The Harp of Kings (Warrior Bards #1) – Juliet Marillier
A young woman is both a bard–and a warrior–in this thrilling historical fantasy from the author of the Sevenwaters novels.
Eighteen-year-old Liobhan is a powerful singer and an expert whistle player. Her brother has a voice to melt the hardest heart, and a rare talent on the harp. But Liobhan’s burning ambition is to join the elite warrior band on Swan Island. She and her brother train there to compete for places, and find themselves joining a mission while still candidates. Their unusual blend of skills makes them ideal for this particular job, which requires going undercover as traveling minstrels. For Swan Island trains both warriors and spies.
Their mission: to find and retrieve a precious harp, an ancient symbol of kingship, which has gone mysteriously missing. If the instrument is not played at the upcoming coronation, the candidate will not be accepted and the people could revolt. Faced with plotting courtiers and tight-lipped druids, an insightful storyteller, and a boorish Crown Prince, Liobhan soon realizes an Otherworld power may be meddling in the affairs of the kingdom. When ambition clashes with conscience, Liobhan must make a bold decision and is faced with a heartbreaking choice. . .
PURCHASE
PAN MACMILLAN AUSTRALIA | EBOOK
My Review of The Harp of Kings
There is something about Juliet Marillier’s writing. She grips you from the start with a mixture of magical Celtic atmosphere, gripping storyline, slow-burning romance and humour. As soon as I heard that she was releasing another series, I WAS IN! I have enjoyed every single book of Marillier’s that I have read and this one is another gem to add to the collection!
The Story:
Liobhan and Brocc are brother and sister, and are training to be in a group of elite Celtic warriors. Because of their musical talent, they are called upon to go undercover to undertake a secret mission – To find the magical Harp of Kings that has been stolen and return it so that the new King can be coronated. However, getting it back will be no easy feat!
My Thoughts:
I really enjoy how she carries on the stories and arcs from previous books. This is the next generation of Blackthorn and Grim, and I love how she subtly weaves in aspects of these stories and characters. I’m looking forward to see where she takes the stories in books to come, and if we see some old friends. However, you don’t need to know anything about her prior books to fully appreciate this new series. It’s just a nice homage to her prior characters for the long term fans.
In typical Marillier style, the characters are complex and intriguing, especially Dau and Brocc who both have absorbing back-stories. Strong women are again at the forefront – with Liobhan just as kick-ass as the men in the group! I love her!
This book felt like an old friend. I savoured it, took my time and enjoyed and revelled in each comforting page.
This novel tended to move at a measured pace – but for a purpose. I never feel like it was dragging on. The scene is gradually set up and the characters slowly unravel and it is marvellous!
There wasn’t enough romance as I’d like, but her romances tend to take time to build up, she establishes the characters first – and there was still enough to keep me satisfied.
I loved the little side stories, the beautiful detail, the relationship development and twists and turns.
Would I recommend The Harp of Kings?
Absolutely! I thoroughly enjoyed it! No doubt I will read it again and anxiously wait for the next one. If you are interested in Celtic fantasy and gorgeous writing, and of course if you have enjoyed any of her previous work, you are sure to enjoy this one.
(5 / 5)
So many thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for an advanced copy of The Harp of Kings to review, and for inviting me on the blog tour!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Marillier was born in New Zealand and grew up surrounded by Celtic music and stories.
Her own Celtic-Gaelic roots inspired her to write her first series, the Sevenwaters Trilogy. Her lifelong interest in history, folklore and mythology has had a major influence on her writing.
Juliet has written twenty historical fantasy novels for adults and young adults, as well as a book of short fiction, and has won many awards for her work. She is a member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.)
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