Review: Wings and Scythes by J. L. Cres

December 23, 2025

Synopsis

In a post-apocalyptic world once known as Earth, two factions fight for dominance over the reign of humanity and the remaining resource that sustains life—water. Above the surface lies Deshret, a vast, barren desert ruled by the Genesirians—angelic descendants living in gleaming towers above the sand. Underground in the water-rich cities of Keket, the Demoni, descendants of demons, rule with cunning cruelty. Their tenuous peace, forged after centuries of bloodshed, hinges on the Sand Games—a deadly televised competition where humans, unwillingly chosen to fight for their lives, risk everything for a rare chance at freedom.

Avaris Gamal, a twenty-nine-year-old half-breed slave, has known more pain and betrayal than most can fathom. Betrayed by her own. Brutalized by her enemies. And disgraced by everyone but the humans. The Sand Games are her one shot at escape. If she can somehow get herself into them. But as she plans to enter the lethal contest, something unexpected happens—an attraction to someone she should hate. As a forbidden love slowly ignites between her and the very enemy she’s been taught to despise, Avaris finds herself conflicted but no one can stop fate.

What begins as a secret, forbidden connection soon becomes a dangerous entanglement that could change her preconceived notions of love. But in a world where trust is a luxury, the line between ally and enemy blurs, and Avaris must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice. Because her plans for freedom may come at a price too steep to pay—and in the end, the heart may demand more than she’s willing to give.

Review:

In a lot of fantasy books lately, I struggled a bit in understand the timeline, world we are in and who belongs to which side. If that resonates with you, we can thank the author to make sure we are not getting lost.

We get:

a map
a timeline
a main character page
a page explaining the hierarchy of our main characters

On top of that the chapters also reflect the year we are currently in, allowing an easy understanding of past vs. present. We have multiple POVs, and each chapter clearly states which ones is represented.

On top of the overall timeline chart, the characters also explain their parts and events happening to us. Can I get a high five for this? If an author put that much of an effort in allowing us to understand the characters and where we are and who they are, it makes the reading experience (especially in the beginning) so much easier. Can we please try to make this normal?

On top of that we get a complex tory, that had me connected to our main characters from the beginning, especially Avaris. Her living conditions are rough and along the way we learn how she ended up in her current situation. The way she interacts with others and tries to stay true to herself had me like her a lot. She did not choose who she is, and she experienced a lot of rejection because of this.

In the world we are living in, we have opposing sides and humans caught in the middle. This represents a lot of how society works nowadays. If you belong to a ruling class, we often see how poorly they treat the lesser class.

I was hooked from the beginning and was rooting for Avaris to clear her name and have people at her side, that respect and treat her they way she deserves, after everything she’s been through. I have a favourite male I hope she’ll end up with. Looking forward to reading the next one.

🌙 Recension: Wings and Scythes (The Sand Games #1) by J. L. Cres
📚 Genre: Fantasy, Dark Romance, Sci-Fi, Dystopian
📅 Release Date: October 17, 2025
👥 first Book in a Duology and intended for mature readers (18+)
📗 various formats – included in Kindle Unlimited
📱 Read as: Kindle
💸 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 340
⭐️ 4.75/5