This was a fairly standard Juliet Marillier book! That's not a bad thing - I knew what to expect and I got it. It takes place in the Blackthorne and Grim universe, which frankly isn't my favorite of her books, but stands independently. Siblings Liobhan and Brocc are training to become elite warriors on Swan Island, alond with Dao, their main competition for the limited slots. The three of them are sent on a mission to retrieve the missing harp of kings, which is important for the ritual coronation of the king of the kingdom of Breifne. Soon, they discover that the heir may not be suited for leadership, and the mission takes a turn for the uncanny. The characterization was great and the setting is vibrant

Set in the mists of time in ancient Ireland, this is a new series by Juliet Marillier. It follows 3 candidates (Liobhan, her brother Brocc and Dao) who wish to become trained warriors and spies. As the story begins they are all training at Swan Island in hopes of becoming permanent members of the warrior band knowing that a minority of candidates actually make the cut. As the training continues but before it finishes they are all three chosen to go on a mission. Liobhan and Brocc are also wonderful musicians and that will be their undercover identity. Dao will go undercover as a farrier's assistant and they will be sent to a kingdom to the south to try and find a missing harp. The harp is necessary for the crowning of the new King of Breifne which will take place on Midsummer's Day and time is growing short. The three warrior candidates realize that this will be a real life test of their skills as well as their ability to work undercover and with each other. It is a story that keeps you reading and hoping to soon read more about these characters.

This tale is the perfect high fantasy, with mystical druids, magical bards, and the convergence of two worlds through a ritual involving a missing harp. Three warriors are sent to find the harp: fierce Liobhan, stubborn Dao, and thoughtful Brocc, and their journey has the potential to change the fate of a nation. Marillier's storytelling is such a beautiful blend of lyrical prose and dynamic action; an irresistible combination for anyone who loves her other work.

Marillier is an unfailing favorite, with her lush setting in ancient Ireland and fully fledged characters that face heart-rending decisions. This is a noteworthy beginning to a new series about a young woman who is both gifted musician and elite warrior.

Juliet Marillier is an incredible storyteller. There’s no doubt about. I’ve loved her work since I first read Daughter of the Forest in high school, and I have become a lifelong fan. The Harp of Kings was no exception. For those who have read Marillier’s other series, Blackthorn and Grim, Liobhan and her brother, Brocc, are Blackthorn and Grim’s children. I quite enjoyed the references to the other series.

Liobhan, Brocc, and their fellow Swan Island trainee, Dau, take turns narrating the story. The three of them along with their trainers are sent on a mission to retrieve a stolen harp that is necessary for the coronation of a new king of a Breifne. I really enjoyed all three of the main characters, and I appreciated the depth of their characterization. None were one dimensional and simply a warrior or just a bard.

The story was well written, and I’m very excited to see how their story will continue in the next installment. The Harp of Kings is definitely worth reading.

This book was an interesting read. It blended high fantasy with a more realistic-historical fiction feel. The adventure of going forth from Swan Island with a quest in mind, the excitement of the unknown, the danger of undercover work, the book had an excellent set-up. However, while I enjoyed the story, I had to read carefully to keep up with the plot. There seemed to be two strands going at all times, right up to the end, and it never really felt like they were completely tied together. I enjoyed the mystical element of the book and the tension between Dau and Liobhan, but it felt unfulfilled. I hope that there is a second book in the works because there are so many questions left over and so many avenues that seemed important but were left unexplored.

Great muse of writing, thank you for your gift of Ms. Marillier's talent!
A wonderful tale done with respect to Celtic folklore. It was a joy to read such strong true story. The primary protagonist is a competent young woman, a genuinely powerful and talented musician and warrior. The elven queen is both powerful and delicate. The adopted brother is a bard and something more. All and all, a genuinely good book