Rage and Ruin (The Harbinger #2) – Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 608
Release Date: June 9, 2020

Haven’t read the previous novel, Storm and Fury? Check out my review here!

Dangerous secrets and forbidden desires lead to shocking consequences… Don’t miss book two of the fantastical Harbinger trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout.

“Jennifer L. Armentrout’s intoxicating new fantasy is her best yet!” —New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter on Storm and Fury

Half-angel Trinity and her bonded gargoyle protector, Zayne, have been working with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

 

Rage and Ruin is the second novel in The Harbinger trilogy. It picks up after the events of Storm and Fury as Trinity and Zayne grapple with their new connection and the associated emotions they’re developing.

Rage and Ruin is the best kind of guilty pleasure. It features a delicious forbidden romance and, in my opinion, some of the best fantasy characters: angels and demons.

Unfortunately, Rage and Ruin suffers from second book syndrome. There isn’t much of a plot for most of the novel as Trinity and Zayne look for the Harbinger. So, for most of the novel the characters are speculating on who or what the Harbinger is without getting anywhere despite it being obvious. This makes for an spectacular reveal at the end, but makes getting there a drag.

There is a three year discrepancy between Zayne and Trinity, if I’m not mistaken. Three years isn’t a lot, but Trinity comes off as much younger in her inner monologues and some of the stuff she says. It made connecting with Trinity difficult at times and it’s one of the reasons I’m not the biggest fan of Trinity and Zayne together as a couple.

Zayne and Trinity are on different wave lengths when it comes to their relationship and all the emotions associated. Most of the novel is spent watching Zayne and Trinity reconcile those differences. It’s fun and exciting, yet also frustrating. Miscommunication is used over and over to drive the tension between the two.

The ending of Armentrout novels are always exciting and Rage and Ruin is no exception. I wouldn’t call it a cliff hanger, but it’s certainly made me wish I had the third novel in my hands.

Overall, Rage and Ruin is a slower paced sequel as Armentrout dives into the nitty gritty of Zayne and Trinity’s relationship. This almost singular focus doesn’t always serve the plot, but it’s definitely entertaining.

*** I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Have you read Rage and Ruin? What did you think?