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DC Icons: Harley Quinn #2
Harley Quinn: Ravenous
Harley Quinn's journey gets even more chaotic as she falls in love and embraces her inner Super-Villain in the thrilling second book of the Harley Quinn origin trilogy.
“Allen’s Harley is a fierce, righteous, brilliant, and preternaturally brave ball of chaos. I loved and feared every single minute with her.” –Dahlia Adler, author of Cool for the Summer
When Harleen Quinzel wakes up in a hospital bed with no recollection of the past few months, she scrambles to pick up the pieces of her life.
As she starts classes at Gotham University and an internship at Arkham Asylum, Harleen is determined to make her mark, getting paired with the most high-profile female inmate at Arkham—the notorious Talia al Ghūl. Talia is brilliant and fascinating, and as they spend more time together, the lines between good and bad begin to blur for Harleen. When she starts to see Talia less as a patient and more as a mentor, all of Harleen’s dark and dangerous pieces begin finding their way to the surface again. The only way to stop the terror that haunts the halls of Arkham Asylum may be to let her darkness out. . . .
Follow Harleen’s rise from anxious college student to ravenous, chaotic feminist icon in the second installment of the Harley Quinn origin story.
“Allen’s Harley is a fierce, righteous, brilliant, and preternaturally brave ball of chaos. I loved and feared every single minute with her.” –Dahlia Adler, author of Cool for the Summer
When Harleen Quinzel wakes up in a hospital bed with no recollection of the past few months, she scrambles to pick up the pieces of her life.
As she starts classes at Gotham University and an internship at Arkham Asylum, Harleen is determined to make her mark, getting paired with the most high-profile female inmate at Arkham—the notorious Talia al Ghūl. Talia is brilliant and fascinating, and as they spend more time together, the lines between good and bad begin to blur for Harleen. When she starts to see Talia less as a patient and more as a mentor, all of Harleen’s dark and dangerous pieces begin finding their way to the surface again. The only way to stop the terror that haunts the halls of Arkham Asylum may be to let her darkness out. . . .
Follow Harleen’s rise from anxious college student to ravenous, chaotic feminist icon in the second installment of the Harley Quinn origin story.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2023
43 people are currently reading
1998 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Allen
7 books317 followersQuick bio:
RACHAEL ALLEN is a scientist by day and kid lit author by night. She is the winner of the 2019 Georgia Young Adult Author of the Year Award, and her books include Harley Quinn: Reckoning (forthcoming, RHCB ‘22), 17 First Kisses, The Revenge Playbook, The Summer of Impossibilities, and A Taxonomy of Love, which was a Junior Library Guild Selection and was among the 2018 Books All Young Georgians Should Read. Rachael lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband, two children, and two dire wolves. She loves homemade peach ice cream, having adventures all over the world, and stories that make her feel like she’s been poured inside another person.
More stuff about me:
- I love reading and writing YA.
- I'm represented by the fabulous Susan Hawk of Upstart Crow Literary.
- Laurie Halse Anderson once gave me writerly advice on a post-it, and it was the culmination of my being.
- I'm obsessed with football. Playing flag football, watching pro football (Falcons Rise Up!), being a belligerent Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets fan, and playing fantasy football with my family.
- I have held a human brain. (It was during anatomy lab. I'm not, like, a serial killer.)
- I'm such a wuss, I get scared watching the previews for horror movies. Seriously, when a scary commercial comes on, I squeal and frantically jab the fast forward button on our DVR remote.
- I love reading about strong women protagonists, fully imagined worlds, anything STEM, rebellion against the establishment, neurodegenerative diseases, and makeover montages - though probably not all in the same book.
- Some writers I love: Laini Taylor, Raina Telgemeier, Becky Albertalli, Jason Reynolds, Laurie Halse Anderson, Aisha Saeed, Libba Bray, Kara Taylor, Elizabeth Acevedo, Adam Silvera, Nina LaCour, E. Lockhart, Nicola Yoon, Julie Murphy, Sarah Dessen, Stephanie Perkins, I could go on forever.
RACHAEL ALLEN is a scientist by day and kid lit author by night. She is the winner of the 2019 Georgia Young Adult Author of the Year Award, and her books include Harley Quinn: Reckoning (forthcoming, RHCB ‘22), 17 First Kisses, The Revenge Playbook, The Summer of Impossibilities, and A Taxonomy of Love, which was a Junior Library Guild Selection and was among the 2018 Books All Young Georgians Should Read. Rachael lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband, two children, and two dire wolves. She loves homemade peach ice cream, having adventures all over the world, and stories that make her feel like she’s been poured inside another person.
More stuff about me:
- I love reading and writing YA.
- I'm represented by the fabulous Susan Hawk of Upstart Crow Literary.
- Laurie Halse Anderson once gave me writerly advice on a post-it, and it was the culmination of my being.
- I'm obsessed with football. Playing flag football, watching pro football (Falcons Rise Up!), being a belligerent Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets fan, and playing fantasy football with my family.
- I have held a human brain. (It was during anatomy lab. I'm not, like, a serial killer.)
- I'm such a wuss, I get scared watching the previews for horror movies. Seriously, when a scary commercial comes on, I squeal and frantically jab the fast forward button on our DVR remote.
- I love reading about strong women protagonists, fully imagined worlds, anything STEM, rebellion against the establishment, neurodegenerative diseases, and makeover montages - though probably not all in the same book.
- Some writers I love: Laini Taylor, Raina Telgemeier, Becky Albertalli, Jason Reynolds, Laurie Halse Anderson, Aisha Saeed, Libba Bray, Kara Taylor, Elizabeth Acevedo, Adam Silvera, Nina LaCour, E. Lockhart, Nicola Yoon, Julie Murphy, Sarah Dessen, Stephanie Perkins, I could go on forever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
June 5, 2023
College girl
Another stellar instalment in the DC Icons series. I thoroughly enjoyed Harleen's college journey and her relentless efforts to maintain a virtuous persona.
Rachel Allen has once again done a marvelous job in capturing the earlier years of Harley Quinn, before her transformation into the infamous "bad girl."
Another stellar instalment in the DC Icons series. I thoroughly enjoyed Harleen's college journey and her relentless efforts to maintain a virtuous persona.
Rachel Allen has once again done a marvelous job in capturing the earlier years of Harley Quinn, before her transformation into the infamous "bad girl."
May 29, 2023
Harley Quinn: Ravenous by Rachael Allen is the sequel to Harley Quinn: Reckoning and part of the DC Icons series. The DC Icons series has seven books so far and tells stories before the DC hero or villain became iconic. Harley Quinn is the first book in the DC Icons to get a sequel and eventual trilogy. Harley Quinn: Ravenous takes place 3 months after Harley Quinn: Reckoning. Harleeen Quinzel is now officially in college and still dealing with the repercussions that happened last year. This book like the last book starts with a flash-forward which we catch up to a little past the point midway in the book. This book is a little slower-paced than the first book at the beginning because Harleen is trying to be good but spoiler it won't last for long. There's a line from The Godfather, "Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in" Harley is the antithesis of this since she pulls herself back in with her curiosity. The best part of the book is how well Rachael Allen captures the character of Harley. The jokes, the inner monologue, the bisexuality, the ADHD, and many more nuances of the one and only Harley Quinn. Harley interns at Arkham Asylum and we get to meet some villains, King Shark, Mr. Freeze, The Scarecrow, The Joker, The Riddler, and Talia al Ghul. We also meet 2 not yet villains in Poison Ivy and the Queen of Fables. The book is mainly a mystery much like the first book. The ending is exciting and leads the way to the final book called Harley Quinn: Redemption which will be available in Spring 2024. I was blown away when I read Harley Quinn: Reckoning and it made my top 10 books of last year, the follow-up Harley Quinn: Ravenous keeps the same solid writing and Harley Quinn personality that I loved, and I can not wait for the final book in the trilogy Harley Quinn: Redemption. Harley Quinn: Ravenous was published by Random House Books for Young Readers on April 25, 2023. I do want to thank Netgalley and Random House for giving me the first book to review Harley Quinn: Reckoning and introducing me to this series. I was not selected to read Harley Quinn: Ravenous for review, but fingers crossed for Harley Quinn Redemption.
Plot Summary: Harley Quinn has given up her rebellious ways and just wants to be a good student at Gotham University. She's an intern at Arkham Asylum as she works on her psychology degree. She is still haunted by past actions like the murder of her best friend and her former girlfriend going to prison and knows an accomplice to the crimes is at Arkham Asylum. Harley gets assigned to Talia al Guhl and analyzes her brain waves to determine her age. Talia is in Arkham because of her recent assassination attempt on the mayor of Gotham. Talia sees a kindred spirit in Harley and tells of the Scarecrow who stalks Arkham at night and performs fear experiments on inmates. Talia comes up with a plan to stop the Scarecrow, but can she trust her? Harley is not alone and has a new friend in Pamela Isley who has her reasons to take down the Scarecrow.
What I Liked: How Harley Quinn the character is captured so beautifully. The flash-forward scene at the beginning is a great set-up to the mystery. The Harley and Ivy relationship is a thrill ride of longing and turmoil. I like that Harley clarifies that she is bisexual and does date both genders. I love King Shark's character and how he is both vicious and sweet. I like how many easter eggs are thrown in for the comic readers. How many throwbacks to Harley Quinn: Reckoning there was in this. The story is headed in the right direction and I want to read Harley Quinn: Redemption now. I enjoyed the Taylor Swift reference at the sorority games and thought it fit very well in the story. The humor is great throughout the book. Harley's insights on life are too much for me sometimes.
What I Disliked: There was a little too much redundancy. We get a flash-forward at the beginning and spend the next half of the book getting to that point, which some omissions. Past the flash-forward, she has lost the memory we have just read. it was very redundant and the scene repeats itself. I felt the flash-forward should have been her memory and still trying to remember the bits that she can't. I feel it was a story misstep. Harley and the Joker needed more scenes together, the novel is trying to tell a different background for Harley making the transition from Harleen to Harley more impactful, but still, I needed more between them.
Recommendations and Rating: Harley Quinn is one of my favorite characters from the DCU, And Rachael Allen's take on her is fantastic. I recommend you check out Harley Quinn: Ravenous and Harley Quinn: Reckoning. I recommend reading Reckoning first since there's some much reference to it in Ravenous. I read Reckoning a year ago and was lost until I remembered what happened in Reckoning. Harley Quinn: Ravenous will take the Harley origin story that you know and turn it on its head. I rated Harley Quinn: Ravenous by Rachael Allen 4 out of 5 stars.
Plot Summary: Harley Quinn has given up her rebellious ways and just wants to be a good student at Gotham University. She's an intern at Arkham Asylum as she works on her psychology degree. She is still haunted by past actions like the murder of her best friend and her former girlfriend going to prison and knows an accomplice to the crimes is at Arkham Asylum. Harley gets assigned to Talia al Guhl and analyzes her brain waves to determine her age. Talia is in Arkham because of her recent assassination attempt on the mayor of Gotham. Talia sees a kindred spirit in Harley and tells of the Scarecrow who stalks Arkham at night and performs fear experiments on inmates. Talia comes up with a plan to stop the Scarecrow, but can she trust her? Harley is not alone and has a new friend in Pamela Isley who has her reasons to take down the Scarecrow.
What I Liked: How Harley Quinn the character is captured so beautifully. The flash-forward scene at the beginning is a great set-up to the mystery. The Harley and Ivy relationship is a thrill ride of longing and turmoil. I like that Harley clarifies that she is bisexual and does date both genders. I love King Shark's character and how he is both vicious and sweet. I like how many easter eggs are thrown in for the comic readers. How many throwbacks to Harley Quinn: Reckoning there was in this. The story is headed in the right direction and I want to read Harley Quinn: Redemption now. I enjoyed the Taylor Swift reference at the sorority games and thought it fit very well in the story. The humor is great throughout the book. Harley's insights on life are too much for me sometimes.
What I Disliked: There was a little too much redundancy. We get a flash-forward at the beginning and spend the next half of the book getting to that point, which some omissions. Past the flash-forward, she has lost the memory we have just read. it was very redundant and the scene repeats itself. I felt the flash-forward should have been her memory and still trying to remember the bits that she can't. I feel it was a story misstep. Harley and the Joker needed more scenes together, the novel is trying to tell a different background for Harley making the transition from Harleen to Harley more impactful, but still, I needed more between them.
Recommendations and Rating: Harley Quinn is one of my favorite characters from the DCU, And Rachael Allen's take on her is fantastic. I recommend you check out Harley Quinn: Ravenous and Harley Quinn: Reckoning. I recommend reading Reckoning first since there's some much reference to it in Ravenous. I read Reckoning a year ago and was lost until I remembered what happened in Reckoning. Harley Quinn: Ravenous will take the Harley origin story that you know and turn it on its head. I rated Harley Quinn: Ravenous by Rachael Allen 4 out of 5 stars.
January 9, 2023
A fun look at Harley trying to keep her nose clean! A welcome sequel to Reckoning I was eager to see how Harley would handle her internship at Arkham with certain patients knowing what they know about her.. I love the familiar DC characters and getting to read It stays true to the characters while also giving them a unique twist which kept me eagerly turning page after page. As always I'm a sucker for anything to do with Harley and Ivy's romance. So I was disappointed in the minimal role this played in the story. The plot itself wasn't always as compelling as I'd ideally like, but that is a knit pick! Harley, Talia Al Ghul and so many more of my all time favorites have a role to play in the mystery surrounding what's really happening at Arkham and I don't want to spoil the surprise.
I'm thankful to NG, the publisher, and Rachael Allen for the chance to preview this fantastic sequel! I can't wait to read what comes next.
I'm thankful to NG, the publisher, and Rachael Allen for the chance to preview this fantastic sequel! I can't wait to read what comes next.
December 14, 2023
I love Harleen/Harley because she doesn’t give a heck about the patriarchy and only is an anti hero because the things she does for women’s rights and justice is…a little chaotic. But I really loved this book and I can’t wait for the third- and final 😭- book.
April 16, 2024
This was another solid installment in the series. I really enjoyed following Harleen on her college journey and everything that went along with it. Even though I really liked this one, I still liked the first book in the series better. I can’t wait to pick up the next book and see where the story goes.
May 19, 2023
okay i ACTUALLY squealed when i saw i got approved for this arc
this book. was so perfect. i deadass want to read it over and over
the author clearly understands who Harley is and her character, Rachael Allen deserves hundreds of chefs kisses
gonna go out and buy both Ravenous and Reckoning as soon as i can now
also bisexual representation yes 😌
this book. was so perfect. i deadass want to read it over and over
the author clearly understands who Harley is and her character, Rachael Allen deserves hundreds of chefs kisses
gonna go out and buy both Ravenous and Reckoning as soon as i can now
also bisexual representation yes 😌
October 22, 2023
Fun and unique twist on Harley Quinn. Also the voice actress who reads the audiobook did fantastic as Harley.
I think of all the DC icon books Rachael Allen does the best at channeling the chosen icon. Making an original story using very previously defined characters but keeping the character’s personality the same as the one we already love is definitely tricky.
I think of all the DC icon books Rachael Allen does the best at channeling the chosen icon. Making an original story using very previously defined characters but keeping the character’s personality the same as the one we already love is definitely tricky.
December 1, 2023
Spoiler Alert: This book is a fun time for a Harley Quinn Fan.
Basically, Harley Quinn goes to her dream school: Gotham Academy and becomes an intern for Arkham. She also pledges a sorority, gets into a love triangle and has to solve a case of who is experimenting on the patients at Arkham.
What I loved about this story are the characters. All the main characters are well written and developed. Harley Quinn’s characterization makes her a person I would want to read about even if she wasn’t a DC character. Her backstory, her existential crisis, and her personality make her a loveable and related character. The love triangle between her, Winn, and Ivy was believable because the relationships were written well. If I was torn between sweet Winn and understanding Ivy, then it made all the sense that Harley was too.
I also love a moment in the book where Harley rejects patriarchy and the idea of being “not like the other girls.” Harley is truly a girl’s girl in this novel. The novel also quickly addresses biphobia and challenges the false narratives about who is really bisexual. There is a social justice theme throughout that questions policing and prison culture and the idea of who are criminals and who are heroes.
Unfortunately, this book isn’t quite a 5 star read for me. I think the gen z slang used in the book will eventually date the novel in a bad way. Also, the slang was actually AAVE and sounded weird coming from Harley Quinn. But the bigger issue is the amnesia (this is in the beginning chapter, therefore not a spoiler) trope was unnecessary. This book could have been told completely from a present day perspective and it would have been more thrilling. The memory loss angle made the story drag on. It felt like a trick to extend the word count when a shorter book would have been more enjoyable.
But I really enjoyed the characters, the plot (minus the amnesia), and the messages about social equity. Therefore, I give Ravenous four out of five stars.
Basically, Harley Quinn goes to her dream school: Gotham Academy and becomes an intern for Arkham. She also pledges a sorority, gets into a love triangle and has to solve a case of who is experimenting on the patients at Arkham.
What I loved about this story are the characters. All the main characters are well written and developed. Harley Quinn’s characterization makes her a person I would want to read about even if she wasn’t a DC character. Her backstory, her existential crisis, and her personality make her a loveable and related character. The love triangle between her, Winn, and Ivy was believable because the relationships were written well. If I was torn between sweet Winn and understanding Ivy, then it made all the sense that Harley was too.
I also love a moment in the book where Harley rejects patriarchy and the idea of being “not like the other girls.” Harley is truly a girl’s girl in this novel. The novel also quickly addresses biphobia and challenges the false narratives about who is really bisexual. There is a social justice theme throughout that questions policing and prison culture and the idea of who are criminals and who are heroes.
Unfortunately, this book isn’t quite a 5 star read for me. I think the gen z slang used in the book will eventually date the novel in a bad way. Also, the slang was actually AAVE and sounded weird coming from Harley Quinn. But the bigger issue is the amnesia (this is in the beginning chapter, therefore not a spoiler) trope was unnecessary. This book could have been told completely from a present day perspective and it would have been more thrilling. The memory loss angle made the story drag on. It felt like a trick to extend the word count when a shorter book would have been more enjoyable.
But I really enjoyed the characters, the plot (minus the amnesia), and the messages about social equity. Therefore, I give Ravenous four out of five stars.
July 17, 2024
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
I fucking love Harley Quinn! This book is the second in the HQ trilogy and it was sooooo good! This is book that we see her crack! She actually becomes Harley Quinn instead of Harleen Quinzel. The feminism continues to go strong in this book. I absolutely love that that is Harley's whole thing in this series. Girls are getting hurt, and you can't trust the legal system to do a damn thing about it (truth). Some things from the last book get wrapped up in this one, and her story just gets wackier. In this installment, we meet Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy for the noobs), Talia al Ghul, Scarecrow, and King Shark! A starstudded cast for sure. Though we do see the Joker throughout, he's kind of just -meh-, Harley is bored by him.
I can't wait to read Redemption next.
I fucking love Harley Quinn! This book is the second in the HQ trilogy and it was sooooo good! This is book that we see her crack! She actually becomes Harley Quinn instead of Harleen Quinzel. The feminism continues to go strong in this book. I absolutely love that that is Harley's whole thing in this series. Girls are getting hurt, and you can't trust the legal system to do a damn thing about it (truth). Some things from the last book get wrapped up in this one, and her story just gets wackier. In this installment, we meet Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy for the noobs), Talia al Ghul, Scarecrow, and King Shark! A starstudded cast for sure. Though we do see the Joker throughout, he's kind of just -meh-, Harley is bored by him.
I can't wait to read Redemption next.
March 5, 2024
Will continue with the series, but just feels like there wasn’t enough plot in this book.
March 21, 2023
Harley Quinn: Ravenous is the tale of Harlem Quinzel's first year of college after a dramatic senior year in highschool. She has a unique opportunity to intern at Arkham Asylum through her college where she gets to meet infamous super villains including Talia Al Gul and The Joker. She makes friends with two people, Winfield and Pamela Isley, both of whom she feels a strong attraction to. Throughout the book Harleen has to make tough decisions that will effect her loved ones and her future career plans. Unfortunately for her, everything starts to unravel when she gets into a severe accident and gets selective amnesia. Harley Quinn: Ravenous is an amazing novel full of self-discovery, friend ships, queer love, and the unraveling of mysteries. It is all about crucial choices and walking the path between good and evil. This book is a wild and enjoyable ride from start to finish and I would highly recommend reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
August 25, 2025
I really enjoyed reading Harley Quinn: Reckoning last year, and was excited for the next book in the trilogy. This is definitely a Harley that I enjoy; I recently tried to read a comic compilation from 2003, and it just wasn't the same voice (and that's okay!). This continues to be Birds of Prey/Harley Quinn on HBO Max Harley.
Rachael Allen is a scientist by day, and it continues to shine through in her writing as Harley begins her internship at Arkham Asylum. Yes, give me the brain proteins and trauma markers written by someone in the know. And omg, I now want an entire book devoted to the physiology of that certain character. I'd never thought about that aspect of (DC spoiler here).
If you enjoyed Reckoning, you need to get this one too. If you enjoy Harley, but haven't read the first book, go do that, and then read this one.
Thank you very much to Random House Children's and NetGalley for the ARC!
Rachael Allen is a scientist by day, and it continues to shine through in her writing as Harley begins her internship at Arkham Asylum. Yes, give me the brain proteins and trauma markers written by someone in the know. And omg, I now want an entire book devoted to the physiology of that certain character. I'd never thought about that aspect of (DC spoiler here).
If you enjoyed Reckoning, you need to get this one too. If you enjoy Harley, but haven't read the first book, go do that, and then read this one.
Thank you very much to Random House Children's and NetGalley for the ARC!
March 28, 2023
While growing up, I always wondered why Harley and Ivy didn't have their own show!
The ladies of Gotham always added a playfulness to the storylines that was usually missing with the more villainous villains. Without their presence and silly shenanigan's, would there even be a Gotham?
Within the pages of Ravenous, we're given a glimpse into Harleen and Pamela's lives as they become Harley Quinn and Ivy.
I absolutely loved watching their friendship grow as they discovered their true selves and what they mean to each other.
And we can't have a Gotham story without an archvillain who preys on their fears…
I accidently read this prior to Harley's first prequel, but I can honestly say that the author did an amazing job with filling in the backstory that it could be read as a standalone. But now I want to go back and read the first book!
The ladies of Gotham always added a playfulness to the storylines that was usually missing with the more villainous villains. Without their presence and silly shenanigan's, would there even be a Gotham?
Within the pages of Ravenous, we're given a glimpse into Harleen and Pamela's lives as they become Harley Quinn and Ivy.
I absolutely loved watching their friendship grow as they discovered their true selves and what they mean to each other.
And we can't have a Gotham story without an archvillain who preys on their fears…
I accidently read this prior to Harley's first prequel, but I can honestly say that the author did an amazing job with filling in the backstory that it could be read as a standalone. But now I want to go back and read the first book!
January 17, 2024
Def not as good as the first one.
May 21, 2023
Rachael Allen's Harley Quinn trilogy continues with book two, “Ravenous.“ This installment in the DC Icons series of young adult novels offers insight into a younger Harleen Quinzel before she became the infamous super villain Harley Quinn.
Harley Quinn: Ravenous, sees Harley Quinzel at Gotham University, determined to stay out of trouble after leaving the Reckoning gang. She is super excited to live that college life with joining a sorority and interning at infamous Arkham Asylum. She gets paired up with the doctor in charge of the super villain Talia al Ghul. As she gets to know Talia better, she discovers something sinister is lurking at Arkham a mysterious figure known as the Scarecrow.
Just when I thought that Rachael Allen couldn't top Harley's first adventure, I was instantly proven wrong. Not only does the second installment of the trilogy continue to address the unresolved plot points from the first book, but also shoves at you more problems, new characters, and STELLAR CHARACTER GROWTH.
This was a great follow-up! We get new characters like Ivy, King Shark and appearances of the Joker. What I'm really enjoying about this series is how it continues to reimagine Harley's life to be her own person more than intertwined with the Joker. This younger Harley is becoming more and more of who we know her as she develops in this book and I loved it. Allen definitely took some liberties with the story of Harley but I didn't mind a single change. Allen made it clear just how much she loves and understands the character of Harley Quinn in her first book and this one just furthered that and allowed her to give the beloved character even more depth.
This book is also a treat for any Harley fans, especially those who are invested in the Harley/Ivy pairing. I enjoyed how this book expands upon and examines Harley's early history and time at Arkham as an intern. The interactions with other Iconic DC Super villains were so interesting to see in a different context. Harley's characterization was a bit...all over the place. The thing about Harley Quinn is that she's not quite mad as some of us think. and sometimes plays and blurs the line between good and evil, taking a roll of anti-hero. I loved how Rachel Allen tackled this by balancing this good vs evil versions of Harley thought-out the novel.
“Ravenous” was an immensely satisfying read, full of easter eggs for long time fans, bisexual pride, and an incredibly unique take on Harleen’s character. It’s such a treat to have this series that bridges the gap and gives us an imagining of Harleen before she becomes Dr. Quinzel or Harley Quinn. You see the pieces coming together and the person she’s becoming and why. Everything from that absolutely stunning cover to every word, beginning to end, was an absolute joy.
Overall, Harley Quinn: Ravenous is an amazing novel full of self-discovery, friend ships, queer love, and the unraveling of mysteries. It is all about crucial choices and walking the path between good and evil. This book is a wild and enjoyable ride from start to finish and I would highly recommend reading it.
Harley Quinn: Ravenous, sees Harley Quinzel at Gotham University, determined to stay out of trouble after leaving the Reckoning gang. She is super excited to live that college life with joining a sorority and interning at infamous Arkham Asylum. She gets paired up with the doctor in charge of the super villain Talia al Ghul. As she gets to know Talia better, she discovers something sinister is lurking at Arkham a mysterious figure known as the Scarecrow.
Just when I thought that Rachael Allen couldn't top Harley's first adventure, I was instantly proven wrong. Not only does the second installment of the trilogy continue to address the unresolved plot points from the first book, but also shoves at you more problems, new characters, and STELLAR CHARACTER GROWTH.
This was a great follow-up! We get new characters like Ivy, King Shark and appearances of the Joker. What I'm really enjoying about this series is how it continues to reimagine Harley's life to be her own person more than intertwined with the Joker. This younger Harley is becoming more and more of who we know her as she develops in this book and I loved it. Allen definitely took some liberties with the story of Harley but I didn't mind a single change. Allen made it clear just how much she loves and understands the character of Harley Quinn in her first book and this one just furthered that and allowed her to give the beloved character even more depth.
This book is also a treat for any Harley fans, especially those who are invested in the Harley/Ivy pairing. I enjoyed how this book expands upon and examines Harley's early history and time at Arkham as an intern. The interactions with other Iconic DC Super villains were so interesting to see in a different context. Harley's characterization was a bit...all over the place. The thing about Harley Quinn is that she's not quite mad as some of us think. and sometimes plays and blurs the line between good and evil, taking a roll of anti-hero. I loved how Rachel Allen tackled this by balancing this good vs evil versions of Harley thought-out the novel.
“Ravenous” was an immensely satisfying read, full of easter eggs for long time fans, bisexual pride, and an incredibly unique take on Harleen’s character. It’s such a treat to have this series that bridges the gap and gives us an imagining of Harleen before she becomes Dr. Quinzel or Harley Quinn. You see the pieces coming together and the person she’s becoming and why. Everything from that absolutely stunning cover to every word, beginning to end, was an absolute joy.
Overall, Harley Quinn: Ravenous is an amazing novel full of self-discovery, friend ships, queer love, and the unraveling of mysteries. It is all about crucial choices and walking the path between good and evil. This book is a wild and enjoyable ride from start to finish and I would highly recommend reading it.
May 30, 2023
Harleen Quinzel has just woken up from a terrible accident. The only problem is she doesn't know how it happened nor does she have any memory of the last few month. As she tries to find the missing pieces to the puzzle of what actually happened there are a few things she knows. She knows she's a Gotham University student and that she just started interning at Arkham Aslyum paired with the infamous inmate Talia al Ghūl. To make matters worse, there's someone terrorizing women with their worst fears.
I LOVED this second installment in Harley's DC Icons series. In fact, I thought it was better than the first. The chemistry between Harley and Ivy is there and we all know where that's leading. <3 And then there's King Shark. King Shark! Being just as precious as he was in Gunn's Suicide Squad. (Thank you Allen for that!) I think it goes without saying that I CAN'T WAIT to read the third installment! It can't come soon enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. If you love Harley like I do, then definitely pick up this book!
I LOVED this second installment in Harley's DC Icons series. In fact, I thought it was better than the first. The chemistry between Harley and Ivy is there and we all know where that's leading. <3 And then there's King Shark. King Shark! Being just as precious as he was in Gunn's Suicide Squad. (Thank you Allen for that!) I think it goes without saying that I CAN'T WAIT to read the third installment! It can't come soon enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. If you love Harley like I do, then definitely pick up this book!
November 17, 2022
Thank you to Net Galley, the author, and publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. Harley Quinn: Ravenous is the second book in a trilogy about Harley Quinn in the DC Icons series. It follows Harley in college after a year that left a friend dead as a professor was using scare spray in students. In this installment the scare spray is still being used and Harley finds herself working with Talia Al Ghul to save the city and her friends. Harley also makes a new friend who has powers of her own.
This is an inclusive novel for the LGBT+ community and a great addition to any classroom library. Depending upon the school and district some of the themes may be considered too mature for younger middle school students, however, it is undoubtedly a great read for 8th grade and up.
This is an inclusive novel for the LGBT+ community and a great addition to any classroom library. Depending upon the school and district some of the themes may be considered too mature for younger middle school students, however, it is undoubtedly a great read for 8th grade and up.
November 29, 2023
Honestly, I love these books. I’m a little (a lot) biased bc I love DC and everything about Harley Quinn and poison Ivy. The science side of this book was really interesting, and I know some people may be upset Joker wasn’t involved with her backstory much- me personally? I loved how her story was hers. The joker didn’t make her, she chose her own path and embraced what was already in her. I can’t wait for the next book and to see how Ivy and her relationship grows🌿(get it? Cause she’s poison ivy? I’ll see myself out)
August 27, 2022
Harley Quinn: Ravenous was a good continuation of Harleen‘s story. It picks up after Reckoning, with Harleen attending Gotham U and doing an internship at Arkham Asylum. I love how this book starts to bring in more villainous characters we know, and Harley starts to develop more of her character.
I gave this book 3⭐️.
Thank you #randomhouse and #netgalley for the Advanced Reader’s Copy. #harleyquinnravenous
I gave this book 3⭐️.
Thank you #randomhouse and #netgalley for the Advanced Reader’s Copy. #harleyquinnravenous
April 3, 2025
Oh my gosh! Loved how there was more multimedia in this one!!!
I finished it in a day because of that! I would say the story line kind of confused me a little. I would say for sure that the first one was better, but I can’t wait for the third!!!
I finished it in a day because of that! I would say the story line kind of confused me a little. I would say for sure that the first one was better, but I can’t wait for the third!!!
May 12, 2023
Loved, loved, loved it!
June 2, 2023
Fantastic book! I am absolutely loving this series. Great writing, great character development, and great plot.
June 5, 2023
Kinda love this series and this take on the villains.
October 26, 2023
So good. Way better than the first. I adore this character and her and Ivy are the cutest.
October 12, 2024
Continuing on from book one, this is a great sequel. Brings in familiar Batman villains - most importantly, Poison Ivy. I love how these books are fiercely feminist and how it gives Harley such deep character insight and agency.
February 4, 2025
The voice of Harleen is so distinctive, and perfect!
March 29, 2023
I wanted to start by saying thank you so much Random House for letting me read an early copy of this title. As I said in my previous review, I absolutely love Harley Quinn (any version of her) and was so excited when I found out there was going to be a second book in this trilogy, I was ecstatic. I had read the first book, Reckoning, a long time ago. I only recently found the document where I keep all of my drafted reviews. So in perspective, there was approximately a 6 month difference between me reading book 1 and book 2.
I have nothing negative to say about this book, except that it is torture that I have to wait for the final book in this trilogy! I need to know what happens. This book had such an open ending that perfectly set up book 3. This is the perfect transition for me to talk about what made this book the roller coaster ride it was.
I don’t want to give anything about the circumstances that caused Harleen to become ghostly pale, but we FINALLY get to experience it first hand. We start the book in the hospital, before it turns into a backstory, and by halfway through the book, we are back officially in the hospital. The way it was written was so clever because in the second half, she is trying to recover from her amnesia, whereas in the first half, it is more detailed.
On the topic of writing, there was something else I wanted to talk about. This story was jam packed with action. I was reading this book in the car, and whenever something good or exciting happened, I screamed “LET’S GO” and my dad almost crashed the car. He was mad. There was one point in the story where I was so happy I couldn’t control it; that is when the readers get to meet Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy).
In this story you can really see into Harleen’s psyche, and can observe how torn she is when making big decisions. There were many moments in this story where I could literally feel like I was in her skin. When she got anxious or something big was happening, my hands were sweating. That’s some good writing.
This book was far better than the first one, and I can only hope book 3 will find a way to outdo book 2. If you are a fan of Female led stories, with non stop action, this is a must read. I would recommend reading book 1, but it isn’t required to enjoy this book. If you are a fan of
Harley Quinn: the Animated Series
DC villains
Justice League
You will become obsessed with this book.
I have nothing negative to say about this book, except that it is torture that I have to wait for the final book in this trilogy! I need to know what happens. This book had such an open ending that perfectly set up book 3. This is the perfect transition for me to talk about what made this book the roller coaster ride it was.
I don’t want to give anything about the circumstances that caused Harleen to become ghostly pale, but we FINALLY get to experience it first hand. We start the book in the hospital, before it turns into a backstory, and by halfway through the book, we are back officially in the hospital. The way it was written was so clever because in the second half, she is trying to recover from her amnesia, whereas in the first half, it is more detailed.
On the topic of writing, there was something else I wanted to talk about. This story was jam packed with action. I was reading this book in the car, and whenever something good or exciting happened, I screamed “LET’S GO” and my dad almost crashed the car. He was mad. There was one point in the story where I was so happy I couldn’t control it; that is when the readers get to meet Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy).
In this story you can really see into Harleen’s psyche, and can observe how torn she is when making big decisions. There were many moments in this story where I could literally feel like I was in her skin. When she got anxious or something big was happening, my hands were sweating. That’s some good writing.
This book was far better than the first one, and I can only hope book 3 will find a way to outdo book 2. If you are a fan of Female led stories, with non stop action, this is a must read. I would recommend reading book 1, but it isn’t required to enjoy this book. If you are a fan of
Harley Quinn: the Animated Series
DC villains
Justice League
You will become obsessed with this book.
October 24, 2023
Thank you to PRH Audio for providing me with an audiobook of Harley Quinn: Ravenous!
We are treated to another Harley Quinn book in tor DC Icons series & I adored it! Harley Quinn will forever be one of my favorite characters & Rachael Allen does a great job with her rendition of the character/background/universe. This book also gives us more Poison Ivy which is always a win + there are other villains roaming around Arkham Asylum which makes my heart so happy.
If you’re a fan of Harley Quinn, check this one out!
We are treated to another Harley Quinn book in tor DC Icons series & I adored it! Harley Quinn will forever be one of my favorite characters & Rachael Allen does a great job with her rendition of the character/background/universe. This book also gives us more Poison Ivy which is always a win + there are other villains roaming around Arkham Asylum which makes my heart so happy.
If you’re a fan of Harley Quinn, check this one out!
May 23, 2023
“Some people say they’ve got a brain full of angry bees, but me – I’ve got a thousand screaming velociraptors trapped inside me. Feminist velociraptors too (sharp claws, hunt in packs), and each one is an unjust thing that’s happened to me or a wrong that needs righting.”
4,5/5!
Harley Quinn: Ravenous is a wonderful sequel to Harley Quinn: Reckoning, which kicked off a brand new retelling of Harley Quinn's origin story and journey from a determined college student to a fiercely feminist antihero and vigilante. After the dramatic events of book one, Harleen is trying keep her head down, blend in and be the perfect student and girl, but as she begins her internship at Arkham Asylum and begins hearing rumours of a masked terror haunting the hallways, she feels the call of the fight yet again. Harleen is forced to decide between her future and playing the perfect woman, and doing what she believes is right and risk it all.
I really enjoyed this book, just like I did the first one. Allen captures Harley's energy, her impulsivity and her over-the-top nature so well, and her Harley feels classically herself, but also very new. Overall, I think Allen balances between keeping the story feeling familiar as well as brand new very well: she hits all the big beats of Harley's traditional story, but they are reimagined and they do not always happen the way you might expect. For example, I love how Allen has incorporated the Joker into this story without making Harley's original bout her falling for the Clown Prince of Crime. The Joker is there, she is drawn to him, but there is no love story here. I LOVED this moment after While the first book felt more like a universal story with some DC-ness thrown in, this book feels like it could only happen in Gotham. As Harley begins her internship at Arkham, we see many familiar characters pop up - for example, King Shark and Tail al Ghul play a huge role in the story - and the bigger story concerning the masked villain is peak DC with its scientific testing, masked monsters, Arkham jailbreaks and all that. I loved the universality of book one, but I also loved the more Gotham-esque story of book two.
Harley's development in this book is top notch. I loved seeing her balance between what she thinks she should be if she wants to get the career she wants and be accepted by her peers, and the wilder, scarier, more dangerous person she knows she could easily become if she gives into her darkness. Her journey from Harleen to Harley is not simple for her, but a constant struggle, and I loved it. I loved that in the end
The side characters in the book were also very good. The main villain is creepy as fuck, even if it was quite obvious who the villain would be based on the events of book one and Talia al Ghul was an intriguing, charismatic presence despite the reader - and Harley - not knowing much at all about her. I hope she appears in the final book and we get some more answers surrounding her past and the medical condition of hers that Harley and her tutor were investigating. Ivy has a large role in this book, and I loved her in all her misanthropic, plant-loving, grumpy glory. Her developing friendship and relationship with Harley also allowed Allen to explore some of the more vulnerable, wounded aspects of her in a very intriguing way.
The relationship between Harley and Ivy was in some ways incredible and some ways a bit lacking. I loved the way their friendship began, with Harley deciding to keep this lonely girl people gossip about company, and them quickly developing a very unique, intense friendship. I had hoped the book would spend a bit more time developing their friendship before getting into the romantic side of things, because as it was now, it felt a bit fast. If they hadn't been Harlivy, but just some random couple, I wouldn't have liked that that much, I think. But because they are who they are, I didn't mind the fast pace as much and I did end up really enjoying them. I just wish Allen would've given them a bit more time, a handful of scenes more, to develop them. As it was, I felt like Harley and her other love interest got more scenes than Harlivy!
One of the aspects I loved most about this novel was the way it tackled ideas of heroism and villainy. The inmates of Arkham Asylum and getting to know some of them better really makes Harley question why some people are branded villains while some, who also do shady stuff, break the law and hurt people, are branded heroes. I really loved that the book stopped to question how and why someone like Batman, a masked vigilante who uses violence and breaks laws, is allowed to roam free and is even celebrated, because yeah, that's super shady! This quote of Talia's was fab: “Meanwhile Batman is fighting for what? Law and order? Safety of the one-percenters? In a city where Gotham’s richest have created an environment in which the marginalized feel like their only way out is to become a supervillain.” Sure, many of the criminals at Arkham are violent and cruel, but it's worth pointing out that Batman is lauded as a hero cause he protects, as Talia puts it, the status quo, while Harley, in book one, was forced to stop her vigilantism that aimed to expose sexists and predators - this was considered too much, too radical, terrorist-like. The book also stops to explore how the inmates of Arkham are all, despite whatever they have done, human beings and shows how some of them might not be as bad as people think they are: people just make their assumptions, run with them and let their prejudices color their perceptions. Allen makes you - and Harley - wonder if all these people deserve to be locked up here.
I really am loving this trilogy so far, and I cannot wait to read the conclusion next year. This book definitely feels like a middle book, but I think it avoided falling into some of the pitfalls second books tend to suffer from. It feels like a cohesive story in itself, while also being a wonderful continuation to book one and offering amazing setup for book three.
4,5/5!
Harley Quinn: Ravenous is a wonderful sequel to Harley Quinn: Reckoning, which kicked off a brand new retelling of Harley Quinn's origin story and journey from a determined college student to a fiercely feminist antihero and vigilante. After the dramatic events of book one, Harleen is trying keep her head down, blend in and be the perfect student and girl, but as she begins her internship at Arkham Asylum and begins hearing rumours of a masked terror haunting the hallways, she feels the call of the fight yet again. Harleen is forced to decide between her future and playing the perfect woman, and doing what she believes is right and risk it all.
I really enjoyed this book, just like I did the first one. Allen captures Harley's energy, her impulsivity and her over-the-top nature so well, and her Harley feels classically herself, but also very new. Overall, I think Allen balances between keeping the story feeling familiar as well as brand new very well: she hits all the big beats of Harley's traditional story, but they are reimagined and they do not always happen the way you might expect. For example, I love how Allen has incorporated the Joker into this story without making Harley's original bout her falling for the Clown Prince of Crime. The Joker is there, she is drawn to him, but there is no love story here. I LOVED this moment after While the first book felt more like a universal story with some DC-ness thrown in, this book feels like it could only happen in Gotham. As Harley begins her internship at Arkham, we see many familiar characters pop up - for example, King Shark and Tail al Ghul play a huge role in the story - and the bigger story concerning the masked villain is peak DC with its scientific testing, masked monsters, Arkham jailbreaks and all that. I loved the universality of book one, but I also loved the more Gotham-esque story of book two.
Harley's development in this book is top notch. I loved seeing her balance between what she thinks she should be if she wants to get the career she wants and be accepted by her peers, and the wilder, scarier, more dangerous person she knows she could easily become if she gives into her darkness. Her journey from Harleen to Harley is not simple for her, but a constant struggle, and I loved it. I loved that in the end
The side characters in the book were also very good. The main villain is creepy as fuck, even if it was quite obvious who the villain would be based on the events of book one and Talia al Ghul was an intriguing, charismatic presence despite the reader - and Harley - not knowing much at all about her. I hope she appears in the final book and we get some more answers surrounding her past and the medical condition of hers that Harley and her tutor were investigating. Ivy has a large role in this book, and I loved her in all her misanthropic, plant-loving, grumpy glory. Her developing friendship and relationship with Harley also allowed Allen to explore some of the more vulnerable, wounded aspects of her in a very intriguing way.
The relationship between Harley and Ivy was in some ways incredible and some ways a bit lacking. I loved the way their friendship began, with Harley deciding to keep this lonely girl people gossip about company, and them quickly developing a very unique, intense friendship. I had hoped the book would spend a bit more time developing their friendship before getting into the romantic side of things, because as it was now, it felt a bit fast. If they hadn't been Harlivy, but just some random couple, I wouldn't have liked that that much, I think. But because they are who they are, I didn't mind the fast pace as much and I did end up really enjoying them. I just wish Allen would've given them a bit more time, a handful of scenes more, to develop them. As it was, I felt like Harley and her other love interest got more scenes than Harlivy!
One of the aspects I loved most about this novel was the way it tackled ideas of heroism and villainy. The inmates of Arkham Asylum and getting to know some of them better really makes Harley question why some people are branded villains while some, who also do shady stuff, break the law and hurt people, are branded heroes. I really loved that the book stopped to question how and why someone like Batman, a masked vigilante who uses violence and breaks laws, is allowed to roam free and is even celebrated, because yeah, that's super shady! This quote of Talia's was fab: “Meanwhile Batman is fighting for what? Law and order? Safety of the one-percenters? In a city where Gotham’s richest have created an environment in which the marginalized feel like their only way out is to become a supervillain.” Sure, many of the criminals at Arkham are violent and cruel, but it's worth pointing out that Batman is lauded as a hero cause he protects, as Talia puts it, the status quo, while Harley, in book one, was forced to stop her vigilantism that aimed to expose sexists and predators - this was considered too much, too radical, terrorist-like. The book also stops to explore how the inmates of Arkham are all, despite whatever they have done, human beings and shows how some of them might not be as bad as people think they are: people just make their assumptions, run with them and let their prejudices color their perceptions. Allen makes you - and Harley - wonder if all these people deserve to be locked up here.
I really am loving this trilogy so far, and I cannot wait to read the conclusion next year. This book definitely feels like a middle book, but I think it avoided falling into some of the pitfalls second books tend to suffer from. It feels like a cohesive story in itself, while also being a wonderful continuation to book one and offering amazing setup for book three.
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