What do you think?
Rate this book
The Greatest Sin #2
Harbinger
Adjusting to her new life as a soul-bound agent of the Fallen has Chavali pushing herself harder than ever before. Between learning to fight, dealing with idiots, and climbing stairs - lots of stairs - she has little time to waste on thoughts of the future. Or the past.
When another agent fails to report in, Chavali is sent on the mission to discover her fate. Ready or not, she saddles up for a new adventure with new dangers.
The search takes her to Ket, a coastal city slathered in mystery. There, she faces ghosts from her past and demons of her future as she seeks answers. All she seems to find are more questions.
Plague, murder, lies, espionage...this city harbors much more than meets the eye, and maybe too much to handle.
When another agent fails to report in, Chavali is sent on the mission to discover her fate. Ready or not, she saddles up for a new adventure with new dangers.
The search takes her to Ket, a coastal city slathered in mystery. There, she faces ghosts from her past and demons of her future as she seeks answers. All she seems to find are more questions.
Plague, murder, lies, espionage...this city harbors much more than meets the eye, and maybe too much to handle.
- GenresFantasy
232 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2014
18 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 3, 2017
Chavali is a great character, and the world is pretty interesting.
May 2, 2019
Harbinger is a bit of a tonal shift from the The Fallen. Where The Fallen had a split feel between Chavali's life with her clan and then after her death as one of the Fallen, Harbinger is almost entirely concerned with a single mission she's sent on on behalf of her former masters.
We still have hints of Chivali's former life. How she uses her powers; occasional sad memories of all she's lost. But for the most part, she seems to be fitting into her role as something like a spy, running missions for the masters of the Fallen. It works, although I was hoping for a bit more even about the clan she'd lost, perhaps rebuilding it, and why it happened to them in the first place. We get a few answers, but really more questions than ever.
Worldbuildwise, Harbiner takes what we knew and expands on it, with a few more variants on magic (straight up mages, drowned zombies--more-or-less, and a hyper intelligent horse). Once again, we had the barest comments on Elves, without it really mattering to the world at all. If it's not going to matter to your world that there are Elves and Dwarves, then why are they there? Make something new and different (like mages and mind readers and watery undead, plenty of that to go around!).
On top of that, I'm becoming increasingly curious what exactly is the backstory with Chivali's feather and what it actually does/means. It's weird and cool... and I want to explore that part of the world.
Overall, it's a neat world and solid enough writing to keep me thoroughly intrigued. I want to see what happens next!
We still have hints of Chivali's former life. How she uses her powers; occasional sad memories of all she's lost. But for the most part, she seems to be fitting into her role as something like a spy, running missions for the masters of the Fallen. It works, although I was hoping for a bit more even about the clan she'd lost, perhaps rebuilding it, and why it happened to them in the first place. We get a few answers, but really more questions than ever.
Worldbuildwise, Harbiner takes what we knew and expands on it, with a few more variants on magic (straight up mages, drowned zombies--more-or-less, and a hyper intelligent horse). Once again, we had the barest comments on Elves, without it really mattering to the world at all. If it's not going to matter to your world that there are Elves and Dwarves, then why are they there? Make something new and different (like mages and mind readers and watery undead, plenty of that to go around!).
On top of that, I'm becoming increasingly curious what exactly is the backstory with Chivali's feather and what it actually does/means. It's weird and cool... and I want to explore that part of the world.
“What’s with the feather?”
Frankly, it surprised her that it took him this long to say something about the pink feather grafted into her forehead and surrounded by a floral tattoo. People frequently stared at it while speaking to her, and given more than a few minutes of exposure, nearly everyone said something about it, either as a question or a comment. He lasted a few hours.
“I am eccentric.”
Overall, it's a neat world and solid enough writing to keep me thoroughly intrigued. I want to see what happens next!
January 12, 2019
I think my favorite part of this entire book has to be the four spies–working for four different politicians/nobles–who try to follow our heroes around. Being that there are four of them, and maybe they aren’t the best spies ever, of course they get noticed. And Chavali and her friends end up gradually pulling the spies into the thick of things. As for the politicians themselves, it seems like almost all of them are up to something. Then there’s a mysterious island, and an old prophecy, and an equally mysterious assailant who can mess with people’s minds.
I think the only semi-sorta negatives I can think of are that Chavali smirks and sneers too much, and once she notes a color in one of her dreams (blood red stones) followed shortly thereafter by noting that even in her dreams she doesn’t see colors.
I still love the worldbuilding in this series. All people are born with a memory in their minds of the Creator banishing them due to a great sin. However, absolutely everyone seems to disagree about what this sin is. It makes for some fascinating arguments, especially between Chavali (her clan believed the greatest sin was stagnation) and Colby (who believes that the greatest sin is lying). I’m looking forward to learning more about the various Orders, such as the Order of Spilled Blood, the Order of the Strong Mind, and so forth. I’m particularly looking forward to learning more about Chavali’s enemy, the one who caused her entire clan to be murdered.
As usual the characters are wonderful. Portia is another strong female character, in different ways than Chavali. Harris is entertaining and useful, starting out as an enemy and allowing himself to become an ally. Colby is a little simpler than the other characters, but I think we’ll continue to see more of him in future books.
I enjoyed this volume every bit as much as the first, and look forward to reading more!
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/01/r...
I think the only semi-sorta negatives I can think of are that Chavali smirks and sneers too much, and once she notes a color in one of her dreams (blood red stones) followed shortly thereafter by noting that even in her dreams she doesn’t see colors.
I still love the worldbuilding in this series. All people are born with a memory in their minds of the Creator banishing them due to a great sin. However, absolutely everyone seems to disagree about what this sin is. It makes for some fascinating arguments, especially between Chavali (her clan believed the greatest sin was stagnation) and Colby (who believes that the greatest sin is lying). I’m looking forward to learning more about the various Orders, such as the Order of Spilled Blood, the Order of the Strong Mind, and so forth. I’m particularly looking forward to learning more about Chavali’s enemy, the one who caused her entire clan to be murdered.
As usual the characters are wonderful. Portia is another strong female character, in different ways than Chavali. Harris is entertaining and useful, starting out as an enemy and allowing himself to become an ally. Colby is a little simpler than the other characters, but I think we’ll continue to see more of him in future books.
I enjoyed this volume every bit as much as the first, and look forward to reading more!
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/01/r...
June 5, 2022
Another solid installment where we get to learn more about Chevali and the Fallen. The story in this book helped to delve deeper into her character and also expanded the overall arc of who exactly is gunning for her. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
January 13, 2015
[Full disclosure: I received a free ebook in conjunction with the blog tour in exchange for an honest review.]
One of the only real things that disappointed me in the last book was that we never explored the origins of the Fallen. I was expecting French and Kort to go into their mysterious origins a little bit but that never really happened, unfortunately. Their world-building was just as good as it was when they wrote the first book, but in some ways Harbinger brings up more questions than it answers. Still, I could really appreciate the time and effort they both put into fleshing out the city of Ket, where all of the main action takes place.
In the first book Chavali went through huge changes as a character. She does that here in book two but not to the same degree, really. What’s interesting is that with Harris she learns mercy and with Colby she learns that not everything is black and white and seeing the world that way can be a significant hindrance. And what was far more interesting to me personally was the way she interacted with people, helping them with their problems in an honest sort of way and caring about someone besides herself. That’s definitely a marked difference from The Fallen. She’s no saint, but I did love the way her character developed so naturally throughout the book.
The best and sometimes worst part of Harbinger is the plot. It’s the best thing because it’s much more complex and fast-paced than that of the previous book. It’s also the ‘worst’ thing because sometimes it’s too complex and there are far too many new names brought up without sufficient backstory. That’s not necessarily a major thing because it doesn’t detract from the overarching goal (find Elise and find out why she died) but it does make things more than a little confusing at some points, especially when you get everyone’s spies involved in the group’s business. I would have liked for either a little more fleshing out of each character or just fewer minor characters just to keep the plot straight.
Still, I did enjoy Harbinger on the whole. I loved Erik Kort and Lee French’s world and their world-building. Their major characters were much more fleshed out this time around and Chavali really is turning into a different person as one of the Fallen. My only real complaints were the lack of new backstory discovered and the introduction of too many minor characters without really fleshing them out. But the question is: will I be reading the third book? Of course because I want to see what happens to Chavali and the gang; I’ve come to care for them as characters.
I give this book 3.5/5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads rating purposes.
One of the only real things that disappointed me in the last book was that we never explored the origins of the Fallen. I was expecting French and Kort to go into their mysterious origins a little bit but that never really happened, unfortunately. Their world-building was just as good as it was when they wrote the first book, but in some ways Harbinger brings up more questions than it answers. Still, I could really appreciate the time and effort they both put into fleshing out the city of Ket, where all of the main action takes place.
In the first book Chavali went through huge changes as a character. She does that here in book two but not to the same degree, really. What’s interesting is that with Harris she learns mercy and with Colby she learns that not everything is black and white and seeing the world that way can be a significant hindrance. And what was far more interesting to me personally was the way she interacted with people, helping them with their problems in an honest sort of way and caring about someone besides herself. That’s definitely a marked difference from The Fallen. She’s no saint, but I did love the way her character developed so naturally throughout the book.
The best and sometimes worst part of Harbinger is the plot. It’s the best thing because it’s much more complex and fast-paced than that of the previous book. It’s also the ‘worst’ thing because sometimes it’s too complex and there are far too many new names brought up without sufficient backstory. That’s not necessarily a major thing because it doesn’t detract from the overarching goal (find Elise and find out why she died) but it does make things more than a little confusing at some points, especially when you get everyone’s spies involved in the group’s business. I would have liked for either a little more fleshing out of each character or just fewer minor characters just to keep the plot straight.
Still, I did enjoy Harbinger on the whole. I loved Erik Kort and Lee French’s world and their world-building. Their major characters were much more fleshed out this time around and Chavali really is turning into a different person as one of the Fallen. My only real complaints were the lack of new backstory discovered and the introduction of too many minor characters without really fleshing them out. But the question is: will I be reading the third book? Of course because I want to see what happens to Chavali and the gang; I’ve come to care for them as characters.
I give this book 3.5/5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads rating purposes.
December 19, 2014
I was provided with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the second instalment of the Greatest Sin series. Having not read The Fallen earlier, I was apprehensive of whether I would be able to relate to the plot or the characters in Harbinger. My fears proved pointless, because the book is a good stand-alone piece by itself. Yeah, I do admit that reading through The Fallen would have given me a firmer grip on Chavali's character, but the authors make no mistake in having Harbinger speak for itself in terms of the plot and characters.
The story revolves around Chavali, who is an agent for The Fallen. When another agent Elise goes missing, Chavali is assigned on the mission to bring her back. She encounters Harris, who is set out to rob Chavali and her partner. When Chavali leads him back to The Fallen, Harris ends up becoming an agent for The Fallen too. Portia and Colby are the supporting characters in this tale of adventure and survival. Chavali seems blissfully oblivious to the overtures of Harris and Colby, which is quite amusing to the reader! The plot has many sub-layers - what Chavali encounters in Ket for example - all the misery, deceit, murder and danger. The characters are etched as well as they can be, given the busy and tight plot. There are so many things happenings that there are no pages in the book to room deep thoughts on the characterisation. Although one does get an insight into Chavali and her righteousness, why does Chavali so strongly refrain from getting interested in anyone, could have been dealt with in more detail for instance.
Overall, this was an interesting story and I would recommend this to lovers of fantasy adventures.
My rating for this book: 3.5 stars
This book is the second instalment of the Greatest Sin series. Having not read The Fallen earlier, I was apprehensive of whether I would be able to relate to the plot or the characters in Harbinger. My fears proved pointless, because the book is a good stand-alone piece by itself. Yeah, I do admit that reading through The Fallen would have given me a firmer grip on Chavali's character, but the authors make no mistake in having Harbinger speak for itself in terms of the plot and characters.
The story revolves around Chavali, who is an agent for The Fallen. When another agent Elise goes missing, Chavali is assigned on the mission to bring her back. She encounters Harris, who is set out to rob Chavali and her partner. When Chavali leads him back to The Fallen, Harris ends up becoming an agent for The Fallen too. Portia and Colby are the supporting characters in this tale of adventure and survival. Chavali seems blissfully oblivious to the overtures of Harris and Colby, which is quite amusing to the reader! The plot has many sub-layers - what Chavali encounters in Ket for example - all the misery, deceit, murder and danger. The characters are etched as well as they can be, given the busy and tight plot. There are so many things happenings that there are no pages in the book to room deep thoughts on the characterisation. Although one does get an insight into Chavali and her righteousness, why does Chavali so strongly refrain from getting interested in anyone, could have been dealt with in more detail for instance.
Overall, this was an interesting story and I would recommend this to lovers of fantasy adventures.
My rating for this book: 3.5 stars
March 27, 2015
Harbinger focuses on the mystery behind one of the Fallen agent’s disappearance in Ket, a small coastal city in this second book of the Greatest Sin series. New agent, Chavali, who was introduced in the first Fallen book (The Greatest Sin #1) as a seer and no-nonsense woman of the clan of the Blaukenevs, is sent on the mission to find out what happened to the agent in Ket. Along with a man she saved from death (Harris), a morally stringent man who upholds honor and truth above all else (Colby), and another woman (Portia), as well as Colby’s strange and large horse (Karias), Chavali will have to use her skills and the help of these companions to figure out what is really amiss in Ket.
Lee French delivers again in the second book in this series, with Harbinger. Just like The Fallen, Harbinger was full of great quotes, quippy dialogue, fun and larger than life characters, and a female kick-butt main character who took no nonsense from anyone.
I like the way French weaves fantasy into her story and makes the reader wonder, what is the greatest sin?
French has a way with words and phrases that is mesmerizing. Her writing style is elegant and captivating. You can tell she is a professional and knows what she’s doing. She gives Chavali a bite to her words. I love the quick wit Chavali exhibits and the way she talks back without trying to usurp anyone or prove she’s better. Though anyone in her position would have an immense chip on their shoulder, Chavali is down to earth and confident in hereslf.
Chavali is more than just emotionally tough, she is shown to master the fight in Harbinger. She has been trained and now she uses these new skills to defend herself and other Fallen.
Lee French delivers again in the second book in this series, with Harbinger. Just like The Fallen, Harbinger was full of great quotes, quippy dialogue, fun and larger than life characters, and a female kick-butt main character who took no nonsense from anyone.
I like the way French weaves fantasy into her story and makes the reader wonder, what is the greatest sin?
French has a way with words and phrases that is mesmerizing. Her writing style is elegant and captivating. You can tell she is a professional and knows what she’s doing. She gives Chavali a bite to her words. I love the quick wit Chavali exhibits and the way she talks back without trying to usurp anyone or prove she’s better. Though anyone in her position would have an immense chip on their shoulder, Chavali is down to earth and confident in hereslf.
Chavali is more than just emotionally tough, she is shown to master the fight in Harbinger. She has been trained and now she uses these new skills to defend herself and other Fallen.
December 2, 2014
Independent Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock
I give it 3 fangs.
Harbinger (The Greatest Sin) by Lee French and Erik Kort is the second book in The Greatest Sin series. I would suggest this book for adults and young adults. I would highly suggest reading book 1, The Fallen, first.
Chavali is an agent for the Fallen. On one of her missions she meets Harris, when his group tries to rob her and her partner. She takes him back with her and he as well becomes an agent for the Fallen.
The story centers mostly on Chavali, but Harris and their other partners Portia and Colby are very much part of the story. They are all sent on a mission to find out what happened to another agent. Several strange events will happen and the agents must figure out how all of it fits together.
Without giving away any spoilers, if you like magic and mystery, then you will like this book. I had not read The Fallen first and I’m sure things would have been easier to follow if I had.
I give it 3 fangs.
Harbinger (The Greatest Sin) by Lee French and Erik Kort is the second book in The Greatest Sin series. I would suggest this book for adults and young adults. I would highly suggest reading book 1, The Fallen, first.
Chavali is an agent for the Fallen. On one of her missions she meets Harris, when his group tries to rob her and her partner. She takes him back with her and he as well becomes an agent for the Fallen.
The story centers mostly on Chavali, but Harris and their other partners Portia and Colby are very much part of the story. They are all sent on a mission to find out what happened to another agent. Several strange events will happen and the agents must figure out how all of it fits together.
Without giving away any spoilers, if you like magic and mystery, then you will like this book. I had not read The Fallen first and I’m sure things would have been easier to follow if I had.
May 5, 2015
I greatly enjoyed this book as a continuation following The Fallen.
This book widens the overall story in the world and let me bond more with individual (and new) characters. I love their quirks and abilities.
I enjoy Chavali as a character and watching her experience completely new things in the world. The authors created an interesting belief system that is not too complicated to follow and is a mystery yet to unfold. Though it's still a familiar world story it's still unique enough to be interesting and have surprises.
I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys interesting characters, sarcasm, a new take on spirits, second chances, and secret societies.
This book widens the overall story in the world and let me bond more with individual (and new) characters. I love their quirks and abilities.
I enjoy Chavali as a character and watching her experience completely new things in the world. The authors created an interesting belief system that is not too complicated to follow and is a mystery yet to unfold. Though it's still a familiar world story it's still unique enough to be interesting and have surprises.
I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys interesting characters, sarcasm, a new take on spirits, second chances, and secret societies.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews