I loved Juliette Marillier's Daughter of the Forest, but I found the prose here less sophisticated. I couldn't connect and stopped reading, so I don't know how the story and characters develop.

Unfortunately, I did not get. the chance to read this ARC prior to its release--I'm hoping to work through my backlist now that we're home for the coming weeks!--but we did end up buying this book for the library collection.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. I’d give it 3 1/2 stars if I could. Interesting characters, compelling storylines. There really weren’t any slow or dragging portions. I was definitely excited to find out what would happen next. It gave me a lot of Lloyd Alexander’s Prydain Chronicles vibes, what with bards and warriors and a feisty red-headed female protagonist and a bratty prince and scrying... there was a lot, and since that series is one of my all-time favorites, that’s a definite win.

I think my one complaint, and the reason this got bumped down to 3 stars instead of up to 4, was there was some pretty strong language. Not a lot, but enough that it bothered me. I was nervous with an s-word on page 2 that I was in for a book full of foul language, but it was limited to a few scenes of extreme feelings. There were no sex scenes but some dialogue and feelings of arousal described in a bit more detail than I felt was necessary. Overall, I’d say it’s a mild PG-13.

It was a fine, easy read, which sort of made it the perfect thing to read in this chaotic time. That said, the plot was simplistic and it was obvious fairly early on how the various threads would ultimately tie together. Only one character, Dau, has any sort of a complete character arc. The setting, a rote fantasy Celtic Ireland with druids and chieftains and healing women, has been more evocatively rendered by many other authors. That one of the main characters is a head-strong young woman warrior should make it more interesting but she's more irritating than inspirational. This book is first in a series, and it works fine as a stand-alone. I honestly have do not have enough interest in any of the characters to consider reading any sequels.

When I saw this new release on NetGalley last year, I couldn't resist it since I've been of fan of some of Marillier's earlier books. The first 20% got off to a strong start, and I was immediately invested in the three main characters (each get their own point of view). Once they went on their mission, I expected to become even more invested. Sadly, I thought the writing was overly detailed, and the pace slowed down considerably. Plus, I was frustrated by how often the characters did the opposite of what they were told to do. How can you join an elite band of warriors if you can't even follow orders?! And though it's one of Marillier's trademarks, the Fair Folk aspect did not work for me. I So Liked It (3.5 stars) overall but won't continue the series.

Honestly I knew I would like this book before I even picked it up. So far, I have loved everything written by Juliet Marillier since the beginning of time and this was no exception. I would say this novel felt a bit younger than her other YA series but I still enjoyed it as an adult.

This book follows, Liobhan, who is both an accomplished bard and a formidable warrior. She and her talented brother are tasked with finding an ancient harp that has disappeared. She has only a limited time to find it, and the search will reveal much about her personality as well as to her brother and their companion.

I fully recommend this book and am excited it will be in a trilogy!

This was my first book by this author. I didn’t love the plot overall, however, the characters helped make up for it. I enjoyed that there wasn’t a lot of forced romance. It was a well thought out historical fantasy and will read more by this author in the future.

I have always loved Ms. Marillier's work and this book is probably the best yet. I am very eagerly awaiting more stories in the series.

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2020 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2020/01/2020-reading-list-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

Title: The Harp of Kings
Author: Juliet Marillier
Pages: 463
Release Sep. 3, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Series or Stand-Alone: Book 1 in Warrior Bards Series

Character Rating: 3.5/4
Story Rating: 3.5/5
Writing: 4/5
Total Stars: 3.5/5

Persons of Color?: No
LGBTQ?: No
Pass the Bechdel Test? (Depiction of Women): Yes

Triggers: Attempted rape scene and really blatant victim-blaming. It also really pushes the idea of needing to forgive the rapist (who successfully rapes other women in other scenes) in one of the weirder compilations of no repentance, no change, and will go on raping but decides we should just quietly forgive him and move on. I get that this could be a character doing this, but the number of times this was pushed struck me as uncomfortable and ideologically problematic. I ended the book really angry.

I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Story: The premise is really interesting where several elite warriors go undercover as musicians to recover a historically important harp in time for a king to be crowned.

Likes: The major storyline arcs and the main female warrior, Liobhan.

Could be Stronger: Several slow, repetitive scenes that could be stronger. Also, the aforementioned push to forgive the prince who rapes and impregnates women and then leaves them to their own fate. At first, there was some struggle over this, but then just ends in a way that insists that this is the way it is. I think the author was trying for there to be a struggle for Liobhan over what to do and while this was going on, I was on board. If she left angry but understanding the need for secrecy, I get it. But just forgiving him (sort of on behalf of all the women?) it was out of nowhere and was really frustrating.

Recommendations: Honestly, I’ve having trouble recommending the book because of this. However, I am trying to give the author the benefit of the doubt. The storyline was very interesting, so if the premise sounds interesting to you, I would recommend it for 16+. Again, I would not recommend it for anyone with trauma because of several scenes and problematic handling of the material.

I have to give a special thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC. I found a new author to love, and I don’t know how I’ve missed out on her books all this year.

I heard from another blogger shortly after getting this book that it is tangentially related to another series by Ms. Marillier called Blackthorn and Grim. So I decided to read that trilogy first and I absolutely fell in love with it. Since then I’ve read almost everything that’s been printed by her to date.

She write true epic fantasy. Fantasy that feels ancient and full of deep magic, but with a special focus on female characters, and her characters are fantastic. Her worlds are magical, mysterious, full of fey creatures and wild danger.

In The Harp of Kings, Liobhan is both an accomplished bard and a formidable warrior. She and her talented brother are tasked with finding an ancient harp that has disappeared. She has only a limited time to find it, and the search will reveal much about her personality as well as to her brother and their companion.

I fully recommend this book, which will be part of a trilogy. I also recommend anything else by this author. She has a permanent place in my heart now.

If you’re interested in establishing yourself in this world here are some links to the Blackthorn and Grim novels as well… Happy reading!

Dreamer’s Pool (Blackthorn & Grim #1)

Tower of Thorns (Blackthorn & Grim #2)

Den of Wolves (Blackthorn & Grim #3)

Song for this book: Vanished Gardens of Cordoba – Ray Lynch

2.5 / 5

Overall: warriors from this island of elite, well, warriors are sent to find a harp and fix the future of a kingdom... they get more than they bargained for when they end up being embroiled in a plot with fae folk at the head.

A Closer Look:

“A future king who does not trust druids, in a place where druids are woven into the fabric of things. Magic or superstition? Spells or trickery?”


I enjoyed this first to a new fantasy series! While it was slow at times (as Marillier’s stories are wont to be), it had an engaging plot that involved fairy folk and a very pleasant medieval fantasy background. My biggest complaint is that HARP OF KINGS fails to add anything new to the fantasy genre. There’s a band of young folks who are trying to enter the elite warrior group of Swann Island, and they’re on a mission to prove themselves. The mission is finding the Harp of Kings, which is an ancient relic needed for the coronation ceremony of the new king to be. They’re all undercover as different personas anddd yeah. That’s it, that’s the plot.

Along the way we have some minor character development and discovery of character backgrounds. The ending was rather predictable, from the fae mystery to what happened to the harp to secrets coming out. It’s like... yah, they’re Good Tropes (TM). Sometimes you really just NEED a good old fashioned fantasy to curl up to (see: me reading Marillier’s book HEART’S BLOOD at least twice a year). But nothing in HARP OF KINGS really made it ~stand out~ in any way. There was a slight romance that wasn’t very well written, so that’s moot. There were pretty good action scenes but they were few and far in between, so that’s not really a contender. Like I said, the plot was engaging to an extent but wayyy too predictable to make it stand out. So in short, you kind of think about this book and you’re like “yahhh everything was pretty average... nothing really jumps out to me to recommend it.”

For review purposes (and my memory when the next book in the series comes out), I'm gonna discuss the characters. (Who, while they experienced growth, were also not very special/stand out.)

Liobhan: she is the “I’m STRONG even though I am a girl” trope. She is both a minstrel and warrior. Outspoken, bold, fierce, brash, and has a huge temper. Cool gal, super special because she has red hair. Learns how to control her temper during the mission.

Dau: he’s the “I’m a privileged boy who deserves everything in the world but I eventually ~learn~ because character development” trope. He was low key misogynistic towards Liobhan in the beginning but they end up getting along because like I said: character development. I kinda hoped they would have a romance but if it is one, it’s hella slow burn. For now they are just trusting each other. He also has a tortured past that unravels when you read from his POV. Reminds me of a frat boy in a PWI, but one that is known for their exclusivity even though they hella haze. (This metaphor goes deeper than first glance, I promise.)

Brocc: if there was a modern day AU of this book, Brocc (Liobhan’s brother) would be the moody dude who’s in a band. He’s like, nice. But doesn’t really fit in. But he’s also good with music! So everything balances out. Kinda looks like Harry Styles back when One Direction was together. His character was the most banal. It felt like he was there for plot purposes more than anything. There was a romance with his POV that was like... it was like in a fanfic, the moody band boy meets with the princess of the all girls school next door. And they’re both ~special~ and \misfits\ in society and they bond over that. There is no real substance to their relationship. Just like their characters - HA.

The book isn’t written badly, it’s just nothing new. Sometimes you crave the same mozzarella cheese you been eating since childhood, but sometimes you want to add spice in your life with habanero. Or the cheese was stale. I mean, this book was both mozzarella AND stale, so you know what kind of experience that gives. I would only recommend it to very very avid fantasy readers who don’t mind a bit of banality for the sake of classical fantasy elements. If you’re looking for something new, consider skipping this one.

4.0 stars

You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.

I was very excited to see that Juliet Marillier was starting a new book series, and couldn't wait to start reading the book. I've read several of her books and really enjoyed them. This one does not disappoint.

The book is 464 pages long, but it's such a quick and easy read that you don't notice its length. The book centers on a new main character, eighteen-year-old Liobhan. She is an accomplished singer and whistle player. Her brother is a genius harp player and has a voice that melts the most hardened heart. Despite these skills, Liobhan's greatest ambition is to join the elite warrior band on Swan Island.

While still candidates in training on Swan Island, Liobhan and her brother are sent on a secret mission with some of their trainers. Their musical skills make them the perfect pair to assist as they go undercover as traveling minstrels. Their task: find and retrieve a special harp that has gone missing. If the harp is not retrieved and played at the coronation of the new King, the people will not accept him and may revolt. Working undercover, and not able to trust anyone other than their fellow Swan Island warriors, the duo must navigate life at court, the secretive druids, and beings from the Otherworld. As Liobhan and her brother get closer to answers, heartbreaking choices and decisions must be made.

The book is set in the same world as previous Sevenwaters books, but readers that have not read the previous books will not be lost if they start this series. There is a bit of context and worldbuilding in the book, but not enough to drag the pace of the book down. As usual with this author's books, the action starts quickly and is evenly paced throughout the book. The characters are well developed, interesting and grow as the book progresses. The story is compelling, and while one story arc is completed at the end of the book, there is definitely more story to be told.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend you read this book.

I had a difficult time getting into this one. I am a fan of Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series, so I thought that I would enjoy this one. And though I did enjoy it, it was not as much as I was expecting. There's more of a fairytale feel to her previous series, and I was expecting that here. Sadly, it was not to be found. However, I am aware that if I had gone into this novel with no expectations then I may have enjoyed it more, so I will still recommend it to patrons who are looking for fantasy novels.

I have been a long time Juliet Marillier fan – as in I can remember picking up Daughter Of The Forest my junior year of high school 16 years ago and just falling head over heels with it and devouring several more of her books. So as you can probably guess I was SO excited to get my hands on Harp Of Kings. This book is the first in her new Warrior Bards series.

The Harp Of Kings follows three point of view characters – Liobhan and Brocc who are sister and brother and another character, Dau. Liobhan and Brocc are exceptional musicians and are fighting to win a place among the Swan Island elite warriors. Dau is also fighting to gain a place among these warriors. The three are called into a mission while training. They must help find what is called the Harp Of Kings prior to Midsummer where it is ritual that the new king will have coronation. The harp which is otherworldly will be played and so that’s how the people accept their new king.

There is a bit of fairy involvement. Dau acts as a person who is mute. Liobhan and Brocc are taking on the role of traveling musicians. All is not as it should be or seems in the kingdom. The back cover seems to promise a romance, but honestly, there’s really only hints – especially at one for Liobhan. Brocc has much more moments than she does.

Honestly, Harp Of Kings wasn’t quite what I thought it would be. The pacing was really slow and it took me forever to get through it. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. And okay, I was bored a lot while reading. I’d say this one isn’t my favorite of Marillier’s books, but I’ll still be back for the sequel because I do have some curiosity regarding what happens next.

Juliet Marillier steals my heart again! I discovered her Sevenwaters series a few years ago and became obsessed. This first books was no different. I loved Liobhan, Dau, and Brocc and I've always enjoyed how she portrays the Fair Folk. The ending definitely left me wanting more and I can't wait for the sequel.

Thanks so much to Netgalley for the e-arc!

I had never heard of the author before but now that I've read this book, I will be looking for more by her to read! The Harp of Kings is a book that encompasses everything an adventure/quest should in a fantasy book PLUS a badass female warrior. YES. Can't wait to read more by the author

I've been a fan of Juliet Marillier ever since I first started reading her Blackthorn and Grim series a few years ago so I was absolutely thrilled to find out that she was returning to this world with The Harp of Kings. Although the new Warrior Bards series can easily be read without reading the previous books the story is set in the same world but many years later and it stars Blackthorn and Grim's grown up children Liobhan and Brocc.

Liobhan is a skilled musician and singer but the one thing she wants more than anything is to become a warrior. Brocc is more interested in his music than fighting but he chose to accompany Liobhan to Swan Island, where elite warriors are trained, to keep his sister safe. Dau is another member of their class and he is in fierce competition with Liobhan to be the top student. The three are still in training when they are selected for an important mission. They'll need to take on new identities for the duration of the challenge with Liobhan and Brocc as travelling bards while Dau works as an apprentice blacksmith.

Their mission is to find a missing harp. The Harp of Kings is an ancient artefact that has been used at the coronation of all the previous kings, it has been stolen from the Druids and unless it's found in time the crown prince will not be accepted by his people as their rightful king. They need to find answers but that is made very difficult by the fact that nobody can know who they really are or that the harp is even missing in the first place. Add in the way the local fae seem to have taken an interest in both the harp and the siblings who are looking for it and things are going to get complicated fast.

I absolutely love Juliet Marillier's writing style, her books are very character driven and they read just like an old fashioned fairytale. I love the way she weaves folklore and fae creatures into her work and the blend of mystery and magic is just seamless. The story is told in alternating points of view from Liobhan, Brocc and Dau, all three were distinctive characters with very different outlooks on life. I love the strong bond between Liobhan and Brocc, they always have each other's backs and they are willing to risk a great deal to protect each other. I wasn't a fan of Dau's at first, he had some very old fashioned ideas about women wanting to be warriors and to be honest he came across as a bit of an idiot but he really grew a lot throughout the story and I enjoyed seeing him and Liobhan go from fierce enemies to grudging allies.

This story has a lot of heart and it was totally captivating from the first page to the last. I'm already desperately waiting for the sequel and I can't wait to spend more time with these characters.

To be accepted as part of a group of elite warriors, Liobhan and her brother are sent out on a mission: to play roles as musicians within a castle in order to find a stolen harp. If they succeed, they stand a chance of continuing on with their life goal. If not, it's back home for either or both of them.

I'm a fan of warrior societies doing undercover jobs and all that, but this book didn't appeal to me. In an effort to sound lyrical, like its musician characters, the book was very slow paced. Often, the characters told more than they showed, so it was extra wordy too. I'd rather see more action or infer their emotions through context. I hate reading pages and chapters of every thought that passed through their minds. I wasn't invested in any character's part, and there were three different POVs. I had a hard time connecting with most of the main characters, and switching between POVs after I finally was interested in some moments, was irritating.

It's not a bad story, but I wasn't overly interested, and it was too slow paced to capture and hold my attention most of the time.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.