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wasauthor's review
5.0
I received an advance reader copy of Heroes & Harbingers for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As she did with the Telverin Trilogy, [a:A.R.K. Horton|20654021|A.R.K. Horton|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1599049361p2/20654021.jpg] introduces readers to a beautifully fantastic setting ripe with storytelling potential. Better yet, Heroes & Harbingers is her greatest accomplishment yet.
Heroes & Harbingers tells the story of Gabriella "Bree" Castille, a student at the Anny Lytle Magical Magnet High School, where she meets two teachers who inspire her in their own distinct ways. Pavlina Sirin, a mythological sirin, and Finn MacCool, the Irish hero of myth.
Described by the author as "adult fantasy academia," the book features a small amount of adult content, including death and grief, pregnancy loss and substance abuse. Despite this and the fact that two of the lead characters are firmly adults, this is a book that is appropriate for younger readers, and one I can see appealing to the Young Adult market.
Its setting will no doubt lead to Harry Potter comparisons, and I saw shades of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Bree's relationship with her mentor reminding me of the Slayer/Watcher relationship. More than the creators of those works, I was most reminded of Neil Gaiman, however; this book builds an intricate world full of mythology in a beautifully distinct, but natural way.
Heroes & Harbingers' three leads are an absolute delight. The author has created a trio of brilliant characters, all of them whom, if used as the sole protagonist, could have carried this book on their own. They are each fully realised, with their own histories and tragedies, their own motivations and their own worldviews. Many of the side characters are just as delightful, while others aren't - regardless, they are all thoroughly entertaining to read.
The plot takes place over the course of a school year, which results in the plot having its ebbs and flows, resulting in a pace that speeds up in points and slows down in others. The slower points never feel like they are filling in space, and I was constantly drawn in, wanting to know where the story was going next. With plenty of twists and turns throughout, I was never disappointed.
The book also brings a healthy amount of heart and emotion. Each character's backstory, as well as the book's events, pull at the heartstrings. Throughout, I felt for the characters, I cared about what they were going through, and I wanted them to get their happy endings.
The author's voice is engaging, drawing the reader in and providing all the information necessary to understand this fantastical world without slowing the pacing down with information dumps. It brings with it a great sense of humour, providing levity which juxtaposes with the darker subject matter nicely, and kept me chuckling as I read.
While this is the start of a series, it works perfectly as a standalone book. The ending opens the door for more adventures to come, but this is a promise of more good times, rather than teasing a resolution at some nebulous point in the future.
If you're a fantasy or mythology fan, I truly recommend Heroes & Harbingers. This is truly wonderful, and if you enjoy the author's previous works, this eclipses them all.
My full review will be available on my website from Wednesday, 8 June. To read it, my reviews of the author's previous works, as well as a host of other reviews, click here.
As she did with the Telverin Trilogy, [a:A.R.K. Horton|20654021|A.R.K. Horton|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1599049361p2/20654021.jpg] introduces readers to a beautifully fantastic setting ripe with storytelling potential. Better yet, Heroes & Harbingers is her greatest accomplishment yet.
Heroes & Harbingers tells the story of Gabriella "Bree" Castille, a student at the Anny Lytle Magical Magnet High School, where she meets two teachers who inspire her in their own distinct ways. Pavlina Sirin, a mythological sirin, and Finn MacCool, the Irish hero of myth.
Described by the author as "adult fantasy academia," the book features a small amount of adult content, including death and grief, pregnancy loss and substance abuse. Despite this and the fact that two of the lead characters are firmly adults, this is a book that is appropriate for younger readers, and one I can see appealing to the Young Adult market.
Its setting will no doubt lead to Harry Potter comparisons, and I saw shades of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Bree's relationship with her mentor reminding me of the Slayer/Watcher relationship. More than the creators of those works, I was most reminded of Neil Gaiman, however; this book builds an intricate world full of mythology in a beautifully distinct, but natural way.
Heroes & Harbingers' three leads are an absolute delight. The author has created a trio of brilliant characters, all of them whom, if used as the sole protagonist, could have carried this book on their own. They are each fully realised, with their own histories and tragedies, their own motivations and their own worldviews. Many of the side characters are just as delightful, while others aren't - regardless, they are all thoroughly entertaining to read.
The plot takes place over the course of a school year, which results in the plot having its ebbs and flows, resulting in a pace that speeds up in points and slows down in others. The slower points never feel like they are filling in space, and I was constantly drawn in, wanting to know where the story was going next. With plenty of twists and turns throughout, I was never disappointed.
The book also brings a healthy amount of heart and emotion. Each character's backstory, as well as the book's events, pull at the heartstrings. Throughout, I felt for the characters, I cared about what they were going through, and I wanted them to get their happy endings.
The author's voice is engaging, drawing the reader in and providing all the information necessary to understand this fantastical world without slowing the pacing down with information dumps. It brings with it a great sense of humour, providing levity which juxtaposes with the darker subject matter nicely, and kept me chuckling as I read.
While this is the start of a series, it works perfectly as a standalone book. The ending opens the door for more adventures to come, but this is a promise of more good times, rather than teasing a resolution at some nebulous point in the future.
If you're a fantasy or mythology fan, I truly recommend Heroes & Harbingers. This is truly wonderful, and if you enjoy the author's previous works, this eclipses them all.
My full review will be available on my website from Wednesday, 8 June. To read it, my reviews of the author's previous works, as well as a host of other reviews, click here.
amanda_shortman's review
4.0
If you enjoy stories set in magic schools and those which draw on a range of mythologies, you need to read this book!
The story's POV switches between Bree - this century's Chosen One, Ms Sirin - a death harbinger, and Mr Finn - completing his community service. We get to see each of them dealing with loss and grief, which is a major theme throughout the book, as they come together to try and survive a deadly plot.
The world building is great, the found family aspect is wonderful, and the threat from those with power is very real. My only complaint is that some things seemed to happen too quickly and I wanted *more*. Thank goodness there are more books in the series to satisfy that desire - I moved onto the second book in the series immediately upon finishing the first!
The story's POV switches between Bree - this century's Chosen One, Ms Sirin - a death harbinger, and Mr Finn - completing his community service. We get to see each of them dealing with loss and grief, which is a major theme throughout the book, as they come together to try and survive a deadly plot.
The world building is great, the found family aspect is wonderful, and the threat from those with power is very real. My only complaint is that some things seemed to happen too quickly and I wanted *more*. Thank goodness there are more books in the series to satisfy that desire - I moved onto the second book in the series immediately upon finishing the first!
alyhutchsreads's review
4.0
An amazing new world built by this author. The mixture of this dark academia and adult fantasy truly piqued my interest. I dove right into this book head first and read it quickly as I did not want to put it down.
The book focused on a modern and urban setting with magic. The main characters Bree, a fifteen year old student at a Magic Magnet high school and her teachers; Pavlina, a siren, and Finn, an Immortal Warrior, become close through many quests and trials. They originally come together by a devastating loss Bree and her sister face. Once Bree is named the “Chosen One” and was being discreetly nudged in a direction she did not want to go in, she decides to fight back with the help of her new family and friends.
I truly did enjoy this book. I feel as though more parts could be fleshed out. I wanted more from the writing as I think some aspects were rushed. The author may have been trying to put a lot into one book to build a whole world in one book as this is the first in the series. I also felt like I would love to learn more about the characters and connect with them on a deeper level. However, overall I would read more from this author and the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on Goodreads.
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
The book focused on a modern and urban setting with magic. The main characters Bree, a fifteen year old student at a Magic Magnet high school and her teachers; Pavlina, a siren, and Finn, an Immortal Warrior, become close through many quests and trials. They originally come together by a devastating loss Bree and her sister face. Once Bree is named the “Chosen One” and was being discreetly nudged in a direction she did not want to go in, she decides to fight back with the help of her new family and friends.
I truly did enjoy this book. I feel as though more parts could be fleshed out. I wanted more from the writing as I think some aspects were rushed. The author may have been trying to put a lot into one book to build a whole world in one book as this is the first in the series. I also felt like I would love to learn more about the characters and connect with them on a deeper level. However, overall I would read more from this author and the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on Goodreads.
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
graff_fuller's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.25
I truly apologize to the author, who was SO kind to give me an eArc for her book. When I got it...I started it immediately, but for some reason...I set it down. It wasn't because I didn't like it...but because I am an EXTREME Mood Reader. I'm like a dog with a rabbit at it's sent. I get distracted ALL the time.
Today, I restarted the book...and I read it all day...and LOVED it. Better late, than never (hopefully).
On my first read, I'd gotten to Chapter 7 and was hooked. So...when I picked up the book for this second time...I didn't start where I left off, but restarted it...so that in my review...I'd be able to remember it truthfully.
I loved the main characters. At some points of the book, the main protagoinist shifted (at least that is how I read it).
It starts with Ms Sirin. We see that she's the character that her family dismisses for the more likeable/lovable sister. Because of the type of magic user she is...she is Death's messenger (in this world, she is seeking love, but because of her "nature", she's not been successful (though she thought she had, in the past). BUT, she has found a love...her class at the school that she teaches at.
Then we are introduced to another protagonist (though at the beginning we feel he may be an antagoinst...at least to Ms. Sirin) in Mr. Finn. The misunderstood warrior/hero type. He's an immortal, but life just sucks under the realm of the Council of Pantheons). Finn is cowled to a certain degree, but he's still got a little trixter still in him.
When we first meet him...he's not in a good place. He seems to be making all the people he shouldn't be making mad, pissed off. It's like his gift.
Then we meet Bree. Oh, I really like Bree. She reminds me of my youngest daughter. She is SO smart, but sometimes her smartness, gets her in trouble with authority. Aha.
Suffice it to say...this story has lots of twists and turns. Some that I could see coming, and other that knocked me off my feet (in a good way).
In my case, my emotions for these three characters kept building. Even when one (or more) of them made mistakes (that I wouldn't have made), I didn't get mad...I gained empathy for their immediate plight...and kept wanting to read the story and where it was taking me. I was hooked.
Authority is a big story beat. We all answer to it in our own lives, but not ALL authority is righteous. Sometimes, we have to find the "rightness" within ourselves...and be willing to suffer the consequences under the UNJUST authority before us...for the right reasons.
Oh, another thing that I really liked within this story, was that inconsequential characters at the beginning...were not left without consequence. They were relavent to the overall story...it just took time for the characters/reader to figure it out. I liked that.
Knowing that this is a series, softened the blow...that EVERYTHING didn't find the "perfect" conclusion. There is SO much more to explore in this world that ARK Horton has created...and I'm in. I want to KNOW more about these beloved characters.
Lastly, another piece of wisdom that I gained/relearned was...don't always judge another off the first impression. Granted, most people...over time TELL you who they are (don't be an idiot), but a first bad impression doesn't make for a bad person. Ms. Sirin learned that. Mr. Finn learned that and so did Bree.
I also would like to say that I learned that AGAIN. None of us are perfect. We have good days and bad days. We screw up and we make up. True friends see through this and find the good in the other.
I hope that the author will be able to overlook my weaknesses in NOT abiding to the agreement made to read this book BEFORE it was released. That's on me. I own up to it, but am SO glad that I got to it, today. The lessons learned within this story will stick with me (even an old codger of 57 years old). Thank you for a fun romp of a story. I look forward to more of the Secrets of Pantheon.
Today, I restarted the book...and I read it all day...and LOVED it. Better late, than never (hopefully).
On my first read, I'd gotten to Chapter 7 and was hooked. So...when I picked up the book for this second time...I didn't start where I left off, but restarted it...so that in my review...I'd be able to remember it truthfully.
I loved the main characters. At some points of the book, the main protagoinist shifted (at least that is how I read it).
It starts with Ms Sirin. We see that she's the character that her family dismisses for the more likeable/lovable sister. Because of the type of magic user she is...she is Death's messenger (in this world, she is seeking love, but because of her "nature", she's not been successful (though she thought she had, in the past). BUT, she has found a love...her class at the school that she teaches at.
Then we are introduced to another protagonist (though at the beginning we feel he may be an antagoinst...at least to Ms. Sirin) in Mr. Finn. The misunderstood warrior/hero type. He's an immortal, but life just sucks under the realm of the Council of Pantheons). Finn is cowled to a certain degree, but he's still got a little trixter still in him.
When we first meet him...he's not in a good place. He seems to be making all the people he shouldn't be making mad, pissed off. It's like his gift.
Then we meet Bree. Oh, I really like Bree. She reminds me of my youngest daughter. She is SO smart, but sometimes her smartness, gets her in trouble with authority. Aha.
Suffice it to say...this story has lots of twists and turns. Some that I could see coming, and other that knocked me off my feet (in a good way).
In my case, my emotions for these three characters kept building. Even when one (or more) of them made mistakes (that I wouldn't have made), I didn't get mad...I gained empathy for their immediate plight...and kept wanting to read the story and where it was taking me. I was hooked.
Authority is a big story beat. We all answer to it in our own lives, but not ALL authority is righteous. Sometimes, we have to find the "rightness" within ourselves...and be willing to suffer the consequences under the UNJUST authority before us...for the right reasons.
Oh, another thing that I really liked within this story, was that inconsequential characters at the beginning...were not left without consequence. They were relavent to the overall story...it just took time for the characters/reader to figure it out. I liked that.
Knowing that this is a series, softened the blow...that EVERYTHING didn't find the "perfect" conclusion. There is SO much more to explore in this world that ARK Horton has created...and I'm in. I want to KNOW more about these beloved characters.
Lastly, another piece of wisdom that I gained/relearned was...don't always judge another off the first impression. Granted, most people...over time TELL you who they are (don't be an idiot), but a first bad impression doesn't make for a bad person. Ms. Sirin learned that. Mr. Finn learned that and so did Bree.
I also would like to say that I learned that AGAIN. None of us are perfect. We have good days and bad days. We screw up and we make up. True friends see through this and find the good in the other.
I hope that the author will be able to overlook my weaknesses in NOT abiding to the agreement made to read this book BEFORE it was released. That's on me. I own up to it, but am SO glad that I got to it, today. The lessons learned within this story will stick with me (even an old codger of 57 years old). Thank you for a fun romp of a story. I look forward to more of the Secrets of Pantheon.
debbieiancu's review
5.0
Another fantastic adventure by this talented author
If there's anything I love, it's taking tropes and turning them upside down. A chosen one tale told from the perspective of the Chosen One's teachers? Yes, please.
This book does a great job of having the magical world coexist with the mundane as we get to know Bree, a student at the Anne Lytle Magical Magnet High School, through the eyes of two very different teachers, Pavlina Sirin, and Finn MacCool.
Despite a rocky start, these three come together to overcome challenges that are well thought out and heartbreaking.
Highly recommend it and looking forward to reading the next book.
If there's anything I love, it's taking tropes and turning them upside down. A chosen one tale told from the perspective of the Chosen One's teachers? Yes, please.
This book does a great job of having the magical world coexist with the mundane as we get to know Bree, a student at the Anne Lytle Magical Magnet High School, through the eyes of two very different teachers, Pavlina Sirin, and Finn MacCool.
Despite a rocky start, these three come together to overcome challenges that are well thought out and heartbreaking.
Highly recommend it and looking forward to reading the next book.
katherineshawwrites's review
5.0
This book is perfect for anyone who grew up with stories of magical schools and wants to see a fresh take on it as an adult.
I loved seeing the story told not only through a student's POV, but also two of the teachers, which built up the tension well and gave us a perspectives we rarely see in this sort of setting.
The sexual tension between Finn and Pavlina was done PERFECTLY, building up slowly, giving us misunderstandings that frustrate us but compel us to read on to their resolution, and describing their attraction in such a realistic way that you feel it yourself as a reader.
The world-building is fabulous, dropping in the real-life aspects of Jacksonville that feel very authentic while seamlessly weaving in the fantastical elements.
The ending was a suckerpunch in all the right ways and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next in the series.
I loved seeing the story told not only through a student's POV, but also two of the teachers, which built up the tension well and gave us a perspectives we rarely see in this sort of setting.
The sexual tension between Finn and Pavlina was done PERFECTLY, building up slowly, giving us misunderstandings that frustrate us but compel us to read on to their resolution, and describing their attraction in such a realistic way that you feel it yourself as a reader.
The world-building is fabulous, dropping in the real-life aspects of Jacksonville that feel very authentic while seamlessly weaving in the fantastical elements.
The ending was a suckerpunch in all the right ways and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next in the series.
mels_booksandhooks's review
4.0
I enjoyed this adult academia book. The setting is an alternative universe where magic is a science and not a myth. Told from multiple POV this book could be a YA Fantasy, although it is told mostly from an adult pov. The characters are endearing and the world building is, well…magical. It’s a quick read with deep emotions of grief, loss and insecurity. I look forward to the next book.
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