Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier Series: Warrior Bards #1
Published by Ace on September 3, 2019
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 464
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Eighteen-year-old Liobhan is a powerful singer and an expert whistle player. Her brother has a voice to melt the hardest heart, and a rare talent on the harp. But Liobhan's burning ambition is to join the elite warrior band on Swan Island. She and her brother train there to compete for places, and find themselves joining a mission while still candidates. Their unusual blend of skills makes them ideal for this particular job, which requires going undercover as traveling minstrels. For Swan Island trains both warriors and spies.
Their mission: to find and retrieve a precious harp, an ancient symbol of kingship, which has gone mysteriously missing. If the instrument is not played at the upcoming coronation, the candidate will not be accepted and the people could revolt. Faced with plotting courtiers and tight-lipped druids, an insightful storyteller, and a boorish Crown Prince, Liobhan soon realizes an Otherworld power may be meddling in the affairs of the kingdom. When ambition clashes with conscience, Liobhan must make a bold decision and is faced with a heartbreaking choice. . .
Juliet Marillier is a master storyteller. I have enjoyed everything I have read of her work. I was so excited to read The Harp of Kings; it has been on my radar for almost a year. Unfortunately, it was off timing because I was exhausted from moving and it is a longish book. I always need more energy to start a fantasy or science fiction series than some other genres. It’s the building of a completely different world.
The lush detail of the world-building and the variety of characters in the first book of this Warrier Bards trilogy, gave me a small bit of the first in a series syndrome. This was certainly worse because of my personal situation, though. So it took me a bit of effort to grasp the circumstances, but fantasy is often this way for me.
Once immersed, it was a joy. These are first and foremost warriers. They often have other skills and for our teams, music will likely play a part. Music was a key to this tale. I liked the mix with the humans, the wise woman the druids, and the fae. There were also the strange Crow creatures. Politics and class differences are evident as expected in a historical setting with kings.
We get the point of view of the three newest warriers in training: Dau, Liobahn and Brocc. Each is working for a place with the warrier group permanently. They are top contenders and are sent out on a mission. They work hard at their roles and tasks for the mission. It is difficult but they learn much about themselves and about each other. Personal growth is always a great thing.
While ending at a good point, not a cliffhanger, there is much more I want to know. How will these three fare in the future? Will we actually get a scene with Grim & Blackthorn rather than just mentions of them? Now settled in this world, I can’t wait for more.
About Juliet Marillier
Juliet Marillier was born July 27, 1948 in Dunedin, New Zealand and grew up surrounded by Celtic music and stories. Her own Celtic-Gaelic roots inspired her to write her first series, the Sevenwaters Trilogy. Juliet was educated at the University of Otago, where she majored in music and languages, graduating BA and a B Mus (Hons). Her lifelong interest in history, folklore and mythology has had a major influence on her writing.
Juliet is the author of twenty historical fantasy novels for adults and young adults, as well as a book of short fiction. Juliet’s novels and short stories have won many awards.
Juliet lives in a 110 year old cottage in a riverside suburb of Perth, Western Australia. When not writing, she is active in animal rescue and has her own small pack of needy dogs. She also has four adult children and seven grandchildren. Juliet is a member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.)
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Releases
Sounds like the world building was extraordinary! Great review, Anne, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the series.
Tnank you! It is extraordinary which is why it took me a bit to process it in my head. Now it will be easier to go forward. This author writes amazing books.
I agree about needing to be of the right mindset to begin a fantasy with its new world and characters. This sounds good.
It’s excellent. I wasn’t up to the start but once I got going it was fine. My fault, not the book.
I have not read Juliet Marillier but I have been seeing so many good reviews for this book. I am kind of sad that I let the opportunity to review it pass me buy. This sounds like something that I would like so I am going to have to add it to my wishlist. Glad you enjoyed it (even with your move)!
I would start with the Grim & Blackthorn trilogy. It’s amazing. This is about the same world but 20 years later.
I enjoyed this book too. It is a little slow and a bit long but her character development is huge and the magic subtle. I love that about her books.
I love her books but my mood and energy level made it hard for me at the beginning. Once I got going, I loved it. I wish I could have been caught up enough to do a joint review.
I’ve been so curious about this one, Anne, and it sounds so promising! Your review is fab!
Thank you, it’s a great book. If you haven’t read any of her work I would start with the Grim & Blackthorn series which precedes this one which is amazing.
At first I wasn’t sure about this one. The more I read of your review, the more intrigued I became:)