I was sent this in exchange for an honest review which I appreciate - see my YouTube and Goodreads for a full review!!

Brilliant writing and world building, but I felt like the pacing was off and it went from having really good pacing to being rushed towards the end which kind of disappointed me.

I would check out other books by the author though!

4.5 stars
I loved this book. I was hooked right from the get-go and I´m kicking mystelf that it took me so long to get around to reading it.
Perfect start to the series. HIghly recommend.

Nice read, I requested this book because it sounded interesting and it really was! That said, I found the first half more compelling than the second half. The author is very skilled at setting the mood to the story, the characters were interesting but felt like they were serving the plot mostly. Would be interested to read the next books in the series!

This is a promising first book in a series! I enjoyed the main character and the world she inhabits. I'm interested to see what else this author can come up with!!

Helen Harper is at it again ! This first book was interesting, it was an introducing book but fast paced which I appreciated.
I related to Mairi so much and I can't wait to ready thé next one!

This was a interesting exploration of dark academia meets modern day. It is one of the only books that has felt completely imersive. I loved following these characters as they unravel thier mysteries.

This is the first book in a new series, and I’m looking forward to the next one coming out. This book was easy to read and moved quickly. I got into it in the beginning and eventually it was hard to put it down. The main character was easy to root for, although some of her thoughts and actions annoyed me. People would tell her something she didn’t want to hear just to have to learn the lesson on her own later. Some parts felt like she was specifically trying to do the opposite of the rational advice she was getting.

There were certain fantasy aspects that I thought was really interesting, and I’m curious how the second book will build on it. Overall, I thought this book was a quick and enjoyable read with enough momentum at the end to make me want to continue the series.

I’ve never read Helen Harper’s books before, so now I’m interested in reading some of her other series. I wanted to thank BookBuzz and the publisher for providing an ARC for me through NetGalley.

Some original and intriguing world-building, with a determined and courageous heroine. I think it was the writing that lessened the impression for me. Too many "fucks" - not that I care about swearing, but it didn't feel organic or appropriate to the setting or many of the characters. It felt unnecessary, and lazy writing. Nevertheless, I shall keep an eye out for the sequel, because the story was interesting enough for me to want to read more.

Questo libro mi ha seriamente stupito!
Non avevo grandi aspettative quando ho iniziato a leggerlo e visto che la lettura era molto scorrevole e abbastanza gradevole ho continuato, sopratutto pensando che si trattasse di uno standalone. Ma più leggevo più succedevano cose in fretta e mi sembrava tutto fatto di corsa. Solo quando ormai ero arrivata agli ultimi due capitoli ho capito che non sarebbe potuto essere un libro singolo, ma sarebbe stata sicuramente una serie! Troppe domande sono rimaste senza una risposta e tanti eventi devono ancora accadere.
Il fatto che la storia sia stata raccontata senza quasi prendere fiato, non è del tutto negativo a mio parere, perchè riesce a trasmetterti l'ansia della protagonista di riuscire a trovare una soluzione e portare a termine i suoi piani, anche se sembra sempre andare avanti a casaccio alle volte!
Non ho trovato neppure fastidioso il fatto che la protagonista fosse muta. Dopo qualche capitolo ci si fa l'abitudine al suo modo di farsi capire, e dopotutto la protagonista della mia serie preferita (The Bitterbynde trilogy) era anche lei in una situazione simile, quindi l'apprezzo anche di più dato che è rimasta comunque originale e molto diversa da Imhrien.
Il coprotagonista maschile non poteva non piacermi, anzi, l'ho adorato! E l'utilizzo di un nome celtico (che significa guerriero) mi fa ipotizzare un po' di cose su quel che potremo aspettarci da lui nel prossimo libro! Uhuhuh non vedo l'ora!
Fate attenzione comunque a questo bel demone! C'è una scena MOLTO piccante, ma molto breve, che non mi aspettavo minimamente!!! Mi è piaciuta da morire!!!
L'unica pecca che potrei segnalare su questo libro è l'utilizzo della parlata scozzese. Probabilmente i madrelingua inglesi riusciranno a capirne più di me, ma avrei apprezzato delle note a piè di pagina che spiegassero alcuni modi di dire o alcune parole completamente incomprensibili altrimenti.

Comunque più andavo avanti nella lettura più il libro mi ha conquistata, quindi non vedo l'ora di leggere il seguito! Non credevo che lo avrei mai detto!

Grazie Netgalley per avermi concesso di leggere in anteprima questo libro!

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This book has seriously amazed me!
I didn't have high expectations when I started reading it and since the reading was very smooth and pleasant enough I continued, especially thinking that it was a standalone. But the more I read, the faster things happened and it seemed like everything was done in a rush. Only when I had reached the last two chapters I did realize that it could not have been a single book, but it would be a series of books! Too many questions remained unanswered and so many events have yet to happen.
The fact that the story was told almost without taking a breath, is not entirely negative in my opinion, because it manages to convey the anxiety of the protagonist to be able to find a solution soon and carry out her plans, even if she always seems to go forward haphazardly at times!
I didn't even find it annoying that the protagonist was mute. After a few chapters you get used to her way of making herself understand, and after all, the protagonist of my favorite series (The Bitterbynde trilogy) was also in a similar situation, so I appreciate her even more since she has remained original anyway. and very different from Imhrien.
I couldn't help but like the male co-star, in fact, I loved it! And the use of a Celtic name (which means warrior) makes me speculate a few things about what we can expect from him in the next book! Uhuhuh can't wait!
Beware of this handsome demon anyway! There is a VERY spicy scene, but very short, which I was not expecting at all !!! I loved it so much!!!
The only flaw I could point out about in this book is the use of the Scottish language. Probably mothertongue English speakers will be able to understand more than me, but I would have appreciated some footnotes explaining some sayings or some completely incomprehensible words otherwise.

However, the more I went on reading the more the book won me over, so I can't wait to read the rest!
I didn't think I'd ever say that!

Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this novel. I am rating this book based the stars due to lack of time to leave a full review. #Hummingbird #NetGalley

This was an amazing story with a girl who can't and were women can't wield magic. You can probably guess where this is going. This was an edge of your seat fantasy story that I loved. It had some wonderful world building, fantastic characters, and some epic magic!

This is a decent read with a strong willed heroine who doesn't have too much of a 'too stupid to live' syndrome. It feels like an edgier YA story in that regard. But it doesn't bring much of anything new to the table either: the usual alternative history location (UK) where mages rule the world and need to be taken down by a unique snowflake.

Story: Mairi is an orphan who is trying to get by in the world. She works as a servant to a couple who aren't too terrible to her (relatively speaking, of course) and works long hours in a fashion house/textile company. She is mute - has been her whole life - but that has never hindered her too greatly. That is, until the mages target someone she loves and she finds out she may have the power to bring them down once and for all.

As noted, there was nothing too new to the story. The characters were interesting in a very Dickensian way and the Scottish slang/cant was well represented. Mairi is a strong character but a lot of the supporting characters and love interesting do feel a bit much like YA cliches. That said, I will likely continue the story with book 2. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for sending me an eArc of this book!

I knew from the moment I read the synopsis for the Hummingbird that this book would be for me, and I wasn't disappointed. This is the first book in a series which I cannot wait to dive into.

The story follows Mairi on her journey of self discovery. Mages rule the city and in an oppressed world, Mairi works hard to give herself a better future. The more Mairi learns about the Mages, the more she realizes what's at stake. She refuses to sit idly by while the Mages continue to get away with their schemes. She must find a stop to the Mages and on this path, Mairi uncovers secrets of her own self that help her along the way.

This book was dark, but the author's writing made for an enjoyable read. The magic system in the world was interesting, and Mairi was an easy protagonist to root for.

I can't wait for the next book!

4.5/5.0
Wow! What an awesome start to a new series! Usually the first book in a developing series takes a bit to warm up to, build the world and get things in order (translation moves slow). This one does not do that at all! Somehow the author succeeds in achieving all those things while plunging the reader into the action and intrigue almost immediately. It was AWESOME!
Mairi, the main character, is a young, mute girl who works as an indentured servant by day and studies by night to achieve her dream of becoming an apothecary. When she discovers children are going missing and tragically loses her dearest friend, who is trying to find the children, Mairi dives into the vicious world of the mages in order to bring their treachery down and avenge their victims.
The story deepens and develops at a fast pace while never losing the nuances that make the reading enjoyable and riveting. There’s even a hint at a possible romance that will definitively keep readers wanting to grab the next book. I know I will be anxiously waiting and checking more of this new-to-me author’s books!

Hummingbird, by Helen Harper, is the first of a series set in an alternative Glasgow, featuring Mairi Wallace, Tartan-Seller by day, Apothecary by night. She must take desperate action in an oppressed city ruled by mages with violence.
I adored this book, it was truly a breath of fresh air. How original! Loved that Mairi was mute in a world of magical words, and a rare magical female in a world of magical males.
Loved the world-building—This version of Glasgow was fascinating and the author nailed the lingo. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this series goes and will be following very closely.
4/5 well-earned ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that I had to move houses I missed the deadline for downloading the ARC copy that was so graciously granted to me.
Nonetheless, I bought my copy of the book because I was intrigued and I want to leave my review, despite being late.

The writing style and storytelling were impeccable and fluid and made the perfect foundation for the wonderful series to bloom.
I adored the fresh idea of Mairi - the main character being mute and all her challenges and adding to that living in a society of only male mages and their superiority.
Strong and courageous character that I loved how she faces fiercely all that comes her way and not only that, but she stands up all others that cannot stand for themselves.
The story is gripping all the way and one of those that you can't put down and make you stay up late for that one more chapter!
Can't wait for the next installment to read what is coming next for Mairi.

Mairi Wallace is a mute young woman working in a tartan shop for a couple of unpleasant employers when we first meet her. She'd grown up in an orphanage and was placed there once she came of age. Her dream is to qualify to study to be a doctor and she spends her spare time preparing for that plan. The dream is completely altered when her closest friend is executed by the mages who are in charge of the town. Now her plan is to seek vengeance for her friend by destroying the mages. She just has to find a way to do it.

This was quite an enjoyable book and I found myself anxious to finish the volume the further in I got. Of course, there's more to come since this is the first of a series and now I have to wait to find out what happens next. The story takes place in an alternate reality, Glasgow, where magic exists and there are Afflicted, a zombie-like existence that seems to be caused by infection. Also, women are not allowed to be mages and baby girls showing signs of magic are taken away, never to be seen again. It just happens that Mairi does have magic that hasn't been detected even though she's a grown woman.

There's a strong theme of oppression, by class and gender in this world and Mairi is ready to fight after the horror of her friend's death. Along the way she does meet a number of allies, many who are counting on her to help change the status quo.

Overall I give this four stars and I look forward to reading more of this tale in the next volume. I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Fire for the advanced reader copy given to me. I have provided this review voluntarily.

Hummingbird grabbed my interest because of Mages and Magic. It kept my interest because of its exploration of oppression and privilege. While this story begins a bit slow, it quickly grabs the readers attention and takes you on an adventure through a well-developed urban fantasy.

This fantasy magic-based class struggle adventure is set in a version of Glasgow in an approximation of the early Victorian period. Harper’s feisty heroine, Mairi, has had a tough time of it. Raised in an orphanage and determined to better herself, she is currently working as a shopgirl/general servant to an unpleasant couple who run a shop selling tartan cloth. The other thing to know about her is that she cannot speak.

Having a mute heroine could have really got in the way. But Harper’s clever writing and skill in getting us to care about her main character meant that it didn’t in any way slow down the action. The scene setting is excellent. Tension crackled off the pages as Mairi tries to keep a low profile in a city where anyone different is immediately at risk.

There is a zombie element – the Afflicted who roam the streets at night looking for anyone to snack on. Obviously there is also a curfew in place for the protection of everyday folk, who are understandably terrified of the Afflicted. Especially as no one really knows how they are made. Do they become infected by being scratched or bitten by an Afflicted? Is it an illness? Or is it magic? The Mages claim to protect the general population, but then they claim to work for the service of the city. And as far as everyone else is concerned, they live a life of luxury shrouded in secrecy and if anyone tries to get too close – the consequences are dire.

This one grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go until the end. And now, I’m desperate to know what is going to happen next. Very highly recommended for fans of gripping historical fantasy stories featuring a gutsy heroine. While I obtained an arc of Hummingbird from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10