Robin hooked me from page one with a premise that felt both original and instantly compelling. The idea of the “Robins”—a mysterious Order tasked with maintaining balance between worlds—gave me major Green Lantern vibes (in the best possible way). It’s a clever, cinematic concept, and one I hope the author expands even more in future installments.
The story opens with a dramatic rescue and an intriguing mystery, and while I initially wasn’t sure how all the pieces fit together, the payoff at the end is absolutely worth the wait. Rose Harvey delivers a fantastic late-book twist that made me appreciate the earlier setup even more.
I also want to commend the author for how she handled the romantic arc. At first, the protagonist is twelve, and there are only the faintest hints of future possibilities—which made me wonder where the story would go. But then the narrative leaps forward six years, and the slow-burn romance feels natural, grounded, and entirely appropriate.
Harvey also sets up a strong central conflict with a villain whose role in the story genuinely surprised me. His actions were more shocking than I expected, and the way he complicates the emotional and moral stakes is extremely effective. You are absolutely meant to dislike him, and I did—mission accomplished. It adds tension and weight to the narrative in a way that elevates the entire back half of the book.
Once the emotional stakes start to rise, Harvey skillfully builds a complicated love-interest dynamic that culminates in a powerful confrontation. I genuinely felt the main character’s anger and understood why she made the initial choice she did. As an author myself, I know how challenging it is to craft those hard character decisions in a way that feels earned, and Harvey absolutely nails the groundwork.
The world of the Robins is fascinating, and I’m thrilled there’s a second book coming because there is so much territory left to explore. I would happily read an entire side novel just about the Order and their missions.
Harvey’s writing is clean and confident, and her author’s note at the end adds a lovely personal touch. It’s clear this story has lived with her for a long time, and I’m glad she finally brought it into the world.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn romantasy without the usual werewolves and vampires (which I, too, have seen enough of!), Robin is a refreshing, heartfelt, and imaginative read.
Highly recommended.