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.

Review: Realm Breaker

 

Title: Realm Breaker

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Publisher: 4th June 2021 by Hachette Australia

Pages: 576  pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: young adult, fantasy

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

A strange darkness grows in Allward.

Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea.

She soon discovers the truth: She is the last of an ancient lineage—and the last hope to save the world from destruction. But she won’t be alone. Even as darkness falls, she is joined by a band of unlikely companions:

A squire, forced to choose between home and honor.

An immortal, avenging a broken promise.

An assassin, exiled and bloodthirsty.

An ancient sorceress, whose riddles hide an eerie foresight.

A forger with a secret past.

A bounty hunter with a score to settle.

Together they stand against a vicious opponent, invincible and determined to burn all kingdoms to ash, and an army unlike anything the realm has ever witnessed.

My Thoughts

Realm Breaker is the first book in Victoria Aveyard's newest offering. For fans of her Red Queen series, this first instalment of her trilogy has been highly anticipated. Here you have an unlikely band of misfits who come together in their quest to save the world from impending doom and destruction. 

‘We don’t choose what wer’re born to, Corayne,” Erida replied. She touched the crown on her brow. “We can only walk the path put in front of us.’

All up this is an epic adventure and promises to be an enthralling series. With a large cast of characters and world building of major proportions, there is much going on in this first book. This is, of course, consistent with the first book in a new series, so no real surprises there. Just be prepared to keep track of names and places. 

‘What Waits cannot cross to a realm unbroken,” the Monarch said softly, her voice placating. But her eyes shone with fear. “Then He will try to break it,” Dom spat. “He means to conquer us.’

The plot runs along similar lines and brings back fond memories of LOTR and has a real Tolkien flavour about it. There are unsung heroes and villains aplenty that keep the intrigue going and set you up for thirsting for more from the next book. Follow along with this unlikely group that has come together in order to fight the darkness that is set to come. There are some characters you will empathise with more and wish for their backstory (which will hopefully come)  - their banter is at times quite funny as they seek to work together. The villains are deliciously vile and a few twists that made for exciting reading are sprinkled throughout. 

‘There are breakers of castles, breakers of chains, breakers of kings and kingdoms,” she  said, her voice iron.  “Which am I?” Power surged through her veins, delicious and seductive. She wanted more; she needed more. “You are a realm breaker,      Taristan. You would crack this world apart and build an empire from its ruins.’

This is a big book with much time dedicated to world building and a cast of characters to make your head spin. It therefore takes a little time to become immersed in the story, especially considering it is told from multiple points of view. It suffers somewhat from everything needing to be established and just as it starts to come good and it’s all over and now the wait for book two begins. 

‘A piece of a realm lost, glimpsed only for a moment, as if through the crack in a closing door.’

All up Realm Breaker appears as a promising new sage from Victoria. The brutal and confronting prologue sets the tone with the action and drama a taste of things to come. There are some slow parts, but weighed against the establishment of a high end fantasy series, I look forward to continuing the journey with this eclectic group with the classic fight of good versus evil in some iconic and exciting new worlds. 

‘So the realm stands on the brink of destruction. It might have tipped already. And for some reason, you need me to join this . . .” He glanced down their line. This time his scrutiny felt like an insult. “Merry band of heroes?’

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.

Review: Kingdom of Sea and Stone

Title: Kingdom of Sea and Stone (Crown of Coral and Pearl #2)

Author: Mara Rutherford

Publisher: 7th October 2020 by Harlequin Teen

Pages: 416 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: young adult, fantasy

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

The Cruel Prince meets Ash Princess in this thrilling fantasy, the much-anticipated sequel to Crown of Coral and Pearl.

Ever since Nor was forced to go to a nearby kingdom in her sister's place, she's wanted nothing more than to return to the place and people she loves. But when her wish comes true, she soon finds herself cast out from both worlds, with a war on the horizon.

As an old enemy resurfaces more powerful than ever, Nor will have to keep the kingdom from falling apart with the help of Prince Talin and Nor's twin sister, Zadie. There are forces within the world more mysterious than any of them ever guessed-and they'll need to stay alive long enough to conquer them...

My Thoughts

“What’s troubling you?” he asked after a few minutes. “I can’t see my way forward anymore,” I said, my voice thick with unshed tears. “I know, child.” He smoothed my hair off my forehead. “Your journey has never been an easy one. I fear it never will be.” “Why?” I asked ... “Some of us are born knowing exactly who and what we are.” he said. “Others have to search a little harder.”

Kingdom of Sea and Stone is book two in the Crown of Coral and Pearl series which the author has stated is a duology. It picks up right from where book one left off which is wonderful for fans as the riveting story continues straight away. Nor returns to Varenia, but only briefly, as news arrives and she embarks on a journey in an attempt to avert a war. 

“...  somehow I don’t see that making you happy.” You have no idea what will make me happy,” I whispered. “You’re right, Nor. I don’t. But the real question is, do you?”

This is wonderful teen fantasy writing that is full of action and suspense. The world building is unique and worth reading in itself. Told from Nor’s point of view, it proves to be a definite asset for what would be its predominantly young female readers. Nor is on a journey of self discovery and she often struggles with finding a place for herself which I am sure many young people can relate to. Yet she is strong and intelligent, determined to stay true to herself and what she what’s her life to be. As stated, the settings are unique and the magic more pronounced in this volume. It does not solely revolve around the romance which is refreshing but the love interests are definitely present.  There are solid secondary characters who add much to the drama and personal development of several story arcs. 

“ ... you’ve tried so hard to escape that way of thinking, but it still controls you subconsciously. Real beauty can’t be painted on with cosmetics or pinned up onto your head. I know you know that.”  I remembered what Zadie had told me before I left for Varenia, how it was my inner strength that made me beautiful.’

All up this is a most engaging teen escapist read with strong female leads and writing that delivers not only a good tale but also strong messages.  With many aspects of this story to appreciate, with escape to unique settings and a touch of magic thrown in as well. A worthy sequel wrapping up a good duology. 

‘In that moment, I realized that Adriel was right. I hadn’t just been judging myself by Ilarean standards of beauty; I had been judging myself by the opinions of people who didn’t even know me, let alone care about me. I always tried to see the best in the people who had wronged me, but I never saw the best in myself.’

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.