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Celestial Creatures #3
Harbinger
“I am Uriel: The Harbinger of Chaos, The Keeper of the Gates, The Begetter of Life, The Dam of The Ends, and I’m coming to take what is mine!”
The clash with Baza and his angels had demonstrated to Ariel that Earth (Apkallu) is not the safe heaven she hoped it would be, and it is only a matter of time before she is hunted and dead.
The only way to survive is to accept her destiny and to fight back.
But upon her return to Uras, Ariel is rejected in her own domain and has to suppress the revolt against her reign. The angels refuse her and her lead, abandoning her and Uras in favour of another ruler.
She knows that without an army of followers she won’t stand a chance against Baza or Mik’hael, so now she needs to go into the most unexpected places to find it.
The clash with Baza and his angels had demonstrated to Ariel that Earth (Apkallu) is not the safe heaven she hoped it would be, and it is only a matter of time before she is hunted and dead.
The only way to survive is to accept her destiny and to fight back.
But upon her return to Uras, Ariel is rejected in her own domain and has to suppress the revolt against her reign. The angels refuse her and her lead, abandoning her and Uras in favour of another ruler.
She knows that without an army of followers she won’t stand a chance against Baza or Mik’hael, so now she needs to go into the most unexpected places to find it.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Olga Gibbs
16 books31 followersOlga Gibbs is a novelist and a mental health expert, who has experience of working with disturbance in adolescents and young people. Using her Masters in Creative Writing, she explores taboo topics such as borderline personality and social effective disorder, effects of abuse and insecure attachment in young people and the inner world which is so rarely spoken about.
She was born and raised in the USSR and now lives in the UK.
Olga Gibbs is also a creative writing coach and mentor.
Please visit author website www.OlgaGibbs.com for more information on upcoming books.
She was born and raised in the USSR and now lives in the UK.
Olga Gibbs is also a creative writing coach and mentor.
Please visit author website www.OlgaGibbs.com for more information on upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 12, 2020
The Harbinger is here and she is not to be messed with! Ariel also now Uriel is recruiting and she needs an army! This is the build-up book in order to reach the climactic finale in Halo.
Heavenward is our introduction, laying the ground rules, Hallow is our new way of life understanding what is expected of us and Harbinger is the planning and the plotting.
This is a series you need to read the other books because you really wouldn’t have a scooby with what is going on. There is a lot of angel lingo and terminology that I still can’t remember plus all the different planes to remember. So don’t go in blind!
So much happens in this book without realising it, spanning over two different planes, we witness Ariel grow from the scared and unsure schoolgirl into a battle-hungry woman, ready to fulfil the role left to her by Uriel. The battle scenes are gruesome and bloody and raw. It was a bit like Game of Thrones watching the pawns and rooks all move into place for the final showdown. With Rafe by her side and an Adar which reminded me of Lockjaw from the Inhumans…but maybe not as cute, these become our focal points of the book.
We meet new characters, we see familiar faces and we have Rafe trying to adjust after the shocking events from Hallow which affect him in more ways than one.
Ending, well can’t say too much but it was a shock! Betrayal, blood, lust who knows how it will end….well bar Olga!
It was great to see Ariel evolve, however at times she was a bit tiresome. She would beat herself up completely with the mistakes she kept making, yet in one inner monologue, she didn’t care about this particular bit and wanted to make a mistake. She let her buddy Rage take over (don’t get me wrong I do love her little Rage!) but she also holds a lot of anger in, a lot of inner conflicts. I know the anger is a tool to stop her from breaking down, but it’s still hard to see her act like a petulant teenager. But you know what, she is a petulant teenager, she has been thrown on this chessboard without the instructions and she is trying to find her own way around. I respect her for that, but she needs to lose a little bit of attitude.
Olga’s imagination is a fantastical one. She has taken us on a journey, where we have wings, we have battles and we have the rather gruesome. She has created a world which could have you almost believing was real whether you are flying the halls of Uras or walking the barren lands or even just on plain old earth, the descriptions will have you there. The wind in your wings and the awful smells will surround you.
As Ariel has evolved, you see Olga’s writing has evolved, as Ariel gains confidence you see Olga does too. It is a magical journey to be on and as I have said before you can not pigeonhole this book. One reason is that I don’t feel like there is a romance troupe too much, yes it’s either #TeamRafe or #TeamSam but really none of this play a huge part in the story, and the little it does well it’s clear how the coin will roll with this one.
The pieces are slowing coming into place on the board, the lines have been drawn, it’s now all ready for the final book and the final showdown, but is anyone ready?
Heavenward is our introduction, laying the ground rules, Hallow is our new way of life understanding what is expected of us and Harbinger is the planning and the plotting.
This is a series you need to read the other books because you really wouldn’t have a scooby with what is going on. There is a lot of angel lingo and terminology that I still can’t remember plus all the different planes to remember. So don’t go in blind!
So much happens in this book without realising it, spanning over two different planes, we witness Ariel grow from the scared and unsure schoolgirl into a battle-hungry woman, ready to fulfil the role left to her by Uriel. The battle scenes are gruesome and bloody and raw. It was a bit like Game of Thrones watching the pawns and rooks all move into place for the final showdown. With Rafe by her side and an Adar which reminded me of Lockjaw from the Inhumans…but maybe not as cute, these become our focal points of the book.
We meet new characters, we see familiar faces and we have Rafe trying to adjust after the shocking events from Hallow which affect him in more ways than one.
Ending, well can’t say too much but it was a shock! Betrayal, blood, lust who knows how it will end….well bar Olga!
It was great to see Ariel evolve, however at times she was a bit tiresome. She would beat herself up completely with the mistakes she kept making, yet in one inner monologue, she didn’t care about this particular bit and wanted to make a mistake. She let her buddy Rage take over (don’t get me wrong I do love her little Rage!) but she also holds a lot of anger in, a lot of inner conflicts. I know the anger is a tool to stop her from breaking down, but it’s still hard to see her act like a petulant teenager. But you know what, she is a petulant teenager, she has been thrown on this chessboard without the instructions and she is trying to find her own way around. I respect her for that, but she needs to lose a little bit of attitude.
Olga’s imagination is a fantastical one. She has taken us on a journey, where we have wings, we have battles and we have the rather gruesome. She has created a world which could have you almost believing was real whether you are flying the halls of Uras or walking the barren lands or even just on plain old earth, the descriptions will have you there. The wind in your wings and the awful smells will surround you.
As Ariel has evolved, you see Olga’s writing has evolved, as Ariel gains confidence you see Olga does too. It is a magical journey to be on and as I have said before you can not pigeonhole this book. One reason is that I don’t feel like there is a romance troupe too much, yes it’s either #TeamRafe or #TeamSam but really none of this play a huge part in the story, and the little it does well it’s clear how the coin will roll with this one.
The pieces are slowing coming into place on the board, the lines have been drawn, it’s now all ready for the final book and the final showdown, but is anyone ready?
June 13, 2020
Harbinger is the third book in the Celestial Creatures series to fully appreciate the plot, I'd highly recommend reading the first two novels beforehand. There are a lot of Sumerian and old religious terms and Olga thankfully provides a glossary for these which is so helpful but also fascinating too.
Don't be lulled into a false sense of security with the Young Adult pitch as this is a dark novel at times and is more aimed at the older age range. It doesn't feel as though you are reading a YA novel at all.
In summary, Ariel is a human who holds the essence of Uriel, a powerful Angel and ally of humans who was murdered. Ariel has to make a choice between sides, basically choosing between heaven and hell but knowing whichever size she chooses it will bring battle to her door. Ariel has Sam and Rafe to protect her but in an unfamiliar world seemingly full of betrayal, violence and an eternal raging war she has little trust in anyone. The whole plot is about one woman's choices and the fight between good and evil but as always, things are not so black and white.
Harbinger kicks off immediately after the events in Hallow where Ariel has finally began to accept who she was and who she now is and the responsibilities that come with it.
I think Ariel is one of my all time favourite characters in a novel, simply because her story arc is so perfectly developed and she grows so much. Beginning in Heavenward as a broken and insecure teen, growing into an angry and stubborn character in Hallow and finding her way towards being a completely kick ass warrior woman in Harbinger, Ariel has had a major transformation and readers of the series have been there every step of the way. Don't get me wrong, the petulant, stubborn teen still comes through but I think we never loose part of that as we grow (or is that just me?).
Most of book two was spent on Earth but in Harbinger we get more of an insight into the homes of Angels. The world building is exquisite and makes the experience like watching a film. Every detail is skillfully described. I loved the previous books but I do feel Olga has outdone herself this time in term of writing style and I know how much she pushed herself to write the final novels.
The previous novels were about Ariel's survival, saving her sister and her coming to terms with everything that was happening to her. Harbinger is all about the warrior! Now in Uras with a diminished army and Rafe falling to pieces, Ariel finds herself preparing for battle against Baza and his army of enslaved lizard creatures (who once were human). She has to search for unlikely sources of support in preparation for the final showdown.
The narrative moves at a fast and intense pace and the novel is full of surprises. I cannot believe Olga so cruelly finished on such a superb cliffhanger and I cannot decide If I'm outraged or impressed. All I know is that I cannot wait for the final installment - Halo.
Don't be lulled into a false sense of security with the Young Adult pitch as this is a dark novel at times and is more aimed at the older age range. It doesn't feel as though you are reading a YA novel at all.
In summary, Ariel is a human who holds the essence of Uriel, a powerful Angel and ally of humans who was murdered. Ariel has to make a choice between sides, basically choosing between heaven and hell but knowing whichever size she chooses it will bring battle to her door. Ariel has Sam and Rafe to protect her but in an unfamiliar world seemingly full of betrayal, violence and an eternal raging war she has little trust in anyone. The whole plot is about one woman's choices and the fight between good and evil but as always, things are not so black and white.
Harbinger kicks off immediately after the events in Hallow where Ariel has finally began to accept who she was and who she now is and the responsibilities that come with it.
I think Ariel is one of my all time favourite characters in a novel, simply because her story arc is so perfectly developed and she grows so much. Beginning in Heavenward as a broken and insecure teen, growing into an angry and stubborn character in Hallow and finding her way towards being a completely kick ass warrior woman in Harbinger, Ariel has had a major transformation and readers of the series have been there every step of the way. Don't get me wrong, the petulant, stubborn teen still comes through but I think we never loose part of that as we grow (or is that just me?).
Most of book two was spent on Earth but in Harbinger we get more of an insight into the homes of Angels. The world building is exquisite and makes the experience like watching a film. Every detail is skillfully described. I loved the previous books but I do feel Olga has outdone herself this time in term of writing style and I know how much she pushed herself to write the final novels.
The previous novels were about Ariel's survival, saving her sister and her coming to terms with everything that was happening to her. Harbinger is all about the warrior! Now in Uras with a diminished army and Rafe falling to pieces, Ariel finds herself preparing for battle against Baza and his army of enslaved lizard creatures (who once were human). She has to search for unlikely sources of support in preparation for the final showdown.
The narrative moves at a fast and intense pace and the novel is full of surprises. I cannot believe Olga so cruelly finished on such a superb cliffhanger and I cannot decide If I'm outraged or impressed. All I know is that I cannot wait for the final installment - Halo.
June 1, 2020
Oh my LIFE … those are the main words I have to say to summarise how I am feeling right now!
This book was a real rollercoaster! I felt like shouting at the book and I literally sat here with my mouth to the floor in utter SHOCK!
We carry on Ariels Journey after finding out she’s an Angel in the First book and then to fighting Bazzas army in the second, to becoming one with her Essence ‘Uriel’ and some other shocking events in book 2!
We spend the majority of this last book in Uras and Bazzas turf between planning to gain an army to fight Bazza and Mik’hael and actually travelling to gain new members!
The Angels on Uras don’t agree with with what Ariel is doing and the choices she’s making and some leave, but the other stay in the hope that what she has planned will win the war and keep them all safe!
Raef has a hard time after what he has to go through in the last book and isn’t the same person he used to be, he’s a little quieter and doesn’t argue back so much, but he still wants to protect Ariel with everything he has!
Some terrible things happen to those around Ariel and she cannot help but feel guilty but it’s amazing to watch Ariel grow in to her own, become confident and take charge, but does she always make the right choices? Well that’s definitely questionable!
I can’t say too much about the story because I really don’t want to give anything away! But I’ve read soooo many books recently and I’ve waited for an ending like this… and now I’ve got it, and I wasn’t expecting it, it’s taken me by surprise and I don’t know what to think! But I kind of love that, as I think I’ll still be pondering it for a while, and that’s amazing right, for a book to have that much effect of you that you are thinking about it long after reading it!
What I love most about Olgas writing is the beauty of it, her writing is so descriptive and I’ve said it from the beginning, that I feel I could draw accurate pictures from her descriptions! In this book I love the descriptions of the new angels, the monster that one of the characters turn in to, the way it grows, the weapons, there’s just absolutely nothing missed! The beauty of the buildings and the places it’s just INCREDIBLE!
My favourite thing about this series is the idea of the wings, the colours, the sizes, the smells the angles give off, the job each of the angels have! Every detail has been carefully considered!
The only thing I would like to have seen more of, but that’s just my own opinion would have been in this book, more battles, but I do understand why that wasn’t the case I thoroughly enjoyed the HUGE twists and shocks! I can’t believe this book literally had me gobsmacked!
I am so gutted I’ve now finished this series because it’s the first series that has got me in to reading Young Adult / Fantasy! It’s not something I would have read before but that’s why I like trying something new, because here now is a series I love! Completely original, actioned packed, magical, ominous, beautiful ! I’m sad it’s ended but am so thankful to Olga for introducing me to the world of Fantasy!
I give not only this book but the whole series a 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ rating, for the beauty, magic, creativity, originality, the completely horrendous surprises and the fact I just can’t stop thinking about this ending!
Truely AMAZING!
This book was a real rollercoaster! I felt like shouting at the book and I literally sat here with my mouth to the floor in utter SHOCK!
We carry on Ariels Journey after finding out she’s an Angel in the First book and then to fighting Bazzas army in the second, to becoming one with her Essence ‘Uriel’ and some other shocking events in book 2!
We spend the majority of this last book in Uras and Bazzas turf between planning to gain an army to fight Bazza and Mik’hael and actually travelling to gain new members!
The Angels on Uras don’t agree with with what Ariel is doing and the choices she’s making and some leave, but the other stay in the hope that what she has planned will win the war and keep them all safe!
Raef has a hard time after what he has to go through in the last book and isn’t the same person he used to be, he’s a little quieter and doesn’t argue back so much, but he still wants to protect Ariel with everything he has!
Some terrible things happen to those around Ariel and she cannot help but feel guilty but it’s amazing to watch Ariel grow in to her own, become confident and take charge, but does she always make the right choices? Well that’s definitely questionable!
I can’t say too much about the story because I really don’t want to give anything away! But I’ve read soooo many books recently and I’ve waited for an ending like this… and now I’ve got it, and I wasn’t expecting it, it’s taken me by surprise and I don’t know what to think! But I kind of love that, as I think I’ll still be pondering it for a while, and that’s amazing right, for a book to have that much effect of you that you are thinking about it long after reading it!
What I love most about Olgas writing is the beauty of it, her writing is so descriptive and I’ve said it from the beginning, that I feel I could draw accurate pictures from her descriptions! In this book I love the descriptions of the new angels, the monster that one of the characters turn in to, the way it grows, the weapons, there’s just absolutely nothing missed! The beauty of the buildings and the places it’s just INCREDIBLE!
My favourite thing about this series is the idea of the wings, the colours, the sizes, the smells the angles give off, the job each of the angels have! Every detail has been carefully considered!
The only thing I would like to have seen more of, but that’s just my own opinion would have been in this book, more battles, but I do understand why that wasn’t the case I thoroughly enjoyed the HUGE twists and shocks! I can’t believe this book literally had me gobsmacked!
I am so gutted I’ve now finished this series because it’s the first series that has got me in to reading Young Adult / Fantasy! It’s not something I would have read before but that’s why I like trying something new, because here now is a series I love! Completely original, actioned packed, magical, ominous, beautiful ! I’m sad it’s ended but am so thankful to Olga for introducing me to the world of Fantasy!
I give not only this book but the whole series a 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ rating, for the beauty, magic, creativity, originality, the completely horrendous surprises and the fact I just can’t stop thinking about this ending!
Truely AMAZING!
June 2, 2020
Ariel is back in Uras, but this time she has her younger sister Jess with her as well as her ever present shadow Rafe. Hoping that she can find some protection and solace for her dwindling family upon arrival it's blatantly obvious that the angels in Uras aren't prepared to side with her. With swathes of the army packing up and leaving upon her arrival and most deflecting to Mik'hael, Ariel realises she has exchanged one battle ground for another and with a weakened army she hasn't got a chance of winning.
Like always though Ariel isn't one to back down easily and she ploughs head first into raising herself an army for the final clash which looms on the horizon. Jumping straight in without too much thought Ariel and her small gang of followers find themselves heading into the bowels of hell again, directly into the path of danger. Will Ariel's kickass attitude be enough to get them through another round of unpredictable situations thrown their way? Can she trust the people around her? Or will the battle prove too much for our teenage hero?
I've been so excited to be back in the world of the Celestial Creatures and Harbinger more than met my high expectations. The story once again picks up where we left off at the end of Hallow so if you are new to the series I would highly recommend reading them in order as you may find it difficult to follow the stories and references.
Once again Olga has used her highly descriptive writing style to draw me straight into the world she has created which is full to brimming with landscapes and creatures from your worst nightmares. Throughout the series Olga's writing has matured and this book is a stunning example of her skill in character and world building which had me gripped from start to finish. The growth of the characters in this book is excellent and it's clear Ariel is successfully morphing into the leader she was born to be despite having been unwillingly thrust into it initially.
I really enjoyed being back in Uras (heaven) in this book after spending some time on Earth in Hallow, especially as it meant the introduction of some new colourful characters as well as the reappearance of some past faces. It was also exciting to witness the reemergence of the 'love' triangle between Ariel, Sam and Rafe which provided some wonderful moments of sexual tension between the three. I'm intrigued to see where their relationships go in the final book of the series as I'm definitely #TeamRafe.
The finale of Harbinger book left me dangling on a huge cliffhanger, with me literally screaming no at the screen not believing what I had just read! It's now perfectly poised for the final battle which promises to be EPIC and I can't wait until the release of the final book later this year. The Celestial Creature's series is completely different from any other I have read and I have enjoyed each book more than the last, Olga just keeps getting better and pulling it out of the bag. I highly recommend this to everyone even if fantasy isn't your usual genre, the books just lure you in and take you on a roller coaster ride you won't want to disembark!
Like always though Ariel isn't one to back down easily and she ploughs head first into raising herself an army for the final clash which looms on the horizon. Jumping straight in without too much thought Ariel and her small gang of followers find themselves heading into the bowels of hell again, directly into the path of danger. Will Ariel's kickass attitude be enough to get them through another round of unpredictable situations thrown their way? Can she trust the people around her? Or will the battle prove too much for our teenage hero?
I've been so excited to be back in the world of the Celestial Creatures and Harbinger more than met my high expectations. The story once again picks up where we left off at the end of Hallow so if you are new to the series I would highly recommend reading them in order as you may find it difficult to follow the stories and references.
Once again Olga has used her highly descriptive writing style to draw me straight into the world she has created which is full to brimming with landscapes and creatures from your worst nightmares. Throughout the series Olga's writing has matured and this book is a stunning example of her skill in character and world building which had me gripped from start to finish. The growth of the characters in this book is excellent and it's clear Ariel is successfully morphing into the leader she was born to be despite having been unwillingly thrust into it initially.
I really enjoyed being back in Uras (heaven) in this book after spending some time on Earth in Hallow, especially as it meant the introduction of some new colourful characters as well as the reappearance of some past faces. It was also exciting to witness the reemergence of the 'love' triangle between Ariel, Sam and Rafe which provided some wonderful moments of sexual tension between the three. I'm intrigued to see where their relationships go in the final book of the series as I'm definitely #TeamRafe.
The finale of Harbinger book left me dangling on a huge cliffhanger, with me literally screaming no at the screen not believing what I had just read! It's now perfectly poised for the final battle which promises to be EPIC and I can't wait until the release of the final book later this year. The Celestial Creature's series is completely different from any other I have read and I have enjoyed each book more than the last, Olga just keeps getting better and pulling it out of the bag. I highly recommend this to everyone even if fantasy isn't your usual genre, the books just lure you in and take you on a roller coaster ride you won't want to disembark!
June 13, 2020
After everything that’s happened on Apkallu (Earth), Ariel returns to Uras with her sister Jess, and Rafe, but doesn’t get the welcome she was hoping for. After giving the angels of Uras a view into what she has planned, her supporting numbers drop dramatically; leaving Ariel needing to come up with a way of growing her army before she can take on the might that is Baza and Mik’hail. Knowing that she must now face up to her enemies and fight for her right and her people, Ariel sets out on a dangerous journey to try and give herself and her people a fighting chance…..
Following on from book 2, it was great to be back with Ariel and Rafe. Having spent book 2, Hallow, on Earth, it was also fab to spend a bit of time in Uras (Heaven) where we get to meet some brilliant new and colourful characters. After everything that happened to Rafe in the last book, his personality has changed somewhat but he’s still by Ariel’s side. However I do worry about what the impact of the transference will have on him going forwards…..
Ariel is growing as a character and starting to realise who she is destined to be. She still has her sulky moments and throws a few tantrums, but it’s easy to forget that she’s a teenager so this would be perfectly normal! On top of that, she’s had a rough upbringing and a tough time finding out she’s an angel and being thrown into battles!
I’m pleased that she has her sister Jess with her, but when something unexpected happens, Ariel really struggles with guilt. However, Jess is coming into her own too – although not in any way I could have anticipated!! What has happened to her has left me with lots of questions which I hope will be answered in the final book!
We’re also back with Sam in this, and the love triangle continues. I’m not sure how I feel to be honest – I’m still sitting on the fence of #teamRafe and #teamSam. Although Rafe is always by Ariel’s side, there’s something about Sam…..although the ending of this book does leave me with some tough questions about my potential allegiance!!
As always, Gibbs’ descriptions are fantastic. It’s one of the things I love about her writing style. She’s really talented at bringing everything to life – colours, smells, scenery and it’s so easy to play the story out in your mind. You can just see the beautiful angels and terrible monsters that she’s describing, and these things really are the stuff of nightmares!
Harbinger is preparing us for book 4, where I’m sure there is going to be one almighty battle. I’m just hoping Ariel and the angels of Uras can come out of it as unscathed as possible! The ending of Harbinger as always, leaves us on a massive cliffhanger – with questions that I need answering! But now I have to wait for the final book, Halo to be released later this year and I can’t wait!
This is a fantastic young adult fantasy series and I absolutely adore the fact that the main characters are all angels. This isn’t something I’ve come across before and I love it. If you’ve not read any fantasy before then I challenge you to give this a go – I’m sure you will love it too! The one thing I would say is to make sure you read from the beginning of the series so you’re not missing out – details are below.
All that’s left to say is…….bring on the finale!!
Following on from book 2, it was great to be back with Ariel and Rafe. Having spent book 2, Hallow, on Earth, it was also fab to spend a bit of time in Uras (Heaven) where we get to meet some brilliant new and colourful characters. After everything that happened to Rafe in the last book, his personality has changed somewhat but he’s still by Ariel’s side. However I do worry about what the impact of the transference will have on him going forwards…..
Ariel is growing as a character and starting to realise who she is destined to be. She still has her sulky moments and throws a few tantrums, but it’s easy to forget that she’s a teenager so this would be perfectly normal! On top of that, she’s had a rough upbringing and a tough time finding out she’s an angel and being thrown into battles!
I’m pleased that she has her sister Jess with her, but when something unexpected happens, Ariel really struggles with guilt. However, Jess is coming into her own too – although not in any way I could have anticipated!! What has happened to her has left me with lots of questions which I hope will be answered in the final book!
We’re also back with Sam in this, and the love triangle continues. I’m not sure how I feel to be honest – I’m still sitting on the fence of #teamRafe and #teamSam. Although Rafe is always by Ariel’s side, there’s something about Sam…..although the ending of this book does leave me with some tough questions about my potential allegiance!!
As always, Gibbs’ descriptions are fantastic. It’s one of the things I love about her writing style. She’s really talented at bringing everything to life – colours, smells, scenery and it’s so easy to play the story out in your mind. You can just see the beautiful angels and terrible monsters that she’s describing, and these things really are the stuff of nightmares!
Harbinger is preparing us for book 4, where I’m sure there is going to be one almighty battle. I’m just hoping Ariel and the angels of Uras can come out of it as unscathed as possible! The ending of Harbinger as always, leaves us on a massive cliffhanger – with questions that I need answering! But now I have to wait for the final book, Halo to be released later this year and I can’t wait!
This is a fantastic young adult fantasy series and I absolutely adore the fact that the main characters are all angels. This isn’t something I’ve come across before and I love it. If you’ve not read any fantasy before then I challenge you to give this a go – I’m sure you will love it too! The one thing I would say is to make sure you read from the beginning of the series so you’re not missing out – details are below.
All that’s left to say is…….bring on the finale!!
June 10, 2020
#3 in the Celestial Creatures series and yes it can be read as a stand-alone but you will miss out on a great YA fantasy series.
Ariel is back and looking after her sister, Jess. All the while she is getting ready for a battle with the evil angels.
Rafe is by her side as always, but they bicker and Ariel doesn’t always list to the advice she is given.
They end up in terrible trouble, but can the feisty, determined and stubborn Ariel be able to get everyone to safety or are they destined to remain in Hell?
Wow, the world building by Olga Gibbs is phenomenal, it feels so real. With some great characters, new and old to get acquainted with and a twisty plot really has you hooked from start to finish.
Thank you to Melanie at Fraser’s Fun House for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour, for the promotional material and an eARC of Harbinger. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Ariel is back and looking after her sister, Jess. All the while she is getting ready for a battle with the evil angels.
Rafe is by her side as always, but they bicker and Ariel doesn’t always list to the advice she is given.
They end up in terrible trouble, but can the feisty, determined and stubborn Ariel be able to get everyone to safety or are they destined to remain in Hell?
Wow, the world building by Olga Gibbs is phenomenal, it feels so real. With some great characters, new and old to get acquainted with and a twisty plot really has you hooked from start to finish.
Thank you to Melanie at Fraser’s Fun House for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour, for the promotional material and an eARC of Harbinger. This is my honest and unbiased review.
June 2, 2020
Oh my goodness, what a thrilling book this turned out to be. Harbinger kept me turning page after page as Ariel prepped for the coming battle with the evil angels. We start with Rafe by Ariel/Uriel’s side, and slowly past characters arrive on the scene, as well as new ones. Everything slowly fits together, bringing the book to an exciting cliffhanger.
The book plays like a movie in your head instead of mere words on a page. Olga Gibbs has an extraordinary writing style that makes the story seem so real.
You will be shocked by the twists and turns in this novel. Just when you think you know where the story is going, the author throws a roundabout at you.
I’m sure you could read this book as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading the series in order. You don’t want to miss a word of this exciting series
The book plays like a movie in your head instead of mere words on a page. Olga Gibbs has an extraordinary writing style that makes the story seem so real.
You will be shocked by the twists and turns in this novel. Just when you think you know where the story is going, the author throws a roundabout at you.
I’m sure you could read this book as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading the series in order. You don’t want to miss a word of this exciting series
June 13, 2020
Harbinger by Olga Gibbs - Book Review by LittleTinkablee.com
From page one of Harbinger you are drawn into the chaos that is Ariel’s life, fighting for the life that was thrust upon her, a life she now has to learn to navigate through while saving those close to her. Harbinger is a short but just as action packed and full of surprises as Heavenward and Hallow
_________________________
I’d forever recommend the Celestial Series to everyone and anyone I know, as I believe this is one fast-paced, spellbinding, action-packed and Intense series is a series that anyone can get into and enjoy. This is an unforgettable series you don’t want to miss out on!
Check out my full review over on my blog:
https://littletinkablee.com/2020/06/1...
From page one of Harbinger you are drawn into the chaos that is Ariel’s life, fighting for the life that was thrust upon her, a life she now has to learn to navigate through while saving those close to her. Harbinger is a short but just as action packed and full of surprises as Heavenward and Hallow
_________________________
I’d forever recommend the Celestial Series to everyone and anyone I know, as I believe this is one fast-paced, spellbinding, action-packed and Intense series is a series that anyone can get into and enjoy. This is an unforgettable series you don’t want to miss out on!
Check out my full review over on my blog:
https://littletinkablee.com/2020/06/1...
June 12, 2020
** Disclaimer: I did received a copy of this book from the author for review purpose. This has in no way, shape or form affected my opinion on it **
Full review on my blog!
The sisterly bond between Ariel & Jess is incredible, and how far she’d go to save her sister. With the recent turn of events, she make me think of myself with my dogs- how far you’d go to save them if you’d have to.. despite your life or other’s on the line.
The chemistry between Sam and Ariel is still tugging my heart and making me sigh dreamily; especially with his nickname for her, and acting like the knight in shining armour that he is— just like my favoring videogame character. Although Olga is *very good* at plot twists, specially for character’s loyalties, Sam will be my doom.. I’ll keep wishing things aren’t what they looks like and that he’s NOT like that ; which is a good thing i’m not Ariel, ahah!
Full review on my blog!
The sisterly bond between Ariel & Jess is incredible, and how far she’d go to save her sister. With the recent turn of events, she make me think of myself with my dogs- how far you’d go to save them if you’d have to.. despite your life or other’s on the line.
The chemistry between Sam and Ariel is still tugging my heart and making me sigh dreamily; especially with his nickname for her, and acting like the knight in shining armour that he is— just like my favoring videogame character. Although Olga is *very good* at plot twists, specially for character’s loyalties, Sam will be my doom.. I’ll keep wishing things aren’t what they looks like and that he’s NOT like that ; which is a good thing i’m not Ariel, ahah!
June 6, 2020
Olga Gibbs did it again! Harbinger (Celestial Creatures book 3, and I do think you will get maximum enjoyment if you read them in order) is an intense read. The imaginary and detail are breathtaking. The suspense and unexpected twists and turns are gripping and kept me reading into the night ( who needs sleep?). I am totally taken by this series and have book 4, Halo on preorder.
June 29, 2020
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2020...
2.5/5 rounded up to 3
Ariel doesn't seem to catch a break, and it almost makes me chuckle, this girl needs a spa day. Harbinger picks up right where Hallow left off, and I appreciate that as it was an intense ending.
Now that Ariel has no choice but to accept what she is, that she's got a destiny, well, it's time for her to figure out the best way to do it...her way.
She's working with Rafe and the angels who remain in the place that Uriel ruled. There are so many obstacles in her way though, the angels only see her as a human, the other army is better, bigger, and probably stronger, and well....her sister is definitely having an experience with her trip to Uras.
First step for Ariel is getting an army, and she knows there's only one other place left to look after Uras, and I so loved that she went back to this place which I won't say because of spoilers.
As always, I demand more Sam, and I demand to know what happened to Tabby.
I liked that Ariel is having to come to terms with her destiny and that she's still foul-mouthed, spontaneous and stubborn.
I probably liked this one the least out of the three, but, that doesn't take away the fact that I did enjoy it and that I am ready to read the final book when it comes out. This was a set up for what is sure to be a really intense fourth and final book!
Thanks to Olga and Fraser's Fun House for an eARC of this in exchange for my honest review as part of the tour.
Content Warning: Gory and quite bloody, a bit of 'torture' and violence abound!
Here's my review of Heavenward and Hallow
2.5/5 rounded up to 3
Ariel doesn't seem to catch a break, and it almost makes me chuckle, this girl needs a spa day. Harbinger picks up right where Hallow left off, and I appreciate that as it was an intense ending.
Now that Ariel has no choice but to accept what she is, that she's got a destiny, well, it's time for her to figure out the best way to do it...her way.
She's working with Rafe and the angels who remain in the place that Uriel ruled. There are so many obstacles in her way though, the angels only see her as a human, the other army is better, bigger, and probably stronger, and well....her sister is definitely having an experience with her trip to Uras.
First step for Ariel is getting an army, and she knows there's only one other place left to look after Uras, and I so loved that she went back to this place which I won't say because of spoilers.
As always, I demand more Sam, and I demand to know what happened to Tabby.
I liked that Ariel is having to come to terms with her destiny and that she's still foul-mouthed, spontaneous and stubborn.
I probably liked this one the least out of the three, but, that doesn't take away the fact that I did enjoy it and that I am ready to read the final book when it comes out. This was a set up for what is sure to be a really intense fourth and final book!
Thanks to Olga and Fraser's Fun House for an eARC of this in exchange for my honest review as part of the tour.
Content Warning: Gory and quite bloody, a bit of 'torture' and violence abound!
Here's my review of Heavenward and Hallow
June 2, 2020
In Harbinger, Ariel gets stronger in her powers, looks after her sister and finds a new army after her own rejects her. It's an exciting page turner that kept me hooked and I found it hard to put this down.
I love that these books focus on angels - that's something I haven't seen in YA fantasy before. There is a lot of lore here that I liked. Parts of the story are quite gruesome, so I think it is not suitable for more sensitive readers,
I also like that Ariel is British - again, not common in YA fantasy! I read her dialogue in an English accent, and got a bit excited everytime she said 'mate' or 'ain't'.
At times, Ariel is so frustrating. She spends a lot of the book feeling angry with Rafe (who doesn't deserve it at all, in my opinion!). Ariel is quite immature, but then I forgot that she is supposed to be around 14-15 years old. She is impulsive, makes stupid decisions and doesn't listen to others (like Rafe). She can be cruel and nasty, letting her rage take over. At times, she says that she WANTS people to hate her, because she hates herself - there is a lot of depth there that I liked. I love the descriptions of her Rage as almost another person - Ariel is an angry young woman! Towards the end I felt like she was starting to mature and become a leader that people can look up to, but she still has a way to go.
In the previous book, Ariel's sister Jess is there but doesn't speak or do anything. In this book, she starts to come into her own and has her own voice. I look forward to seeing where her story goes and how she comes into play. However, it was a bit frustrating that Ariel is so angry about being 'lied' to, and yet lies to her own sister? (Even if it's to protect her - it's still a lie about something that may impact the rest of her life.)
Of the two potential love interests, Sam and Rafe - I am definitely #TeamRafe. Sam seems so untrustworthy and arrogant, I don't see the appeal or why Ariel seems to immediately trust him. Meanwhile, Rafe has stood by her throughout all three books despite Ariel's awful treatment of him - yet she still throws tantrums and gets angry with him all the time. She flips between feeling bad for him and feeling angry with him. It's a little frustrating - but again, if she is supposed to be 14-15 then this makes sense.
Overall I enjoyed Harbinger - I read all three books in quick succession as I wanted to learn what happens next. They are really gripping books that kept me hooked, even if I didn't agree with a lot of Ariel's decisions. The writing has improved since the first book and Ariel is an interesting character. I'm looking forward to seeing how she develops as the series progresses!
I love that these books focus on angels - that's something I haven't seen in YA fantasy before. There is a lot of lore here that I liked. Parts of the story are quite gruesome, so I think it is not suitable for more sensitive readers,
I also like that Ariel is British - again, not common in YA fantasy! I read her dialogue in an English accent, and got a bit excited everytime she said 'mate' or 'ain't'.
At times, Ariel is so frustrating. She spends a lot of the book feeling angry with Rafe (who doesn't deserve it at all, in my opinion!). Ariel is quite immature, but then I forgot that she is supposed to be around 14-15 years old. She is impulsive, makes stupid decisions and doesn't listen to others (like Rafe). She can be cruel and nasty, letting her rage take over. At times, she says that she WANTS people to hate her, because she hates herself - there is a lot of depth there that I liked. I love the descriptions of her Rage as almost another person - Ariel is an angry young woman! Towards the end I felt like she was starting to mature and become a leader that people can look up to, but she still has a way to go.
In the previous book, Ariel's sister Jess is there but doesn't speak or do anything. In this book, she starts to come into her own and has her own voice. I look forward to seeing where her story goes and how she comes into play. However, it was a bit frustrating that Ariel is so angry about being 'lied' to, and yet lies to her own sister? (Even if it's to protect her - it's still a lie about something that may impact the rest of her life.)
Of the two potential love interests, Sam and Rafe - I am definitely #TeamRafe. Sam seems so untrustworthy and arrogant, I don't see the appeal or why Ariel seems to immediately trust him. Meanwhile, Rafe has stood by her throughout all three books despite Ariel's awful treatment of him - yet she still throws tantrums and gets angry with him all the time. She flips between feeling bad for him and feeling angry with him. It's a little frustrating - but again, if she is supposed to be 14-15 then this makes sense.
Overall I enjoyed Harbinger - I read all three books in quick succession as I wanted to learn what happens next. They are really gripping books that kept me hooked, even if I didn't agree with a lot of Ariel's decisions. The writing has improved since the first book and Ariel is an interesting character. I'm looking forward to seeing how she develops as the series progresses!
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