Glass Wings is a dark and ambitious fantasy that combines morally complex characters, multiple POVs, and a world teetering on the edge of war between supernatural beings. At its core, the story has a strong idea: semi-divine guardians tasked with keeping balance, clashing among themselves while a higher, self-serving power manipulates events in the background. This tension, alongside flawed and layered characters like Hadley and Hector, creates moments of real intrigue and emotional weight. The toxic, co-dependent relationship between Arryn and Alienna in particular is unforgettable.

That said, the execution often fell short for me. While I usually enjoy nonlinear storytelling and shifting perspectives, here they made the plot feel disjointed rather than layered. I could follow what was happening, but not always why, leaving the story unfocused and harder to invest in.

Despite its flaws, Glass Wings does deliver a richly detailed world, vivid atmosphere, and emotionally charged character dynamics. It ends on a cliffhanger, setting up bigger conflicts to come. For readers who love messy, morally grey characters and dark fantasy that pushes boundaries, this may be worth exploring.

Borderline 2.5 but rounded up feel.

This is book with a strong idea at its core, but the execution left me disappointed. In fantasy, I look for a sense of direction an underlying purpose or objective that drives the story forward. Here, while I could follow what was happening, I couldn’t tell you why it was happening. The events often felt disconnected from any clear reasoning, which made the plot feel unfocused and difficult to invest in.

I usually enjoy multiple POVs and nonlinear storytelling that plays with time, even when it’s confusing at first. Done well, those techniques can add depth and complexity. But here, they didn’t enhance the story; instead, they made it harder to engage with the characters. Rather than adding layers of meaning, the shifts in perspective and time created distance, which only weakened the emotional connection.

Another frustration for me was the magic system, or, rather the lack of explanation around it. One of my biggest pet peeves is when a magical system isn’t developed enough in the first book. Maybe the author plans to explore it more in the sequels, but for me, the first book should at least establish the foundation. Without that clarity, the fantasy elements felt more like loose ideas than a coherent system, which made the worldbuilding less convincing.

The writing style also didn’t help. It felt inconsistent and often unengaging, which made immersion difficult. There were moments where I saw glimpses of something special a nice idea, an interesting piece of atmosphere but they weren’t enough to carry the story.

And then there’s the romance, or at least, what I think was supposed to be romance? I honestly couldn’t tell if it was meant to be romantic or ironic.

Overall, Glass Wings wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t a satisfying one either. The concept was promising, yet the lack of direction, the underdeveloped magic system, and uneven writing held it back. I finished it, but it left me more frustrated than fulfilled.

I really tried with this one, but the constant POV jumping was doing my head in. I can usually handle multi-POV stories, but this felt overwhelming—yikes. The prologue also left me confused. Characters were introduced who seemed important, but then they disappeared completely for the first several chapters, leaving me wondering how (or if) they tied into the main plot.

The concept itself is interesting, and I can see where some readers might be intrigued, but for me it dragged far too much in the beginning and never hooked me. By the 20% mark, I found myself more frustrated than invested, so I decided to put it down.

Not for me, but I’m sure it’ll resonate with readers who enjoy sprawling, multi-layered stories and don’t mind a slower start.

The book was interesting but I think it could have been longer. The world building was great but it lost me at times.

Okay wow, this was way more intense than I was expecting. One second you’ve got Hadley just trying to survive in California, and the next you’re knee-deep in immortals, ancient feuds, and some seriously dramatic family issues (like… holidays with these people would be chaos).

I loved how the story bounced between different perspectives. It gave it that sprawling, epic vibe, but also kept me guessing about who was really pulling the strings. The world-building was rich, the powers were wild, and even when I was a little confused, I was still hooked. And Hadley? Total fighter...you just can’t help rooting for her.

It’s dark, twisty, and definitely not your typical good vs. evil story. If you’re into messy immortals with wings, time slips, and emotional drama that hits hard, this one delivers.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This, was a WILD ride. Seriously. I don't even know where to start.
This is genuinely one of the most interesting, original magic systems I have ever read, its crazy. The Kinnari are a winged species that basically protect/control the earth. We start with a few different time periods that can be a little hard to follow initially but after a while it all starts to flow. There are multiple points of view which is SO refreshing as we usually don't get to see a lot of what other characters are thinking. Elle Kaelee has a superb way of writing each character in a slightly different way so you can very quickly pick up their different personalities and easily distinguish who you are in the head of.
Hadley is our FMC, and honestly, the poor girl is a bit of a train wreck. She finds herself in, ah, a situation, and then everything just gets worse.
I NEED other people to read this as I need to talk about it with some one because I don't think I'm ok 😂
4⭐️ for this book from me!
Please read the trigger warnings at that start, there are some HEAVY themes throughout this book and it may not be for everyone.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Victory Editing and Elle Kaelee for the opportunity to read this in preparation for book 3.

It took me a while to get into Glass Wings.
I was not expecting such a large part of the novel to be set in present day, so it is more urban fantasy.
There are multiple points of view and timelines with thousands of years between, which at times felt disjointed.

Glass wings is a satisfyingly complex and richly detailed fantasy involving the world of supernatural beings charged with keeping their universe in balance. Even though they have a contentious relationship with each other, they ultimately seek the same goal: peace. With each having particular skills and powers they seem to have been brought into existence in a kind of checks-and-balance manner. There is another level of beings greater than these, however, whose beneficence is less evident. They seem more concerned with their own well-being and preserving their status and power than the fate of the world, even the universe. The conflict between these groups presents a constant tension that enlivens the narrative. Although the principals of the tale seem benign they have, individually, less than savory methods of achieving their ultimate goals. There is some evil at work here, even among the "good guys". The discovery of new member of the clan threatens everyone in this semi-divine cadre. It has been though that such an addition to their ranks was impossible, but it now proves to be true and is ominous. It seems clear that there is more to come here, since although the immediate story is brought to a conclusion, issues remain to be settled. More to come, I think.

This story was really very interesting, I couldn't stop reading to see what really happens. It combines fantasy, magic, adventure and the war between good and evil in a very nice and interesting way. It is written in the third person with multiple POVs. I really recommend it as a special and unique book choice!

I wanted to love this but sadly I did not. I kept wanting to check to see how far it was til the end. None of the characters resonated with me and I feel like that is why I could not click with the book. I do think it is well written and plenty of people out there will love it

This book is not the longest, but it does seem well fleshed out and finished nicely. I really enjoyed the trials and tribulations of the mc and how she navigated solutions.

Glass Wings is a dark, compelling fantasy that delivers an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Spanning 29 chapters and told through multiple third-person POVs, the story immerses readers in a world fraught with tension, moral ambiguity, and the looming threat of war between the forces of light and dark. Be warned: this is a story that doesn’t shy away from graphic and challenging content.

The characters are the heart of this novel—deeply flawed, vividly real, and absolutely unforgettable. Hadley and Hector stood out as my favorites, both layered and complex, navigating a world where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every turn. On the other hand, Alienna drove me absolutely nuts; her choices were frustrating and often baffling, but even that emotional response speaks to how well Kaelee crafted her. The relationship between Arryn and Alienna is a masterpiece of co-dependent, toxic dynamics—truly a messy, intense bond that feels both believable and tragic. It’s the kind of relationship that sparks a flood of feelings, from anger to pity, and stays with you long after the last page.

Kaelee’s prose is lyrical yet powerful, pulling readers deep into a world where right and wrong blur into shades of gray. The writing style is immersive, making every scene vivid and emotionally resonant. The battle between light and dark forces isn’t just external—it’s a psychological war, too, forcing Hadley and the readers alike to question loyalties, beliefs, and what it means to choose a side.

The book contains various sexual situations and love scenes, though these are generally brief rather than explicit, earning a solid 2 out of 5 🌶 jalapeños for hotness. There is at least one steamy scene that stands out, adding a layer of intimacy amidst the chaos.

Trigger Warnings: near rape, dubious consent, mind control, blood drinking, and gore. These elements contribute to the book’s dark atmosphere and intense emotional stakes. They are not glossed over but presented with rawness that some readers may find unsettling. If you’re sensitive to these topics, proceed with caution.

Glass Wings ends on a cliffhanger, which left me both desperate for the next installment and eager to see how the story unfolds. While not all characters won my favor, the emotional depth, the morally complex storytelling, and Kaelee’s evocative prose make this book a standout in the dark fantasy genre.

If you’re a fan of dark, emotionally intense fantasy with flawed characters, unpredictable twists, and a story that challenges your perceptions of good and evil, Glass Wings is definitely worth the read. Just be prepared for its graphic and sometimes uncomfortable themes—it’s not an easy ride, but it’s a powerful one.

3.5 honestly
This book definitely tries to be short, sweet and to the point, which for me is unfortunate. Any fantasy book under 300 pages automatically makes me hesitate to read because it usually means there isn't enoughin the book for me to really enjoy it. I was excited to read this book and its been saved to my TBR for a little while now, so when I got to read it as an ARC I was super excited. I really wish that this story was longer and expanded more. It has such great potential! I feel like there were a lot of tropes and fantasy aspects that were shoved into one sort story and it was a bit difficult to be honest. I love the deities and the magical aspect, but I really wasnt a fan of the dual POVS and the jumping back and forth between the past and present timelines.

This one was… a mixed bag. The concept was cool, and the timeline jumps were probably my favorite part because they added this layered, slightly chaotic energy that kept me curious. The world was intriguing, and I liked how dark and uncomfortable it got at times.

The gods were just plain awful, and Hadley appeared to be completely lost. Her choices felt messy, but that messiness was honestly what made the story feel real; it reflects how life pushes you into weird, desperate places.

However, the multi-POV structure was somewhat confusing. The chapters didn’t label who was speaking, which made it difficult to follow. And by the end, I still felt like I didn’t really know why half the characters did what they did. It left me feeling like something was missing or unfinished.

Also… the title and cover totally threw me. Glass Wings, with that soft, fae-coded cover made me think I was getting one kind of story, but this is gods, monsters, and pure chaos lol. The vibes didn’t match at all, and that disconnect kind of disappointed me. Not a bad book, but not quite what I hoped for either.

“You did it, and you will own it. You will not cry.”

Hadley wakes to find herself transformed—with glass wings on her back and a deadly shadow willing to kill for her. Hunted by gods, demons, and the truth of her inhuman nature, she’s thrust into a realm where monsters hide behind human faces and blood seals every alliance. As ancient powers awaken within her, Hadley must choose between becoming a weapon for others or forging her own path—no matter the cost.

Don’t be fooled by the sweet and delicate cover; this is no fairytale but rather a dark epic fantasy. If you are looking for a lazy read, this is not it. If, however, you are looking to immerse yourself in a sweeping story that follows multiple POVs across centuries and worlds, this one is for you. Glass Wings is an interesting take on gods and demons and their interaction with humanity and the world we live in. The worldbuilding is complex, rich and layered. I enjoyed discovering the characters and what motivates their actions; Reign and Djoser were definitely my favourites. This book is haunting and I cannot wait to find out what happens next!

Please pay attention to the trigger warnings, and if you are affected by topics around infertility and pregnancy loss, this book might not be for you.

Thank you, Elle Kaelee and NetGalley, for the eArc of this book.

This is a dark epic fantasy with multiple POVs,
There are two different time frames which I found a little confusing sometimes but I did enjoy it The world building was amazing.

I absolutely loved this book. I was first drawn in by the cover as I absolutely love butterflies and the cover just reminded me of them. I literally devoured this book. I was obsessed with these characters. The story line is really captivating and the plot is amazing. I definitely recommend going and checking this book out! you won't regret it!

Glass Wings by Elle Kaelee

I loved the concept of this book. Hadley’s journey from barely surviving to discovering her supernatural heritage and being pulled into an ancient conflict was the most compelling part of the story and carried the most of emotional weight of the book.

Where I struggled was with the multiple POVs and timelines. While ambitious, they often pulled focus away from Hadley and slowed down the pacing. The world building was creative and full of potential, at times it felt overwhelming and disconnected from the main plot.

By the end, everything ties together and I could see what the author was aiming for. Readers who enjoy multi-POV, lore heavy fantasy with darker undertones may connect with it more than I did.

“Glass Wings” is not a book. It’s a plunge, headfirst, heart open, into a world where immortals bleed, fates tangle, and one girl’s scream into the void echoes louder than she ever expected.
Elle Kaelee doesn’t just write a story, she unleashes a storm. Hadley, barely eighteen and already hardened by loss, is dropped into California’s sun-bleached chaos with nothing but grit and ghosts for company. But loneliness doesn’t get to linger long. Strange shadows stalk her steps, winged beings haunt the corners of reality, and suddenly the world she thought she knew cracks wide open, revealing bloodlines soaked in war and ancient grudges that refuse to die.
And Hadley? She doesn't just survive it, she transforms. In pain. In power. In pages soaked with both metaphorical and literal blood.
Let’s talk Kinnari. These immortals are not your average paranormal archetypes. They are haunting, magnetic, and maddeningly mysterious. Some wield death with the gentleness of a lullaby. Some share souls. Others twist fate like it’s a game. You won’t forget them. I sure didn’t, Djoser owns every scene he steps into, and Reign? Reign is power in human form. There’s a whole tangle of backstory with the sisters and other key immortals, and I need more. Book two, don’t fail me.
Kaelee’s prose is lush but sharp, like silk hiding a blade. There’s beauty in every line, but also danger. The moral lines blur in the best ways, and you’ll find yourself questioning loyalties, yours and the characters'. It’s the kind of story that dares you to pick a side while knowing full well there may be no “right” one.
Now, about that ending... what the actual hell. Not a twist. Not a cliffhanger. A detonation. It felt too fast, too chaotic, like the final crescendo hit before the orchestra was ready. I'm praying Book Two slows that explosion into something that makes sense because I’m still mentally standing there, blinking in the smoke.
One personal gripe: Hadley’s age. Eighteen is young, especially for the kind of epic stakes she’s thrown into. Her inexperience shows, and at times, it's frustrating. But that’s part of what makes her real. You’ll want to shake her, sure, but you’ll also want to shield her. She’s raw. And she’s learning.
So, final word?
Read it.
Feel it.
Rage at it.
Fall for the Kinnari.
And brace yourself, for Kaelee’s world has claws, and it doesn’t let go easily.

Glass Wings kicks off an intriguing fantasy series filled with secrets, danger, and unexpected romance. The story follows a young woman caught between two worlds—one she’s trying to escape and one she never expected to be part of. As truths unravel and her powers begin to emerge, she finds herself drawn into a high-stakes conflict with everything on the line, including her heart.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The book immediately pulled me in with its fast-paced opening and strong sense of mystery. Elle Kaelee does a great job of blending action, emotion, and worldbuilding in a way that kept me turning the pages.

I especially enjoyed the romance woven throughout the story. It felt natural and well-paced, and I found myself genuinely rooting for the couple by the end. Their dynamic added depth and heart to the plot, and I’m excited to see where things go next. I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of the series!