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The Bleeding Worlds #1
Harbinger
Our reality is founded on secrets. Beings with god-like powers pass through society unnoticed. Some aim to protect us. Others seek our destruction.
Guided by prophecies and twisted beliefs, they all watch for the Harbinger. Many believe it heralds the ultimate end, Ragnarok. A select few see it as a tool to manipulate creation itself.
Gwynn Dormath knows none of this. He's a barely noticed kid going through the motions of his every day.
That comes to a halt when Sophia sits down across from him.
For years, Gwynn has admired her from afar.
When the most shocking words he can imagine come from her mouth, he knows his world is forever changing.
It begins with a simple date. A date which ends in explosive tragedy.
Injured, confused, Gwynn realizes he sees things no one else can. He begins wielding powers no human should. The world is cracking open, its secrets bleeding out.
In those secrets lay the revelation of grave danger. Forbidden agents of darkness gather, intent on killing thousands of worlds. And they believe Gwynn Dormath is the Harbinger.
Combining his love of anime, light novels, and mythology, The Bleeding Worlds is the first novel series by YouTuber Justus R. Stone.
Guided by prophecies and twisted beliefs, they all watch for the Harbinger. Many believe it heralds the ultimate end, Ragnarok. A select few see it as a tool to manipulate creation itself.
Gwynn Dormath knows none of this. He's a barely noticed kid going through the motions of his every day.
That comes to a halt when Sophia sits down across from him.
For years, Gwynn has admired her from afar.
When the most shocking words he can imagine come from her mouth, he knows his world is forever changing.
It begins with a simple date. A date which ends in explosive tragedy.
Injured, confused, Gwynn realizes he sees things no one else can. He begins wielding powers no human should. The world is cracking open, its secrets bleeding out.
In those secrets lay the revelation of grave danger. Forbidden agents of darkness gather, intent on killing thousands of worlds. And they believe Gwynn Dormath is the Harbinger.
Combining his love of anime, light novels, and mythology, The Bleeding Worlds is the first novel series by YouTuber Justus R. Stone.
336 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 28, 2012
About the author
Justus R. Stone
6 books150 followersJustus R. Stone‘s writing combines his fandom of light novels, anime, video games, and mythology. His first series, The Bleeding Worlds, is a very anime-esque retelling of the Norse end-times myth Ragnarok. He is currently working on a new series (which is very hush-hush).
In addition to writing, he runs a YouTube channel dedicated to his love of light novels (the source material for numerous anime and manga). He posts several videos, including news, reviews, and podcasts, on a weekly basis.
Justus R. Stone was born, raised, and still lives in the Greater Toronto area in Ontario, Canada with his wife, two sons, and two dogs. He loves interacting with fans and he can be found on numerous social media platforms
In addition to writing, he runs a YouTube channel dedicated to his love of light novels (the source material for numerous anime and manga). He posts several videos, including news, reviews, and podcasts, on a weekly basis.
Justus R. Stone was born, raised, and still lives in the Greater Toronto area in Ontario, Canada with his wife, two sons, and two dogs. He loves interacting with fans and he can be found on numerous social media platforms
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 10, 2019
Harbinger certainly reflects the author's stated love of anime. I could absolutely imagine this story working in that format. There are plenty of options for great visuals and memorable characters. Sadly it didn't quite gel for me as a novel. There was potential, and the plot moved at a good pace, but there were too many references and ideas introduced but never elaborated on, and I struggled to accept Gwynn's motivations and choices at times, which sometimes seemed merely convenient and which made me disconnect from him as a hero figure. By no means did I hate the book, but I think a little editorial tightening could have really enhanced it. In the end I am giving it three stars. It has promise, and I am sure it will appeal to fans of teen-aimed manga/anime-style stories.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2012
I won this book in a giveaway of the author, and when he contacted me, I promised him a single thing: to give it an honest review, no matter what. So, here it goes…
Harbinger took me by surprise, and I must admit that… it was a very good one! At first sight I knew I would like it: the gender is one of my favorites, the synopsis intrigued me, and although I try not to judge a book by its cover, I could not help noticing how beautiful this one is. Nevertheless, it's the kind of story that, if it is not well-written, it can go very badly, very quickly.
Luckily, that was not the case. The plot is quite original and it opens up to millions of possibilities. Personally, my favorite books are those that can transport me to another world, to another time, that even for a brief moment can make me forget who I am and where I am. For me, books mean freedom. And Harbinger didn’t just set me free, but also from the very beginning it made me the “unspoken promise” that it would take me to millions of different worlds… and I believe it is a promise that will be kept in future books.
I have a few comments on the book. Firstly, the characters are interesting, but I feel that lacked that one character that said the right thing at the right time, that made me laugh in the middle of all the tension. Gwynn had its moments, but it wasn’t his job to make me laugh. Secondly, perhaps the action scenes were too heavily described, leaving little to be imagined (but I suppose that the author really wanted us to live it the way he had imagined). Another problem for me was the names: some of them were difficult to pronounce. And Gwynn… I mean, are you really going to name your main male character "Gwynn"? Seriously??? Oooooook…… Fortunately, the story made me pass right over those details very quickly.
In general, this book kept me entertained and wanting to read more. It gives many answers towards the end, but leaves others unanswered, just enough to keep me anxiously waiting for the next book.
Harbinger is a fantastic book without becoming ridiculous, and I openly recommend it to all those people that, like me, enjoy to plunge among the pages of a book and to be dragged into another world where anything can happen. :)
Ahora, en español: =D
Gané este libro en un giveaway del autor, y cuando él me contactó, le prometí una sola cosa: darle una reseña honesta, sin importar qué. Así que, aquí va…
Harbinger me tomó por sorpresa, y debo admitir que… fue una muy buena sorpresa! A simple vista supe que me gustaría: el género es uno de mis favoritos, la sinopsis me intrigó, y aunque intento no juzgar a un libro por su portada, no pude evitar notar lo hermosa que esta era. Sin embargo, es la clase de historia que, si no está bien escrita, puede ir muy mal, muy rápidamente.
Por suerte, este no fue el caso. La trama es bastante original y se abre a millones de posibilidades. Personalmente, mis libros favoritos son aquellos que pueden transportarme a otro mundo, a otra época, que aunque sea por un momento puedan hacerme olvidar de quién soy y dónde estoy. Para mí, los libros son libertar. Y Harbinger no sólo me liberó, sino que desde el comienzo me hizo la tácita promesa de que me llevaría a millones de mundos diferentes… y creo que es una promesa que será mantenida en las futuras entregas.
Tengo algunos comentarios respecto al libro. Primero, los personajes son interesantes, pero siento que faltó ese personaje que dijera lo justo en el momento indicado, que me hiciera reír en medio de la tensión. Gwynn tenía sus momentos, pero no era su trabajo el hacerme reír. Segundo, quizás las escenas de acción estaban demasiado descritas, dejando poco para ser imaginado (aunque supongo que el autor realmente quería que lo viviéramos como él lo había imaginado). Otro problema para mí fueron los nombres: algunos de ellos podían ser muy difíciles de pronunciar. Y Gwynn… O sea, vas a nombrar a tu personaje masculino principal “Gwynn”? De verdad??? Oooooook…… Afortunadamente, la historia me hizo pasar por alto esos detalles muy rápidamente.
A rasgos generales, este libro me mantuvo entretenida y queriendo leer más. Da muchas respuestas llegando al final, pero deja otras preguntas sin responder, lo suficiente para que espere ansiosamente por el próximo libro.
Harbinger es un libro fantástico sin llegar a ser ridículo, y lo recomiendo abiertamente a todas aquellas personas que, como yo, disfrutan de zambullirse entre las páginas de un libro y ser arrastradas hacia otro mundo donde cualquier cosa puede pasar. :)
Harbinger took me by surprise, and I must admit that… it was a very good one! At first sight I knew I would like it: the gender is one of my favorites, the synopsis intrigued me, and although I try not to judge a book by its cover, I could not help noticing how beautiful this one is. Nevertheless, it's the kind of story that, if it is not well-written, it can go very badly, very quickly.
Luckily, that was not the case. The plot is quite original and it opens up to millions of possibilities. Personally, my favorite books are those that can transport me to another world, to another time, that even for a brief moment can make me forget who I am and where I am. For me, books mean freedom. And Harbinger didn’t just set me free, but also from the very beginning it made me the “unspoken promise” that it would take me to millions of different worlds… and I believe it is a promise that will be kept in future books.
I have a few comments on the book. Firstly, the characters are interesting, but I feel that lacked that one character that said the right thing at the right time, that made me laugh in the middle of all the tension. Gwynn had its moments, but it wasn’t his job to make me laugh. Secondly, perhaps the action scenes were too heavily described, leaving little to be imagined (but I suppose that the author really wanted us to live it the way he had imagined). Another problem for me was the names: some of them were difficult to pronounce. And Gwynn… I mean, are you really going to name your main male character "Gwynn"? Seriously??? Oooooook…… Fortunately, the story made me pass right over those details very quickly.
In general, this book kept me entertained and wanting to read more. It gives many answers towards the end, but leaves others unanswered, just enough to keep me anxiously waiting for the next book.
Harbinger is a fantastic book without becoming ridiculous, and I openly recommend it to all those people that, like me, enjoy to plunge among the pages of a book and to be dragged into another world where anything can happen. :)
Ahora, en español: =D
Gané este libro en un giveaway del autor, y cuando él me contactó, le prometí una sola cosa: darle una reseña honesta, sin importar qué. Así que, aquí va…
Harbinger me tomó por sorpresa, y debo admitir que… fue una muy buena sorpresa! A simple vista supe que me gustaría: el género es uno de mis favoritos, la sinopsis me intrigó, y aunque intento no juzgar a un libro por su portada, no pude evitar notar lo hermosa que esta era. Sin embargo, es la clase de historia que, si no está bien escrita, puede ir muy mal, muy rápidamente.
Por suerte, este no fue el caso. La trama es bastante original y se abre a millones de posibilidades. Personalmente, mis libros favoritos son aquellos que pueden transportarme a otro mundo, a otra época, que aunque sea por un momento puedan hacerme olvidar de quién soy y dónde estoy. Para mí, los libros son libertar. Y Harbinger no sólo me liberó, sino que desde el comienzo me hizo la tácita promesa de que me llevaría a millones de mundos diferentes… y creo que es una promesa que será mantenida en las futuras entregas.
Tengo algunos comentarios respecto al libro. Primero, los personajes son interesantes, pero siento que faltó ese personaje que dijera lo justo en el momento indicado, que me hiciera reír en medio de la tensión. Gwynn tenía sus momentos, pero no era su trabajo el hacerme reír. Segundo, quizás las escenas de acción estaban demasiado descritas, dejando poco para ser imaginado (aunque supongo que el autor realmente quería que lo viviéramos como él lo había imaginado). Otro problema para mí fueron los nombres: algunos de ellos podían ser muy difíciles de pronunciar. Y Gwynn… O sea, vas a nombrar a tu personaje masculino principal “Gwynn”? De verdad??? Oooooook…… Afortunadamente, la historia me hizo pasar por alto esos detalles muy rápidamente.
A rasgos generales, este libro me mantuvo entretenida y queriendo leer más. Da muchas respuestas llegando al final, pero deja otras preguntas sin responder, lo suficiente para que espere ansiosamente por el próximo libro.
Harbinger es un libro fantástico sin llegar a ser ridículo, y lo recomiendo abiertamente a todas aquellas personas que, como yo, disfrutan de zambullirse entre las páginas de un libro y ser arrastradas hacia otro mundo donde cualquier cosa puede pasar. :)
November 12, 2012
In Harbinger, the first book in the Bleeding Worlds series, Justus Stone tells the story of Gwynn as he discovers that he isn't who he thought he was, but is instead one of a hidden group of special beings with god-like powers. His awakening to his new power coincides with a plot by others like him that threatens to destroy his world. Gwynn is called upon to fight, but first he has to figure out what it is that he's fighting for.
Though uneven at times, Harbinger is a fast-paced and enjoyable read. The story moves quickly and there's enough action and real danger to satisfy and to keep one interested in the outcome. This is all the more commendable given that Stone at times seems to be trying to weave in to the story too many plot points and one-off references which are never subsequently explained. Gwynn’s primary motivation is also at times unbelievable.
All of that being said, this is a very good first effort and readers will likely be waiting with anticipation for the second book in the series.
Though uneven at times, Harbinger is a fast-paced and enjoyable read. The story moves quickly and there's enough action and real danger to satisfy and to keep one interested in the outcome. This is all the more commendable given that Stone at times seems to be trying to weave in to the story too many plot points and one-off references which are never subsequently explained. Gwynn’s primary motivation is also at times unbelievable.
All of that being said, this is a very good first effort and readers will likely be waiting with anticipation for the second book in the series.
April 13, 2021
seriously disjointed.. At one point i thought the author had made a mistake and put one section of the book before it was supposed to be. But no.. it seems the jumping around is purposeful or... really really bad editing/no proof reading. I dono ..Just know that i gave up about 1/2 through this book. Nothing made sense
August 11, 2019
I received this book as a free eBook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The bleeding worlds - Harbinger is a fast paced story, packed with adventures, danger and mythology. It will keep you at the edge of your
seat and it will make you want to know more about what is happening. I definitely struggled to put it down before I got to the end of it.
It's a very original take on the Norse Mythology, with characters well developed and interesting backgrounds. It's very refreshing to see a different kind of main character, one that is not the super star of his school, the best looking, most popular student. Instead we're getting a
quiet guy, trying to get through high school unnoticed when his life takes another unexpected turn and changes everything he knew. Also, the way we're learning about this world as the story progresses, at the same time
with the main character makes it eaier to get transported into this world.
The plot is easy to follow and has a few unexpected twists that keep you
on your toes. The author is describing the world in detail, so you get a
pretty good taste of what's going on. Sometimes, it gets a bit repetitive, but rather than getting boring or annoying it only adds more to the
atmosphere and helps getting a better understanding of what is happening.
In short, it was a great book, I would 100% recommend it, especially if
you like the Norse Mythology, Percy
Jackson or The Summoner this
book is definitely for you. Can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the
books from the series.🤩
The bleeding worlds - Harbinger is a fast paced story, packed with adventures, danger and mythology. It will keep you at the edge of your
seat and it will make you want to know more about what is happening. I definitely struggled to put it down before I got to the end of it.
It's a very original take on the Norse Mythology, with characters well developed and interesting backgrounds. It's very refreshing to see a different kind of main character, one that is not the super star of his school, the best looking, most popular student. Instead we're getting a
quiet guy, trying to get through high school unnoticed when his life takes another unexpected turn and changes everything he knew. Also, the way we're learning about this world as the story progresses, at the same time
with the main character makes it eaier to get transported into this world.
The plot is easy to follow and has a few unexpected twists that keep you
on your toes. The author is describing the world in detail, so you get a
pretty good taste of what's going on. Sometimes, it gets a bit repetitive, but rather than getting boring or annoying it only adds more to the
atmosphere and helps getting a better understanding of what is happening.
In short, it was a great book, I would 100% recommend it, especially if
you like the Norse Mythology, Percy
Jackson or The Summoner this
book is definitely for you. Can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the
books from the series.🤩
October 1, 2012
I have to say... As an advanced reader, I was prepared to be very hard on this book. Didn't even think I would like it...
Totally took me by surprise! I've actually read it twice now, and "Harbinger" just leaves me wanting more. This amazed me! Few series do this to me... Off hand I can think of the "Divergent" series.
Mr. Stone?! I want more!!! Ha! Hope you're prepared to continue "The Bleeding Worlds". And quickly!
It is so refreshing to have a youthful male protagonist. Also, to have a YA novel that isn't set in some far off, dystopian future. A local feel, that this could be happening today, just down your street is unique.
I truly would like to say and discuss more, but will refrain... For now! Can't wait for this to release.
Totally took me by surprise! I've actually read it twice now, and "Harbinger" just leaves me wanting more. This amazed me! Few series do this to me... Off hand I can think of the "Divergent" series.
Mr. Stone?! I want more!!! Ha! Hope you're prepared to continue "The Bleeding Worlds". And quickly!
It is so refreshing to have a youthful male protagonist. Also, to have a YA novel that isn't set in some far off, dystopian future. A local feel, that this could be happening today, just down your street is unique.
I truly would like to say and discuss more, but will refrain... For now! Can't wait for this to release.
Want to Read
December 20, 2012Ok, I think this book has great potential to make it a best seller,meaning a #1 seller. Once word gets out to the teen genre it will excel. I think adults will buy the book also. It seems like it will have some mysterye4eq and intrigue. I'm 35 and I will buy the book but I really want to win this book. My daughter loves to read and collect books ad much me. I haven't been at it long, but i have come to realize that I love to read and listrn to audio books. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of your book. I hope to won
,
,
November 29, 2012
This review may contain spoilers:
A pretty good book, I liked the veil with all of the mythological references thrown in with a good explanation about the abilities. The author did a really good job with Gwynns' background and growth but the abilities were for the most part pretty linear until near the end when they got more intricate hopefully the second book will have a bit more of the abilities revealed and hopefully a good love interest for Gwynn that does not die.
A pretty good book, I liked the veil with all of the mythological references thrown in with a good explanation about the abilities. The author did a really good job with Gwynns' background and growth but the abilities were for the most part pretty linear until near the end when they got more intricate hopefully the second book will have a bit more of the abilities revealed and hopefully a good love interest for Gwynn that does not die.
August 23, 2013
Harbinger is very good book. It is not the best, but I might read other two books. I like the characters. I like the twist and turns in the book, although it can get kind of confusing especially in the middle. It is something you have push through. However the ending is not that satisfy as I want it to be. It was just a typical ending. In the end, I still give it 4 out 5 stars. I recommend this book to anyone who likes Percy Jackson, but wants something a little darker. That's my review!
March 27, 2013
the first book has great potential to be a great fantasy series. some elements were not explained well but i let it go necause this is his first book. what i felt by the end of the is the same thing i felt after watching a good japanese anime
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews