Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven

by Richard Harland

From the author of Worldshaker, an extraordinary dystopia of angels and apocalypse. The Ferren Trilogy was chosen by the Independent Book Review as one of the Eight Best Series of the last few years (and one of only two fantasy series).

In a retro-future world, the continents of our planet have been reduced to ruined wastelands after a thousand years of war between Heaven and Earth. The war began ten years on from our present time, when human medical scientists pushed over the boundary between life and death, resuscitated a human brain, discovered the reality of a Heavenly afterlife and ended up fighting against the angels. Now, Earth's military forces are composed of artificially created Humen, while the original human beings have been reduced to a mere survival existence, living in fearful, isolated tribes.
 
Miriael is the angel who was shot down, fell to Earth and miraculously survived; Ferren is the young tribesman who found her. Together they'e been building a Residual Alliance of human tribes willing to cast off their slavish 'alliance' to the Humen and stand up for themselves.
 
In Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven, the Residual Alliance is almost ready to act when the Humen find themselves a new leader and act first. Asmodai is a traitor angel far more dangerous than any Humen 'Doctor', and brings his own special powers to reinforce the secret weapons of Earth's armies. With Asmodai in charge, the Humen launch their long-planned invasion of Heaven.
 
Asmodai also has a particular interest in Miriael, who once fell in love with him. She has to untangle her new, human-like feelings, while Ferren has to sort out his own tangled feelings when Zonda reappears. Now he must deal with that past relationship while working through his new feelings for Kiet, which have become more than feelings of ordinary friendship.
 
The third book of the trilogy contains shocks and betrayals, a desperate pursuit, close encounters with the highest archangels, an amazing journey up to Heaven, and the wonders and terrors of terra-celestial warfare. The final battle in Heaven will be the turning point that decides the entire thousand-year war. But there are more twists to come before the end ...

Genres: Fantasy

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2025

About the author

I was born in Yorkshire, England, then migrated to Australia at the age of twenty-one. I was always trying to write, but could never finish the stories I began. Instead I drifted around as a singer, songwriter and poet, then became a university tutor and finally a university lecturer. But after twenty-five years of writer’s block, I finally finished the cult novel, The Vicar of Morbing Vyle, and resigned my lectureship to follow my original dream.

Since then, I've had seventeen books published, all fantasy, SF or horror/supernatural, ranging from Children’s to Young Adult to Adult. My biggest success internationally has come with my YA steampunk fantasies, Worldshaker and its sequels. I've won six Aurealis Awards (Australia's Nebulas) and the Prix Tam-tam du Livre Jeunesse for Le Worldshaker.

I live with partner Aileen near Wollongong, south of Sydney, between golden beaches and green escarpment. Walking Yogi the Labrador while listening to music is my favourite relaxation—when I'm not writing like a mad workaholic, catching up on those wasted twenty-five years …

My website for The Ferren Trilogy and other books is at www.ferren.com.au. I've also put up a comprehensive 145-page guide of tips for writing fantasy fiction at www.writingtips.com.au.

Reviews

[Richard Harland]

Editorial Reviews> BOOKLIFE REVIEWS (supplement to Publishers Weekly, Feb 17)

"The “Humen” of a dystopian future Earth storm Heaven itself in this polished and confident climactic installment of Harland’s Ferren Trilogy. Pulsing with complex relationships—platonic, familial, and romantic—layered world-building, angel lore, and epic celestial battles involving great snakes, spike-guns, flamethrowers, and the Sword of Judgement itself, this entry offers a harrowing yet vividly imagined epic that spans realms. The tension ramps up quickly. Even as the Residual Alliance has rescued the fallen angel Miriael and defeated the evil Doctor Saniette, the angels above deliver a message for their earthly adversaries: "Surrender now or suffer your fate. Your terrible fate." Led by archangel Uriel, the angels prepare to launch an attack on the vulnerable Humen. But the fallen angel Asmodai, Miriael's former love, has other plans, moving to take over the Humen Camp and lure Miriael back into his awaiting wings.


As humanity’s secret weapon, Asmodai leads the fight to the Heavens, while Miriael, whose visionary dreams will aid the incursion, and her friends must pick a side and practice some tense diplomacy. The action is inventive and surprising, blending future tech and feathered hosts, as Harland establishes a brisk pace with emotional stakes that match the apocalyptic narrative. Though biblical figures abound—archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel—Harland presents them as players in a sweeping fantasy rather than symbols of faith or religious teachings. That allows for unexpected compacts, jolting betrayals, and a welcome sense, too rare in angel-driven epics, that anything can happen. The geography of Heaven and strategies involving the front and supply lines are as fascinating and clear as the emotions and choices faced by the heroes.

Fans of fantasy, angel lore, and desperate rebellions will find Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven compelling but are advised to start with the earlier volumes. For all this entry’s epic scope and long-built-to payoffs, Harland never loses sight of the human, emphasizing community, family bonds, and preserving the future as the tale races to an explosive conclusion.

Takeaway: Epic, imaginative climactic battle between Heaven and Earth."
(review quoted complete)

Editorial Reviews> KIRKUS REVIEWS

… Harland focuses this final installment of his fantasy series on action. The set pieces are memorable—Miriael, along with Ferren’s sister Shanna, witness angels and Humen clash; myriad Residuals flee their enemy in the midst of an intense hailstorm; and the lengthy, riveting climax is searing … Plenty of story unfolds in this novel … as one character’s demand to oversee the Residuals’ assembly sparks contempt and another’s subdued romantic feelings beget petty jealousy. Tension steadily builds as the Humen work on an “unimaginably huge construction” for a purpose not immediately apparent. The author rounds out this brisk finale with appearances from archangels, Miriael’s “visionary dreams,” and a wholly satisfying wrap-up.
An action-packed dystopian story teeming with celestial warriors and diabolical machines.

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent, Creative, Brilliantly Executed
Richard Harland wraps up his imaginative series The Ferren Trilogy with brilliance in “Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven.” To my mind, no one quite compares to Mr. Harland when it comes to creative world-building as Heaven and Earth engage in warfare that may destroy them both. Second only to his world-building is his ability to devise marvelously complex characters who may seem so different from us, his readers, until we begin to see ourselves in them.

Roughly 600 years after a catastrophic event changed Earth forever, this entire series is built around a few small tribes of survivors, known as Residuals, in the early years of 3000AD. Among these Residuals is a young man named Ferren who believed as he was taught- that the Residual tribes fought on the side of Earth along with an artificial fighting force known as the Humen. They have been at war with Heaven for as long as anyone remembers, fearing both the angels of heaven whom they fight against and the strange creations of Doctor Saniette – the unreal and terrifying Humen who are presumed to be allies of the Residuals.

Ferren was considered a strange child by his tribe as he grew. But everything changed when he found an angel named Miriael who was shot down by the Humen army near his home. Learning more about his so-called “enemy” than anyone in previous memory, the complex weaving of lies began to erode and Ferren became a voice for truth in a world that knew no truth. Ferren has become the Freedom Fighter Earth needs if it’s going to survive this invasive force made by devious minds who will literally do anything to rule both Heaven and Earth.

The characters fans have grown to love through the first two books return, including the intrepid Shanna (Ferren’s sister), Zonda (leader of Ferren’s tribe), Kiet (a natural leader of the Nesters), and Peeper (a Morph whose colony was trapped and taken away). There’s also Asmodai, the fallen angel who has no trouble doing or saying whatever it takes to move his agenda forward. He has proven to be lower than the nastiest, slimiest worm, yet his silver tongue still wins others over.

Harland takes his cast of diverse and richly developed characters and interweaves them with a finely honed plot. “Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven” is a fast-paced, pitch-perfect story that engages from the start with its creatively unique concept of a post-apocalyptic world that seems to have lost its struggle with good and evil. Ferren, Shanna, Zonda, and Kiet are fabulous role models who find themselves thrust into the position of heroes even though they don’t consider themselves to be worthy of this designation. They’re simply young people who finally turn over enough stones to discover the truth and recognize who their true enemies are. They’re not perfect, they’re not overly smart or bred for great things. They’re just the ones with enough curiosity to uncover the truth and enough backbone to ensure that the lies are brought out into the light for everyone to know.

As a geek who loves maps and back stories, I am a reader who greatly appreciates Mr. Harland’s attention to detail. Among the resources he provides within “Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven” readers will find a brief description of the characters including reminders of their roles in the previous books, the date line of the war(s) that lead to the destruction of Earth as we know it, a map of the current world, and even a good reference on traditional lore of angelology. All these resources are invaluable for those of us who love sinking all the way into an epic tale.

Having been privileged to enjoy the entire trilogy, I can wholeheartedly recommend this saga to fans who enjoy teen/young adult fantasies that cross over into science fiction and the supernatural as well. Readers who enjoy stories rich with angelology will love that Harland has based these stories on researchable ancient lore regarding the fall of angels, adding an extra dimension to an already fascinating story. With engaging characters, charming wit, a strong plot, and fabulous resources, the entire coming-of-age saga of The Ferren Trilogy is not to be missed by young or old. I recommend beginning with book one, “Ferren and the Angel,” for full enjoyment.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven” by Richard Harland brings The Ferren Trilogy to a breath-taking and unforgettable conclusion. After devouring “Ferren and the Doomsday Mission,” I was eager to see how Ferren’s journey would end. For now, let’s just say Harland does not hold back in this finale.

The story dives straight into the action with Heaven’s armies preparing for a final, all-out assault on the Humen stronghold at Bankstown Camp. Ferren, now a more battle-hardened and deter-mined leader, faces the immense task of rallying the fractured Residual tribes into a united force. The stakes have never been higher, with the war between Heaven and Earth reaching its tipping point and dark forces gathering power on both sides. Meanwhile, Miriael, the fallen angel Ferren saved, struggles with painful memories and shifting allegiances as the dangerous and enigmatic Asmodai makes his return. Ferren’s mission to save the Residuals—and their very future—becomes a battle on every front, where survival feels increasingly uncertain.

One of the things I’ve come to love about this series is how Harland raises the stakes with each book, and here he pulls out all the stops. The scale of the war is epic—angels sweeping in across the sky, chariots of fire, the eerie hum of Humen force fields vibrating through the pages—yet even with all that, the story always feels deeply personal.

The characters are the beating heart of this book. Ferren’s transformation from a hesitant boy to a resolute leader is handled beautifully, and his changing relationship with Miriael reflects this growth. Their bond is tested as the war escalates, with each of them carrying their own burdens, but the strength of their connection remains vital to the story. At the same time, Ferren’s quiet realization that he’s loved someone else all along adds a deeply personal and introspective layer to his journey, reminding us of the humanity that endures even in the darkest times. Each charac-ter brings something vital to this finale.

Let’s talk about Asmodai—calculated, charismatic, and cruel—he is the perfect antagonist. He exudes a chilling presence that makes every scene he’s in bristle with tension. His creation, the flying wing, is a horrifying extension of his genius, powered by the anguished cries of Morphs—a dark reminder of just how far he’ll go to achieve his goals. I could actually feel Miriael’s pain as it relates to Asmodai—as much as I loathed him, his presence commanded my full attention!

The writing itself is as immersive as ever, with vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was right there on the battlefield, watching angels clash with Humen or creeping through the shadows with Ferren and his team. Harland also keeps the themes sharp—unity, sacrifice, loyalty, and the resilience of hope in the face of overwhelming odds.

By the time I reached the final pages, I couldn’t believe it was over. After following Ferren’s journey through three extraordinary books, I felt a mix of satisfaction and sadness—it’s that rare kind of series that stays with you long after you’ve closed the cover. If you haven’t started this trilogy yet, do yourself a favor and pick up “Ferren and the Angel” immediately. And if you’ve been following along, you’ll find “Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven” a worthy, heart-pounding finale.

Richard Harland has delivered a series that’s one part epic fantasy, one part dystopian adventure, and all heart. What a ride!

[Neena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harland’s The Ferren Trilogy plunges readers into a dystopian future of celestial warfare and human perseverance, telling a story of defiance, hope, and transformation. The series begins with “Ferren and the Angel,” which thrusts readers into the fractured, war-torn Earth of the year 3000. Above the desolation, celestial battles rage, while below, Ferren, a young boy marked by quiet rebellion, grapples with his tribe’s fear-driven traditions. Miriael, a fallen angel, is caught between her ethereal grace and the harsh realities of Earth. The trilogy continues with “Ferren and the Doomsday Mission,” intensifying the stakes as Ferren and Miriael navigate a dark, post-apocalyptic world. Struggling to unite the fractured Residual tribes against the Humen army, they face relentless threats in a harrowing battle for survival. The final installment, “Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven,” delivers a bold conclusion, pitting celestial and earthly forces in a climactic showdown.


Harland’s world-building is excellent. His vivid descriptions create an immersive setting that feels as vast as it is intimate. The remnants of humanity, represented by various tribes such as the Sea-folk, are fleshed out in rich detail, from their rituals and fears to their struggles for survival. Harland’s portrayal of the celestial Fourth Portal and the eerie Humen construction zones adds layers of mystery and awe to the setting. The landscapes, from desolate plains to the mesmerizing yet treacherous sea, are rendered hauntingly, amplifying the story’s tension and sense of wonder.

Ferren’s evolution from a reluctant survivor to a determined leader, tasked with uniting a splintered world, is portrayed with authenticity and depth. Miriael’s celestial identity continues to be a poignant thread in the narrative as she wrestles with her ties to both Heaven and Earth. Her vulnerability makes her celestial nature painfully human, while her complex relationship with Asmodai adds layers of conflict to her internal struggle. Her uneasy alliance with Ferren, built on shifting power dynamics and mutual discovery, keeps the tension high throughout the trilogy.

Harland’s writing strikes a perfect balance between the vastness of the celestial war and the intimate, emotional stakes of the characters. The battles, both cosmic and terrestrial, are intense, chaotic, and emotionally charged. Yet, it is the emotional resonance of these conflicts, alongside Ferren and Miriael’s personal journeys, that makes the trilogy so compelling.

At its heart, the series is a powerful meditation on identity, loyalty, and redemption. It explores the cost of freedom, the sacrifices necessary to confront oppression, and the personal battles faced in the pursuit of a greater cause. This is a haunting, immersive journey through a world where the lines between celestial and earthly forces blur, and the cost of redemption is steep. Lovers of dystopian fantasy, angelic mythology, and high-stakes rebellious quests should add this series to their reading list.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferren has travelled far and wide to set up the residual alliance, and now the representatives are gathering together to decide how they will destroy the Humen armies. In the process, they hope to help save Heaven from being taken over by a fallen angel known as Asmodai, who has already betrayed his close friend and former angel, Miriael. Introducing new people into the alliance changes many things and Ferren discovers his own emotions are in turmoil as he tries to make sense of everything that happens because of his actions and what it will mean if they fail.

The final part of Richard Harland's Ferren Trilogy is a fantastic read from start to finish. I was desperate to find out what happened but equally didn't want it to end. The world building expertise and vivid imagination of the author makes this book an exciting reading experience where it was easy to picture the important locations and machinery that is vital to the storyline. Added to this were the descriptions of the vastness and desolation of Earth and the eternal paradise of Heaven, which made this alternate universe totally believable throughout all three books. I always felt fully immersed each time I joined Ferren and his comrades on their incredible journey.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to the author, but the opinions expressed are my own. I was totally outside my comfort zone at the beginning of book one, but that soon changed. This is an exceptional series that I will definitely read again in order to appreciate all its layers more fully. Highly recommended.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you look for in the final book of a trilogy? An exciting and satisfying conclusion to the series? Characters who finally fulfill their potential? A high degree of creativity that is sure to surprise?

Well, Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven by Richard Harland possesses all of these qualities and more. The action starts from the first chapter and sees Ferren and his allies finally convening the first meeting of the Residual Alliance. Of course, things don’t go as planned and the combined threat of the artificial Humen and Asmodai (a fallen angel) looms large.

The narrative follows different points of view, with Shanna and Miriael spying on the Humen’s latest invention, which forms a launchpad for their assault upon the First Altitude of Heaven. Ferren grapples with the realities of politics and what it means to be a leader, with emerging feelings for one of his companions further complicating matters.

The different strands eventually come together and the story accelerates towards its epic conclusion as the Humen assault upon Heaven gathers momentum. Underestimated by both Heaven and the Humen, Ferren and his sabotage team play a decisive role in the outcome. Good luck trying to put the book down as the seesawing battle unfolds.

This was a fantastic conclusion to the series and I thoroughly recommend it to readers of fantasy and steampunk looking for a truly unique story.

I received an advance copy of Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

What a profound and exhilarating final chapter in this YA dystopian and fantasy series. The depth of world-building and the emotional beats that the author builds upon with this cast of characters was incredible to see come to life. Seeing Ferren grow and become the leader he was meant to be and seeing Miriael embracing humanity fully and leaning on each other while also dealing with their own personal turmoil was fascinating and emotionally invested as a reader.

The chilling nature and villainous charisma of Asmodai set a haunting tone for the novel, and his growing power and the threat of the Humen made this novel’s action and major battles easily flow. The heart of this novel, though, rested in the personal and in-depth connections these characters made with their own humanity, both for Miriael as she wrestled with her celestial identity and her life on Earth. For Ferren and his growing feelings for someone, as he tries to unite a broken world, all felt natural and authentic to their development.

The Verdict

A rich, dynamic, and powerful read, author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven” is a must-read novel. As a centuries-long fight nears its end, the larger-than-life stakes and the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes, especially the fate of both heroes and villains alike, will stay with readers long after the emotional final page turns.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Harland writes a fantastical young adult tale

In Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven, the reader is brought in to the world of future-earth, where the remnants and survivors of the war between Heaven and earth, is still lingering, making the world a vast land of nothing. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. Angels, Humen Intelligence, yes, the reality of military soldiers are artificial humans, making them Humens. Survival is key, even now, the war is not quite over, and people are scattered all over the world, within their own tribes, and then there are the angels, who remain on earth for whatever reason. What an incredible world built by Richard Harland. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! This story is has a well-written plot. If you're a fan of fantasy and dystopian worlds, no matter your age, this book is something I think you'd enjoy. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. Yes, it's the end of the world as we know it. Ferren, a tribesman, is one of the main characters, and then, there is a fallen angel, Miriael, one who finds survival and earth to be unexpected, and her savior is not what she expected. Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.

[Jay Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was 100% invested in this final instalment of 'The Ferren Trilogy.' After loving ‘Ferren and the Angel,’ and ‘Ferren and the Doomsday Mission’, the hype, anticipation and expectation I had for ‘Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven’ meant that anything short of brilliant would have left me inconsolable. Thank goodness Richard Harland didn’t disappoint! I feel so satisfied (and sad), that this series is over.

‘Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven’ is jammed packed with adventure, action, expansive imagination and suspense. The inclusion of a little romance delivers some extra wholesome moments. I especially fell in love with Mirieal’s character throughout this book in a way I didn’t in the other two stories. Her character development is outstanding.

The complexities of the world Harland created is a testament to his world-building genius. Once again, I was immersed in a movie-like experience, and this is something I’ve come to recognise as this writer’s calling card. I really enjoyed the setting shifting to heaven toward the end of the novel and couldn’t get enough of the glorious angels. I enjoyed the extra information Harland provides about the angels at the back of the book - it's rooted in deep research and is fascinating and enlightening.

I wholly recommend this trilogy. It's wonderful!

[Kibet · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the novel’s biggest strengths is its willingness to explore the gray areas between morality, faith, and identity. Asmodai, the traitor angel, is not just a villain, he’s a force that challenges every character’s convictions, especially Miriael, who must confront the remnants of a past love. Meanwhile, Ferren’s journey is equally compelling, forcing him to navigate shifting allegiances and personal relationships that feel as intense as the celestial warfare unfolding around him.
Harland’s worldbuilding is as vivid as ever, seamlessly blending high concept sci fi with theological and philosophical undertones. The depiction of Heaven, the complexity of angelic hierarchy, and the sheer scale of the war make for a cinematic reading experience. The pacing is relentless, with shocks, betrayals, and heartbreak keeping the tension high right up until the final moments.
For fans of intelligent, genre blurring fiction that isn’t afraid to challenge conventions, the book is a must read. It’s more than just an action packed finale, it’s a story that lingers, leaving you pondering the nature of humanity, love, and destiny long after the last page.

[Anthony O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strikingly original and often jaw droppingly weird Ferren and the Angel trilogy comes to a close with Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven and friends, it's quite the ending.

In a lot of ways Ferren #3 feels a bit like a 300-something page action scene, it begins where the previous book left off and gallops along at a fair clip until the conclusion. That's not to say it's all mindless pew-pew punch-punch, mind you. Author Richard Harland manages to include plenty of character development, nuance and even romance into the mix, however it all happens during the preparation for the final battle which gives a pleasing sense of propulsion and urgency to the proceedings.

I won't spoil the ending, but it's as epic and large scale as you might hope, with plenty of surreal combat encounters and casually bizarre imagery this series does so well.

Long story short, there's not much out there like the Ferren and the Angel series and if you're a fan of unique YA adventures you'd a dull-witted mule to miss out of this.

[Kelly McDonough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I did not read the first two books in the trilogy, the skillful writing and highly creative imagination of Harland was not lost on me. Though I would suggest reading the first two before reading this climatic, pulse-pounding ending. The battles between Heaven and dystopian Earth are done with genius flare. The Angels and the Humens are multidimensional and well-drawn characters each bringing something to the table. From page one it is action driven and the battles keep readers on edge resulting in a climactic ending like none I've ever read bringing a freshness to the fantasy realms. The story will appeal to young adults as well as all true lovers of fantasy, angel lore, future tech and fast-paced battle scenes. In some respects, this story reminded me of the "Supernatural" series. The fight between heaven and earth is palpable. High suggested reading material.

[Donna Emperador · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven is the third in the series, it can also be read as a stand-alone novel. The author provides a helpful recap in the beginning to catch you up to speed if you haven't read the previous books. He also provides a useful timeline and angel reference at the end of the book for further context.

Since this is the last in the trilogy, the war between Heaven and earth is already underway. This means there is lots of action, spying, and plotting.

However, some of my favorite parts were when the residuals were trying to get away from the humens. The author uses such vivid descriptions that I could almost feel the white feathery pollen surrounding me, hear the rush of the flooding streams, and see the bright colors of the flower trees.

This is a great book for teens and adults who like adventure, supernatural, or action.

[Hannah Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always so gratifying when the final book in a trilogy ends in a way that leaves the reader feeling settled and satisfied. I appreciated Richard Harland's ability to tie in every element from the previous 2 books and add the action that we've been building towards for so long now. I have so few complaints with this book (one of them being I wish there was more to read!).

Harland was able to take the good and evil trope and give it such a unique original spin. And what's more, he was able to wrap it all up in a way that left no loose ends. I was pleased with how the characters' story arcs wrapped up, and I thought the plot was fast-paced, thrilling, and as engaging as ever.

This series would be great for fantasy lovers (think Brandon Sanderson), and I highly suggest it if you're looking for an accessible adventure/fantasy series to get lost in!

[Stephanie Augustine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who reads a lot of fantasy novels (and I mean a lot), trilogies are very common.

To have a successful trilogy, the author must do the following:
Book 1 - Establish an interesting enough plot and world all while building character arcs.
Book 2 - Keep the momentum of Book 1 while continuing to build the characters story but make it different from Book 1 where it doesn't feel like you're re-reading the same book.
Book 3 - Don't mess up the ending.

And Richard Harland does this amazingly.

I was blown away with how good this series was and how each book kept getting better and better. The first book really builds the world and the characters. Book 2 does a great job building on that while giving new content. And Book 3? Wow... gave us a satisfying ending.

Ferren and the Invaders on Heaven picks up right after Book 2. The party splits with Shanna and Mirial staying behind to do further surveillance while the rest try to continue planning the Alliance and next steps. This book was full of tense moments that just made you want to scream - in the best way possible. It was so hard to put down because I just wanted to know what happened next. Every turn something was happening that the Residuals had to deal with. The plot kept moving, and I was along for the ride. I really enjoyed how everything ended.

But let's talk about these characters. The character growth of each one was amazing. When I think back on how these characters were in the first book to the ending - again, just wow. The arc and the story of each individual was so fleshed out and it was great to read how each one changed. We even got a little love triangle, and in my opinion - the best girl won ;). It was nice to see characters introduced in Book 1 come back while keeping the key players from the second book. I really enjoyed the growing relationship between Shanna and Mirial as well.

Overall, Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven by Richard Harlan was an amazing ending to this trilogy. I was blown away with how good this series was overall and now completely understand why it has such a die-hard fan base. The writing and storytelling just improves with each book, which is what you would expect. The plot moved so fast within this book, really bringing the intensity and urgency of each situation the characters were found in. Each of the characters had an amazing growth and I really enjoyed reading about each one. I was so happy with the ending for both Ferren and Mirial - it's exactly how I would have wanted for each of them. If you got this far in the series, don't stop now. Pick up this book and get the ending.

[Phin Ejike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven is an action-packed novel that follows Ferren, his friend Miriael, and the Residuals as they continue to challenge the forces of heaven. Set in a dystopian future, the book is everything you would expect from an action fantasy. It opens as a horde of angels set upon earth with an ominous warning, thereby drawing the readers attention from the jump. The pacing of the book remains quick and its tempo high, delivering action sequences between moments of reflection and emotionality between the characters. The book explores themes of faith and free will.

I enjoyed the read, but I think it would be most enjoyable to young readers. Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven serves as a fitting conclusion to Harland’s trilogy.

[Dan Hocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy.

What a great ending to the Ferren trilogy!
Ferren and his friends battle it out to continue their fight against the Humens. He goes through a lot in this book, dealing with infighting, sabotage, romantic feelings and doubts about his own leadership. I feel as though this book wrapped up everything really nicely and had me wanting to keep reading each chapter to see what was going to happen next.

I would highly recommend reading this book, if you haven't read the first two, (Ferren and the Angel & Ferren and the Doomsday Mission) go ahead and read them first.

[Carol Ryles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this over a couple of days because I didn't want to put it down. There is much to love about this final book in the trilogy: the stakes are high, coming of age characters are torn between working together or going it alone, taking chances, making a few mistakes, new friends, old enemies, and caught up in a war between Heaven and the corrupt rulers of Earth. A book with a splash of humour in the right places, and also lots of heart. Highly recommended.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of the book.

Richard Harland’s Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven, the thrilling conclusion to The Ferren Trilogy, is an epic, genre-blending tale that masterfully combines dystopian landscapes, celestial battles, and deeply human struggles. Harland invites readers into a richly developed world where Heaven and Earth collide, angels and humans fight for survival, and young Ferren stands at the heart of a rebellion that may change everything.

The novel explores profound themes such as betrayal, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. Miriael, a fallen angel trapped between celestial and mortal worlds, represents a poignant exploration of identity and belonging. Her internal struggles echo through the narrative, making her a compelling counterpoint to Ferren, whose growth into a leader symbolizes hope amidst despair.

Harland’s worldbuilding is extraordinary. The post-apocalyptic Earth, populated by residual tribes, artificial Humen, and angelic invaders, feels both fantastical and eerily plausible. From the gritty, tension-filled Bankstown Camp to the spiritual and battle-hardened Residual Alliance, every setting pulsates with life and meaning.

The action sequences are breathtaking, particularly the battle scenes between Heaven’s angels and the ruthless Humen. Harland captures the intensity of warfare while interweaving moments of reflection that delve into morality and the cost of conflict. The introduction of Asmodai, a former angel with dark ambitions, adds a layer of psychological complexity and underscores the story’s central theme: the thin line between divinity and corruption.

What sets Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven apart is its heart. Despite the grand scale and intricate plotting, the narrative never loses sight of its characters. Ferren’s relationships with his companions, particularly the courageous Kiet and the enigmatic Zonda, add emotional depth and remind readers that even in a world ravaged by war, connection and love endure.

This book is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction, young adult fantasy, and anyone who appreciates stories that challenge the boundaries of imagination while remaining grounded in universal truths. Harland’s finale is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and a lingering question: what does it truly mean to fight for what is right?

Five stars. Highly recommended for readers seeking a fresh, daring take on fantasy and dystopia.