Dangerous secrets and forbidden desires lead to shocking consequences… Don’t miss book two of the fantastical Harbinger trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout.“Jennifer L. Armentrout’s intoxicating new fantasy is her best yet!” —New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter on Storm and FuryHalf-angel Trinity and her bonded gargoyle protector, Zayne, have been … author Gena Showalter on Storm and Fury
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.
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El inicio del libro es un porto tortuoso, y puede ser hasta cansado, porque hay partes muy larga en lo que refiere a lo que trin está sintiendo y experimentando por la pérdida de misha, y en cómo está luchando con los sentimientos que tiene por Zayne. Pero de ahí se recuperan o ir los diálogos entre Trin y Zayne que son muy fluidos y naturales y la trama completa te absorbe, quieres ir sabiendo más sobre el Harbinger.
Tenemos un Zayne a quien lo sigue atormentado su pasado, pero que quiere trabajar para poder dejarlo y vivir lo que siente, y tenemos una Trin que está realmente atormentada por lo que ha tenido que hacer, y muy temerosa de lo que siente, porque no quiere salir lastimada.
La parte donde Trin y Zayne están molestos entre ellos, ha sido de mis favorita, porque nos enseña cuán importante es la comunicación en una relación o proyecto de relación, y como una vez las cosas se ventilan, se pude esperar algo bonito.
Me gusto la química de Roth y Layla con Trin, leí malos comentarios sobre Layla en este libro , no se que libro estaban leyendo porque yo no vi ninguna mala actitud de Layla hacia Trin o Zayne, creo que incluso Stayce fue más agresiva que Layla.
Si tiene un inicio lento, pero luego la trama es genial e interesante, los descubrimientos impactantes y el final está de cardiacos.
Muy recomendado y a esperar para el último libro.
Was so ready for this sequel. I was a bit disappointed that it was slow reading for a while, but when the action really started, it was a page turner. Love the strong characters and how they continue to build and more and more is revealed about their personality and why their are who they are. The thing is, there is so much more to learn about them and it pulls you in to try and find it all out. The storyline is incredible and can’t wait to find out what happens.
I think this might be my favourite book in the Dark Elements/Harbinger world (so far).
As I mentioned in my review of Storm and Fury, it’s important that you read The Dark Elements trilogy before reading this series. Not only is every plot twist spoiled, you miss out on so much emotion; especially in Rage and Ruin.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but something happens in this book that is a callback to the original trilogy. I was laying here sobbing while reading this part. If you don’t read The Dark Elements first, you will completely miss how important and special it is.
And I knew JLA let us off easy with the ending in Storm and Fury. The Queen of the Brutal Cliffhanger strikes again in Rage and Ruin! It’s not her worst one ever, but COME ON ARMENTROUT! WAS THAT REALLY NECESSARY??
Holy Flamin baby gargoyles! What the heck did I just read?! I just fell down into a hole…A Jennifer world-sized hole, that just consumed me. Does that make sense to anyone else or is that a weird analogy only I will understand haha? Whatever, I’m owning it…it was an awesome hole too.
But seriously, talk about #CueUglyCrying
That book was so intense and raw. I’m almost at a loss to what to say (weird right?!). Jen has really outdone herself with these books and wow that has all my respect, what you have created within Zayne and Trinity’s story.
I really felt so, so connected to this book and I loved how we got to see so much deeper into the thoughts of Trinity and Zayne. It really opened up the world and it was incredible. Everything about this book was perfection…even if it did break my heart and I was all like no, no, no more! But then BOOM punt kicked through a wall. Good times. Thanks for that Jen.
Many who have followed my blog for awhile now, may be aware of a campaign that was organised under the name of ‘Fighting The Storm’. And so this book has a very special place in my heart. This campaign, we organised, is all about awareness for RP, an illness that affects one’s vision.
What I love about this book, is that it shows and proves that no disability defines who you are and that it isn’t all of you, it’s simply a part of you and no one should be ashamed of that. Whilst I read this book, I felt like I could easily relate to Trinity and what she opened up about. It was raw and hit really close to home. No, I don’t have RP but I do have some pretty serious chronic illnesses, and some of the things brought up, I found myself having very similar emotions to what Trinity struggles with during this book… and so, I found myself really emotional in scenes, connecting wholeheartedly to those moments. Moments, that let her character shine so brightly, that you just wish you were more like her. That you could easily just seize the day, so to speak, and leave those fears behind. Trinity is incredible and can seriously kick some major butt…whilst also giving you a laugh as you shake your head at her ways. She’s a character you can’t live without knowing. In fact, all the characters within this book are needed in your life. This story is needed in your life.
The things that go down in this book, I dunno…if I can even talk about without spoiling something. So I’m going to try and keep the summary fairly short…but people, this book has so much happening you may feel like you have a bad case of mental whiplash….oh, and don’t forget the fact that there’s definitely some serious emotional cards being played in this book. Jen does not hold back with her blows, so prepare for an epic book hangover….like the biggest you can ever imagine. And then add some hugely emotional baggage to accompany you.
I don’t know about you guys, but throughout reading this book, I was inclined to believe that everything I read was bound to make stress. It’s the truth.
Okay, let’s see how I can go with the story developments. As we all know, Zayne is now Trinity’s Protector so our man has his hands full lol…coz does even Trinity know what’s she’s going to do next? Nope…coz our girl is impulsive lol. Anywho, Zayne takes his job very seriously and is determined to keep her out of as much trouble and danger as he can…but with the Harbinger out there, really nowhere is safe. Warden’s and Demons alike are being killed all around DC and everyone is working their hardest to track this being down. But that’s a little hard to do when it doesn’t really leave a trail. There one minute gone the next….But that does not stop our guys. Not at all. All our favourites such as Roth, Layla and Cayman keep working together and slowly begin uncovering details. The question though is will they find out before its too late?
During the midst of all this, Zayne and Trinity try and fight their growing emotions…coz you remember that really pesky and annoying thing about Protectors and Trueborns not falling in love right? But for once in my life I’m hating rules…its a stupid, stupid rule! But if they choose to ignore it…who knows what the consequences will be.
Soo…I don’t know about you guys, but I just went into this book expecting pretty much anything to happen…and well it definitely gave me all that and more. I don’t really think I saw all that coming but at the same time, my brain wasn’t at it’s best functioning level..personally, I think, I still would’ve been shocked…Coz man I don’t think anything could’ve prepared me for all that. So for me, I threw all my crazy ideas in the air and just read it. I think, you should too lol…Don’t think…just read. Coz I don’t think anything could help prepare you. This book just takes it to a whole new level.
Oh, and to all you Zayne lovers out there…even those of you who are hardcore Roth lovers…this book…man oh man does it show you all need to fall head over heels. If that’s already you then be prepared to fall even harder…and yes that is possible. I need a Zayne in my life.
This was a book I really needed, especially at the time I read it…and I loved every moment of good and bad it put me through. It was such an adrenaline rush and although there was times I was all like what the hell are you thinking?! Are you trying to kill me?! Doing all that to us and putting us through all that raw angst and pain and stressing us out!…but in the end I was like…fine okay, I trust you.
Jennifer may put her readers through an emotional wringer that spits us out on a train track to be run over, but in the end, it’s all worth it…and all is well and right in the world again.
Everything in this book is absolute perfection guys…and if you haven’t read it, put it in your calendar and to do list, right now…you must. Trust me on this. You need this book in your life and you need to make the time for it. Who needs sleep anyways? Isn’t that why we have coffee?
I can’t wait to see where Jen takes this story…I have no clue when the third book will be released, which is a torture in itself coz I’m just like WHEN?! TELL ME!
Jen, you really keep outdoing yourself and I’m just not sure if my heart will keep surviving all these books you keep releasing…but dang, what a way to go out right? lol. Nothing could stop me from reading your works.
So, you’ll have huge regrets if you don’t read this book. Just sayin’. Trinity is kick-butt and she’s about to wow you some more in this story…oh, and get ready for some awesome-saucy Bromance between our fav two, Roth and Zayne . Roth may act like he’s a tough guy but I tell you…there’s a scene that’ll really hit you in the gut, when things kinda blow up and get worser (totally a word lol).
With that said, I think, I may still need a hug, coz I am not over that ending.
And now it’s back to reality…and planet earth.
I just want to hug Jen for providing us with such an incredible read, that brought on so many feels. This book was exactly what I needed. The worlds you can bring to life are just a small part of who you are. You are an incredibly talented author and I’m in awe of you. You may not see it but you are a very special and strong person. This book is just a small insight in what you live with on a daily basis and I have nothing but love and respect for you – I know I said it before but I feel the need to say it again.
And yeah I’m gonna leave it at that. I think I let out enough crazy for now.
Hope everyone is keeping safe and staying sane with their books.
Happy Readings
ARC provided in exchange for review.
My feelings for Rage and Ruin are almost exactly the same as they were for Storm and Fury, with a little bit of Middle Book Syndrome.
The good-
•Legit cried at the ending, a rarity these days.
•More Roth! And surprise appearances that knocked my llama socks off.
•Lots of laughs with the usual pop culture jokes that Jlanders will no doubt get a kick out of.
•Well written action scenes.
The bad-
•Once again, the length is unnecessary. The amount of needless scenes made the book drag on and on… and on.
•I do not like love triangles. I think the only one I ever liked was Layla’s, and that’s because I was genuinely confused on who I wanted to “win.”
•It’s fairly redundant to mention this but I’m still waiting for one of Jen’s books to really stand apart from the others. It’s a lot of the same.
•Twists (minus one that I’m still OMFGing over) are predictable.
My Thoughts:
Rage in Ruin is the sequel to Storm and Fury, the second book in The Harbinger Series; a spinoff of The Dark Elements Trilogy! With every book she writes, Jennifer L. Armentrout cements my love for her storytelling. She has a way of completely pulling a reader in to a story. She evokes so much passion, emotion, excitement, and entertainment with her gift. I always feel like I become a part of her stories, as they completely consume me and take on a life of their own.
Rage and Ruin was phenomenal! Zayne and Trinity are in an interesting predicament. They are forbidden to be with one another. So as they live, train, and hunt for the Harbinger together, they must constantly resist the temptation of their mutual growing attraction and feelings for one another.
I loved getting a different side of Zayne in this book. While I loved him in The Dark Elements Trilogy, I thought he lacked the same palpable passion that Roth had for Layla, which is what made me Team Roth in that series. While Zayne is a nice guy, and a fierce protector, I enjoyed seeing so much more passion and carnality to his character in this book. I loved watching him lose control of himself, as he become more passionate about Trinity! The way she pushed his buttons, and these two played off of one another had me giddy! Zayne was sweet and gently, but also passionate, seductive, and protective. Trinity was so strong, brave, independent, and loyal. She had a never quit attitude, and didn’t want to rely on others.
Zayne and Trinity had such a passionate and emotional love story! I cried and felt so many raw emotions when reading this installment. To top it off, I got an exciting plot full of surprises, twists, and action. Add in a cast of magnificent supporting characters, and you have a five star read! Roth and Peanut both kept me entertained, and laughing! Roth’s loyalty, and devotion to have his friends back continues to make him a favorite character of mine.
I’d be doing a disservice if I didn’t mention the epic ending to this installment. JLA put me through the wringer with non-stop action, crazy surprises and twists, as well as breaking my heart in two, as I cried my eyes out, and then offering more surprises, and a starburst of shock and hope! Now, we know who the Harbinger is, and one thing is for certain, the stakes are higher than ever! I can’t wait to see how everything plays out in the final book, and in the meantime, I’m emotionally exhausted, and left reeling from the best kind of book hangover, which is the mark of having read an exceptional story!
Wow, I don’t even know what to say. I enjoyed this one even more than the first book, which is definitely saying something since I loved that one. It’s a very slow burn between Trinity and Zayne, and I am here for it. I adore them both, so it was fun watching them trying to navigate what kind of relationship they were going to have with one another. They have great banter and chemistry together. I was also all about the amount of Roth, Cayman, and Bambi we saw in this installment. There is never a dull moment with those three around. No spoilers here, but that ending was something else. My jaw was practically on the floor. I feel like I’m going to need someone to hold my hand while I read the next book and see how this all plays out.
Totally LOVED this book! JLA never disappoints! Especially when it comes to Zayne. He’s such a great character. Total swoon-worthy! The chemistry between him and Trinity is so good! Friends to lovers/ forbidden romance. In Storm and Fury Zayne becomes Trin’s Protector since she’s a Trueborn. We’re still unsure of the exact reasoning behind why the romance between the two is forbidden. Of course in book two it’s harder for the characters to control their feelings so we see this relationship going further than in book one. In Rage and Ruin, we’re still trying to find the Harbinger. There are some epic fighting scenes with our badass heroine that you don’t want to miss. Trinity is also trying to find a way to get over her fear of going blind while still fighting. It’s amazing how JLA throws everyday problems and issues with her books and characters. In all honesty, Trinity is very inspiring. There are other eye diseases that causes blindness and when people who have RP or the other ones read this book and sees how Trin is so badass and strong they could take a lot from the characteristics of the character. She’s strong, sassy, hilarious, badass, and confident. You can interpret the ending however you want to, but it’s so good! It leaves you wanting more, but not pissed off of how it ended. Right before the ending is a total tearjerker, but the ending makes up for it. Basically, read this book. It’s a 10/10 must read!
Fierce, gripping, and action-packed!
Rage and Ruin is a suspenseful, thrilling tale that picks up right where Storm and Fury left off taking us back into the lives of trueborn Trinity and her protector Zayne as they adapt to their newly formed bond, resist the evergrowing attraction building between them, and hunt down the ever-elusive Harbinger that is increasingly leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake.
The prose is seductive and intense. The characters are complex, fiery, and stubborn. And the plot is a creative, riveting tale of twists, turns, passion, angst, wrath, loyalty, heartbreak, duty, sizzling tension, violence, humour, forbidden romance, and supernatural abilities.
Overall, Rage and Ruin is another epic tale by Armentrout that features lots of bloody battles, determination, grit, sexual chemistry, heat, adventure, angels, demons, spirits, and fantastical elements. It keeps you invested, engaged, and on the edge of your seat from the very first page, and with its shocking, cliffhanger ending will undoubtedly leave you counting down the days until the third and final novel in this trilogy becomes available, and the battle between good and evil finally comes to a head.
For years I’ve longed for this book. Ever since reading the very first Dark Elements book, White Hot Kiss, I have been on Team Zayne. Sorry, Roth.
And now, in Rage and Ruin, we can see Zayne as he was always meant to be. His own man. Standing on his own two feet, and taking change in way that he could never before.
I love watching Zayne and Trinity interact, love the sexual tension between them and the fight between what they believe they should do and what they want to do.
And Trinity is a badass all on her own, not allowing her limitations to hold her back.
I love, love, love, this entire series, and love, love, love this book.
Firstly – this is the first time my ARC for a JLA book was not posted on time! Bad Zamma! I had to choose between our Queen’s Birthday video or the review. The llamas and alpacas demanded that I finish the video first! It’s not every day that your Queen turns 40
Secondly – If you’re a Stormie or a JLAnder, chances are that you already have a) bought the book and aa) read it already or ab) waiting anxiously to read it! There’s no need to try to convince any of you to buy this book! But you can still read my review because I can guarantee you that my medication is going to cause a glitch in my brain which will cause me to say something hilarious, so you will at least get a good chuckle out of it!
One last note to my fellow – Stormies and JLAnders before I try to convince other people to buy and read this book! And if you’re a Seth’s Goddess – avert your eyes NOW!! I am too scared to admit this because it’s blasphemy buuuuuuttttt The Harbinger series is now officially my fav JLA series! Hear me out… this series inspired the Stormies group and the #FightTheStorm campaign. It will always have a special place in my heart. Exhibit B: There’s a few scenes in this book where Jen gets so brutally honest about living with RP that I had to stop reading so I could get my emotions under control first! And lastly… Zayne became the ultimate book boyfriend material in this book! Read the book and you will see why!
So let’s start with the review!
I feel like I have to knock on every single door and beg the person living there to read the book! I would even buy it for them if I have to! And if they haven’t read the Dark Elements or Storm and Fury, I would give them my copies to read!
This book gave me all the feels – the good and the bad ones! I relived the early days of The Hubster and I living together and waking up next to each other! I relived the angst whenever someone from his past showed up and I felt insecure about where I fit into his life with that person there! I relived the awkwardness of realizing I love him so much that it overwhelmed me sometimes! I relived the fears of losing the love of my life and not knowing how to go on without him or him losing me and not being there… in his arms… where I belong!
Give me a moment…
Okay, let’s try that again!
This is a rollercoaster ride and you want to tell the operator to stop the ride so you can get your butt TF off this ride but when get at the bottom, you want to feel that exiliating feeling of the butterflies in your stomach again but when you for through the loops, you realized that it’s actually creepy crawling eating your insides! But still you stay on that forsaken ride because you’re addicted and you can’t get off!
There where a lot of pages where I had to reread WTF I just read because I could not believe that just happened! And a word of advice – if you haven’t reread the Dark Elements because you didn’t have time, familiarize yourself with the characters again. There’s a few from DE and if I remembered who *spoiler* was, I wouldn’t have had that Oh Duh moment!
In conclusion… Trinity was badass! As always! Her badassiness… (badassary?) knows no end! Like I said before Zayne upped his book boyfriend status so much that he almost kicked Sethie and Hawke from their throne… you know what they say: Two book boyfriends argue over who’s the most loved and a third one steals the throne! No one else says that? Oh, ok… then it’s just me! Roth was trying so hard to let everyone believe he’s a bad boy but when it mattered the most, he showed his true colors and made me sob… ugly sob! It’s worse than ugly crying BTW! Layla got confused and thought she’s an angel… which we all knew she was! And BAMBI! That is all!
So before you start this book – keep your tissues and chocolates close and strap yourself in for a ride that will change the way you look at life and the universe! You will even begin to second guess your own religion! This book will shook the innermost sacred parts of your soul and you will never be the same again!!
Advanced Readers Copy
Title: Rage and Ruin
Series: The Harbinger #2
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: inkyard Press
Edition: Kindle
Amount of Pages: 608
Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance
SPOILERS
Cliffhanger: [ Kind off yes, its more like wtf just happened, give me books 3 now (hide spoiler)]
HEA/HFN: [ Can’t really say (hide spoiler)]
Cheating: [ No (hide spoiler)]
Triggerwarnings: [ No (hide spoiler)]
Love Triangle: [ No (hide spoiler)]
Insta Love/ Insta Lust: [ No (hide spoiler)]
Single Parent/Kids/Pregnancy: [ No (hide spoiler)]
SPOILERS
Date Read: 18-05-2020 – 21-05-2020
Favorite Quote: “You’re under my skin and in my blood. I can’t get you out.”
Review:
I’m having trouble writing this review because I don’t know how I want to word my thoughts. So bear with me and I hope this makes sense.
I liked this book, I really think that we get a better view of who Zanye is now that he isn’t being overshadowed by Roth. The man has some real snark, I can tell you that much. Like dude went right for the achilles heel, I was shocked haha.
This book was less intense compare other books by Jen. Like there where obvious ups and downs, very frustrating moments, but not huge whiplash, rollercoaster moments (until the last couple of chapters.)
Normally once I start a JLA book, I don’t stop until i’m finished but in this case I was able to phase myself. Not sure if it’s because of the book or because of me being in a bit of a slump. Don’t get me wrong the story was still amazing.
What is this book about:
This book takes off where the last book ended. Zayne is now Trinity’s guardian. Which means the feelings they have for each other shouldn’t be there but here we are regardless.
Something is still attacking wardens and Trinity and Zayne are trying to figure out who is doing this. They aren’t doing this alone, Roth and Layla are there to help them, since wardens aren’t the only ones being hunted.
The more the attraction between Zayne and Trinity grow, they have to decide if the love they have for each other is greater than the unknown consequences. Some things love can’t overcome…..
What did I like/love:
I liked that the characters aren’t perfect. Zayne can snap like it’s nobodies business when he get angry, and Trinity is selfish and impulsive. But they do their best to work past that and grow from that.
I liked how they are together, they have their struggles. More so than just a regular couple with them being trueborn and guardian.
I really loved Roth in this book. He had some great moments, as did Layla. It was fun seeing them again.
Overall this book was pretty even, like no massive high and lows during the story, like there where highs and lows but not like whiplash worthy high and lows, but then came the ending. So prepare yourself, Jen didn’t opal us but yeah.
What did I dislike/hate:
/
Rating:
4 I really liked it stars
This world has long been my favorite one of JLA’s. I LOVED the Dark Elements series and when she said there would be more in the Harbinger series I was stoked. I have always had a soft spot for Zayne too and MAN does he try to steal my whole heart in this book!
Things are getting weird in town again and we get to go back to the school where it all started with Layla and Roth way back when. Demigods, undead and battle royales all await you. Trinity is a bada$$ and Zayne is his normal swoony self. Add in some time with old favorites and new ghosts and just…
Are you reading this series yet? WHY NOT? GO NOW!
Rage And Ruin is the second book in The Harbinger series which is set within the world of The Dark Elements series. We see the continuation and growth of the relationship between Trinity and Zayne as they work together with all of our favorite demons and wardons to find out who or what the Harbinger is and what they are planning. This definitely is a book of growth. We see relationships change and grow, loved ones returned to their rightful place and suffer loss and a heartache that will bring us to our knees. I was wondering how I was going to get through this highly anticipated and emotional story until the very last line, now the wait for the next book will be a struggle because the next book will be a battle to end all battles and there will be questions so many questions.
If you want a great story with a truly emotional ending grab this book today. 5/5 stars.
I don’t even know where to begin! My heart hurts, my head hurts – pretty sure it exploded around chapter 40 – and I’ve cried til I can’t cry anymore. My emotions are all over the place as I write this. I’ve waited about two hours since finishing the book to see if I can come up with the words to describe just how awesome it is. Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L Armentrout is the second book in her spin-off series The Harbinger and picks up the day after the events of the first. So if you haven’t read Storm and Fury consider this your spoiler warning. Read at your own risk Trinity and Zayne are adjusting to their new bonded status and are now on the hunt for the Harbinger, the unknown baddie killing demons and Wardens alike. Rage and Ruin left me breathless and at the edge of my seat all the way to the end.
Trinity is everything I came to love about her in the previous installment and more. She is really struggling at the beginning of the story. Waking up the day after killing Misha, she is coming to terms with her actions and his. What made him turn? Why did he hate her so much? These are just a couple of the questions she asks herself over and over again. It shapes her, reminds her to think of others instead of herself first. I love seeing her character grow through these trials. But it isn’t just doubt she suffers from, Trinity is also angry and that rage fuels her. She wants revenge and retribution, and her grace is coming out to play. Only one person can reach through this haze….Zayne.
Zayne is still the fictional love of my life. For real, though this boy is everything. My heart aches for him. In the first book, we see just a glimpse of his own struggles from the fallout of The Dark Elements series. His heart was crushed, he lost his father, he lost his clan. But now he has a purpose again. He is Trin’s Protector. She makes him feel again, and that is so confusing for him. Like Trinity, Zayne’s own character grows, and I love seeing this after five full books with him being in the background. I love that we are finally getting to see him live to his full potential. (Yes, I know he’s fictional, but he’s real to me )
The plot here deals with so much. This book can be described as both character driven and plot driven. As much as we see the struggles Zayne and Trinity face, we also get a big conflict they must deal with. These two are tasked with hunting down and stopping the Harbinger by Michael, Trin’s archangel father. However he gives them nothing to go on. They have no idea where to start, and while they are trying to find him, he continues to kill indiscriminately Wardens and demons alike. Because the Harbinger is this big, unknown factor, the story moves at a fast-pace. I was on the edge of my seat, not breathing at times, while Zayne and Trinity patrolled. This is not a book for the faint of heart, that’s for sure.
And the romance. I can’t NOT talk about the romance. Trinity has locked away her feelings, refusing to cross the line because she doesn’t know the consequences and refuses to risk Zayne. And Zayne, I don’t know what he is doing. Typically I’m not a big fan of angst, but it works here. It is so clear their feelings for one another (from the first book) and that just ratchets up the angst level. Forbidden love yall! My heart bled for them. I wanted to reach through the pages, give their heads a good smack and say “Kiss already!” But the wait is oh so good!
Overall, if you can’t tell, I loved Rage and Ruin! I’m not sure “love” covers it in all honesty. The world-building, which I truly wasn’t expecting since this is a spin-off series and the world is mostly built, is astounding. I love how Armentrout has incorporated the angels into the mix, and I cannot wait to see where she takes us in the next book. And that ending….I just can’t with that ending. My head is going to explode again thinking about it. I have so many thoughts and questions so if you’ve read the book and want to discuss, by all means send me a message If you are an urban fantasy lover, I highly recommend you grab this book asap!
*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.*
Holy. Freakin’. Cow. This was amazing! It starts right where Storm and Fury left off so go read that first! Zayne- honestly not my favorite character when I first met him because, duh, Roth. But seeing him in this new series- interacting with Trinity- LOVE it! He has grown so much as a character and I really can’t wait to see where this series ends with him. You seriously will not be able to put this book down, so many twists and turns and WT moments that I thoroughly enjoyed this continuation. Can’t wait for the next book!!
Back in 2013 when White Hot Kiss was released, I started singing Zayne’s praises. Even after everyone else jumped on the Roth bandwagon, I was still 100% Team Zayne. It bothered me that legions of people found so much fault in this guy who only wanted to protect and shelter and love.
Is it okay to say, “I told you so” now?
Never has Zayne’s best qualities come to light than in Rage & Ruin. After the surprising and upsetting end to Storm & Fury, that’s to be expected. Zayne’s new role in Trinity’s life kind of requires the protective side of him to be out in full force. But, I was pleasantly surprised by the rebel streak we saw in Zayne too. He’s always been very by-the-book. But, after everything that happened to him with his clan and with Layla, it’s not a surprise that Zayne isn’t as interested in following every rule to the letter anymore.
Rage & Ruin builds upon the mounting trouble the world is seeing from this unknown entity known as The Harbinger. And it’s definitely MOUNTING. Curious bad things are happening that are baffling the wardens. Even the demons are acting weird. And all signs point to something very bad happening soon. And that Trinity is somehow in the middle of it all. This makes Zayne’s job as her new protector a wee bit more challenging. All the better for us.
But along with the danger Trinity seems to be facing on a daily basis, she’s also dealing with some understandably heavy emotional issues after what happened at the end of Storm & Fury. Trinity is in favor of putting off dealing with those problems until a more convenient time. But Zayne knows there is no such thing. Those coupled with Trinity’s and Zayne’s very real feelings for each other makes their relationship super complicated and fraught with emotional pitfalls.
Rage & Ruin will put a knot in your throat and have you ready to jump out of your seat. And I can’t even talk about that ending. It’s not a cliffhanger – and we all know Jen Armentrout can do cliffies really well. But, I PROMISE it will make you freak out and want to read the next book in this amazing series immediately. And if that’s not the hallmark of a great book, then I don’t know what is.
5 Emotion filled, rollercoaster of a ride stars.
Rage and Ruin is book 2 of The Harbinger series, and it cannot be read as a standalone. You must read Storm and Fury first.
Picking up where S & F leaves off, R & R focuses on the growing (and forbidden) attraction between Zayne and Trinity, the struggle to navigate their new normal of being bonded to one another, and the quest to find the Harbinger.
Zayne, as a character, has really grown and developed since he was first introduced in White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements series). Though he claims Trin has a light and a spark inside her, his light shines even brighter. Even better? He is very much of the “Rules Were Made to Be Broken” camp. And I dig it. Roth is clearly rubbing off on him.
Zayne is also vulnerable. I wanted to wrap that Stony man in a hug and tell him how worthy he is of all the things.
Trin is still dealing with heartache from events that occurred in S & F. Full disclosure, there were times I really struggled with her character. There is a selfishness to her and a wealth of immaturity. But there is also the weight and burden of being what she is, her fears and uncertainty.
Trin’s relationship with Roth is entertaining, and, much like he did for Layla, he offers her the chance to tap into her potential and shift her perspective, while also providing unsolicited (yet valuable) advice.
There is a lot of humor in this story mostly from the banter and push and pull between Zayne and Trin, but also because, well, Roth.
This book, it absolutely gutted me. The depth of emotion between Zayne and Trinity, their fears, and the twists and turns at the end? I don’t even know what to do with myself. Have tissues because, to quote Zayne, there’s a lot you don’t know.
Holy flying gargoyles everywhere! My poor heart…
“All that rage… It will be your ruin.”
My poor heart is still beating like crazy, my mind is still all over the place, my eyes are still full of tears and my thoughts are still wandering back to this story. To this heart-stopping ending, to that endless sea of emotions that’s threatening to swallow me whole. How in all Heaven and Hell am I supposed to live the torturous wait till the next one now and what am I supposed to do with myself after this. I feel like a part of my soul is missing just like Zayne’s and I just need more so I could find my inner peace back again.
That was another great adventure in this unique world I slowly grew to love in the past years. Such a well-thought sequel to this series and I’m already so eager to dive into the next one. I love this story, the characters, the way they evolved, the witty dialogue, the epic battles, but mostly I love all the emotions it made me experience. Jen never fails to deliver in that department. I went through the whole gamut of emotions. But at the same time there were plenty of battles, action-packed scenes and intense moments. So the book was a perfect combination of everything I find appealing and attention grabbing in a book. It totally sucked me in and didn’t let go till the very end.
The suspense was off the charts and my mind was constantly spinning with all the theories of who the Harbinger was. There were also some very nail-biting and heart-stopping scenes that made my pulse race like crazy. And in addition, the random appearances of Roth and the gand completely made me fall in love with this series all over again.
And what an amazing love story. It absolutely melted my heart and filled my soul. Zayne and Trinity were so perfect for each other. He sertainly knew what he wanted but I’m glad he gave her space to figure out her feelings all by herslef. I wanted to slap some sense into her for even questioning everything between them. But I’m glad she finally came to her senses and boy al that pent-up sexual tension exploded like a dynamite. It was passionate and truly beautiful.
That ending though Wow still trying to wrap my head around it. I seriously need the next one right now. The wait would be hard to endure. But it would be a great opportunity to go back from the very start and reread
#TeamZayne
Rage and Ruin is the second novel in The Harbinger trilogy. It picks up after the events of Storm and Fury as Trinity and Zayne grapple with their new connection and the associated emotions they’re developing.
Rage and Ruin is the best kind of guilty pleasure. It features a delicious forbidden romance and, in my opinion, some of the best fantasy characters: angels and demons.
Unfortunately, Rage and Ruin suffers from second book syndrome. There isn’t much of a plot for most of the novel as Trinity and Zayne look for the Harbinger. So, for most of the novel the characters are speculating on who or what the Harbinger is without getting anywhere despite it being obvious. This makes for an spectacular reveal at the end, but makes getting there a drag.
There is a three year discrepancy between Zayne and Trinity, if I’m not mistaken. Three years isn’t a lot, but Trinity comes off as much younger in her inner monologues and some of the stuff she says. It made connecting with Trinity difficult at times and it’s one of the reasons I’m not the biggest fan of Trinity and Zayne together as a couple.
Zayne and Trinity are on different wave lengths when it comes to their relationship and all the emotions associated. Most of the novel is spent watching Zayne and Trinity reconcile those differences. It’s fun and exciting, yet also frustrating. Miscommunication is used over and over to drive the tension between the two.
The ending of Armentrout novels are always exciting and Rage and Ruin is no exception. I wouldn’t call it a cliff hanger, but it’s certainly made me wish I had the third novel in my hands.
Overall, Rage and Ruin is a slower paced sequel as Armentrout dives into the nitty gritty of Zayne and Trinity’s relationship. This almost singular focus doesn’t always serve the plot, but it’s definitely entertaining.