[Lisa’s Review:] Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

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

There are not enough words to describe my feelings when my girl Hannah handed me an ARC for this one at 2019’s Apollycon. I spent my days running around the Hyatt Recency in Arlington and my nights reading Storm and Fury as fast as I possibly could. I loved the Dark Elements series and was beyond excited for Zayne’s series, even though I wasn’t one hundred percent sold on him back then. But of course, there was no way I would ever miss one of Jen’s Young Adult Paranormal / Fantasy books. If you’ve read any of her books, there’s no need to explain this logic.

The story follows eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow, who has been hiding in an isolated Warden compound her entire life. Trinity isn’t exactly human, and her unique gifts not only make her a secret weapon but, if discovered, a target for all sorts of evil. When a group of Wardens from another clan arrives due to a mysterious outside threat, keeping Trin’s parentage a secret becomes increasingly difficult. Said group of visitors includes our golden-haired, sexy as hell Zayne. Despite their endless banter and metal sparring, Trinity and Zayne hold a fascination for each other from the get-go, which only increases with time.

As for the characters: Trinity is one bad-ass young lady, in good old JLA fashion, that definitely puts her money where her mouth is. The fact that she’s slowly losing her vision doesn’t stop her for one second. Her particular brand of sassiness completes the package and brings the playful banter and humor to the story. I never believed it possible for someone to push Alex from the Covenant series from her spot on the top, but here it is. Trin is my favorite female JLA character to date. As some of you might now, Jen has the same genetic disorder as Trin, which will eventually leave her blind. You can really tell she’s describing all that from personal experience – I can’t even describe all my feelings when reading this book. You’d have to read it understand.

Her male counterpart, our boy Zayne, earned some serious brownie points in this one. He’s no longer the blindly obedient Waren we met in the Dark Elements series; he’s sort of on a self-discovery quest, trying to figure out who he is without the heavy influence of the Warden community. Put those two together, and add a little demon-related, world-threatening action, there’s no quiet or boring moment ever.

I honestly don’t know what else to tell you except that this book has everything you could possibly be looking for in a Young Adult Fantasy book – from the action to the mystery to the slow-burn romance and the appearance of beloved old friends (I suggest you read the Dark Elements before this). The plot is well-paced and beautifully developed, no complaints there at all. It’s phenomenal. Must-read for everyone!

Lisa

Hi! I’m Lisa. I’m twenty-three, a college student and a book lover. I spend every free minute, and most of my lectures, reading all kinds of books, which is how I ended up here. While I particularly enjoy books of the young and new adult variety, I also love historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, all things romance, and one or the other classic as well. If I’m not reading, I’m either working, sleeping, binge-watching my newest obsession on Netflix, or on my way to Starbucks, to satisfy my slight caffeine addiction.