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booknotes_athina's review against another edition
5.0
Upon the black sands and beneath the ever-watching eyes, a tale of shadow magic and ancient mysteries unfold.
After reading the synopsis of this book, I knew thatI would like it and of course I wasn't disappointed. I loved it and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out.
This is a really good debut novel and I really liked the writing style, as well as the world building (which is Egyptian inspired) and the lore behind it. I also rally enjoyed the characters and the found family trope. One of the things that I liked the most was the magic system that has to do with shadow magic.
After reading the synopsis of this book, I knew thatI would like it and of course I wasn't disappointed. I loved it and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out.
This is a really good debut novel and I really liked the writing style, as well as the world building (which is Egyptian inspired) and the lore behind it. I also rally enjoyed the characters and the found family trope. One of the things that I liked the most was the magic system that has to do with shadow magic.
cathik411's review against another edition
It was poorly written. The grammatical mistakes were so numerous it was distracting.
hectate_reads's review against another edition
4.0
The world building was fascinating and gave me Sanderson vibes, and all in all I thought this was great for a debut novel. This first one had some clunkiness you’d expect from a first novel. The characters were well done and their journeys at times were heartbreaking.
readtheblurb's review
5.0
Harbinger of Justice by Andrew Watson is a fantastic debut novel that takes bits of fantasy we love, adding a new spin on them in a exotic fantasy world, with a dark history and unique magic system.
Before starting, I have to add that the cover of the book is absolutely beautiful and definitely captures the tone and setting of the book perfectly. Nothing more than the ideal introduction to the world Watson has created.
You know all those fantasy books set in medieval European settings, that while most of the time fantastic, do get a bit samey? Well this isn’t one of those. The setting (Tarris) is much more reminiscent of Middle Eastern culture, possibly Egypt, which alone perked my interest. This isn’t always the easiest thing to do, however Watson did a great job at capturing that setting and atmosphere. At times I really did feel like I was in the world of Tarris, feeling that hot desert air, the smell of spices, walking amongst the markets, and seeing some of the cool beasts described throughout the book. Maaaaaaaaybe this ones a good one to read on a cold winters day, rather than in summer!
The book has a strong cast of characters that felt likeable, despite not always making the best choices. Nya, a thief trying to survive on the street, is one of the main characters. Up until this point she’s led quite an unfortunate life and it quickly gets worse for her, despite eventually bumping into Rai who attempts to guide her and her new found shadow power. Nya goes through some quite nasty events, but I think Watson wrote her struggles and character development perfectly. Rai on the other hand is much more confident (but deals with his own issues) with his shadow and gives off some badass mentor vibes, while also being genuinely likeable. I connected much more with his character and found his decisions much more relatable. Bonus points for his badass shadow – Fax, who provided some excellent and humorous monologue between the two. The antagonist of the story is Kyan, who is actually the first character we’re introduced too. Despite him being the antagonist, I really enjoyed the chapters focused on him and thought him quite the likeable villain, hellbent on some pretty destructive events. I’m definitely most looking forward (hoping to see more off) to what he has planned for Tarris in the sequels.
One thing I’m definitely hoping to see more in the sequel is some more backstory on the history of Tarris and also of The Seven, which I think will also open up the world much more!
The writing was excellent in this book – I always appreciate an author that is able to perfectly capture the right amount of descriptive writing and dialogue. In other words, the world-building was enough to reel me in but not bog me down. if anything I’d say the pace gave it a movie-like feel, that gave the book a nice pace and just made it…enjoyable to pick up and read.
If you’re looking for something new, that stands out from your usual fantasy, with a unique magic system and a varied cast of characters, then I would highly recommend this debut novel. Bonus, if you love animal companions, then you’ll really appreciate this one!
Before starting, I have to add that the cover of the book is absolutely beautiful and definitely captures the tone and setting of the book perfectly. Nothing more than the ideal introduction to the world Watson has created.
You know all those fantasy books set in medieval European settings, that while most of the time fantastic, do get a bit samey? Well this isn’t one of those. The setting (Tarris) is much more reminiscent of Middle Eastern culture, possibly Egypt, which alone perked my interest. This isn’t always the easiest thing to do, however Watson did a great job at capturing that setting and atmosphere. At times I really did feel like I was in the world of Tarris, feeling that hot desert air, the smell of spices, walking amongst the markets, and seeing some of the cool beasts described throughout the book. Maaaaaaaaybe this ones a good one to read on a cold winters day, rather than in summer!
The book has a strong cast of characters that felt likeable, despite not always making the best choices. Nya, a thief trying to survive on the street, is one of the main characters. Up until this point she’s led quite an unfortunate life and it quickly gets worse for her, despite eventually bumping into Rai who attempts to guide her and her new found shadow power. Nya goes through some quite nasty events, but I think Watson wrote her struggles and character development perfectly. Rai on the other hand is much more confident (but deals with his own issues) with his shadow and gives off some badass mentor vibes, while also being genuinely likeable. I connected much more with his character and found his decisions much more relatable. Bonus points for his badass shadow – Fax, who provided some excellent and humorous monologue between the two. The antagonist of the story is Kyan, who is actually the first character we’re introduced too. Despite him being the antagonist, I really enjoyed the chapters focused on him and thought him quite the likeable villain, hellbent on some pretty destructive events. I’m definitely most looking forward (hoping to see more off) to what he has planned for Tarris in the sequels.
One thing I’m definitely hoping to see more in the sequel is some more backstory on the history of Tarris and also of The Seven, which I think will also open up the world much more!
The writing was excellent in this book – I always appreciate an author that is able to perfectly capture the right amount of descriptive writing and dialogue. In other words, the world-building was enough to reel me in but not bog me down. if anything I’d say the pace gave it a movie-like feel, that gave the book a nice pace and just made it…enjoyable to pick up and read.
If you’re looking for something new, that stands out from your usual fantasy, with a unique magic system and a varied cast of characters, then I would highly recommend this debut novel. Bonus, if you love animal companions, then you’ll really appreciate this one!
thebookishdesigner's review against another edition
4.0
“I’m pretty sure sleeping with two eyes open is called being dead”
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Harbinger of Justice is Watson’s debut novel and the first book in the Shadowbinders series. This fantasy is set in a desert-like setting and is heavily inspired by Egyptian mythology. The story has two main POVs. Nya, a street kid just fighting for survival and Rai, a mercenary with a hidden past and a shadow that holds a mysterious creature.
The absolute highlight of this book was the worldbuilding, I have found with debuts that authors can be prone to info dumping. We get none of that in HOJ, Watson slowly builds his world very much following the show don’t tell manta, and cretes this wonderful world with everything from magnificent palaces to lost Gods.
I loved this magic system, while nothing unique, it was excellently put together, it had layers. Not only did we have a hint of blood magic which was fun we had shadow magic. It was so interesting to see diffrent characters and how they interact with the magic system and how it effects them. I won’t say much because spoilers, but we have some characters who have diffrent philosophies on the magic and how it should be used and it’s integral to the plot.
The characters were great, they had solid backstories were well fleshed out and I didn’t find myself racing to get back to one of their POVs, I thoroughly enjoyed both.
The only reason this didn’t get 5 stars from me was I had some issues with the pacing at the end of the book. The prologue started with a bang and had my attention, slowed while we introduced the world and characters, but when we got to the action at the end there were a few flashbacks which I felt slowed the action down at the end.
I think had we have had these flashbacks a little earlier on while the plot was building to the crescendo ending this would have been a no brainer 5 stars.
hadeda's review
4.0
Andrew Watson has vaulted into the fantasy scene and landed his debut with all the skill of a seasoned storyteller. It speaks a great deal for Andrew’s intuitive sense of pace that I became swept up in the story and ended up binging this book in three sittings. Factor in an inventive magic system, set atop a richly-built world, and populated with unique, complex characters, and you’re in for a good time. Being a debut, there are a few points where the machine goes clunk, but overall these moments did not impede my enjoyment of this great novel.
meetmeinmalkovich's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
<u>My CAWPILE Scores:</u>
Characters: <b>9/10</b> <i>They live rent-free in my head</i>
Atmosphere: <b>13/14</b>
<u>breakdown</u>
- setting: 9/10 <i>I want to read more like this</i>
- mood: 4/4 <i>I felt all the feels</i>
Writing Style: <b>17/18</b>
<u>breakdown</u>
- storytelling: 9/10 <i>Excellent storytelling</i>
- grammar: 4/4 <i>No grammar issues</i>
- format: 4/4 <i>No formatting issues</i>
Plot: <b>8/10</b> <i>A little different + well paced</i>
Intrigue: <b>12/14</b>
<u>breakdown</u>
- overall: 9/10 <i>Didn't want to put it down</i>
- readability: 4/4 <i>Dying to reread</i>
Logic: <b>13/14</b>
<u>breakdown</u>
- plot logic: 9/10 <i>I understand + want more</i>
- character logic: 4/4 <i>Characters made sense together</i>
Excitement: <b>10/10</b> <i>I am in the fan club. </i>
<u>Totals:</u>
CAWPILE: 82/90
<b>Final Rating: 5 Stars</b>
Characters: <b>9/10</b> <i>They live rent-free in my head</i>
Atmosphere: <b>13/14</b>
<u>breakdown</u>
- setting: 9/10 <i>I want to read more like this</i>
- mood: 4/4 <i>I felt all the feels</i>
Writing Style: <b>17/18</b>
<u>breakdown</u>
- storytelling: 9/10 <i>Excellent storytelling</i>
- grammar: 4/4 <i>No grammar issues</i>
- format: 4/4 <i>No formatting issues</i>
Plot: <b>8/10</b> <i>A little different + well paced</i>
Intrigue: <b>12/14</b>
<u>breakdown</u>
- overall: 9/10 <i>Didn't want to put it down</i>
- readability: 4/4 <i>Dying to reread</i>
Logic: <b>13/14</b>
<u>breakdown</u>
- plot logic: 9/10 <i>I understand + want more</i>
- character logic: 4/4 <i>Characters made sense together</i>
Excitement: <b>10/10</b> <i>I am in the fan club. </i>
<u>Totals:</u>
CAWPILE: 82/90
<b>Final Rating: 5 Stars</b>
michaelcotham27's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
thewulverslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Andrew Watson for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Harbinger of Justice, the first in the Shadowbinder series by Andrew Watson, is set in an Egyptian-inspired World that follows Rai - a mysterious mercenary, and Nya - a young girl trying to survive. As things progress, we are thrust into a world as well-described as anything I've ever read.
Upon the black sands and beneath the ever-watching eyes, a tale of shadow magic and ancient mysteries unfold in this new dark epic fantasy series. For fans of Brandon Sanderson and Chris Wooding.
In the desert city of Yontar, Nya cares for her sick mother. But when Nya is arrested, her mother’s death is all but certain unless Nya joins a secret project that promises her freedom. If she survives.
Rai, a mercenary, has a shadow dark enough for two. In his quest to discover the nature of the creature living in his shadow, Rai collides with old friends and new enemies, stumbling into an ancient mystery that could mean the end of the world as they know it.
All the while, a darkness stirs and rebellion threatens, helmed by a man who promises justice will reign.
Andrew really excels in how he describes the world he has set out to create. The architecture and elements that have been described add such well-layered construction to this world. There's a feeling of organic exploration and that's been what has made this stand out so far. The magic itself is unique with the shadow-based structures. I can feel a lot more exploration surrounding this in the later books because that fascinated me.
The characters are full of trauma and empathy and Andrew has written these well. As much as Andrew dove into the world, I'd have liked more side-character background to help deal with motivations and this feeling of the world that has been created. The pacing itself was lacking where certain points felt like they could have been extended but others felt too long. The enjoyment was still there, and I can't wait for more in the Shadowbinder series.
I recommend giving this a try. A strong debut full of magic and mystery that brings something new to the genre.
Harbinger of Justice, the first in the Shadowbinder series by Andrew Watson, is set in an Egyptian-inspired World that follows Rai - a mysterious mercenary, and Nya - a young girl trying to survive. As things progress, we are thrust into a world as well-described as anything I've ever read.
Upon the black sands and beneath the ever-watching eyes, a tale of shadow magic and ancient mysteries unfold in this new dark epic fantasy series. For fans of Brandon Sanderson and Chris Wooding.
In the desert city of Yontar, Nya cares for her sick mother. But when Nya is arrested, her mother’s death is all but certain unless Nya joins a secret project that promises her freedom. If she survives.
Rai, a mercenary, has a shadow dark enough for two. In his quest to discover the nature of the creature living in his shadow, Rai collides with old friends and new enemies, stumbling into an ancient mystery that could mean the end of the world as they know it.
All the while, a darkness stirs and rebellion threatens, helmed by a man who promises justice will reign.
Andrew really excels in how he describes the world he has set out to create. The architecture and elements that have been described add such well-layered construction to this world. There's a feeling of organic exploration and that's been what has made this stand out so far. The magic itself is unique with the shadow-based structures. I can feel a lot more exploration surrounding this in the later books because that fascinated me.
The characters are full of trauma and empathy and Andrew has written these well. As much as Andrew dove into the world, I'd have liked more side-character background to help deal with motivations and this feeling of the world that has been created. The pacing itself was lacking where certain points felt like they could have been extended but others felt too long. The enjoyment was still there, and I can't wait for more in the Shadowbinder series.
I recommend giving this a try. A strong debut full of magic and mystery that brings something new to the genre.
cat_book_nook's review
5.0
It's the first year I've delved into ARCs and I can't be happier about it. It's a change from me reading only books with higher amount of ratings, unwilling to take risks. Harbringer of Justice by Andrew Watson is definitely a gem I'm very glad I've discovered.
The book starts with two POV's, the additional ones being given to us in the second half of the book. From the very beginning I was invested in the story and our characters. I feel like the changes between POV's were done really well, without the 'ugh' feeling we all know so well if we get to less interesting character in some books.
The book starts with two POV's, the additional ones being given to us in the second half of the book. From the very beginning I was invested in the story and our characters. I feel like the changes between POV's were done really well, without the 'ugh' feeling we all know so well if we get to less interesting character in some books.