thin. I would recommend it to those who like books of this kind because the author is talented, but I would wait for the next one in the series (if there is one - the ending was abrupt) before I went out and devoted myself to this author.

[elodie ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars.)

War of Wings is the story of how God's angels and most beautiful creature fell and became what we call today demons and of course, the story of the highest of the cherubim and now called Satan, Lucifer.

In real life, I am not a believer. I don't believe in God and yet I find the idea of his existence fascinating and beautiful. And thus, thinking that beings such as angels, powerful and fair creatures, might exist is something that I love reading about. I love books about angels, I have no idea why but I just find them fascinating.

So when I saw War of Wings in my recommendations, with its beautiful cover and nice synopsis, I was like "hell yeah, let's do this!"
And I was pleased to see that War of Wings was everything I was hoping for: angels' point of views and Lucifer's!
I mean, everyone knows about Satan and thinks that he's evil and such, but few know the real story. I'm part of these few persons. And it was nice to read about it even though I'm not sure this was the real story. I have no idea. So reading from his point of view was such a good point for the book! It was better to read about his feelings, his reasons for becoming what he became.

War of Wings was beautiful.
It was focused on Gabriel's, the archangel and messenger of God, story. And THAT CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. He passed from a childish angel who wants to enjoy his life as much as he can to a leader, a warrior and an inspiration for others who lack hope. Amazing!

This book was really great, except maybe for the part between Gabriel and Arrayah, at some point it became kind of annoying. He was too focused on her when other things were much more important like his surviving or a war. But hey, love makes you do stupid things!

To conclude, I truly enjoyed reading this book, I had a great time!

[Artemiz · Rating 2 out of 5]

War of Wings by Tanner McElroy is a Trojan Horse for me.

I started reading this book expecting to read about angels and about war between them, all fiction and fantastic. But it's a Christian Fiction. I did no expect the serious God campaign at all.

I'm not saying that I did not like the story, I just did not like one side of this story, I just could not agree with some things that where said. It probably has a lot to do with my upbringing and with my beliefs but this book just isn't my cup of tea. But we have our free will to like something or not like something and this time I chose not like it.

[Lee Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having passed the billboard for weeks, I decided to read War of Wings. It was okay but not very deep. Even with all of the angel lore that went into creating the hierarchy of Heaven's Hosts, the Angels were pretty vapid and one dimensional. The story is there to be grasped and fleshed out but the author's approach is too timid.

Read it, have fun, put it away and wait for the next one, but don't expect to find anything beyond a fast read in a shallow pond.

[Lisa Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting take on how heaven and hell began...I'm not sure if I would read the next one, it's not on the top of my priority list of reading...but I'd definitely read the next one at some point.