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An all-powerful prince of Hell is on his way. Who will rise up to stop him?

Before leaving the Void, Lora commanded her sisters, to delay Levi’s return to the living world as long as possible. But even a horde of guardians cannot stop this prince of Hell from reaching his end-goal of wreaking havoc on humanity. With Levi’s imminent return looming over her, Lora traveled to the land of the living to protect it. Fortunately for Lora, the War Angel Academy has just opened and is the perfect place for her to train. At the academy, humans and the children of the War Angels come together to learn and prepare for a war that could reach the heights of Heaven itself one day.

Among the humans at the academy, one boy in particular stands out to Lora—Kai Valeri. He’s an infuriating combination of a cocky lady’s man and withdrawn loner. But Lora has bigger problems than playing mind games with Kai. Someone at the academy has targeted her. And they aim to kill.

Created to be a torturer of souls before Hell’s destruction, Lora isn’t afraid of this threat. Once she discovers who it is, they’ll wish they hadn’t messed with her because punishing sinners is what she was made for.

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2020

235 people are currently reading
241 people want to read

About the author

S.J. West

75 books1,190 followers
Once upon a time, a little girl was born on a cold winter morning in the heart of Seoul, Korea. She was brought to America by her parents and raised in the Deep South where the words ma'am and y'all became an integrated part of her lexicon. She wrote her first novel at the age of eight and continued writing on and off during her teenage years. In college she studied biology and chemistry and finally combined the two by earning a master's degree in biochemistry. After that she moved to Yankee land where she lived for four years working in a laboratory at Cornell University. Homesickness and snow aversion forced her back South where she lives in the land which spawned Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey, John Grisham and B.B. King. After finding her Prince Charming, she gave birth to a wondrous gift named Caylin and they all lived happily ever after.

The second book to the Harvester of Light trilogy will be available for purchase no later than December 2012.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Shelley.
5,601 reviews489 followers
August 31, 2020
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5

*Thoughts*

Harbinger, by author S.J. West, is the first installment in the authors War Angel Academy series. This is a new to me author. The author apparently has decided to spin-off one of her characters from another series which I have not read. There are just way too many books to get caught up at this point. A whole lot that happens in this story directly correlates to the previous series. In fact, many characters, like Lilith and Jered, were main protagonists in parts of the previous series.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
86 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2020
Well since this is my first book by this author, I simply have to say that I love this book and can't wait to read the rest of this series. I do realize that there are other books that lead up to this series. And when I get the time, I will definitely read the other books.
I hate that Lora didn't see what was right in front of her. I do realize that she's not use to having the foresight to understand that someone close to her has feelings for her. But does it really have to be that she is blind to that? Why didn't the others say something about it to her when they seen it? They all could have saved the time of her going for someone she wasn't destined to be with! UGH! Why does it have to be so hard to say what you are feeling for another person?
But I do so hope that we don't have to wait to long for the next book in the series! I absolutely love this book!
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,923 reviews116 followers
August 28, 2020
A wonderful read! From the very start I found myself totally lost into the story. It’s gripping and exciting and so full of emotion that I just couldn’t put it down. With a little something for everyone this academy read is different to others I have read and I have to i am excited to read the next one!
Profile Image for Cheyenne Skye Branscum.
64 reviews
August 18, 2020
Lora is so relatable

Lora is every text message you’ve sent to your best friend. Her confusion, her innocence, her anger...it’s all there and yet like so many of us, she thinks she’s somehow less of a person than those around her. Luckily, Lora has some really great friends that are there for her and help to guide her during her hard moments.

I thought Malcolm showing up would be my favorite previous character but a surprise visit by someone else actually steals the show. I definitely wasn’t expecting that.

I was a little worried that after this many books and this many female leads that Lora and her story wouldn’t stand out as unique. I am very happy to say that I was extremely wrong!
Profile Image for Kate.
2,605 reviews6 followers
November 15, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

Wow, I’ve been a fan of SJ West for about 8 years, ever since I first read Cursed (The Watchers Trilogy) Book 1. The Watchers Universe books are definitely my go to re-reads and have read them all multiple times since then. I thoroughly enjoyed this first instalment of the War Angel Academy Series. Lora was created by Helena herself as a Soul To*turerer with her Animus Lux she escaped the Void with Jered, Lilith, Kodi, Silas and Sariah and is going to be attending the War Angel Academy to train for the fight with Levi who is trying to escape the Void so he can take over the World and Heaven. At the academy she meets EMI, Beatrice and her brother Kai who Lora becomes friends with before slowly becoming more. Lora also suddenly found herself feel different toward Silas and finds him and Kai each vying for her attention and she doesn't know which one she should be with and it doesn’t help that there’s a faction of Laed-ian’s called the Wardens that are working against them all and Lora becomes a target so it’s a race against time to try and work out why she’s constantly being attacked and by whom, as well as training everyone for when Lora feels Levi escaping the Void. Lora finds out some hard truths during this book that she has to come to terms with. I really liked Lora’s growth during this book compared to what she was like when she first met Lilith in the Void. I’m looking forward to seeing how Cal, Lora and Silas’s journey to the Void ends up. Will trip back to the Void completely break them? You’ll need to read the next book to find out. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, the Watcher Universe books and author to everyone.
Profile Image for Kelly Schreiner.
22 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2020
Wow, Lora sure has some figuring out to do now that she has left the Void. Lora is now ling on Lodi with her friends and starting to create a life there of her own. As she helps open a new academy, all of the people that have come back from the Void are either teaching or attending. Lora is trying to learn and adapt to the human ways the best she can. It looks like Lora is going to learn more than she imagined at school! Two very handsome boys have her attention and are vying for her love. What is Lora to do? Is everyone prepared for Levi's return to the living world? Time passes much faster in the Void... Has Levi found Lora's sisters? Has he found a way to get stronger or to even escape?

The author does a great job creating Lora's story as an independent book. There is reference back to the earlier story, but the author fills in the gaps quite well. I would recommend reading the series in order though.
Profile Image for Kathy Mayer.
861 reviews9 followers
July 28, 2023
I actually didn't have this book figured out before the end!

That's a huge compliment to the author. So many times the bad guys & the whole plot can be figured out before the end of a book. It's really disappointing that they think we are so stupid. I really enjoyed this book the idea of a character who doesn't know what certain emotions feel like. It really confused the character. The ending is quite the cliffhanger! Poor Lora goes through so much in this book it's amazing she lives considering she has no soul. Plus all the near death experiences she has. I was rather upset she didn't see all the things Silva's did for her. The poor guy had to be going crazy seeing her kiss some guy she just met. I wish Lora, Silas, & Cal hadn't been stupid enough to not get back up. Also I was upset Lora didn't tell Cal of Beatrice's betrayal. He needed to know that before they went to the void.
Profile Image for Colette Samimi.
221 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2020
First I have to say that I love all of SJ West's books, the storylines are amazing, full of emotion, exciting, heartbreaking, and fulfilling! Harbinger does not disappoint with the same ups and downs. Lora is figuring out this new world of hers and how she fits in. One thing I love about the Watcher world is that all of the characters are connected in some way or another. I love seeing how a character that was once a "bad guy" is now on the good side. Lora and her group of friends and family all have stories to share but Lora's is an important one that shares about learning to know yourself and love yourself. I love the message of this story. As always so easy to get hooked into and easy to read. I feel like I'm in that world because of the details that SJ West writes. Harbinger is the start of a new world to dive into. I can't wait to read what's to come!
Profile Image for Araia.
96 reviews30 followers
September 15, 2020
Betrayal … tsk tsk … foolish … stupid … idiot
I love S.J West watcher/war-angel/idk-hell(??) series
Literally binge read all of them already, hooked on these books :)
GOTTA SAY ITS A DECENT READ
And I think it’s so cool how like all of these many books connect and make sense

SPOILERS
Cal has like the most trusting heart ever :(
FOOLISH BOY
He got used again and whatever true love stuff
BUT!!!!!!!!!
HOW DID NO ONE KNOW THE BITCH WAS PREGO
MY GOD
CAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU BETTER NOT LET HER BACK IN YOUR LIFE
LIKE TAKE KAI AND HER BACK BUT UGHFHJEIFIEI
TAKE THE CHILD AND RAISE HIM/HER
THE MOTHER WAS A WEAK BITCH

LORA!!!!!!!!!
YOU BETTER HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH KAI
YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO SAVE HIM HE IS SO FUCKIN WEAK
LOVE SILAS
HE IS YOUR SOULMATE

JSHCOEKWNWNCOSONWNSJ
I HATE BETRAYALS if you can’t tell btw ;p
Profile Image for nat _lovestoread.
947 reviews11 followers
August 18, 2020
Phenomenal 💖

This is the firts S. J. book I have read and I absolutely loved it!!! 😍
The world building and story line are amazing, unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on edge, romance, intrigue, betrayal, mystery, action, and awesome characters!!! 💕
Lora is so badass, determined, strong, fierce, loyal... She will fight to keep her family safe, no matter what!!! 💪👊🤗 #girlpower
Her time in the Academy is so hard, but she's got her family and friends support... And now she has met a hot guy that may be more than a friend and some girls that had accepted her without questions... Will her secret jeopardize her place at the Academy and her new relationships??? 🤔😓
Can't wait for the next book, this series is fantastic, 💯 recommended!!! ❤️
515 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2020
I recently discovered the Watcher world and quickly devoured them all. Every book, every character, every storyline gets better and better. The series could go on forever and I would never get tired of it.

Lora has come a long way since we met her in the Void. I am proud of the person she is becoming as she finds her way in this new world. I love getting to know Silas and all of the other characters we've met along the way, as well as the new characters that were introduced in this book.

The plot thickens as we end book 1 and head into book 2. I can't wait to see where the journey takes us!!
25 reviews
August 18, 2020
I feel like this book did a good job of picking up where the last book left off. I enjoyed getting to know Lora better as well as some of the other characters of this book. I absolutely love how characters in previous books always make an appearance in newer books. And it's done in such a flawless way!! The beginning of War Angel Academy was a rocky start but with humans, angels and others working together that was bound to happen lol. I loved the twists and turns that occurred in this book. I did not expect the ending. And the ending was amazing. Can't wait until the next book comes out!
Profile Image for Challis Monen.
15 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2020
Wow what can I say I love this world. It was great to meet new characters and catch up with some old ones as well
Lora is a crazy strong chick and it was awesome to see her grow emotionally.
The stuff she had to deal with .... omg the tests, lies, love, betrayal would make anyone snap! Not her, she took it in her stride to be like everyone else ... except with wings.
She has some great friends who truly care for her and support her no matter what.
I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lora and the gang in the 2nd instalment of this story
Profile Image for C.J. Santiago.
479 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2021
Excellent story

They escaped the void and returned to the living world. They say time heals all wounds, but that's not necessarily true. Cal and the gang are safe and Lillith is opening an academy for humans and war angel children. It is an enterprising accomplishment. Lots suddenly has two people vying for her attention and she doesn't know which one she should be with Kai and Silas both want her. But things aren't as they seem.

I love this story. It's full of excitement and treachery and pain and love. S.J. West has done it again.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews52 followers
August 19, 2020
Harbinger (War Angel Academy Book 1) by S. J. West is an awesome story that I have read. This is book number one in this awesome start to a brand new series that I have loved reading and can not wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
554 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2020
Loved it

Another great layer added to the Watcher world. She never ceases to amaze me with her storytelling.

I really enjoyed the Academy storyline. We’re introduced to new characters, while some of our favorites do make a returning appearance. Lots of unexpected twist, action, a budding romance or two and an ending that will leave you wanting more.

I thought it was a fun read and looking forward to the next
43 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2020
This book intriged me from the get go! It was different from other academy books, in a good way. It has a little bit of something for everyone, intrigue, danger, cocky boys, and strong girls. I read this book in one sitting! I really enjoyed this book because as I read I had a movie playing in my head!
49 reviews
August 18, 2020
Even though this is the start of a new series, it has characters that we've grown to love so it feels more like a continuation of the other stories. Lora is amazing and I love her honesty. This book definitely had a few twists that I didn't expect. I can't wait to read the next book to see where the story goes!
Profile Image for Felicia Semmler .
370 reviews
August 19, 2020
War Angels!!

I really enjoyed this book, from start to finish it grabbed my attention and took me on a wild ride, of demons and angels in a new way I haven’t seen done before.

Lora is an awesome leading lady and the growth she experiences is something we all strive for when in school and growing into our own.

I am eagerly awaiting book 2
3 reviews
August 30, 2020
The story that never ends :-)

I am constantly amazed at how SJ keeps pulling all these stories together. She introduces new characters and I always love them. This is the author that got me back into reading once I bought my kindle (after a good 10-15 year hiatus) and I continue to fall in love with this universe.
Profile Image for Angie.
400 reviews8 followers
September 11, 2020
I have never been disappointed in an book by SJ West. If you have not read this book you are missing out. This book grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let go. I enjoyed seeing Lora develop and grow into her role. I can't wait for book 2. This book has it all and you will not be disappointed.
378 reviews
June 10, 2025
Holy smokes

I am literally in tears for this ending. I cannot believe what happened. I’m still shook which I shouldn’t be because looking back I can see several signs that were clear indications of problems. I am thrilled that Silas and Lora are finally at a good place together, but I cannot figure out what’s gonna happen next.
Profile Image for Melissa.
440 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2020
Wow! S.J. always writes wonderful stories and this one is no exception! Lora and her friends coming back from the Void with the story continuing was exciting, funny, had tears in my eyes and made me mad! Just loved it! That ending though....why the cliffhangers! Cannot wait for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Bookish Serendipity Shannon williamson.
1,116 reviews10 followers
August 18, 2020
Amazing!

I absolutely love this world! I’m so glad I could jump back into it. I really enjoyed Loras story and I can’t wait to see what happened next! This book was intense and filled with twists! It’s a must read!
Profile Image for Gracie Bustillos.
319 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2020
Love this book. I Highly recommend reading this book. The unexpected twist in this story will keep you at the edge of your seat and wanting more. Ms. West wrote an outstanding book. This is an awesome series and I can’t wait for the second book.
Profile Image for Brittany Goodman.
920 reviews127 followers
August 18, 2020
A good story. It started out a bit slow for me but by the end it was going at a whirlwind pace. My heart hurt for our main character and cheered at her true friends. The ending definitely leaves us wanting more and I look forward to the next book
Profile Image for Jennifer .
205 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2020
SJ West brought yet another book I can’t put down. Lora is a relatable and intruding character. I found she really grew on me through out the book. I also loved that my favorite Watcher made an appearance ! 5 out of 5 stars!!!
Profile Image for Tracy Cox.
408 reviews
August 21, 2020
A great book!!!

What a great start to a new series!! This book has some great new characters and i loved seeing a few of the old ones from other series. I can't wait to see where Sandy takes this series.
75 reviews
August 28, 2020
Wow!!

This was amazing and it was great to be back in the Watcher world. I loved finding out more about the Academy and reading about new characters and their stories. I loved that Silas and Lora found it each and I am excited to see what happens with Cal.
Profile Image for Essiery.
215 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2020
Awesome start to a new series. I couldn't put it down. Although this is a separate series and can be standalone, I highly recommend you read the previous series for all the input on what happened before and what the Void is. Both are really good. I cant wait to read the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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