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The Caein Legacy #3
Harbinger
The Novanian king has gathered an army in the north with the intent to make war upon the magi. He has exiled all three of his brothers. Andrew and Alexander fled to the Southlands, while Thomas escaped into the hostile northern highlands, the land of Novania’s ancient foe, the insectile Corodan. While Alexander prepares to face Colin’s army in the south, Andrew makes the perilous journey through Novania to seek Thomas’ whereabouts and offer what aid he can.
Traveling at his side is Rynn, a powerful mage with the ability to manipulate and form ice. When they fail to locate Thomas after days of searching, Andrew is forced to seek the aid of the Corodan. He has a long and bloody history with their people, and was responsible for the death of their previous Hive-queen. Uncertain if the Corodan will cooperate, but faced with no other hope of locating his brother, he ventures into the heart of the Corodan lands.
Without Thomas, the brothers have no hope of overthrowing Colin and his tyranny. Without Thomas, Novania will continue to execute innocent citizens simply for bearing the Mark of the Magi. Without Thomas, the kingdom will be lost.
Traveling at his side is Rynn, a powerful mage with the ability to manipulate and form ice. When they fail to locate Thomas after days of searching, Andrew is forced to seek the aid of the Corodan. He has a long and bloody history with their people, and was responsible for the death of their previous Hive-queen. Uncertain if the Corodan will cooperate, but faced with no other hope of locating his brother, he ventures into the heart of the Corodan lands.
Without Thomas, the brothers have no hope of overthrowing Colin and his tyranny. Without Thomas, Novania will continue to execute innocent citizens simply for bearing the Mark of the Magi. Without Thomas, the kingdom will be lost.
- GenresFantasy
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2024
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Calvin
13 books54 followersA.J. Calvin is a science fiction/fantasy novelist from Loveland, Colorado known best for The Caein Legacy series and The Relics of War series. By day, she works as a microbiologist, but in her free time she writes. She lives with her husband, a turtle, and a salt water aquarium.
When she is not working or writing, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, and playing video games.
Be sure to follow A.J. on BookBub for new release alerts and more! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-j-c...
For more information on the author and news about her writing, please visit her website at www.ajcalvin.net.
When she is not working or writing, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, and playing video games.
Be sure to follow A.J. on BookBub for new release alerts and more! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-j-c...
For more information on the author and news about her writing, please visit her website at www.ajcalvin.net.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 25, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review. After the slow progression journey we experienced in Guardian, I was eager to get back to this series and see the beginnings of the war to come. What we have here is a heart racing penultimate novel which delivers the action and bloody battle scenes just hinted at in book one. Its petal to the metal all the way up until the brutal ending. Longtime fans of John Gwynne will love where the story is heading and I can’t wait to see where the chips fall. This will be a spoiler free review but I will be discussing scenes from the previous novels.
When we last left our characters in Guardian, Alexander had completed his mage quest and is now mustering an army in the Southlands with the help of the Oracle and Alex’s healer lover Lydia. Andrew has discovered the Grove where his father (frozen in stone) and communicated with him the knowledge of Dragon-kind many centuries ago. The Oracle’s prophecy predicts that the magical barrier will fall and the northern armies under the command of Andrews brother Colin will bring war to the Southlands. Andrew, with the help of the ice mage Rynn, must make their way to the Northern Marshes to seek the aid of the insect-like Corodan and find his brother Thomas in order to fight Colin on his own turf. There will be many twists and turns and don’t be shocked with the narrative tasks some nasty and grim turns.
AJ Calvin states in the intro to Harbinger that this book and its sequel Legacy were meant to be one book but was split in half once she realized that the plot and important scenes couldn’t be wrapped up in one novel. Due to this, Harbinger does end on a cliffhanger and we will have to wait until the finale to see where the chips have fallen. I personally don’t mind cliffhangers as long as the patience on the part of the reader is rewarded in the end. Based on everything I have read so far in this series, I have no reason to believe the story will come to an amazing conclusion.
The dynamic between Andrew and his brothers Alexander and Thomas continues to grow with each novel and we get to witness the realizations from each of them not of the people they are but the leaders they must become. The relationship between Andrew and Rynn takes on a life of its own in Harbinger and in many ways that I did not expect, so be on the lookout for that one. Ever since I first read Exile, I wanted to know and see more of the Corodan and we get just that in this book. A look inside the mind and environment of the hive and how each mind is linked together. This very much reminded me of the insect-like creatures from Raymond E. Fiest and Janny Wurts Empire Trilogy which you should all read if you haven’t already. As always the pacing is amazing with no chapter being more than twelve pages makes for some big chucks of the novel being devoured quickly. The battle scenes were just as good as anything I have read from John Gwynne who is one of my favorite authors but you all need to see it to believe it yourself.
This is a long winded way for me to say that I absolutely loved Harbinger and I stinks that I have to wait until the fall 2024 for the finale to be released. It is an excellent choice by the author to have these 4 books finished and released close to each other and fans will be very happy. This is turning into a Top 10 series for me so bring on the glory!
Cheers!
When we last left our characters in Guardian, Alexander had completed his mage quest and is now mustering an army in the Southlands with the help of the Oracle and Alex’s healer lover Lydia. Andrew has discovered the Grove where his father (frozen in stone) and communicated with him the knowledge of Dragon-kind many centuries ago. The Oracle’s prophecy predicts that the magical barrier will fall and the northern armies under the command of Andrews brother Colin will bring war to the Southlands. Andrew, with the help of the ice mage Rynn, must make their way to the Northern Marshes to seek the aid of the insect-like Corodan and find his brother Thomas in order to fight Colin on his own turf. There will be many twists and turns and don’t be shocked with the narrative tasks some nasty and grim turns.
AJ Calvin states in the intro to Harbinger that this book and its sequel Legacy were meant to be one book but was split in half once she realized that the plot and important scenes couldn’t be wrapped up in one novel. Due to this, Harbinger does end on a cliffhanger and we will have to wait until the finale to see where the chips have fallen. I personally don’t mind cliffhangers as long as the patience on the part of the reader is rewarded in the end. Based on everything I have read so far in this series, I have no reason to believe the story will come to an amazing conclusion.
The dynamic between Andrew and his brothers Alexander and Thomas continues to grow with each novel and we get to witness the realizations from each of them not of the people they are but the leaders they must become. The relationship between Andrew and Rynn takes on a life of its own in Harbinger and in many ways that I did not expect, so be on the lookout for that one. Ever since I first read Exile, I wanted to know and see more of the Corodan and we get just that in this book. A look inside the mind and environment of the hive and how each mind is linked together. This very much reminded me of the insect-like creatures from Raymond E. Fiest and Janny Wurts Empire Trilogy which you should all read if you haven’t already. As always the pacing is amazing with no chapter being more than twelve pages makes for some big chucks of the novel being devoured quickly. The battle scenes were just as good as anything I have read from John Gwynne who is one of my favorite authors but you all need to see it to believe it yourself.
This is a long winded way for me to say that I absolutely loved Harbinger and I stinks that I have to wait until the fall 2024 for the finale to be released. It is an excellent choice by the author to have these 4 books finished and released close to each other and fans will be very happy. This is turning into a Top 10 series for me so bring on the glory!
Cheers!
May 31, 2024
“Don’t hold back any longer,” she said. There was a ferocity in her tone that I was unprepared for, a heat in her gaze that compelled me to listen. “Alex and Tom both need you at your best, at your most fierce. Be yourself. Be the dragon-man. You have nothing left to fear.”
Another fantastic entry in one of my favorite ongoing series. This review will probably be a tad short since its really difficult to discuss without spoilers. It opens right where book 2 left off, with Andrew going back to reunite with Thomas (one of my favorite characters) with Rynn by his side. Rynn and Andrew's relationship is the primary focus and its written very well. A.J. excels at writing realistic relationships and it really shines here in all forms: siblings, enemies, platonic friends, romantic, etc.
Colin's evolution as the primary antagonist is also really well done. I always hated him, but I had a weird respect for his role as the hilariously evil moustache twirling bad guy. His actions in this book (I don't feel like this is a spoiler because its no secret he's evil) are really just awful, to the point where anyone not rooting for Andrew at the end probably needs years of therapy.
I'm very excited for the finale. Its comforting to know its already written and will be released later this year. I'm hoping for a happy ending. I don't know A.J.'s style well enough to guess but rest assured, I will DM disappointed emojis if everything doesn't work out in the end.
Another fantastic entry in one of my favorite ongoing series. This review will probably be a tad short since its really difficult to discuss without spoilers. It opens right where book 2 left off, with Andrew going back to reunite with Thomas (one of my favorite characters) with Rynn by his side. Rynn and Andrew's relationship is the primary focus and its written very well. A.J. excels at writing realistic relationships and it really shines here in all forms: siblings, enemies, platonic friends, romantic, etc.
Colin's evolution as the primary antagonist is also really well done. I always hated him, but I had a weird respect for his role as the hilariously evil moustache twirling bad guy. His actions in this book (I don't feel like this is a spoiler because its no secret he's evil) are really just awful, to the point where anyone not rooting for Andrew at the end probably needs years of therapy.
I'm very excited for the finale. Its comforting to know its already written and will be released later this year. I'm hoping for a happy ending. I don't know A.J.'s style well enough to guess but rest assured, I will DM disappointed emojis if everything doesn't work out in the end.
March 16, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
The world building in this series is exquisite. I love that with each book I not only learn more but that what I did know is expanded and given new context. It’s a beautifully organic way to build the world and it works magnificently without making the reader feel overwhelmed.
Andrew and Alex continue to be one of my favorite sibling relationships in literature. The protective big brother over the kind hearted yet impulsive younger brother is a great dynamic and if you know the details of the story…completely understandable.
I continue to be fascinated with the Oracle and the politics and magic surrounding her. I refuse to give away anymore except to say I have both been in awe by this character and wanted to strangle her at the same time.
I also love how the impacts of things that passed in the previous books are still felt and have influence. I loved seeing that grief and sorrow are important and have weight. I usually don’t see books that keep emotions like this in mind so seeing it played so well here in these characters made me so happy.
Acceptance is such a strong theme here, both self acceptance and acceptance by others. I won’t give away how or why it’s done but just that it’s done so realistically and deeply that I can’t wait to see the outcome.
And this ending…this ending! I need the next book me! I feel like I’m binging a beautiful TV series and the “oh crap” moment just happened and I’m out of episodes! The build up has been brilliant but I need the next season, damn it!
The world building in this series is exquisite. I love that with each book I not only learn more but that what I did know is expanded and given new context. It’s a beautifully organic way to build the world and it works magnificently without making the reader feel overwhelmed.
Andrew and Alex continue to be one of my favorite sibling relationships in literature. The protective big brother over the kind hearted yet impulsive younger brother is a great dynamic and if you know the details of the story…completely understandable.
I continue to be fascinated with the Oracle and the politics and magic surrounding her. I refuse to give away anymore except to say I have both been in awe by this character and wanted to strangle her at the same time.
I also love how the impacts of things that passed in the previous books are still felt and have influence. I loved seeing that grief and sorrow are important and have weight. I usually don’t see books that keep emotions like this in mind so seeing it played so well here in these characters made me so happy.
Acceptance is such a strong theme here, both self acceptance and acceptance by others. I won’t give away how or why it’s done but just that it’s done so realistically and deeply that I can’t wait to see the outcome.
And this ending…this ending! I need the next book me! I feel like I’m binging a beautiful TV series and the “oh crap” moment just happened and I’m out of episodes! The build up has been brilliant but I need the next season, damn it!
September 2, 2024
This series continues to deliver! Calvin writes gripping tales that are equally strong in plot and character. Her fantasy worlds are tangible and information is delivered steadily throughout, which kept me turning the pages. Being one of the middle books, Harbinger acts as a bridge, leading us back into Novenia after our time of exploring the Southlands and the world of the Magi in Guardian. This entry in the series takes place in fewer locations than its predecessors but loses no momentum.
There will be mild spoilers in this review for anyone who hasn’t yet started the series.
After Alexander and Lydia’s simple wedding, Andrew and Rynn must leave the Mage’s Gate and find his youngest brother, Thomas (the only logical successor to the miserable tyrant, Colin). But first, he must reconnect with the Corodan, the giant insects he had battled and freed from an oppressive hive queen in Exile. I was so excited to learn more about their complex underground society as Andrew strives to win their support for the battles ahead.
More familiar names appear and we catch up with events from the North, learning of the dreadful society Colin has created. Andrew meets a few people from his past and finds unexpected allies on Thomas’s side. There are fantastic supporting character arcs, with some proving to be stronger and kinder than they first seemed.
Although the whole series is Andrew’s story, each book features one of the brothers prominently. Exile was all Andrew, with guest appearances from the others. Guardian he shared with Alex, and while I wouldn’t say Legacy will belong to Colin, the whole series has been building towards a big confrontation with him.
Harbinger, however, is Thomas’s story. He is the brother who Andrew knows least. Spending time in hiding, they have a chance to bond, as Andrew did with Alexander on his Mage Quest. Thomas is one of my favourites. Despite being a peacekeeper, he has a way of inadvertently upsetting people; I completely relate to his distress in this area. He struggles with the complexities of people’s emotions and has been placed in a position where interpersonal dynamics become heated quickly and he must make decisions that affect many people. It is all quite an adjustment for someone who is primarily a scholar.
Both he and Andrew make plans involving the other without proper communication. These assumptions are the main source of tension between them. However, both grow to understand each other better. It was good to see Thomas embrace leadership qualities he was never raised for, being the furthest in line from the throne.
Although the pace never lets up, I liked that Andrew spends time overwintering in the highlands as his brothers prepare their forces to face Colin. It creates a steady routine and allows for some breathing room between conflicts. It also gives the character relationships a chance to shine.
Andrew’s closeness to Rynn is explored. On the way to Thomas, there is a poignant moment where he is able to find some closure regarding Vera. This healing process helps him look to the future. It is sweet to see Rynn make Andrew laugh. Despite her frosty touch, she is all sunshine inside.
Content warnings:
When the action arrives, it is explosive. Claybourne is a nasty new addition to the cast, appearing as a formidable antagonist in Colin’s stead. I expect the battles in the finale will be utterly epic, but I hope we will still find quieter moments to process all that is going on. Calvin has struck this balance masterfully so far, so I have no doubt that all the strands of this family’s story will come together. It worked in my favour that I didn’t start this book until close to Legend’s release. Harbinger ends on a perilous note, leaving you desperate for the next instalment.
There will be mild spoilers in this review for anyone who hasn’t yet started the series.
After Alexander and Lydia’s simple wedding, Andrew and Rynn must leave the Mage’s Gate and find his youngest brother, Thomas (the only logical successor to the miserable tyrant, Colin). But first, he must reconnect with the Corodan, the giant insects he had battled and freed from an oppressive hive queen in Exile. I was so excited to learn more about their complex underground society as Andrew strives to win their support for the battles ahead.
More familiar names appear and we catch up with events from the North, learning of the dreadful society Colin has created. Andrew meets a few people from his past and finds unexpected allies on Thomas’s side. There are fantastic supporting character arcs, with some proving to be stronger and kinder than they first seemed.
Although the whole series is Andrew’s story, each book features one of the brothers prominently. Exile was all Andrew, with guest appearances from the others. Guardian he shared with Alex, and while I wouldn’t say Legacy will belong to Colin, the whole series has been building towards a big confrontation with him.
Harbinger, however, is Thomas’s story. He is the brother who Andrew knows least. Spending time in hiding, they have a chance to bond, as Andrew did with Alexander on his Mage Quest. Thomas is one of my favourites. Despite being a peacekeeper, he has a way of inadvertently upsetting people; I completely relate to his distress in this area. He struggles with the complexities of people’s emotions and has been placed in a position where interpersonal dynamics become heated quickly and he must make decisions that affect many people. It is all quite an adjustment for someone who is primarily a scholar.
Both he and Andrew make plans involving the other without proper communication. These assumptions are the main source of tension between them. However, both grow to understand each other better. It was good to see Thomas embrace leadership qualities he was never raised for, being the furthest in line from the throne.
Although the pace never lets up, I liked that Andrew spends time overwintering in the highlands as his brothers prepare their forces to face Colin. It creates a steady routine and allows for some breathing room between conflicts. It also gives the character relationships a chance to shine.
Andrew’s closeness to Rynn is explored. On the way to Thomas, there is a poignant moment where he is able to find some closure regarding Vera. This healing process helps him look to the future. It is sweet to see Rynn make Andrew laugh. Despite her frosty touch, she is all sunshine inside.
Content warnings:
When the action arrives, it is explosive. Claybourne is a nasty new addition to the cast, appearing as a formidable antagonist in Colin’s stead. I expect the battles in the finale will be utterly epic, but I hope we will still find quieter moments to process all that is going on. Calvin has struck this balance masterfully so far, so I have no doubt that all the strands of this family’s story will come together. It worked in my favour that I didn’t start this book until close to Legend’s release. Harbinger ends on a perilous note, leaving you desperate for the next instalment.
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April 23, 2024Harbinger, what a story. We continue our journey with Andrew the Skin changer and his brother Alexander who has completed his journey to become a Magi. Now that Alexander has become a full Magi and is learning what powers and gifts he has, the brothers must go their separate ways. Andrew will journey to find Tom, their youngest brother and Alexander will build his army of Magi and other magic folk to face Colin, their fourth brother and tyrant king. Andrew heads north in his dragon form through the night and out of sight of Colin’s armies who are waiting for their return through the magic gates. Will Andrew find Tom? What allies will they have in the coming battle? Will Tom have a sizable army of his own? As Andrew travels and joins in the fight he learns of all the atrocities that Colin has committed in his reign as king. Now more than ever Andrew knows there is no choice but to kill Colin to save his brothers and the people of their homeland. Will they be successful? Who will fall and who will be triumphant? Will the brothers ever see each other again? Time will only tell.
September 7, 2024
With every book in AJ Calvin’s Caein Legacy series, I find myself enthralled by the story of Andrew and his brothers and their friends a little bit more. In Harbinger, Alexander’s quest is seemingly complete and his impending marriage to Lydia is a source of joy and will also mark the moment the brothers must part as Andrew must journey far away to rally with Thomas and the forces gathering to hold off their rogue brother and king, Colin. I particularly enjoyed the story arc with Rynn, who I liked very much in the previous book, with her cursed mage power that won’t allow her to touch anyone but Andrew, and Andrew’s reticence to allow himself to love again after the death of his first wife. Their scenes together were some of my favorites in the book as I waited to see if Andrew’s heart would heal. (And also, the scenes where they traveled by dragon were just plain fun. Andrew is delightfully dry in his dragon form.) This was a thrilling book from a military standpoint as well, with some old friends and acquaintances reappearing and a finale… that made me preorder book 4 right away 😊. 5/5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews