October 2025 First in a Series BOTM - House of Beating Wings by Olivia Wildenstein

[Jamie]

Free the crows, Fallon, and they will make you queen.

Until an oracle predicted my regal future, I’d never imagined myself rising above the curve of my round ears. After all, I was the magicless halfling loved by beasts but loathed by every pure-blooded faerie at court. Well... by all but one.

Dante Regio, prince of Luce, had owned my heart since he gave me my first kiss. If gathering a slew of iron relics could help me overthrow the current monarch and crown his brother to rule at my side, then treasure hunting I’d go.

If only the oracle had warned me what winged demon I was releasing into the world.

And that I’d become this demon’s obsession.

Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Mary E. Pearson will devour this epic fantasy romance full of deceit, betrayal, and false loves that could swallow a person whole.

**This BOTM thread will be open until November 5th @ Midnight (in your time zone)**

[Caitlynn]

1. Did not live up to the hype I had been hearing online at all about it.
2. Fallon really needs to develop a sense of self-worth rather than hitching everything on what Dante and other people think about her. She most definitely could have had more self-respect rather running after the man that didn't even deserve her attention.
3. Personally, the pacing was all over the place and it felt like it too foreverrrrr to build up to the main part of the plot.
4. Won't be continuing with the series as I think there are far better fantasies out their that have better plotting and enable me to route for the main characters much more.

[Jamie]

I'm starting this one today!

[Jamie]

Chapters 1-10 => (view spoiler)[I'm intrigued. I'm going to assume that Dante will not be a good guy, as Fallon seems to think he is. Not sure about the rest of the people we've met so far.

I'm also guessing that Fallon isn't actually a half-breed??? (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Chapters 11-20 => (view spoiler)[I do think that Fallon is a little too hung up on Dante, and I can see how she would be annoying. I'm not sure why she thinks that when she finds the crow statues that she will be Queen with Dante, lol. I think Dante is playing the long game to do her wrong, and she's very naive. (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Chapters 21-30 => (view spoiler)[Yeah, Fallon is an idiot when it comes to Dante. I am convinced that he's playing her.

I am super curious about these crows, though. (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Chapters 31-40 => (view spoiler)[Well Dante did it now, lol. Once Fallon realizes he's been using her (I'm not sure for what just yet), she's going to be PISSED at how stupid she's been.

I will say that it does get annoying that Fallon is so hung up on Dante. She doesn't believe anything that anyone tells her about him. She truly believes that he loves her. She actually believes she is going to sit on the throne with him, LOL. It's comical at this point!!

I'm not sure what she is, but I don't think she's a human. But she is clearly tied to the crows somehow. I'm guessing by her father??

Other than Fallon being a complete love-sick idiot, I am enjoying it though. (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Chapters 41-50 => (view spoiler)[Ok, why was Antonio calling Morrgot, Lor? I think they are one in the same.

I also think that this crow is who is supposed to be Fallon's King, NOT Dante, lol. But she's still holding strong to that craziness, haha.

I'm curious what she is as well. I don't think she's human. (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Chapters 51-end => (view spoiler)[While Fallon irritated me at times, I really had a hard time putting it down today. I'm so intrigued by Lorcan. I have a feeling I'm going to love him!!!

I'm not sure why all of a sudden Fallon decided to see Dante for who he is...Oh wait, that's right, he said he didn't want anything to do with her because she was a CROW!! Girl, you needed to open your eyes a lot sooner. (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

If anyone else reads and wants to continue the series, I'm game!!

[Amanda]

Jamie wrote: "If anyone else reads and wants to continue the series, I'm game!!"

I bought the book to read at some point this month lol so will let you know!

[Carrie]

ch 1-10-I'm struggling getting into this one. Have picked it up quite a few times and don't want to say its not for me just yet, just having a hard time with most of the characters. Not liking them.

[Carrie]

Jamie wrote: "Chapters 11-20 => [spoilers removed]"

Jamie-I think this maybe (view spoiler)[ an understatement. I am finding her very naive and very disappointed in this female character. I wanted her to be strong and fierce and am finding her weak and annoying. (hide spoiler)]

[Carrie]

Do you think Fallon is the way she is over Dante because(view spoiler)[
a. she is just that naive and doesn't see it therefore won't believe it
b. she is not that intelligent
c. She just wants what she wants, regardless if he is using her
d. Knows but won't admit because she is just that stubbor
e. my choice all of the above (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

I think it's (view spoiler)[A & B. We are supposed to think shes smart, but really she's extremely naive. I've read the second book as well, and she doesn't get much better... (hide spoiler)]

[Carrie]

Caitlynn wrote: "1. Did not live up to the hype I had been hearing online at all about it.
2. Fallon really needs to develop a sense of self-worth rather than hitching everything on what Dante and other people thi..."


I luckily had not heard any hype on this one and only chose it for BOTM. I can't imagine that it has gotten the ratings that it has received. Now SHe has a very strong writing style and her imagination has created quite a magical world, but Fallon is just too much of a dumbass, gullible female for my liking. SHe is walked all over and I hate that she is just too naive, dumb, whatever you want to call her for me! I also will not be reading another in this particular series.

[Carrie]

Jamie wrote: "I think it's [spoilers removed]" This is the first book in a very long time I put down so many times. I just couldn't get it finished. I am trying NOT to think I am in the wrong bookclub because it has been a rough month with my buddy read's lol....I guess I need to go back to reading by the covers only and talking to myself :(

[Jamie]

I struggled as well but I was also listening to the audio and that helped get me through. The second book was only better because of the side characters and Lorcan. Fallon was still pretty miserable until about maybe 75%???