It's been a long time since I've read a book like this one; in that it fills all of the stipulations that I set for myself to define a 5 star book. Nothing is better than a book that can make me laugh out loud, cry, love or hate characters at different times while turning the pages of a single book. The Harp of Kings was that book.
I loved Liobhan from the beginning. She is a strong female character who knows what she wants and goes after it with all her heart, mind and strength. Her brother Brocc was equally likable, but there was something about him that made the reader wonder what exactly was it that made him different. Brocc added a check and balance to Liobhan's actions. They clearly love each other and it comes across in the book as such a strong bond that it can be felt while reading of their journey and it's ups and downs along the way. Dau starts off as someone not as likable. He gradually grew on me to the extent that I felt his pain as his life was laid out in bits and pieces throughout the story. I found myself cringing whenever little details of his past surfaced and I wanted only good things to happen to him. These three are sent on an assignment; one that will determine their fate, and the fates of so many others. But they can't be themselves. They must adopt personas that are nothing like who they really are, and therein lies the story. A quote from the book sums it up best, "Sometimes it's hard to make the right choice. You can be going along one path, quite sure it's the way you want, and then suddenly everything turns upside down, and although you were sure you could always tell right from wrong, you start to wonder." This story is about the paths they take and the choices they make along the way. It's going to make you laugh and cry. You will love some characters and hate others. And at the end you will be really glad that you read this book.

The Harp of Kings is an enchanting tale, matching three warriors with a secretive land and a straightforward mission that quickly becomes muddled. The expert storytelling reveals a deep magic running through the forests and a history that’s more fairy tale than fantasy. The three narrative streams are highlighted by masterful character growth and diverging personalities that all seek something vastly different. This is a series I’ll be following closely.

And now for a few of my favorite things (and there were many):

THREE VASTLY DIFFERENT NARRATORS

The Harp of Kings shines thanks to the author’s intricate character work. We follow three narrators, each unique in their own way. In Liobahn, we have a strong female warrior who fights every day to prove herself worthy of an order that mostly admits men. She’s strong, intelligent, and cares deeply for her brother. That familial bond drives much of what she does, adding a passion to her character. In Brocc, we get a man who has reluctantly joined this band of warriors and wants nothing more than the comforts of home. He’s more delicate than the others and a true artist when it comes to singing and playing the harp. His narrative voice is lyrical, showing a deeper understanding of the world around him. There’s more to him than meets the eye, with many of the biggest reveals aligning around him. In Dau, we get a bullheaded warrior who wants nothing more than to fight and win. As the story progresses, he shows the most character growth. Initially angry with his part in the plot, he quickly matures, taking his duties head-on and growing closer to the other characters. Combined, these three create an incredibly compelling story.

A MUSICAL PLOT

Music runs deep in the storytelling, featuring a number of beautifully written songs and ballads that both entertain and change the world. With Brocc’s gifts, we see the magic of music on those lucky enough to hear it. While music is often important in fantasy novels, it isn’t typically central to the plot. In The Harp of Kings, it’s what runs the world from behind the scenes. The King is coronated by the dulcet tones of a mystical harp that provides the primary connection between the human and fairy worlds. This aspect adds unexpected beauty to the plot and casts a kind of magic as you read.

SLOWLY BUILDING INTRIGUE

As the narrators become more invested in their mission, it becomes clear that much is wrong with this kingdom they find themselves in. Where once they expected to simply complete their duties and move on, they gradually realize they won’t be able to distance themselves from the future of those around them. Whether it’s due to their novice status or their genuine care for people in need, their paths begin to alter the further we get into the book. Intrigue pops up the more they diverge, leading to many a conflict and startling find.

MAGICAL REALM MEETS STUNNING HISTORY

Finally, I was enchanted by the magical realm. To be honest, I haven’t read much fairy fantasy of late, and this aspect took The Harp of Kings from warrior-turned-spy novel into a deeper story that spells the future for a world in peril. The creatures and secrets of the realm are beautiful to imagine and Brocc’s part in their future is exciting to read. Throw in the mysterious old woman living in a cottage at the start of the winding trail and some horrifying birdlike villains and you’ve got an epic fantasy-meets-fairy-tale.

Never has a fantasy story touched me so profoundly that I was brought to tears not once but twice. The Harp of Kings is a moving tale of love lost, the power of family, and the qualities needed to be a hero among men. The story takes you on a journey that never slows and never disappoints.

What I Like:

The Harp of Kings is story-driven but could easily have been character-driven as Liobhan, Dau, and Brocc touch our hearts with their individual stories, goals, and choices. The tale is masterfully written so that it pulls you in much as a night of live music does with its ability to lift hearts and bring forth memories that touch your soul.

The setting is historical from a time and place that spurs the imagination. Scottish and Irish mysticism is well documented, and the stories are numerous, such as the story of Merlin and King Arthur. This tale keeps that tradition alive and elicits similar feelings of it being “a land of myth and time of magic.” The descriptions are so detailed that I could imagine my own ancestors as they walked, lived, and played in Scotland and Ireland long ago.

Liobhan is a strong female character and, as always, I love a strong heroine. She has that spunk and fire that pulls me into a story. Dau starts out as the typical male lead but grows and changes along the way into a more profound and full-fledged hero - one that you end up rooting for by the end.

What I Wish

This is usually the place where I gently complain when a book is written in shifting perspectives. As a reader, I find that often this device breaks up the flow of a story to a point where it negatively impacts my enjoyment of reading it, but that is NOT the case with The Harp of Kings. The device was used in such a way that it enhanced the story. The reader would have lost out had it not been used.

To Read or Not to Read

If you want a fantasy tale that will touch your heart and entertain your mind, The Harp of Kings is the right choice for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Enter a world of warriors and bards, of mortal kings and uncanny creatures in The Harp of Kings. Juliet Marillier’s writing has a lyricism to it that never fails to draw me in and I found myself spellbound by this story.

Since childhood Liobhan has wanted to become one of the elite Swan Island warriors. Now she and her brother Brocc have that opportunity. As trainees, they wouldn’t normally be sent out on missions, but their skills as bards make them the perfect spies when the mystical Harp of Kings is stolen. Alongside two senior warriors and a fellow trainee, Dau, Liobhan and Brocc make their way to the kingdom of Breifne. There they must suss out secrets from courtiers and druids, fend off royal bullies, and uncover the machinations of Otherworld beings, all while learning to become a team and strengthen their weak spots.

Liobhan is a heroine who is easy to like. She’s vibrant, skilled, loyal, kindhearted, and hardworking. She’s also young, vocal, and sometimes reckless when she follows her heart, but I liked that she wasn’t perfect and I could see how she will continue to grow over the course of the series. Brocc too is an endearing character. He’s quieter than his sister, more aware of his fears, but his talent as a bard is unparalleled. Brocc is unknowingly on a journey to come into his own and his path is one I’m still thinking on days after finishing this book (for reasons I won’t spoil). As for the third main character, Dau isn’t immediately loveable. He comes off as arrogant and is determined to win a spot on Swan Island at all costs. I knew there had to be more to him, and Ms. Marillier did not disappoint. I loved peeling back the layers of Dau’s character. He’s the most complex and wounded of the three and there were times his story brought tears to my eyes. Though each of the three main characters has a satisfying story arc in The Harp of Kings, I look forward to seeing how they mature and progress and how their relationships change in the next book.

The Harp of Kings is the first book in the Warrior Bards series and can easily be read as a standalone, but if you like Ms. Marillier’s Blackthorn & Grim trilogy you’ll be delighted to find out this series is set in the same world. I’m a huge Blackthorn & Grim fan, so I must confess that as soon as I read the character list in the beginning of the book and discovered that Liobhan and Brocc were Blackthorn and Grim’s children I was automatically invested in their fates. I loved the nods to the prior trilogy and even though I enjoyed The Harp of Kings on its own merits I still desperately hope we travel to Winterfalls in future Warrior Bards books.

The Harp of Kings has intrigue, fights, magical quests, and otherworldly action aplenty. The pages of the book practically flew by and I hated it whenever I had to put it down. I finished this story a well-satisfied reader, but there is a bittersweet quality to it that makes me hope the wait for the next book won’t be too long.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley.

The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier is a historical fantasy novel set in medieval Ireland. It's set in the same world as two of Marillier’s other popular series, Sevenwaters and Blackthorn and Grim.

I have to be honest and say I adore this author. I’ve numerous of her books. This one is a winner too. Marillier has a wonderful way crafting stories. Her works are full of historical detail, rich environment, interesting characters and also are incredibly readable. Her books read like you’re reading some new fairytale. The reader gets swept into the story and always enjoys the ride. This book is no exception.

The book has three main protagonists Liobhan, Brocc and Dau. They each have their own pov in the story. Liobhan and Brocc are siblings who have travelled because they want to be warriors on Swan Island. Liobhan feels constrained by being a woman in her society. She longs to be a warrior and strong. She’s dreamed of going to Swan Island her whole life. I really enjoyed her. I do feel at times she was a bit judgy towards other women and could be more empathic, but she’s young. Brocc is her brother who would probably rather be a bard than a warrior but goes to compete at Swan Island as well. He is surprisingly good at while there.He’s a bit of a dreamer. Dau is a chieftain's son who feels like he has a lot to prove. He is very unlikable at first, but as the story progresses he becomes more multilayered and interesting.

The story definitely went in a place I didn’t think it was going to, but that ended up being a good thing. I loved watching the trio basically set out on a mission and try to solve a mystery. That may seem like a simple plot but its not. There is politics, magic, secrets and big reveals in this book. I’d recommend it for anyone who has enjoyed the other two series I’ve mentioned before. I loved that we got little glimpses about a previous series that I was sad ended. It can also be read as a standalone. It's a good dip in the toes for someone wanting to find out if they like Marillier’s style. It’s also a really strong ya historical fantasy. I know I’ll be lined up for the preorder of book two.

4 Stars.

•I voluntarily read and reviewed and advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.•

This was my first Juliet Marillier book so I couldn’t enjoy the little Easter eggs from her other series, and maybe that’s why I couldn’t get into this one. The writing was great, but the plot was a little lacking for me. Marillier explains why the harp in the story is important to this kingdom...but I couldn’t buy into it. I wanted something greater at stake than a missing harp. I enjoyed Liobhan and Dau, but I found myself standing outside of the narrative sometimes when certain scenes were too heavily laden with dialogue and sparse descriptions.

Overall, I thought the book was well written but could do with re-vamping of the plot, perhaps adding in certain elements to create a bigger urgency to the overall narrative would have made me feel more attached to the story, and I would have liked more detailed descriptions of characters (early on) .

Fairly disappointing. I really enjoyed the first book in the Blackthorn & Grim series, but felt that by the third book the characters had gotten flatter and more obvious, as had the plotting and prose. This first book in a new series set in the same world has an intriguing premise but fell completely flat to me.

After the first few chapters, everything from the characters to the plot to (especially) the prose was rendered so simply that it read like bad YA fiction. The ending was as obvious as the characters' "growth." A book for die-hard Marillier fans only.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.

* I was provided an arc by NetGalley in exchange for a review*

This is my first time reading this author, and based solely on this book I can’t say I’d try her again. This just wasn’t the book for me.

It’s told from different points of view, which is fine, but I felt it stunted the flow at times. I also found the characters to be a bit flat. The concept was interesting enough, 3 warrior trainees along with two trainers go on a mission to find a stolen harp, but I just wish it was a little less stiff.

Think of something nice to say… even one thing, just come up with one thing… uh… can I get some help in the form of prompts that I came up with myself just now?

Was the writing good?
God, no. Thanks for asking.

A little more detail, please; this is a book review for serious readers.
Something I never notice but I couldn’t stop seeing because it was so obvious in The Harp of Kings was the lack of sentence variation! “I did this. I saw this. I am the worst.” Like, sure, write that way as you’re getting the basics of the story down on paper but go back and switch things up! It was so passive. Throw in some weak dialogue and vague world building and baby, you’ve got a mediocre story brewin’.

Okay, how about the plot?
Just an absolute farce. It relies on every trope imaginable and executes them poorly. The basic concept itself is ridiculous and as it “expands” it just gets even worse.

At least the character development was good?
No! I’m sorry to inform you that the character development was nonexistent. Okay, so mostly only one guy had any character development but it was so heavy handed that it was almost worse than no development—especially since he was only written in for his character and really brought nothing to the plot. The other POV characters were vanilla (not even vanilla bean) and the side characters’ actions rarely made sense.

Think of something nice to say… even one thing, just come up with one thing… uh… I’m glad it’s over.

A very full epic road trip plot of Celtic and Norse mythos. I really enjoyed it. My primary criticism is that I felt the multiple points of view created a cluttery confusion at times and did not flow as well as it might have. An excellent read for lovers of folklore and the Old Ways.

The world building and magic in this novel is everything I ask for in the fantasy genre. Unique with depth and breadth, believable magic and a stellar plot. The story starts in a warrior training camp, shortly after a training session, trainees are approached and offered the opportunity to be involved in a real mission. Retrieve the Harp of Kings so the next King to be crowned can have it played upon his coronation, a requirement for the town to accept him as King. The Harp has disappeared and no one knows where it's gone. Retrieving it requires discretion, subtlety, and perhaps, the ability to either put your trust in your comrades, or have your eyes open to the uncanny - what the fae are known as in this story.

This book was rip roaring intriguing from start to finish. I loved the characters, both the good and the abhorrent, so much so that I'm eagerly awaiting what surely is the beginning of a new series.

This is my first read from Juliet Marillier and I was very excited to read The Harp of Kings.

From the synopsis, The Harp of Kings is everything I love in my top reading choices. And here comes the but... But, I've started and stopped this novel 2 times. I'm struggling to connect with the plot. I'm putting it down once again to come back later.

I received this ARC copy of The Harp of Kings from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Harp of Kings is set for publication September 03, 2019

The Harp of Kings is an adult fantasy novel and start of a new series by Juliet Marillier. I haven't read any of her previous work, but I think this is a sort of spin-off from another series. Regardless, it works just fine on it's own.
I usually tend to read the more gritty, grimdark fantasies and this has a much more classic fantasy feel to it. The Harp of Kings is more Narnia than Westeros and was a refreshing change. The characters are likeable, the problems are solvable, and all ends up well. It left me feeling less personally invested in the story, but more light-hearted than I usually am at the end of a book, by far.
The Harp of Kings is a fun adventure fantasy and I look forward to the next installment!

Beautifully written and engaging from the beginning to the end, "The Harp of Kings" is the story a group of competitive trainees trying to be the one warrior to foil an assassination plot. While puzzling out the mysterious plot, the characters each must go on a quest that plays to their own strengths and sympathies - but also helps them grow and work together. The characters and world are rich and engaging, and the twists and turns in the strange mysteries will keep readers wanting more even after the final page is turned.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an e-ARC of this title for review.

I've just finished the book and am in a delighted headspace of wanting to give it 5 stars and wanting immediately to read the sequel that hopefully comes out. I marathoned the last 40% of this book (so, 200+ pages) all in one enthralled sitting, everything clicked into place and it was an amazing time. But in the interest of wanting to consider all of a book's ups and downs when rating, I think 4 stars is most fitting. The first half was less compelling, the pacing being a main culprit.

First, the characters. There are three points of view, each very distinct and worthwhile in telling a multi-faceted storyline. I loved all three. They're somewhat idealized and almost too obviously endearing, but they really grew on me.

Liobhan is a strong heroine full of gusto and energy, she's the most warrior-like of the trio. Her brother Brocc is a highly talented bard. A more gentle, soulful, and contemplative type. Then there's the weird wildcard, Dau. At first I was wondering "What is this guy even doing here?" But he ended up becoming my favorite of the set.

The trio are set off on a mission to secure a missing harp. They're tasked with being sneaky and uncovering clues from various sources. They will end up uncovering a massive threat to multiple areas of their world and secrets behind a royal family. Each character has their own distinct role in the story and their chapters convey a wildly different atmosphere.

The bulk of Brocc's are more dreamy with lovely imagery. Liobhan's contain more conflict, but also some moments where she bonds with a younger side character and we see a marked soft side to her. Dau has a lot of growing to do, overcoming a dark past and learning to trust again. He changes a lot over the course of the story and my feelings for him went from vaguely negative to overwhelmingly positive. I like how these three didn't all agree about various goings-on. Long story short- these are very good characters and not one-note.

I notice this title is sometimes categorized and shelved as Young Adult. This is not unfitting, as the characters are all 18 years old so they are literal young adults. But I'd hazard a guess that if one were to read random pages of a just-plain-fantasy book and random pages from YA fantasy books, The Harp Of Kings would be widely guessed to fit amidst the just-plain-fantasy books.

There is a maturity to the writing style, a sophistry that is immediately noticeable. The romance is light and vague and the gimmicks are few. The characters are very level-headed and intelligent. There's no whining or angst. The plot goes at whatever pace it wants to and doesn't seem concerned with keeping youths entertained via shocking plot twists or such. I'm sure many adults would be geared to appreciate this one. I could also see this serving as a great bridge point from YA fantasy to more general, adult fantasy.

So many important things are done well. The characters, the writing, and the world building is meticulous, convincing, and well thought out. The only downside for me was the uneven pacing and a marked slowness that permeates some parts. There are long stretches where the story seems to be at a stand-still in favor of exploring minute details.

There are periods where characters chat at length about political intrigue or go into long-winded explanations. While I adored the very beginning (first 15% or so) there were soon too many moments that are best described as quiet and slow. Like a sort of fantasy slice-of-life, stretches where nothing particularly thrilling happens. We just learn more about the world the characters live in. I haven't read a ton of fantasy so this may be par for the course, but I've read some titles that went about things more briskly.

I'd like to think that trimming some of the earlier sections could have helped in making this a more consistently compelling title, but that could have interfered with how convincing and well-realized the world ended up being.

Overall, I do consider those initial concerns a sort of investment that ended up proving worthwhile once I was hooked. Still a worthwhile read and I will miss these characters.

Side note, though the romance is not a large component of this book, I adored the glacial slow burn relationship of Liobhan and Dau. Looking forward to seeing how the very gradual development from sort-of enemies to friends to something more may culminate. It's rare to find a pair that develops so naturally and carefully. There is a ton of potential.

I received a copy through NetGalley for review.

Firstly I want to say that I'm so grateful to be able to review this.
Juliet Marillier is one of my very favorite authors, the way she crafts her stories and fantasy elements is unlike any other.

The Harp of Kings, is sort a continuation of her Dreamer's Pool series with Mistress Blacktorn and Grim, I adored their stories, and THOK picks up with their children, of which they have three.
Liobhan and Brocc are the younger two, both very close in age are on Swan Island trying to earn a spot as one of their elite warriors. While some old characters are hinted at- it's not necessary to have read any of the other books.

Liobhan is driven, and whip smart, but also stubborn and quick to voice her opinion, she is as strong as any of her male counterparts. Brocc is a talented musician, more musician than warrior, but he holds his own. They are sent on a mission to as part of their training, more for their talents to retrieve an ancient harp that has gone missing.

As always ancient stories, and uncanny entities are woven into the very tapestry she forms for this tale. It's a story of a strong bond, discovering who they truly are, how one's past can be overcome and still build a bridge to a better future, to learn to trust others and themselves.

Each character, Liobhan, Brocc and Dau have a personal, emotional journey to make. As they work to claim a spot as island. And nothing in this mission will go exactly as planned. For nothing is ever simple when the Otherworld lies in the balance.

It was an emotional journey for me, each one of the characters really tugged at my heart. I wish there was more of a tidy bundle at the end, but the ending is just hinting at a bigger things for each one of these well-crafted characters as they step up to claim their own paths.
I'm looking forward to see where Brocc, Liobhan and Dau are headed next, for it seems there is much more ahead for them.

I was really interested in this novel from the description I read on NetGalley: a brother and sister who are musicians AND warriors! I am so grateful for the approval because this is one of the most unique fantasy novels I have read in quite some time. It has wonderful characters, the intrigue of a spy novel, and Faeries! What more could you want???

What I liked:
Characters:

Liobhan and her brother Dau are training to become elite warriors, but they are also accomplished musicians who entertain their fellow cadets with strangely compelling music. I loved the many layers to their relationship. They supported each other but were very different. Liobhan lives for combat drills and punishing physical workouts. Dau is also an impressive fighter, but, secretely, he would rather play his harp and compose music.

They are also keeping an intriguing secret from every one. I was really surprised by this plot twist, but in the best possible way.

Brocc is another cadet training to be a warrior. At first he seems like a misogynistic jerk, and seems to take joy in antagonizing Liobhan. But as the story progresses, we see the deep scars that form his personality. He has a story arc that will make you care deeply about him by the end of the novel.

Tropes Smashed:

As I was introduced to these characters, I instantly thought I knew what would happen based on so many popular tropes in YA (enemies who fall in love, royalty who plot for dominance). But I was happily proven wrong! I love that this author didn't feel the need to stick with predictable plot lines. This made the story really refreshing.

Story:

The story has all the fun elements of a crime novel. There is a mystery (where is the Harp of Kings, who took it, and why?), suspects with hidden agendas, and danger. You don't really know everything that's going on until the very end where all the different parts fall into place to show us what is happening.

And then there are the Faeries. They play an important role in the mystery. I really enjoyed this other world with unique characters, settings, and problems. I especially liked the emphasis on the natural world.

Trigger Warning:

This was a deep, and, at times, difficult book to read. There are graphic depictions of physical abuse, animal torture and sexual assault. These were necessary to the story, but please be warned.

This is the first book in a new series. It's set in the same world as the Blackthorn and Grimm series, you learn very early in the book how it's connected. In this, teens Liobhan, her brother Brocc, and Dau are training for Swan Island, a group of warriors and they're sent to find the stolen Harp of Kings.

Juliet Marillier continues to be an excellent storyteller and her writing is as always lyrical and lovely to read. Other than the absolutely spectacular Daughter of the Forest, I've thought that the first books in her previous series have at times been slow going and I tend to enjoy them more on re-reads after the rest of the series comes out. There were some spots where I thought this dragged, so I'm hopeful the rest of the series will pick up a bit, as they usually do.

Juliet Marillier is a master storyteller! She is one of the best writers in fantasy and I was blown away by The Harp of Kings. I love how character driven her novels are. I can't wait for the next book she publishes!

This novel weaved together magic, music, action, and adventure. The story is told from three points of view, Liobhan, Dau, and Brocc. Each has their own tale to tell and each character develops throughout the story. Liobhan is a woman, who is a warrior and has musical talent. Her brother, Brocc, is extremely talented musically, where he gets all to listen and is also a warrior, but does not seem to desire it the way Liobhan goes. Dau is a warrior, who has no desire to return to his home and wants to be the best warrior on Swan Island. When selected for a mission to retrieve a harp before Midsummer so a king can be chosen, each knows what they are expected to and what role to play. However, things never turn out as expected. Each plays a role that they are not comfortable with, yet they adapt. Still, secrets are kept from them by those who hired them and they need to work together to solve the puzzles. Brocc seems to have a connection with the magic, having grown up with the tales of the fairy folk. Liobhan understands this, but she does not have as strong of a connection. Yet, she has her own mission to complete just as Brocc does. Dau plays a key role as well, having to accept the decisions both make, even when he does not quite understand it. Each character improves upon their own short comings to become stronger individuals. Yet, will it be enough?