The Harp of Kings

Starred review from July 1, 2019
This breathtaking, often heartbreaking Celtic-flavored fantasy novel from Marillier (the Blackthorn & Grim series) couches a challenging quest in storytelling both earthy and unearthly. Young siblings Liobhan, a singer and whistle player, and Brocc, a singer and harper, both in the final stage of their taxing warrior training, are assigned to find the missing ancient Harp of Kings before Midsummer Day. The harp is needed to confirm the coronation of Breifne’s new king. Disguised as itinerant musicians and supported by Dau, a troubled fellow trainee undercover as a mute stable boy, brash Liobhan and sensitive Brocc undertake a spy mission that tests and matures them. Liobhan, the martial artist heroine, discovers her softer nature; Brocc realizes his bardic calling; and proud Dau learns humbly how to love. Fantasy fans will savor Marillier’s unerring knack for characterization; even the animals, such as dogs Storm and Bryn and fairy creature Moth-Weed, feel real. Most satisfying is her ability to weave multiple strands of narrative into a brilliant tapestry. This lush fantasy is sure to win Marillier many new fans. Agent: Russell Galen, Scovil Galen Ghosh Literary.

August 1, 2019

Liobhan has dreamed of becoming one of the Swan Island warriors. She and brother Brocc have joined the trainees in hopes of attaining permanent membership in the group. But when the siblings are tapped to be a part of a mission, it's not because of her skills as a fighter, but as a singer and whistle player. Disguised as traveling minstrels, along with combat leader Archu and fellow trainee Dau, the group is tasked to find an old, very special harp that must be played during coronation, or else chaos reigns. As they face a mulish crown prince, courtiers and druids, and lots of family secrets, Liobhan sees that forces from the Otherworld are also in play that could destroy her ambitions and her family. VERDICT Told in the alternating points of views of Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau, this story contains lush worldbuilding and well-rounded characters. Here, Marrillier (Blackthorn and Grim) launches a new series, but familiar references to her other books will lead fans right into her enchanting universe once again.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2019
Marillier (Den of Wolves, 2016) introduces the Warrior Bard series with a cast of characters that will not be forgotten, from a warrior bard who is part fey to a Druid novitiate meant to be a king. The tale takes place in mythical ancient Ireland, where legends are becoming just children's bedtime stories, and the fey are dying because the locals no longer believe. In come the Swan Island Warriors to save the fey. Three of the new initiates, along with their teachers, are tasked with finding the Harp of Kings, which ties the fey and the Kingship of Erin together. So Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau, along with Archu and Illann, go to the high court of Breifne to find the Harp and bring it back in time for the Midsummer's Night Eve Festival when the new King must be named by the High Druid. Along the way, the three initiates learn their strengths and weaknesses, and some even find romance. A must read for any fan of fairy tale lore and historical fantasy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)