Harbinger
Sara Wilson Etienne
320 pages
Publisher: Penguin
Release Date: February 2nd, 2012
Source: ARC from Publisher
Rating: LIKED
Girl, Interrupted meets Beautiful Creatures in this fast-paced thriller
When sixteen-year-old Faye arrives at Holbrook Academy, she doesn't expect to find herself exactly where she needs to be. After years of strange waking visions and nightmares, her only comfort the bones of dead animals, Faye is afraid she's going crazy. Fast.
But her first night at Holbrook, she feels strangely connected to the school and the island it sits on, like she's come home. She's even made her first real friends, but odd things keep happening to them. Every morning they wake on the floors of their dorm rooms with their hands stained red.
Faye knows she's the reason, but what does it all mean? The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain she can't trust him; in fact, he may be trying to kill her - and the rest of the world too.
Rich, compelling writing will keep the pages turning in this riveting and tautly told psychological thriller.
Harbinger was something else. And since that sentence won't suffice as a valid review, let me explain.
Harbinger can't be categorized. It takes place in a future where oil is scarce, trees are few, and people live in hatred. Sara Wilson Etienne has crafted a story more unique than you would have guessed.
The hints of paranormal are actually based on truth, as you'll read in the Author's Notes at the end of the 320 page book. The story twists and turns in confusing ways that, unlike most, won't leave you hanging. Harbinger is a standalone and a debut you might just want to pick up.
Faye is an unusual girl. Her parents can't even look her in the eye without shuddering and breaking contact. And the fact that she collects bones? Yet another reason why her parents send her off to Holbrook Academy. Stuck with a "Family" who's as broken as her, Faye struggles for a way to break free. But mysterious happenings that occur when they least expect it have them all puzzled - and utterly afraid.
Despite the fact that I enjoyed Sara Wilson Etienne's debut, there were quite a few parts where I just couldn't understand what was happening. I'm guessing that was because of the mystery factor, but it did take away some of my overall enjoyment of the novel. That shouldn't stop you from giving this one a try. Like I said earlier, Harbinger is something else.
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Hmm. I'm really curious about this one I absolutely love the blurb it's so intriguing. I just ordered it a few days ago so I'm looking forward to it. Lovely review Hafsah!
ReplyDeleteI have been really wanting to read this. I was just on B&N deciding whether to get it or not. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI really liked Harbinger; the creep-factor was up the wall! Like you said, it was just so original that it can't be categorized! Great review, Hafsah. :)
ReplyDeletei really want to read this one. not sure what it is about it but i've been looking forward to i for awhile now. i am going to a signing this weekend with the author and can't wait. thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot of people say they wanted to read this, but yours is the first review I've read.
ReplyDeleteI think the premise sounds amazing, I'm hoping that the world is well built. (That's one of my biggest complaints with books like this, that the dystopian society isn't really believable or understandable.) I am looking forward to reading this, and hoping that after your review I have a better perspective (and my expectations are where they should be.)
-Jac @ For Love and Books
I am so looking forward to this book. It sounds really good, and your review has helped manage my expectations. It does get bonus points for having one of the most stunning covers of the year, though. :-)
ReplyDeleteKaris @YA Litwit
I can't wait to read this! I'm glad you liked it. (:
ReplyDeleteI've got this one on hold at the library.
ReplyDeleteSounds unique, which I like in a book!
Thanks for reviewing!
Definitely sounds unique! I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
I've heard such good things about this book, so thanks for reviewing it, Hafsah! I can see how it could be confusing though, it sounds like the book is full of mystery. =)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this! I'm glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting...I'll have to check this book out and see what I think. Thanks for the review :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat review Hafsah !! Very well written! This story does sound intriguing, and im glad you liked it. I do get annoyed when i just don't understand whats happening in a book, but maybe they just do it for suspense i guess... And thanks for the giveaway!! <3
ReplyDeleteFarah @MajiBookshelf
I just won a copy of this book and now i really want to read it! Some of the events are based on true stories! Thats so awesome! Thanks for the review, i wasnt sure if it was a novel or a series.
ReplyDelete