House of Beating Wings (The Kingdom of Crows Book 1)

Product Information

I stand planted in front of my door like one of Nonna’s medicinal shrubs for a solid minute after he retreats to his rooms, gaping after him.

House of Beating Wings was a very good first book . The writing and description of the world were on point, and the characters were properly developed. You can clearly tell there is a major plot planned behind the scenes, and the author knows where the characters are headed. It reads like a first draft slapped together, given a beautiful cover and sent on its way. The writing is incredibly juvenile and very poorly edited. I am surprised beta readers (assuming there were any) didn't flag any of this before the final story was released. Speaking of love, I had no idea it was possible to absolutely love a character that isn’t even in the first half of the book. If you know, you know…new book boyfriend! This was very refreshing fantasy book. I really liked it, but it felt a little less maybe it's with the fact that this was the first book in the series. I’ve stolen a mythical, murderous creature. I shudder as the depth of what I’ve done folds over me like dark water.GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/s Olivia is the byproduct of a meet-rude in a Parisian discotheque that turned into an epic love story spanning several decades. Naturally, this shaped the way she viewed romance. I loved Fallon as and FMC, she is headstrong and independent and doesn´t care about others opinions of her while she is being her true self. Which also makes her a really honest and direct person. She is not your typical sword-swinging badass, but I loved her strong personality. What I also loved was the little touch of making her a vegetarian with her ever-present love for animals. The only thing that annoyed me about her a little bit sometimes was how naive she seemed to be in certain situations while to me, the reader, it seemed to be obvious. But hey, I guess that´s what love sometimes does to us, so can´t be too strict on that one. Olivia did a great job expanding on the important plot points that were introduced from Book 1. We are finally introduced to the Sky Kingdom and its people. We get a glimpse of how Lucin is holding up with Dante as the new reigning monarch, and how the Lucin society is adapting. Additionally, we learn more about Nebba, as well as the mysterious Shabbins as well. I wish I can go into more details, but I don’t want to spoil anything! However, the new information we learn is not overwhelming, and does not drag or slow down the overall storyline. All of this fits well within Fallon’s character arc and development.

The goddamn Romance you guys. That’s exactly why I tell you that these books are guilty-pleasure reads for me. Because while I would normally need an actual plot to sustain me and keep me interested, that’s not the case with this author’s works because I’m just simply able to stay incredibly engaged thanks to the swoon-worthy romance. And the romance in this one was just top-tier in my opinion. Not because of Fallon by any means, but because of the incredible, mind-meltingly delicious Lore😩 This man y’all… this freaking man🫠 We already know I love him. Did I like that he let the whole “fiancé” thing go on for so long? No but I can understand why he thought it could help Fallon accept the bond. Another thing I didn’t really like though is how often he hides things from Fallon. I get that she’s much younger than him but if you’re not going to see her as a future queen then you also won’t be able to treat her right as your partner because the two kind of go hand-in-hand in this scenario. That said, I’ll admit that Fallon doesn’t always make it easy to see her as a mature, grown woman. I’m so frustrated because I really wanted to like this book! I just can’t understand why we’re supposed to be rooting for Fallon to end up queen and mate with Lore. Since the books are told entirely from her perspective, can any honest reader say they would want Fallon to be their ruler? Does she consider other people’s needs and display any sense of thoughtfulness about her actions and their consequences for others? No! She is completely self absorbed, petulant, and petty! One such example if the narrators constant stream of side thoughts. Dozens of lines which add nothing but word count. Yes a decent editor should have advised it all be left on the cutting room floor but a write of Wildenstein's usual caliber should also have seen at second glance of her manuscript that it was all utter rubbish.I love Lore's character so very much, and I loved all of the banter between him and Fallon. Fallon was a bit annoying at times in this book, but she is going through a lot and trying to find home. I was glad she finally started seeing and understanding things, especially when it comes to Lore. Fallon is young & idealistic, a bit naïve (wanted to shake her a few times), half water fae, with an unusual affinity with animals, she grew up on the wrong side of the canal, an outsider FMC whose character grows and succeeds where others cannot, despite betrayals and secrets Fallon was a magicless halfling who was given a prophecy, free the crows and they will make you queen. Being loathed by the full blooded fae, Fallon was intrigued to go above her station. Especially since she saw a chance with having a future with her friend, Dante. Who was brother to the crown. Fallon's world was changed forever when she started her quest to free the crows!