Wings of Steel & Fury—A Steampunk-tinged Twist on Fallen Angels
by Anca Antoci
Author: Sarah J. Daley
Released: 26.08.2025
Reviews:
Amazon: Buy from Amazon
GoodReads:3.96 (read)
Our review: 3.50 (read)
I first spotted this book on Threads, recommended by a fellow book lover whose tastes often align with mine—so when I had the chance to request an ARC from NetGalley, I jumped on it.
The premise immediately grabbed me: a fallen angel saved by atheists who despise his kind. That hook alone promised something unique, and Wings of Steel & Fury definitely delivered a different kind of angelic tale.
At a Glance
Category | Key Points |
What I loved | - unique fallen angel/atheist premises |
- strong opening | |
- steampunk dystopian vibe | |
- complex relationships | |
Themes | - Betrayal, faith vs. atheism |
- war and rebellion | |
- political corruption | |
- discrimination | |
- found allies | |
- survival | |
Tropes | - Enemies-to-reluctant-allies |
- journey/quest | |
- betrayal | |
- rebellion in Heaven and on Earth |
A Strong Start with a Bold Premise
Eleazor Starson is destined to be the next ruler of Splendour, the shining city of the Angelus. Instead, betrayal sends him plummeting to Below—a place angels are taught to fear and revile, full of supposed beasts and filth. You get a fresh take on the mythology of Leviathans and Angelus', interactions between two realms, and a variety of human cultures on Earth with their own belief systems.
Instead of monsters, he’s found by Fury and Diver, atheist siblings in a deeply religious country, who decide to nurse him back to health. Despite their differences (and mutual distrust), the three must journey across a war-torn land to return Eleazor home.
It’s a compelling setup—blending political tension, faith, and survival—with a backdrop of steampunk dystopia and rebellion brewing both on Earth and in Heaven.
Themes Handled with Care
While the adventure is front and center, the book also digs into deeper issues:
- Trauma and grief shape the characters’ decisions.
- Addiction and PTSD are explored in a way that feels sensitive and layered, not reduced to clichés.
- Corrupt leadership and discrimination add real-world weight to the fantasy setting.
I appreciated that the characters, despite their fantastical circumstances, felt human in their pain and resilience.
World-Building and Style
The early world-building is vivid and intriguing, painting a fresh take on angelic and human realms. However, toward the end, I found myself struggling to make sense at times.
The writing style may be divisive—blending old-world phrasing with modern language. At times, it added charm; other times, it pulled me out of the story. The pacing also wavered, with some sections flying by and others dragging.
Why It Stands Out
Even with its flaws, Wings of Steel & Fury stands out for its originality. It’s not just another angel story—it’s a gritty, war-driven tale with:
- Steampunk aesthetics
- Rebellion in Heaven and on Earth
- Romance woven into the chaos
- Epic battles and high-stakes confrontations
It’s messy, ambitious, and ultimately memorable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a clean, light angel romance, this isn’t it. But if you want a steampunk dystopia layered with political intrigue, flawed characters, and an unorthodox take on faith and morality, Wings of Steel & Fury might just surprise you.