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Harbinger #4
Prism Cloud
When the emperor is assassinated, Sera Fitzempress is the noble most eligible to inherit the empire. Her upcoming marriage to the prince would cement her position. And as a champion for peace, Sera is the only promise of hope for staving off war between the worlds of Kingfountain and Muirwood. But standing between her and her enemies is just one devastating secret.
Sera’s best friend, Cettie, a girl born of a lower class, has made a shattering discovery: her entire existence has been a lie. Now Cettie must give up the only life she’s known and fought for and leave behind the man she loves to stop Sera’s wedding. For this discovery could bring the whole of Kingfountain to ruin.
As Cettie struggles to determine her true loyalties and loves, her allies fall to wicked plots, and she becomes increasingly alone on her journey to a destiny she never wanted—one that could ignite an unstoppable war.
Sera’s best friend, Cettie, a girl born of a lower class, has made a shattering discovery: her entire existence has been a lie. Now Cettie must give up the only life she’s known and fought for and leave behind the man she loves to stop Sera’s wedding. For this discovery could bring the whole of Kingfountain to ruin.
As Cettie struggles to determine her true loyalties and loves, her allies fall to wicked plots, and she becomes increasingly alone on her journey to a destiny she never wanted—one that could ignite an unstoppable war.
Audio CD
First published March 5, 2019
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About the author
Jeff Wheeler
127 books5,230 followersWall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff lives in the Rocky Mountains.
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
January 27, 2019
"YOU'RE KILLING ME SMALLS!" Basically sums up my feelings at the end of yet another wonderful book in this series. I have given this 5 stars but as I have previously stated in some reviews etc, some authors need their own star chart. Prism Cloud for me was 4.5 stars on the Jeff Wheeler star chart because it didn't quite get me like some of the Kingfountain series books did but it was still amazing! Really though I look at this like a continuation of the series' I know and love instead of its own series! I am terrified of the next book. *gulp*
Jeff Wheeler does this to me in every series and I don't know how he gets me every freaking time but it happens again and again. Like any other reader we form assumptions during the reading of the series... assumptions about how the plot line is going to either get to the end or end. We all do it, even if we know better, and every flippin time Jeff Wheeler puts a kink in my plans... Whether it be certain characters ending up together... or how a certain event fixes itself, or even whether or not a certain character proves to be friend or foe. Every time Jeff ruins my plans for his characters... How dare he right?! I know it sounds ridiculous really but come on... not Cettie!! I will say usually when this happens, and it has happened in every series the author usually works in out in a way that has me bowing to his superior knowledge.... I'm just hoping for the best!
In book #4 here the situation between kingfountain and the empire has hit explosive proportions. As Sera is becoming more involved and begins to have even deeper feelings for Trevon. Cettie has had a most disturbing vision of the future and her adoptive father is in extreme danger. Of course, Cettie has no idea who the bad guys are.. but we do.. and we watch as she makes some horrible decisions as decides who to trust, resulting in devastating consequences, and she becomes detached and forsakes her knowledge of the mysteries. Meanwhile through Lady Corinne's masterful plotting and scheming we see Sera finally able to step into her birth roll, but now she doesn't have to just save the empire, she must also save her husband and Kingfountain as well. The hetaera are rising and the plague of war is here! What is happening to my beloved people!!!! WHY!!!
Looking back through my "highlights" I have 5 with the "note" underneath saying "Noooo, Cettie, noooo." I'm so torn up inside! How is the magician going to pull us out of this hat!!!?? Where is the next book? /cry!
*I happily camped 47 North's NetGalley collection in hopes to see this book come up and fangirl screamed when they thankfully allowed me to read and review a copy of this! All these opinions in the spazzy state they are, are of course mine.*
Jeff Wheeler does this to me in every series and I don't know how he gets me every freaking time but it happens again and again. Like any other reader we form assumptions during the reading of the series... assumptions about how the plot line is going to either get to the end or end. We all do it, even if we know better, and every flippin time Jeff Wheeler puts a kink in my plans... Whether it be certain characters ending up together... or how a certain event fixes itself, or even whether or not a certain character proves to be friend or foe. Every time Jeff ruins my plans for his characters... How dare he right?! I know it sounds ridiculous really but come on... not Cettie!! I will say usually when this happens, and it has happened in every series the author usually works in out in a way that has me bowing to his superior knowledge.... I'm just hoping for the best!
In book #4 here the situation between kingfountain and the empire has hit explosive proportions. As Sera is becoming more involved and begins to have even deeper feelings for Trevon. Cettie has had a most disturbing vision of the future and her adoptive father is in extreme danger. Of course, Cettie has no idea who the bad guys are.. but we do.. and we watch as she makes some horrible decisions as decides who to trust, resulting in devastating consequences, and she becomes detached and forsakes her knowledge of the mysteries. Meanwhile through Lady Corinne's masterful plotting and scheming we see Sera finally able to step into her birth roll, but now she doesn't have to just save the empire, she must also save her husband and Kingfountain as well. The hetaera are rising and the plague of war is here! What is happening to my beloved people!!!! WHY!!!
Looking back through my "highlights" I have 5 with the "note" underneath saying "Noooo, Cettie, noooo." I'm so torn up inside! How is the magician going to pull us out of this hat!!!?? Where is the next book? /cry!
*I happily camped 47 North's NetGalley collection in hopes to see this book come up and fangirl screamed when they thankfully allowed me to read and review a copy of this! All these opinions in the spazzy state they are, are of course mine.*
February 13, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4-stars.
A good series so far, and I shall be starting the 5th and final book now.
A good series so far, and I shall be starting the 5th and final book now.
February 5, 2019
Rating: 2.75 stars, to be honest.
Writing: While the writing was excellent, I got completely lost in the overstuffed plot. Too many characters, too many names that I constantly had to keep re-reading who is who and who is engaged to who and related to someone else...it gave me a headache. If I need a spreadsheet just to keep track of everyone's lineage, I am in trouble. All the names were mouthful and that didn't help either. I am not saying name everyone Bob and Lucy, but to me the names were a bit too much. I guess it all comes down to the writer - I read all George RR Martin's novels and never had hard time following all the plot lines.
There were some interesting parts that kept the plot moving, but overall, it wasn't enough for me to be completely invested. I will read the series in order to see if that makes a difference and makes things clear.
It is my fault that I didn't realize that this is a book 4 before I started reading it. Have I known, I wouldn't request the ARC. Again, my bad.
Thank you very much to Negalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC.
Writing: While the writing was excellent, I got completely lost in the overstuffed plot. Too many characters, too many names that I constantly had to keep re-reading who is who and who is engaged to who and related to someone else...it gave me a headache. If I need a spreadsheet just to keep track of everyone's lineage, I am in trouble. All the names were mouthful and that didn't help either. I am not saying name everyone Bob and Lucy, but to me the names were a bit too much. I guess it all comes down to the writer - I read all George RR Martin's novels and never had hard time following all the plot lines.
There were some interesting parts that kept the plot moving, but overall, it wasn't enough for me to be completely invested. I will read the series in order to see if that makes a difference and makes things clear.
It is my fault that I didn't realize that this is a book 4 before I started reading it. Have I known, I wouldn't request the ARC. Again, my bad.
Thank you very much to Negalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC.
April 20, 2020
I still love the characters in this series. I have seen some people argue that Cettie's turn in this book was very abrupt and out of character, but I disagree. Traumatic experiences can destroy even the strongest faith.
There is not much I can say about this novel without spoiling too much, but dang Jeff Wheeler keeps this story going strong and that in itself is impressive.
There is not much I can say about this novel without spoiling too much, but dang Jeff Wheeler keeps this story going strong and that in itself is impressive.
February 23, 2019
Jeff Wheeler knows how to write a poignant story!
The central theme in "Prism Cloud" is control. Control over emotions, control over others, control over situations, etc. all drive the narrative within this novel. Cettie is struggling with control over her gifts and her identity, Sera is struggling with control over her responsibilities and the knowledge that comes with those responsibilities. Both young women learn that there are consequences to their choices for control. And, everyone suffers because of it.
Jeff Wheeler makes you care about and understand all of the characters within the story, which is why what happens to several of them in this novel are so gut-wrenching. Cettie and Sera are deceived constantly and they fight for control of the current situations, but the more they fight, the more control they lose. Meanwhile, it seems that both Comoros and Kingfountain are about to fall to a long forgotten foe.
All of the events and the bits as far back as "Mirror Gate," which is years ago in the "Harbinger" Timeline, make a comeback and are relevant to everything that happens in "Prism Cloud." The climax within the plot has reached its climax and the denouement can lead this series towards two potential endings. However, it is not the resolution so much as the events leading up to it that I'm piqued with curiosity.
It's been a while since I was so eager for the next, and final, book in a series! "Broken Veil" will be a very interesting conclusion to Wheeler's "Harbinger" series! June 2019 cannot come fast enough!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The central theme in "Prism Cloud" is control. Control over emotions, control over others, control over situations, etc. all drive the narrative within this novel. Cettie is struggling with control over her gifts and her identity, Sera is struggling with control over her responsibilities and the knowledge that comes with those responsibilities. Both young women learn that there are consequences to their choices for control. And, everyone suffers because of it.
Jeff Wheeler makes you care about and understand all of the characters within the story, which is why what happens to several of them in this novel are so gut-wrenching. Cettie and Sera are deceived constantly and they fight for control of the current situations, but the more they fight, the more control they lose. Meanwhile, it seems that both Comoros and Kingfountain are about to fall to a long forgotten foe.
All of the events and the bits as far back as "Mirror Gate," which is years ago in the "Harbinger" Timeline, make a comeback and are relevant to everything that happens in "Prism Cloud." The climax within the plot has reached its climax and the denouement can lead this series towards two potential endings. However, it is not the resolution so much as the events leading up to it that I'm piqued with curiosity.
It's been a while since I was so eager for the next, and final, book in a series! "Broken Veil" will be a very interesting conclusion to Wheeler's "Harbinger" series! June 2019 cannot come fast enough!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 19, 2022
Vote: 3,90
Class: L-A3 (FP)
(fourth book out of five)
I was pleasantry surprised by the first book and the following book are only confirming me in my feeling: this is a really good fantasy series (of the classic-fantasy sub-genre with quite a bit of political intrigue).
It has a really good setting and a well done magical system that you learn little by little as the story goes on. The set of characters are mostly young ones and yes, you just know they're destined to greatness, etc., etc... But it's really well done: you come to know them, care for them, fear with them and see them grow day by day and year by year. They're now in their twenties and it's quite interesting how they've become.
The world is solid and as the story goes on it is... expanding and ever more convincing.
The story is epic and full of political intrigue and I'm quite liking it.
The only downside (in my opinion, clearly) is that maybe the series could have been a book shorter, leaving out some part that, while interesting and contributing to the story, it somewhat slow the momentum of the story.
That said, this fourth book is as good as the others and I can't wait to read the final book.
I like the genre. I like the setting. I like more and more the story and its wonderful characters.
Class: L-A3 (FP)
(fourth book out of five)
I was pleasantry surprised by the first book and the following book are only confirming me in my feeling: this is a really good fantasy series (of the classic-fantasy sub-genre with quite a bit of political intrigue).
It has a really good setting and a well done magical system that you learn little by little as the story goes on. The set of characters are mostly young ones and yes, you just know they're destined to greatness, etc., etc... But it's really well done: you come to know them, care for them, fear with them and see them grow day by day and year by year. They're now in their twenties and it's quite interesting how they've become.
The world is solid and as the story goes on it is... expanding and ever more convincing.
The story is epic and full of political intrigue and I'm quite liking it.
The only downside (in my opinion, clearly) is that maybe the series could have been a book shorter, leaving out some part that, while interesting and contributing to the story, it somewhat slow the momentum of the story.
That said, this fourth book is as good as the others and I can't wait to read the final book.
I like the genre. I like the setting. I like more and more the story and its wonderful characters.
April 24, 2019
I have mixed feelings on this book. It does a fine job of continuing the story, upping the stakes and action, and further developing the main characters. Sera really comes into her own and does fantastic. There are some great revelations about Lady Corinne and what her intentions are. Several main characters are removed from the story (either temporarily or permanently) and while I didn’t particular like that I can understand it served to further the story.
But what is majorly wrong with this book is the character of Cettie. She completely forgets that she is a maston, forgoes all prior character development and experience, fails and makes the wrong choices at every turn, and ultimately turns out to be a rather useless character…which is a problem when she is supposed to the be the series’ main character. At least Sera didn’t disappoint.
But what is majorly wrong with this book is the character of Cettie. She completely forgets that she is a maston, forgoes all prior character development and experience, fails and makes the wrong choices at every turn, and ultimately turns out to be a rather useless character…which is a problem when she is supposed to the be the series’ main character. At least Sera didn’t disappoint.
May 24, 2022
Oh geez, where to start with this one. Cettie almost ruined the book for me. Prism Cloud was the best of them as far as plot, action, and intrigue, even the other characters shined, but Cettie was absolutely terrible.
Sera once again was the superstar of this novel. She broke out of her prison in Pavenham Sky transformed into a much more patient and focused woman and was able to make amazing things happen in both Empires. Trevon and Durrant were superstars too both in their own ways.
There was a touch of romance, absolutely lovely (and then heartbreaking) to see Sera and Trevon actually falling for each other after so many differences. One of my favorite aspects was how they discovered that Muirwood’s Medium and Kingfountain’s Fountain Magic were so similar
Another thing I respect Wheeler for is not being afraid to kill off one, two, or six of our favorite characters. The beginning and end of the book both featured terrible murders and just, wow. The Adam and Fitzroy scene at the end was unbelievably sad.
The other main plot line besides the ill-fated Kingfountain wedding was that Corinne finally outmaneuvered Cettie, who had a crisis of faith and totally succumbed to it. All the scheming and intrigue was finally revealed and yes, it went deep, but Cettie turned into a snivelling moron. It was so uncharacteristic and bad that reading her chapters was painful. I could not believe her arc went downhill so quickly – it was like Wheeler wanted to rehash Maia’s storyline (see next book) but honestly I would have rather seen Cettie fighting for Sera. Cettie knows what found family is and was willing to throw it all away so quickly, knowing that her deceiver was the worst of everyone!? It was just SO bad, it didn’t ring true at all.
And of course – she got kidnapped. I’ll talk about it more during Broken Veil but it really kills me that Wheeler’s MoA for this series is to alternately diminish each character while the other shines, like, how many times can you use kidnapping as a plot device in one series?
The rest of the plot and action held the faults at bay for the most part but I think Wheeler could have done better overall
My favorite part was 100% at Kingfountain, and everything involving Sera. Watching her maneuver against Montpensier and finally unravelling the entire political plot was by far the high point of the story. As was Sera and Adam’s escape after the terrible events that occurred. I also will talk about Adam more in the next book’s review but his bravery was stunning.
While the other characters and the action would have made this the best read of the series, Cettie dragged the book down. I’m coming in at a strong 3.5 with this one but by no means dislike the book or series at all.
Once again if anyone likes audio, Kate Rudd is amazing. She is clear and coherent and does great voices.
Sera once again was the superstar of this novel. She broke out of her prison in Pavenham Sky transformed into a much more patient and focused woman and was able to make amazing things happen in both Empires. Trevon and Durrant were superstars too both in their own ways.
There was a touch of romance, absolutely lovely (and then heartbreaking) to see Sera and Trevon actually falling for each other after so many differences. One of my favorite aspects was how they discovered that Muirwood’s Medium and Kingfountain’s Fountain Magic were so similar
Another thing I respect Wheeler for is not being afraid to kill off one, two, or six of our favorite characters. The beginning and end of the book both featured terrible murders and just, wow. The Adam and Fitzroy scene at the end was unbelievably sad.
The other main plot line besides the ill-fated Kingfountain wedding was that Corinne finally outmaneuvered Cettie, who had a crisis of faith and totally succumbed to it. All the scheming and intrigue was finally revealed and yes, it went deep, but Cettie turned into a snivelling moron. It was so uncharacteristic and bad that reading her chapters was painful. I could not believe her arc went downhill so quickly – it was like Wheeler wanted to rehash Maia’s storyline (see next book) but honestly I would have rather seen Cettie fighting for Sera. Cettie knows what found family is and was willing to throw it all away so quickly, knowing that her deceiver was the worst of everyone!? It was just SO bad, it didn’t ring true at all.
And of course – she got kidnapped. I’ll talk about it more during Broken Veil but it really kills me that Wheeler’s MoA for this series is to alternately diminish each character while the other shines, like, how many times can you use kidnapping as a plot device in one series?
The rest of the plot and action held the faults at bay for the most part but I think Wheeler could have done better overall
My favorite part was 100% at Kingfountain, and everything involving Sera. Watching her maneuver against Montpensier and finally unravelling the entire political plot was by far the high point of the story. As was Sera and Adam’s escape after the terrible events that occurred. I also will talk about Adam more in the next book’s review but his bravery was stunning.
While the other characters and the action would have made this the best read of the series, Cettie dragged the book down. I’m coming in at a strong 3.5 with this one but by no means dislike the book or series at all.
Once again if anyone likes audio, Kate Rudd is amazing. She is clear and coherent and does great voices.
January 5, 2019
Review coming soon.
March 20, 2019
Me reading this book:
I don't know what I expected going into this book, but after reading the first three books in this series, I thought I had a good handle on the writing style of this author. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into.
This author took character development up about 5 notches and had twists and turns that I did not see coming at all. Unlock many books where you don't see a twist coming, these all seemed organic and fit well within the confines of the story.
Anyway, books 1-3 were published last year so hopefully I don't have a long wait for book 5!
Characters: 5* - almost every character is well developed and just when you think you are in love with a character, they do something you don't expect and that might make you doubt them a bit. just when you think you hate a character, well, they might do something admirable. Kind of like real life.
Universe: 5* - wow...by now you know that I really enjoy books in which the universe of the story impacts the plot and is not just background noise? Well..hold onto your hats with this book. The world is part of the story in more ways than you might think.
Plot: 5* - I've mentioned my admiration for the plot twists in this story. Even the times when the plot isn't doubling back on itself, it is well developed and easy to follow.
I don't know what I expected going into this book, but after reading the first three books in this series, I thought I had a good handle on the writing style of this author. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into.
This author took character development up about 5 notches and had twists and turns that I did not see coming at all. Unlock many books where you don't see a twist coming, these all seemed organic and fit well within the confines of the story.
Anyway, books 1-3 were published last year so hopefully I don't have a long wait for book 5!
Characters: 5* - almost every character is well developed and just when you think you are in love with a character, they do something you don't expect and that might make you doubt them a bit. just when you think you hate a character, well, they might do something admirable. Kind of like real life.
Universe: 5* - wow...by now you know that I really enjoy books in which the universe of the story impacts the plot and is not just background noise? Well..hold onto your hats with this book. The world is part of the story in more ways than you might think.
Plot: 5* - I've mentioned my admiration for the plot twists in this story. Even the times when the plot isn't doubling back on itself, it is well developed and easy to follow.
March 6, 2019
I really like(d?) Jeff Wheeler’s books but he has lost perspective. The main character has changed at a moral level for no reason. All his other series had a positive undertone and natural flow of plot and story. He has over complicated this story line and it’s unclear why. Maybe the next book will make it clear but I’m not nearly as excited to read it. I have always finished his books and was excited and impatient to read the next. Not now. I will read the next book tbh but I won’t be waiting on the release date like I have in the past. Feels like he extended and added to this series’ plot to sell another book or maybe his published pushed for more sales. Who knows. Always well written and detailed but something has changed with Mr. Wheeler.
March 12, 2019
Best one in the series yet. Here's the review - https://www.alwroteabook.com/2019/03/...
March 24, 2019
Oh wow. I love that Wheeler's series, while their own stories, are all linked. This continuation of Cettie & Sera did not disappoint. The twist at the end with Corrine surprised me. I cannot wait to see how this concludes!
March 31, 2019
Cliff hanger! Can't wait for the next one!
January 10, 2019
I was given an AR copy provided by NetGalley.
I first stumbled upon the Harbringer series thanks to Kindle Unlimited by Amazon and instantly fell in love.
Floating estates in the sky?
Magic that can be harnessed through amulets?
Traveling through multiple worlds?
Prism Cloud is the fourth installment (Storm Glass, Mirror Gate, Iron Garland) in the series and will definitely not be the last.
If you’ve read the previous books then you will continue to be thrilled by the world that Jeff Wheeler has built which follows heroines Cettie and Sera. In this installment we still see the girls harness their understanding of the Knowing and make sacrifices for the people they love. There are times in the book when it feels like too many storylines and plot twists are happening, especially in the beginning– though to be fair, some of them have been hinted at in previous books and it isn’t a surprise that our characters now learn of them.
I was slightly irritated (in a good way?) with the fact that Cettie continued to trust people whom we, as the reader, know to be untrusting and put her faith in people who are definitely not working in her best interests. Cettie has long searched for answers to her family history since she was abandoned as a child in the Fells. When she learns of the identity of her mother she immediately leaves the family that had raised her since childhood without a backward glance.
She’s always trusted the Knowing, and that trust had served her well in the past.
I understood the reason for this as part of the plotline however it felt slightly uncharacteristic of her as her devotion has always been to Fog Willows and the Fitzroy family. But, I guess growth is good.
Meanwhile, it has been 18 months since the last book when Sera made the agreement to spend three months each year living in Kingfountain while Prince Trevon does the same in Muirwood. We now see that their romance has blossomed and they are beginning to take steps toward marriage. But talk about character growth for Sera Fitzempress! She embodies the role of a regal woman who puts her country above her own feelings.
When the emperor is killed, she steps into the role and proves she is capable of ruling her people on the brink of war. She is no longer the wild and rambunctious girl who had unrealistic ideas about being empress. Her thoughts are well formed and her decisions are made with foresight in mind. It felt natural for her character to behave in such a way and for her to put her trust in specific people.
By the end of the book I was feeling a mix of emotions (thanks in part to the death of beloved characters) and already await the next installment. This series is well thought out and each book builds upon the next without seeming rushed or like it should be finished (and the author is just continuing to add problems in order to write another book). There are still enough questions left to be answered in additional books and mysteries that have to be solved to keep me reading this series.
I highly recommend reading these novels if you are interested in YA fantasy.
Each decision, each action, carried so much weight, rippled into the vast eternity of outcomes.
Be kind.
Be courageous.
Be gentle.
I first stumbled upon the Harbringer series thanks to Kindle Unlimited by Amazon and instantly fell in love.
Floating estates in the sky?
Magic that can be harnessed through amulets?
Traveling through multiple worlds?
Prism Cloud is the fourth installment (Storm Glass, Mirror Gate, Iron Garland) in the series and will definitely not be the last.
If you’ve read the previous books then you will continue to be thrilled by the world that Jeff Wheeler has built which follows heroines Cettie and Sera. In this installment we still see the girls harness their understanding of the Knowing and make sacrifices for the people they love. There are times in the book when it feels like too many storylines and plot twists are happening, especially in the beginning– though to be fair, some of them have been hinted at in previous books and it isn’t a surprise that our characters now learn of them.
I was slightly irritated (in a good way?) with the fact that Cettie continued to trust people whom we, as the reader, know to be untrusting and put her faith in people who are definitely not working in her best interests. Cettie has long searched for answers to her family history since she was abandoned as a child in the Fells. When she learns of the identity of her mother she immediately leaves the family that had raised her since childhood without a backward glance.
She’s always trusted the Knowing, and that trust had served her well in the past.
I understood the reason for this as part of the plotline however it felt slightly uncharacteristic of her as her devotion has always been to Fog Willows and the Fitzroy family. But, I guess growth is good.
Meanwhile, it has been 18 months since the last book when Sera made the agreement to spend three months each year living in Kingfountain while Prince Trevon does the same in Muirwood. We now see that their romance has blossomed and they are beginning to take steps toward marriage. But talk about character growth for Sera Fitzempress! She embodies the role of a regal woman who puts her country above her own feelings.
When the emperor is killed, she steps into the role and proves she is capable of ruling her people on the brink of war. She is no longer the wild and rambunctious girl who had unrealistic ideas about being empress. Her thoughts are well formed and her decisions are made with foresight in mind. It felt natural for her character to behave in such a way and for her to put her trust in specific people.
By the end of the book I was feeling a mix of emotions (thanks in part to the death of beloved characters) and already await the next installment. This series is well thought out and each book builds upon the next without seeming rushed or like it should be finished (and the author is just continuing to add problems in order to write another book). There are still enough questions left to be answered in additional books and mysteries that have to be solved to keep me reading this series.
I highly recommend reading these novels if you are interested in YA fantasy.
Each decision, each action, carried so much weight, rippled into the vast eternity of outcomes.
Be kind.
Be courageous.
Be gentle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2024
A bit hectic and mostly boring book for me.
I've enjoyed the first three books in the series, although I have a fair share of complaints about it (look previous reviews). The biggest problem in this book for me was the fact that yet another world was added to this series - all Wheeler's books take place in one universe but in different worlds. We had the second world added in book 3, now there's a third added in book 4, BUT the worldbuilding explanation severely lacking. It's hard to keep track how these worlds are connected and what are the terms for different events in the world.
I feel like, compared to previous books, the MOST has happened in this one, there's less "background" things happening and more things we actually see - and I think that's also the problem for me. It was just hard to pay attention and focus for me (in general, I find it harder to pay attention to books with labels "action-packed" and "fast-paced", but right now I also have a lot of things going on in life that make it even harder to sit down and read). 2 stars? 2.5? I don't know, i'll leave it at 2.5 for now.
I still love the idea of what Jeff Wheeler is trying to do - he writes age-appropriate fantasy, enjoyable for all ages.
Also in this series
Series overview: 15.5/25 stars
1. Storm Glass ★★★★
2. Mirror Gate ★★★
3. Iron Garland ★★★★
4. Prism Cloud ★★.5
5. Broken Veil ★★
I've enjoyed the first three books in the series, although I have a fair share of complaints about it (look previous reviews). The biggest problem in this book for me was the fact that yet another world was added to this series - all Wheeler's books take place in one universe but in different worlds. We had the second world added in book 3, now there's a third added in book 4, BUT the worldbuilding explanation severely lacking. It's hard to keep track how these worlds are connected and what are the terms for different events in the world.
I feel like, compared to previous books, the MOST has happened in this one, there's less "background" things happening and more things we actually see - and I think that's also the problem for me. It was just hard to pay attention and focus for me (in general, I find it harder to pay attention to books with labels "action-packed" and "fast-paced", but right now I also have a lot of things going on in life that make it even harder to sit down and read). 2 stars? 2.5? I don't know, i'll leave it at 2.5 for now.
I still love the idea of what Jeff Wheeler is trying to do - he writes age-appropriate fantasy, enjoyable for all ages.
Also in this series
Series overview: 15.5/25 stars
1. Storm Glass ★★★★
2. Mirror Gate ★★★
3. Iron Garland ★★★★
4. Prism Cloud ★★.5
5. Broken Veil ★★
March 21, 2019
Love to hate Jeff Wheeler for sure! This was so hard to put down and I finished this book right away. I love Muirwood and he created such a fantastic world for me to be jealous.
January 14, 2019
Full Disclosure: I have not read any of Jeff Wheeler’s books before. Not Muirwood, not the Queen’s Poisoner, not even Storm Glass or any of the previous books in the Harbinger series.
So why did I read this?
Well, I’d been interested in Jeff Wheeler for quite some time. I even bought The Queen’s Poisoner two years ago. But Prism Cloud was available for review and I decided to experiment.
Sometimes readers pick up a book in a series out of order. They might start with Book 2 instead of Book 1. Well I wanted to see how well author’s were at telling a story on its own, outside of the context of the rest of the books in a series.
My question were: Could Prism Cloud stand alone? And did the author give sufficient enough information to fill in the gaps for anyone who was just coming on board?
I’m happy to report that it’s a yes on both accounts.
Of course, there were a lot of things that I missed, like 3 books worth of back story, and three whole series of worldbuilding before that.
But for the most part I picked everything up pretty quickly.
My review of Prism Cloud will mostly be from the perspective of an outsider, and thus I’ve canned my usual format in favor of a more casual approach.
We start off our story with Cettie, an unusual character for a hero if I do say so myself. The beginning of her storyline was rather promising. There was some mystery, some action, an enemy that she only could assist with removing.
However, that enemy, the Fear Liath (which seemed to have plagued our character in the past) comes and goes from the story in a flash and seemingly has no purpose whatsoever in the remainder of the story. Perhaps all will be made known in the next book, but it doesn’t seem like it.
After that Cettie became rather boring in my opinion. Oh, I was still interested enough to not completely skip her chapters, but I definitely read through them quite a bit faster than the other POV, Sera.
I loved Sera.
Sera’s everything you want in a hero. She’s strong, she’s cunning, she’s daring, she’s smart, and there’s a bit of a romance plot around her.
Sera has to make a lot of tough decisions, and in the end its her who makes all the difference while Cettie is off being relatively useless.
That is not to say that Cettie is not important.
In fact, I can easily see where the author is going for Book 5, and Cettie will be very, very important there. In fact, I would venture to say she might be single most crucial character for the end game of this series. That’s just speculation, I can’t say for certain.
But she has absolutely nothing to do with the plot and conflict in this book despite 50% of the book being dedicated to her POV.
Let’s talk about this conflict.
I can’t say a whole lot without giving away spoilers considering I have no idea how much you already knew having read the previous 3 books. But I will say that deceptions, devious plots years in the making, and heartache are in store for just about every page throughout this journey.
Just when you think the last “wow” moment has been pulled, Wheeler breaks out another. Down to the very last page.
Certainly the last half of the book is far more entertaining than the first. The action ramps it up 10-fold at about the 45-48% mark, and it doesn’t let up.
It’s only unfortunate that it took so long to get there.
All in all, Prism Cloud is a sweeping epic filled with engaging political intrigue and genius plots that are sure to keep anyone burning the midnight oil.
Long-time fans of Wheeler will be deliciously rewarded in this book as some old characters from previous series make cameo appearances. Though their significance is somewhat lost on me, those in the know are sure to be delighted.
4/5 Stars
So why did I read this?
Well, I’d been interested in Jeff Wheeler for quite some time. I even bought The Queen’s Poisoner two years ago. But Prism Cloud was available for review and I decided to experiment.
Sometimes readers pick up a book in a series out of order. They might start with Book 2 instead of Book 1. Well I wanted to see how well author’s were at telling a story on its own, outside of the context of the rest of the books in a series.
My question were: Could Prism Cloud stand alone? And did the author give sufficient enough information to fill in the gaps for anyone who was just coming on board?
I’m happy to report that it’s a yes on both accounts.
Of course, there were a lot of things that I missed, like 3 books worth of back story, and three whole series of worldbuilding before that.
But for the most part I picked everything up pretty quickly.
My review of Prism Cloud will mostly be from the perspective of an outsider, and thus I’ve canned my usual format in favor of a more casual approach.
We start off our story with Cettie, an unusual character for a hero if I do say so myself. The beginning of her storyline was rather promising. There was some mystery, some action, an enemy that she only could assist with removing.
However, that enemy, the Fear Liath (which seemed to have plagued our character in the past) comes and goes from the story in a flash and seemingly has no purpose whatsoever in the remainder of the story. Perhaps all will be made known in the next book, but it doesn’t seem like it.
After that Cettie became rather boring in my opinion. Oh, I was still interested enough to not completely skip her chapters, but I definitely read through them quite a bit faster than the other POV, Sera.
I loved Sera.
Sera’s everything you want in a hero. She’s strong, she’s cunning, she’s daring, she’s smart, and there’s a bit of a romance plot around her.
Sera has to make a lot of tough decisions, and in the end its her who makes all the difference while Cettie is off being relatively useless.
That is not to say that Cettie is not important.
In fact, I can easily see where the author is going for Book 5, and Cettie will be very, very important there. In fact, I would venture to say she might be single most crucial character for the end game of this series. That’s just speculation, I can’t say for certain.
But she has absolutely nothing to do with the plot and conflict in this book despite 50% of the book being dedicated to her POV.
Let’s talk about this conflict.
I can’t say a whole lot without giving away spoilers considering I have no idea how much you already knew having read the previous 3 books. But I will say that deceptions, devious plots years in the making, and heartache are in store for just about every page throughout this journey.
Just when you think the last “wow” moment has been pulled, Wheeler breaks out another. Down to the very last page.
Certainly the last half of the book is far more entertaining than the first. The action ramps it up 10-fold at about the 45-48% mark, and it doesn’t let up.
It’s only unfortunate that it took so long to get there.
All in all, Prism Cloud is a sweeping epic filled with engaging political intrigue and genius plots that are sure to keep anyone burning the midnight oil.
Long-time fans of Wheeler will be deliciously rewarded in this book as some old characters from previous series make cameo appearances. Though their significance is somewhat lost on me, those in the know are sure to be delighted.
4/5 Stars
March 9, 2019
Great book 4 in the series
When I was about 30% into the book I started having this feeling as if things are going to be very complicated in this chapter and probably won’t resolve until last book is published in summer. That is pretty much true. All the events in this series have been engaging and well written as usually. There were some really nice epic scenes that would make a great scene in a picture or a movie.
I started reading Jeff Wheeler’s writing from the Harbinger series earlier this year. This was a new engaging read for me. And after I was done with first 3 books that were published by that time I felt compelled to get to know all of the other details about the world in the series and read through a great deal of books from Kingfountain Series and Muirwood (not all by now, but most of it for sure:) ). At some point I had this feeling that nothing new of the world was really revealed in the Harbingers series and I won’t like the next book, but I was mistaken and that is good news. The author have definitely found a way to bring up new details and mysteries and build upon the existing, even if one had read all of the previous books too.
I am also happy that Jeff Wheeler writes everything very smoothly. I was worried that I am going to forget what was happening in the previous 3 nooks because of the long break between reading the next chapter. But I think this book could even work as a standalone. Of course the reader will lose a lot of background and details around what is going on, but still I think it is very possible to read it out of the order. The author reminded of every important details from the previous books in a very smooth manner. I have found all these recaps not to my linking before, reading through books one by one, but I did appreciate it now after a break. This book also has a lot of hints and mentions of the world in previous series. Maybe all books in the Harbinger series do, but I never saw them before. It made me want to come back and finish reading the Kingfountain series, though I was thinking to do it in May. Mentions of the queen's poisoner and Owen Kiskaddon left a little nostalgic feeling behind.
Talking about the plot and the characters. I am happy nothing has evolved as I would expect. And the girls.. both Cettie and Sera go through a transformation of their own in this chapter. I was surprised to see how Sera’s fate turned out and little frustrated by what Cettie is going through. In fact I was taken aback by Cettie’s changes of heart and somehow not really clear actions. I also keep wondering if there is anything angelic behind Cettie’s name. I have a strong feeling she is key to the last book.
I liked the book and the series and I can recommend to both new to Jeff Wheeler and readers who already have gone through all of the world of Muirwood and Kingfountain before. This is a good way to rest and spend your time if you like fantasy novels.
When I was about 30% into the book I started having this feeling as if things are going to be very complicated in this chapter and probably won’t resolve until last book is published in summer. That is pretty much true. All the events in this series have been engaging and well written as usually. There were some really nice epic scenes that would make a great scene in a picture or a movie.
I started reading Jeff Wheeler’s writing from the Harbinger series earlier this year. This was a new engaging read for me. And after I was done with first 3 books that were published by that time I felt compelled to get to know all of the other details about the world in the series and read through a great deal of books from Kingfountain Series and Muirwood (not all by now, but most of it for sure:) ). At some point I had this feeling that nothing new of the world was really revealed in the Harbingers series and I won’t like the next book, but I was mistaken and that is good news. The author have definitely found a way to bring up new details and mysteries and build upon the existing, even if one had read all of the previous books too.
I am also happy that Jeff Wheeler writes everything very smoothly. I was worried that I am going to forget what was happening in the previous 3 nooks because of the long break between reading the next chapter. But I think this book could even work as a standalone. Of course the reader will lose a lot of background and details around what is going on, but still I think it is very possible to read it out of the order. The author reminded of every important details from the previous books in a very smooth manner. I have found all these recaps not to my linking before, reading through books one by one, but I did appreciate it now after a break. This book also has a lot of hints and mentions of the world in previous series. Maybe all books in the Harbinger series do, but I never saw them before. It made me want to come back and finish reading the Kingfountain series, though I was thinking to do it in May. Mentions of the queen's poisoner and Owen Kiskaddon left a little nostalgic feeling behind.
Talking about the plot and the characters. I am happy nothing has evolved as I would expect. And the girls.. both Cettie and Sera go through a transformation of their own in this chapter. I was surprised to see how Sera’s fate turned out and little frustrated by what Cettie is going through. In fact I was taken aback by Cettie’s changes of heart and somehow not really clear actions. I also keep wondering if there is anything angelic behind Cettie’s name. I have a strong feeling she is key to the last book.
I liked the book and the series and I can recommend to both new to Jeff Wheeler and readers who already have gone through all of the world of Muirwood and Kingfountain before. This is a good way to rest and spend your time if you like fantasy novels.
June 19, 2020
It's always interesting to see an author take everything completely off the rails when it has either not been set up at all, or has a minimal amount of setup. Sometimes it works, like it does here, but it still leaves you asking, "where the hell did that come from?" when it's over.
Sera was a little less unbearable to me in this book as she has been in previous books. Still a lot of the things that come her way feel unearned, and her personality often still rubs me the wrong way. But interesting things actually happened around her for once, which has not been the case up to this point in the series. It only took 4 books for it to happen. I still had to roll my eyes at her insisting her maid was not a spy when she, herself, instructed her maid to spy for her, and even admits as much in the same conversation.
Cettie's storyline was also pretty good in this book. It confirms things that have been hinted at, and FINALLY shows that she is fallible, and not completely perfect at everything all the time. Although, I do think that her visions of future events ruin the impact of those future events. They're not utilized well by the author to build suspense over the how of it, which is really the only reason why you would reveal a shocking event before it happens.
This book pretty well turns the series on its head, which I found to be pretty enjoyable.
Sera was a little less unbearable to me in this book as she has been in previous books. Still a lot of the things that come her way feel unearned, and her personality often still rubs me the wrong way. But interesting things actually happened around her for once, which has not been the case up to this point in the series. It only took 4 books for it to happen. I still had to roll my eyes at her insisting her maid was not a spy when she, herself, instructed her maid to spy for her, and even admits as much in the same conversation.
Cettie's storyline was also pretty good in this book. It confirms things that have been hinted at, and FINALLY shows that she is fallible, and not completely perfect at everything all the time. Although, I do think that her visions of future events ruin the impact of those future events. They're not utilized well by the author to build suspense over the how of it, which is really the only reason why you would reveal a shocking event before it happens.
This book pretty well turns the series on its head, which I found to be pretty enjoyable.
March 15, 2019
Mr. Wheeler is the master of world-building. He is able to create these worlds that draw you in; that make you want to live in them along with the characters, seeing, feeling, experiencing everything. Mr. Wheeler has slowly been culminating these worlds he creates in his different series so he could write THIS series where he brings them all together. I know they are all set further in the future than where any of his other series left off, but to see glimpses of familiar names of other series . . . Well it let the super fan in me geek out. This series in right in lines with his other greats. His has the same factitiousness to details with his characters. This book brings more plot twists for the characters than any other books in the series. It requires a careful hand that is able to draw the reader in and Wheeler is able to do that. I'm partial to Cettie, myself and can't wait when the book goes back to her prospective. You can feel the underlying plotline battling for humanity, the fight against evil for the light, the fight for good in others. The character development is wonderful. I always liked how Jeff let's us grow with his characters. I can't wait for the final book
**I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. **
**I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. **
February 5, 2019
Rating: 2.75 stars, to be honest.
Writing: While the writing was excellent, I got completely lost in the overstuffed plot. Too many characters, too many names that I constantly had to keep re-reading who is who and who is engaged to who and related to someone else...it gave me a headache. If I need a spreadsheet just to keep track of everyone's lineage, I am in trouble. All the names were mouthful and that didn't help either. I am not saying name everyone Bob and Lucy, but to me the names were a bit too much. I guess it all comes down to the writer - I read all George RR Martin's novels and never had hard time following all the plot lines.
There were some interesting parts that kept the plot moving, but overall, it wasn't enough for me to be completely invested. I will read the series in order to see if that makes a difference and makes things clear.
It is my fault that I didn't realize that this is a book 4 before I started reading it. Have I known, I wouldn't request the ARC. Again, my bad.
Thank you very much to Negalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC.
Writing: While the writing was excellent, I got completely lost in the overstuffed plot. Too many characters, too many names that I constantly had to keep re-reading who is who and who is engaged to who and related to someone else...it gave me a headache. If I need a spreadsheet just to keep track of everyone's lineage, I am in trouble. All the names were mouthful and that didn't help either. I am not saying name everyone Bob and Lucy, but to me the names were a bit too much. I guess it all comes down to the writer - I read all George RR Martin's novels and never had hard time following all the plot lines.
There were some interesting parts that kept the plot moving, but overall, it wasn't enough for me to be completely invested. I will read the series in order to see if that makes a difference and makes things clear.
It is my fault that I didn't realize that this is a book 4 before I started reading it. Have I known, I wouldn't request the ARC. Again, my bad.
Thank you very much to Negalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC.
March 4, 2019
As a longtime fan of Jeff Wheeler's, I've read many of his trilogies, including the "Muirwood" and "Kingfountain" series, and, of course, the first three "Harbinger" books. One thing Wheeler has said before is he enjoys the challenge of making the middle books in his series exciting, not just placeholders between the first and last ones. He has certainly done that again with "Prism Cloud." We're back in the world with all the characters we've come to love, including Sera, Cettie and Fitzroy. The book holds a reader's attention from the beginning to the end. I think I can honestly say this is the most intense book I've read by this author, and the wait until June for the final book will be difficult. One thing I've always enjoyed about Wheeler's books is the way he sprinkles them with Easter eggs, tidbits from previous series that are little rewards for readers who have read his previous books. The books stand on their own, but it's always fun to find those tucked into the books. If I was to sum up "Prism Cloud," I'd borrow the words from Bette Davis' character in "All About Eve," where she says, "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy (ride)."
February 9, 2020
4.5 stars. This book was much darker than the first three. There is a religion in the fantasy world of the story that plays a big part in all the books. In this book, we basically saw how two different girls with almost opposite faith/abilities respond in very trying, difficult times. Cettie’s “perfect” faith that we’ve seen in the other books is tested in very challenging ways. Sera’s story became much more interesting as her stakes rise higher. I’m so glad I found this series. It’s so refreshing to have a good, entertaining story that is completely clean and teaches good morals and principles as well. I will say that I feel like I know the general idea of how the fifth book will end, so I am curious if I am right or if Jeff Wheeler will pull off a surprise.
August 30, 2019
Okay, disregard my previous review (book 3) for the series. Crap just hit the fan! I demolished this book is 3 short days. The world(s) that Wheeler has painted are fascinating. The plot was really action packed and had many twists and turns. And the character development.... all the subtle happenings and character development in the first three books has lead to this, where we will find out the core of all the main characters and if they remain steadfast and true of heart during this war that has broke out. I’m hoping for the best for Cettie! On to the next and final book.
February 21, 2019
Unfortunately I didn't notice this was the 4th book in a series and this surely didn't make me understand all the nuances in this book.
It's a very good book, well written and with a lot of world building.
I liked the plot, the characters and the style of writing.
I will surely read the rest of the series as I really liked this book.
Recommended!
Many thanks to 47North and Netgalley for this ARC
It's a very good book, well written and with a lot of world building.
I liked the plot, the characters and the style of writing.
I will surely read the rest of the series as I really liked this book.
Recommended!
Many thanks to 47North and Netgalley for this ARC
March 21, 2019
Somehow this being like the 8th or 9th book of Jeff Wheelers i have read he is still able to surprise me. Im amazed that he has been able to keep my intrest in this world for so long. I cant wait for the next book good!
October 4, 2019
Definitely my favorite of the series so far. Let’s see if he can wrap this up in one more book.
July 1, 2020
I cried at the end, great book!
October 15, 2021
This was amazing. But there is no way the remaining book has enough book to finish all the story and that makes me so anxious.
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