It's back to Brian Feehan's intriguing world of magic for Harmony of Lies. This is the second book in the Alice & Owen series, and I do feel the best reader experience is from starting at the beginning. The author does give us what we need to get the gist of the characters and everything going on, but it's still a better experience, in my opinion.
As far as this book goes, it's as exciting as I expected, and Feehan gives us a good mix of humor with the heavy, so it's a well-rounded, engaging story. I just love the originality of this series and its characters, and Owen and Alice are so easy to root for.
As with any urban fantasy, world-building is essential, and while the introduction to this world was in book one, this one still has plenty of world-building. It's very well done, which is another area I expected greatness and got it. From scene setting to dialogue, Brian Feehan is showing just how talented he is. This second Alixe & Owen book is a solid addition to this new series, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

First Impressions
Harmony of Lies is the second installment in the “Alice & Owen” series by the newest author ‘Brian Feehan’, who made his debut last year with “Harmony of Fire”. In “Harmony of Lies” this is where we get the continuation of the journey of Owen and Alice. I was so blown away by the first book, so I was super stoked to be able to pick up “Harmony of Lies”, I was so eager to return to this brilliantly captured world of fantasy and music toned feeling to it. I would highly recommend that you need to read these books in order, if you don’t, you will feel a bit lost as this book picks up just a couple weeks following “Harmony of Fire”. Now this one was such a solid installment and I loved getting back to Owen and Alice and while there was a bit less focus on their relationship as they each have to do their own journey for a portion of the story, you really see their relationship grow in ways that I didn’t honestly expect considering how much time they are actually on the page together. We get the continuation of the world building and its highly impacting and was just as impressed as I was with the first book “Harmony of Fire”

Summary
Alice and Owen are learning what it means to be a true team. Owen is feeling antsy and its been building within him for weeks, and he knows that soon he and his troupe will need to move on and their next spot to head to will need to be San Francisco. But his heart is torn because he loves Alice and he knows that he will have to fight for her to have her be willing to choose him. But Alice needs to settle things with her own family and find out her own purpose. Owen and his group of musicians head to San Francisco, hoping that this will be a quick and easy trip, but what they find is not going to be so simple. There are deaths of musicians, and there are magic and secrets happening with a piano, and intrigue and mystery surrounding the intentions of politicians. Owen will have to determine whom he can trust as some are friends and enemies alike. But for him and his people to survive, he will need everything he has at his disposal including the woman who is his true partner and strength because this will be his greatest test ever…

What I Loved
“Harmony of Lies” was such a brilliant story and my heart became so woven in with Owen, Alice and their group of musicians. I was completely humbled to be able to pick up this author’s work again, and I can tell you, if you love paranormal/UF sub genres in romance, then Brian Feehan is an author that you need to pay attention to, because I have a feeling he is going to deliver some brilliant work. In Harmony of Lies I was so endeared by the characters once again. We do see that Owen and Alice have to follow their own paths for a short time. For Alice, she has just been reunited with her family and she needs that quality time with them but also to reveal her past to them but also for Alice she will also discover what is needed to help Owen at his time of need. Then on the other end of the story, we have Owen’s journey. Where he will take his group and he will have to face the greatest danger he has ever had to face. We also get introduced to some new characters and getting a deeper perspective on Owen’s past and his character. There is something so intriguing about Owen, he has such a commanding presence. He is the alpha of the group, the leader, but also works with his musicians as a team. He does get lost in some ways in how he handles some delicate situations, but his devotion to them is so endearing at times. The romance between Owen and Alice is definitely present but its definitely lower than what we got in the first book as they are separated for atleast half of the story. So be prepared for that, but what you see is essential for their relationship. The moments that we do see them together was so powerful and filled with intention! The way that these two are willing to fight for each other works its way to the heart. The spice of the story is so well done, so romance readers who need their steam, this author handles it just perfectly!

What I Struggled With
The only thing that I struggled with is not seeing more couple page time as I was expecting. Its the only reason the rating isn’t higher for me. But I am hoping book 3 will really deliver more couple page time and seeing more growth and depths to their relationship! Everything else in the story was perfection!

Overall View
Harmony of Lies is a continuation of Owen and Alice, a couple that find their own paths which are filled with historic mystery, legends and myths, a edgy packed plot to battle the trials of battle ahead! It’s a story guaranteed to keep your thrilled from head to toe and deliver in brilliant emotion, bright imagery and impactful storytelling!

Love this world Brian Feehan has built! Harmony of Lies picks up your heart right where Harmony of Fire left it. It pulls you right into their journey, The family Alice has been reunited with, conflicts, and truths she needs to face. You connect with the family Owen has built for himself, his loyalty to them, his heart not wanting to lose anyone. Then throws in some incredible twists and turns that give the readers edge of seat, jaw-dropping moments as the characters figure out how to navigate them.

A storyline filled with banter, witty conversation of a group who charge head on into dangerous situations, sacrifice to protect each other and the innocent, to stand by the truth they believe in. You’re shown along the way their actions, standing strong to their truths, brings them possible new allies and new enemies to face, building up the series plot threads.

Along with evolving relationships, romance and family, enjoying life in the moment and building more, there are possible antagonists that keep you guessing what is truth, what is deception, who do you trust… add in a piano haunting ghost, a curse that needs to be broken to protect the innocent and you eagerly turn the pages.

I love the way Owen and Alice unravel conflicts, surprising ways they figure things out, you can feel the puzzle pieces falling into place. All the characters are so well developed and you laugh, cry, hold your breath through the situations they find themselves in and the choices they make keep you turning pages. The breath holding moments of deception discovered and truths revealed make you wonder will it break relationships or make them stronger.

Brian has done an incredible job weaving the gift of music into the characters, it’s the passion of the human Ethereal Musicians and the We-(people here before creation). A major part of the lore of this world he’s built, the keys they seek. Playing your truth in it strikes a chord, feeds the energy that connects the listeners to the artist. Is that connection strong enough to break a curse? How powerful does that song need to be? Again you’re on the edge of your seat!

I’m really loving the Alice and Owen series! The twists of deception and lies uncovered and truths revealed and the edge of seat journey of how its all connected gives us an extraordinary book! Add the “what abouts” you pick up throughout and you’re anticipating what will be discovered and resolved in the next book!

4.25stars- HARMONY OF LIES is the second instalment in Brian Feehan’s contemporary, adult, ALICE AND OWEN urban fantasy, romance series focusing on muscian/gatekeeper/Etherialist Owen Brown, and twenty-six year old, Etherialist/ hunter Alice. HARMONY OF LIES can be read as a stand alone but for backstory and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order.

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. Etherialists are humans born with ethereal magic, magic that can be used and abused by someone else.

Told from third person perspective HARMONY OF LIES picks up after the events of book one wherein Owen Brown and his fellow musician and Etherialists journey to San Francisco in the wake of a favor for Owen’s uncle Damon but Alice, finally free of the demon who had bonded our heroine at nine years of age, is desperate to reconnect with her family, the family who believe she is dead and gone. With Alice safely in the arms of her family, Owen and his band head to California where two pianos, one played by a ghost, the other that sucks that power and souls from the musician, find Owen on the precipice of losing everything and everyone he has ever loved. Trapped into a nightmare of pain, Owen knows that to beat the dark magic, he will need the woman with whom he has fallen in love.

HARMONY OF LIES is a story of power and control, magic, wizardry and trickery, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance. Brian Feehan pulls the reader into a dramatic story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of prophecy and sorcery, deception and trust. HARMONY OF LIES is a more cohesive and smooth flowing story than its’ predecessor HARMONY OF FIRE but such is the nature of the beast that was the introductory instalment. The premise is musically action packed, intriguing, magical and intense; the characters are energetic, powerful and determined but Alice and Owen spend much of the story line separated, in different parts of the country, as the main focus is on Owen and his band in San Francisco; the romance is passionate but limited and mostly implied.


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Harmony of Lies is the second novel in the Alice & Owen series by Brian Feehan. After the events of Harmony of Fire, I was glad to slip back into this world of music, magic, angels, and demons. Owen travels with his band to San Francisco on a task only to face a challenge he will need to win to survive.

The novel picks up where Harmony of Fire left off. Alice is reunited with her family, and Owen needs to move on. He has been tasked with running an errand that will take him to San Francisco. He wants, no needs Alice to go with him, but she has unfinished business and owes her family some answers.

We get a few chapters with Alice as she shares her story with her parents and despite the seriousness, moments made me smile. Alice is torn between finding the father who helped her and returning to Owen.

Owen and his crew of musicians, minus Jessica, head to San Francisco and from the moment they cross the bridge, things happen. It was a clever tale, full of twists, music and discoveries.

Feehan has created a world filled with We. Beings who existed long before humans ever did, filled with powerful magic. Alice & Owen are “etherealist.” Rare humans born with magic, making them a target for the “We” who want to take their power. Through his music, Owen can scale the gates of heaven and hell, but he needs to be careful or he’ll burn. There are instruments made from this power, and Owen possesses one. A story foretells of an etherealist who will possess these instruments and change the world.

Something isn’t right in San Francisco, and it begins with a piano and a ghost. This was a clever tale that hooked me from the powerful Mayor to the challenge that drains those who take it on. I admit to being nervous and was glad when we saw characters come together. Owen’s band members are loyal and I enjoy their interactions, from humorous banter to battles. The author does a good job of balancing darker moments with light and it helped offset some scenes.

Fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance will enjoy this cast of characters and the story arc for this series. Each book has a dominant story, gives us more understanding of the world and sets us up for more. This series is best read in the order of their release, although Feehan does a great job of bringing new readers up to speed.

HARMONY OF LIES (Alice & Owen Book #2) by Brian Feehan is the second book in the paranormal/urban fantasy world centered around new types of characters; the We, the etherealists, and regular human beings. Starting right where Harmony of Fire Book #1 left off, Alice, Owen and the band have returned to Alice’s family home, but Owen and the band need to leave for San Francisco. I feel to understand this author’s world and the capabilities of the We and etherealists, you need to read this series in order.

After seventeen years of being forced to be away from her family, Alice is now a powerful etherealist hunter and she wants nothing more than to be reunited. She is afraid to reveal to her parents that she is no longer normal, but they have been keeping a secret from her, too. With family secrets revealed, Alice learns to navigate even more of her powers.

When Owen, the etherealist gatekeeper and his band get to San Francisco, they face a powerful dark magic tied to a possessed red piano and a ghost. To save his friends and beat the dark magic, Owen knows he needs Alice, the woman he loves, for everyone to survive.

This book is another powerful and intriguing trip into the musical and magical world of the We and Alice and Owen. I love all the unique characters, not only Alice and Owen, but the entire band. Their courage and love for each other makes them powerful enough to face all the trials thrown at them. My only disappointment is that Alice and Owen are separated from each other, just like in book #1, in my opinion through too much of the book. The music, the magic, the lethal danger, the intricate world-building, and the lyrical prose all pulled me in and make this a powerful paranormal series.

This is another captivating paranormal/urban fantasy book in this series.

Harmony of Lies by Brian Feehan is an impressive second installment in the Alice and Owen paranormal romance series. With a tightly-woven plot, lyrical prose, and plenty of dark and fanciful imaginings, this emotionally-charged sequel keeps the series going strong. Readers will be captivated by the mysterious and thrilling world Feehan has created, and will be eager to see what comes next.

Harmony of Lies by Brian Feehan is the 2nd book in his Alice & Owen series. Refresher: 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, which includes music that can change everything. Over the years of being bonded to an evil WE, Alice has learned how to use her powers, especially now that she is free.

Alice, is finally home (17 years later) with her mother and father, trying to find a way to explain to her parents that she is not normal. In the last book, Alice and Owen have fallen in love, and she has become an important member of the group (Clover, Jessie, Max, Daphne) who all have powerful musical abilities.

Owen receives a letter from Mara, to retrieve something in San Francisco, and is despondent that he has to leave with his crew, as Alice wants to stay longer with her family. He has a hard time saying goodbye, but Alice knows she will find him, when she resolves things with her parents. Owen and his team, head to San Francisco, knowing that the Golden City is filled with history, secrets, deaths and a mysterious red piano, that will put them all in danger. He soon knows that he will eventually need Alice’s help to be able to stop a ghost and for all of them to survive.

I really loved all of Owen’s team, including his friend Abel, who lived in San Francisco and would work with them. As noted, I love the entire group, especially Clover. Of course, I adored Alice and Owen, who made such a great couple. I also liked the newcomer to this book, Jessica, who was the mayor’s daughter. When things get difficult, both Alice and Daphne join them to fight against a dark power.

Harmony of Lies was an exciting, intense story, with wonderful characters that we have come to love. Owen, Alice and the entire band group were totally loyal to each other, willing to do what was necessary to stop this evil. Early on, at times the story was a bit confusing, but very intriguing. To say too much more would be spoilers, as you really need to read this, from start to finish. Harmony of Lies was very well written by Brian Feehan, and I look forward to the next book.

Feehan definitely impresses in this second addition to the Alice and Owen paranormal romance. The plot kept me questioning what was coming next, the characters were solid and well developed and there was plenty of build up to keep you on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed this sequel and am interested to see where this series will go with the next one.

Oh my goodness I loved Alice and Owen's love! Such passion and loyalty. While I love his Mom, Christine's books, I prefer Brian's writing style. I find him so enjoyable. Also as the second book in a series, I kind of expect a bit of a "sophomore slump" WHICH THIS DID NOT HAVE! I really want more of Alice and Owen and soon

This is one story that has truly stolen my heart and soul! I will forever be marked by its unwavering loyalty, its extraordinary heart, and its undying passion. Harmony of Lies is not for the faint of heart because it pushes boundaries until they no longer exist, and it has no fear of the unknown. This is a book for those who are ready to look past their safe and cozy little life. The words on these pages will actively challenge, pry open your heart, and push you to contemplate that there could be more then what you see, feel, and hear every day. Are you ready to unlock that door and find new and greater adventures out there?

Owen knows he can't stay in one place for long. Friends, family, and unknown forces keep him off balance and always moving forward. No matter how much he may long to say still, he knows his heart will never truly find one place to rest. His gift and his life cannot be allowed to grow stale or be denied to those who need to experience it. Alice has found a refuge and a love with Owen, but her life is being pulled in an entirely different direction. She must decide where she will go, and how she will use her own gifts. Each of us can't be forced into a box created by others. We need to step forward in the confidence and knowledge that we have to be who we were created to be and what life has shaped us into. Shame and guilt have no place or benefit at the end of the day. Only love and loyalty matter in the end.

I savor every moment I am able to spend with Owen and his incredible group of friends. They are wonderfully unique and never fail to delight and entertain. Watching Alice hesitatingly merge into group has been a mind-blowing experience. it is something I won't soon forget. If there is anything that I can take away from this band, it is that you can't fight the path that you are on. You have to face it head on with faith, love, and hope. Only by your courage and force of will can you ever hope to discover all the of the blessings and beauty that life has to offer.

Brian Feehan has crafted a breathtaking world that is sure to capture the hearts of many readers. Within these pages you will find an unexpectedly wild and exceptionally beautiful collection of incredible characters who will challenge and test your heart every step of the way. Nothing is as it seems and if you learn nothing else it is to guard your heart and mind as you wander through this thrilling world full of lethal danger and unending mystery. Leave your hesitation behind and dive into this spectacular world!