4.5 stars.
This is a clever book with interesting main characters whose points of view are different from each other in a way that never lets you forget whose POV chapter you’re on.

I loved "The Harp of Kings." Juliet Marillier, a new author to me, really impressed me with this book.

There’s always that number one rule that people always throw around about not judging a book by its cover. I refuse to acknowledge that rule and I always get taken in by covers. The Harp of Kings was no exception. I saw this cover from a mile away and knew I needed to get my hands on this book. That, and once I actually read the description of this book, I was 100% invested in knowing more about this story.

Starting off, this book is told through three different points of view. It's certainly not strange considering its a fantasy novel, what did through me for a loop however was that every point of view was in first person (which takes me a while to get into) but also, I expected the characters to be in different locations I guess. Not for all of them to be on the same island and following the same days. I tried very hard not to prejudge from that an honestly after the third chapter I didn’t even mind it anymore.

I really enjoyed Liobhans point of view, it was definitely my favorite voice out of all of them. Daus was a little slow in the beginning, but eventually his point of view picked up as well. It was definitely interesting reading these two characters because it usually went Liobhans then his. Lastly we had Brocc, and I don’t know if it was just me, but everytime his chapter came along I felt like I was reading his personal journal rather then seeing what was currently happening through his eyes. It unfortunately felt like it wasn’t meant to be the same story somehow?

Overall, the story was okay, and the writing was too. It was written in present tense and I think that just took me out of the story and I wished it wasn’t that way at all. I’m sure others will enjoy this book though!

Juliet Marillier is the queen of Irish folklore. The Harp of Kings is a delightful adventure set in the Ireland of yore. With warriors, musicians, and the fey, this is a rich tapestry of adventure and excitement.

4.5/5

This is the first book that I have read by Juliet Marillier, but it most definitely won’t be the last. Even though this story takes place in the same universe as some of her other books, it is not necessary to read those first.

This is the story of brother and sister Brocc and Liobhan who are training to be a part of the elite warriors of Swan Island. During their training Brocc and Liobhan are selected to be part of a secret mission along with a fellow trainee named Dau and a couple of adult warriors. Brocc and Liobhan are selected for the mission because they both are extremely talented musicians (especially Brocc) and are well suited for a spy mission. The mission they are sent on is to retrieve the missing Harp of Kings, an otherworldly object that must be played at the coronation of the new king of Breifne. However, things get difficult when it is discovered the future king is not the best option for king, the druids and politicians won't share information, the uncanny folk in the woods make themselves known, and Brocc, Liobhan, and Dau are left to make decisions that could lead to losing everything...

The story is told in alternating POVs by Brocc, Liobhan, and Dau. All three are tested in various ways during their quest, learning their strengths and weaknesses and finding out if it’s possible to work together as a team. Juliet Marillier does a great job of throwing these three together in a way that invests the reader in each character’s story individually, but also as a group.

I picked this book up because it was sold to me as a story of a woman who was part warrior and part bard. There is not enough music magic in the fantasy/sci-fi genre. This book helps to add a little bit more to a lacking genre. I really enjoyed reading about how Liobhan and Brocc used their musical abilities (especially Brocc later in the story).

This story has everything I love in my fantasy: political intrigue, an epic quest, music as magic, Otherworldly folk, strong willed young woman who sometimes make very bad decisions, and an unexpected ending. I was hooked the entire time, and I cannot wait to get my hands on another Juliet Marillier novel! I don’t know if this book will have a sequel, but if it does I will not be upset about it.

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

How have I only just discovered Juliet Marillier?! After reading this book I am compelled to read everything else she has ever written. I loved these characters. So well developed - flawed and beautiful at the same time. The world these characters live in is so well developed, it's like I was there. Even the secondary characters we well thought out and 3 dimensional. I enjoyed watching the 3 main characters grow and of course the adventure and mission they went on was engaging and enjoyable. Highly recommend!

Electronic ARC provided by NetGalley.

I've been waiting for this book for ages, so I was super excited to see it pop up for request on NetGalley. I'm happy to say that "The Harp of Kings" is pure Juliet Marillier. If you're familiar with her work then you'll recognize many of the story and character elements, but as always they are presented in a well written story steeped in Celtic mythology. This book takes place in the same continuity as the Blackthorn and Grim trilogy, but provides a completely new entry point for the series. The three main characters are all new, and no knowledge of previous books is required.

"The Harp of Kings" follow siblings Liobhan and Brocc in their training as they hope to become members of a band of elite warriors. Partway into the training a mission comes up that suits Liobhan and Brocc's particular talents (mainly their musical abilities), and so they are tapped to accompany the more seasoned warriors, along with fellow trainee and sometimes rival Dao. Most of the book takes place at a foreign court as the group works to recover the Harp of Kings before it is needed as part of the ceremony to crown a new King. The mission is designed to test each main character, forcing them to confront their own weaknesses and figure out where their loyalties lie.

I liked all three of the new main characters. The book is split relatively evenly between them in viewpoint, and all of them are more complicated then they seem at first. Like most of Marillier's works, this book tells a complete and satisfying story, while also leaving threads that can be followed in future books. I'm glad to see Juliet Marillier returning to her wonderful Celtic fantasies, and I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters.

A strong woman lead, with a fantastical plot. So enthralling, Marillier draws the reader in and casts her spell . I have read other books by this author, and I plan to read more! I loved the character development of Liobhan and Dau both.

This was a fairly standard Juliet Marillier book! That's not a bad thing - I knew what to expect and I got it. It takes place in the Blackthorne and Grim universe, which frankly isn't my favorite of her books, but stands independently. Siblings Liobhan and Brocc are training to become elite warriors on Swan Island, alond with Dao, their main competition for the limited slots. The three of them are sent on a mission to retrieve the missing harp of kings, which is important for the ritual coronation of the king of the kingdom of Breifne. Soon, they discover that the heir may not be suited for leadership, and the mission takes a turn for the uncanny. The characterization was great and the setting is vibrant

Set in the mists of time in ancient Ireland, this is a new series by Juliet Marillier. It follows 3 candidates (Liobhan, her brother Brocc and Dao) who wish to become trained warriors and spies. As the story begins they are all training at Swan Island in hopes of becoming permanent members of the warrior band knowing that a minority of candidates actually make the cut. As the training continues but before it finishes they are all three chosen to go on a mission. Liobhan and Brocc are also wonderful musicians and that will be their undercover identity. Dao will go undercover as a farrier's assistant and they will be sent to a kingdom to the south to try and find a missing harp. The harp is necessary for the crowning of the new King of Breifne which will take place on Midsummer's Day and time is growing short. The three warrior candidates realize that this will be a real life test of their skills as well as their ability to work undercover and with each other. It is a story that keeps you reading and hoping to soon read more about these characters.

This tale is the perfect high fantasy, with mystical druids, magical bards, and the convergence of two worlds through a ritual involving a missing harp. Three warriors are sent to find the harp: fierce Liobhan, stubborn Dao, and thoughtful Brocc, and their journey has the potential to change the fate of a nation. Marillier's storytelling is such a beautiful blend of lyrical prose and dynamic action; an irresistible combination for anyone who loves her other work.

Marillier is an unfailing favorite, with her lush setting in ancient Ireland and fully fledged characters that face heart-rending decisions. This is a noteworthy beginning to a new series about a young woman who is both gifted musician and elite warrior.

Juliet Marillier is an incredible storyteller. There’s no doubt about. I’ve loved her work since I first read Daughter of the Forest in high school, and I have become a lifelong fan. The Harp of Kings was no exception. For those who have read Marillier’s other series, Blackthorn and Grim, Liobhan and her brother, Brocc, are Blackthorn and Grim’s children. I quite enjoyed the references to the other series.

Liobhan, Brocc, and their fellow Swan Island trainee, Dau, take turns narrating the story. The three of them along with their trainers are sent on a mission to retrieve a stolen harp that is necessary for the coronation of a new king of a Breifne. I really enjoyed all three of the main characters, and I appreciated the depth of their characterization. None were one dimensional and simply a warrior or just a bard.

The story was well written, and I’m very excited to see how their story will continue in the next installment. The Harp of Kings is definitely worth reading.

This book was an interesting read. It blended high fantasy with a more realistic-historical fiction feel. The adventure of going forth from Swan Island with a quest in mind, the excitement of the unknown, the danger of undercover work, the book had an excellent set-up. However, while I enjoyed the story, I had to read carefully to keep up with the plot. There seemed to be two strands going at all times, right up to the end, and it never really felt like they were completely tied together. I enjoyed the mystical element of the book and the tension between Dau and Liobhan, but it felt unfulfilled. I hope that there is a second book in the works because there are so many questions left over and so many avenues that seemed important but were left unexplored.

Great muse of writing, thank you for your gift of Ms. Marillier's talent!
A wonderful tale done with respect to Celtic folklore. It was a joy to read such strong true story. The primary protagonist is a competent young woman, a genuinely powerful and talented musician and warrior. The elven queen is both powerful and delicate. The adopted brother is a bard and something more. All and all, a genuinely good book