The book started off a bit slowly. I think I would have followed the first third of the book better if I'd read the first series but the book picks up the pace about the 1/3 mark and it's a race to the finish from there. Trinity is a great character!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book is absolutely fantastic not only because it's the first installment of the spin-off series.
A bit disappointed at first, sorry to say. The book started pretty slow. BUT totally worth it in the end!
This first book follows Trinity and Zayne. Trinity has a secret that could change the world and Zayne grapples with the events of the original trilogy.
I'm sooo looking forward the rest of this series!

Okay, where to start with this book? It was pretty much my perfect YA paranormal fantasy/romance. Truly. I love Jennifer Armentrout but have not read all her paranormal series. In fact, I have not read the series she wrote previously (The Dark Elements) that is set in this same world, and honestly, that didn't matter at all. She did a great job of setting the world up for new readers, providing needed information but not overwhelming with too much of it. It wasn't a flawless read, which I will explain below. But it was FANTASTIC and it made me want to a) go back and read the Dark Elements series and b) fast-forward time so the next installment of Trinity's story is HERE NOW ALREADY. Here's my spoiler-free review:

What I loved:
+The inner thoughts/monologue of the main character, Trinity. This story is told in the 1st person and it really works for me. I felt like Trinity was my new best friend and I could really relate to what she was going through.
*Amazing treatment of a main character having a somewhat rare degenerative vision condition. Trinity is NOT perfect, but she works to overcome and succeed despite the physical challenges that she has been given. I love that. So much! And then I read the Author's Note and found out that Armentrout has the same degenerative condition, and my heart actually cracked in two. I love that she wrote a character with it, and it explains why her treatment of it is SO GOOD.
*Zayne. I loved his character. Snarky and beautiful and kind and a little bit alpha. Respectful of Trinity and who she is, and actually refreshingly honest/mature. There were some misunderstandings between them, but Armentrout didn't let it get out of control in an way that was unbelievable or made Zayne into a jerkface, if that makes sense.
*Hilarious ghost side character named Peanut. He is ridiculous and stuck in the 80s (though I do think the author sometimes confuses 80s things and 90s things, but only an old lady like me would care about that).
*Good "mystery" at center of plot that had me wondering what was going on the whole time, but not so confused that I lost interest. After about the 40% mark, I was really really sucked into the plot and couldn't put the book down. That is always a good sign!
*Did I mention hot love interest Zayne?
*These characters are young and the way Armentrout treats sex in this book matches that. I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't say more, but I would like to applaud the level of physical interaction (to match emotional readiness) that she writes. It's great. And super hot, too. :-)

What didn't work so well:
*There were a few things included in the storyline that weren't wrapped up at the end, and maybe they are coming back in future books, but it still made me scratch my head. The most glaring example of this is a spirit that visits the compound where Trinity lives (she can see spirits and ghosts) and she vaguely recognizes him but we don't find out who he really is, and he says some ominous/vague things about how it was good that he was coming back to visit right at the moment. But who was he? Why don't we learn by the end of the book? It is a small enough scene that I don't think people would remember it in book two, so it really should have been wrapped up in book one. But maybe Armentrout just forgot about it so left it hanging? I'm not sure. Also, I felt like maybe there were some characters included that didn't need to be in there? Again, this may be for the purposes of future books, but I thought some stuff could maybe be cut out.
*This book needs better copy-editing. I know it's an ARC, and i sincerely hope that means that all the errors are caught for the final product. But I have concerns. There were just a LOT of typos and errors and it was hard for me to ignore. Like I said though, there's a good chance this will be fixed by the final round, so it's probably a minor point.

Overall bottom line:
This is a really great YA paranormal fantasy/romance. If you like this genre, and you like independent-minded and imperfect main characters, heart-wrenching chemistry, and a plot that will keep you invested, then make sure you pick this one up when it releases in June.

I have never read the Dark Elements trilogy so coming into this book was a treat. I have to say that this was a magical read that left me breathless. The characters are really lovable especially Zayne. The pacing of the story is very fast paced that sucks you in from the first page. The writing is very beautiful and lyrical. I love this so much that this is one of my the best reads of the year and will definitely reread this again! I can’t wait to read the sequel! My only complaint is that it ended in a cliffhanger and I have to wait to see what’s next! Storm and Fury is a novel that is a must read for fans of Cassandra Clare, Alison Goodman, and Sarah Rees Brennan.

Title: Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: June 11th, 2019
Rating: 2 stars

eARC provided by publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

->Click for Synopsis<-

Trinity Morrow's eyes are going blind slowly. At least she can see and communicate with the dead. She is also guarded by Wardens which are shape-shifting gargoyles and make sure the world is safe from demons. If the demons ever found out the truth about her, all is at stake. Disturbing reports come in from another clan and now they must figure out how to keep the world from destruction.

I went into this book based on synopsis alone. I have not read the author's previous books and since this was a spin-off of the previous ones I didn't think it mattered. So with that in mind, you can take this review with a grain of salt.

From the synopsis, I was expecting something a lot different than I read. The beginning was pretty slow in the first 20%. I also wasn't a fan of how we were introduced to Trinity with her scene with Clay. It might have been because of the writing style, which I didn't like from the beginning. The way the characters spoke felt childish and not what I was expecting for a YA. I know they are obviously not adults but it just felt off and I couldn't get into it.

Once I got past that 20%, the action picked up a bit with a couple plot twists and I was enjoying the story and the characters more. Trinity was growing on me and so was Zayne for the most part. He still felt a little stereotypical for a male but it wasn't as bad as when he was introduced.

When I reached about 70%-75%, I went back to how I felt in the beginning. The romance between Trinity and Zayne was not the greatest and then drama comes into play because of the quickness of their relationship. That's where the story and the plot really lost me. 

Overall, I feel like this is a situation where it's me and not the book. A lot of people rave about this author and I really wanted to love this book but it just wasn't working for me. I liked parts of the plot but just didn't like certain plot twists. So, as I stated at the top, take this with a grain of salt because I am sure others will enjoy this book.

Received ARC. Good plot, strong characters, and start of a new series that has great potential. If you liked the first series you will enjoy the new characters and monsters!

My Thoughts:

Storm And Fury is the first book in The Harbinger Series, and a spin-off of The Dark Elements Trilogy. Whenever a new book comes out by JLA it is an auto-purchase for me. I love all of her books, and her paranormal/fantasy stories are my absolute favorite.

Storm And Fury is about Trinity Marrow. Trinity is being protected in a Warden compound, because she is powerful, unique and extremely special. There is a lot of mystery surrounding Trinity in most of the book. We know she is strong, fierce, independent, impulsive, loyal, and has been training since a young age with her bound protector, "Misha," a fierce gargoyle warden.

Trinity is losing her eyesight, yet she has spectacular senses, instincts, and a kick a** skill set that can easily compete with any warden. She has the ability to both see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Trinity is so closely guarded and protected within the compound by Misha, warden leader Thierry, and second in command, Matthew (Thierry's partner,) that she has limited freedom. I loved Trinity's character! She reminded me of a female Roth (from The Dark Elements Series,) with her snark, sense of humor, and witty banter.

One day a group of Wardens come to ask Thierry and the compound for help. Something in Washington D.C. is killing both demons and wardens alike, and they need assistance protecting their compound. I was so excited that these wardens were none other than Zayne, Nicolai, and Dez from The Dark Elements Series!

I was ecstatic that Zayne was finally getting his own story!!! The chemistry between Trinity and Zayne was off-the-charts! I got the chance to swoon over Zayne all over again! Boy was I excited to see him get a second chance at love! I felt that Trinity and Zayne really complimented one another and balanced each other out. Whereas, Trinity was driven by her passions and impulses, Zayne was more reserved and thoughtful. Let me tell you, I loved watching her push him to his limits!!! The push-pull between these two was electric! They challenged each other, frustrated each other, and tested one another's limits!

It was so wonderful being reunited with so many of my favorite characters from The Dark Elements Trilogy. I had missed Layla, Roth, Cayman, Dez, Jasmine, Nicolai and Danika! Along the way, I got to meet awesome new characters. Thierry, Matthew, Jada, Ty and "Peanut," were all wonderful characters that I quickly grew to love for a variety of reasons. Storm and Fury didn't end in a cliffhanger, per say, but this book ended in such a way where we as readers know that the larger story is just beginning to unfold. I can't wait to learn more about the Harbinger, fall in love with Trinity and Zane as things are really beginning to intensify between the two of them; as well as get more action-packed fighting scenes, and continue seeing the bringing together of both old and new characters that I love!!!

Trinity has never been allowed to leave her home compound because of her secret. Here, she has friends, a protector, and the Wardens to look after her, even though there’s rarely a demon attack. The Wardens are these really cool and unique gargoyle shifters. They protect the world from demons and Trinity has trouble finding her place while hiding the truth.

Enter Zayne, a Warden who she can’t help but be drawn to. But he can never discover the secret of who she really is. When demons attack her home and take her best friend, Zayne is the only one who can help her find him. However, the path he takes goes against everything she’s ever been taught.

I love the lead female, Trinity, because she’s someone likable and I could relate to her. She’s so nosy and I love it. I love the tension between Trinity and Zayne and how they work so well together. The twists throughout the book, especially the end, has me eager for the second!


Final Verdict: I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy, paranormal, shifters, demons, angels, and romance.

Such an amazing read as someone who’s only read the lux series by this wonderful author it makes me want to pick up all other books in her series I currently have them all safely tucked in a to buy cart haha.
This story was a wild ride from the get go I feel in love with trinity and zayne misha was an adorable edition but I also had such strong sympathy towards him that ending that climax was such a plot twist and my heart goes out to trinity. I do wonder what trinity father told zayne that made me go wide eyed I have a feeling I know what it is but even still!!!! Ugh my heart I can’t wait for book two to be out already and this book isn’t even out to the world yet

I gave it 70 pages before giving up. I think fans of her other books may love it, but as a first time reader, I couldn’t imagine investing the time to read 500 more pages. It was cheesy, and not a whole lot had happened or been explained. There seemed to be a lot of hype for this one, but I wasn’t invested based on my preview.

Storm and Fury was so good! Going back to the world of demons and gargoyles was amazing! Trinity and Zayne are so perfect and touching together and I can't wait to see where there story goes! I'm ready for all the wars and fights and love!

This book was so good! Apparently it is a spin off of another series that I have not read, but I had no problem delving in to this world. The story follows Trinity and Zayne... it is a romance but also has a lot going on because some really bad guys are after Trinity. I thought the writing was excellent and I honestly can’t wait to read the next book in tne series. Thank you for the ARC!

4.5/5 stars

I really loved this book! I've never read any of Jennifer's other books. Even though I believe this is a spin-off of one of her other series, I had no problem whatsoever with getting into the world of this book. It actually makes me want to read her other ones now!

I really enjoyed the characters and just how sassy Trinity could be. Even her sidekick Peanut was fun! I also enjoyed how she had a disability, but was still willing to do what she needed to and be strong. I also really liked her relationship with Misha. Definitely felt like a brother-sister duo, and I had so much fun reading their conversations, even if they were more serious. And Zayne... SWOON I could read about him any day and be perfectly content. He was up there as a fave character of mine.

Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this! The pacing was quick, characters were great, and it just left me wanting the sequel! I really recommend checking this one out.

Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am OBSESSED with this book. I cannot praise it enough. I am not sure how I will survive a year waiting for the next book because I need more of Zayne and Trinity! They are precious and I need to know what happens next.

Everything about this book was amazing. The pacing of this book was great. The characters were so well rounded. The snark and sass was ah-mazing! And the twist. That twist was SO PERFECT and SO SURPRISING!!

Highly recommend!!

Among all of Jennifer’s characters in the Dark Elements series, I think my favorite is Trinity. I thought she was a compelling character that fits the main role in this story. I definitely like the author’s new characters and I enjoyed reading this spin-off. Most of all, I enjoyed reading about some cameos from the former series. Anyway, I liked this book but I didn’t love it enough to give it 4/5 stars.

The pacing just threw me off because I thought that this was going to be a fast-paced read but it eventually slowed down. Then chapter 30 was just filled with unnecessary smut (in my opinion) but not to the point that it made this book “new adult.’ This book’s still YA but chapter 30 was just too much filler for me. It felt like nothing was happening, except probably character development or the main character coming through all kinds of conclusions that could affect her future actions/decisions.

I didn’t enjoy this new spin-off as much as “The Darkest Star” but I feel like many readers would stay (read) for the cameos and spoilery stuff from the Dark Elements series. Needless to say, you have to read the Dark Elements series before this one (just a suggestion) because it would be much more “impactful” and entertaining if you’ve met some of these characters already. I just felt like the characters from the first series were the highlight of this book even if Trinity’s my fave character.

Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of JLA. This book ends in a way that opens up to a newer series, about the Harbringer which wasn’t addressed completely in this book. I am sure that JLA fans have something to look forward to next year.

I feel that the demographic for Storm and Fury are for fans of Twilight and JLA’s books. For newer readers, this might be a hit/miss so I’d recommend being open-minded before picking this up. This new release is best enjoyed when you want to read (for fun) without having to critically analyze characters, plot, etc. This is a fun and new YA release that teens would surely enjoy.

A tragic heroine, seemingly powerless against the odds; a devastatingly gorgeous bad boy, tempting and unattainable.; a romance that sizzles but is doomed to fail.; and throw in the menace of some beings possessing awesome supernatural powers and characters of dubious distinction, and you have the basic plot Jennifer Armentrout's newest novel.

It may sound like it's been done before, but Armentrout does it well. It is escapist paranormal romance at its best.

spoiler alert**I love the premise of a romance between a half-angel/half-human and a gargoyle. It's a story of forbidden fruit, with all it's bruises for all to see.**

It's a highly consumable story, but not without a few flaws. Trinity can be a bit annoying with her selfishness and rushing into action, and the relationship between Trinity and Zanye gets fairly steaming towards the end. Ultimately, it's a good read for fantasy and romance fans.

The premise of this story sounded great and I was excited to receive a copy.
I read a lot of YA and this one just seemed a little more juvenile than I would have liked.

The book starts off with a make out session..which is fine. Except it had me rolling my eyes at the main female lead (Trinity). Honestly, it felt more like I was watching YTV for kids.

Anyway..not my cup of tea. Sorry.

ARC generously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb from book:
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…

It is no secret that I love Jennifer Armentrout and her writing. I have read all of her books and I am always anxiously awaiting her newest release. I was so thrilled that I was approved to read the ARC of this one because I really didn't want to have to wait for it to be released.

If you have read the Dark Elements series then you know all about the world of Gargoyles, and you will even get to see some of the characters from these books make appearances. I loved the whole Dark Elements series and I was thrilled with how they ended but I always loved Zayne and I hated that he didn't get his happy ending. (If you haven't read the Dark Elements series, don't worry you will not be lost starting out with this book, but do yourself a favor and go read those first).

Now we meet Trinity, you can't help but love the outcast. I will not give any secrets away but this book answers so many questions that I didn't even really know I had until they answered them and then everything made so much more sense. All I will say is that you will continue to love Zayne (actually even more now) and you cannot help but love Trinity for the bad ass that she is. I cannot wait to continue this series.

I tried to get into this book a couple of times but I just couldn't. I found it very strange. I didn't realize it was a spin off book of another trilogy. To me, Storm and Fury gave me a Stephenie Meyer Twilight- ish feeling. If you're into teeny bopper paranormal romance then you will love this book but it was definitely not my cup of tea.

STORM AND FURY is the highly anticipated first book in the brand new The Harbinger series. It's also the start of the spin off of The Dark Elements series. Eighteen year old Trinity Marrow is being protected by gargoyle like creatures, and this is a teenage romance type story. If you like romances, then you will probably enjoy this story.