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Secret of Pantheon #1
Heroes & Harbingers
Food fights. Detention. Dissecting fairies for science class. Just another day at a Magical Public School.
Pavlina Sirin’s fate as a death harbinger has ruined her life. She longs to be more than a herald of doom, aspiring to impact lives in her teaching career. But when a new student with bold dreams joins her class, Pavlina’s dark power senses a terrible sacrifice to come.
Finn MacCool’s warrior past didn’t prepare him for a hundred years of teaching for his community service. Spending the last decade of his sentence at a new school, the immortal develops a crush on his tempting but aloof coworker. The Irish legend blows his chance when he butts heads with the Council of Pantheons’ latest brave heroine—who also happens to be Ms. Sirin’s favorite pupil.
However, the Chosen One’s quest isn’t all it seems. Pavlina’s lethal prophecies come to pass, and her gift warns of more to come. Will this daring trio of heroes have what it takes to make the grade, or will they fail before they even make it to Summer Break?
Set in an alternate reality of Jacksonville, Florida, this adult urban fantasy is the first book in the Secret of Pantheons series. If you enjoy a hearty helping of mythology, found family, and unbreakable bonds, this book is for you. Class is in session with Heroes & Harbingers—delve in now before the bell rings!
CONTENT WARNING:
This is a book written by an adult mostly about adults and for an adult audience. While many teenagers may appreciate this book and even learn positive things from it, please read ahead if you intend to gift it to anyone under 18. It may contain some content you deem inappropriate for them. Consider the following content before purchase.
Grief
Death
Kidnapping
Pregnancy Loss
Substance Abuse
Life-Threatening Situations
Pavlina Sirin’s fate as a death harbinger has ruined her life. She longs to be more than a herald of doom, aspiring to impact lives in her teaching career. But when a new student with bold dreams joins her class, Pavlina’s dark power senses a terrible sacrifice to come.
Finn MacCool’s warrior past didn’t prepare him for a hundred years of teaching for his community service. Spending the last decade of his sentence at a new school, the immortal develops a crush on his tempting but aloof coworker. The Irish legend blows his chance when he butts heads with the Council of Pantheons’ latest brave heroine—who also happens to be Ms. Sirin’s favorite pupil.
However, the Chosen One’s quest isn’t all it seems. Pavlina’s lethal prophecies come to pass, and her gift warns of more to come. Will this daring trio of heroes have what it takes to make the grade, or will they fail before they even make it to Summer Break?
Set in an alternate reality of Jacksonville, Florida, this adult urban fantasy is the first book in the Secret of Pantheons series. If you enjoy a hearty helping of mythology, found family, and unbreakable bonds, this book is for you. Class is in session with Heroes & Harbingers—delve in now before the bell rings!
CONTENT WARNING:
This is a book written by an adult mostly about adults and for an adult audience. While many teenagers may appreciate this book and even learn positive things from it, please read ahead if you intend to gift it to anyone under 18. It may contain some content you deem inappropriate for them. Consider the following content before purchase.
Grief
Death
Kidnapping
Pregnancy Loss
Substance Abuse
Life-Threatening Situations
320 pages, ebook
Published June 11, 2022
19 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
A.R.K. Horton
11 books41 followersA.R.K. Horton is a small woman made of round shapes and long sighs. Children and animals surround her in her Florida home. Her vice is hoarding responsibilities, and she has the tired eyes to prove it. They still have a sparkle, though, seeing the next project ahead.
She began writing as a child when she became obsessed with learning about the most obscure fairytales, folktales, and myths. Now, she blogs extensively about them and uses them as inspiration for her novels.
She began writing as a child when she became obsessed with learning about the most obscure fairytales, folktales, and myths. Now, she blogs extensively about them and uses them as inspiration for her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 15, 2022
Heroes & Harbingers by ARK Horton is a wonderfully fun and creative take on both the urban fantasy and dark academia tropes with satisfying doses of romantic tension and political-style intrigue that leaves the reader looking for more. (And since it's the first book in a series, we're in luck!)
The story unfolds at Agnes Lyttle, a high school for magic and gifted students, where Bree (who has no recollection of magical powers in her past) becomes intertwined with Miss Pavlina (a sirin of Russian mythology) and Mr. Finn (a legendary Celtic warrior.) When Bree's world turns upside down, Pavlina steps up to support her and her sister. When Bree discovers she is the Council of Pantheon's "Chosen One", Mr. Finn steps in to mentor her. And when Bree realizes that not everything is as above-board as it seems to be, it's up to her to set things right.
Through a series of twists and turns, bonds are made, relationships are tested, and true colors come out.
Combining the "Chosen One" archetype with elements of portal fantasy and the found-family trope, Horton weaves a tale that draws you in and gives you a reason to keep reading. Furthermore, the writing style makes it hard to put this one down. I found myself reading this one late into the night on more than one occasion, but it was worth it.
As someone who is a sucker for a good found-family story, I freely admit that the relationships between the characters were maybe my favorite part and I thought that the interplay between them was handled with a skilled touch. Pavlina and Finn have a flirtatious (and at times, heart-wrenching) energy that I loved and the familial bond between Bree and her sister (as well as with Pavlina) was unique and heartwarming.
All in all, I think Heroes & Harbingers is a breath of fresh air in fantasy genre and is a great read for anyone who enjoys mythology, magic, and new-adult fiction.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story unfolds at Agnes Lyttle, a high school for magic and gifted students, where Bree (who has no recollection of magical powers in her past) becomes intertwined with Miss Pavlina (a sirin of Russian mythology) and Mr. Finn (a legendary Celtic warrior.) When Bree's world turns upside down, Pavlina steps up to support her and her sister. When Bree discovers she is the Council of Pantheon's "Chosen One", Mr. Finn steps in to mentor her. And when Bree realizes that not everything is as above-board as it seems to be, it's up to her to set things right.
Through a series of twists and turns, bonds are made, relationships are tested, and true colors come out.
Combining the "Chosen One" archetype with elements of portal fantasy and the found-family trope, Horton weaves a tale that draws you in and gives you a reason to keep reading. Furthermore, the writing style makes it hard to put this one down. I found myself reading this one late into the night on more than one occasion, but it was worth it.
As someone who is a sucker for a good found-family story, I freely admit that the relationships between the characters were maybe my favorite part and I thought that the interplay between them was handled with a skilled touch. Pavlina and Finn have a flirtatious (and at times, heart-wrenching) energy that I loved and the familial bond between Bree and her sister (as well as with Pavlina) was unique and heartwarming.
All in all, I think Heroes & Harbingers is a breath of fresh air in fantasy genre and is a great read for anyone who enjoys mythology, magic, and new-adult fiction.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2022
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of the book in order to write this review.
Review: Now, my plan with this book was to read it slowly so I could take notes and whatnot to write a review. And then I blew through the last half of the book in one sitting. Because it’s that good. The world in this book is so real and vibrant that I couldn’t put it down and just wanted to stay there.
I love the concept introduced here, a new and ground-breaking genre! Adult fantasy academia. Take a magical school book, and make it for grownups (although I’m sure a YA reader would love it, too)! Two of the three POV characters are teachers and I love how that gives us a new and fresh dynamic from the usual magical-school fare. And oh, those characters! The two teachers were totally my kryptonite. Ms. Sirin you will love immediately; often judged and feared for what she is, but she is so, so much more than that. And Mr. Finn, a badass who’s also sweet and cares about kids (don’t let his introduction fool you for a second!). And the way things evolve between them is a huge, emotional part of this book. The other part revolved around the third POV, their student Bree. She’s a great protagonist; smart, resourceful, but still very much a kid. At one point, I could practically see the gears turning in her head, and I was going ‘noooo….’. But what she was doing made so much sense for a kid to do. And she learns and adapts as things progress, something characters all too often don’t do.
All of this takes place in a beautifully and fully realized world, full of other people you will root for. By the end, I loved Mamushka so much, and I really want to see what happens with two others (that I’m not going to name because you need to read it for yourself). In fact, I want to know more about everything. This magically-infused version of Jacksonville, Florida, was so real I could see it as I read. Now I want it all. I would totally read a book just of the lore and history of this world.
From a purely, words-on-page perspective, this is a fantastic read with great flow. There are some pretty heavy things that happen in this book, but it’s never written in a dour way that’s a slog to read. It takes its subject matter seriously, but doesn’t grind to a halt for it. Even someone who doesn’t read insanely fast like I do should have no trouble finishing it in good time.
Any downsides? Just one: having to wait for the next one to come out.
Folks, I’m a bit of a fussy reader. You’ve gotta hook me. And this book hooked me. I can’t wait for my physical copy of the book to arrive (have you seen that gorgeous cover?) It was deeply enjoyable and I wholeheartedly recommend you check out Heroes and Harbingers.
Review: Now, my plan with this book was to read it slowly so I could take notes and whatnot to write a review. And then I blew through the last half of the book in one sitting. Because it’s that good. The world in this book is so real and vibrant that I couldn’t put it down and just wanted to stay there.
I love the concept introduced here, a new and ground-breaking genre! Adult fantasy academia. Take a magical school book, and make it for grownups (although I’m sure a YA reader would love it, too)! Two of the three POV characters are teachers and I love how that gives us a new and fresh dynamic from the usual magical-school fare. And oh, those characters! The two teachers were totally my kryptonite. Ms. Sirin you will love immediately; often judged and feared for what she is, but she is so, so much more than that. And Mr. Finn, a badass who’s also sweet and cares about kids (don’t let his introduction fool you for a second!). And the way things evolve between them is a huge, emotional part of this book. The other part revolved around the third POV, their student Bree. She’s a great protagonist; smart, resourceful, but still very much a kid. At one point, I could practically see the gears turning in her head, and I was going ‘noooo….’. But what she was doing made so much sense for a kid to do. And she learns and adapts as things progress, something characters all too often don’t do.
All of this takes place in a beautifully and fully realized world, full of other people you will root for. By the end, I loved Mamushka so much, and I really want to see what happens with two others (that I’m not going to name because you need to read it for yourself). In fact, I want to know more about everything. This magically-infused version of Jacksonville, Florida, was so real I could see it as I read. Now I want it all. I would totally read a book just of the lore and history of this world.
From a purely, words-on-page perspective, this is a fantastic read with great flow. There are some pretty heavy things that happen in this book, but it’s never written in a dour way that’s a slog to read. It takes its subject matter seriously, but doesn’t grind to a halt for it. Even someone who doesn’t read insanely fast like I do should have no trouble finishing it in good time.
Any downsides? Just one: having to wait for the next one to come out.
Folks, I’m a bit of a fussy reader. You’ve gotta hook me. And this book hooked me. I can’t wait for my physical copy of the book to arrive (have you seen that gorgeous cover?) It was deeply enjoyable and I wholeheartedly recommend you check out Heroes and Harbingers.
May 18, 2022
Another Twitter friend and member of the #WritingCommunity, another fantastic writer. Ark Horton is a writer I’ve shared a couple of anthology TOCs with, and I’m continually impressed with her skill and imagination. Heroes & Harbingers is the first novel I’ve read by her, and it won’t be my last.
Heroes & Harbingers checks a lot of the boxes—urban fantasy, dark academia, portals to alternative realities—that I look for in a book. On top of that it takes a deep dive into Greek mythology, another favorite of mine.
It’s set in and around Annie Lytle Magical Magnet High School, but unlike most novels set in the magic school sub-genre, the main characters are for the most part teachers instead of students. There’s a History of Magic teacher who’s also a bird woman and harbinger of death from Russian mythology, and an immortal Irish warrior serving out the last decade of a hundred year community service sentence as a public school teacher. Bree, a student to both of them, and her younger, sick sister, are recently orphaned, and life is about to throw them an entire novel’s worth of curveballs. They are ruled over by the Council of Pantheons, a powerful organizations of gods and demigods, who have named Bree as this century’s Chosen One. There are hidden agendas, secrets, and forces at play, and knowing who can be trusted is a dangerous game with potentially deadly consequences.
Horton sets all these pieces into motion and then steps back with what I’m sure was an evil grin. The plot gallops along at a breathless, often intense pace. The characters are well-developed, and I cared about what was happening to them. She writes with compassion and care. Horton’s magic systems and mythologies are all internally consistent and imaginative, with tantalizing glimpses into alternate realities that I hope will be explored more in the next books. Did I mention that this is the first in a trilogy?
One other thing I want to mention. Heroes and Harbingers is set in a magical, fanciful Jacksonville, Florida, a city Horton clearly knows well. It works well as an anchor to the fantasy. I’ve spent a little time in Jacksonville, and she nails the city’s vibe.
Heroes and Harbingers debuts on June 11, 2022, and is worthy of a pre-order now!
Heroes & Harbingers checks a lot of the boxes—urban fantasy, dark academia, portals to alternative realities—that I look for in a book. On top of that it takes a deep dive into Greek mythology, another favorite of mine.
It’s set in and around Annie Lytle Magical Magnet High School, but unlike most novels set in the magic school sub-genre, the main characters are for the most part teachers instead of students. There’s a History of Magic teacher who’s also a bird woman and harbinger of death from Russian mythology, and an immortal Irish warrior serving out the last decade of a hundred year community service sentence as a public school teacher. Bree, a student to both of them, and her younger, sick sister, are recently orphaned, and life is about to throw them an entire novel’s worth of curveballs. They are ruled over by the Council of Pantheons, a powerful organizations of gods and demigods, who have named Bree as this century’s Chosen One. There are hidden agendas, secrets, and forces at play, and knowing who can be trusted is a dangerous game with potentially deadly consequences.
Horton sets all these pieces into motion and then steps back with what I’m sure was an evil grin. The plot gallops along at a breathless, often intense pace. The characters are well-developed, and I cared about what was happening to them. She writes with compassion and care. Horton’s magic systems and mythologies are all internally consistent and imaginative, with tantalizing glimpses into alternate realities that I hope will be explored more in the next books. Did I mention that this is the first in a trilogy?
One other thing I want to mention. Heroes and Harbingers is set in a magical, fanciful Jacksonville, Florida, a city Horton clearly knows well. It works well as an anchor to the fantasy. I’ve spent a little time in Jacksonville, and she nails the city’s vibe.
Heroes and Harbingers debuts on June 11, 2022, and is worthy of a pre-order now!
June 20, 2022
An amazing new world built by this author. The mixture of this dark academia and adult fantasy truly piqued my interest. I dove right into this book head first and read it quickly as I did not want to put it down.
The book focused on a modern and urban setting with magic. The main characters Bree, a fifteen year old student at a Magic Magnet high school and her teachers; Pavlina, a siren, and Finn, an Immortal Warrior, become close through many quests and trials. They originally come together by a devastating loss Bree and her sister face. Once Bree is named the “Chosen One” and was being discreetly nudged in a direction she did not want to go in, she decides to fight back with the help of her new family and friends.
I truly did enjoy this book. I feel as though more parts could be fleshed out. I wanted more from the writing as I think some aspects were rushed. The author may have been trying to put a lot into one book to build a whole world in one book as this is the first in the series. I also felt like I would love to learn more about the characters and connect with them on a deeper level. However, overall I would read more from this author and the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on Goodreads.
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
The book focused on a modern and urban setting with magic. The main characters Bree, a fifteen year old student at a Magic Magnet high school and her teachers; Pavlina, a siren, and Finn, an Immortal Warrior, become close through many quests and trials. They originally come together by a devastating loss Bree and her sister face. Once Bree is named the “Chosen One” and was being discreetly nudged in a direction she did not want to go in, she decides to fight back with the help of her new family and friends.
I truly did enjoy this book. I feel as though more parts could be fleshed out. I wanted more from the writing as I think some aspects were rushed. The author may have been trying to put a lot into one book to build a whole world in one book as this is the first in the series. I also felt like I would love to learn more about the characters and connect with them on a deeper level. However, overall I would read more from this author and the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on Goodreads.
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
July 21, 2022
If you don’t know, fantasy is my absolute favorite genre, so there was no chance I’d miss out on Heroes & Harbingers by A.R.K. Horton. I’m glad I didn’t! This is right up my alley and once I started reading, I could barely put it down.
Heroes & Harbingers is the first book on the Secrets of Pantheons series and I can’t wait to read the next. It is a dark academia/urban fiction that has a satisfying amount of political intrigue and romance. I really enjoyed the “Chosen One” aspect combined with portal fantasy. Through a series of twists and turns, the writing became more addictive over time and I very much got lost in the world.
Overall, this is a breath of fresh air for me. I truly enjoy discovering new-to-me fantasy authors and look forward to reading more from A.R.K. Horton in the future. Heroes & Harbingers leaves you wanting more and I’m (im)patiently waiting for the next book. Don’t miss out!
Thank you to R&R Book Tours for the free review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Heroes & Harbingers is the first book on the Secrets of Pantheons series and I can’t wait to read the next. It is a dark academia/urban fiction that has a satisfying amount of political intrigue and romance. I really enjoyed the “Chosen One” aspect combined with portal fantasy. Through a series of twists and turns, the writing became more addictive over time and I very much got lost in the world.
Overall, this is a breath of fresh air for me. I truly enjoy discovering new-to-me fantasy authors and look forward to reading more from A.R.K. Horton in the future. Heroes & Harbingers leaves you wanting more and I’m (im)patiently waiting for the next book. Don’t miss out!
Thank you to R&R Book Tours for the free review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
July 9, 2023
35% DNF. I'm not sure how everyone has given this book such high ratings. All the things it promises are either missing or poorly/quickly developed. I wanted to love it but I couldn't keep going. 😭
June 26, 2022
I was already an adult when Percy Jackson came out, and while I enjoyed it I was always thinking "It would kind of be cool to read one of these stories with the adult POV, too." So if that thought has ever occurred to you, then I have a series you need to pay attention to!
Heroes & Harbingers, book 1 of Secret of the Pantheons, follows the characters of Pavlina Sirin, Finn MacCool (Yes, THAT Finn MacCool), and a teenage Chosen One named Bree. They live in an alternate world Florida (Jacksonville, to be precise--location is important to this book!) where magic is as much a way of life as technology is on our world. However, their world is ruled by the Council of Pantheons, a group of Gods who keep everyone in line--including our heroes.
This book has so much packed into it--LGBTQ+ rep, absolute gobs of mythology, disability rep, found family, enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, portal fantasies, food fights, and more! It's a pleasure to read, and the characters really come to life from the page. I found myself devastated during certain points, just as upset as our heroes. Pavlina and Finn are one of my favorite couples and Bree is just a joy to read about.
Oh, and there's really awesome crows. I can't forget the crows!
For people looking for a spicy read, this isn't it. It has more sugar than spice, but to me that's everything nice and I really enjoyed this book.
Heroes & Harbingers, book 1 of Secret of the Pantheons, follows the characters of Pavlina Sirin, Finn MacCool (Yes, THAT Finn MacCool), and a teenage Chosen One named Bree. They live in an alternate world Florida (Jacksonville, to be precise--location is important to this book!) where magic is as much a way of life as technology is on our world. However, their world is ruled by the Council of Pantheons, a group of Gods who keep everyone in line--including our heroes.
This book has so much packed into it--LGBTQ+ rep, absolute gobs of mythology, disability rep, found family, enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, portal fantasies, food fights, and more! It's a pleasure to read, and the characters really come to life from the page. I found myself devastated during certain points, just as upset as our heroes. Pavlina and Finn are one of my favorite couples and Bree is just a joy to read about.
Oh, and there's really awesome crows. I can't forget the crows!
For people looking for a spicy read, this isn't it. It has more sugar than spice, but to me that's everything nice and I really enjoyed this book.
May 31, 2022
This book is perfect for anyone who grew up with stories of magical schools and wants to see a fresh take on it as an adult.
I loved seeing the story told not only through a student's POV, but also two of the teachers, which built up the tension well and gave us a perspectives we rarely see in this sort of setting.
The sexual tension between Finn and Pavlina was done PERFECTLY, building up slowly, giving us misunderstandings that frustrate us but compel us to read on to their resolution, and describing their attraction in such a realistic way that you feel it yourself as a reader.
The world-building is fabulous, dropping in the real-life aspects of Jacksonville that feel very authentic while seamlessly weaving in the fantastical elements.
The ending was a suckerpunch in all the right ways and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next in the series.
I loved seeing the story told not only through a student's POV, but also two of the teachers, which built up the tension well and gave us a perspectives we rarely see in this sort of setting.
The sexual tension between Finn and Pavlina was done PERFECTLY, building up slowly, giving us misunderstandings that frustrate us but compel us to read on to their resolution, and describing their attraction in such a realistic way that you feel it yourself as a reader.
The world-building is fabulous, dropping in the real-life aspects of Jacksonville that feel very authentic while seamlessly weaving in the fantastical elements.
The ending was a suckerpunch in all the right ways and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next in the series.
June 8, 2022
Heroes and Harbingers is every urban fantasy lover's dream! A magical school where we get to see the lives of the students, but also the teachers? I've never come across another book like it before. With adventure, romance, high stakes, and characters you won't want to leave by the end, this book satisfies the fantasy itch and leaves you needing a sequel!
March 30, 2023
Excellent story and plot BUT there's something missing. I feel like there is no depth? Like - they immediately fall in found family bliss. They immediately feel guilty and see what they did wrong? Little things like that. Kept me from fully enjoying the book
August 22, 2023
Adventurous, emotional, funny, hopeful, inspiring, mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.
Medium-paced
4.25 ⭐
I truly apologize to the author, who was SO kind to give me an eArc for her book. When I got it...I started it immediately, but for some reason...I set it down. It wasn't because I didn't like it...but because I am an EXTREME Mood Reader. I'm like a dog with a rabbit at it's sent. I get distracted ALL the time.
Today, I restarted the book...and I read it all day...and LOVED it. Better late, than never (hopefully).
On my first read, I'd gotten to Chapter 7 and was hooked. So...when I picked up the book for this second time...I didn't start where I left off, but restarted it...so that in my review...I'd be able to remember it truthfully.
I loved the main characters. At some points of the book, the main protagoinist shifted (at least that is how I read it).
It starts with Ms Sirin. We see that she's the character that her family dismisses for the more likeable/lovable sister. Because of the type of magic user she is...she is Death's messenger (in this world, she is seeking love, but because of her "nature", she's not been successful (though she thought she had, in the past). BUT, she has found a love...her class at the school that she teaches at.
Then we are introduced to another protagonist (though at the beginning we feel he may be an antagoinst...at least to Ms. Sirin) in Mr. Finn. The misunderstood warrior/hero type. He's an immortal, but life just sucks under the realm of the Council of Pantheons). Finn is cowled to a certain degree, but he's still got a little trixter still in him.
When we first meet him...he's not in a good place. He seems to be making all the people he shouldn't be making mad, pissed off. It's like his gift.
Then we meet Bree. Oh, I really like Bree. She reminds me of my youngest daughter. She is SO smart, but sometimes her smartness, gets her in trouble with authority. Aha.
Suffice it to say...this story has lots of twists and turns. Some that I could see coming, and other that knocked me off my feet (in a good way).
In my case, my emotions for these three characters kept building. Even when one (or more) of them made mistakes (that I wouldn't have made), I didn't get mad...I gained empathy for their immediate plight...and kept wanting to read the story and where it was taking me. I was hooked.
Authority is a big story beat. We all answer to it in our own lives, but not ALL authority is righteous. Sometimes, we have to find the "rightness" within ourselves...and be willing to suffer the consequences under the UNJUST authority before us...for the right reasons.
Oh, another thing that I really liked within this story, was that inconsequential characters at the beginning...were not left without consequence. They were relavent to the overall story...it just took time for the characters/reader to figure it out. I liked that.
Knowing that this is a series, softened the blow...that EVERYTHING didn't find the "perfect" conclusion. There is SO much more to explore in this world that ARK Horton has created...and I'm in. I want to KNOW more about these beloved characters.
Lastly, another piece of wisdom that I gained/relearned was...don't always judge another off the first impression. Granted, most people...over time TELL you who they are (don't be an idiot), but a first bad impression doesn't make for a bad person. Ms. Sirin learned that. Mr. Finn learned that and so did Bree.
I also would like to say that I learned that AGAIN. None of us are perfect. We have good days and bad days. We screw up and we make up. True friends see through this and find the good in the other.
I hope that the author will be able to overlook my weaknesses in NOT abiding to the agreement made to read this book BEFORE it was released. That's on me. I own up to it, but am SO glad that I got to it, today. The lessons learned within this story will stick with me (even an old codger of 57 years old). Thank you for a fun romp of a story. I look forward to more of the Secrets of Pantheon.
Medium-paced
4.25 ⭐
I truly apologize to the author, who was SO kind to give me an eArc for her book. When I got it...I started it immediately, but for some reason...I set it down. It wasn't because I didn't like it...but because I am an EXTREME Mood Reader. I'm like a dog with a rabbit at it's sent. I get distracted ALL the time.
Today, I restarted the book...and I read it all day...and LOVED it. Better late, than never (hopefully).
On my first read, I'd gotten to Chapter 7 and was hooked. So...when I picked up the book for this second time...I didn't start where I left off, but restarted it...so that in my review...I'd be able to remember it truthfully.
I loved the main characters. At some points of the book, the main protagoinist shifted (at least that is how I read it).
It starts with Ms Sirin. We see that she's the character that her family dismisses for the more likeable/lovable sister. Because of the type of magic user she is...she is Death's messenger (in this world, she is seeking love, but because of her "nature", she's not been successful (though she thought she had, in the past). BUT, she has found a love...her class at the school that she teaches at.
Then we are introduced to another protagonist (though at the beginning we feel he may be an antagoinst...at least to Ms. Sirin) in Mr. Finn. The misunderstood warrior/hero type. He's an immortal, but life just sucks under the realm of the Council of Pantheons). Finn is cowled to a certain degree, but he's still got a little trixter still in him.
When we first meet him...he's not in a good place. He seems to be making all the people he shouldn't be making mad, pissed off. It's like his gift.
Then we meet Bree. Oh, I really like Bree. She reminds me of my youngest daughter. She is SO smart, but sometimes her smartness, gets her in trouble with authority. Aha.
Suffice it to say...this story has lots of twists and turns. Some that I could see coming, and other that knocked me off my feet (in a good way).
In my case, my emotions for these three characters kept building. Even when one (or more) of them made mistakes (that I wouldn't have made), I didn't get mad...I gained empathy for their immediate plight...and kept wanting to read the story and where it was taking me. I was hooked.
Authority is a big story beat. We all answer to it in our own lives, but not ALL authority is righteous. Sometimes, we have to find the "rightness" within ourselves...and be willing to suffer the consequences under the UNJUST authority before us...for the right reasons.
Oh, another thing that I really liked within this story, was that inconsequential characters at the beginning...were not left without consequence. They were relavent to the overall story...it just took time for the characters/reader to figure it out. I liked that.
Knowing that this is a series, softened the blow...that EVERYTHING didn't find the "perfect" conclusion. There is SO much more to explore in this world that ARK Horton has created...and I'm in. I want to KNOW more about these beloved characters.
Lastly, another piece of wisdom that I gained/relearned was...don't always judge another off the first impression. Granted, most people...over time TELL you who they are (don't be an idiot), but a first bad impression doesn't make for a bad person. Ms. Sirin learned that. Mr. Finn learned that and so did Bree.
I also would like to say that I learned that AGAIN. None of us are perfect. We have good days and bad days. We screw up and we make up. True friends see through this and find the good in the other.
I hope that the author will be able to overlook my weaknesses in NOT abiding to the agreement made to read this book BEFORE it was released. That's on me. I own up to it, but am SO glad that I got to it, today. The lessons learned within this story will stick with me (even an old codger of 57 years old). Thank you for a fun romp of a story. I look forward to more of the Secrets of Pantheon.
June 3, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of Heroes & Harbingers for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As she did with the Telverin Trilogy, A.R.K. Horton introduces readers to a beautifully fantastic setting ripe with storytelling potential. Better yet, Heroes & Harbingers is her greatest accomplishment yet.
Heroes & Harbingers tells the story of Gabriella "Bree" Castille, a student at the Anny Lytle Magical Magnet High School, where she meets two teachers who inspire her in their own distinct ways. Pavlina Sirin, a mythological sirin, and Finn MacCool, the Irish hero of myth.
Described by the author as "adult fantasy academia," the book features a small amount of adult content, including death and grief, pregnancy loss and substance abuse. Despite this and the fact that two of the lead characters are firmly adults, this is a book that is appropriate for younger readers, and one I can see appealing to the Young Adult market.
Its setting will no doubt lead to Harry Potter comparisons, and I saw shades of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Bree's relationship with her mentor reminding me of the Slayer/Watcher relationship. More than the creators of those works, I was most reminded of Neil Gaiman, however; this book builds an intricate world full of mythology in a beautifully distinct, but natural way.
Heroes & Harbingers' three leads are an absolute delight. The author has created a trio of brilliant characters, all of them whom, if used as the sole protagonist, could have carried this book on their own. They are each fully realised, with their own histories and tragedies, their own motivations and their own worldviews. Many of the side characters are just as delightful, while others aren't - regardless, they are all thoroughly entertaining to read.
The plot takes place over the course of a school year, which results in the plot having its ebbs and flows, resulting in a pace that speeds up in points and slows down in others. The slower points never feel like they are filling in space, and I was constantly drawn in, wanting to know where the story was going next. With plenty of twists and turns throughout, I was never disappointed.
The book also brings a healthy amount of heart and emotion. Each character's backstory, as well as the book's events, pull at the heartstrings. Throughout, I felt for the characters, I cared about what they were going through, and I wanted them to get their happy endings.
The author's voice is engaging, drawing the reader in and providing all the information necessary to understand this fantastical world without slowing the pacing down with information dumps. It brings with it a great sense of humour, providing levity which juxtaposes with the darker subject matter nicely, and kept me chuckling as I read.
While this is the start of a series, it works perfectly as a standalone book. The ending opens the door for more adventures to come, but this is a promise of more good times, rather than teasing a resolution at some nebulous point in the future.
If you're a fantasy or mythology fan, I truly recommend Heroes & Harbingers. This is truly wonderful, and if you enjoy the author's previous works, this eclipses them all.
My full review will be available on my website from Wednesday, 8 June. To read it, my reviews of the author's previous works, as well as a host of other reviews, click here.
As she did with the Telverin Trilogy, A.R.K. Horton introduces readers to a beautifully fantastic setting ripe with storytelling potential. Better yet, Heroes & Harbingers is her greatest accomplishment yet.
Heroes & Harbingers tells the story of Gabriella "Bree" Castille, a student at the Anny Lytle Magical Magnet High School, where she meets two teachers who inspire her in their own distinct ways. Pavlina Sirin, a mythological sirin, and Finn MacCool, the Irish hero of myth.
Described by the author as "adult fantasy academia," the book features a small amount of adult content, including death and grief, pregnancy loss and substance abuse. Despite this and the fact that two of the lead characters are firmly adults, this is a book that is appropriate for younger readers, and one I can see appealing to the Young Adult market.
Its setting will no doubt lead to Harry Potter comparisons, and I saw shades of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Bree's relationship with her mentor reminding me of the Slayer/Watcher relationship. More than the creators of those works, I was most reminded of Neil Gaiman, however; this book builds an intricate world full of mythology in a beautifully distinct, but natural way.
Heroes & Harbingers' three leads are an absolute delight. The author has created a trio of brilliant characters, all of them whom, if used as the sole protagonist, could have carried this book on their own. They are each fully realised, with their own histories and tragedies, their own motivations and their own worldviews. Many of the side characters are just as delightful, while others aren't - regardless, they are all thoroughly entertaining to read.
The plot takes place over the course of a school year, which results in the plot having its ebbs and flows, resulting in a pace that speeds up in points and slows down in others. The slower points never feel like they are filling in space, and I was constantly drawn in, wanting to know where the story was going next. With plenty of twists and turns throughout, I was never disappointed.
The book also brings a healthy amount of heart and emotion. Each character's backstory, as well as the book's events, pull at the heartstrings. Throughout, I felt for the characters, I cared about what they were going through, and I wanted them to get their happy endings.
The author's voice is engaging, drawing the reader in and providing all the information necessary to understand this fantastical world without slowing the pacing down with information dumps. It brings with it a great sense of humour, providing levity which juxtaposes with the darker subject matter nicely, and kept me chuckling as I read.
While this is the start of a series, it works perfectly as a standalone book. The ending opens the door for more adventures to come, but this is a promise of more good times, rather than teasing a resolution at some nebulous point in the future.
If you're a fantasy or mythology fan, I truly recommend Heroes & Harbingers. This is truly wonderful, and if you enjoy the author's previous works, this eclipses them all.
My full review will be available on my website from Wednesday, 8 June. To read it, my reviews of the author's previous works, as well as a host of other reviews, click here.
March 20, 2024
I try not to give out five stars anymore unless they're exceptional and this story absolutely is. The action goes at a good pace to keep your eyes moving and mind engaged, the characters draw you in and make you root for them, everything in this fictional world makes sense, and with the exception of a single missing apostrophe there's no writing errors. I also appreciate the pronunciation chart at the beginning of the book since it does mix different mythologies around the world.
Heroes and Harbingers follows a girl named Bree who is more than what she even knows. Bree's drive in life is to become a lawyer so she can help families get medical care they need through insurance. Bree's little sister, Liz, is incredibly sick and constantly in and out of the hospital with no way for her family to pay the medical bills. Bree's best chance lies in going to Annie Lytle High School - a school of magic - because of their high test scores. On her first day of school, Bree is introduced to Ms Pavlina Sirin, the magic history teacher sirin who guides the dead to their afterlife, and Mr Finn MacCool, the magical applications teacher who's an immortal serving a hundred year sentence from the Council of Pantheons. While Bree has an instant connection with Ms Sirin, Mr Finn is the complete opposite. For the first time in her life, Bree is finding herself struggling in a class and butting heads with a teacher. But after her parents and abuela die in a car accident, that becomes the least of Bree's concern as god-like forces start to descend on her.
I honestly like every character in this book. Bree is someone I can relate to in many ways and she has steady but tremendous growth throughout the book. She's also realistic as a teenager and how she's described. Pavlina is my favorite. I love how she's a guide for dead souls and ravens, especially Corbin, is connected to her. I also feel for her as a character because she is shunned by many people simply for who she was born as. Not many want to befriend her because she is a harbinger of death even though that's not her fault; she doesn't decide who dies, she simply helps them to their afterlife, whichever one that may be. Even among her own kind, they praise the alkonosts - ones who bring joy and have bright plummage - and shy away from the sirins - harbingers of death with their mournful songs and black feathers. Pavlina is the most caring character with the most difficult past.
Finn MacCool, on the other hand, is incredibly arrogant and doesn't tend to care about anyone but himself and his daughter, who is trapped in a book until his sentence is up. That is, until he meets Pavlina. He's taken with her immediately and when she takes in Bree and Liz after their parents' deaths, they all become ensnared in a plot by the Council of Pantheons they may not get out of. This is another character with a lot of growth in the story. He goes from having a single goal of serving his sentence so his daughter can be free, to risking everything for the woman he falls in love with and her adoptive daughters.
Every character in the story serves a purpose and it all drives the plot forward to its conclusion. It's not heavy-handed and keeps you moving from one problem to the next very smoothly. In some ways, I have to think back to how we got from one point to another because it was done so well I didn't notice the change. I thought the ending was great and I can't wait to read the second one!
Heroes and Harbingers follows a girl named Bree who is more than what she even knows. Bree's drive in life is to become a lawyer so she can help families get medical care they need through insurance. Bree's little sister, Liz, is incredibly sick and constantly in and out of the hospital with no way for her family to pay the medical bills. Bree's best chance lies in going to Annie Lytle High School - a school of magic - because of their high test scores. On her first day of school, Bree is introduced to Ms Pavlina Sirin, the magic history teacher sirin who guides the dead to their afterlife, and Mr Finn MacCool, the magical applications teacher who's an immortal serving a hundred year sentence from the Council of Pantheons. While Bree has an instant connection with Ms Sirin, Mr Finn is the complete opposite. For the first time in her life, Bree is finding herself struggling in a class and butting heads with a teacher. But after her parents and abuela die in a car accident, that becomes the least of Bree's concern as god-like forces start to descend on her.
I honestly like every character in this book. Bree is someone I can relate to in many ways and she has steady but tremendous growth throughout the book. She's also realistic as a teenager and how she's described. Pavlina is my favorite. I love how she's a guide for dead souls and ravens, especially Corbin, is connected to her. I also feel for her as a character because she is shunned by many people simply for who she was born as. Not many want to befriend her because she is a harbinger of death even though that's not her fault; she doesn't decide who dies, she simply helps them to their afterlife, whichever one that may be. Even among her own kind, they praise the alkonosts - ones who bring joy and have bright plummage - and shy away from the sirins - harbingers of death with their mournful songs and black feathers. Pavlina is the most caring character with the most difficult past.
Finn MacCool, on the other hand, is incredibly arrogant and doesn't tend to care about anyone but himself and his daughter, who is trapped in a book until his sentence is up. That is, until he meets Pavlina. He's taken with her immediately and when she takes in Bree and Liz after their parents' deaths, they all become ensnared in a plot by the Council of Pantheons they may not get out of. This is another character with a lot of growth in the story. He goes from having a single goal of serving his sentence so his daughter can be free, to risking everything for the woman he falls in love with and her adoptive daughters.
Every character in the story serves a purpose and it all drives the plot forward to its conclusion. It's not heavy-handed and keeps you moving from one problem to the next very smoothly. In some ways, I have to think back to how we got from one point to another because it was done so well I didn't notice the change. I thought the ending was great and I can't wait to read the second one!
May 9, 2022
I will rate this novel 4 stars while in fact that would be a 3.5 stars for me because of the potential for interesting development.
Heroes and Harbinger is the first volume of a new urban fantasy series revolving around the idea of a "Chosen One" coming to save the world every some cycle. It is set in a world close to ours; a version of our world that recognizes deities and magical creatures as reality and not myth.
I liked how the author mixed folklores from all around the world in this universe. I won't say more but the big reveal in the end makes for some interesting development in the future.
I feel like it is a series that has a lot of potential despite the few things that prevented me from rating it higher. The main problem to me was the fact that I couldn't really relate to the main characters. I think it was because there were some inconsistencies in the writing. I felt like the writing did not match the plot. Overall, it feels like it is a novel that can speak to a young public (especially when it comes to the focalization on Bree) but it was mingled with a bit more mature comments.
I will still probably pick up the next volume hoping to discover more about this universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Heroes and Harbinger is the first volume of a new urban fantasy series revolving around the idea of a "Chosen One" coming to save the world every some cycle. It is set in a world close to ours; a version of our world that recognizes deities and magical creatures as reality and not myth.
I liked how the author mixed folklores from all around the world in this universe. I won't say more but the big reveal in the end makes for some interesting development in the future.
I feel like it is a series that has a lot of potential despite the few things that prevented me from rating it higher. The main problem to me was the fact that I couldn't really relate to the main characters. I think it was because there were some inconsistencies in the writing. I felt like the writing did not match the plot. Overall, it feels like it is a novel that can speak to a young public (especially when it comes to the focalization on Bree) but it was mingled with a bit more mature comments.
I will still probably pick up the next volume hoping to discover more about this universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2023
Interesting, the end was my favourite
I enjoyed this book, the characters and the hurdles they must surpass.
It was not quite what I was expecting. It was more of a cozy read than I was anticipating. But I did enjoy that aspect, I just was expecting more action. But I find it fits in better with the newly emerging cozy fantasy subgenre.
If you're looking for a nice cozy read, that still has stakes and mysteries to solve, this is perfect for that.
I liked all the representation of illness, of lgbt characters and of powerful and determined women.
My favourite part was the end as I felt there were things missing throughout the story, but the end made all the pieces come together and made sense.
I thought I was going to be disappointed with the ending the closer I got to it, but I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't end the way I had anticipated and was a much more satisfying ending for me.
I did enjoy the use of new magical creatures which I haven't seen done often before. That was refreshing.
I enjoyed this book, the characters and the hurdles they must surpass.
It was not quite what I was expecting. It was more of a cozy read than I was anticipating. But I did enjoy that aspect, I just was expecting more action. But I find it fits in better with the newly emerging cozy fantasy subgenre.
If you're looking for a nice cozy read, that still has stakes and mysteries to solve, this is perfect for that.
I liked all the representation of illness, of lgbt characters and of powerful and determined women.
My favourite part was the end as I felt there were things missing throughout the story, but the end made all the pieces come together and made sense.
I thought I was going to be disappointed with the ending the closer I got to it, but I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't end the way I had anticipated and was a much more satisfying ending for me.
I did enjoy the use of new magical creatures which I haven't seen done often before. That was refreshing.
May 29, 2022
I finished this book in huge gulps, barely coming up for air. The premise of a world very much like ours, only with magic a part of everyday life, is one that many fantasy readers wish were true. Unlike in Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and similar series, these characters move within a society where the gifted and mundane alike accept magic and magical creatures. The fact that societal ills from our own world still exist (prejudice, lack of access to quality education, etc.) makes the setting more believable. The idea of magnet schools that specialize in magical education will probably have readers asking, "Where do I enter my name in the lottery?"
Along with the setting, the characters themselves earn reader sympathy. A sirin who is a harbinger of death and feels that her family is disappointed by her calling; a legendary warrior forced to be a teacher as a punishment; a young girl trying to get the best education possible to secure a better future for her family - they all have burdens to carry and need each other, whether they will admit it or not. The fact that this world is ruled by the Council of Pantheons, so that deities and mythic figures from many different cultures can interact, will be a huge draw to readers who enjoy stories that mix in folklore and traditional characters from around the world.
The motivations of the characters are complex. The action is fast-paced. And there is the possibility of sequels. All excellent reasons to read it now, and then eagerly wait for a follow-up adventure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Along with the setting, the characters themselves earn reader sympathy. A sirin who is a harbinger of death and feels that her family is disappointed by her calling; a legendary warrior forced to be a teacher as a punishment; a young girl trying to get the best education possible to secure a better future for her family - they all have burdens to carry and need each other, whether they will admit it or not. The fact that this world is ruled by the Council of Pantheons, so that deities and mythic figures from many different cultures can interact, will be a huge draw to readers who enjoy stories that mix in folklore and traditional characters from around the world.
The motivations of the characters are complex. The action is fast-paced. And there is the possibility of sequels. All excellent reasons to read it now, and then eagerly wait for a follow-up adventure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2022
I want to start off by saying that I received a complimentary ebook. In return my my honest thoughts and review. Yes this book took me sometime to read I didn’t want to rush. I really wanted to give this book a chance. Given that I sometimes have a hard reading adult fantasy. I will be adding more of this authors books to my tbr. I did purchase my own copy. I love the cover of this book. I can’t wait to read what happens next. There is nothing negative in this book that I didn’t like. I love characters and the world the author created. felt at times I was there along with Bree having to deal with the pain that she had gone through. Having to take care of her sister with her health issues. I did like the way Paulina is with Bree helping her. Mr. Finn I thought was a butt head in the first part. But after he explained himself my heart changed. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you again to the author and RRbooktours for the opportunity to read such amazing read.
Thank you again to the author and RRbooktours for the opportunity to read such amazing read.
September 18, 2023
Heroes and Harbingers really appealed to me as a magic school story about the teachers. Finn (Finn MacCool from Irish legend) is serving out a community service sentence by teaching at the school where he meets the teacher of the History of Magic, Ms Sirin (the harbinger of death from Russian mythology). Together they learn that one of their students is The Chosen One.
Bree was a great character and I enjoyed the story. I didn’t care for the romance so much - most of the tension would have been resolved if the two adults had just acted like adults and talked to each other- but I liked the found family and friendships. The action was great and the world with its portals and multiple realities is great.
There’s lots of interesting mythology in the book and I really enjoyed the school setting from the teachers POV. This is the first book in a planned series. The next book is scheduled to release soon.
July 12, 2022
DNF at 71%. After an intriguing start, it went downhill pretty fast. Despite some good ideas on the world building, I couldn't keep interested enough to go on because of the characters on the one hand, and of the plot on the other hand. Concerning characters, all of them annoyed me at some level, mostly because of their exaggerated or inconsistent actions (Bree is a model student but through food at her teacher because she can't control herself like a 5 year-old, seriously?). Everything feels over the top, and many things don't make any sense. As for the plot, it's more a succession of scenes than a real plot, with too convenient twists and again inconsistencies. In addition, the wrong spelling/grammar of foreign words ("ma cher" instead of "ma chère") just reinforces the feeling of a sloppy writing, since the author didn't seem to bother checking.
July 22, 2022
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
This book is really good! I love mythology based books and this one has a mix of Russian and Greek mythology. I love that this book didn’t focus on magic but on the characters’ development and plot building. I would say it had a medium pace because the climax happened at about 80% of the book. There are just some character introduced to antagonize the main character that I think have not been given enough spotlight and was just crossed off the book in the middle. Good thing tho they were given a bit of closure in the end when the story is being wrapped up. It’s my first time encountering Russian mythology and it’s really nice that the author puts a bit of a background for each mythological creature’s history and what they are supposed to do according to the myths.
Thanks to @rrbooktours for my copy of the book in exchange of an honest review
Review:
This book is really good! I love mythology based books and this one has a mix of Russian and Greek mythology. I love that this book didn’t focus on magic but on the characters’ development and plot building. I would say it had a medium pace because the climax happened at about 80% of the book. There are just some character introduced to antagonize the main character that I think have not been given enough spotlight and was just crossed off the book in the middle. Good thing tho they were given a bit of closure in the end when the story is being wrapped up. It’s my first time encountering Russian mythology and it’s really nice that the author puts a bit of a background for each mythological creature’s history and what they are supposed to do according to the myths.
Thanks to @rrbooktours for my copy of the book in exchange of an honest review
July 9, 2022
I enjoyed this dark academia novel that focuses in on the points of view of two teachers charged with the caretaking of one of their students who has been designated The Chosen One. It was refreshing to approach this common trope from the point of view of the adults in the story. Pavlina is a sirin who is able to sense upcoming deaths and Finn is an ancient warrior serving out a punishment for past transgressions. The push and pull between these two is a fun dynamic laid on top of an exciting and at times heartbreaking storyline with their student, Bree, who is a spunky heroine all on her own. This novel has an interesting mix of different world mythologies grounded in the very real setting of Jacksonsville, Florida (albeit a magical one in this tale). Well-written and edited, this will appeal to lovers of fantasies set in schools who want a slightly more grownup take.
July 20, 2022
This is an adult fantasy Academia and I don't know why I was expecting immature high school kids but this was amazing! It sucks you right in and you can't put it down!! I mean when it starts out "The black downy feathers on the back of Pavlina Sirin’s neck prickled, and an icy wash of nausea rolled down her spine. Only two events triggered such a sensation: someone’s impending death or her mother’s imminent phone call." you know it's gonna be good!
Bree is a fabulous Chosen One. Pavlina and Finn are SLOW BURN romance. All 3 feel so realistic and easy to relate to! The writing is just fabulous!!
Thank you A.R.K. and R&R Book Tours for the free copy! And can I just say I'm a fan?! I can't wait for the next book!!
Bree is a fabulous Chosen One. Pavlina and Finn are SLOW BURN romance. All 3 feel so realistic and easy to relate to! The writing is just fabulous!!
Thank you A.R.K. and R&R Book Tours for the free copy! And can I just say I'm a fan?! I can't wait for the next book!!
July 22, 2022
This was an excellent opening for a new series, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what's in store in the following volumes. Magic, creatures from folklore, and a chosen one all combine to make a book that you won't want to put down once you start reading. Horton does an excellent job both with world building and character creation. The characters, despite being magical in one way or another, all feel very real, with plenty of depth and dimension. I'd love to visit this alternate world where magical schools are public schools, not private ones like Hogwarts. The story flowed smoothly, and hooks you from the start. Overall, an excellent story that brings a new twist to the dark academia genre, that fantasy lovers are sure to enjoy!
February 4, 2024
If you enjoy stories set in magic schools and those which draw on a range of mythologies, you need to read this book!
The story's POV switches between Bree - this century's Chosen One, Ms Sirin - a death harbinger, and Mr Finn - completing his community service. We get to see each of them dealing with loss and grief, which is a major theme throughout the book, as they come together to try and survive a deadly plot.
The world building is great, the found family aspect is wonderful, and the threat from those with power is very real. My only complaint is that some things seemed to happen too quickly and I wanted *more*. Thank goodness there are more books in the series to satisfy that desire - I moved onto the second book in the series immediately upon finishing the first!
The story's POV switches between Bree - this century's Chosen One, Ms Sirin - a death harbinger, and Mr Finn - completing his community service. We get to see each of them dealing with loss and grief, which is a major theme throughout the book, as they come together to try and survive a deadly plot.
The world building is great, the found family aspect is wonderful, and the threat from those with power is very real. My only complaint is that some things seemed to happen too quickly and I wanted *more*. Thank goodness there are more books in the series to satisfy that desire - I moved onto the second book in the series immediately upon finishing the first!
May 7, 2022
Hero's and Harbingers is Book 1 of Secret of Pantheons by Ark Horton. I thought that this fantasy is a little bit different. Pavlina is a human who has black feathers on her back and she is a harbinger of death. Finn is doing community service and sent from NY to Florida. Both are teaching at a magical High School. Ark Horton did a fantastic job of blending teachers and their problems with students and their issues. I thought the story had many layers and I felt that I was brought along with the characters. The ending was wonderful and left me wanting more of the story. I guess I will have to wait for book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 22, 2022
5 black feathers out of 5!
A seriously binge worthy book! Hard to put down! Finn, Ms.sirin and bree were not a trio I saw coming together but wow so glad they did!
Just when I thought things were going one way some event would happen and derail things; usually in pretty twisted ways. Which made the book eventful and a page turner. Definitely some jaw dropping moments. The building tension between Finn and Ms. Sirin was 🔥
For the record, I also would have wanted to get out of the pixie dissection, poor pixies but I guess that’s magic school for ya.
Can’t wait for the next book! Thank you for my gifted copy 💜
A seriously binge worthy book! Hard to put down! Finn, Ms.sirin and bree were not a trio I saw coming together but wow so glad they did!
Just when I thought things were going one way some event would happen and derail things; usually in pretty twisted ways. Which made the book eventful and a page turner. Definitely some jaw dropping moments. The building tension between Finn and Ms. Sirin was 🔥
For the record, I also would have wanted to get out of the pixie dissection, poor pixies but I guess that’s magic school for ya.
Can’t wait for the next book! Thank you for my gifted copy 💜
January 1, 2023
I liked this book a lot. I'm a huge fan of taking fantasy in modern day settings. The best thing about this book was the characters. They were all completely fleshed out. none of them felt 'minor'. I will 100% be getting the sequel.
August 22, 2023
This was a really good pallet cleanser. It was a ya urban fantasy with a good story and hints of a slow burn romance. It was a much needed break from all the spice, and I really enjoyed the magic and found family.
July 21, 2022
Full review coming soon!
August 4, 2022
I got ninety pages in and it just went nowhere. It feels like a book written for the YA crowd, barely, you remove the swearing.
Not for me.
Not for me.
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