Mixing high fantasy with music in a Celtic fairy tale was such a richly executed idea! The Harp of Kings is the story of three young warriors training in hopes of becoming Swan Island warriors, a renowned group with a strenuous selection process. But the part that will always make me an instant fan, if you give the heroine a sword- and if she already knows how to use it- that is exactly what I want. I loved that book one was more about the relationship between Liobhan and Brocc more than anything else. This story truly is set apart and I cannot wait for book 2!

Every character felt like their own person and not interchangeable. It makes me want to read the other books in this setting. It uses Celtic myth and history very gracefully. Th way the world is described is lush. Overall a great read.

Harp of Kings had all the necessary ingredients for a fine fantasy tale—layered characters to root for, a mystery involving a missing, magical harp, a spy mission, druids and the fair folk, and a kingdom on the verge of cracking. I absolutely loved all the main characters. They were so different from each other, often in conflict while trying their best to earn a spot in the revered ranks of the Swan Island warriors by solving the mystery of the missing harp and returning it in time for the king’s coronation. While all the characters were great, Dau was my favorite (nothing like a broken character!) and I loved watching him overcome his past. The wisps of magic kept the mundane life at the castle from becoming too slow, and there were several unexpected twists. The one complaint I had were the supernatural crows and their presence—the mystery felt unresolved, so perhaps there is a sequel on the way. If so, I’d definitely read on to see what other adventures these characters might take me.

The story centers around three teenagers who are training to be Swan Island warriors -- sister and brother Liobhan (Ciara) and Brocc (Donal) and one of the strongest rivals for a spot, Dau (Nessan) -- who, much to their surprise, are chosen to go on a mission while still in training. Their mission is to help locate the Harp of Kings, a magical instrument that must be played at the coronation of the king of Breifne in order for the king to be accepted as the rightful ruler. Adding to the pressure is that the coronation can only occur on Midsummer's Day. Liobhan and Brocc are chosen for their musical talents and will be part of a three-person minstrel group with Archu, the chief combat trainer on Swan Island (and a musician). Dau will be part of the back-up team, serving as a farrier's assistant. Their roles will allow them to be in the company of nobles (performing for them or assisting in care of the horses) and the palace staff so they can attempt to find clues to the disappearance and location of the harp.

The earlier part of the story is decent but made me wonder if the book was going to be a run-of-the-mill fantasy book or something special. Thankfully as the story gets farther into the search for the Harp of Kings and the reader learns more of the backstories of Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau, it becomes a great book. I particularly like that each of the characters, especially Liobhan and Dau, are given roles in the mission that, while suited to their skills, also require them to control/suppress certain aspects of themselves that would spoil the mission, forcing them to confront some of their weaknesses and build up other skills. All three of them have strong reasons for wanting to be chosen as Swan Island warriors and so they have to try to follow the rules of the mission and make it a successful mission, but yet events force them into situations that potentially put the mission at risk and force them to make decisions or take actions that they suspect or know the leaders will not approve it. The author does a great job of portraying the internal dilemmas the characters face as they try to walk the tightrope of following the rules of the mission and doing what they believe is right, especially as the king-to-be, Rodan, is a particularly unpleasant individual. I especially enjoyed the sections with Brocc in the Otherworld, the interactions between the three main characters and Mistress Juniper, and I enjoyed the way the author weaves Celtic/druidic lore and practices into the storyline. Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau are all great characters in their own different ways. The author has also created a great cast of supporting characters. The story has plenty of action and drama, along with some funny and some sad parts. This book is well worth the read.

I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

If you're looking for a high fantasy with druids, faerie folk, and intrepid adventurers, this is the book for you! It has the same feeling and depth that Juliet's previous books do. And wow, her characters never cease to amaze me. They are so complicated and always make me care about them.

There's a little sprinkling of romance, not too much, just the perfect amount. I can't wait to see where that goes in the series.

I spent most of the book thinking I knew what was going on, and was blown away by how I missed subtle plot points. When does the next one come out?! I will be catching up and finished the Blackthorn and Grim series while I wait. You don't have to read them before picking up this series necessarily, but there are some references to Liobhan's family that would make more sense if you have the background.

Juliet Marillier gives us an Irish fantasy about Warrior Bards on a mission to preserve the Harp of Kings. Liobhann and her brother undertake this mission off the bard's Swan Island as part of their training to join its warrior band. As undercover travelling minstrels they can join in the search for the harp which when played validates the coronation of the king. Otherworld interference and political plotting at the royal court is coupled with unscrupulous druids. Read and find out who triumphs.

I enjoyed the premise of this book, but I got really confused on the overall writing style. I had hoped I would like it but in the long run it was not my style

A wonderful multilayered story, with lush descriptions woven throughout without being intrusive (as sometimes happens) and characters that are flawed but very entertaining to read about. A grand slam winner. Highly recommend.

*ARC via netgalley*

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley though all thoughts are my own.

This has been one of my most anticipated reads for quite some time and I'm so glad to have read it. When I first heard that it would be a story involving Bards, Druids, adventure and set in Ireland, I knew that it would be a great read and I was so right.

A small group of elite warriors from Swan Island are set on a mission to find out what has happened to a special Harp that has been used for centuries to approve of a King's Coronation which has recently gone missing though only a select group know. Three of the warriors sent are trainees who know how important this mission is and each have a roll to play.

Liobhan has the gift of voice as well as playing a whistle for her family spent many years as a traveling band of musicians though it's not the path that she would like to lead for herself. She's smart, tough, more than capable and has knowledge of the uncanny for her Mother is a healer and wisewoman.

Brocc is also talented with his voice and especially with his harp who has followed in his sister's footsteps to become a warrior. He is not related to Liobhan in blood but has been raised in the same family and treated like another family member who belongs.

Dau is a warrior in training who has endured quite the tough upbringing and wants to put his past behind him. His family treated him terribly and Dau is determined to make a different future and hopefully rise up in the ranks of the warrior clan.

These three warriors in training are sent under cover and soon realize that this mission is not only full of surprises but also danger, a liberal dash of the Fae and the importance of working as a team. If they hope to make the mission a success, they will have to step carefully, believe in the uncanny and learn to trust each other.

Full of adventure, music, a dash of magic, surprises, the power of teamwork and winging it when need be, this was such a wonderful book and was just the kind of story I was hoping for! I can't wait to see what next will be in store for the warriors and the surprises that will be revealed.

If you have enjoyed Juliet's work in this past, then you will enjoy this book which was very hard to put down! I highly recommend this book and hope you'll check out her other books too!

Juliet Marilier's newest release comes with all that you expect from her; whimsical storytelling, light-hearted stories, and well fleshed out characters. If you were tired of reading all those dark, grim, and gruesome books then this would be a nice change. You can't really ever go wrong with a Juliet Marilier book. They all have beautiful writing that makes you feel that you're in a fairy tale.

The three main characters: Brocc, Dau, and Liobhan are all very distinct from each other with their own story arcs. I really loved the relationship Liobhan has with her brothers, it's very healthy, protective, and loyal. Dau is a gruff, moody boy, but he tries hard and is understanding. You really got up in their singular tasks and wonder if they'll be able to complete them.

Faeries are also present here but they're more sort of the older traditional type that are creatures of the forest that are tricky but not nefarious. If you were looking for the high drama and tension of the court politics you won't find that in here. They're pretty low key compared to all the recent emulations.

However, the plot really lacked some tension in that there wasn't really any obstacles beset upon our characters I didn't have any real enthralled reading moments. Also, the ending seemed to lack much tension. There's nothing really wrong with the plot as a whole but it lacked some oomph.

Juliet Marilier never fails with her beautiful writing and world building but the story was lacking.

Juliet Marillier always has the ability to spin a story into something timeless and exciting, even if you feel like you know exactly where the book is going. The Harp of Kings follows the Blackthorn and Grim series (though it stands on its own) and I think that was the main thing letting it down; it had to follow up such a wonderful and unforgettable series.

The Harp of Kings is missing and our three main characters are seeking it, all of whom are playing a role vastly different to their own personalities. There is one standout here; the character of Dau. He's far and away the most memorable character in this book, with the other POV characters fighting for second string. Searching for the harp proves to be a test for Dau and the other main characters, brother and sister team Brocc and Liobhan. A lot about this novel is incredibly rewarding for fans of Juliet Marillier's other novels. We visit some locations we haven't seen in a while and hear of a few characters.

For me, this is one of the weakest books I've read by Juliet Marillier. Some of that is due to it coming on the legs of Blackthorn and Grim, which is one of her strongest series. Some is due to the character work here, which I found a bit lacking when compared with her previous work. Still, I must say that a middling book from Juliet Marillier is better than other authors' best.

My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an early review copy!

This was my first time reading Marillier's work, and I enjoyed the experience. She has such a talent for creating a world and its characters! However, I didn't find myself surprised when reading the book. The synopsis spoils a large amount of what happens in the story that I wasn't wow'ed by the journey.

I did thoroughly enjoy each character and their individual personalities. The plot was interesting but as I stated before it was a bit spoiled for me, but the winner was definitely the world-building in this one.

This book is very much traditional high fantasy, where nothing is too unexpected or groundbreaking, but the adventure is still fun and satisfying to follow along with. Our three narrators—Liobhan, Brocc and Dau (whose names I probably butchered the pronunciation of in my head)—each offered a unique lens to view this story through as they played their roles in the spy-game that goes on. The conflict between their true selves and the roles they have to play was interesting to read about, especially with Liobhan, who is our headstrong female lead, and has a hard time shedding her own personality and morals to try and fit into another. The pacing was perfect—steady enough to keep my reading and curious, with an ending that really hit me in the feels.

Marillier is definitely an expert at writing the classic high fantasy that I used to enjoy a lot, and somehow stopped reading. But since I loved this so much, it's clear I'm ready to a) read all of Marillier's backlist, and b) get back into high fantasy.

Frankly, I usually like more in my books. More romance. More intrigue. More speed. However, despite being an exercise in subtlety, The Harp of Kings was fantastic. I didn't know I'd be picking up something with paranormal elements, but those added flavor and magic to a book whose characters are deeply fleshed out.
The story focuses on three Irish spies in training, during the days when feudal kings ruled the land and the people. Their first mission comes by surprise, and they're challenged every day to keep their wits about them. Liobhan is challenged to stay in character and be a meek, traditional girl when she's actually a weapon wielding warrior. Dau is challenged to pretend to be mute and unassuming, though his biggest hurdle is overcoming the abuses of his past. Brocc's challenge is to deny the part of himself that longs for and fears the very mysticism of his birth.
Only two come home in this sweeping and proud narrative. It's a mark of the author's talent that a reader would be hard pressed to decide which two they'd want it to be.

Absolutely stunning! I am so glad I have finally read a Juliet Marillier book, now onto the rest of her work.

The Harp of Kings proved be an enchanting start to a new series. I loved the way the story was told. Great characters and awesome mystery element!

A novel by Juliet Marillier

In Liobhan's world, three elements predominate; her music, her passion for mayhem, and her love for her brother Brocc. Together the two of them have taken training at Swan Island in hope of becoming part of that most famous warrior clan.

But fate has a part to play here. Just as they are nearing completion of their battle drills Liobhan, Brocc and the sour-faced Dau are tapped to join a secret mission. The Swan Island Warriors have been hired by the Regent of Breifne to find the fey enchanted Harp of Kings which has mysteriously vanished. Further, they must do so without the common folk learning that it is missing. Led by their chief trainer, Archu, Liobhan, and Brocc will travel to Breifne disguised as musicians. Separately, Dau and another Swan Island veteran will ride there posing as a farrier and his mute assistant. It is a long and dangerous journey. Before them, a haunted wood, encounters with fey folk, a mystery wrapped in magic and a Crown Prince not worthy of the name. Can they unravel the mystery of the harp's disappearance before summers eve? The days to do so are few.

Author Juliet Marillier, in "The Harp of Kings," has given us a winning story of war, mystery, magic, music, melancholy and romance. Particularly noteworthy was the interplay between Eirne, Queen of the Fey Folk and Brocc, which had a bit of magic to it. Less stellar was the growing, like mold on a muffin, attraction between Liobhan and Dau. Both were more interesting as competitors. I sincerely think that the story could be significantly improved if Liobhan humbled the stiff at least once. That said, I recommend this novel to anyone who loves YA tales with a bit of Irish magic.

My thanks to ACE, Berkley, Penguin Random House LLC, and NetGalley for the uncorrected ebook file upon which I based this review.

Thanks to Netgalley, for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I admit - I wondered if I would like this when it started out with page after page of character lists. That can be great in a paper book, but just more trouble than it's worth with a kindle book. But, I decided just to give it a shot and see if it mattered.

It didn't! All the characters were clearly delineated in the text, and it was just not a problem keeping everyone straight. Of course, we got to know our main characters the best, but Ms. Marillier did a good job of giving the reader a feeling for the personalities involved, even in the more minor characters.

The plot moved right along, although I wondered how it would work when it became clear that the job of the main characters - to find the harp of kings - was just going to have to wait for developments, and that there was not much to be done in the interim. I don't know that anything that happened in the end was a surprise or unexpected, but I very much enjoyed the journey.

I will be eager to read the next book in this series. I do hope we go back to the kingdom of Briefne, rather than just moving on to new adventures for the main characters - it looked like interesting things will be happening there, and I'd like to hear more about the characters we met there.

Well worth reading - I hadn't read anything by Ms. Marillier before, but I definitely am going to dip into some of her other books now.

This book is a really good starting novel to a new series. I really enjoyed it. Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. I loved the characters - both good and - bad. I loved the world building.

This book is set in the same world as the Blackthorn and Grim series, but I did not realize it was going to be about the children of Blackthorn and Grim. That was a sweet surprise! I instantly liked the characters Liobhan and Brocc. Dau took a little while longer to grow on me, but that was as it was supposed to be. In the end, Dau ended up being my favourite character. He really grew as a character and I'm looking forward to reading more about him.

I liked that the book ended up with the protagonist wrapping up the plot and having her happily ever after or whatever. However, it left some small threads that can be expanded to the next books.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this series.