Daughter of Havenglade

Daughter of Havenglade #1

by H.C. Harrington

An Epic Quest Through The Magical World of HavengladeA sinister wizard.A mysterious teacher.A kingdom on the brink of collapse.In the ancient kingdom of Havenglade, a brutal enemy is ravaging the countryside making his way closer to Gradur Castle. An aging king seeks protection from a council of loyal wizards. A peasant girl finds herself at the center of it all after bonding with a magical crystal and absorbing its magical essence.After losing her parents, Laurena was given the chance of a lifetime to study wizardry under the mysterious and renowned teacher Unai.Can she learn to harness the powers inside her before it's too late?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Ebooks, Audiobook, Fiction, Amazon

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2016

Reviews

[Craig Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel started out a little slow, a good bit of buildup, and quite a lot of flashbacks, which I felt took away from the story, slowing down the pace, and may have been better placed either as a continuous prologue, or just peppered in throughout as information instead of the full flashback. You really have to pay attention to the time-frame in the beginning chapters. Reads like a common master and apprentice fantasy story, with training, until a large quest comes up, where the apprentice has to prove herself. The story is fun, though the concept is one that is used often, with the master-apprentice like Obi-Wan to Luke, Gandalf to Frodo, but at the end, an interesting twist, one that may lead to a sequel.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a thrilling story. Magical, but makes you feel very real. The people, nature, elements of life, love, friendship and hatred. All of it makes you think you live there with these people, and head to the mysterious journey as well as the unknown future. You don't know what will happen, everytime when you think you are close to the truth, but it's just not like the way you think it is. Everything is connected, the choice you made in the last second would definitely influence the next one. No man is an island after all. It's a highly recommended book.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it is great to share with my 11 year old daughter. I love how the main character Laurena thinks that she can not do anything at first and doesn't realize how much she has learned. It hits home with my daughter because she struggles with reading because she does not have confidence in her own abilities and this books shows what confidence can help a person to accomplish. Love the adventures Laurena goes on and how she mishaps on people and things that help her along the way. I can't wait to see how this story continues in the next book.

[AndrewP · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to admit that the cover influenced me to pick this one. There's nothing like a great cover to get me interested in an epic fantasy.
Sadly, at least for me, this one did not live up to my expectations. It's a definite YA story, which I have nothing against, but it just seamed to meander along. There didn't seem to be much tension or importance to most of the characters actions.

Not one for me but I'm sure younger readers just getting into the epic fantasy field might appreciate it.

[Stuart Macmartin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simplistic and short, but I enjoyed it. There’s not much new in this story, but I liked the main character and her overall ignorance. Bought the next one right away, so that says something.

(The flashback in a flashback near the beginning oddly worked)

[Varina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. Was not very engaging for me.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to honestly review.

This new author has made a decent start into the young adult fantasy genre. The storyline is very interesting, though it lacks some depth. In the future I would love to see more plot and character development. I will be keeping an eye on this author and series in the future.

[Dana]

ON HOLD

I have my physical copies to devour this month and honestly, this one wasn't holding my attention as much. I will definitely return to it; just not now.

[Max Xavier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrington crafts the beginnings of an epic in a world with limitless potential. Excited for the next installment of this high fantasy work. Laurena and Unai have robust and intriguing backgrounds. I also liked Lord Palben's role. There were several characters introduced whom I hope Harrington develops further in future installments, especially the mysterious villains. It's easy to dislike them, due to their treatment of the protagonists, but it's even better if the reader has additional insight on their motivations. I want this epic to be one of characters at war with their own conscience as well as the classic good vs. evil struggle against perceived enemies.
I was pleasantly surprised when later, after a lengthy introduction including spiritual earth-based animals appearing as omens, there were several new creature types introduced that cause this world surrounding Havenglade to stand out from other typical fantasy works. The derivation of magical power through crystal nodes is quite fascinating, though I'm more interested in the pharmacology of potion-crafting that Harrington introduces. I hope to see potions made from imaginative ingredients playing a larger role in the sequel(s).
All in all, Daughter of Havenglade is an enjoyable foray into the fantastic art of story-crafting. Recommend.

[Joe Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of Havenglade is the start of an interesting and well-thought out Epic Fantasy series. Harrington’s carefully crafted development of the MC Laurena is realistic and had me rooting for her. The magical system was a big draw for me as I love to see what authors can come up with and this one doesn’t disappoint. Instead of having over-powered cartoon characters beating each other senseless we are given a certain lore of how magic works and how one goes about becoming a wizard or an enchantress in the case of Laurena. The teacher character, Unai seems to have a lot of depth to him and I could easily see a prequel storyline built on his life in the future. He teaches Laurena the ins and outs of making potions as well as controlling her magic and learning more about the crystals.
There’s a fine build-up where our protagonist has to make her way to the fantastic castle and gets caught right in the heart of the action as she and her teacher chase the evil wizard menace around the countryside. But I have to say my favorite part is the inclusion of her little dragon friend Jolan. So cute and well-described.
The book has a satisfying conclusion and a postscript that really got me pumped for book two.
I strongly recommend this to anyone who likes Epic Fantasy.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.C. Harrington’s Daughter of Havenglade, the first in the author’s Daughter of Havenglade Fantasy series, is s heck of a fine high fantasy novel. I love the premise here, with the evil Lesmarglor conquering all and closing in on Gradur Castle whose aging king is desperately magical aid. I love Laurena, feisty orphan given the golden opportunity of studying with the great mage Unai. I love how Laurena develops and ultimately takes on everything. Really, I guess I just love this book - and expect that I won’t be alone in this regard. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to Black Dragon Deceivers, the next book in this series.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurena has some pretty cruel things happen to her. She loses her father and then her mother tries to kill her. During the time, she is exposed to a crystal far longer than she is supposed to be. She becomes quite ill and is taken care of by the king's healer. They ask a wizard to train her and she goes to stay with him. I think Laurena grows to love and admire him. When trouble comes to the kingdom, she and the wizard go to fight the wizard that is evil. In the end, we find out the wizard was trying to rid the kingdom of the king- telling everyone the king is doing bad things. We also find out the wizard training Laurena wasn't good after all. The book leaves you hanging- her beloved wizard actually survived his ordeal even though she thinks he is dead. She has to decide if she wants to help the king- At such a young age, she really has no one to help her make sense of things- She befriends a fairy and a dragon, so I am sure the next book will be a very good read.

[Ricky Melamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely LOVED this story. Literally from the very first word to the last, I couldn't put it down. Laurena was the perfect character. I bonded with her character very easily. Her journey had the perfect mix of joy, sadness and fear... and of course, bravery. The way her story mingled and mixed with the other characters was wonderful. The pacing of the story sped up and slowed down at all the right times. The descriptions of the people nd places were super, I felt as if I could see everything in my mind perfectly.

[Fengxiwen113 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havenglade seems real! It's like a place I've been before but perhaps just a dream. I was blown away by the world this author has created. The magic system is unique and interesting and the world is filled with superheroes. Instead we get to explore the countryside with interesting enchantresses, wizards, and unique animal beings. My favorite has got to be the baby dragon!Laurena's character is fun and worth exploring. I love the twist at the end and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book!

[Joshliang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical adventure through a unique and engaging world.

Imagine riding through beautiful countryside meadows with snowcapped mountains in the distance. No mobile phone, no internet, no modern life. I took a trip to Havenglade and I want to go back! I journeyed with a young enchantress as she struggled to find herself. There were wizards, dragons, swords, castles, and a whole lot of world-building.

I was an familiar with this writer but he's certainly on my radar now. Time for book two!

[Margaret Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daughter of Havenglade is the beginning of a series by HC Harrington. It begins the story of Laurena. Her father dies and her mother tries to kill her before she herself is killed. Laurena goes to her aunt in another village and becomes involved with Unai as an apprentice enchantress. The pace of the book is very slow, even the battle sequences. Unai disappears and Laurena thinks he is dead. She is only 14 years old and trying to fill an adult function in this story. I probably won't buy or read the next book in the series.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A take me to another place fantasy. A thirteen year old is orphaned and is sent to a wizard to be trained in magic. While she is slowly developing her power she has many adventures. Yes there are dragons and fairies included. I noticed several editing errors. I still liked this break from normal fantasy.

[Maureen Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It's not terribly written, just a little too cliche. I might have enjoyed this more as a child, but this book a child, but it does hit all the coming of age wickets. Laurena was pretty well written and developed as a character, but I wish I could have seen more from the other characters as well. The cover art is phenomenal by the way.

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great start to the series and starts off well. The story follows young Laurena as she starts to discover her magical abilities with the help of an elderly wizard. The characters are all quite interesting, and the story moves at a fast pace with adventure in every corner.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting read. I was hooked and I was so disappointed when the book ended. The characters were well developed and plotted well and the world the author has created works well. I am going to be interested in what happens next.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The mechanics of magic was different and original, the characters well developed and likable! I look forward to reading more!

[Haffina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Interesting introduction to a magical world filled with fasvinating characters and enough intrigue to keep fantasy readers well satisfied. Excited for the following books

[Anthony R Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

It started a little slow but got better. Story of a young girl who was learning to becoming an enchantress.

[Dynette M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

entertaining , page turner

[sharon sobzak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magic

A different world with wizards, magic and no electric, etc. Slow reading at first, improved in last half. I almost stopped reading.

[Judith Hale Everett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting world and nice character names. A bit bland until over halfway when things definitely pick up. Magic system is very soft with a lot of sudden and intuitive magic use.

[Tim Lordie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awaiting book two!

I found this book randomly as I flipped through the Epic Fantasy titles on Amazon recently and that amazing castle on the cover drew me in. The magic system is very intriguing and I found myself identifying with the main character and feeling nervous as she faced dangers.

Outside of Mistborn, this is one of the most immersive EF novels I've come across which is surprising for a YA title with a lower page count.

I want to know more about this world and what comes next.

[Ian Thompson-Villeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabbed me from start and kept my attention. Enjoyed this one.

[Carrie K Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read!

I enjoyed this first book in the series very much. I do wish there had been a bit more description of Laurena and Unai.

[T.A. Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for being consistently engaging and having strong characters but ultimately it becomes a D&D adventure.