A review by stephilica
Wings by Jason Lethcoe
There are some good ideas here—magic tied to Songs of Power, a corruption that turns fallen angels into beasts (very Milton-esque, that), neat name references (except Lillith, that one has been done so much it's not clever any longer), and a Narnia-like afterlife where everyone's forms reflect their personality. Plus the MC has wings, which is always cool.
Unfortunately we see very few of these ideas develop. This is less a fish-out-of-water story about a Chosen One as much as set up for the next two books. Edward never really learns that he's a destined hero, his goal to save his mother is introduced in the very last chapter, and the author changes point of view characters like he's allergic to developing the hero further. Toss in some deus-ex-machina and you have the recipe for "good idea, poor execution."
Unfortunately we see very few of these ideas develop. This is less a fish-out-of-water story about a Chosen One as much as set up for the next two books. Edward never really learns that he's a destined hero, his goal to save his mother is introduced in the very last chapter, and the author changes point of view characters like he's allergic to developing the hero further. Toss in some deus-ex-machina and you have the recipe for "good idea, poor execution."