Review: The Harbinger Series

 

Title: The Harbinger Series

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: young adult, fantasy, romance

Book 1: Storm and Fury

Pages: 519

Publisher: June 2019 by HQ Young Adult Australia (Harlequin)

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

My Thoughts

“Rise up … for what  has begun a millennium ago is now at the door. The Harbinger has arrived.” His voice deepened, booming like thunder, and the words he spoke sent a cold chill straight to my core. “The end is upon us. Stop it, or all mankind is lost.”

This is the first book in a series spinoff from the Dark Element, however, I don’t believe you need to read it to enjoy this tale. This book was packed full of action, romance, sass, and steam.

The beginning was slow, then it would pick up, then slow down again. So a little uneven pacing and drawn out at times. However, JLA's writing by the end was captivating with intense action fight scenes. If you enjoyed Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters series this is sure to please you with similar aspects.

Gargoyles, angels, demons, and witches. A cast of stellar characters, solid world building, and steamy romance. What more could you want from a young adult fantasy?

‘I summoned the sword and felt it respond, hot and heavy in my grasp. I was nothing more than storm and fury as I stepped forward.’

Book 2: Rage and Ruin

Pages: 503

Publisher: June 2020 by HQ Young Adult Australia (Harlequin)

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Half-angel Trinity and her bonded gargoyle protector, Zayne, have been working with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

My Thoughts

Rage and Ruin picks up right where Storm and Fury finished. Trinity is dealing with the aftermath of the book one ending and the plot gets more involved.  The mystery evolves and murders occur, what does it mean that Trinity is a True Born? 

JLA’s writing has loads of fun banter and contemporary references eg. Game of Thrones. I did find, however, Trinity to become somewhat annoying. Yes, this is YA but she is 18 not 8. JLA even describes her as ‘selfish, petty and not a great friend’. The greater part of this book focuses on emotions and relationships and I was missing more of the bigger picture action to progress the story. The ending, however, is a quintessential cliffhanger. Beware! You will be reaching for book three immediately. 

If you love JLA and are a fan of YA paranormal/urban fantasy this series is for you: kick-ass heroines, swoony heroes, sassy humour, action and plot twists to keep you turning the pages.

‘All that rage … (He) sighed as if it pleasured him. “It will be your ruin”.

Book 3: Grace and Glory

Pages: 494

Publisher: 7th July 2020 by HQ Young Adult Australia (Harlequin) 

My Rating: 3 cups

Synopsis:

Trinity Marrow has lost the battle and her beloved Protector. Even with both demons and Wardens on her side, Trin may not win the war against the Harbinger.

Bringing Lucifer back to the world to fight the Harbinger is probably a really, really bad idea, but they’re out of options—and the world’s ultimate fallen angel is the only being powerful enough to impact the outcome.

As Trin and Zayne form a new and more dangerous bond and Lucifer unleashes Hell on earth, the apocalypse looms and the world teeters on the end of forever. Win or lose, one thing is certain—nothing will ever be the same.

My Thoughts

Grace and Glory is the final novel in The Harbinger trilogy. It picks up immediately after the events of Rage and Ruin with all the characters returning. Overall, this was a solid conclusion to the trilogy, maybe not as compelling as I had hoped, but still so much for YA readers to love. All the  paranormal elements of angels and demons with stories revolving around heaven and hell were present. 

This book is full of JLA’s signature sass, romance, and battle scenes. I wanted more from this book in terms of the overall harbinger ending which is the main reason why I didn't rate it higher. To me, it didn’t feel like enough happened plot-wise until the end of the book. However, JLA is a great YA storyteller  (if somewhat cheesy at times) with a good combination of action and drama, fun and romance angst.

The Harbinger trilogy is an easy entertaining read (especially in this world of lockdown). Overall, a satisfactory finale to this paranormal series - a must read for YA readers who enjoy stories about angels, demons and supernatural references.

‘What is inside you is the gift. It is both grace and Glory, a power that is beyond what your mind can comprehend and yet a power owned by you. Use it to strike through the heart encased in chaos.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.