Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler continues his majestic Harbinger series in a world where motivations are as mysterious as magic.For three years, Sera Fitzempress has been a pawn in a gilded prison—the floating manor of Pavenham Sky. Disgraced and exiled from society, she has been isolated from the downtrodden she’s determined to liberate. But although Sera may seem subservient … Sera may seem subservient on the outside, the stubborn princess has only become emboldened.
Now in charge of her family’s estate, Cettie Pratt has grown into an independent young woman, although she continues to be tested by the high society of the clouds. Advancing in the magic of the Mysteries, Cettie is also a useful tool of defense during turbulent times. However, as more of Cettie’s mysterious past comes to light, her greatest challenge may be a reckless stranger with a dark secret.
The fog of war is drawing in, and with it comes a startling new enemy who may unravel secrets that both women would prefer stay hidden. But their secrets may be the only way to stop the coming darkness…
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Ah! This one was so satisfying, I almost wish it was the last in the series (even though it didn’t all get wrapped up yet).
The stories of Sera and Cettie continue, though this story follows more quickly on the heels of the previous one–they are still young women, about the same age as in the last book. Sera is no longer in the running as empress, and her father has been named. She may have the chance of being “rehabilitated” after her fall from grace and reinstated into the line of succession after her father–but he is courting the powerful and newly widowed Lady Corinne. Sera realizes that if he has another heir, he will not want her in the picture complicating matters. So he tries to send her to Kingfountain to form an alliance with their prince. I love how the Prince of Kingfountain comes into the story, though: it’s the BEST. I was immediately rooting for the two of them, which was surprising since this is exactly what Sera’s evil father wants.
Meanwhile, Cettie continues to grow in her powers. It turns out that she is the Harbinger, or the one who gets visions of the future which she passes along to her almost-father Fitzroy, the head of the Ministry of Wind. When she reveals this to her family, her visions help to guide her family through trials as they cling to the promise that things are not always what they seem. She also meets a very rude young man named Rand from a nearby manor who has a traumatic backstory, and I pegged him as a romantic interest for Cettie as soon as he came on the scene and groaned inwardly. One thing about Wheeler’s stories: you can’t always bank on a happily ever after the way you expect it to turn out. More often than not he throws curve balls. I really wanted Cettie to end up with Adam Creigh, despite the love triangle with her almost-sister Anna. As Rand grew increasingly sympathetic, I started to resign myself… and though I want to avoid spoilers, I’ll just say I did not see coming what happened next. But it was fantastic.
Also, as I read this book, I was reminded on multiple occasions of “Bleak House” by Charles Dickens. Sure enough, the afterword confirmed that Wheeler intended this to be a loose retelling! I felt very special.
My rating: *****
Language: none
Sexual content: none
Violence: fantasy only
Political content: fantasy only
Mr. Wheeler just keeps throwing in a little more treats into the plot and . . .Man, oh Man, do I eat them up. He is know for these twists and turns that come up later on in the series plot and it just pulls you into the story until before you know it, it’s 4a.m. and you have to be up for work in 2 hours. Yeah it’s that kind of good.
Theis books are the best
Jeff Wheeler draws readers back into the magical world of Muirwood in the latest installment of the Harbinger series. Three years have passed, and the war with Kingfountain continues. Sera remains in isolated exile, yearning to be free and able to take her rightful place as Empress. Cettie fills her time as Keeper of Fog Willows, as well as making important (and secret) contributions to the war effort. Meanwhile, long kept secrets are at risk of being revealed, and a new threat lurks in the horizon.
Iron Garland kicks off with a shocking prologue that left me gasping and on the edge of my seat. Pretty impressive for five minutes worth of reading, right? Holy smokes! And you know what? It only got better from there.
I had no idea what to expect in this book, after the way book two ended, but I was surprised to see it begin three years later. Ordinarily, this is something that disappoints me—because I want to know every single thing that happens when I’m reading a series—but my disappointment barely had time to register before I was completely immersed in the book. It didn’t take me long to decide the time skip was the perfect way to continue the story, as it gives readers a sense of urgency where the war is concerned. Great loss had already been suffered, and the need for the war to (finally) come to an end was omnipresent throughout, whether the war was actively being discussed or portrayed in any given scene.
Most of the characters went through changes, to some degree, but it was most gratifying to see how much Sera grew in wisdom during her imprisonment at Pavenham Sky. She knew what would give her the best shot at being released from exile, and made sure to make it seem as if she was humbled by her punishment. Clever girl!
I won’t mention all the things that stood out to me about this book, because there are SO MANY… and it would spoil things for those who haven’t read it. Suffice to say that there more than a few surprising twists (particularly the one in the epilogue!), new locations to discover, interesting romantic developments, and someone’s unexpected (though welcome) change of heart.
This book was simply delightful to read, and I can’t wait to read Prism Cloud (the next book in the series) because Iron Garland ended with some particularly chilling words from a certain lady, making it clear she had plans that didn’t bode well for Cettie.
If you haven’t started reading this series, I do hope you’ll give it a try! I think it’s safe to say that this book firmly cemented Harbinger as my favorite young adult fantasy series. Perhaps it will be yours, as well?
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of 47North via Netgalley.
A series that you won’t want to miss- fantasy aficionados must read!
Just when I think Jeff Wheeler can’t outdo himself, he has! Iron Garland (Harbinger, Book 3) is just as phenomenal as the previous book, dare I say even better? Yes, I will. 5 stars easily. Highly recommend the series for anyone looking for a new fantasy series. If you haven’t jumped on the Jeff Wheeler bandwagon, it’s time to do so.
This book jumps three years into the future with Cettie and Sera as the main characters like in the previous books. Jeff handles the time jumps wonderfully and it certainly adds to the success of the story. The plot continues with twists and turns, so you never quite know what to expect.
Warning, minimal spoilers below…
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Cettie and Sera are back, this time Cettie is the keeper of Fog Willows, while Sera is biding her time waiting to get out of Lady Corrine’s grasp. War with Kingfountain complicates matters. Cettie and Sera learn more about themselves and become strong in their own rights. The mysteries and magic continue to unfold. We learn more about Kingfountain’s way of life. Steven’s privilege shows and creates problems. Political maneuvers continue throughout the book. New and old characters add mystery and mayhem. Cettie’s mother becomes known in this book (nope, not telling you, read the book ).
This line stuck out to me (oh how true)- “She thought it strange how the past had its own form of magic that could play chords on the heart.” And this one gave me a chuckle- “That was when Raj Sarin humbled him the Bhikhu way.”
When you read this, you will be reminded that even when times are tough you must continue on and to never give up. The author’s note at the end is interesting- he tells of how Lady Corrine’s character came to be.
As I read this book, I couldn’t help but think how what transpires can be related to things happening in the real world today (specifically the prejudice of those who do not share our own viewpoints and how to make it work).
As stated with the previous book reviews, I would recommend this series for those who love fantasy with elements of steampunk and good life lessons. There is a reason Jeff’s books get great ratings, so go on and give this series a read (or listen).
Parental advisory/trigger warnings: war, death from war or nefarious characters (murder via push and gunshot), fighting with body parts and attempted drowning, weapons, stealing, difference of religious beliefs, hugging, marriage proposals, mention of a guys arm against a lady’s bosom during a dance, drug addiction (poppy extracts for a soldier due to his injuries). The main characters are older teens in this book- there is some mild flirting/pursuing/interest of others. There is no swearing.
*I received an advanced copy of this book from 47North via NetGalley/the author, in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review the book, it was awesome!
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