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DC Icons: Harley Quinn #3
Harley Quinn: Redemption
When girls in Gotham City go missing, Harley Quinn is determined to track down their kidnapper. But the only way to outsmart a villain is to engage in a little villainy herself. Don't miss the adrenaline-racing conclusion to the Harley Quinn trilogy.
In Gotham City even the heroes are wicked.
Harley Quinn and Ivy can't wait to cross off the final items on their summer bucket list. They still need
But their to-do list gets more dangerous when young girls vanish from the streets of Gotham City. The only clues left behind are the dolls on Harley's doorstep from a mysterious sender known as the Dollmaker. The message is come find me…if you dare.
Award-winning author Rachael Allen delivers the fast-paced and fiercely feminist conclusion to the Harley Quinn trilogy.
“Allen’s Harley is a fierce, righteous, brilliant, and preternaturally brace ball of chaos. I loved and feared every single minute with her.” –Dahlia Adler, author of Cool for the Summer
In Gotham City even the heroes are wicked.
Harley Quinn and Ivy can't wait to cross off the final items on their summer bucket list. They still need
But their to-do list gets more dangerous when young girls vanish from the streets of Gotham City. The only clues left behind are the dolls on Harley's doorstep from a mysterious sender known as the Dollmaker. The message is come find me…if you dare.
Award-winning author Rachael Allen delivers the fast-paced and fiercely feminist conclusion to the Harley Quinn trilogy.
“Allen’s Harley is a fierce, righteous, brilliant, and preternaturally brace ball of chaos. I loved and feared every single minute with her.” –Dahlia Adler, author of Cool for the Summer
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 2024
23 people are currently reading
1374 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Allen
11 books7 followershttp://www.rachael-allen.com
Disabled Author, Artist, Musician
Rachael Allen is a disabled writer and native of Baltimore, Maryland, USA, who now lives in England with her husband. Growing up in Baltimore, she had a deep love for horses and cats, which played a part in her writing at an early age, as she completed her first book when she was only nine years old. She enjoyed creating poetry, artwork, playing guitar and composing songs, until several chronic illnesses changed her life.
Velvet Hellion was a labor of love, born over many years as Rachael found herself becoming housebound, due to her illnesses. She's very grateful to her readers who purchase her book; any profit helps her to acquire the necessary vitamins and supplements she needs for her illnesses.
Disabled Author, Artist, Musician
Rachael Allen is a disabled writer and native of Baltimore, Maryland, USA, who now lives in England with her husband. Growing up in Baltimore, she had a deep love for horses and cats, which played a part in her writing at an early age, as she completed her first book when she was only nine years old. She enjoyed creating poetry, artwork, playing guitar and composing songs, until several chronic illnesses changed her life.
Velvet Hellion was a labor of love, born over many years as Rachael found herself becoming housebound, due to her illnesses. She's very grateful to her readers who purchase her book; any profit helps her to acquire the necessary vitamins and supplements she needs for her illnesses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 9, 2024
“I said people like The Dollmaker were the reason I could never go back to being Harleen, but there’s a second reason. Bureucracy and politics and BS protocols and apathy. I don’t have time for things like that. --- I’d much rather fight the bad guys, which brings me to my third reason I’m going to keep being Harley for the rest of my life: I just want to."
Harley Quinn: Redemption is the final book in Rachael Allen's trilogy following Harley as she goes from Harleen the ambitious university student to Harley Quinn the vigilante determined to smash the patriarchy one asshole at a time. As Harley and Ivy settle into being a couple, the criminal mastermind known as the Dollmaker keeps sending Harley letters and dolls, convinced that Harley is meant to be his muse. While also trying to experience the ultimate summer of love, Harley is determined to destroy the Dollmaker's operation for good.
Allen's Harley Quinn trilogy has been, from book one, a whole lot of fun. This finale was exciting, funny, full of chaos (as a story about Harley should be) and just wrapped everything up in a very satisfying way. All the characters we have come to know and care about have their moments to shine, and every seed of story Allen planted in the two previous books, all the plot lines so far, are tied together and given a conclusion. I like how these books are full of creepy and upsetting things, but they still manage to be funny and hopeful and full of empowering moments – Allen nails the mix of tragedy and comedy that is Harley Quinn, even if she has changed a lot about her character's story. This is her version of Harley and I'm very happy it exists. Fiercely bisexual Harley as a feminist vigilante who is also a neuroscientist and a psychiatrist-in-the-making? Sign me up!
Harley's story in this trilogy has been a blast to follow. Seeing her go from the girl so laser-focused on her future, traumatised by her cruel father and convinced she could never have a normal and happy life to a girl who has tons of awesome friends, a girlfriend she adores more than anything and a purpose in life that feels exactly right for her, was amazing. I like how Allen did her slide into vigilantism and how she, this time around, does it for her own reasons, not because of the Joker manipulating her. Allen also captures her voice so well: she is loud, thinks in exclamation points, chaotic, dramatic, impulsive and brimming with emotion. Even though her Harley is different, she feels so much like Harley. I like how this book tested her strength, resilience and ability to think on her feet as well as reminding her that perhaps she is not meant to do everything on her own. Her ending was also very satisfying with her
The supporting cast was also well done. I love Ivy and her misanthropic, plant-loving ass. Seeing her break out of her shell, slowly but still, and open herself up to the possibility of trusting people and making friends, was sweet, as was seeing just how fundamentally Harley changed her worldview. As she puts it, Harley made her believe in humanity again. The two of them are so cute and lovey-dovey in this book. There's many lovely scenes with them, but the one that stuck to mind was this - a moment I could just see in my mind's eye as a comic panel: “And then she guns it, and the engine roars like a siren or a lion or some kind of fantastic beast, and we burn up the highway at a hundred miles an hour, and I put my hands in the air like I’m on a roller coaster as our hair streams behind us. The police couldn’t catch is even if they tried.” It was fun seeing Harley reconnect with the Reckoning girls again and try to make amends for ditching them, I loved King Shark (seeing him thrive at Sophie's house because he is finally not treated as a monster or a criminal and he is given tools to deal with his autism was so good!! Also King Shark at Pride will forever make me smile!) as I always do and I found myself caring about all the girls at Dollmaker's tower. It was especially cool getting those diary entrances from Everly and really seeing what she goes through there, as one of the Mad Hatter's Alices.
The villains in this book are supremely creepy and horrible. Allen creates this really horrible looming presence for the Dollmaker: whatever Harley does, he is there, watching her and following her. And when he finally appears and the reader gets to see his "art" in its full gruesome glory, it's truly vile, but also peak comic book villainy. I mean, making human-animal-technology mutations? Yeah, that's a DC villain right there. The Mad Hatter is also really spooky but I like how there's these little moments when you kinda feel for him and can see that even though he is horrible and murderous and all kinds of bad things, he is also someone who clearly needs help. It's nice that while one of the villains was just straight-up horrible, the other one has a bit more layers to him.
Allen's trilogy has always been about Harley fighting misogyny and sexism, taking down men who abuse women, and while this book is definitely more on the unrealistic side, the fight at its heart is still a fight we can recognise from our own world. The Dollmaker and the Mad Hatter see girls as expendable, things to use and abuse whenever they feel like it, more objects than humans with feelings, and as sad as it is, that is still a mindset so many men seem to have: in their minds, women only exist to please them and to do what they want. I find it especially poignant that the reason the Dollmaker has gotten away with kidnapping so many girls is that he goes after girls society and the cops do not prioritise: homeless girls, poor girls, girls of colour and so on. The boys he kidnaps are also people who are often left to fend for themselves, such as indigenous kids or, once again, homeless kids. It's so frustrating to see how little the police does in the book to look for these kids – yeah, sure, Renee Montoya tries her best but even she has to follow the official routes and do what her bosses wants – and because of that it is so cathartic to see Harley and her friends go after these horrible men with all they have and fight to bring justice to the innocents they have hurt. It was especially cathartic to see One of the key steps for Harley in her transformation from Harleen to Harley is her losing her faith in institutions and organisations in power and realising that sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. You cannot trust those in power to always have your back because often those people are part of institutions that have been built on racism, sexist and classist ideologies. I have my own opinions of vigilantism in the real world and how far I think people can or should go before it goes too far, but fiction and real life are to separate things, and in this book, Harley and her team had my support all the way through.
Finally, I wanna talk about how beautifully queer these books are. It's not just Harley who's out and proud and happy with who she is: the story is full of wonderfully queer characters, some major and some minor. I am so happy that a series like this exists for queer DC fans because while representation in the DC universe has gotten a lot better, it's still quite rare to see a story that celebrates queer joy as much as this one does. Thank you, Rachael Allen!
So why not 4,5 like the other books or 5/5 stars? Well, I guess my hype for this trilogy has dulled a bit over the years - no fault of the books, just personal development or something, I guess. I think it's a good book and a great ending, but just not a book that captivated me enough to be worthy of 4,5 o5 5. I would recommend this trilogy for any Harley fan who wants a slightly different take on her and her journey. The classic beats of Harley's story are still there and she is 100% recognisable, but she also feels like Allen's own unique creation. These books are also just pure fun and action, full of feminine rage and fighting spirit.
Harley Quinn: Redemption is the final book in Rachael Allen's trilogy following Harley as she goes from Harleen the ambitious university student to Harley Quinn the vigilante determined to smash the patriarchy one asshole at a time. As Harley and Ivy settle into being a couple, the criminal mastermind known as the Dollmaker keeps sending Harley letters and dolls, convinced that Harley is meant to be his muse. While also trying to experience the ultimate summer of love, Harley is determined to destroy the Dollmaker's operation for good.
Allen's Harley Quinn trilogy has been, from book one, a whole lot of fun. This finale was exciting, funny, full of chaos (as a story about Harley should be) and just wrapped everything up in a very satisfying way. All the characters we have come to know and care about have their moments to shine, and every seed of story Allen planted in the two previous books, all the plot lines so far, are tied together and given a conclusion. I like how these books are full of creepy and upsetting things, but they still manage to be funny and hopeful and full of empowering moments – Allen nails the mix of tragedy and comedy that is Harley Quinn, even if she has changed a lot about her character's story. This is her version of Harley and I'm very happy it exists. Fiercely bisexual Harley as a feminist vigilante who is also a neuroscientist and a psychiatrist-in-the-making? Sign me up!
Harley's story in this trilogy has been a blast to follow. Seeing her go from the girl so laser-focused on her future, traumatised by her cruel father and convinced she could never have a normal and happy life to a girl who has tons of awesome friends, a girlfriend she adores more than anything and a purpose in life that feels exactly right for her, was amazing. I like how Allen did her slide into vigilantism and how she, this time around, does it for her own reasons, not because of the Joker manipulating her. Allen also captures her voice so well: she is loud, thinks in exclamation points, chaotic, dramatic, impulsive and brimming with emotion. Even though her Harley is different, she feels so much like Harley. I like how this book tested her strength, resilience and ability to think on her feet as well as reminding her that perhaps she is not meant to do everything on her own. Her ending was also very satisfying with her
The supporting cast was also well done. I love Ivy and her misanthropic, plant-loving ass. Seeing her break out of her shell, slowly but still, and open herself up to the possibility of trusting people and making friends, was sweet, as was seeing just how fundamentally Harley changed her worldview. As she puts it, Harley made her believe in humanity again. The two of them are so cute and lovey-dovey in this book. There's many lovely scenes with them, but the one that stuck to mind was this - a moment I could just see in my mind's eye as a comic panel: “And then she guns it, and the engine roars like a siren or a lion or some kind of fantastic beast, and we burn up the highway at a hundred miles an hour, and I put my hands in the air like I’m on a roller coaster as our hair streams behind us. The police couldn’t catch is even if they tried.” It was fun seeing Harley reconnect with the Reckoning girls again and try to make amends for ditching them, I loved King Shark (seeing him thrive at Sophie's house because he is finally not treated as a monster or a criminal and he is given tools to deal with his autism was so good!! Also King Shark at Pride will forever make me smile!) as I always do and I found myself caring about all the girls at Dollmaker's tower. It was especially cool getting those diary entrances from Everly and really seeing what she goes through there, as one of the Mad Hatter's Alices.
The villains in this book are supremely creepy and horrible. Allen creates this really horrible looming presence for the Dollmaker: whatever Harley does, he is there, watching her and following her. And when he finally appears and the reader gets to see his "art" in its full gruesome glory, it's truly vile, but also peak comic book villainy. I mean, making human-animal-technology mutations? Yeah, that's a DC villain right there. The Mad Hatter is also really spooky but I like how there's these little moments when you kinda feel for him and can see that even though he is horrible and murderous and all kinds of bad things, he is also someone who clearly needs help. It's nice that while one of the villains was just straight-up horrible, the other one has a bit more layers to him.
Allen's trilogy has always been about Harley fighting misogyny and sexism, taking down men who abuse women, and while this book is definitely more on the unrealistic side, the fight at its heart is still a fight we can recognise from our own world. The Dollmaker and the Mad Hatter see girls as expendable, things to use and abuse whenever they feel like it, more objects than humans with feelings, and as sad as it is, that is still a mindset so many men seem to have: in their minds, women only exist to please them and to do what they want. I find it especially poignant that the reason the Dollmaker has gotten away with kidnapping so many girls is that he goes after girls society and the cops do not prioritise: homeless girls, poor girls, girls of colour and so on. The boys he kidnaps are also people who are often left to fend for themselves, such as indigenous kids or, once again, homeless kids. It's so frustrating to see how little the police does in the book to look for these kids – yeah, sure, Renee Montoya tries her best but even she has to follow the official routes and do what her bosses wants – and because of that it is so cathartic to see Harley and her friends go after these horrible men with all they have and fight to bring justice to the innocents they have hurt. It was especially cathartic to see One of the key steps for Harley in her transformation from Harleen to Harley is her losing her faith in institutions and organisations in power and realising that sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. You cannot trust those in power to always have your back because often those people are part of institutions that have been built on racism, sexist and classist ideologies. I have my own opinions of vigilantism in the real world and how far I think people can or should go before it goes too far, but fiction and real life are to separate things, and in this book, Harley and her team had my support all the way through.
Finally, I wanna talk about how beautifully queer these books are. It's not just Harley who's out and proud and happy with who she is: the story is full of wonderfully queer characters, some major and some minor. I am so happy that a series like this exists for queer DC fans because while representation in the DC universe has gotten a lot better, it's still quite rare to see a story that celebrates queer joy as much as this one does. Thank you, Rachael Allen!
So why not 4,5 like the other books or 5/5 stars? Well, I guess my hype for this trilogy has dulled a bit over the years - no fault of the books, just personal development or something, I guess. I think it's a good book and a great ending, but just not a book that captivated me enough to be worthy of 4,5 o5 5. I would recommend this trilogy for any Harley fan who wants a slightly different take on her and her journey. The classic beats of Harley's story are still there and she is 100% recognisable, but she also feels like Allen's own unique creation. These books are also just pure fun and action, full of feminine rage and fighting spirit.
January 6, 2025
The Harley Quinn DC icon books are a very fun reimagining of the Harley Quinn story if Harley was in high school / college and never met the joker but was still put into situations that caused her to become the Harley we all know and love. The use of classic characters (who I will not name for spoiler purposes) as well as the creation of new characters is fun. I wish I could read this in high school during my super hero prime phase or late middle school when it would be great to have fun and cute representation like this.
Of all the DC icon books, I think only Superman’s tops this series and Harley has three books which means her story is longer (personal opinion obviously).
Also, the narrator of the audiobook was so well cast, she sounds like a very decent Harley.
Of all the DC icon books, I think only Superman’s tops this series and Harley has three books which means her story is longer (personal opinion obviously).
Also, the narrator of the audiobook was so well cast, she sounds like a very decent Harley.
April 20, 2024
Harley Quinn: Redemption is the third installment of the DC Icons series and is another great addition to the series! I have been a fan of this series since the beginning and will now recommend it to fans of Harley and young women looking for inspiration. Redemption delivers a thrilling and fiercely feminist conclusion to the Harley Quinn trilogy.
In this gripping story, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy find themselves on a dangerous mission to solve the mysterious disappearance of young girls in Gotham City. As they navigate perilous challenges, including deciphering clues left by the ever-so-lovely Dollmaker, they must also confront the complexities of their relationship. This is what I loved about this series. The brewing romance between Ivy and Harley is so iconic, and I was worried it wouldn't be shown with dignity, but I was wrong. I loved every minute of this story. It is fast-paced, filled with action and adventure, and the natural spunk that vibrates from within Harley and her rambunctious ways.
It's a great series that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, and I'm sad to see it end. Do yourself a favor and pick these up!
In this gripping story, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy find themselves on a dangerous mission to solve the mysterious disappearance of young girls in Gotham City. As they navigate perilous challenges, including deciphering clues left by the ever-so-lovely Dollmaker, they must also confront the complexities of their relationship. This is what I loved about this series. The brewing romance between Ivy and Harley is so iconic, and I was worried it wouldn't be shown with dignity, but I was wrong. I loved every minute of this story. It is fast-paced, filled with action and adventure, and the natural spunk that vibrates from within Harley and her rambunctious ways.
It's a great series that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, and I'm sad to see it end. Do yourself a favor and pick these up!
July 30, 2024
First: I see you, Taylor Swift easter eggs.
Second: I SEE YOU, BISHLOVA EASTER EGG!!
I've been on tenterhooks waiting for this finale and it was totally worth it. Excellent in every way.
Second: I SEE YOU, BISHLOVA EASTER EGG!!
I've been on tenterhooks waiting for this finale and it was totally worth it. Excellent in every way.
July 30, 2024
AMAZING! A great end to a great trilogy starring a great character!
This book was certified creepy and queer, two of my favorite things. The main villain in this book is the Dollmaker (whom I've never heard of before so idk if they're a regular DC villain or not), who kidnaps girls and transforms them with animal hybridization and such. He's honestly a terrifying villain. The other part of this book is the love story between Harley and Ivy and OMG it was so fucking cute! I love their love and I love their happy ending, they deserve it. 5/5 stars across the board for the whole trilogy!
This book was certified creepy and queer, two of my favorite things. The main villain in this book is the Dollmaker (whom I've never heard of before so idk if they're a regular DC villain or not), who kidnaps girls and transforms them with animal hybridization and such. He's honestly a terrifying villain. The other part of this book is the love story between Harley and Ivy and OMG it was so fucking cute! I love their love and I love their happy ending, they deserve it. 5/5 stars across the board for the whole trilogy!
January 15, 2025
AHHH THIS COVER THIS LOOKS SO GOOD (no i havent read book 2 yet why do you ask)
Want to read
August 18, 2023APRIL 23 2024!!!!??? I CANT WAIT THAT LONG
July 23, 2024
You would think the horrific looming threat of girls in Gotham being disfigured/mutilated mixed in with Harley being like "OMG my girlfriend is so hot" wouldn't work but it did. This is obviously before she actually becomes THE Harley Quinn, but it sets up the character's later goofy and loud personality as a villain. It's probably not for everyone since the author does use internet language like "Be gay do crime" but it works for Harley. I also choose to read this as an AU because Harley's story ends on a really optimistic note with her opening up the group home situation. It would really suck to finish this story and think it doesn't matter since she's going to throw it all away for the joker. I choose to believe that she and Ivy continue as vigilante anti-heroes and maybe even throw in Catwoman for a Gotham City Sirens situation.
April 4, 2025
I can’t believe that I finished the trilogy!!!
I would say that the first and the second were better because I felt like I was able to understand what was going on and the storyline for them made more since. With this last book I felt like the storyline of The Doll maker was kind of off track.
Still enthralled me to finish in one day though!
I would say that the first and the second were better because I felt like I was able to understand what was going on and the storyline for them made more since. With this last book I felt like the storyline of The Doll maker was kind of off track.
Still enthralled me to finish in one day though!
August 8, 2024
just a really sweet really gay harley. whole series was a fun low stakes read. in ur face girl power but didn’t feel like pandering. narrator ate down. sweethearts all around
August 7, 2024
OH. MY. GAWD!!!!!!! Do not listen to the haters on Goodreads, talking about how this book is “unbalanced and boring”. Dude. I WAS ON THE EDGE OF MA SEAT THE ENTIRE TIME. I go to bed thinking about this book. It’s insane. This book, is insane!! The twists are incredible, and Harley, girl is so relatable!!! Ivy is just an absolute masterpiece and you can’t NOT adore her!! And King shark, don’t even get me started on that hug-obsessed cinnamon roll of a sweetheart!! AND THE RECKONING. RACHAEL ALLEN BROUGHT BACK THE RECKONING. And the end of the book…😭😭😭 just amazing. I literally have no words. Rachael Allen, thank you for this amazing version of Harley Quinn. You best believe ima dress up as her for comic con this year!! 😜
OH! AND THE TAYLOR SWIFT REFERENCES!! OMIGOSH!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩
OH! AND THE TAYLOR SWIFT REFERENCES!! OMIGOSH!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩
October 16, 2024
this was the perfect ending to the trilogy. I loved this series so much and this book was even better than the second book, which I did not expect. Everything about this was a perfect ending to the story this series has created and kept, and I absolutely cried at the ending. Harley and Ivy had the perfect relationship that was so well done and I love the theme of friendship and relationship and hope through this. This book was a full-on mystery story unlike the others and was way more deep, I loved it so much. And the Ivy journal entries to show how she was trying so hard to find Harley was beautiful. Harley and Ivy got what they wanted for their dreams in the end, and I am so happy. This book was especially beautiful but the whole series has my heart.
August 5, 2025
Truthfully, I never planned to do a full, somewhat, maybe-not-at-all in depth review of this series. My plan was to just jot down a few one liners and then put this series to the back of my mind. But unfortunately, I feel I cannot do that.
I think I started this series about a month ago now, with so many expectations. Reader, I was so excited.
But, in the end, all I am is disappointed.
Maybe it’s my fault for going into these expecting them to be something special, but I feel if you take a character like Harley Quinn, who exists in so many different forms of media, I feel you need to do it right. And maybe I got too sucked in by the covers, like screw past me for seeing Redemption in my local Forbidden Planet, where I fell in love so hard I returned to the shop to get the book after forcing myself to walk out without it.
But anyway. The books.
I’m by no means an expert on Harley Quinn. I’ve watched the tv show and the movies, and I’ve dabbled in her comics. But I feel I’ve read enough of the comics to feel that this series is a poor characterisation of her. It feels more like this is just someone named Harley Quinn, and that her attitudes and actions and thoughts and feelings link in no way to her comics. I had a hard time understanding how, in all three books, Harley never felt like more than an immature teen who’s been let out into the adult world.
She talks all this talk about violence and crime and about wanting to do good in the world in the form of not-so-legal activities but she fails in every single way at making me believe her words. She’s so lethal and yet she’s bested at every confrontation. She wants to haunt Gotham’s streets as an anti-hero and yet she never leaves the safety of her home to do so.
Harley in the comics—to me—has always felt as if there was no line she wasn’t willing to cross. She’ll murder someone she only suspects is trying to kill her, long before they have the chance to even try. She doesn’t flinch at a fridge full of body parts. She’s hardened to the reality that the world is cruel and awful, and she’s a willing participant to some of it.
But I mean, I suppose it’s worth considering that this Harley is never influenced by the Joker. So there’s going to be parts of her that are tamer than her comic counterpart. But even still, at that I ask, why hasn’t all she gone through not pushed her to that level? Maybe these books were trying to take Harley away from all the abuse she’s suffered at the hand of the Joker, perhaps it wanted to give her a new origin story that didn’t have her his lackey and victim for years.
Regardless, I feel like a lot of Harley’s bite was missing. Add in characters who all felt one dimensional, and the whole series fell flat.
The writing bogged this down, a lot. It wasn’t terrible, per say, but for a young adult book featuring someone almost in their twenties, I expected more. A lot of the dialogue felt forced and there were constant moments where the characters would declare something—like when Harley declared that Kylie was one of her best friends—and the plot and other writing just never backed it up. It felt empty, because she’s supposedly one of your best friends but to the reader, you’ve only talked five times and none of the five times were particularly memorable. Sure, there’ll have been time that wasn’t documented, but I feel those parts we didn’t see were most likely where the whole ‘best friends’ thing came from.
This happened fairly often, like in Redemption, where Harley is suddenly told—while she’s being held captive at the tower—that she’s trustworthy and that one of the characters trusts she’ll get them out of there. They had never met before this moment. It was empty gesture on top of empty phrases.
And don’t even get me started on the Reckoning. Vengeance? Really? I’m not in the habit of judging names and quite frankly I don’t even know if this happens in the comics, but Bianca renaming herself Vengeance is both weird and extremely terrible. Like. There are better names out there. Heck, I’d have even taken a shortened version of Vengeance. Just, like. Not vengeance.
Regardless, this entire series fell flat for me, which is a shame because I think the plot of every book had promise. If only the writing was better developed, the rest wouldn’t have suffered so heavily and I may have actually closed the book believing my expectations lived up. Allen definitely had good ideas, and I never thought the plot let the book down, although there were a few instances in each where certain issues got on my nerves, but I would have been willing to overlook them.
These books are too pretty to ever get rid of so I’m going to put them back on my shelf, stare absently at them and think about what could have been. Adios.
I think I started this series about a month ago now, with so many expectations. Reader, I was so excited.
But, in the end, all I am is disappointed.
Maybe it’s my fault for going into these expecting them to be something special, but I feel if you take a character like Harley Quinn, who exists in so many different forms of media, I feel you need to do it right. And maybe I got too sucked in by the covers, like screw past me for seeing Redemption in my local Forbidden Planet, where I fell in love so hard I returned to the shop to get the book after forcing myself to walk out without it.
But anyway. The books.
I’m by no means an expert on Harley Quinn. I’ve watched the tv show and the movies, and I’ve dabbled in her comics. But I feel I’ve read enough of the comics to feel that this series is a poor characterisation of her. It feels more like this is just someone named Harley Quinn, and that her attitudes and actions and thoughts and feelings link in no way to her comics. I had a hard time understanding how, in all three books, Harley never felt like more than an immature teen who’s been let out into the adult world.
She talks all this talk about violence and crime and about wanting to do good in the world in the form of not-so-legal activities but she fails in every single way at making me believe her words. She’s so lethal and yet she’s bested at every confrontation. She wants to haunt Gotham’s streets as an anti-hero and yet she never leaves the safety of her home to do so.
Harley in the comics—to me—has always felt as if there was no line she wasn’t willing to cross. She’ll murder someone she only suspects is trying to kill her, long before they have the chance to even try. She doesn’t flinch at a fridge full of body parts. She’s hardened to the reality that the world is cruel and awful, and she’s a willing participant to some of it.
But I mean, I suppose it’s worth considering that this Harley is never influenced by the Joker. So there’s going to be parts of her that are tamer than her comic counterpart. But even still, at that I ask, why hasn’t all she gone through not pushed her to that level? Maybe these books were trying to take Harley away from all the abuse she’s suffered at the hand of the Joker, perhaps it wanted to give her a new origin story that didn’t have her his lackey and victim for years.
Regardless, I feel like a lot of Harley’s bite was missing. Add in characters who all felt one dimensional, and the whole series fell flat.
The writing bogged this down, a lot. It wasn’t terrible, per say, but for a young adult book featuring someone almost in their twenties, I expected more. A lot of the dialogue felt forced and there were constant moments where the characters would declare something—like when Harley declared that Kylie was one of her best friends—and the plot and other writing just never backed it up. It felt empty, because she’s supposedly one of your best friends but to the reader, you’ve only talked five times and none of the five times were particularly memorable. Sure, there’ll have been time that wasn’t documented, but I feel those parts we didn’t see were most likely where the whole ‘best friends’ thing came from.
This happened fairly often, like in Redemption, where Harley is suddenly told—while she’s being held captive at the tower—that she’s trustworthy and that one of the characters trusts she’ll get them out of there. They had never met before this moment. It was empty gesture on top of empty phrases.
And don’t even get me started on the Reckoning. Vengeance? Really? I’m not in the habit of judging names and quite frankly I don’t even know if this happens in the comics, but Bianca renaming herself Vengeance is both weird and extremely terrible. Like. There are better names out there. Heck, I’d have even taken a shortened version of Vengeance. Just, like. Not vengeance.
Regardless, this entire series fell flat for me, which is a shame because I think the plot of every book had promise. If only the writing was better developed, the rest wouldn’t have suffered so heavily and I may have actually closed the book believing my expectations lived up. Allen definitely had good ideas, and I never thought the plot let the book down, although there were a few instances in each where certain issues got on my nerves, but I would have been willing to overlook them.
These books are too pretty to ever get rid of so I’m going to put them back on my shelf, stare absently at them and think about what could have been. Adios.
May 6, 2024
"Harley Quinn: Redemption" by Rachel Allen is a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the young adult Harley Quinn trilogy. Packed with action, emotion, and unexpected twists, this book delivers a captivating narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The story picks up where the previous book left off, Harley and her girlfriend Poison Ivy embark on their summer bucket list in Gotham City. However, their plans take a dark turn when girls in Gotham start disappearing, leaving behind dolls from the mysterious Dollmaker. Determined to uncover the truth, Harley must engage in some villainous tactics to outsmart the kidnapper.
What sets this book apart is the depth of its character development. Allen expertly portrays the complexities of Harley Quinn, delving into her past traumas and inner struggles. The author beautifully captures Harley's conflicting emotions, showing her vulnerability and strength in equal measure. The supporting characters also shine, each with their own unique qualities and contributions to the story.
The pacing of the book is exceptional, with a perfect balance of action-packed sequences and quieter moments of introspection. Allen's writing style is engaging and immersive, effortlessly bringing Gotham City to life with vivid descriptions and atmospheric settings. The dialogue is sharp and witty, capturing the essence of Harley Quinn's unique voice.
Additionally, the plot is intricately woven, keeping readers guessing and engaged until the very end. Allen skillfully blends suspense, mystery, and elements of romance, creating a multifaceted narrative that appeals to a wide range of readers. The unexpected twists and turns add an extra layer of excitement, making "Harley Quinn: Redemption" an enthralling page-turner.
Furthermore, the thematic depth of the book is commendable. "Harley Quinn: Redemption" explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of personal growth. It delves into the complexities of humanity and the choices we make, offering profound insights that resonate long after the book is finished.
In conclusion, "Harley Quinn: Redemption" by Rachel Allen is a remarkable conclusion to the young adult Harley Quinn trilogy. With its compelling characters, gripping storyline, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for fans of the character and readers who enjoy well-crafted young adult fiction. Allen's masterful storytelling will leave you eagerly awaiting her next literary endeavor.
The story picks up where the previous book left off, Harley and her girlfriend Poison Ivy embark on their summer bucket list in Gotham City. However, their plans take a dark turn when girls in Gotham start disappearing, leaving behind dolls from the mysterious Dollmaker. Determined to uncover the truth, Harley must engage in some villainous tactics to outsmart the kidnapper.
What sets this book apart is the depth of its character development. Allen expertly portrays the complexities of Harley Quinn, delving into her past traumas and inner struggles. The author beautifully captures Harley's conflicting emotions, showing her vulnerability and strength in equal measure. The supporting characters also shine, each with their own unique qualities and contributions to the story.
The pacing of the book is exceptional, with a perfect balance of action-packed sequences and quieter moments of introspection. Allen's writing style is engaging and immersive, effortlessly bringing Gotham City to life with vivid descriptions and atmospheric settings. The dialogue is sharp and witty, capturing the essence of Harley Quinn's unique voice.
Additionally, the plot is intricately woven, keeping readers guessing and engaged until the very end. Allen skillfully blends suspense, mystery, and elements of romance, creating a multifaceted narrative that appeals to a wide range of readers. The unexpected twists and turns add an extra layer of excitement, making "Harley Quinn: Redemption" an enthralling page-turner.
Furthermore, the thematic depth of the book is commendable. "Harley Quinn: Redemption" explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of personal growth. It delves into the complexities of humanity and the choices we make, offering profound insights that resonate long after the book is finished.
In conclusion, "Harley Quinn: Redemption" by Rachel Allen is a remarkable conclusion to the young adult Harley Quinn trilogy. With its compelling characters, gripping storyline, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for fans of the character and readers who enjoy well-crafted young adult fiction. Allen's masterful storytelling will leave you eagerly awaiting her next literary endeavor.
April 22, 2024
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
♥️ if you love Harley Quinn
📚 want a new trilogy to binge
🔍 love a good mystery
🏳️🌈 are looking for LGBTQ rep
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
When girls in Gotham City go missing, Harley Quinn is determined to track down their kidnapper. But the only way to outsmart a villain is to engage in a little villainy herself. Don't miss the adrenaline-racing conclusion to the Harley Quinn trilogy.
In Gotham City even the heroes are wicked.
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy can't wait to cross off the final items on their summer bucket list. They still need to:
• Go to Pride
• Get mani/pedis
• Figure out how they can kiss without Ivy's toxic lips killing Harley. (Every relationship has its challenges!)
But their to-do list gets more dangerous when young girls vanish from the streets of Gotham City. The only clues left behind are the dolls on Harley's doorstep from a mysterious sender known as the Dollmaker. The message is clear: come find me…if you dare.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
While I haven’t read book one and two in this trilogy, the author does a fantastic job of explaining anything you might have missed in the first two books. It can honestly be read as a standalone, which I really appreciated. I love a good mystery, and this had all of that and more! I also liked seeing this side of Harley Quinn as she is generally paired up with the Joker in other stories! I can’t wait to read the first two books now! Get your hands on the whole trilogy today!
♥️ if you love Harley Quinn
📚 want a new trilogy to binge
🔍 love a good mystery
🏳️🌈 are looking for LGBTQ rep
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
When girls in Gotham City go missing, Harley Quinn is determined to track down their kidnapper. But the only way to outsmart a villain is to engage in a little villainy herself. Don't miss the adrenaline-racing conclusion to the Harley Quinn trilogy.
In Gotham City even the heroes are wicked.
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy can't wait to cross off the final items on their summer bucket list. They still need to:
• Go to Pride
• Get mani/pedis
• Figure out how they can kiss without Ivy's toxic lips killing Harley. (Every relationship has its challenges!)
But their to-do list gets more dangerous when young girls vanish from the streets of Gotham City. The only clues left behind are the dolls on Harley's doorstep from a mysterious sender known as the Dollmaker. The message is clear: come find me…if you dare.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
While I haven’t read book one and two in this trilogy, the author does a fantastic job of explaining anything you might have missed in the first two books. It can honestly be read as a standalone, which I really appreciated. I love a good mystery, and this had all of that and more! I also liked seeing this side of Harley Quinn as she is generally paired up with the Joker in other stories! I can’t wait to read the first two books now! Get your hands on the whole trilogy today!
May 27, 2024
While reading: Very cute and all but seems quite jumpy , why are they stealing hyenas at the zoo they have stuff to do!!
“There’s something about helping her that feels like going back in time and healing a part of myself”
After reading:
Took me forever to read in a huge depression pit slump
Okay I finished the book and…. It wasn’t as good as the first two in my opinion! Unfortunately, this one was just very jumpy. For it being the last book in the trilogy, I expected more of a wrap up, such as what truly happened to all of the villains that Harley put away throughout the series, wtf happened to the doll maker and mad hatter aka Jervis aka the looking glass killer?? I guess the hints were there all along but not even a reaction from Ivy about it? She was just conveniently interested in that true crime killer but not interested enough… idk… Perfect plot device. With the girls staying modified and having seemingly no complaints about it, they just got through it idk, it wrapped up wayyyyy way too fast at the end. And not even a real wrap up from Montoya either other than the fact that yeah she caught them I guess. Cute ending overall I guess, but definitely lots of missing info bits for me that would have made it better. I’m sad to be done with this Harley Quinn trilogy , but not as sad as I thought I would, to be quite honest. The experiments were twisted though and did make me cringe from how descriptive they were.
“There’s something about helping her that feels like going back in time and healing a part of myself”
After reading:
Took me forever to read in a huge depression pit slump
Okay I finished the book and…. It wasn’t as good as the first two in my opinion! Unfortunately, this one was just very jumpy. For it being the last book in the trilogy, I expected more of a wrap up, such as what truly happened to all of the villains that Harley put away throughout the series, wtf happened to the doll maker and mad hatter aka Jervis aka the looking glass killer?? I guess the hints were there all along but not even a reaction from Ivy about it? She was just conveniently interested in that true crime killer but not interested enough… idk… Perfect plot device. With the girls staying modified and having seemingly no complaints about it, they just got through it idk, it wrapped up wayyyyy way too fast at the end. And not even a real wrap up from Montoya either other than the fact that yeah she caught them I guess. Cute ending overall I guess, but definitely lots of missing info bits for me that would have made it better. I’m sad to be done with this Harley Quinn trilogy , but not as sad as I thought I would, to be quite honest. The experiments were twisted though and did make me cringe from how descriptive they were.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
4.9 bc of the lack of kissing😠
Other than that I actually loved this book. I almost wish I hadn’t finished it in 5 hours but I’m just a girl so… 🌈🎀🎀
I feel like jasmines powers at the end kinda solved all the issues they had? It would’ve been nice to see them having to figure out a better, more complex plan but I did really enjoy the plot of the book.
I know I’m completely biased because Harley and Ivy might be my favorite couple ever? And favorite characters, but THATS BESIDE THE POINT! Once I get better at drawing you best BET these are gonna be the first lovers I depict.
The doll maker made me actually horrified, so I loved it! This was definitely one of my favorite villains because it didn’t really rely on the identity of the person making the mystery, more the things he was doing.
Side note: I’m scared of how hard I was relating to Harley in this book? I understand this is a book and the dialogues obviously are planned but when she talks or thinks things I’m like… they scanned my brain and put it in a book. Should I see a doctor? Nah lol
Anyways, overall I really enjoyed this book (enjoyed is a really tame way to put how many emotions I went through reading this)
But I’m a sucker for DC, even more for Harley and Ivy, not to mention for their relationship. I’m so normal for them actually🫨.
(I’m lying)
So yeah!! This is my completely (un)biased review of this book.
Other than that I actually loved this book. I almost wish I hadn’t finished it in 5 hours but I’m just a girl so… 🌈🎀🎀
I feel like jasmines powers at the end kinda solved all the issues they had? It would’ve been nice to see them having to figure out a better, more complex plan but I did really enjoy the plot of the book.
I know I’m completely biased because Harley and Ivy might be my favorite couple ever? And favorite characters, but THATS BESIDE THE POINT! Once I get better at drawing you best BET these are gonna be the first lovers I depict.
The doll maker made me actually horrified, so I loved it! This was definitely one of my favorite villains because it didn’t really rely on the identity of the person making the mystery, more the things he was doing.
Side note: I’m scared of how hard I was relating to Harley in this book? I understand this is a book and the dialogues obviously are planned but when she talks or thinks things I’m like… they scanned my brain and put it in a book. Should I see a doctor? Nah lol
Anyways, overall I really enjoyed this book (enjoyed is a really tame way to put how many emotions I went through reading this)
But I’m a sucker for DC, even more for Harley and Ivy, not to mention for their relationship. I’m so normal for them actually🫨.
(I’m lying)
So yeah!! This is my completely (un)biased review of this book.
November 20, 2024
This trilogy had no right being this absolutely fantastic. This book, in particular, just knocked it out of the park. Everything from the previous 2 books all came together and tied into a perfect ending with the CREEPIEST and most SINISTER of villains.
I particularly liked how overtly feminist, queer, and nuerodivergent the cast of characters were throughout. Harley is bisexual with ADHD. King Shark is on the Austism Spectrum. ETC.
In this final novel, the villains were far more sinister and more horrifying. The idea of female bodily autonomy and free will was explored extremely well. It's obviously an outlandish plot (the Dollmaker creating human/animal hybrids and the Mad Hatter turning girls into controlled clones of his lost sister Alice), but parallels are easily made to today's landscape in America where women's rights are constantly being eroded.
All in all, these books are super fun and yet deal with heavy themes in a wild, yet thoughtful way.
Bravo to Rachel Allen for bringing this vision to life and in patricular, for sticking the landing on this finale. I can't imagine it was easy with all the input DC has over their properties.
I particularly liked how overtly feminist, queer, and nuerodivergent the cast of characters were throughout. Harley is bisexual with ADHD. King Shark is on the Austism Spectrum. ETC.
In this final novel, the villains were far more sinister and more horrifying. The idea of female bodily autonomy and free will was explored extremely well. It's obviously an outlandish plot (the Dollmaker creating human/animal hybrids and the Mad Hatter turning girls into controlled clones of his lost sister Alice), but parallels are easily made to today's landscape in America where women's rights are constantly being eroded.
All in all, these books are super fun and yet deal with heavy themes in a wild, yet thoughtful way.
Bravo to Rachel Allen for bringing this vision to life and in patricular, for sticking the landing on this finale. I can't imagine it was easy with all the input DC has over their properties.
July 4, 2024
And I guess I could try to fight the bureaucracy, but I'd much rather fight the bad guys, which brings me to the third reason I'm going to keep being Harley for the rest of my life: I just want to.
This trilogy just kept getting better. Redemption is a great ending for this version of Harley, her friends, and Ivy. The Dollmaker and his partner are excellent villains, with the partner (unsure if their presence is a spoiler) being a particularly compelling and scary version of the character. I also think it succeeds especially well as a young adult novel, pulling in concepts of identity that are very true to Harley, but especially a version in her late teens and early twenties. I really hope this isn't the last we see of Rachael Allen's incarnation of Harley.
P.S. Did Allen have a bet with a friend on how many Midnights song titles she could drop throughout the book? Because I feel like I caught a bunch. Otherwise, all the pop culture references are frequent but relevant and fun.
This trilogy just kept getting better. Redemption is a great ending for this version of Harley, her friends, and Ivy. The Dollmaker and his partner are excellent villains, with the partner (unsure if their presence is a spoiler) being a particularly compelling and scary version of the character. I also think it succeeds especially well as a young adult novel, pulling in concepts of identity that are very true to Harley, but especially a version in her late teens and early twenties. I really hope this isn't the last we see of Rachael Allen's incarnation of Harley.
P.S. Did Allen have a bet with a friend on how many Midnights song titles she could drop throughout the book? Because I feel like I caught a bunch. Otherwise, all the pop culture references are frequent but relevant and fun.
September 4, 2024
This is the last book in Allen's Harley Quinn trilogy. I love how Allen writes such sweet and thoughtful characters, such as Remy who creates a "signature bath bomb" for each person on her floor. I also enjoyed that Ivy has moon water, and that she answers "policy change at the state and national levels" when talking to Harley about being cheered up. Harley's tree surprise for Ivy in the last chapter made me smile, too. Although Harley gently corrects someone when they call her Harleen (page 277), she does not call someone by their preferred name later on because she is "not sure" the person she is talking to would know whom she is referring to (page 316), which bothered me. Toward the end of the book, unfortunately, there was at least one typo, some odd sentences, and some details that I do not feel were ironed out; I wish the editor had caught these mistakes. Ultimately this is not my favorite book in the trilogy, but I think it is worth reading if you enjoyed the others in the series.
January 30, 2025
The third Harley Quinn book. Same thyme as the first two. Girls and women are usually the victims fighting for their strength and independence from men who dominate the society.
In this Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are living together as girlfriends, trying to solve the solution of kissing since Poison Ivy's poison could kill Harley.
Also, the Doll Makers is kidnapping girls. Taken away their free will with microchips and surgically altering them to be whatever he wishes. On the nose for taking away women's Free Will to fit an idea that men have for them.
Harley Quinn tries to save all the girls who are kidnapped by the Doll Maker before they can be auctioned off to Gothams highest biders.
Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn and King Shark , at one point a attended Pride Parade, and I wish they would have spent more time there.
This book could have done with less references to glitter, but at least they covered the glitter is bad for the environment.
And a bonus half star for a , blink and you'll miss it, reference to Harley reading the Twilight series in the 8th grade. LOL 😆
In this Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are living together as girlfriends, trying to solve the solution of kissing since Poison Ivy's poison could kill Harley.
Also, the Doll Makers is kidnapping girls. Taken away their free will with microchips and surgically altering them to be whatever he wishes. On the nose for taking away women's Free Will to fit an idea that men have for them.
Harley Quinn tries to save all the girls who are kidnapped by the Doll Maker before they can be auctioned off to Gothams highest biders.
Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn and King Shark , at one point a attended Pride Parade, and I wish they would have spent more time there.
This book could have done with less references to glitter, but at least they covered the glitter is bad for the environment.
And a bonus half star for a , blink and you'll miss it, reference to Harley reading the Twilight series in the 8th grade. LOL 😆
May 25, 2025
and that's a wrap!
truly I will be able to find the words as to what this series means to me. this is a world I could spend forever in, read endless books about. Rachaels Harley will forever go down in history as one of the most beautiful versions of the character, taking everything I love most about her and exploring them with so much passion and drive. Every single DC character throughout this series is handled with so much respect, and the original takes on them only emboldens the experience as you get to rediscover characters you already adore in such a creative light.
a personal highlight for me in this one that I simply must give the spotlight too are the journey entries. nothing in a book has ever struck me as so chilling as Everytime I finished another entry.
there is truly too many things about this book I adore, I could sit here forever pointing out each and every detail like a kid in a museum going "mum look!"
forever held deeply in my heart, Reckoning, Ravenous, Redemption, you are the perfect trilogy.
truly I will be able to find the words as to what this series means to me. this is a world I could spend forever in, read endless books about. Rachaels Harley will forever go down in history as one of the most beautiful versions of the character, taking everything I love most about her and exploring them with so much passion and drive. Every single DC character throughout this series is handled with so much respect, and the original takes on them only emboldens the experience as you get to rediscover characters you already adore in such a creative light.
a personal highlight for me in this one that I simply must give the spotlight too are the journey entries. nothing in a book has ever struck me as so chilling as Everytime I finished another entry.
there is truly too many things about this book I adore, I could sit here forever pointing out each and every detail like a kid in a museum going "mum look!"
forever held deeply in my heart, Reckoning, Ravenous, Redemption, you are the perfect trilogy.
December 20, 2025
A fitting conclusion to this Harley Quinn series.
Harleen Quinzel finally completes her transformation into Harley Quinn, and there’s no going back now.
We finally get more of the Harley x Ivy relationship that was teased in the previous book.
King Shark steals hearts yet again in this book. I was so excited he was brought back. His and Harley’s friendship is the purest thing. I would’ve loved more of it.
I liked this book a little less than the others because there’s a heavy emphasis on the Dollmaker in this one. It’s almost split how much attention is devoted to him and his heinous acts versus Harley. The Dollmaker is Silence of the Lambs level creepy and sinister. The Alice in Wonderland references were a bit jarring to figure out their purpose. I already don’t really like Alice in Wonderland, so maybe that put me off too.
I love we bring back the Reckoning in a way in this book. The tribute to Kylie at the end was beautiful.
Overall, I enjoyed this series as a new exploration of such a beloved character. Definitely worth a read!
Harleen Quinzel finally completes her transformation into Harley Quinn, and there’s no going back now.
We finally get more of the Harley x Ivy relationship that was teased in the previous book.
King Shark steals hearts yet again in this book. I was so excited he was brought back. His and Harley’s friendship is the purest thing. I would’ve loved more of it.
I liked this book a little less than the others because there’s a heavy emphasis on the Dollmaker in this one. It’s almost split how much attention is devoted to him and his heinous acts versus Harley. The Dollmaker is Silence of the Lambs level creepy and sinister. The Alice in Wonderland references were a bit jarring to figure out their purpose. I already don’t really like Alice in Wonderland, so maybe that put me off too.
I love we bring back the Reckoning in a way in this book. The tribute to Kylie at the end was beautiful.
Overall, I enjoyed this series as a new exploration of such a beloved character. Definitely worth a read!
May 5, 2025
All opinions are entirely my own. I am in no way affiliated with the author or publisher. Remember to support your local indie bookstore and library!
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨ ᰔ ୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
"I care deeply about each one of my pieces. This isn't for sport. I'm not some kind of common stalker or serial killer. I'm creating something new here. And rebirth is a violent thing. Violent, but beautiful."
- [ ] Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
- [ ] Discovery: Series
- [ ] Reading Format: Physical
- [ ] Read Time: 3.5 Hours
Harley and Ivy are trying to enjoy their summer vacay but young girls keep vanishing from the streets of Gotham City and the only clues left behind are the dolls on Harley's doorstep from a mysterious sender known as the Dollmaker.
The villain and the plot of this book was so much more interesting.
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨ ᰔ ୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
"I care deeply about each one of my pieces. This isn't for sport. I'm not some kind of common stalker or serial killer. I'm creating something new here. And rebirth is a violent thing. Violent, but beautiful."
- [ ] Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
- [ ] Discovery: Series
- [ ] Reading Format: Physical
- [ ] Read Time: 3.5 Hours
Harley and Ivy are trying to enjoy their summer vacay but young girls keep vanishing from the streets of Gotham City and the only clues left behind are the dolls on Harley's doorstep from a mysterious sender known as the Dollmaker.
The villain and the plot of this book was so much more interesting.
September 6, 2024
Let me just say Harley DEFINITELY redeemed herself! As I was reading this part of the trilogy, I couldn't help but feel high anxiety emotions because I was just HOPING Harley would get everyone out of that Tower safely & for a while, it was looking like she wasn't going to be able to. I kept hope alive, though! I love how everyone in the Reckoning reunited to help each other, regardless of what happened in the past. I started feeling emotional towards the end, especially when the name of the facility Harley & Jasmin bought was revealed! Good job, girls! I hope everyone who gets their hands on this book is able to walk away with the message I received ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
I enjoyed this book, though not as much as the previous books. The various perspectives were slightly offputting at times. Overall, the plot was relatively simple - the Dollmaker and Mad Hatter were working together to kidnap numerous teenagers in Gotham. The Dollmaker - to create hybrids to sell at auction. The Mad Hatter - to recreate the perfect Alice. Harley gets herself kidnapped to infiltrate the holding facility and proceeds to cause mass chaos.
I thought the plot twists were relatively easy to spot, but I did still enjoy the story.
Also, I did like the characteriation. Harley's characterization was spot on. The author did a great job of depicting Harley's chaotic neutral presence. And I did enjoy the further development of Harlivy.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, but I probably will not reread it.
I thought the plot twists were relatively easy to spot, but I did still enjoy the story.
Also, I did like the characteriation. Harley's characterization was spot on. The author did a great job of depicting Harley's chaotic neutral presence. And I did enjoy the further development of Harlivy.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, but I probably will not reread it.
June 19, 2024
I liked this book a lot! But the first two were better.
This felt like a finale to all the arcs set up in the other two books, but it didn’t feel like it was enough at times. The first two (especially the first) were so good at building a new Harley with pieces that we love in a world that we’re familiar with. This had moments like that, but I needed something grander I think.
Overall though, I loved this trilogy. I’m sad it’s over and just hope DC Icons comes back with trilogies or even duologies for other characters.
This felt like a finale to all the arcs set up in the other two books, but it didn’t feel like it was enough at times. The first two (especially the first) were so good at building a new Harley with pieces that we love in a world that we’re familiar with. This had moments like that, but I needed something grander I think.
Overall though, I loved this trilogy. I’m sad it’s over and just hope DC Icons comes back with trilogies or even duologies for other characters.
October 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Also this is a great book to read during the Halloween season due to the main villain being The Dollmaker. He is one of those Batman villains that I can't stomach reading so it was nice that he wasn't as dark as he was in the comics. But they still keep that creepy aspect to him. Also love the Harley x Ivy story line. They are just too cute together. Overall, a really fun read and I would totally recommend it to anyone who loves a good Harley Quinn story with just the right amount of tension to it.
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