[Skye’s Review]: Rage and Ruin (The Harbinger #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Rage and Ruin
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: The Harbinger #2
Pages: 576
Published by Inkyard Press
Release Date: June 9th 2020
Genres: Paranormal, Romance
Source: Author
Format Read: ARC
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Dangerous secrets and forbidden desires lead to shocking consequences… Don’t miss book two of the fantastical Harbinger trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout.

“Jennifer L. Armentrout’s intoxicating new fantasy is her best yet!” — New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter on Storm and Fury

A half human, half angel and her bonded gargoyle protector must work with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Wow. Jennifer L. Armentrout never fails to captivate me with her books. I love every single one–and Rage and Ruin is no different. 

Rage and Ruin is the sequel to Storm and Fury, so if you haven’t read that book, then you need to leave this review immediately because this review contains spoilers for book 1. 

Okay, if you’re still here, then that means you have read the first book–or you might just be a rebel who loves spoilers. Zayne is now Trinity’s Protector, which means they are forbidden from being together romantically. I know, I know, you’re worried about your ship sinking. It’ll be okay. Everyone loves a little forbidden romance, right? On top of that, they are still dealing with the threat of the Harbinger. They have no idea what it is, but they do know it’s very dangerous. As in, it has the power to bring about the end of the world. 

Yeah, no pressure. 

Zayne and Trinity’s character development in this book is fantastic. They both grow a lot–Zayne in particular. If you’ve read The Dark Elements series, then you know Zayne was a stickler for following the rules and was incredibly obedient. Not anymore. In this book, and the previous one, Zayne has realized that he shouldn’t trust rules or leaders blindly. Instead, he forms his own opinion on what is right and wrong. Claps for Zayne! Trinity, on the other hand, is learning how to depend on people instead of believing that asking for help is a sign of weakness. JLA writes her character and how she deals with her disability beautifully–which is no surprise since JLA has retinitis pigmentosa just like Trinity. All in all, Trinity is such a fun character. She’s strong, fierce, sarcastic, and kind. What more could you want?

It should come as no surprise that the romance in this book is executed flawlessly. Are you surprised? Yeah, I didn’t think so. JLA knows how to write a swoon-worthy romance. Zayne and Trin are a slow-burn that will have you on the edge of your seat yelling, “JUST KISS ALREADY.”

Fans of The Dark Elements, this book will make you smile countless times as Roth, Layla, Bambi, and Cayman make several appearances! Seeing the gang all together made my heart very happy. 

Lastly, I’ve got to tell you that this book does not fall prey to middle book syndrome at all. I was captivated from start to finish–I read it in one sitting. You’ll laugh, smile, rage, and cry. JLA is the master of making you feel every single possible emotion while reading. I encourage everyone to go pick up this book immediately–and then come talk to me about it. I need to talk about it.