Member Reviews
A new book by Jeff Wheeler always makes me happy! Iron Garland is the 3rd book in his planned 5 book Harbinger series. Cettie and Sera, the two main characters are older and wiser in this novel, but they both face many challenges and dangers as they seek their way forward. New characters, plot twists and revelations make this quite an exciting read I love how Mr. Wheeler writes such strong, realistic young characters who grow and mature and strive to do the right thing, and ultimately prevail over great dangers and enemies to save their worlds. Add some excellent world building and a touch of magic, and you have a near perfect story. You just can’t go wrong with a Jeff Wheeler book - each one just gets better and better. I can’t wait until book 4 arrives! Many thanks to Netgalley and 47 for the e-arc. Highly recommend!
Iron Garland is what fantasy should be — an inventive world, characters that bend the imagination, and a voice that wisely guides us into another place.
This is the first book I have read by Jeff Wheeler but I’m sure to read more.
What can I say about this book! I just adore this series and the universe that Wheeler has created. It's atypical to find a series that follows characters from childhood through adulthood, and Wheeler does that as well as any of the masters. Cettie, Sera and the rest are so relatable and believable.
Oftentimes, characters lose the traits that originally made me love them as they progress through a series. That doesn't happen with the characters of Iron Garland. These are the same people that I loved and/or hated in Storm Glass, just with more maturity and experience behind their decisions. That doesn't mean the characters are perfect. They make missteps and are sometimes blind to the consequences their actions may have. The plot had a few predictable twists and turns, but managed to shock me numerous times! Despite a couple of VERY startling developments, Iron Garland left me feeling great about the series. I can't wait for the next entry in the series, Prism Cloud!
How does he do it? That is what I have to ask myself after reading this amazing book. I loved the first book, the second was even better and then I get this?! One of the best books I have ever read. The characters stay true to who he has developed them to be while continuing to grow. Every detail holds such importance. Jeff Wheeler does not waste any words on extemporaneous details. The main characters are still amazing and I love them more and more with each book. The world around them is so exciting and vivid it feels like I am watching it instead of reading it. I would highly recommend this book!
A series that you won’t want to miss- fantasy aficionados must read!
Just when I think Jeff Wheeler can’t outdo himself, he has! Iron Garland (Harbinger, Book 3) is just as phenomenal as the previous book, dare I say even better? Yes, I will. 5 stars easily. Highly recommend the series for anyone looking for a new fantasy series. If you haven’t jumped on the Jeff Wheeler bandwagon, it’s time to do so.
This book jumps three years into the future with Cettie and Sera as the main characters like in the previous books. Jeff handles the time jumps wonderfully and it certainly adds to the success of the story. The plot continues with twists and turns, so you never quite know what to expect.
Warning, minimal spoilers below…
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Cettie and Sera are back, this time Cettie is the keeper of Fog Willows, while Sera is biding her time waiting to get out of Lady Corrine’s grasp. War with Kingfountain complicates matters. Cettie and Sera learn more about themselves and become strong in their own rights. The mysteries and magic continue to unfold. We learn more about Kingfountain’s way of life. Steven’s privilege shows and creates problems. Political maneuvers continue throughout the book. New and old characters add mystery and mayhem. Cettie’s mother becomes known in this book (nope, not telling you, read the book 😊).
This line stuck out to me (oh how true)- “She thought it strange how the past had its own form of magic that could play chords on the heart.” And this one gave me a chuckle- “That was when Raj Sarin humbled him the Bhikhu way.”
When you read this, you will be reminded that even when times are tough you must continue on and to never give up. The author’s note at the end is interesting- he tells of how Lady Corrine’s character came to be.
As I read this book, I couldn’t help but think how what transpires can be related to things happening in the real world today (specifically the prejudice of those who do not share our own viewpoints and how to make it work).
As stated with the previous book reviews, I would recommend this series for those who love fantasy with elements of steampunk and good life lessons. There is a reason Jeff’s books get great ratings, so go on and give this series a read (or listen).
Parental advisory/trigger warnings: war, death from war or nefarious characters (murder via push and gunshot), fighting with body parts and attempted drowning, weapons, stealing, difference of religious beliefs, hugging, marriage proposals, mention of a guys arm against a lady’s bosom during a dance, drug addiction (poppy extracts for a soldier due to his injuries). The main characters are older teens in this book- there is some mild flirting/pursuing/interest of others. There is no swearing.
*I received an advanced copy of this book from 47North via NetGalley/the author, in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review the book, it was awesome!
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Absolutely so excited I got the chance to read this! Love Cettie and Sera as strong main female characters and the dual perspectives is refreshing. This addition to the series is more intense than previous books, in my opinion, but in the midst of war it's to be expected. You learn more of Cettie's parentage this book, but it takes a bit of a back burner to some other major events. All in all, though, I'm already to read the continuation!
I love this series!!! I’m so excited for the next in series to come out, to see where cetti and Adam go from being engaged. Also, whether Sara and prince actually get married.
Evil stalks the land; Cettie and Sera must rise
What a rush! Iron Garland is an incredibly powerful continuation of Jeff Wheeler’s Harbinger series. Cettie is now the Keeper of Fog Willows, and Sera is a virtual prisoner at Penhaven Sky. The two friends have been parted for the three years that have passed since the events in Mirror Gate. Iron Garland, book 3 in Jeff Wheeler’s Harbinger series, opens with a triumphant Mr. Skrelling confronting the powerful parent of his beloved Cettie, Lady Corinne, with unintended results. Mr. Skrelling’s discombobulation is a harbinger of the twisted paths all our favorite characters tread as the story unfolds with origami complexity. (Iron Garland is not a standalone novel, so if you haven’t read the first two books, go read them and return to Iron Garland after.)
Cetti is firmly ensconced as Fog Willow’s keeper and handles the negotiations and meetings revolving around the storm glass while Fitzroy leads the battle against the invaders. While the family depends upon her invention and acumen to keep the business afloat, Steven Fitzroy despises her. His sister, Phinia, resents her also. Whether this is jealousy due to Cettie’s warm relationship with their father or her origin steeped in the poverty of Fells, it is a discontent that colors much of their interactions. Even as Cettie faces challenges with the Fitzroy’s, her attention is divided by their new neighbors, Rand Patchett, and his sister, Joanna, and her visions of the future.
Sera, having being isolated by Lady Corrine at Penhaven Sky for three years, is eager to regain her freedom. Behind her compliant and obedient façade, she plots to further her plan to help the poor and reign with justice and parity. Opportunity finds her headed toward Kingfountain with a diminutive ally and a possible alliance that will strengthen her bid for her throne.
Wheeler polishes his craft with every book and Iron Garland is a twisty maze of a read, full of plots within plots, murderous mysteries, and feisty females unwilling to accept their assigned lot in life. Lots of strong characters, most of them female at the moment, believable characters with unique voices, and immersive world-building. Just another wonderful read.
Highly recommended for those who love fantasy, alternate historical fantasies, mysteries, and complex storytelling. The only downside to this book is that I have to wait for the next one. Off to read Kingfountain….
I received this book as a digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Wheeler once again a compelling story in Iron Garland, the story takes us 3 years into the future after the events of Mirror Gate. Sera is dealing with new difficulties and applying her newly observed skills to help her further her new agendas. Cettie once again is set upon by old demons, and starts to develop a little more. One thing I still found frustrating was the lack of true character development in this book, it feels more like a bridging book between books 2 and soon to be book 4. That said it is still well worth the read since it starts to fill in even more aspects of the plot and who the main players of the story are.
I have LOVED all the books in this series so far. and I am so thankful Jeff Wheeler writes amazing books in a speed that is astounding!
Three years into the war with Kingfountain, the populace is weary of it. Sera has been ostracized from society in the hopes to make her subservient. Cettie has grown into her role of Keeper of Fog Hollow and is finally feeling confident in herself. But the war is coming to a head and both women will play a vital role in it. I loved the character growth in both of the main characters. Wheeler also does a great job of weaving the “bad” guys in throughout the story, making it tough to always tell who is on which side. I can’t wait to continue this series.
Iron Garland is the third instalment of Jeff Wheeler's planned five book Harbinger series and Jeff Wheeler certainly doesn't disappoint.
After the very solid foundations laid by the preceding books, Jeff Wheeler has skipped ahead three years, ramped up the intrigue and expanded the world across the Mirror Gate.
The fate of both worlds rest in Sera’s and Cettie's capable young hands as they gather their wits and rise above their allotted stations, much to the chagrin of their elders.
Sera and Cettie are blossoming into strong ladies, each with their own distinctive voice which is a tribute to the writing prowess of Jeff Wheeler. While waiting for the release of Iron Garland, I read for the first time Wheeler's debut series, Legends of Muirwood, and his skills as an author have noticeably grown. His characters in Harbinger are far more nuanced and his situational writing and plotting has significantly improved with experience.
A thoroughly enjoyable journey with the now familiar characters of Sera and Cettie in a world brimming with magic and yet to be revealed secrets. These are characters that are close to my heart and I pine for their return in Prism Cloud.
I love this series and this book is my new favorite. Once again we follow Sera and Cettie as they navigate very different circumstances. Sera has been placed in a gilded cage by her father and is isolation as the book begins. Cettie has settled into her role as Keeper. Once again I am impressed with these strong heroines who are maturing from when we last saw them. Each continues to have her own unique plot which is so well written that I never yearn to get back to the other one. This is especially amazing as the author usually ends each character’s POV just at a cliffhanger where you most want to stay with them. The pacing is perfect and keeps the story moving forward quickly. There are new secondary characters added to the story that hold their own. This story will go to different places and continue to be it’s own unique book with new elements.
If you are new to Jeff Wheeler you may want to consider reading his Kingfountain series to better understand the backstory and some of the elements mentioned. As in the last book he does not spend much time on those details. This book throws in a lot of things like Wizr, Kishion, the falls, hidden treasure and of course Kingfountain itself. I discovered this author because of that series and I highly recommend it.
If you have enjoyed this series then you will love this one. I only wish it were longer as I did not want it to end. I will excitedly await the next book.