I’m not going to sugarcoat this, I just wasn’t here for Harmony of Fire by Brian Feehan. An angels versus demons good versus evil paranormal romance is typically going to be more of a miss than a hit for me. Regardless I gave this book a chance, but it didn’t break from my pattern. Continue reading to see the disconnect between me and this new paranormal romance.

Worldbuilding
Harmony of Fire has two points of view, Alice and Owen. This was a strong point of this book. Since this is the start of a series by Feehan, they are setting up a lot of world-building here. Feehan was able to give a lot of starter world-building information by using the two points of view that are fairly different. I also think it was a positive in that the two main characters took a while to meet and when they did Feehan made it interesting by seeing it through both of their POVs.

Unfortunately, there were aspects of world-building that I was not into. I am not a huge fan of specifically the angels and demons good versus evil trope. So that was difficult to get past since it is a driving force of the world. I personally do not think it goes well with an urban fantasy plot, I prefer to keep that type of story in Medieval Europe where religion was such a huge part of everyone’s lives. (However, that is not to say that this was a hugely religious novel even with clergy members as minor characters).

Themes and Romance
The fact that Owen was a musician was overdone, in my opinion. I understood the idea of music as an outlet for the Etherealists powers, but it felt like a power ballad taking itself too seriously. Again, that is a very personal thing as this may be something that other readers would like!

The romance between Owen and Alice that emerges in the second half of the book was not for me. It was one of the “I can’t help but be supernaturally drawn to you” romances. I think this allows for jumping into a relationship without having characters truly know each other and develop. Although they aren’t enemies, in one of the first romantic encounters between them the two definitely thought they were each other’s enemies due to misunderstandings. It was not a particularly compelling enemy-turned-lovers scene.

Overall
I suppose objectively one could say it was a fine book, but Harmony of Fire was just not for me. Most of the items I’ve briefly nitpicked above feel like “that might be just me” territory. I still found it difficult to objectively review this book since it hit the wrong buttons on me hard. At this point, I’m unsure if I would read a sequel to this book. Someone else, however, may find this book interesting and I would not stand in their way!

Harmony of Fire is the first book in a brand new series and a debut by author Brian Feehan. The story is paranormal romance and suspense set in a world of urban fantasy. Being a fan of all three, I was excited to get my hands on this one, and it does not disappoint. As this is the first in the series, there's a fair amount of introduction by way of world-building, which can go either way for me depending on how it's done. Here, it's a lot, but it never felt overdone to me. The story is exciting, and Brian Feehan's world is a place I want more of. The characters are interesting, and the romance, while a little slow to start, is one that's easy to root for. This first Alice & Owen book is a good combination of paranormal romantic suspense and urban fantasy and a pretty impressive debut. I'll be looking forward to whatever comes next for these characters, and I have a new author to add to my watch list. I realize I've been vague, but this is one to be enjoyed without spoilers. Just know that I recommend Harmony of Fire to anyone who likes paranormal romance and/or urban fantasy.

This debut was fair. I am excited to see the future of this author, and of this series. I find the characters interesting enough, but it was easy for me to tell that this one was a debut. There were some pacing issues for me, But I honestly think that there is a lot of promise with the series.

First Impressions
Harmony of Fire is a book that I have been highly anticipating and it was on the top of my list for 2022 of releases that were coming out. This author “Brian Feehan” is the son of Christine Feehan and Harmony of Fire is his debut novel. I was eagerly ready to read this one but I was a bit nervous as some of the reviews relayed that the first half is a bit slow going with the world-building style that happens. So I half-listened to the first half and then finished up the second half with the ARC that I received. I was impressed with this book and it’s not very often that I enjoy Urban Fantasy (as it tends to never have enough romance for me) but this one was very solid in the romance despite it being only in the second half of the story. I really was fascinated by the writing in the book as its vastly different from his mother and I am really happy about that. You can definitely see his flair and unique writing style and it completely worked for me and man can he write a romance haha

Summary
The story starts out with two main storylines, one that follows our hero, Owen. And the other that follows our heroine, Alice. Owen is the head of his troupe and is a protector and powerful in his own way. He keeps hidden, his power and his capabilities but are determined to keep his group protected no matter what. Then we have Alice, who as a little girl was forced to bond with an evil We. She has been apart from her family most of her life, and a priest has been protecting her and teaching her how to fight and protect herself. She is determined to find the evil We who bonded her so that she can be free of him. When Owen and Alice’s path’s meet in an interesting set of circumstances, Alice is captured by Owen and his people. Owen and Alice begin to build a bond, their chemistry is off the charts, but Owen is determined to win Alice’s trust and find out why she is so determined to kill all We and not just the evil ones. As Alice begins to learn the reality of the We and her relationship with Owen deepens, her true enemy will come to the surface, but only with them all working together can he be defeated and a future be available for Owen and Alice to forge their own path be possible…

What I Loved
There were so many unique aspects of the story that I truly found myself loving in this one. I will be honest if I was just grading the second half, this book would be a five-star read. But as the couple doesn’t even meet till past the 50% mark, it’s a solid 4-star. But I will say that I was impressed with how the romance developed, as it didn’t feel rushed, it felt completely natural in its progression. I adored the way that Alice and Owen interacted and seeing them form their bond. There is some angst, but despite them being a bit enemies to lovers, the angst level wasn’t super strong and I really enjoyed seeing the way that they developed their relationship and that there wasn’t this full-on hate, more like a distrust of each other at first. The world-building that is implemented was strong and does take over quite a bit of the first half, but as this is a UF type of world and the first in a series, that is expected to happen as there are some complexities to this world that is being created and it is good to have that foundation of knowledge going into this series. I really was intrigued by the world-building and the bit of Christian mythology that is portrayed within the story. It was truly fascinating and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for the readership in future books. There are some unique and fun side characters that we see and I felt that they added a level of charm to the book that really balanced it out. The actual romance that forms between Owen and Alice is on point and the chemistry is steamy, and I was impressed with how it was built within the story. There is a level of playfulness within these more intimate scenes that I adored and was almost infectious and had me wanting more. The story ended with a HFN, with a slight teaser and I am curious to see Owen and Alice’s relationship build more in the next book.

What I Struggled With
I think the biggest aspect is there is a lot of world-building and the couple doesn’t meet until the latter half of the story and I would have liked more couple page time. I understand why it was written in this way but that is just my personal reader preference.

The Narration
I was impressed with the narrator, and this was my first time listening to him. I really felt like he pulled me into the story which is what I needed and I was impressed with his level of personalization of the characters and building upon the dramatic effect in the right moments.

Overall View
I found Harmony of Fire to be a stunning beginning to what is to be sure a fiery series. This book took my breath away, it held a captivating note all throughout the story that will charm and endear its readers and have you yearning for more of this power couple! TRULY AN EXHILARATING READ!

Harmony of Fire by Brian Feehan is the first novel in the Alice & Owen series. While I would have shelved this in urban fantasy, its heavier romantic element places it in the paranormal romance genre. Music, the WE, bonds, and hunters will pull you into this world.

The WE have been around since the beginning of time. They walk among us on Earth and have levels of power, seven being the strongest. When heaven and hell battled, they were forced to take sides.

This romantic story has a contemporary setting and follows several threads as we watch Alice, an etherialist and hunter, run from and track down the demon, Kerogen, who at nine forced a bond with her. We also follow Owen who is a musician, etherialist and gatekeeper until their paths cross. He and his group are on the move protecting an unbonded etherialist until she turns eighteen and can refuse a bond.

The world building was fascinating as we learned the world, its history and hierarchy and the threats and dangers they encounter. The information dumps bogged down the story and slowed the pace until Alice arrives at the bar where Owen and his people are. From there, the story took off. Despite the time required to build the world and introduce the characters, I found myself drawn into the story.

From the hunters who chase them to the bar keepers who offer haven to the complexity of the world, I was pulled in. The romance was a slow-burn and the magic intriguing. While this story has a series arc, we see some resolution and focus on one romance. I am looking forward to the things hinted at to come.

Secondary characters were distinct and memorable, and despite the darker tones, I laughed aloud and enjoyed seeing them perform, battle, and banter.

Fans of angels & demons, battles of good vs evil and dancing the grey line will want to dive in a read Harmony of Fire. Book two, Harmony of Lies will release February 2023.

This was a fantastic debut! I loved the unique and interesting world this author created the characters also I loved some were more complex than others this story was action packed and full of suspense I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters this was a fantastic start to what I think will be a amazing series and I can’t wait for the next book !
⠀
~I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book.

The We walk among us--beings who existed long before humans ever did, filled with powerful magic. Owen and Alice are both Etherealist, rare humans born with magic and a target for those We that wish to take it from them.
When Alice was 9 her soul was tied to a powerful evil We. She ended up escaping with the help of a priest. She was then trained as a weapon so she could break her bon and be able to go home.
Owen is a musician who is trying to outrun his past and keeping people close to him safe.
The book changes from the past to the present until the present is of Owen and Alice meeting each other.
At first Alice tried killing Owen and everyone he cares about but the dynamics change.
At first I wasn't real thrilled with the book but after awhile I got into it and needed to know what was going on. There is a lot of violence and death but not to much detail. There are a few sex scenes as well just go give you a warning.
This is the first book for this author and I think he will go far. a NY Times Bestseller, Christine Feehan, is his mother.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the book to review.

I have read this author’s mother for years, and while I don’t expect the same from him, I was hoping he would be an author I’d enjoy just like I do his mother. I dived into this book, and I was thrown off at first. The first part of this book was a little hard to keep track of as it went back and forth between time and two characters. I don’t mind that, but add in a lot of words, and I can get a little lost. However, I stuck with it, and I quite enjoyed the rest of the book once I got past the huge world set-up, and I became used to the way the author wrote. I fell in love with Owen and Alice, and I enjoyed the world they inhabit. I now can’t wait to see what’ll happen next in this world. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

HARMONY OF FIRE is the first instalment in Brian Feehan’s contemporary, adult, ALICE AND OWEN urban fantasy, romance series focusing on musician/gatekeep/Etherialist Owen Brown, and twenty-six year old, Etherialist/ hunter Alice.

SOME BACKGROUND: The We have been around since the dawn of time. With seven levels of power, the We walk among the people of Earth but a war between Heaven and H*ll forced the We to choose sides, be it angel or demon, Heaven or H*ll. The Etherialists are humans born with ethereal magic, magic that can be used and abused by someone else.

Told from third person perspective following several time lines HARMONY OF FIRE focuses on twenty-six year old Alice as she hunts down the demon that controls her life. At the age of nine, Alice found herself ‘bonded’ to a man named Kerogen, who was using our heroine as his source for power. As a member of the We, Kerogen is a demon, one of the strongest of his kind, and Kerogen is determined to reclaim that which was lost. Alice is on the run, hunting for the creature that took away her free will but Alice is determined to destroy every demon that crosses her path, or has the unfortunate luck to be caught in her sights. Alice never expected to meet Owen Brown, a man she considers just as evil, but a man who can control the gates between Heaven and H*ll. Trying to prevent further destruction, Alice is imprisoned by Owen and his ‘people’, people who have power unlike anything Alice has seen before. What ensues is the building relationship between Owen and Alice, as Owen’s people make plans to take down the man who has bonded himself to our story line heroine.

We are introduced to a large cast of secondary and supporting characters, many of whom are a part of Owen Brown’s life, a life spent in service protecting the gates to the beyond.


HARMONY OF FIRE is a slow building but detailed, complex and focused story of angels and demons, power and abuse, magic and mayhem, Heaven and H*ll. There is an inordinate amount of ‘info dumping’ as the author’s world building introduces the premise, some of the backstory and details as to the who, how and why. Owen Brown is a man whose darkness pulls at his soul, a need to tread the fine line between good and evil, as our hero performs music to relieve the fire that burns from within.


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The We are powerful magical beings who walk amongst humans.  Etherialists are humans who have magic that evil We want to steal. Alice at nine years old is enslaved and bonded to an evil we and now lives for revenge.  Owen, tortured by his past, sworn never to return to the one home he knows travels with his band of musicians making music wherever he goes. Sparks will definitely fly when they come together with their conflicting yet similar objectives.
This is quintessentially a story about good and evil, heaven and hell, love and family with a lot of curved balls thrown in for good measure. 
Alice has honed herself into a weapon and survives on hate. Her one goal is to find and destroy the evil We who bonded her when she was just a child and stole her innocence and childhood. She wears a shroud that keeps the bond muted even though it is extremely painful to her. She finally decides that she's tired of running and decides to look for Kerogan and take the battle to him. 
Owen in the meanwhile has been trying to outrun his demons, constantly running and staying one step ahead of the hunters who hunt the We and etherialists. He has in his care a young woman whom he is protecting from a forcible bonding until she comes of age. When it seems, all doors are closing in his face he returns to the one place that was once home to him and to the woman who nurtured him but swore to kill him if he ever returned. 
Alice comes to the same place seeking answers on where she can find her nemesis.  Here both their paths collide, and they become aligned through common goals and strong chemistry. Will they and the people who they love, and call family survive the inferno? The story is interesting and completely different from anything I've read before, though the pacing could stand some work. 
Debut author Brian Feehan is son of the legendary Christine Feehan who's paranormal and fantasy romances have been a big part of my reading repertoire. Despite being a longtime fan of paranormal and urban fantasy, this story was a bit of a stretch for me with its references to the gates of heaven and circles of hell.  It's definitely something I would urge readers of urban fantasy and paranormal romance to try.

Brian Feehan’s debut novel, Harmony of Fire, is an intense paranormal romantic suspense novel with plenty of action, thrills, and edginess.

Brian Feehan’s debut novel, Harmony of Fire is an intense paranormal romantic suspense novel with plenty of action, thrills, and edginess. It is the first book in the Alice & Owen series and is mainly set in Miami, Florida.

Owen and Alice are humans born with magic who are targets for beings that walk among humans called the We. When Alice was nine years old, she was tied to a powerful and evil member of the We against her will. After escaping from him, she is trying to break the bond between them. Owen is a musician trying to keep his friends safe until a group of hunters crosses their path. He decides to return home and seek protection. When Alice and Owen meet, their survival is at stake.

While Owen comes across as very likeable, Alice took this reader some time to warm up to. Owen is a musician, cares for others, and is a risk-taker while Alice is a warrior single-mindedly focused on breaking the bond to the We Kerogen. The chemistry between Owen and Alice creates an unusual dynamic through most of their difficulties.

The author’s creativity and great world-building stand out in this novel. However, it took a little while before I was fully engrossed in the story. The beginning sixteen chapters not only switch back and forth between the two main characters, but also move backwards and forwards in time ranging from years before they meet to hours before this significant event. While this interrupted the initial flow, these backstories gave great insight into their thoughts, behaviors, and actions.

The plot is solid and absorbing with both heartrending and pulse pounding moments. It kept me hooked and enabled me to empathize with the characters as they encountered struggle after struggle. This action-packed and suspenseful story kept me turning the pages. There was always something exciting about to happen. The story arc combines broken protagonists with themes of trust, protection, romance, selflessness, magic, family, racism, friendship, music, and much more. Written with skill in a way that blends magic with the inner lives of the characters, it’s an excellent start to what I hope will be a long series that meshes paranormal romance and suspense in an urban fantasy novel.

Overall, the story was engrossing, unique, and beautifully executed. If you enjoy contemporary paranormal romantic suspense and urban fantasy novels, then this author may be one you will enjoy as much as I do. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Berkley Publishing Group and Brian Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 28, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

A spectacular debut voice filled with intrical character building, dynamic atmosphere and great potential in the fantasy/paranormal field! Brian Feehan thrusts his reader quickly into the heart of the fantasy world he has spun when he lays the groundwork for Alice and Owen's lives leading up to the moment they meet. While I was invested quickly in his main characters and each of their support systems, there was a bit of a disconnect periodically for me as time shifted frequently with an overpowering back story. Once Alice and Owen connect and their journey begins side by side the pace drastically picks up and you'll be hooked quickly and invested in this powerful couple. I'm looking forward to more of their story in the series yet to come!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fantasy world filled with good and evil as complex characters thrust themselves into your heart and take you along for the ride of a lifetime as their journey explodes with power, drama and loads of feels!

The first in a series of good versus evil, it is clear to see the influences in author Brian Feehan's writing. I picked up this book partially because of the new author's name and partially because it is about angels. Or a version of angels... This concept is intriguing and I want to see where this series goes. As a first book by Mr. Feehan, it contains the kind of worldbuilding that interests me.

What I like about this series is that it isn't paranormal romance. It is probably Urban Fantasy? The second thing I like about this story is how good and evil are questionable. Exploring the grey lines and learning about the "We" and Etherealist takes time and patience. I won't lie, the first half of the book is a bit too slow-paced for me. There is a lot of explaining going on and switching from two main points of view. I'm not a fan of this. I understand why it was done, I just think maybe it could have been more condensed. I say this because unless someone sticks to it and pushes through the first half, they may give up on the book.

Once I pushed through the first half and when Alice meets Owen, the story pace picks up. The rest of the book contains more action, danger, and a brutal confrontation. Surprisingly, the confrontation is anticlimatic and seems to be done in a blink of an eye. This made me re-read the part over again. I also didn't fully understand Owen's issues and why he was being a jerk near the end of the book. It didn't make sense to me because it seems to come out of the blue. My guess is that it is supposed to be a hook into the next book. Felt a little too YA for me. This new urban fantasy is recommended to new/young adult readers who want to know about beings that Heaven shuts out and Hell doesn't accept either.

Harmony of Fire by Brian Feehan is the first book in his Alice & Owen series. The We walk among us, beings who existed long before humans ever did, filled with powerful magic. Owen and Alice, who are the main characters in this story, are Etherealist, rare humans who also have magical abilities. We meet Alice, whose soul was bonded to an evil We, when she was nine years old; with the help of a priest, Alice was able to escape. Over the years, she learned how to use her powers, and spends her time to find and kill the man who did this to her; especially since he continues to look for her.
Owen is a musician, who has ability to use his music to reach into the souls of those who listen; he is able to go into the dark roads to heaven and hell. Owen has a wonderful band of young people (I loved most the members, but especially Clover), he is very protective and loyal too; always leaving where they play, when threats are lurking and hunters are too close. One of his band members is underage, and needs protection from others, until she is unbonded when she reaches 18 years old. Owen will take his group to an old friend, where they will be safe; we get to meet some amazing friends of the past, such as Mara, Damon, Cornelius, just to name a few.

Alice, who has become a weapon, enters the bar, where Owen, Mara and others are, and attempts to attack them, thinking they are demons, like the man who forced the bonding on her. They manage to stop Alice, from her attack, controlling her powers, as they imprison her in the basement, until they can prove to her, they are not demons. Owen tries to spend time with Alice, to show her how she was taught wrong, and most of the We are good people, who were being killed by Hunters. In a short time, his attraction to Alice escalates, and slowly she opens up to him, intrigued by his gentle kindness; she too will fall hard for Owen, and learn more about his magical music. When Mara, Damon and Cornelius explain that they might be able to break the bond, Alice begins to open herself up to other possibilities.

I will say that early on, the story was a bit slow and confusing, which in first books of fantasy, is usually normal; by the second half it was very exciting and intriguing. I really loved the chemistry between Owen and Alice. I also loved most of the secondary characters, as Mara, Damon and Cornelius had amazing powers. To say too much more would be spoilers, as you really need to read this, in order to understand. Harmony of Fire is very well written by Brian Feehan, and I look forward to the next book, Harmony of Lies.

Harmony of Fire is a wonderfully brilliant and devastingly heart-breaking masterpiece of epic proportions. We are gifted with an incredibly raw and decadent world filled with extraordinary beings and people. Their abilities are incomprehensible, and their motives are unknown. Our minds cannot fathom their whole existence nor their true purpose. Instead, we are left to marvel and stand in awe as we catch glimpses of their true potential.

Owen lives in a dangerous world full of encroaching darkness and deadly threats. What he focuses on is keeping his friends safe amid the lurking threats. He does not flinch in the face of dire consequences because his won't let him. His fierce loyally is his greatest strength, and in time it will tested beyond measure. Alice has been forged by pain, loss, and hope. She is a living weapon that is more deadly and beautiful then any assassin. When Owen threatens to break the fortress she has built around her heart, she is at a loss as to what to do. Can she accomplish her mission and have what she has never wanted before, or will she shatter trying to pull herself in two different directions?

Owen thought he would always have a darkness lurking in his soul. His friends provide him solace, but it's not enough. When Alice crashes into his life, he discovers what he has been missing. She somehow is the light to the darkness he has lived with his entire life. Even though she is danger in human form, he can't help but want to get closer and riddle out all of her mysteries. Alice is intrigued by the quiet and gentle Owen since not many have shown her kindness. She is also fascinated at the chaos and intensity that he radiates. She must decide if she can let him in or face life alone.

Michael Feehan has taken my heart on a reckless and deadly ride that left me in awe and wonder as to what will happen next. I am truly and utterly hooked with the extraordinary storyline and the incredible characters. This book is so much more than I ever expected, and I am hopeful that this new and intriguing world will continue to open up and reveal more of its amazing and mystifying secrets to me!

The short summary: The plot gets lost under all the words, but if you can get past that, it's a good story.

What I liked:
The chemistry between Alice and Owen. I really enjoyed the way they connected.
The characters were all interesting and some were a lot more complex than expected.
The world Feehan created was unique and intriguing.

What didn't work for me:
The book was a little long to support the plot. I know there was a lot to set up and a lot to introduce, but in my opinion, the book would be stronger if it were more to the point. Feehan's writing style didn't click for me. He is very, very detailed, which can be good, but it really slows down the pace here. There were several places where the details felt superfluous. Here's an example: "He was not fast, wasn't slow, in making his climb around the back of the semi-remote roadhouse." There's nothing wrong with the sentence, it's just unnecessary, wordy, and exists with way too many others just like it. It takes several pages to describe getting ice out of a truck and taking it inside. The book is full of examples like this. It drove me crazy.

Overall, I think everyone should give this book a try. It wasn't one of my favorites personally, but there is a lot of potential there.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.