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So much fun!! Full RTC.
Thank you so much to author [a:Rebecca Crunden|16493101|Rebecca Crunden|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1554032520p2/16493101.jpg] for reaching out and providing an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you so much to author [a:Rebecca Crunden|16493101|Rebecca Crunden|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1554032520p2/16493101.jpg] for reaching out and providing an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
A quick and enchanting read. The rhythm flows so well, there's always action around the corner, and some very interesting twists. The characters are endearing and frustrating in equal measure in a way that makes them so relatable. Zev is my personal favourite, Rebecca is so good at creating morally grey misfits you can't help but love.
The only small observation I have is that the ending felt slightly compressed, I would have loved it to pan out a bit longer to feel fully satisfied after the great buildup. If anything, that's proof of how good the story was, since I wanted to spend more time in this world.
All in all, Rebecca never disappoints.
The only small observation I have is that the ending felt slightly compressed, I would have loved it to pan out a bit longer to feel fully satisfied after the great buildup. If anything, that's proof of how good the story was, since I wanted to spend more time in this world.
All in all, Rebecca never disappoints.
A Magical Story
I could not put down this book. It was such an amazing tale of demons and angels and the humans that live amongst them.
Octavia is one of the best heroines I’ve read in a long time. She finds a fallen angel which brings her into this fantasy realm. Zev the Demon transforms her into Raphael’s healer. I loved how she wanted to believe the good in everything. Demons included.
Rebecca Crunden created a beautiful world that will capture your attention from the start.
I could not put down this book. It was such an amazing tale of demons and angels and the humans that live amongst them.
Octavia is one of the best heroines I’ve read in a long time. She finds a fallen angel which brings her into this fantasy realm. Zev the Demon transforms her into Raphael’s healer. I loved how she wanted to believe the good in everything. Demons included.
Rebecca Crunden created a beautiful world that will capture your attention from the start.
Free copy provided by FLOAB in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
A Game of Wings and Marks was SUCH FUN. I couldn’t put it down, I just kept reading and reading until my eyes drooped and my kindle flashed with low battery, and even then it took a lot of effort to put this book down!
The story picks up with our dearest Tamiel waking up injured and alone, only to hear the sounds of something running towards him. Soon, our protagonist Octavia – a guardian angel in her own right – bursts into the scene, and is, understandably, shocked by the sight of a bloody man with what appears to be holes gouged in his back. Being the good samaritan that she is (if you can’t tell, I REALLY loved Octavia), she soon drags him home and does her best to help him, which leads her on an extraordinary journey where she meets angels and demons, makes multiple new friends, falls in love and finds herself in a whole new world.
However, Octavia isn’t alone. She’s backed by her protective brother Caleb, her new friends Tamiel and Jack, the enigmatic demon Zev, and, of course, her angel Raphael. Yeah, THE Raphael. I LOVED the characters in this story, they were relatable, funny, sweet, interesting and – most of all – human (metaphorically). They made mistakes but they overcame these mistakes and tried to make up for them, and they always had Octavia’s back, making them the perfect friends. Honestly this team was so incredibly loveable, I miss them already. Most of this book was from Octavia’s POV, but every now and again we’d get a chapter from Raphael or Zev, which was really nice.
“They were an odd little family, but one Octavia found she loved more than anything.”
Yeah, you and me both, Tivs.
Throughout the story we also find out about the past of each character, and we’re hit by plot-twists and reveals that had me gasping and coming close to tears. The romance was sweet and touching (though there was a slight love triangle so be prepared) and all up I really loved this book. Our MC was badass and didn’t let anyone tell her what to do, the sibling relationship was priceless (and so rare in YA and NA these days) and the LGBTQ+ elements that were so casually slipped into the story were really lovely to read about. Oh, and the humour! I loved it! I laughed out loud at some stages, this book just had that deadpan humour to really add to the atmosphere and fun of the book overall!
“‘Don’t touch anything a gentleman wouldn’t,’ she warned. ‘I will eat your hand.'”
So, you ask, why isn’t it 5 stars then, Darcey? If you loved it so much then why mark it 4.5 stars? Well, I marked this 4.5 stars simply because – though I most definitely loved this book – I’m not sure if I’ll remember it in a year, or two years, or a decade. Basically, I didn’t think this story was INCREDIBLY memorable, but it was still an amazing read while I was reading it!
Brilliant! Thank you so much to the author and For Love of a Book book club for sending me this free copy :))
A Game of Wings and Marks was SUCH FUN. I couldn’t put it down, I just kept reading and reading until my eyes drooped and my kindle flashed with low battery, and even then it took a lot of effort to put this book down!
The story picks up with our dearest Tamiel waking up injured and alone, only to hear the sounds of something running towards him. Soon, our protagonist Octavia – a guardian angel in her own right – bursts into the scene, and is, understandably, shocked by the sight of a bloody man with what appears to be holes gouged in his back. Being the good samaritan that she is (if you can’t tell, I REALLY loved Octavia), she soon drags him home and does her best to help him, which leads her on an extraordinary journey where she meets angels and demons, makes multiple new friends, falls in love and finds herself in a whole new world.
However, Octavia isn’t alone. She’s backed by her protective brother Caleb, her new friends Tamiel and Jack, the enigmatic demon Zev, and, of course, her angel Raphael. Yeah, THE Raphael. I LOVED the characters in this story, they were relatable, funny, sweet, interesting and – most of all – human (metaphorically). They made mistakes but they overcame these mistakes and tried to make up for them, and they always had Octavia’s back, making them the perfect friends. Honestly this team was so incredibly loveable, I miss them already. Most of this book was from Octavia’s POV, but every now and again we’d get a chapter from Raphael or Zev, which was really nice.
“They were an odd little family, but one Octavia found she loved more than anything.”
Yeah, you and me both, Tivs.
Throughout the story we also find out about the past of each character, and we’re hit by plot-twists and reveals that had me gasping and coming close to tears. The romance was sweet and touching (though there was a slight love triangle so be prepared) and all up I really loved this book. Our MC was badass and didn’t let anyone tell her what to do, the sibling relationship was priceless (and so rare in YA and NA these days) and the LGBTQ+ elements that were so casually slipped into the story were really lovely to read about. Oh, and the humour! I loved it! I laughed out loud at some stages, this book just had that deadpan humour to really add to the atmosphere and fun of the book overall!
“‘Don’t touch anything a gentleman wouldn’t,’ she warned. ‘I will eat your hand.'”
So, you ask, why isn’t it 5 stars then, Darcey? If you loved it so much then why mark it 4.5 stars? Well, I marked this 4.5 stars simply because – though I most definitely loved this book – I’m not sure if I’ll remember it in a year, or two years, or a decade. Basically, I didn’t think this story was INCREDIBLY memorable, but it was still an amazing read while I was reading it!
Brilliant! Thank you so much to the author and For Love of a Book book club for sending me this free copy :))
There are so many things about this book I enjoyed. The portrayal of angels and demons, how humans work into it, and the overall plot were wonderful. Octavia is so strong, and the bonds between the characters felt almost tangible. Everyone was so life-like I wouldn't be shocked if I ran into Zev or Tamiel on the street. I was a little sad when I reached the end and had to leave everyone behind. Highly recommend if you're looking for something that isn't what you'd expect when you hear angels and demons.
*I was kindly given a copy of this in exchange for an honest review from the Author*
I have no words. I am so bad at writing a review when I have just finished reading a book.
I am not speechless often, but this book hit differently.
It was beyond amazing. The plot was gripping. The love triangle was really well done. The character arcs were super well done. But despite all of that greatness, something pushed this above all the other amazing books I have read so far this year. Well, not something...but someone.
Zev.
My new heart and soul.
HE DESERVES THE WORLD. NOTHING! I REPEAT! NOTHING!!! IS TOO GOOD FOR HIM!!
He is complex, funny, dangerous, sexy, constantly the perfect contradiction and just a pure joy to read. I cannot even do him justice with words. He is perfection.
All I can say is that: YOU NEED TO READ THIS.
If not for me, then do it for Zev! because believe me, all your previous book boy loves will quake in his presence.
Full Review Here: https://hawthornbookreviews.com/2020/08/13/a-game-of-wings-and-marks-review/
I have no words. I am so bad at writing a review when I have just finished reading a book.
I am not speechless often, but this book hit differently.
It was beyond amazing. The plot was gripping. The love triangle was really well done. The character arcs were super well done. But despite all of that greatness, something pushed this above all the other amazing books I have read so far this year. Well, not something...but someone.
Zev.
My new heart and soul.
HE DESERVES THE WORLD. NOTHING! I REPEAT! NOTHING!!! IS TOO GOOD FOR HIM!!
He is complex, funny, dangerous, sexy, constantly the perfect contradiction and just a pure joy to read. I cannot even do him justice with words. He is perfection.
All I can say is that: YOU NEED TO READ THIS.
If not for me, then do it for Zev! because believe me, all your previous book boy loves will quake in his presence.
Full Review Here: https://hawthornbookreviews.com/2020/08/13/a-game-of-wings-and-marks-review/
A very awesome read with angels and demons mixing with humans, well-defined characters and relationships that make you feel all the emotions, some cool-as-hell (or rather, hot-as-hell) settings, and several twists that went in unexpected ways. Definitely worth checking out.
This was a ride for sure. I'd forgotten exactly what it was about when I started reading (don't judge, my tbr is massive) but that was remedied quickly enough. I don't read a lot of angel-related urban fantasy. It tends to the religious too often and I just have very little interest in soldiers of god, right? This story managed to walk a line near enough that to be recognizable, but far enough away to keep me reading--if that even makes sense. There were biblical things mentioned that I'm not familiar with but it didn't detract from the story at all. I'm not just I ever figured out where Octavia lived. I know the town name, but that's it--could be me, though, I'm terrible with things like that.
I really enjoyed reading a story where siblings were ride or die for each other. Usually it's all backstab and betrayal. Jack and Tam were also great. I won't spoil the main relationship, but I'm happy with how it turned out. I saw flickers of what was to come but wasn't prepared for the entirety of the reveal, which was a nice change.
If you're looking for a fun urban fantasy that keeps you turning pages, pick this one up. I look forward to reading more by the author.
I really enjoyed reading a story where siblings were ride or die for each other. Usually it's all backstab and betrayal. Jack and Tam were also great. I won't spoil the main relationship, but I'm happy with how it turned out. I saw flickers of what was to come but wasn't prepared for the entirety of the reveal, which was a nice change.
If you're looking for a fun urban fantasy that keeps you turning pages, pick this one up. I look forward to reading more by the author.
To see a full review check it out here.
This one is SO full of action. It felt like the action came at the expense of some character development though. That is my biggest complaint though. This book was fun.
This one is SO full of action. It felt like the action came at the expense of some character development though. That is my biggest complaint though. This book was fun.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
While this wasn't my favorite book by Crunden, A Game of Wings and Marks was an enjoyable, fast-paced urban fantasy with characters you want to root for and fascinating world-building. I've always been very interested in lore about angels, demons, and nephilim. So, I was excited to see what Crunden would do with these constructs, and she didn't disappoint. Their use was familiar while also refreshingly unique, and I honestly would have loved to learn even more about the roles and history of the supernatural beings in this book's world.
The cast of characters in A Game of Wings and Marks was diverse and fun to follow. Octavia was a bit of a bad ass. She was always doing whatever needed to be done to help others, even when the cost to her was extremely high. Tamiel and Jack were couple goals, and I loved how much Caleb cared for his sister. I liked Raphael, but he didn't really seem to have much of a personality beyond his stoic and caring nature, which made him feel a bit dull in comparison to everyone else. That brings us to Zev, the demon of games. He had such a fun personality, clever wit, and a fascinating background.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to need to choose between loving the hot angel who shares your soul or the devious, yet charming, demon who wants to make you his queen? Look no further than A Game of Wings and Marks. I actually liked the love triangle in this one. I was definitely on team Zev. He actually tried to woo Octavia and was surprisingly attentive, whereas Raphael was just kind of there. lol. I enjoyed watching Zev try to curb his extreme jealousy. He was just so bad at it because he felt so intensely.
The main place where A Game of Wings and Marks fell short for me was the story and writing. That's not to say the story was bad. I actually liked it quite a bit and was even surprised by some of the reveals. However, it all just needed a bit more room to breathe. Everything moved so quickly that the danger began to lack gravitas. I lost count of the number of times Octavia was attacked or kidnapped, only to be followed by a super quick resolution and off to the next crisis. This story could have been spaced out over 2 or 3 books if the pacing had been better and the writing used more showing and less telling.
Overall, A Game of Wings and Marks was a good urban fantasy romance. If you enjoy books about angels and demons, this is one not to miss. Despite some pacing issues, the story was a fun ride full of action, romance, and fascinating angel lore. By himself, Zev makes this book worth reading. 😈 Therefore, I rate this book 3.75 out of 5 stars.
The cast of characters in A Game of Wings and Marks was diverse and fun to follow. Octavia was a bit of a bad ass. She was always doing whatever needed to be done to help others, even when the cost to her was extremely high. Tamiel and Jack were couple goals, and I loved how much Caleb cared for his sister. I liked Raphael, but he didn't really seem to have much of a personality beyond his stoic and caring nature, which made him feel a bit dull in comparison to everyone else. That brings us to Zev, the demon of games. He had such a fun personality, clever wit, and a fascinating background.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to need to choose between loving the hot angel who shares your soul or the devious, yet charming, demon who wants to make you his queen? Look no further than A Game of Wings and Marks. I actually liked the love triangle in this one. I was definitely on team Zev. He actually tried to woo Octavia and was surprisingly attentive, whereas Raphael was just kind of there. lol. I enjoyed watching Zev try to curb his extreme jealousy. He was just so bad at it because he felt so intensely.
The main place where A Game of Wings and Marks fell short for me was the story and writing. That's not to say the story was bad. I actually liked it quite a bit and was even surprised by some of the reveals. However, it all just needed a bit more room to breathe. Everything moved so quickly that the danger began to lack gravitas. I lost count of the number of times Octavia was attacked or kidnapped, only to be followed by a super quick resolution and off to the next crisis. This story could have been spaced out over 2 or 3 books if the pacing had been better and the writing used more showing and less telling.
Overall, A Game of Wings and Marks was a good urban fantasy romance. If you enjoy books about angels and demons, this is one not to miss. Despite some pacing issues, the story was a fun ride full of action, romance, and fascinating angel lore. By himself, Zev makes this book worth reading. 😈 Therefore, I rate this book 3.75 out of 5 stars.